Beanie level: Chaebol’s poor doppelganger

Hi everyone. I’m watching Lost and adoring it. I just had a question about how iQiyi releases new episodes. There are three available now, with episodes 4 and 5 marked as VIP. Do these episodes ever get released for free? Or do you now have to purchase the VIP pass to watch new episodes?

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    I think VIP get access earlier but after the episodes are free. But it’s not very clear with them. Sometimes, they decide to make some episodes VIP in the middle…

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      I’ll see what they do with episode 6 tomorrow. I thought episode 4 would be available today since it’s from last week.

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    Now with kdramas after ep 3, the rest are VIP and stay VIP even after the drama’s run. I may have to check again but I guess My Roommate is a Gumiho worked the same way. Ep 3 onwards were only available to VIP and still are.

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    I think they release the episodes the same time that it airs in Korea if you are a VIP subscriber.

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      Thank you. That’s what I’m thinking! Guess I’ll end up doing the paid option.

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I’ve caught up on a couple of dramas and figured I’d go ahead and start one that’s currently airing. I’m thinking of giving Police University a go but have seen some mixed reviews. For those who’ve watched it, what do you think of it? I have Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha and Lovers of the Red Sky on my list as well. I’m also eyeing Lost.

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    I watched PU until episode 5. It was fun, but I really can’t see 16 episodes of it. Better drop than be frustrated after episode 12, at least in my case. There are many beanies enjoying it, though. Give it a try: it’s light and funny.

    I’m loving Homcha a lot: it’s a light romcom pretending to be a light romcom. An absolute happy pill.

    Also loving Red Sky. The fantasy element is a bit vague (like the background changes every minute) but actors are doing a great job, and the cinematography is great. Some are saying CGI is a bit cheesy, but I don’t care a little bit. I’m having fun.

    Lost. Well, I’m not the best one to talk about it. I’ve already ranted about it on my wall… I’m terribly (bad) biased against an actress who plays a side character, so…

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      I think I might actually try out Lost. Then maybe Lovers of the Red Sky. I’ve seen someone compare it to Love in the Moonlight, which makes me hesitate a bit. I wasn’t really a fan of that drama. Thanks for your reply!

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I’ve leveled up to Chaebol’s poor doppelganger! My last level-up was in September of 2019. I’m surprised I’ve leveled up as dramas haven’t been drawing me in as much in year or so…

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Another soothing song, perfect for late nights. #BVIPP

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LUCY has really impressed me with their latest release. I especially love their use of silence at the 2:44 mark. #BVIPP

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I have never heard a song like this by a girl group before. I love it! I hope OH MY GIRL continues to experiment with this type of song in upcoming releases, even if they don’t promote them. #BVIPP

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    Oh, I like. Refreshing.
    I haven’t listened to much Oh My Girl yet, but I do love NEON from last year.

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      I think I’ve listened to their entire discography, but that’s just it. Their music isn’t really my style overall.

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This is more of a simple song. I believe it was actually done as a project by some students for their university class. I find this is a song that’s easy to have on repeat in the background. Wish they had some other releases other than this one. #BVIPP

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The retro/80s vibe is a trend in K-pop that I don’t mind staying around for a long, long time. ISLAND by her is also a great summer song from last year. #BVIPP

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I had this song on repeat when it came out. So it’s obviously great (to me and hopefully to others as well). 😜 #BVVIP

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    I’ve never heard these that you’re posting and I like them! Thanks for keeping the music going!

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      Glad you’re enjoying them! I listen primarily to K-pop, so it’s always nice to introduce people to new releases. It’s been quite fun going through my yearly playlist and listening to some great songs!

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This song is amazing. I especially love the change of pace nearer to the end, which I am a sucker for.

And again, this is a B-side (though the group did perform this on music shows). #BVIPP

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    did u know that the last part is actually connected to their other song in the repackaged album called “the dreamer” (which also has the realist in the last secs of the song)

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      Thanks for pointing that out! I don’t think I noticed this when I listened to their repackage originally. The song’s a little slower-paced for me, but I love love their vocals here. The first person singing reminds me of one of the singers of IMFACT.

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Another B-side (that I actually prefer to their title track). The chorus in this one is very catchy. The group is newer, but they definitely have my attention! #BVIPP

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Another catchy B-side that has similar vibes to Cinema by CIX. #BVIPP

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    I also love Cinema, so thanks for introducing this one! It’s going into my playlist right now.

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      You’re welcome! Glad to be able to share good music with someone. 😊

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An amazing B-side by SEVENTEEN. I haven’t downloaded any of their Korean releases since HIT in 2019, so it’s a pleasant surprise that they finally released a song I can say I absolutely adore. #BVIPP

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I think this is my top favorite song released this year. It’s pretty simple but really easy to listen to. I was obsessed with the teaser when it was released. I only wish the instrumental was a bit more prominent in the released song. #BVIPP

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This is probably one of my top 5 tracks released this year. It has an old-school feel to it, and the performances are super fun to watch. #BVIPP

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    You know, this one didn’t really stand out to me back when it was released, but hearing it again…I may need to reconsider.

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      I was very much of the same mindset when I initially heard the song, but watching their music show performances really changed my mind. They looked like they were having a great time, and I really loved the choreo! They actually allowed each member to get a chance to perform the dance break, which I loved. I haven’t seen other groups do that before.

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        You’re right; they are fun to watch! I just watched a couple of the music show performances and their dance practice (which I love because they’re singing it live, and that’s also something I’ve haven’t really seen a group do before and it makes it so fun). Looks like I’ll have to pay more attention to them in the future :).

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          I had watched their dance practice when it was released, and I don’t think I even noticed it was sung live. 😂 Well, now I can like them even more, because they sound great! I especially love their dance move at 2:46.

          I can only think of one group that did their dance practice and sung it live. I’m thinking it may have been ITZY.

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            I didn’t realize it at first either! The comment section alerted me.

            I think Han from Stray Kids did his rap live in one of their dps. That’s the only thing I could think of besides the occasional “Whoo!” or “Let’s go!” I’ll see if I can find the ITZY one.

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            It’s this one: ITZY “Not Shy” Stage Practice. I think MCND’s sounds steadier, and it doesn’t sound like they sang some of the lines.

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            Pretty decent, but yeah MCND’s is better. Granted, Crush is not a very sing-y song – more melodic rap – so I image that is easier to pull off while dancing.

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The girls are back! Seriously though, this is a fantastic summer song! If you like this, their new mini-album is also great. #BVIPP

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Below is my very unimpressive list of dramas I completed in 2020. There were definitely a lot of good dramas airing. I just kept spoiling myself, because I’m terrible with keeping up with dramas as they’re airing. I mean, I started over twenty dramas that aired last year, but I’m still slowly getting through them.

I’m hoping this year I’ll be able to keep up with live-watching better (and to stop actively seeking out spoilers because I’m impatient).

K-Drama’s Completed in 2020

Okay, so most of these are web dramas, so they might not even technically count. Oh well.

*Crash Landing on You
Dear My Name
*Love Buzz
Mute
*My Holo Love
SF8: Blink
*SF8: Joan’s Galaxy
SF8: Manxin
SF8: The Prayer
Strong Woman Do Bong Soon
*Timing
Two Lights: Relumino

Key:
* = dramas I would rewatch
dramas that came out in 2020
my most-liked dramas released in 2020

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“A Piece Of Your Mind” To Be Shortened By 4 Episodes

Well this is a… disappointment. I\’m assuming it\’s due to the low ratings. I actually like A Piece of Your Mind better than I\’ll Find You On a Beautiful Day. (I know, I know. Where did my taste go?) FYI, I’ve only watched the first 3 episodes of each, so these opinions may very well change.

Just hope the rest of the drama doesn’t suffer because of this decision.

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    I’m sorry but NOOOOO. I thought Korea doesn’t do this! Just when I was starting to really like this pairing!

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      I don’t think it happens often, but maybe because it’s a TVN drama (which usually gets quite good ratings), they decided to do this. Either way, of course it has to be a drama that I’m kind of loving so far.

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        They were probably expecting more with these two at the head. I guess. I dont know how big they are in Korea (only how big they are in my heart. which is pretty dang big.) All kidding aside, I thought that both of their most recent dramas got good ratings. They were probably expecting more. (I blame JiSoo and her stupid face)

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    I want to think it may not be a bad thing actually, because maybe the number of weird things happening in the show with all the weird characters (which I ADORE) may be reduce to a number I’m not confused all the time.
    And maybe some plotlines I don’t really get may have to be explained sooner (landlady and tenant strange relationship, strange ahjumma who has to post on IG at specific hours, InWook not talking about dead wife…).

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Does anyone know if Kingdom is planned for more than 2 seasons? I don\’t usually start \’currently airing\’ shows because of the risk of cancellation.

And it\’s Netflix, so even more of a risk.

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    I believe it was always planned as 3 short seasons.

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      Oh, okay. Thanks! I’ll probably wait until the 3rd season to watch then. Really not liking Netflix’s model of dragging K-dramas out.

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Here is the list of dramas I completed in 2019. Very short and only 1 bean. I did start many dramas, but none seemed to really keep my interest. Here\’s hoping to a better 2020! Italicized dramas were released in ’19. Dramas with a * are ones I’d rewatch.

*The Boy Next Door
Everything and Nothing
Her Private Life
How to Hate You
*Love Buzz (just rewatched this one today)
Moonlight Drawn by Clouds
Persona
*Sungkyunkwan Scandal
Thirty But Seventeen

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