Hi Beanies. I’ve been away from kdramaland for a while. What’d I miss? (The last time I was here properly there were whispers on the street of a man who became a cat. A were-cat? I shudder to think.)
O no! :(( :)) We have different taste^^
1994 was my fav! Then 1988.
I FF 1997, for me that one was so boring. I do love SIG but I couln’t feel any of the characters except the mutual dad:)
Glad to hear we share the same taste! For me 94 is way better than 97. I didn’t like the female lead character in 94.
And oh god! You can’t choose between 88 n 94 either? I’m with you in that dilemma. There are things I adore about 88 but I have to confess I didn’t quite like the ending. 94 may have flaws but at least the girl ended up with who I wanted😂 and I love that the actors were’t different as adults.
*dear Moana, sorry for saying these on your wall dear! I tried not to spoil and I hope you enjoy all three^.^*
Omg you haven’t watched Reply series yet😱
Good for you because you are going to have a wonderful time soon if you start! They are absolutely amazing. I watched them about six months ago and I couldn’t think how my kdrama-watching life was before these three!
My absolute fav are 1988 and 1994. I didn’t enjoy 1997 like the other two.
I watched 97 but didn’t enjoy as much as I expected but I’m glad I didn’t give up and watched the next two! 1988 is such a rich drama if you are into vintage vibes☺️
@ndlessjoie Her Private Life was so nice! I loved that reconciliation was one of the themes (Seon-joo and her husband, Ryan and both his mother figures, Hyo-jin and her mother). Also PMY’s outfits. 😍
On The Popularity Of The “Dating A Superior At Work” Trope
Perhaps it’s because my latest drama-watching victim partner is an impressionable 13-year-old, but I’ve been thinking a lot about the prevalence of romantic pairings in which one character is a boss and the other is an employee or subordinate. How do I help her understand that while we are expected to swoon over the fictional Ryan Golds, such a relationship would be ill-advised in real life?
Just this year alone we had:
Touch Your Heart
Her Private Life
The Secret Life Of My Secretary
Romance Is A Bonus Book
Hotel Del Luna
Angel’s Last Mission: Love
Catch The Ghost
My Strange Hero (?)
In some instances, such as Encounter/Boyfriend, the central conflict arises from the power imbalance and difference in socioecenomic status between the romantic leads. However, this seems to rarely ever be the case, as dozens upon dozens of secretary dramas have mined their drama and conflict from places other than the nature of the relationship. In Touch Your Heart or The Secret Life, dating your boss is portrayed as a viable romantic option, not as a choice rife with ethical and professional issues.
This year we’ve seen a rise in dramas that reverse the trope by having the female partner as the boss, which usually opens the door to interesting discussions about gender roles and societal expectations.
I have loved many dramas with this romantic set-up and will continue to watch them, but I remain curious as to why this kind of pairing seems to be so popular. Thoughts?
I’ve enjoyed dramas with this setup because they were fluffy and this is entertainment – it doesn’t need to be woke for me to enjoy it! But to tell you the truth, in my opinion this trope is pure patriarchy
When I was a kid, this trope was all over the TV shows I watched (non Korean). I was surprised to realize that it’s still so common on Kdramas. Basically, these shows tell women that it is aspirational to date your supercute usually chaebol boss (adding an extra layer of classism to patriarchy) instead of telling us that we are able to reach professional sucess if we focus on our careers… Worse still, they tell us that instead of doing real work, it’s ok to have a woman following the whims of a totally unprofessional boss who feels entitled to usurp her time and attention… Ludicrous! This doesn’t mean that I eschew these dramas, but I think we can enjoy something and be critical at the same time
I’d have thought that narratives like this would be a thing of the past by now, but here we are. And this is not to shame women who want to date someone with a good job, but must it be someone who controls your job as well? This, in addition to the inequality built into the relationship, just seems like a bad financial decision.
In real life, it’s pretty hard for the average person to have a dashing chaebol boss.
I think workplace romance would probably work best if there’s a degree of separation, like it’s not your direct superior, or different depts, otherwise the conflict of interest & bias will make it complicated.
It could be that in these cases attraction is related to the stability a boss gives to an employee. There are a lot of advantages in dating your boss as portrayed in dramas like he’s always there to save the day, charismatic, respected by everyone, financially stable, closed to the object of affection (no need to go to blind dates), can be seen everyday and give work privileges (in dramas at least). He’s husband material and when there’s a weakness to all of his perfection, it makes him more approchable, thus a bond more special than the usual boss-employee relationship.
Even if I enjoyed dramas you mentionned, I think that it gives the message of getting into a company to find a husband. There are dramas with that kind of women (because only women have these thoughts =.=”) and they’re portrayed as bad. So, only a nice woman who didn’t ask for anything and who just happened to fall for her boss or the boss fell for her, gets a pass. That’s also a point that ticks me. Sometimes, the boss gives special treatment and it makes it for the employee to be recognized for their work. But then, if rumours appear, the boss comes and saves the day. Isn’t it like a never ending circle?
This makes a lot of sense, especially the part about the boss being attractive because he is respected by everyone (even though he might not necessarily be liked at first). The idea of dating your boss is so unattractive to me that I couldn’t fathom why anyone would do it even in a fictional setting, but I’m considering the reasons you suggested and the puzzle pieces are starting to fit together. It boggled my mind at first.
I get what you mean about how only nice women who didn’t come to work looking for a husband are given a pass if they find one. Those who expressly want to meet someone at work are labelled as desperate or manipulative. It’s part of a whole thing where women aren’t allowed to be proactive in their love lives the same way men are. I feel a rant incoming so let me stop here. 😂
The thing is that I wouldn’t mind this set-up as much if the characters acknowledged that their respective positions made their relationship problematic. Some hesitation on the part of the secretary, some reticence from her boss, some discussions on how to handle things and how to make the relationship more equitable, something.
I agree with you. Dating your boss doesn’t appeal to me neither. Actually, anyone who can use power play on me isn’t a potential romantic partner. He can decide on your work career’s evolution or ending. That’s really icky.
I feel you. I stopped myself before renting too haha A discussion between the two partners to separate their work from private life is needed. In What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim, I expected Kim Mi So to gain complete independence from her boss and live as Kim Mi So, not only as Secretary Kim like she wanted in the premiere. But, she was already caring for him and did more things than a traditional secretary should do.
That’s true for me as well. Anyone who has power over what becomes of my career is automatically disqualified as a romantic prospect. Ick.
WWWSK was ultimately disappointing in that respect – I didn’t watch it but Beanie rants told me everything I needed to know – but thankfully Park Min Young came back with Her Private Life, which had a far healthier relationship.
I’m watching Love With Flaws, Crash Landing on You and the Jdrama Nee Sensei, Shiranai No?
The male lead in Love With Flaws is a chaebol and decides to work in the school where the female lead teaches because he wants to get revenge. Things happen and he goes back and forth but the fact that he wanted to use his power in the first place to get revenge because she rejected him when they were kids doen’t make me cheer for him.
HPL had a healthier relationship than in WWWSK because Ryan Gold was the new boss, Deok Mi was qualified and her work recognized before his arrival, and the two kept butting head in the beginning. Deok Mi was her own person outside of their relationship whereas Mi So in WWWSK was always secretary Kim at and outise work.
Totally agree with you. It presents an ethical dilemma and is professionally inappropriate. I do think that the female boss discussions about gender roles and societal expectations are needed especially in a patriarchal society like South Korea.
However, I don’t think Touch Your Heart and RIABB technically fall into that boss/subordinate trope. Yoon Seo wasn’t really Jung Rok’s secretary. Dan Yi and Eun Ho knew each other before she started working for the same company
and while he was a department head he wasn’t her direct supervisor.
Same here. I find that I enjoy female-boss dramas because they challenge the status quo in Korean society. I found it especially awesome when My Strange Hero’s Son Soo-jeong rejected the advances of her wealthy, well-connected boss to be with Bok-soo.
As for RIABB and Touch Your Heart, when I was writing this I was thinking broadly of a situation where two people work at the same place/company and one has a superior position to the other. But I do understand your point.
Technically 3 that were produced in 2019 (Haechi, Melo is my Nature and Her Private Life), but none of these -except Haechi from the second half on- felt like the power dynamic was terrible. Anyway, this year I watched some of those that felt cringier. Strong Woman Do Bong Soon, Clean with Passion and Suspicious Partner, I’m looking at you!
Hmmm…none. i watched about 10 2019 dramas and none was centered around a boss dating his/her subordinate. Yayyyy 🎉
Perfume had a somewhat boss-worker relationship, but I consider it a noona romance and they knew each other since they were kids.
I also watched about 11 older years dramas and I recall none had a lead dating their boss!!! I’m surprised by this finding 😯. I didn’t notice it before 🤣.
You’re right it is both. I just meant that the romance was predominantly characterized by their noona-dongsaeng relationship because they knew each other in that way before she began working for him 🙂
8 :/ I don’t get the obsession over dating your boss. I feel like that’d be so weird in real life… It’s such an unbalanced position / situation of powers.
Forget dating I don’t know how you can like (not in a romantic way) your boss.
My favourite drama of 2019? A tie between My Strange Hero and Tale of Nokdu, both of which belong to a new genre I’m proposing called Sweet, Kind Men And The Badass Women Who Love Them.
I had to take some time away from – well – everything. Because I was not doing so well. But man is it good to be back. I have missed this little corner of the internet.💛
I’m doing okay @moana. I don’t know what I’d do without being connected here in DB. But sometimes we have to take a break and refresh right? Good for you!
My HDL theory is that the captain betrayed MW and he was reborn as CS who will eventually take over as hotel owner to make amends for his past sins. I kinda hope I\’m wrong.
I was waiting for an explanation during the first episode, like say…it was originally written correctly but the “a” fell off from the sign and no one bothered to put it back up again. I don’t know. Something. Anything.
The ghosts who did not know Spanish, etc, I just say maybe they wanted it to be like that, but I since I did not ask them and there is no rule that the titles should be grammatically correct and they maybe they just wanted to create more buzz, I can’t really answer your question.
I personally do that many times with nouns with gender in my mother tongue, just for fun or shock value even when I am talking and I know its wrong grammatically.
it’s spanish right? well it has to be cos luna lmao but i never thought of that bc i majored in fr and speak eng. HMMMM. interesting. lmao. i would be irritated too
Luna isn’t only a spanish word for moon it is actually an ancient goddess from Roman mythology that’s why it’s used as a poetic word for the moon in lots of other languages.
Depends on who you ask. It’s a weird show – all tropes reserved for romantic heterosexual couples, all roles, dialogues, tasks usually reserved for men, have been given to women. I suspect the all-women in leadership positions sits oddly with a few people. I know the main romance sits oddly with most people. HAHA Including me, re the romance.
The show is excellent in my opinion. I’m ready to rate it a 9.5/10 or even a 10/10 depending on how the final few episodes go.
I saw episode 1 and I liked all the women. I think it’s the tone/style that I’m still not quite on board with – lots of lens flares and intense close-ups. Plus, I wish there was a bit more comedy. Scarlet is an instant favourite though.
Go for it! We always complain women don’t get written well in dramas and finally we have a Drama. Yes, the main romance may or may not work for you (it doesn’t work for me) but I don’t care because it’s not the main plot.
Just found out that I\’m finally a noble idiot! Yay! That explains the sudden urge to take my lover on one last romantic trip before leaving them without offering any explanation whatsoever.
Only if it’ll somehow benefit your partner in some outrageously improbable way. Like if you ghosting them will get them into Stanford or help them avoid the ToD.
An Incomplete and Unlikely List of Things I\’d Like To See on TSLOMS:
– After seeing how smart Gal-hee is at the shareholder\’s meeting, Veronica offers her job at CinePark
– Gal-hee and Veronica forming a genuine friendship/allyship based on mutual respect
– Gal-hee no longer being Min-ik\’s secretary = their relationship is no longer problematic
– Min-ik puts 2 and 2 together AT LAST
– The parents plan the wedding but to their shock, it\’s not Veronica, but Gal-hee who walks down the isle
– At least one episode post-wedding. Kdramas tend to act like the wedding is the end goal of a romance. We know this is not true.
– Faux-ronica Park never makes another appearance. Jebal.
last line is my wish to see but not sure how long we will have to bear this fauxronica… cause if MI figures the truth i’d die seeing thier romance cause if an hesitant MI cant set DB on fire than imagine if he actually does things to woo GH whom he loves *now i am in my la la land imagining it*
I feel like Beanies would implode if Min-ik earnestly started wooing Gal-hee. Just think of all the cute! Sadly, we have to get through a lot of angst first.
Instead of a secretary, I’d like her to have a higher-level job. Maybe overseeing scripts? Meeting potential investors? Gal-hee is skilled with people and she knows her way around a room full of stuffy old men. Not to mention it would allow her to live more comfortably, which is something she’s always wanted.
Soon she should be able to choose whatever she wants to do without having to worry about making money. If this OTP doesn’t work out in the end, I’ll eat my hat.
I clicked randomly on a webdrama pilot about two girls confessing to each other but I don’t remember the name. So for Kdramas, I think it was Haerongi in Prison Playbook and in Kmovies it was the main couple in Ordinary People.
This is a challenge indeed given that there are so few to choose from. I would have to say Chi Soo from Long Time No See. It’s not a mainstream drama but a web drama. He is a surprisingly interesting character with some depth to him. And being superficial for a sec, he is really hot.
If you want to open it up to Asian dramas, then I’d have to say hands down Hsia Yu Hao from the Taiwanese Drama HIStory2: Boundary Crossing. Both the writers and the actor Fandy Fan made me love this character. I cannot wait for the sequel.
It’s more real life believable than most. It’s not a traditional romance or traditional couple drama. I’m also a bit obsessed with the river crossing that appears in most episodes.
I think one of the supporting characters in Jugglers was maybe asexual? She didn’t date and was described as “celibate” but since she wasn’t religious, that’s how I interpreted it.
So far, I’m impressed with how well the merged the mystery/murder/prosecutor stuff with the more light-hearted stuff. Sometimes when dramas try to do this, it can feel like you’re watching 2 different shows.
And how adorable is Lee An? He went to school at 5:30 in the morning. On a Sunday. 😂
And I’m finally caught up! It took another dark turn in the very latest ep that bothered me, but here’s to character growth! I’m still enjoying it as well!
I kinda don’t want to catch up because waiting for new episodes will be so hard. But I also want to join in on the discussion. Sigh. What’s a girl to do?
In the meantime, is Lee An’s ability voluntary or not? When Hyung locked him in the morgue, it seemed like he had no control, but later we seem petting the doggo without getting any visions.
Beanies, can you recommend any dramas in which Home plays a big part? I want something that feels warm and familiar with lots of domestic scenes. Examples include 21st Century Boy and Girl and BTLIOF.
Maybe Dance Sports Girls? It features a complicated relationship with the lead’s small town hometown though.
The movie Sunset in my Hometown is really good and probably fits the bill of what you’re looking for! (It stars Kim Go Eun)
First thing that came to mind was Go Back Couple though I’m not sure if it’s exactly what you’re looking for. Jang Nara’s interactions with her mother just hit me in the heart.
If I’ve learned one thing from watching dramas, it’s that no interest is too niche to have a bespoke stuffed toy (see below for evidence). So then, if you were making a drama starring a female lead who’s an elegant, slightly awkward chaebol by day and a crime-fighting badass by night, what kind of plushie would you give her?
Kdramas are really out here giving us the most bizarre relationships between OTPs. Dating your fake cousin (My Girl) or adoptive uncle (Pinocchio) is pretty strange, but your stepfather who is in fact younger than you (Sweet Stranger And Me) takes the cake. I thought you couldn’t get any weirder, dramas, but you proved me wrong. Bravo.
I’ll admit, that stepfather bit at the beginning was really weird, but thankfully things cleared up after a while. I might be one of the few beanies who likes that drama.
I’m enjoying it so far. Granted, he was never functionally her stepfather which I think keeps things from being too icky. Unlike in Pinocchio (which I also enjoyed) where they grew up in the same house and were, for all intents and purposes, related. Ick.
Uri Beanie-made drama🎬
Writers: @egads (In charge of tropes📺) @hotcocoagirl (Makes characters who are friends engage in shenanigans and general buffoonery👯) @isthatacorner (Our resident PPL coordinator🛒) @leetennant (Has characters make snarky, almost self-aware comments about how badly made the drama is🤭) @ally-le (Oversees heartwarming personal and relational growth👪) @ndlessjoie (Time jump preventer. Studying abroad? Not in this drama⏳) @bammsie (In charge of naming the drama📝)
Also if y’all could tell me what the plot is that’d be great because I have no idea.
Casting directors: @oppafangirl (You also wanted to be a wrist grab remover but I don’t know if I trust you.😂) @raonah (In charge of idol cameos🎤) @greenfields (Kittens and doggos 🐶)
Director: @justme (of both the drama and the BTS documentary of fangirls who try to make a drama and fail spectacularly. Out this summer in a cinema near you.🎥)
Location manager: @anothernicole (First dates, MTs and romantic rendezvouz🏝️)
Editor: @katakwasabi (Also in charge of making GIFs!🎞️)
The following posts are still open to any Beanies who wanna get involved in this nonsensical endeavour:
-Plot hole filler
-Plot twist facilitator (is sincerely tod available?)
-Quirky stuffed animal designer
I’m honored to have made the cut!!! Now, how do we start? We have the main characters. Should this be a slice of life drama, mystery within a romance, or fated love story, or heck, all the above? Will someone do the honors of starting the narrative?
Subway vs Quiznos. Those water people vs those coffee people. MAYBE the leads can drink fancy water at Subway while the second leads scheme over instant coffee at Quiznos. They all get together every now and again at Dominos.
Of course I havent forgotten the massage chair!
Picture this: female lead sitting (awkwardly and uncomfortably–naturally) in the massage chair, in front of a mirror while someone uses that weird expensive blow dryer on her hair as she critically examines a lipstick from her vast collection of carefully arranged cosmetics.
It starts off with a music montage ( @raonah and @ally-le pick something upbeat (I’m thinking Just Right esque https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=bRjGYbfBYf8 ) as all of our leads get ready for the day. We meet them through their routines, first female lead with a closet of designer clothes ( @isthatacorner ), male lead working out and practicing looking tough in the mirror (cameo of picture of whichever actor he emulates), second male lead cooking an elaborate breakfast to eat with his dog ( @greenfields ), and second female lead rolling out of bed, eating cold dominos pizza, and heading to work.
Who wants to bet male lead accidentally arrests female lead and the two second leads fix the problem? (Second FL using her old reporter for justice skills, 2ML apologizing with food so the ML won’t get sued)
PPL for the male lead–working out in addidas track suits. Nice tie in with GOT7. Second male lead, sipping instant coffee as cooks. And dog food PPL. (I saw that in…..was it Jealousy Incarnate that had a dog food product placement? That was out of place and hilarious).
I want the dog to be the third lead. 2nd male lead loves his dog more than any human initially. Gives it all these treats and food (gourmet, of course). See his montage song below. 🤣
Also ~ should this be an episodic drama? Case of the week type thing for the detectives? Rich girl becomes a sleuth, with pizza girl Watson? I NEED A GENRE OR I’M GOING TO JUST START INSERTING SERIAL KILLERS
It’s looking like a fantasy/romance/thriller/comedy, but I love the idea of a Holmes/Watson partnership between the girls. But serial killers are scary.
I’m madly combing through @egads and @hotcocoagirl‘s notes to make sure they don’t sneak in any time jumps. I’ve also confiscated any broken watches, special coins, and fast cars that might be used for time travel because I’m controlling like that.
I think I am the most trustable person, I cant let my oppas and unnies down by letting them cast in not troupe filled roles, how will they ever learn to act 😛 @egads I trust you will be kind to my oppas and unnies and give them a way to show their acting skills 😛 .
Here is my first casting *evil laughter*. @sincerelytod, we require your services. Also can you call your cousin the one who own hot motorcycles?? Thanks. Looking forward to working with you opppaaaa!!
Second I would like to recommend @bammsie for the post of Quirky stuffed animal designer, I think she will will do an excellent job :).
I would like avoid the troupe of rebirth. Don’t underestimate our writers, they will do everything to make the romance long enough (for every one to cringe!!)
Here’s one the cuter side since we have a beagle in the drama
but hm, a supernatural drama with vampires and curses could probably use something more haha
I am SO late, but… since I am location manager, does that mean the writers tell me “scene in coffee shop” and I get to choose which adorable coffee shop we use???? (please please please let it mean that!!!) (already frantically searching for the best places)
moana
June 26, 2020 at 3:08 AM
Hi Beanies. I’ve been away from kdramaland for a while. What’d I miss? (The last time I was here properly there were whispers on the street of a man who became a cat. A were-cat? I shudder to think.)
korfan
June 26, 2020 at 6:57 AM
Welcome back!
moana
June 26, 2020 at 2:23 PM
Thank you!
Eazal
June 26, 2020 at 9:04 AM
Welcome back!
moana
June 26, 2020 at 2:24 PM
Thanks! 🙂
moana
May 27, 2020 at 1:02 PM
How is everyone’s week going? Thinking of all you guys and hoping you’re taking care of your mental health. 💛
bebeswtz❣️
May 27, 2020 at 1:09 PM
The same to you <3
moana
December 24, 2019 at 3:02 AM
Not sure if I should watch Plus Nine Boys, Bubblegum or finally begin the Reply series…
parkchuna
December 24, 2019 at 4:12 AM
i vote for reply and bubblegum.
Ayan
December 24, 2019 at 5:32 AM
Don’t watch Plus Nine Boys, it wasn’t great.
moana
December 25, 2019 at 10:39 PM
Thanks for a bullet dodged!
bbstl 🧹
December 24, 2019 at 7:01 AM
Watch Reply 1997 and 1988 but skip 1994.
marina
December 24, 2019 at 10:59 AM
O no! :(( :)) We have different taste^^
1994 was my fav! Then 1988.
I FF 1997, for me that one was so boring. I do love SIG but I couln’t feel any of the characters except the mutual dad:)
bbstl 🧹
December 24, 2019 at 11:31 AM
ooops, I do beg your pardon! ☺️
MeloMe
December 26, 2019 at 5:20 AM
Haha finally I found someone who thinks 94 was better than 97!!. I didn’t like 97 but I can’t choose between 94 and 88😅
marina
December 26, 2019 at 5:48 AM
Glad to hear we share the same taste! For me 94 is way better than 97. I didn’t like the female lead character in 94.
And oh god! You can’t choose between 88 n 94 either? I’m with you in that dilemma. There are things I adore about 88 but I have to confess I didn’t quite like the ending. 94 may have flaws but at least the girl ended up with who I wanted😂 and I love that the actors were’t different as adults.
*dear Moana, sorry for saying these on your wall dear! I tried not to spoil and I hope you enjoy all three^.^*
moana
December 26, 2019 at 11:13 AM
Not at all. Hearing people talk passionately about dramas is literally why I joined this site. 😄
marina
December 24, 2019 at 10:54 AM
Omg you haven’t watched Reply series yet😱
Good for you because you are going to have a wonderful time soon if you start! They are absolutely amazing. I watched them about six months ago and I couldn’t think how my kdrama-watching life was before these three!
My absolute fav are 1988 and 1994. I didn’t enjoy 1997 like the other two.
moana
December 25, 2019 at 10:36 PM
Sounds like you really enjoyed them. ☺ In what order did you watch them?
marina
December 26, 2019 at 4:40 AM
Yes, so muchhh^_^
1997
1994
1988
I watched 97 but didn’t enjoy as much as I expected but I’m glad I didn’t give up and watched the next two! 1988 is such a rich drama if you are into vintage vibes☺️
moana
December 20, 2019 at 5:59 AM
@ndlessjoie Her Private Life was so nice! I loved that reconciliation was one of the themes (Seon-joo and her husband, Ryan and both his mother figures, Hyo-jin and her mother). Also PMY’s outfits. 😍
rue
December 20, 2019 at 7:20 AM
I wouldn’t be able to pull off her outfits but I loved them so much.
moana
December 22, 2019 at 7:12 AM
Her suits. Her jewellery. Her shoes. Her comfy at-home style. So much goodness.
mugyuljoie is preciousss
December 20, 2019 at 7:36 AM
Yes to all of it and to KJW finally being lead.
moana
December 22, 2019 at 7:11 AM
He did a great job! Thanks for suggesting this gem.
moana
December 18, 2019 at 8:51 AM
On The Popularity Of The “Dating A Superior At Work” Trope
Perhaps it’s because my latest drama-watching victim partner is an impressionable 13-year-old, but I’ve been thinking a lot about the prevalence of romantic pairings in which one character is a boss and the other is an employee or subordinate. How do I help her understand that while we are expected to swoon over the fictional Ryan Golds, such a relationship would be ill-advised in real life?
Just this year alone we had:
Touch Your Heart
Her Private Life
The Secret Life Of My Secretary
Romance Is A Bonus Book
Hotel Del Luna
Angel’s Last Mission: Love
Catch The Ghost
My Strange Hero (?)
In some instances, such as Encounter/Boyfriend, the central conflict arises from the power imbalance and difference in socioecenomic status between the romantic leads. However, this seems to rarely ever be the case, as dozens upon dozens of secretary dramas have mined their drama and conflict from places other than the nature of the relationship. In Touch Your Heart or The Secret Life, dating your boss is portrayed as a viable romantic option, not as a choice rife with ethical and professional issues.
This year we’ve seen a rise in dramas that reverse the trope by having the female partner as the boss, which usually opens the door to interesting discussions about gender roles and societal expectations.
I have loved many dramas with this romantic set-up and will continue to watch them, but I remain curious as to why this kind of pairing seems to be so popular. Thoughts?
Fly Colours
December 18, 2019 at 9:15 AM
I’ve enjoyed dramas with this setup because they were fluffy and this is entertainment – it doesn’t need to be woke for me to enjoy it! But to tell you the truth, in my opinion this trope is pure patriarchy
Fly Colours
December 18, 2019 at 9:24 AM
When I was a kid, this trope was all over the TV shows I watched (non Korean). I was surprised to realize that it’s still so common on Kdramas. Basically, these shows tell women that it is aspirational to date your supercute usually chaebol boss (adding an extra layer of classism to patriarchy) instead of telling us that we are able to reach professional sucess if we focus on our careers… Worse still, they tell us that instead of doing real work, it’s ok to have a woman following the whims of a totally unprofessional boss who feels entitled to usurp her time and attention… Ludicrous! This doesn’t mean that I eschew these dramas, but I think we can enjoy something and be critical at the same time
moana
December 19, 2019 at 5:05 AM
I’d have thought that narratives like this would be a thing of the past by now, but here we are. And this is not to shame women who want to date someone with a good job, but must it be someone who controls your job as well? This, in addition to the inequality built into the relationship, just seems like a bad financial decision.
parkchuna
December 19, 2019 at 6:41 AM
In real life, it’s pretty hard for the average person to have a dashing chaebol boss.
I think workplace romance would probably work best if there’s a degree of separation, like it’s not your direct superior, or different depts, otherwise the conflict of interest & bias will make it complicated.
mango
December 18, 2019 at 10:59 AM
It could be that in these cases attraction is related to the stability a boss gives to an employee. There are a lot of advantages in dating your boss as portrayed in dramas like he’s always there to save the day, charismatic, respected by everyone, financially stable, closed to the object of affection (no need to go to blind dates), can be seen everyday and give work privileges (in dramas at least). He’s husband material and when there’s a weakness to all of his perfection, it makes him more approchable, thus a bond more special than the usual boss-employee relationship.
Even if I enjoyed dramas you mentionned, I think that it gives the message of getting into a company to find a husband. There are dramas with that kind of women (because only women have these thoughts =.=”) and they’re portrayed as bad. So, only a nice woman who didn’t ask for anything and who just happened to fall for her boss or the boss fell for her, gets a pass. That’s also a point that ticks me. Sometimes, the boss gives special treatment and it makes it for the employee to be recognized for their work. But then, if rumours appear, the boss comes and saves the day. Isn’t it like a never ending circle?
moana
December 19, 2019 at 5:26 AM
This makes a lot of sense, especially the part about the boss being attractive because he is respected by everyone (even though he might not necessarily be liked at first). The idea of dating your boss is so unattractive to me that I couldn’t fathom why anyone would do it even in a fictional setting, but I’m considering the reasons you suggested and the puzzle pieces are starting to fit together. It boggled my mind at first.
I get what you mean about how only nice women who didn’t come to work looking for a husband are given a pass if they find one. Those who expressly want to meet someone at work are labelled as desperate or manipulative. It’s part of a whole thing where women aren’t allowed to be proactive in their love lives the same way men are. I feel a rant incoming so let me stop here. 😂
The thing is that I wouldn’t mind this set-up as much if the characters acknowledged that their respective positions made their relationship problematic. Some hesitation on the part of the secretary, some reticence from her boss, some discussions on how to handle things and how to make the relationship more equitable, something.
mango
December 19, 2019 at 7:07 AM
I agree with you. Dating your boss doesn’t appeal to me neither. Actually, anyone who can use power play on me isn’t a potential romantic partner. He can decide on your work career’s evolution or ending. That’s really icky.
I feel you. I stopped myself before renting too haha A discussion between the two partners to separate their work from private life is needed. In What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim, I expected Kim Mi So to gain complete independence from her boss and live as Kim Mi So, not only as Secretary Kim like she wanted in the premiere. But, she was already caring for him and did more things than a traditional secretary should do.
moana
December 20, 2019 at 2:53 AM
That’s true for me as well. Anyone who has power over what becomes of my career is automatically disqualified as a romantic prospect. Ick.
WWWSK was ultimately disappointing in that respect – I didn’t watch it but Beanie rants told me everything I needed to know – but thankfully Park Min Young came back with Her Private Life, which had a far healthier relationship.
Are you currently watching any romcoms?
mango
December 20, 2019 at 7:42 AM
I’m watching Love With Flaws, Crash Landing on You and the Jdrama Nee Sensei, Shiranai No?
The male lead in Love With Flaws is a chaebol and decides to work in the school where the female lead teaches because he wants to get revenge. Things happen and he goes back and forth but the fact that he wanted to use his power in the first place to get revenge because she rejected him when they were kids doen’t make me cheer for him.
mango
December 20, 2019 at 7:47 AM
HPL had a healthier relationship than in WWWSK because Ryan Gold was the new boss, Deok Mi was qualified and her work recognized before his arrival, and the two kept butting head in the beginning. Deok Mi was her own person outside of their relationship whereas Mi So in WWWSK was always secretary Kim at and outise work.
thatstp
December 19, 2019 at 8:31 PM
Totally agree with you. It presents an ethical dilemma and is professionally inappropriate. I do think that the female boss discussions about gender roles and societal expectations are needed especially in a patriarchal society like South Korea.
However, I don’t think Touch Your Heart and RIABB technically fall into that boss/subordinate trope. Yoon Seo wasn’t really Jung Rok’s secretary. Dan Yi and Eun Ho knew each other before she started working for the same company
and while he was a department head he wasn’t her direct supervisor.
moana
December 20, 2019 at 3:11 AM
Same here. I find that I enjoy female-boss dramas because they challenge the status quo in Korean society. I found it especially awesome when My Strange Hero’s Son Soo-jeong rejected the advances of her wealthy, well-connected boss to be with Bok-soo.
As for RIABB and Touch Your Heart, when I was writing this I was thinking broadly of a situation where two people work at the same place/company and one has a superior position to the other. But I do understand your point.
moana
December 17, 2019 at 1:05 AM
Quick poll: how many dramas in which the lead dates their boss did you watch in 2019?
Fly Colours
December 17, 2019 at 1:56 AM
Technically 3 that were produced in 2019 (Haechi, Melo is my Nature and Her Private Life), but none of these -except Haechi from the second half on- felt like the power dynamic was terrible. Anyway, this year I watched some of those that felt cringier. Strong Woman Do Bong Soon, Clean with Passion and Suspicious Partner, I’m looking at you!
Fly Colours
December 17, 2019 at 1:58 AM
Ah! Moonlight drawn by clouds!
Kairoskat 💐
December 17, 2019 at 4:03 AM
Hmmm…none. i watched about 10 2019 dramas and none was centered around a boss dating his/her subordinate. Yayyyy 🎉
Perfume had a somewhat boss-worker relationship, but I consider it a noona romance and they knew each other since they were kids.
I also watched about 11 older years dramas and I recall none had a lead dating their boss!!! I’m surprised by this finding 😯. I didn’t notice it before 🤣.
suk
December 17, 2019 at 9:15 AM
Romance is a Bonus Book is technically boss dates subordinate, but it was really just a noona romance.
moana
December 18, 2019 at 8:03 AM
Surely it’s both? Or am I misunderstanding what noona romance means?
suk
December 18, 2019 at 11:26 AM
You’re right it is both. I just meant that the romance was predominantly characterized by their noona-dongsaeng relationship because they knew each other in that way before she began working for him 🙂
amruta1009
December 17, 2019 at 10:14 AM
Quite a few number of dramas I watched this year were like that now that I think about it.
moana
December 18, 2019 at 8:05 AM
Our beloved CTG was like that too, and while I adored the leads, I can’t help but wonder why this set-up is popular among kdramas.
amruta1009
December 18, 2019 at 8:09 AM
Yeah that’s what comes to mind the most, heh.
Sib
December 17, 2019 at 10:42 AM
8 :/ I don’t get the obsession over dating your boss. I feel like that’d be so weird in real life… It’s such an unbalanced position / situation of powers.
Forget dating I don’t know how you can like (not in a romantic way) your boss.
Sib
December 17, 2019 at 10:43 AM
Actually 9 I forget Be Melo 😱
moana
December 18, 2019 at 8:07 AM
I don’t understand the appeal either and the inherent power imbalance tempers my enjoyment somewhat.
moana
December 3, 2019 at 11:32 AM
My favourite drama of 2019? A tie between My Strange Hero and Tale of Nokdu, both of which belong to a new genre I’m proposing called Sweet, Kind Men And The Badass Women Who Love Them.
mugyuljoie is preciousss
December 3, 2019 at 11:37 AM
I alos liked Ryan Gold.
mango
December 3, 2019 at 12:09 PM
Our lion <3
moana
December 4, 2019 at 7:13 AM
From Her Private Life? I’ve been meaning to check it out – should I?
mugyuljoie is preciousss
December 4, 2019 at 9:50 AM
If you love Kim Jae Wook, then yes. I really enjoyed it, but it has mixed reviews.
moana
December 4, 2019 at 12:06 PM
I’m gonna give it a shot. 🙂
raekaddict
December 3, 2019 at 10:07 PM
“Sweet, Kind Men And The Badass Women Who Love Them.”
i second this!!!!!
BdxPelik
December 3, 2019 at 11:14 PM
I’m getting Ruler flashbacks cuz LOOK! It’s our Yoo Seung Ho and Kim So Hyun
Fly Colours
December 3, 2019 at 11:59 PM
Only on Search www ep 5, but can I be an optimist and add Park Morgan to the list?
moana
December 4, 2019 at 7:14 AM
Do let me know how it ends! I’ve been thinking about starting it but I’m trying to avoid disappointment.
Fly Colours
December 4, 2019 at 8:13 AM
Until now it is being so good, that I will surely rant all over the beanie wall if it turns sour 😋
moana
October 29, 2019 at 6:58 AM
I had to take some time away from – well – everything. Because I was not doing so well. But man is it good to be back. I have missed this little corner of the internet.💛
mindy
October 29, 2019 at 7:15 AM
It’s always good to be back here after a break, and always good to see people return. Welcome back!
moana
October 29, 2019 at 9:20 AM
Thanks! I’m doing a lot better and I have more time for drama-watching. 😄 So if you ever wanna fangirl or vent or recommend something, I’m your girl.
mindy
October 29, 2019 at 9:36 AM
Hehe, good to know! I’m not really watching anything great at the moment but I’ll let you know if I find something.
stpauligurl
October 29, 2019 at 7:28 AM
Welcome back! I hope this means that you are doing better. Yes this little corner is the best place on the web isn’t it?
moana
October 29, 2019 at 9:17 AM
Thanks, @stpauligurl! I love the positive energy on this site. Hope you’re doing OK too!
stpauligurl
October 30, 2019 at 5:36 AM
I’m doing okay @moana. I don’t know what I’d do without being connected here in DB. But sometimes we have to take a break and refresh right? Good for you!
loveblossom🌸
October 29, 2019 at 9:19 AM
Welcome back! 🙂
mugyuljoie is preciousss
October 29, 2019 at 10:34 AM
Welcome back!
moana
November 1, 2019 at 7:03 AM
Thanks, @ndlessjoie!
korfan
October 30, 2019 at 9:14 PM
Welcome back!
moana
November 1, 2019 at 7:02 AM
Thank you!
moana
July 31, 2019 at 4:51 AM
My HDL theory is that the captain betrayed MW and he was reborn as CS who will eventually take over as hotel owner to make amends for his past sins. I kinda hope I\’m wrong.
moana
July 14, 2019 at 10:21 AM
So…are we just gonna ignore the fact that it should be Hotel De La Luna since the noun is feminine?
mindy
July 14, 2019 at 10:31 AM
Everyone has been complaining.
moana
July 14, 2019 at 1:52 PM
I was waiting for an explanation during the first episode, like say…it was originally written correctly but the “a” fell off from the sign and no one bothered to put it back up again. I don’t know. Something. Anything.
oppafangirl
July 14, 2019 at 10:31 AM
Maybe its intentional !
mindy
July 14, 2019 at 10:31 AM
How?
oppafangirl
July 14, 2019 at 10:40 AM
The ghosts who did not know Spanish, etc, I just say maybe they wanted it to be like that, but I since I did not ask them and there is no rule that the titles should be grammatically correct and they maybe they just wanted to create more buzz, I can’t really answer your question.
I personally do that many times with nouns with gender in my mother tongue, just for fun or shock value even when I am talking and I know its wrong grammatically.
oppafangirl
July 14, 2019 at 10:40 AM
Sorry the two they’s above where not intentional, they were a mistake 😉
moana
July 14, 2019 at 2:01 PM
Perhaps they did this on purpose but if so, it’d be nice if they offered an explanation, no?
oppafangirl
July 14, 2019 at 2:16 PM
I am not sure, who knows, but I don’t think I will watch more of this show, so my interest ends here!
sph_7
July 14, 2019 at 10:59 AM
Nope. Eye sore still.
amara
July 14, 2019 at 12:42 PM
it’s spanish right? well it has to be cos luna lmao but i never thought of that bc i majored in fr and speak eng. HMMMM. interesting. lmao. i would be irritated too
BC
July 14, 2019 at 8:36 PM
Luna isn’t only a spanish word for moon it is actually an ancient goddess from Roman mythology that’s why it’s used as a poetic word for the moon in lots of other languages.
amara
July 15, 2019 at 9:59 AM
i was wondering about the title! cos french is v. similar so i was like wait it hot it was a spanish title…aahahha
moana
July 11, 2019 at 2:23 AM
What is the verdict on WWW? I want to watch for the female friendships but I could do without the politics and chaebol drama. Is it good?
greenfields
July 11, 2019 at 3:10 AM
Depends on who you ask. It’s a weird show – all tropes reserved for romantic heterosexual couples, all roles, dialogues, tasks usually reserved for men, have been given to women. I suspect the all-women in leadership positions sits oddly with a few people. I know the main romance sits oddly with most people. HAHA Including me, re the romance.
The show is excellent in my opinion. I’m ready to rate it a 9.5/10 or even a 10/10 depending on how the final few episodes go.
moana
July 13, 2019 at 3:08 AM
I saw episode 1 and I liked all the women. I think it’s the tone/style that I’m still not quite on board with – lots of lens flares and intense close-ups. Plus, I wish there was a bit more comedy. Scarlet is an instant favourite though.
Karmen ~ 🍜🏢🎭 ~ 📚☔🦋 ~ 🪂🌱💘 ~ ✨🍊💫 ~
July 11, 2019 at 3:42 AM
I think it’s brilliant. Try to give it a chance.
Blue (@mayhemf)
July 11, 2019 at 4:38 AM
Go for it! We always complain women don’t get written well in dramas and finally we have a Drama. Yes, the main romance may or may not work for you (it doesn’t work for me) but I don’t care because it’s not the main plot.
moana
July 13, 2019 at 3:05 AM
I really liked Scarlet and Tae-mi in episode 1, so I just might give this another chance.
zette
July 11, 2019 at 5:38 AM
Personally, I like it! Give it go!
bbstl 🧹
July 11, 2019 at 8:48 AM
It’s great, I love it. Very different.
@moana, did you hear about this Moana fan who got an unexpected birthday cake?
https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/bakery-mixup-leaves-woman-with-marijuana-birthday-cake-181828197.html
moana
July 13, 2019 at 3:03 AM
Heol. A very different birthday than the one she had in mind. At least the family were a good sport about it.
moana
June 23, 2019 at 2:30 PM
Just found out that I\’m finally a noble idiot! Yay! That explains the sudden urge to take my lover on one last romantic trip before leaving them without offering any explanation whatsoever.
RaOnAh loves Jay B 💚
June 23, 2019 at 2:47 PM
Congrats!!!
alasecond
June 23, 2019 at 8:07 PM
for leaving the lover without one last explanation?
*:P*
Kairoskat 💐
June 23, 2019 at 5:18 PM
Congrats!!
korfan
June 23, 2019 at 5:44 PM
Congratulations!
mugyuljoie is preciousss
June 24, 2019 at 12:09 AM
Yay! So ghosting = noble idiocy?
moana
June 24, 2019 at 5:57 AM
Only if it’ll somehow benefit your partner in some outrageously improbable way. Like if you ghosting them will get them into Stanford or help them avoid the ToD.
outofthisworld 不愧是我 🏍
June 24, 2019 at 1:02 AM
Congrats! Spoken like a true noble idiot!
moana
June 7, 2019 at 6:59 AM
An Incomplete and Unlikely List of Things I\’d Like To See on TSLOMS:
– After seeing how smart Gal-hee is at the shareholder\’s meeting, Veronica offers her job at CinePark
– Gal-hee and Veronica forming a genuine friendship/allyship based on mutual respect
– Gal-hee no longer being Min-ik\’s secretary = their relationship is no longer problematic
– Min-ik puts 2 and 2 together AT LAST
– The parents plan the wedding but to their shock, it\’s not Veronica, but Gal-hee who walks down the isle
– At least one episode post-wedding. Kdramas tend to act like the wedding is the end goal of a romance. We know this is not true.
– Faux-ronica Park never makes another appearance. Jebal.
🧛♂️ 💔💔 but 👧💔💔💔💔
June 7, 2019 at 7:29 AM
last line is my wish to see but not sure how long we will have to bear this fauxronica… cause if MI figures the truth i’d die seeing thier romance cause if an hesitant MI cant set DB on fire than imagine if he actually does things to woo GH whom he loves *now i am in my la la land imagining it*
moana
June 7, 2019 at 10:23 AM
I feel like Beanies would implode if Min-ik earnestly started wooing Gal-hee. Just think of all the cute! Sadly, we have to get through a lot of angst first.
latebloomer
June 7, 2019 at 7:35 AM
GH used to be VP’s secretary at Cinepark. That’s where she got practice as Fauxronica. (Love that label!!!)
moana
June 7, 2019 at 10:21 AM
Instead of a secretary, I’d like her to have a higher-level job. Maybe overseeing scripts? Meeting potential investors? Gal-hee is skilled with people and she knows her way around a room full of stuffy old men. Not to mention it would allow her to live more comfortably, which is something she’s always wanted.
latebloomer
June 7, 2019 at 10:25 AM
Soon she should be able to choose whatever she wants to do without having to worry about making money. If this OTP doesn’t work out in the end, I’ll eat my hat.
RenOIshi
June 7, 2019 at 3:28 PM
Whatever you do, please don’t eat your hat!
moana
June 1, 2019 at 1:40 PM
To kick off Pride month, here\’s a challenge: what was the name of the LGBTQ character in the last Kdrama you watched? 🌈🌈🌈
UmbrellaMan
June 1, 2019 at 1:48 PM
Lee Kyu-hyung’s character in Prison Playbook. His character was my favorite.
Cloggie
June 2, 2019 at 2:10 AM
I shipped him and Jung Hae-In’s character soooo much in that drama. Wasn’t going to happen.
하데스
June 2, 2019 at 4:35 PM
Probably if hell froze over.
mango
June 1, 2019 at 2:10 PM
I clicked randomly on a webdrama pilot about two girls confessing to each other but I don’t remember the name. So for Kdramas, I think it was Haerongi in Prison Playbook and in Kmovies it was the main couple in Ordinary People.
하데스
June 1, 2019 at 4:58 PM
Is it this drama? https://mydramalist.com/24406-bear
mango
June 2, 2019 at 12:46 AM
I mixed both names since I watched them recently 😅
I’m talking about Ordinary Family:
https://mydramalist.com/33976-ordinary-family
하데스
June 2, 2019 at 1:06 AM
lol. no worries. thx
하데스
June 1, 2019 at 4:57 PM
This is a challenge indeed given that there are so few to choose from. I would have to say Chi Soo from Long Time No See. It’s not a mainstream drama but a web drama. He is a surprisingly interesting character with some depth to him. And being superficial for a sec, he is really hot.
If you want to open it up to Asian dramas, then I’d have to say hands down Hsia Yu Hao from the Taiwanese Drama HIStory2: Boundary Crossing. Both the writers and the actor Fandy Fan made me love this character. I cannot wait for the sequel.
moana
June 2, 2019 at 4:16 PM
Does Long Time No See have a happy ending? I’m tired of tragic stories about queer people.
하데스
June 2, 2019 at 4:34 PM
I too am tired of tragic endings in BL dramas. Thankfully, this drama does have a happy ending.
mugyuljoie is preciousss
June 1, 2019 at 5:18 PM
To be precise, there hasn’t been a clearly LGBTQ character in any dramas I’ve watched since Matrimonial Chaos and Prison Playbook.
하데스
June 1, 2019 at 6:36 PM
Is Matrimonial Chaos any good?
mugyuljoie is preciousss
June 2, 2019 at 1:47 AM
It’s really good. The focus is on two male/female couples though. It’s one of the few dramas where I wanted to crawl into the screen and hang out.
하데스
June 2, 2019 at 1:51 AM
That good!? I might check it out then. Thx.
mugyuljoie is preciousss
June 2, 2019 at 1:58 AM
It’s more real life believable than most. It’s not a traditional romance or traditional couple drama. I’m also a bit obsessed with the river crossing that appears in most episodes.
mango
June 2, 2019 at 12:47 AM
I forgot Matrimonial Chaos! I wanted more of her storyline.
mugyuljoie is preciousss
June 2, 2019 at 1:48 AM
I wanted more of everything.
moana
June 2, 2019 at 4:14 PM
I think one of the supporting characters in Jugglers was maybe asexual? She didn’t date and was described as “celibate” but since she wasn’t religious, that’s how I interpreted it.
Katrina
June 1, 2019 at 9:58 PM
lee jong suk in Secret Garden
moana
April 12, 2019 at 2:20 AM
@raonah and the rest of the He is Psychometric Beanies, I watched the first episode and I liked it! 😄
mugyuljoie is preciousss
April 12, 2019 at 2:26 AM
It’s my favorite of all the current dramas I’m watching.
moana
April 12, 2019 at 2:48 AM
So far, I’m impressed with how well the merged the mystery/murder/prosecutor stuff with the more light-hearted stuff. Sometimes when dramas try to do this, it can feel like you’re watching 2 different shows.
And how adorable is Lee An? He went to school at 5:30 in the morning. On a Sunday. 😂
Blue (@mayhemf)
April 12, 2019 at 4:07 AM
He really is adorable and brings the lightness to the show.
moana
April 12, 2019 at 11:37 AM
I like him so much. Never change, you hopeless dork.
Ally
April 12, 2019 at 6:16 AM
And I’m finally caught up! It took another dark turn in the very latest ep that bothered me, but here’s to character growth! I’m still enjoying it as well!
RaOnAh loves Jay B 💚
April 12, 2019 at 8:42 AM
Yay! Glad to hear it! We’re having discussions on my wall if you’d like to join in once you’re all caught up 🙂💚
moana
April 12, 2019 at 11:45 AM
I kinda don’t want to catch up because waiting for new episodes will be so hard. But I also want to join in on the discussion. Sigh. What’s a girl to do?
In the meantime, is Lee An’s ability voluntary or not? When Hyung locked him in the morgue, it seemed like he had no control, but later we seem petting the doggo without getting any visions.
RaOnAh loves Jay B 💚
April 12, 2019 at 12:56 PM
I understand the struggle 😄
I don’t think he can control it at all. Maybe the dog just didn’t have any interesting memories for him to see.
moana
April 8, 2019 at 3:48 PM
Squad!🙌 Squad!🙌 Squad!🙌
moana
March 27, 2019 at 10:47 AM
Beanies, can you recommend any dramas in which Home plays a big part? I want something that feels warm and familiar with lots of domestic scenes. Examples include 21st Century Boy and Girl and BTLIOF.
melovestage
March 27, 2019 at 10:49 AM
Reply series came to mind. i only watched 1997, and i really enjoyed the family scenes
moana
March 28, 2019 at 5:06 AM
Sounds like exactly what I’m looking for.
bam 🐢🐌💖~
March 27, 2019 at 10:51 AM
Reply 1988 is a big one for domestic scenes and family!
moana
March 28, 2019 at 5:05 AM
Thanks, Bam, it’s on my list.
Sa
March 27, 2019 at 11:43 AM
Maybe Dance Sports Girls? It features a complicated relationship with the lead’s small town hometown though.
The movie Sunset in my Hometown is really good and probably fits the bill of what you’re looking for! (It stars Kim Go Eun)
mugyuljoie is preciousss
March 27, 2019 at 7:49 PM
With the disclaimer that the domestic scenes in Dance Sports Girls aren’t often calm and pleasant.
moana
March 28, 2019 at 5:03 AM
I actually watched Dance Sport Girls and it was so good. So good. I’m adding Sunset in my Hometown to my list.
Shek
March 27, 2019 at 11:57 AM
First thing that came to mind was Go Back Couple though I’m not sure if it’s exactly what you’re looking for. Jang Nara’s interactions with her mother just hit me in the heart.
bam 🐢🐌💖~
March 27, 2019 at 12:16 PM
Seconding this one.
RaOnAh loves Jay B 💚
March 27, 2019 at 1:08 PM
Go Back Couple was so good!
neener ~ Inside the Magic Shop ~
March 27, 2019 at 7:30 PM
Was about to comment this one if no one did 😆
mugyuljoie is preciousss
March 27, 2019 at 7:49 PM
This was the first one I though of.
moana
March 28, 2019 at 5:01 AM
Thanks. I’ll give it a try.
moana
March 11, 2019 at 2:22 PM
If I’ve learned one thing from watching dramas, it’s that no interest is too niche to have a bespoke stuffed toy (see below for evidence). So then, if you were making a drama starring a female lead who’s an elegant, slightly awkward chaebol by day and a crime-fighting badass by night, what kind of plushie would you give her?
sph_7
March 11, 2019 at 5:58 PM
That’s all because this toy company puts ppl in everything. They just don’t have a sign like subway.
moana
March 12, 2019 at 1:17 AM
I didn’t realise it was the same company. At least they vary their product from show to show, unlike the vacuum people and the massage chair people.
moana
March 7, 2019 at 8:15 AM
Kdramas are really out here giving us the most bizarre relationships between OTPs. Dating your fake cousin (My Girl) or adoptive uncle (Pinocchio) is pretty strange, but your stepfather who is in fact younger than you (Sweet Stranger And Me) takes the cake. I thought you couldn’t get any weirder, dramas, but you proved me wrong. Bravo.
하데스
March 7, 2019 at 7:25 PM
I’ll admit, that stepfather bit at the beginning was really weird, but thankfully things cleared up after a while. I might be one of the few beanies who likes that drama.
moana
March 8, 2019 at 6:22 AM
I’m enjoying it so far. Granted, he was never functionally her stepfather which I think keeps things from being too icky. Unlike in Pinocchio (which I also enjoyed) where they grew up in the same house and were, for all intents and purposes, related. Ick.
moana
March 3, 2019 at 2:02 PM
Uri Beanie-made drama🎬
Writers:
@egads (In charge of tropes📺)
@hotcocoagirl (Makes characters who are friends engage in shenanigans and general buffoonery👯)
@isthatacorner (Our resident PPL coordinator🛒)
@leetennant (Has characters make snarky, almost self-aware comments about how badly made the drama is🤭)
@ally-le (Oversees heartwarming personal and relational growth👪)
@ndlessjoie (Time jump preventer. Studying abroad? Not in this drama⏳)
@bammsie (In charge of naming the drama📝)
Also if y’all could tell me what the plot is that’d be great because I have no idea.
Casting directors:
@oppafangirl (You also wanted to be a wrist grab remover but I don’t know if I trust you.😂)
@raonah (In charge of idol cameos🎤)
@greenfields (Kittens and doggos 🐶)
Director:
@justme (of both the drama and the BTS documentary of fangirls who try to make a drama and fail spectacularly. Out this summer in a cinema near you.🎥)
Location manager:
@anothernicole (First dates, MTs and romantic rendezvouz🏝️)
Editor:
@katakwasabi (Also in charge of making GIFs!🎞️)
The following posts are still open to any Beanies who wanna get involved in this nonsensical endeavour:
-Plot hole filler
-Plot twist facilitator (is sincerely tod available?)
-Quirky stuffed animal designer
Ally
March 3, 2019 at 2:14 PM
I’m honored to have made the cut!!! Now, how do we start? We have the main characters. Should this be a slice of life drama, mystery within a romance, or fated love story, or heck, all the above? Will someone do the honors of starting the narrative?
moana
March 10, 2019 at 4:01 PM
Chingumode had a wonderfully absurd idea and we just ran with it.
http://www.dramabeans.com/members/leetennant/activity/732589/?nid=1769173&nidwpc=733079#acomment-733079
I guess this makes it a fantasy/romance/thriller/comedy.
Ally
March 10, 2019 at 6:09 PM
Ooh, I like.
RaOnAh loves Jay B 💚
March 3, 2019 at 2:19 PM
I love my job assignment!
Guess who will be making a cameo in this drama! 😉 🎉🎉🎉💚💚💚💚💚💚💚
isa: I'm not a serial killer I'm just really passionate about things
March 3, 2019 at 3:44 PM
I feel like we’ll be working together. I mean. Addidas. Fendi. Come on.
RaOnAh loves Jay B 💚
March 3, 2019 at 3:50 PM
Oooh yes! The PPL/cameo possibilities are endless!
egads aka Dame Maggie
March 3, 2019 at 2:20 PM
As the official of tropes, I have a feeling @oppafangirl and I will be at odds.
oppafangirl
March 4, 2019 at 12:50 AM
Or maybe not, since I am not so trust worthy but that’s a insider secret!! ;P
Kairoskat 💐
March 3, 2019 at 2:21 PM
I’m honored to have made the cut too. I can’t wait to edit the footage.
For now, I will assume our beanie drama would be…
Ally
March 3, 2019 at 2:42 PM
Lol. Love this gif!
LT is Irresistibly Indifferent, Dame Judi
March 3, 2019 at 2:26 PM
I feel like my role of Snark Queen won’t require my effort maybe
LT is Irresistibly Indifferent, Dame Judi
March 3, 2019 at 2:27 PM
Or MUCH effort even. I should just learn to type or at least not multi-task so much. My old brain clearly can’t handle it.
isa: I'm not a serial killer I'm just really passionate about things
March 3, 2019 at 3:46 PM
Subway vs Quiznos. Those water people vs those coffee people. MAYBE the leads can drink fancy water at Subway while the second leads scheme over instant coffee at Quiznos. They all get together every now and again at Dominos.
egads aka Dame Maggie
March 3, 2019 at 4:11 PM
If you forget the massage chair it will be an utter failure
isa: I'm not a serial killer I'm just really passionate about things
March 3, 2019 at 4:39 PM
Of course I havent forgotten the massage chair!
Picture this: female lead sitting (awkwardly and uncomfortably–naturally) in the massage chair, in front of a mirror while someone uses that weird expensive blow dryer on her hair as she critically examines a lipstick from her vast collection of carefully arranged cosmetics.
Kairoskat 💐
March 3, 2019 at 5:25 PM
Dyson. We need dyson and a nespresso machine too.
LT is Irresistibly Indifferent, Dame Judi
March 3, 2019 at 8:17 PM
Poor Papa Johns
mugyuljoie is preciousss
March 3, 2019 at 9:48 PM
I really need a run down of everything on a Papa Johns pizza in South Korea. What’s the yellow swirl? What’s the white swirl?
LT is Irresistibly Indifferent, Dame Judi
March 3, 2019 at 9:50 PM
You pay way more attention to product placement than I do. But then we don’t have Papa John’s in Australia so I have no basis for comparison.
mugyuljoie is preciousss
March 3, 2019 at 10:21 PM
I really don’t, but that pizza bears so little resemblance to pizza in the US that it catches my attention every time.
Beverly
March 3, 2019 at 5:11 PM
I want to tune in. #of eps? When does it air?
Cocoa, The Fake Poet of February
March 3, 2019 at 6:04 PM
It starts off with a music montage ( @raonah and @ally-le pick something upbeat (I’m thinking Just Right esque https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=bRjGYbfBYf8 ) as all of our leads get ready for the day. We meet them through their routines, first female lead with a closet of designer clothes ( @isthatacorner ), male lead working out and practicing looking tough in the mirror (cameo of picture of whichever actor he emulates), second male lead cooking an elaborate breakfast to eat with his dog ( @greenfields ), and second female lead rolling out of bed, eating cold dominos pizza, and heading to work.
Who wants to bet male lead accidentally arrests female lead and the two second leads fix the problem? (Second FL using her old reporter for justice skills, 2ML apologizing with food so the ML won’t get sued)
isa: I'm not a serial killer I'm just really passionate about things
March 3, 2019 at 6:11 PM
PPL for the male lead–working out in addidas track suits. Nice tie in with GOT7. Second male lead, sipping instant coffee as cooks. And dog food PPL. (I saw that in…..was it Jealousy Incarnate that had a dog food product placement? That was out of place and hilarious).
Ally
March 3, 2019 at 7:51 PM
I want the dog to be the third lead. 2nd male lead loves his dog more than any human initially. Gives it all these treats and food (gourmet, of course). See his montage song below. 🤣
Madkdr
March 3, 2019 at 11:40 PM
If it’s cats Koongie and Mongie can be cast and Papa bear kyunsang can cameo!
moana
March 4, 2019 at 11:42 AM
Please share pics of the floofs if you can. Share the fluff.
Madkdr
March 4, 2019 at 5:53 PM
I don’t know how to post pics/images but here’s a youtube link of these 2 adorable kitties!
https://youtu.be/Ea-aDAU7p-s
RaOnAh loves Jay B 💚
March 3, 2019 at 6:23 PM
How about either You Are
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ktc8XDBq93k
Or Home Run?
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=HlkJDRZD0Jw
Ally
March 3, 2019 at 7:39 PM
And Gotta go to Work—Highlight—for the 2nd lead
https://youtu.be/1BhbmhWMwC0 (singing it to his dog—lol)
And So Cool—Day6—for the male lead, most definitely
https://youtu.be/bQaKUJzW-5w
RaOnAh loves Jay B 💚
March 4, 2019 at 8:53 AM
@ally-le those are perfect!
Ally
March 4, 2019 at 10:31 AM
I totally should have been a music director in a past life.
Cocoa, The Fake Poet of February
March 3, 2019 at 7:41 PM
Also ~ should this be an episodic drama? Case of the week type thing for the detectives? Rich girl becomes a sleuth, with pizza girl Watson? I NEED A GENRE OR I’M GOING TO JUST START INSERTING SERIAL KILLERS
mugyuljoie is preciousss
March 3, 2019 at 9:50 PM
Just say NO to serial killers.
Cocoa, The Fake Poet of February
March 4, 2019 at 12:14 PM
And I say no to that idea. SERIAL KILLERS4LYFE
moana
March 10, 2019 at 4:06 PM
It’s looking like a fantasy/romance/thriller/comedy, but I love the idea of a Holmes/Watson partnership between the girls. But serial killers are scary.
greenfields
March 3, 2019 at 8:17 PM
As casting director for dogs and kittens, I recommend this guy for the v. imp role of the male lead’s non human companion:
Look at him appealing with his love. 😍
greenfields
March 3, 2019 at 8:18 PM
Comment was deleted
greenfields
March 3, 2019 at 8:19 PM
greenfields
March 3, 2019 at 8:20 PM
His many friends will make an appearance too. It’s mandatory at this point.
Madkdr
March 3, 2019 at 11:46 PM
Yeontan!!!
He’d be so cute!!!!
greenfields
March 4, 2019 at 1:35 AM
Got it! ^-^
moana
March 4, 2019 at 11:45 AM
This is gold.
JustMe
March 3, 2019 at 7:49 PM
Mark my words beanies, this drama will win ALL THE AWARDS. We’re coming for you grammys, oscars, cannes, you name it.
mugyuljoie is preciousss
March 3, 2019 at 8:50 PM
I’m madly combing through @egads and @hotcocoagirl‘s notes to make sure they don’t sneak in any time jumps. I’ve also confiscated any broken watches, special coins, and fast cars that might be used for time travel because I’m controlling like that.
LT is Irresistibly Indifferent, Dame Judi
March 3, 2019 at 8:56 PM
Incense sticks. Particle accelerators and scholarships to study overseas.
mugyuljoie is preciousss
March 3, 2019 at 10:21 PM
On it.
oppafangirl
March 4, 2019 at 1:02 AM
I think I am the most trustable person, I cant let my oppas and unnies down by letting them cast in not troupe filled roles, how will they ever learn to act 😛
@egads I trust you will be kind to my oppas and unnies and give them a way to show their acting skills 😛 .
Here is my first casting *evil laughter*. @sincerelytod, we require your services. Also can you call your cousin the one who own hot motorcycles?? Thanks. Looking forward to working with you opppaaaa!!
Second I would like to recommend @bammsie for the post of Quirky stuffed animal designer, I think she will will do an excellent job :).
LT is Irresistibly Indifferent, Dame Judi
March 4, 2019 at 11:40 AM
I think Cupid Bike should propel our lovers into the path of @sincerelytod and it will officially be the shortest romance in kdrama history.
oppafangirl
March 4, 2019 at 12:13 PM
I would like avoid the troupe of rebirth. Don’t underestimate our writers, they will do everything to make the romance long enough
(for every one to cringe!!)Cocoa, The Fake Poet of February
March 4, 2019 at 12:14 PM
UNLESS TIME TRAVEL OR THEY DREAM TOGETHER IN THEIR COMAS
oppafangirl
March 4, 2019 at 12:17 PM
They romance as ghosts while their bodies in coma!
Cori
March 4, 2019 at 7:01 AM
Has the position of quirky stuffed animal designer been filled?
Cocoa, The Fake Poet of February
March 4, 2019 at 10:51 AM
Cori, can we tag team this project?
Cori
March 4, 2019 at 11:20 AM
But of course!
moana
March 11, 2019 at 2:17 PM
Welcome aboard, Cori! Looking forward to the cuteness.
Cori
March 12, 2019 at 8:53 AM
Woo-hoo! I have a couple of ideas ranging from cute to ridiculous. I’ll draw some up after work and collaborate with my teammate @hotcocoagirl
Cori
March 12, 2019 at 9:16 PM
Here’s one the cuter side since we have a beagle in the drama
but hm, a supernatural drama with vampires and curses could probably use something more haha
moana
March 13, 2019 at 5:43 AM
This is so cute! 💖
Cocoa, The Fake Poet of February
March 15, 2019 at 2:19 PM
I like this Cori ~ how about we simplify it a bit? Kind of turn it into a squishy stuffed doll type? Maybe add vampire fangs?
Cori
March 12, 2019 at 8:58 PM
Comment was deleted
moana
March 4, 2019 at 12:30 PM
A skeleton of a plot. It’s shaping up to be as hopelessly outrageous as I’d hoped.
http://www.dramabeans.com/members/leetennant/activity/732589/?nid=1769173&nidwpc=733079#acomment-733079
mugyuljoie is preciousss
March 4, 2019 at 11:14 PM
Tagging @coffeprince4eva so she can see the beginning of uri Beanie-made drama and possibly volunteer.
Cocoa, The Fake Poet of February
March 5, 2019 at 6:51 PM
can we name it SERIALKILLERS4LYFE
Cocoa, The Fake Poet of February
March 5, 2019 at 6:51 PM
SK4L
another woodalchi nicole recruit
March 6, 2019 at 9:16 AM
I am SO late, but… since I am location manager, does that mean the writers tell me “scene in coffee shop” and I get to choose which adorable coffee shop we use???? (please please please let it mean that!!!) (already frantically searching for the best places)
moana
March 6, 2019 at 11:22 AM
Yes! Exactly.
another woodalchi nicole recruit
March 6, 2019 at 12:03 PM
scampers off to find cute Subway shops 😉