Beyond Evil is fun to watch since I love SHK and YJG (esp when he takes on darker roles). The first 2 eps were kinda predictable, but I’ll stick with it and see.
– idk why it looks like Dong-sik is the killer already? After ep 1 and thru most of ep 2, things really shaped up to make it look like Dong-sik is this misunderstood non-murdery guy. But I guess they really hit that point on the head repeatedly to build up to this “reveal” at the end of ep 2. If this turns out to be like a multiple personalities trope, then I honestly will drop. Idk that is kinda overused.
– also it is always fun to watch YJG takes on darker / serious roles. But here, I just feel like the way his relationship with his father is written makes Ju-won sounds more like a brat who wants to stand out on his own than anything else. Maybe this is just my very shallow first impression. I was expecting some darker twists to it and it does seem like his dad is a sleazy person, considering whatever role he played in the not-investigation of Yu-yeon’s disppearance. Still…. ALSO THO – did it ever mention why Ju-won latched onto this case? Well I guess that’s part of the ~mystery~ lol. i’d like a hint now, or some sort of like foreshadows to keep me interested / guessing. Right now I’m more confused than anything else. lols
– also also, is it just me, or is the editing / directing /writing (lols) make all these very obvious foreshadows even more obvious? the nail polish comment, the phone’s unlock pattern being shown, alllllllll the moments and testaments that show Dong-sik as a kind-hearted but misunderstood person, etc. It bothers me when the show spells things out like this. Give the viewers some wiggle room to think for themselves, plz.
After like months, Sisyphus brings me back to DB. haha. I hope all is well with everybeanie!
I have v conflicting feels and spoilers-full comments below. Proceed with caution~
– I love, love Jo Seung Woo. He’s really is the only reason I’m still watching. Also, I can’t remember ever seeing him takes on a character with a bratty side like Tae-sul. It’s so fun!
– All the wild action sequences and impossible scientific feats: how did that flimsy piece of plastic/glass and ducktape manage to patch that giant hole in the airplane’s window? how fast does the news travel that Tae-sul’s coworker can pull up news reports about the airplane about to crash during the same phone call? can you really, really get any DNA samples from cremated remains (no)? why do all the people-from-the-future wear barely anything (good) clothes but their suitcases are custom-fitted to neatly display all their belongings? what exactly is Q20 and Quantum and Time’s products?
I miss JSW portraying an emotional character. He said his character has large fluctuation in his emotion and appearance. I am looking forward to it the most.
Minus those illogical scenes, the premise is actually quite interesting. Quite fun to watch.
Same! It is so much fun to watch! I mean like the drama is shot and edited so beautifully – that alone is eye candy. Plus the two leads (and the random undressing scene of that one guy lols). I honestly am looking forward to the dynamics between JSW and PSH’s characters. I’m a sucker for the wimpy male lead + badass female lead combo.
Ditto on the impossible scientific things. Re DNA from cremated remains, not possible from ashes. However, if there are bone or tooth fragments left , could be, but a very, very, very low possibility its almost zero. Nevertheless, i just decided to let these go, suspended disbelief for now while i watch until i cant.LOL
I feel sad for River Where the Moon is Somewhere, I could suspend my disbelief so easily in this one (I even chuckled approvingly 😅) but I nitpicked everything about River. I’m a very biased Beanie I guess.
LOL! I have not started with River yet.. i dont think I can handle 1 sageuk after another (Mr. Queen), though I loved that one. I plan to watch River once it had completed its run.. 1 less nitpicker for that show. Let me know if you will recommend it.
I guess you might need other Beanies’ recommendations. I dropped River after I finished the first ep. I’m very bad at sticking with any show that I am not invested in or I don’t feel like watching at that particular moment. I started River because I wanted to have fun with some Beanies but then the hobbit house happened and I couldn’t. 🤣
I started watching The Great Show which aired a while ago. I’m only on ep 2 but it’s fun so far. It’s about a politician whose image is ruined and he ends up finding out he has a daughter and he takes in her and her siblings. It looks like it will be a fun comedy.
Oh!!!! I had heard of that. I think I watched the first episode but somehow lost track of it. I really should continue! I’m so in the mood for something fun with a light dose of emotions right now. Thank you for your comment/reminder that TGS exists. hehe 🙂
It’s an emotional drama, but overall it’s focused on healing. It’s not funny for the most part and it’s pretty serious; however, it has a pretty happy ending.
it’s not necessarily sad, but something tragic does happen that sort of sets into motion the rest of the things that happen for the remainder of the drama.
I realized that I am in the mood for more melo dramas lately (I just finished “Do You Like Brahms?” not too long ago), so I actually like it 🙂 It’s nice and calm
Oh no! Fan wars aren’t fun. 🙁 I’m sorry it’s cutting into the fun of watching the show. I’m currently watching Uncanny too and really enjoying it! I love the two badass main ladies, Sejeong and Yeom Hye-ran!
Am 5 episodes into The Spies Who Loved Me, and Yoo In-na is reminding me again why she’s such a gem. I’m so bummed this one is streaming on iQIYI. It deserves more love and attention and would have a better chance of getting that on Netflix or Viki.
I caught win of this drama from Dramas Over Flower podcast a week or so back. It sounds like a hoot! I love Yoo In-na too! She’s such a great actress <3 I've gotten a bad habit of relying on only Netflix for new kdramas and really just missing out on many good ones.
Same – if it’s not on Netflix or Viki, I generally just move on to the next thing on my list that is. But Spies is worth going over to iQIYI and putting up with a few ads. I don’t see enough in their catalogue to make it worth a subscription for me, and the casting quality from (from both app to TV or from laptop TV – I’ve tried both) is really poor compared to Viki, honestly. So I’m pretty bummed that this one isn’t on a different platform, because the cast is great, and this a thoroughly enjoyable show.
hehehehe tbh I think I know half the deets I know about Kairos from your posts! I’m really enjoying all the images you shared. I’m so going to give it a shot~ :3
To be honest…I haven’t shared details much on my fanwall. I think it’s best not to spoil the drama for potential future watchers while it’s still airing 🤣. I think it would be more fun to watch without knowing spoilers ahaha~
FoS season 2 finale: I’m over the moon and currently coming down from the emotional rollercoaster that is this episode. More SPOILDERY thoughts in the comments below so beware!!!
I will continue to sing praises for this show forever and ever, and here are a few scattered thoughts my brain is able to sustain today. (Warning for saltiness and extreme biases since I have ~strong~ opinions and feelings about FoS).
I love both seasons equally and I keep saying this, but I think that in order to really appreciate season 2, we need a lot of information from season 1. And season 2 is not so much as a sequel but a continuation if that makes sense. So much of what gives the emotional weight to a lot of the scenes in season 2 (as related to character developments) is a built-up from what we saw in season 1. I truly want to wax poetics about our duo, Yeo-jin and Shi-mok, but that’s another topic for another time. Briefly, it’s that I freaking love them – I love everything about their partnership, about the progression of said partnership, and how that progression affects and shapes each of them personally and professionally. Season 1 was a weight on Shi-mok’s shoulders, and season 2 was a weight on Yeo-jin’s. And in both, we see them stand up for each other and support one another. Gosh, they are the definition of a fucking dream team, folks!
I absolutely cannot wait to rewatch both seasons now, and will most likely gush about them on the beanies wall. You have been warned. I wonder how that might change my feeling about the pacing of season 2, especially the middle episodes where most folks think nothing was happening. I would argue that that feeling was invoked on purpose – but feel free to cancel me if you disagree.
I’m glad that our weasel survives and continues on with his dramatic ways. Never change, Seon Dong-jae.
Shi-mok’s dream, the dinner with Yeo-jin, and Yeo-jin’s visiting Mr. Yoon in prison – that whole sequence makes me cry and I’m not even mad about it. These PREVIOUS NUGGETS. *sniffles*
(I just want to write a paper on this show, and this sequence, instead of my art history project. But I guess life isn’t always about what you want. SIGH.)
more coherent thoughts coming later when my brain gets back online. thnx folks.
ALSO what Prosecutor Kim said about how Shi-mok and Yeo-jin’s partnership should be the model for collaboration between the prosecution and the police is of course spot on and common knowledge at this point LOLS but also telling that he immediately followed that comment with how things didn’t work out so well between Chief Choi and Chief Woo. Buddy, that’s because Woo is a sleazy sleaze bag and Choi is a product of working so long in a misogynistic environment that convinced her that she would never get anywhere AS A WOMAN and without connections/favors to call in.
Both Shi-mok and Yeo-jin are very confident in their abilities, re. Yeo-jin’s comment to Choi Bit outside her apartment – “don’t underestimate yourself”. DAMN IT.
OK. I’m good now.
I would like to formally apologize for thinking and suspecting that Prosecutor Jung Min-ha was just there as SDJ’s affair simply because she was trying to be so helpful and also seemingly have things to hide.
The moment she pointed out the connection to the drowning case, I was like oh yea oopsie I was wrong. She was trying to get her voice heard and her opinion taken seriously in this male-dominated workplace. It warms my heart that Shi-mok sends the Segok station case to her.
Yeah, I spent a good part of the drama thinking SDJ might be having an affair or his wife might be having an affair. In fact, SDJ was just trying to be a good mentor (out of regret over Eun-seo) and I was just holding it against his wife for not reacting exactly the way I expected (this is of course the drama’s way of pushing at our expectations and of the “fog” which law enforcement operate; tellingly, the things that seemed shady for most of this drama — the suicide, the team members from the police station, the uncle, SDJ’s relationship with the junior prosecutor, SDJ’s wife’s behaviour, the couple from Tongyeong, etc. — turned out not to be as shady as we thought whereas the kidnapper/murderer was somebody really unexpected and who seemed super sympathetic at first).
No, I also agreed that she was fully aware of her own choices, but sometimes it’s hard to realize why you make the choices you do beyond the surface-level of “bc i want that” kind of answer. You’re shaped by your environment as much as anything else, and I think this aspect of Choi’s downfall is from that. It doesn’t mean that that is the only reason that leads to her downfall, but oftentimes that’s what’s forgotten when we look at someone’s motivation.
Agreed. I think Choi Bit is a complex character. Her downfall is, in many ways, a product of characteristics that, in other circumstances, would be admirable.
By contrast, Woo Tae-ha was always disreputable and we knew he was a bad guy from the outset. However, the interesting thing is that, although Kim Sa-hyun initially seemed very similar to WTH, it turned out that KSH was significantly better (although even KSH ends this show as a bit of ambivalent character). It goes to show that these things only become clearer with time, as details little and big accumulate.
One character whom I wished got comeuppance was that Superintendent General who was present at the police-prosecutor councils. I felt like that guy was just like that Intelligence Director who sacrificed Choi Bit.
another thing I would add is Yeo-jin’s conversation with Yoon in prison. She had an inkling that he might commit suicide or done something drastic based on Shi-mok’s dream. And what she said to him – something along the line of your one bad decision doesn’t determine who you are as a person – really sums up how the writer creates these characters.
It’s not enough to simply peg someone as a villain or hero. it’s more interesting to make them complex/multifaceted with considerations to their upbringings and environments.
Really, I was confused about why Yoon was standing with LCJ and Eun-soo until I saw his face when Yeo-Jin came to visit.. it was a brilliant sequence. I first thought the dream was just about people who compromised to pursue their own form of justice, but when LCJ stopped SDJ from coming over, I didn’t know what to make of Yoon standing there since he was still technically alive. Really well done..
When she heard of the dream she needed to go and see Yoon to let him know that the victim needed him to live so that he could be reconciled to him and to what had happened. I loved how she put that obligation on him and he got it. Yoon looked so bad and so despairing, and she did it to save him. She also didn’t let on to SM. It was so subtle and smart.
(ALSO TO ADD TO MY COMMENT ABOVE: Woo is also the product of his environment in terms of like the belief that he deserves all the fucking good things he ever wanted because of his position, of his gender, his connections, etc. If no one ever calls you out because of your seniority and power, you’d never realize how fucked you are until it’s too late and you’re fully immersed in this corrupted system. Look at the way he walks to Shi-mok and how he justifies his actions over time. It’s always about what others did that compel him to react to maintain the common good. No thank you, you douche.
This in relation makes Kim So-hyun an interesting character and makes the case for his “ambivalent” stance at the end. (I’m all for this outcome for his character btw. this is not a negative thing in my book.) KSH screamed at Woo earlier and was all freaked out once he realized there are REAL consequences, but he’s also not one to be the trailblazer like Shi-mok and bulldozes over anything that is corrupted.
After all, evil is banal and a lot of times the line between good and bad is really blurred or so thin you blink and you’ll miss it. )
FoS 2ep 14: OMG. Shi-mok just got that much hotter interrogating suspects. DAMN. We need more seasons if only just to watch him being his true badass self. *swoons* (more spoilery thoughts in comment!
I don’t have words? All I really have to say is HOT DAMN SHI-MOK. (ALSO HOT DAMN CHO SEUNG WOO).
A few things that definitely made me ok with selling my soul to FOS:
– That little tap Shi-mok gave Yeo-jin to calm her down when the student’s dad came strutting in. So fucking cute I CAN’T EVEN.
– Literally every second of every interrogation scene in this episode with Shi-mok being the freaking hottest. Gosh, confidence and intelligence are hot af. (I cannot wait to watch the behind-the-scenes of these episodes, although I doubt CSW really break at all. I just need to see his smile).
(ESPECIALLY the last one wherein he pretended to care about backlash from the prosecution. LOLS. Boy, he’s about to wipe that smug look off your face with an arrest warrant. Bye~)
– Shi-mok caught and bodily shoved the student against the car. DAMN. The whole chase scene is just beautiful.
– Shi-mok bodily pushed the dad back. JEEZE. There was a limit to how much my heart could take and this episode literally keeps pushing it.
– Shi-mok zeroed in on the clothing donation box and smacked the shit of it.
I’m not remotely sorry for my very shallow focus on Shi-mok in this episode. It is 2020, and I need anything that makes my heart sings the song of happiness instead of rage.
Next weekend, I might squeal over Yeo-jin for similar reasons. Beware.
Forest of Secrets S2 Ep.11 – some thoughts on today’s episode and more generally spanning both seasons as a whole in the comment below. Maybe contains spoilers~
Although there are a lot of questions, I feel like things are coming together more and more. There are a lot of possibilities and theories floating out there, and I’m not really subscribing to any one in particular since we know the drama is great at pulling the rug under our feet at moment’s notice. I am more incline to think that Seo Dong-jae is dead at this point, which is honestly making me feel so sad. Anyway, there’s still hope yet!
This season, we see Yeo-jin and Shi-mok’s partnership being tested via the investigative authority council/fight and Dong-jae’s kidnapping case. I really enjoy watching that unfold, especially in today’s episode. Both themselves and the world around them changed so much since we saw them last in season 1, and I really like that the show doesn’t shy away from giving us a different evolution of our beloved characters. Despite all of that, Yeo-jin and Shi-mok still come together and help each other out because ultimately, they both strive for the same goal. I’m excited to see where they will end up, personally and professionally. I’m just going to throw some ~fun~ possibilities out there – maybe they both go on a vacation somewhere beautiful and Shi-mok gets to finally enjoy a full meal with Yeo-jin without interruptions. Or they say goodbye to their government jobs and open their own private investigation office/law firm and continue to kick asses. Basically, I want our adorable duo to live their best lives! Because they have been through so much.
I really want to write more about the character developments between season 1 and 2, but that has to wait until this season ends so we get the complete story arc.
While I know that comparing the structure between the two seasons is a flawed approach, since any two scripts do not have to have the same narrative flow, I’m still dreaded the episode 13 mark. I hope we’re not stuck with a huge cliff-hanger tomorrow. ALSO, how is it that we only have 5 episodes left? (I’m excited to see Cho Seung-woo’s new drama at some point after FoS ends, but it won’t be the same, and now I’m sad again. Sigh.)
Yay!!! Both seasons have a bit different approaches I think but the writing and acting are just as awesome and the directing/cinematography/editing is even better in season 2!
Forest of Secrets S2 Ep9: My brain is still fried but I can say I’m so tensed and excited to see how things unfold! (More spoilers thoughts in the comment below, so be careful if you haven’t watch it yet!)
I love seeing Yeo-jin taking charge of the investigation and leading the news conference. I’m still worried about her working for Chief Choi but I have faith she’ll pull through without giving in.
The conversation between Shi-mok, Yeo-jin, and the other police officers about the photo is so interesting. Yeo-jin pointed out the fact that prosecution wouldn’t hand over weasel’s work history, underlining the bigger problem of investigative authority, and Shi-mok agreed without arguing or raising a fuss. If it were another prosecutor, they would no doubt deny it or becoming so fluster/angry, especially when surrounded by police officers. Yeo-jin is also being fair when pointing out the police’s biases in the same breath.
It’s hilarious that every other police officer at Yongsan groaned when they saw Shi-mok walked in. And then to see Shi-mok, Yeo-jin, and the police chief all discussing the case like they weren’t meant to be on “opposing” sides. Which I guess is the whole point – that police and prosecution need to work together and CAN work together to actually achieve something good.
Shi-mok’s question about what the symptoms of someone who is worried are is probs meant to push Prosecutor Kim to pay attention to Prosecutor Won. Dude is getting suspicious. But like Won isn’t that subtle either. I hope Kim would turn out to be an ally to Shi-mok in some ways.
Sigh. It really looks like Dong-jae’s wife might be cheating on her husband, or has other shady dealings under the table. Her comment to her younger son about “that’s not your dad” … lolol poor weasel. I hope we find him alive.
haha same!!! I hope to see him continue down this road because it is so funnnnny! He seems shady in that he totally bites into the status quo for his own benefits, but I doubt he would actually commit serious crimes.
First and foremost, sending prayers for our weasel’s safe return DESPITE THAT HORRENDOUS ENDING SCENE OF EP 7.
*crying break*
Second, every time Shi-mok attempts to eat something, I will be expecting bad news.
The scene with Chief Kang berating Shi-mok for bothering him was sad to watch, but it also makes me realize that Shi-mok HAS changed. He’s become more self-aware in a way that he wasn’t before. Sure, he’s calm and rational and detached. But his actions still affect others, and we’re starting to see him realizing/understanding that more. Just as he’s reflecting on how his behaviors affect others, Shi-mok’s also becoming more aware of his own biases despite his good intentions.
I think Seo Dong-jae’s disappearance drives that point home more. It’s totes not Shi-mok’s fault that Dong-jae was kidnapped, but I’m sure the guilt is there. Yeo-jin tried to reassure him when she said “this” didn’t happen in real life, and that they would find Dong-jae safe and sound. What surprises me most is Prosecutor Kim telling Shi-mok that if this case is affecting him emotionally, he should tell Chief Woo to pass it onto someone else. But then the bastard guilt-trip our beloved Shi-mok with “why are you not running around finding him instead of questioning me” routine, and triggered Shi-mok’s headache. Come on, asshat!!! *waving angry fists* Fight me instead!
With next weekend’s episodes preview, I have more hope that we’d find Dong-jae in time. BUT I’m also NOT going to be TOO hopeful either.
That Hanjo director guy might be the driving force behind the scene. He seems shady enough. Lee Yeon-jae doesn’t seem to know what happened with Park Kwang-su’s death, considering how she sent that sleazy ex-judge on the hunt for information without the director knowing. If he’s the culprit, I would feel so bad for Yeon-jae and her incredible bad luck with men.
On the other hand, it’s looking like Chiefs Choi and Woo were involved in the mess too. Yikes. I mean, at this point, who isn’t a suspect? But that’s what I like about a mystery/thriller story because if you’re not constantly questioning your reality, is it really a mystery?
Seeing Chief Choi doing laundry and being domestic is rather jarring. Probs just as jarring as seeing Dong-jae’s wife and kid. I appreciate that these details give our questionable characters dimensions and depths.
ALSO, makes it sad to see that Shi-mok is still alone. 🙁 Remembering the scene of him waiting at a rest stop before being summon to Seoul, watching families walked passed and looking a bit wistful. I don’t think there’s going to be romance between Shi-mok and Yeo-jin, but I hope we get to see some possibilities of Shi-mok’s own happy ending.
Ohhh, what about that female prosecutor whose name I did not catch? The one who was Dong-jae’s mentee and now working to help find him? She also seems a bit suspicious, but she’s also smart. At this point though, I’m leaning more on her being a potential culprit somehow. Hm
Also, in an interview, Cho Seung-woo has said Shi-mok would be eating something later without being bothered and that something is a vegetable. That makes me think of those carrots sticks they give you with soju in a pojangmacha. Which then makes me think of shit, what if it’s Shi-mok drinking by himself because he’s sad??? Because something bad happens????
“ Seeing Chief Choi doing laundry and being domestic is rather jarring. Probs just as jarring as seeing Dong-jae’s wife and kid. I appreciate that these details give our questionable characters dimensions and depths.”
That laundry scene is a surprise to me that we get to see the other side of a character who is so ambiguous at work but totally the other way round at home – where her kid is the priority. It adds much dimension as you do rightly observe.
Forest of Secrest S2 Ep. 7: I’m sorry, but what just happened? Why??? I guess I’ll just throw away my heart now???????? (more spoilery thoughts in comment below!)
You know, I DID NOT see that coming and this might be the understatement of the week. (I’ve made some ill-advised understatements last week, and probs more next week.) That ending scene was NOT necessary, show.
I went into this thinking that there’s no way, absolutely no way, they would hurt us SO SOON in the drama’s trajectory – if we’re thinking back on season 1 ep 13 when Eun-so died. BUT HERE WE ARE, AT EPISODE 7. Excuse me for being surprised. Granted, not every script should have the same structure but still, I hung onto this flimsy ~logic~ to protect my fragile heart.
*crying break*
And the preview – OMG. Shi-mok, hon, are you going to collapse again?! Good thing I threw away my heart so like, come at me with all the pain – it’s all just going to bounce off me now. (Is that how pain works?)
Shi-mok got so impatient when he was talking to Dong-jae’s co-workers, and when he told the female prosecutor that he too was Dong-jae’s mentee, he was clearly affected by all this. AND THEN, when Yongsan police chef said he didn’t want “this” to happen “again”, I might have screamed internally. All the foreshadowing is really all we needed. We did not need to see the ending scene.
In between waiting for new episodes of Forest of Secrets season 2, I’ve picked up C-drama A MURDEROUS AFFAIR IN HORIZON TOWER per Avenue X’ review/recommendation. I’ve got through 2 episodes so far and it’s pretty good! I’m holding off my judgement until the end since I don’t want my hopes to be crushed LOLS. The episodes are relatively short, and I genuinely like the female detective. She has that soft-spoken rookie thing going, but isn’t afraid to call out her boss on his biased comments. Any other Beanies watching/have watched it? :3
yea same but so far, it doesn’t bother me. Probs bc she’s doesn’t have a lot of scene/dialogues and even when she’s onscreen, it’s pretty tolerable (which isn’t saying a lot LOLS).
yeaaa that’s most of what her role is so far. I think in small doses spread out over the course of the 40 mins-episodes is the way to experience her acting… 😛
A DRAMA A DAY CHALLENGE @purpleshees
And I’ll close out this challenge with my favorite variety show(s):
1 NIGHT 2 DAY (season 1) – This was my first foray into K-variety and it did not disappoint!
THREE MEALS A DAY (in all its versions) – I don’t think I need to explain this at all, but season 1 sank its claw into my heart with Lee Seo-jin in a variety show setting. Gosh, I need a re-watch of this to cheer me up. All the other versions/seasons and their cast members are just as fun!!!
GRANDPAS/YOUTHS/NOONAS OVER FLOWERS series – SO GOOD.
I think I should just say anything Na PD produces is great instead of listing them out. haha 🙂
30 DAYS BOOK CHALLENGE @isthatacorner
Welps, grad school started for me half way through August and I just forgot about this challenge. I want to wrap it up with a few last mentions.
DAY 30: MY FAVORITE BOOK OF ALL TIME – CONVENIENCE STORE WOMAN by Sayaka Murata. I’ve mentioned this before, but it truly is my favorite book of all time and I cannot recommend it enough. She has a new book (or maybe a translation of one of her published works) coming out in the US in October. I totes pre-ordered it and my excitement for this is off the charts!!!!
DAY 28: FAVORITE TITLE – HOMESICK FOR ANOTHER WORLD by Ottessa Moshfegh. This is a wonderful collection of short stories!
DAY
And that’s all, folks! It has been fun! Onwards to more awesome books~
WOW. What just happened?
Just a few things here we gotta talk about before touching that ending:
– Chief Prosecutor Kang is so competent and badass. Seeing him opposite that sleazy Prosecutor Kim is such a contrast. I love that he warned the guy about using Shi-mok – it seems like all of the new players this season seriously underestimated what Shi-mok can do. Prosecutor Won got a taste of that at the end of ep 5 and Kim’s feathers were ruffled during his encounter with Shi-mok as well. Take that, punks! (I really wanted to scream that out loud while watching~)
– Lee Yeon-jae and the dinner scene, wow. It clearly hurts her that she has to use such tactics to secure her management rights, but wow, what a crazy whirlwind that conversation was. The newspaper guy might still have some sorts of feelings for her, or just a teensy tiny bit of human decency and caved when she asked after her dad. ALSO can we talk about that lipstick comment?! What a sexist asshole! It surprised me when LYJ wiped her make up off. It was a gesture of defiance because honestly, whatever she wears or does would still be spinned against her simply because she’s a woman. Urg, go burn in hell with that attitude, newspaper dude. Just leave all your shares for her. thnx.
– The conversation between Shi-mok and Yeo-jin is so sweet to watch. Their dynamic is just perfect~ I like that he showed up after having done his research and told her about his suspicions instead of threatening/coercing it out of her. AND when he asked if she still draws these days, I might have squealed a little. Gosh, now that things are taking a TURN, we really need some fluffy and funny drawings from Yeo-jin.
– side note: that white jacket Yeo-jin wore during that scene is the same one she wore in season 1 when she raced over to Shi-mok’s house in ep 13. There are also some similar suits Shi-mok wore. Idk why I fixated on their wardrobes. I guess it’s just nice to see that some things don’t change. LOLS
– Yeo-jin’s conversation with her boss gives me all the chill. I get the long game Choi Bit is playing, but Yeo-jin started to work at the Reformation unit not to take part in these games, but in hopes of implementing true reforms. Choi’s comment on how things weren’t easy for her/them back in the days and how she now just wants to bring others upward with her by giving them opportunities makes me feel a bit sad. Things definitely have not been easy for women in any workplace, let along in the police force. I admire Choi’s determination but her questionable ethics are a bit icky to watch. It’s that kind of cycle that feeds the corrupted system. Once/if the police gain investigative rights, the same kind of corruption would continue. That’s not a meaningful solution at all. I’m curious to see where this will lead, especially seeing how affected Yeo-jin is.
– AND THAT TWIST. Holy smokes! I hope our resident weasel is ok! Not gonna lie, I’m so glad that something crazy happens so that Shi-mok and Yeo-jin can team up with the rest of the detectives, like the good old days! It’s looking more and more that Shi-mok and Yeo-jin would break out on their own since both of their bosses are questionable at best and truly corrupted at worst. I can’t wait for next weekend!!! Meanwhile, fingers crossed for weasel’s safe return!!!!! We can’t have another heart break.
Forest of Secrets 2 ep. 2 = I\’ll share my thoughts in the comment below because they\’ll be spoilery, just in case any Beanies come across who haven\’t watched it yet. :3
I love the pacing so far. It’s slow but feels jampacked with information. At the end of this episode, I finally understood this whole turf war between the prosecution and the police. Yesterday, I was just confused as to why it matters who closes what cases. Lols. I’m excited to see what’s in store for our duo next but also willing to wait and take the time to let the details sink in, which is good since live watching can be a pain sometimes. :3
And hooray for Lee Yeon-jae and Seo Dong-jae being back on my screen! I want to see more of LYJ’s handling of the business and all the associated ~drama~. SDJ cracked me up when he was trying to see his case to Prosecutor Won. Still the same – wanting to maneuver his way up to the top via any path possible. And still having Shi-mok standing in his way!
Talking about Shi-mok, it makes my heart sad to see him so alone and without a place to stay. It makes sense that his apartment in Seoul is still being leased out, but like can he crash at Yeo-jin’s place??? I hope we get to explore his personal hurdles regarding his family and relationships (be it friendships or romantic partnerships). I love the changes in his demeanor towards Yeo-jin from season 1 to now, especially the dinner scene. He apologized for leaving before they could even eat, and his awkward backing out/tumbling out of the restaurant! Side note: can he ever eat in peace?! Poor guy, every time we see him with food/snacks, he gets an important phone call to meet unpleasant people.
No, the slower pacing doesn’t bother me. I wonder if I’m just too optimistic about this season, but I like what I see so far. If this season turns out to be a slow-paced and more character-driven, I’d still be down for it.
Same with me too! I had to paused while watching last season because I couldn’t process the informations but this time it’s a lot easier to process things (but we’re still in ep 2 so who knows??)
Forest of Secrets 2 ep. 1 = How I\’ve missed this show! I\’ll put all my spoilery thoughts in the comment below, so be careful if you haven\’t watched it yet!
We’re only on ep 1 but the pacing and atmosphere are very similar to season 1, which I think is a good thing. There are references to what happened in season 1 and I’m really interested to see where that might lead to now. I’m glad that these events continue to have repercussions and even though two years have passed, that’s not a lot of time when it comes to legal disputes. I’m excited to see Lee Yeon-jae coming back on screen as the badass and vengeful CEO, and see how she’s dealing with her father’s lawsuits and her husband’s death. And of course, our resident weasel Seo Dong-jae! He doesn’t seem to change one bit from the promo for ep 2. haha
It’s so good to see JSW as Hwang Shi-mok again – and really, he’s not as emotionless as he’d like you to believe. I cracked up at his exasperation when the Chief at Tongyang’s office wanted to have lunch with him after berating him for not showing up to the going-away-party the day before. :3
strawberry
February 25, 2021 at 5:46 PM
Beyond Evil is fun to watch since I love SHK and YJG (esp when he takes on darker roles). The first 2 eps were kinda predictable, but I’ll stick with it and see.
strawberry
February 25, 2021 at 5:56 PM
*** SPOILERS ****
– idk why it looks like Dong-sik is the killer already? After ep 1 and thru most of ep 2, things really shaped up to make it look like Dong-sik is this misunderstood non-murdery guy. But I guess they really hit that point on the head repeatedly to build up to this “reveal” at the end of ep 2. If this turns out to be like a multiple personalities trope, then I honestly will drop. Idk that is kinda overused.
– also it is always fun to watch YJG takes on darker / serious roles. But here, I just feel like the way his relationship with his father is written makes Ju-won sounds more like a brat who wants to stand out on his own than anything else. Maybe this is just my very shallow first impression. I was expecting some darker twists to it and it does seem like his dad is a sleazy person, considering whatever role he played in the not-investigation of Yu-yeon’s disppearance. Still…. ALSO THO – did it ever mention why Ju-won latched onto this case? Well I guess that’s part of the ~mystery~ lol. i’d like a hint now, or some sort of like foreshadows to keep me interested / guessing. Right now I’m more confused than anything else. lols
– also also, is it just me, or is the editing / directing /writing (lols) make all these very obvious foreshadows even more obvious? the nail polish comment, the phone’s unlock pattern being shown, alllllllll the moments and testaments that show Dong-sik as a kind-hearted but misunderstood person, etc. It bothers me when the show spells things out like this. Give the viewers some wiggle room to think for themselves, plz.
strawberry
February 19, 2021 at 10:28 AM
After like months, Sisyphus brings me back to DB. haha. I hope all is well with everybeanie!
I have v conflicting feels and spoilers-full comments below. Proceed with caution~
strawberry
February 19, 2021 at 10:35 AM
– I love, love Jo Seung Woo. He’s really is the only reason I’m still watching. Also, I can’t remember ever seeing him takes on a character with a bratty side like Tae-sul. It’s so fun!
– All the wild action sequences and impossible scientific feats: how did that flimsy piece of plastic/glass and ducktape manage to patch that giant hole in the airplane’s window? how fast does the news travel that Tae-sul’s coworker can pull up news reports about the airplane about to crash during the same phone call? can you really, really get any DNA samples from cremated remains (no)? why do all the people-from-the-future wear barely anything (good) clothes but their suitcases are custom-fitted to neatly display all their belongings? what exactly is Q20 and Quantum and Time’s products?
strawberry
February 19, 2021 at 10:36 AM
I know logic isn’t what this drama is going for, and I think I’ve made peace with that fact. I still need to poke at it. haha
Ally
February 19, 2021 at 1:51 PM
Keep poking! I have to start this one—hopefully, this weekend!
strawberry
February 19, 2021 at 3:08 PM
Pls do! Join the fun! It is impressive to watch but also funny in its logic.
SeeSamME
February 19, 2021 at 4:53 PM
I miss JSW portraying an emotional character. He said his character has large fluctuation in his emotion and appearance. I am looking forward to it the most.
Minus those illogical scenes, the premise is actually quite interesting. Quite fun to watch.
strawberry
February 19, 2021 at 5:47 PM
Same! It is so much fun to watch! I mean like the drama is shot and edited so beautifully – that alone is eye candy. Plus the two leads (and the random undressing scene of that one guy lols). I honestly am looking forward to the dynamics between JSW and PSH’s characters. I’m a sucker for the wimpy male lead + badass female lead combo.
Jingbee
February 19, 2021 at 7:11 PM
Ditto on the impossible scientific things. Re DNA from cremated remains, not possible from ashes. However, if there are bone or tooth fragments left , could be, but a very, very, very low possibility its almost zero. Nevertheless, i just decided to let these go, suspended disbelief for now while i watch until i cant.LOL
mmmmm
February 19, 2021 at 10:33 PM
LOL thanks for the info Jingbee!
I feel sad for River Where the Moon is Somewhere, I could suspend my disbelief so easily in this one (I even chuckled approvingly 😅) but I nitpicked everything about River. I’m a very biased Beanie I guess.
Hmmmmmmm 😳
Jingbee
February 20, 2021 at 12:56 AM
LOL! I have not started with River yet.. i dont think I can handle 1 sageuk after another (Mr. Queen), though I loved that one. I plan to watch River once it had completed its run.. 1 less nitpicker for that show. Let me know if you will recommend it.
mmmmm
February 20, 2021 at 1:07 AM
I guess you might need other Beanies’ recommendations. I dropped River after I finished the first ep. I’m very bad at sticking with any show that I am not invested in or I don’t feel like watching at that particular moment. I started River because I wanted to have fun with some Beanies but then the hobbit house happened and I couldn’t. 🤣
strawberry
November 30, 2020 at 9:52 AM
Hello Beanies! What’s everybeanie watching right now? I started Uncanny Counter as my comeback to kdramaland after FoS2 ended. 😀
RaOnAh loves Jay B 💚
November 30, 2020 at 9:55 AM
I started watching The Great Show which aired a while ago. I’m only on ep 2 but it’s fun so far. It’s about a politician whose image is ruined and he ends up finding out he has a daughter and he takes in her and her siblings. It looks like it will be a fun comedy.
strawberry
November 30, 2020 at 9:58 AM
Oh!!!! I had heard of that. I think I watched the first episode but somehow lost track of it. I really should continue! I’m so in the mood for something fun with a light dose of emotions right now. Thank you for your comment/reminder that TGS exists. hehe 🙂
RaOnAh loves Jay B 💚
November 30, 2020 at 10:56 AM
Same here. I meant to watch it when it came out but never did. I really wanted something light and fun and I think this will be perfect 🙂
Bebe | Nessa❣️
November 30, 2020 at 10:13 AM
I started “A Piece of Your Mind” before the weekend, and just finished Episode 3 this morning 🙂
strawberry
November 30, 2020 at 10:48 AM
ohhhh is it sad? how do u like it so far?
Maq
November 30, 2020 at 12:02 PM
It’s an emotional drama, but overall it’s focused on healing. It’s not funny for the most part and it’s pretty serious; however, it has a pretty happy ending.
strawberry
November 30, 2020 at 12:17 PM
good good~ thanks for the heads-up! 🙂 I don’t mind all the potential crying as long as it is resolved in a happy way.
Bebe | Nessa❣️
November 30, 2020 at 1:51 PM
it’s not necessarily sad, but something tragic does happen that sort of sets into motion the rest of the things that happen for the remainder of the drama.
I realized that I am in the mood for more melo dramas lately (I just finished “Do You Like Brahms?” not too long ago), so I actually like it 🙂 It’s nice and calm
maono
November 30, 2020 at 11:18 AM
I asked the same question few days ago, and started Kairos because it was recommended to me. It’s seriously good !
strawberry
November 30, 2020 at 12:16 PM
ohhh fun! I only saw the poster and not sure what it is about, but it looks like a fun action-filled drama. I’ll give it a try! Thnx! :3
Kairoskat 💐
November 30, 2020 at 1:56 PM
Wohoooo~~~ yay. Let’s watch together. Ep 1 – 9 were great. Ep 10 will air today and I hope it will good till the end~~ 😊
mindy
November 30, 2020 at 12:58 PM
Watching Start-Up and Uncanny! I’m enjoying Start-Up, but really not enjoying the fan wars. 🙃
strawberry
November 30, 2020 at 2:15 PM
Oh no! Fan wars aren’t fun. 🙁 I’m sorry it’s cutting into the fun of watching the show. I’m currently watching Uncanny too and really enjoying it! I love the two badass main ladies, Sejeong and Yeom Hye-ran!
OLakes
November 30, 2020 at 1:47 PM
Am 5 episodes into The Spies Who Loved Me, and Yoo In-na is reminding me again why she’s such a gem. I’m so bummed this one is streaming on iQIYI. It deserves more love and attention and would have a better chance of getting that on Netflix or Viki.
strawberry
November 30, 2020 at 2:17 PM
I caught win of this drama from Dramas Over Flower podcast a week or so back. It sounds like a hoot! I love Yoo In-na too! She’s such a great actress <3 I've gotten a bad habit of relying on only Netflix for new kdramas and really just missing out on many good ones.
OLakes
November 30, 2020 at 11:39 PM
Same – if it’s not on Netflix or Viki, I generally just move on to the next thing on my list that is. But Spies is worth going over to iQIYI and putting up with a few ads. I don’t see enough in their catalogue to make it worth a subscription for me, and the casting quality from (from both app to TV or from laptop TV – I’ve tried both) is really poor compared to Viki, honestly. So I’m pretty bummed that this one isn’t on a different platform, because the cast is great, and this a thoroughly enjoyable show.
strawberry
December 1, 2020 at 11:09 AM
hopefully one day it will be on more platforms!!! But I will for sure seek this out!
OLakes
December 1, 2020 at 11:28 AM
I’m glad – I hope you enjoy it! 😊
Kairoskat 💐
November 30, 2020 at 1:53 PM
Kairos~ watch Kairos with me~~~
#kairospromoagenda😆
strawberry
November 30, 2020 at 2:18 PM
hehehehe tbh I think I know half the deets I know about Kairos from your posts! I’m really enjoying all the images you shared. I’m so going to give it a shot~ :3
Kairoskat 💐
November 30, 2020 at 2:39 PM
To be honest…I haven’t shared details much on my fanwall. I think it’s best not to spoil the drama for potential future watchers while it’s still airing 🤣. I think it would be more fun to watch without knowing spoilers ahaha~
strawberry
November 30, 2020 at 3:15 PM
i think i clumped all of the images of shin sung-rok into the same categories as Kairos the drama. that says a lot about how i see things lololols
strawberry
October 4, 2020 at 10:34 AM
FoS season 2 finale: I’m over the moon and currently coming down from the emotional rollercoaster that is this episode. More SPOILDERY thoughts in the comments below so beware!!!
strawberry
October 4, 2020 at 10:53 AM
HOLY SMOKES.
WOW.
I will continue to sing praises for this show forever and ever, and here are a few scattered thoughts my brain is able to sustain today. (Warning for saltiness and extreme biases since I have ~strong~ opinions and feelings about FoS).
I love both seasons equally and I keep saying this, but I think that in order to really appreciate season 2, we need a lot of information from season 1. And season 2 is not so much as a sequel but a continuation if that makes sense. So much of what gives the emotional weight to a lot of the scenes in season 2 (as related to character developments) is a built-up from what we saw in season 1. I truly want to wax poetics about our duo, Yeo-jin and Shi-mok, but that’s another topic for another time. Briefly, it’s that I freaking love them – I love everything about their partnership, about the progression of said partnership, and how that progression affects and shapes each of them personally and professionally. Season 1 was a weight on Shi-mok’s shoulders, and season 2 was a weight on Yeo-jin’s. And in both, we see them stand up for each other and support one another. Gosh, they are the definition of a fucking dream team, folks!
I absolutely cannot wait to rewatch both seasons now, and will most likely gush about them on the beanies wall. You have been warned. I wonder how that might change my feeling about the pacing of season 2, especially the middle episodes where most folks think nothing was happening. I would argue that that feeling was invoked on purpose – but feel free to cancel me if you disagree.
I’m glad that our weasel survives and continues on with his dramatic ways. Never change, Seon Dong-jae.
Shi-mok’s dream, the dinner with Yeo-jin, and Yeo-jin’s visiting Mr. Yoon in prison – that whole sequence makes me cry and I’m not even mad about it. These PREVIOUS NUGGETS. *sniffles*
(I just want to write a paper on this show, and this sequence, instead of my art history project. But I guess life isn’t always about what you want. SIGH.)
more coherent thoughts coming later when my brain gets back online. thnx folks.
strawberry
October 4, 2020 at 10:59 AM
ALSO what Prosecutor Kim said about how Shi-mok and Yeo-jin’s partnership should be the model for collaboration between the prosecution and the police is of course spot on and common knowledge at this point LOLS but also telling that he immediately followed that comment with how things didn’t work out so well between Chief Choi and Chief Woo. Buddy, that’s because Woo is a sleazy sleaze bag and Choi is a product of working so long in a misogynistic environment that convinced her that she would never get anywhere AS A WOMAN and without connections/favors to call in.
Both Shi-mok and Yeo-jin are very confident in their abilities, re. Yeo-jin’s comment to Choi Bit outside her apartment – “don’t underestimate yourself”. DAMN IT.
OK. I’m good now.
strawberry
October 4, 2020 at 11:05 AM
WAIT ONE MORE THING:
I would like to formally apologize for thinking and suspecting that Prosecutor Jung Min-ha was just there as SDJ’s affair simply because she was trying to be so helpful and also seemingly have things to hide.
The moment she pointed out the connection to the drowning case, I was like oh yea oopsie I was wrong. She was trying to get her voice heard and her opinion taken seriously in this male-dominated workplace. It warms my heart that Shi-mok sends the Segok station case to her.
Maq
October 4, 2020 at 11:47 AM
Yeah, I spent a good part of the drama thinking SDJ might be having an affair or his wife might be having an affair. In fact, SDJ was just trying to be a good mentor (out of regret over Eun-seo) and I was just holding it against his wife for not reacting exactly the way I expected (this is of course the drama’s way of pushing at our expectations and of the “fog” which law enforcement operate; tellingly, the things that seemed shady for most of this drama — the suicide, the team members from the police station, the uncle, SDJ’s relationship with the junior prosecutor, SDJ’s wife’s behaviour, the couple from Tongyeong, etc. — turned out not to be as shady as we thought whereas the kidnapper/murderer was somebody really unexpected and who seemed super sympathetic at first).
Maq
October 4, 2020 at 11:42 AM
Agree that there is a component of misogyny to CB’s downfall, but I think this potentially downplays her own role in her fate.
strawberry
October 4, 2020 at 11:56 AM
No, I also agreed that she was fully aware of her own choices, but sometimes it’s hard to realize why you make the choices you do beyond the surface-level of “bc i want that” kind of answer. You’re shaped by your environment as much as anything else, and I think this aspect of Choi’s downfall is from that. It doesn’t mean that that is the only reason that leads to her downfall, but oftentimes that’s what’s forgotten when we look at someone’s motivation.
Maq
October 4, 2020 at 12:10 PM
Agreed. I think Choi Bit is a complex character. Her downfall is, in many ways, a product of characteristics that, in other circumstances, would be admirable.
By contrast, Woo Tae-ha was always disreputable and we knew he was a bad guy from the outset. However, the interesting thing is that, although Kim Sa-hyun initially seemed very similar to WTH, it turned out that KSH was significantly better (although even KSH ends this show as a bit of ambivalent character). It goes to show that these things only become clearer with time, as details little and big accumulate.
One character whom I wished got comeuppance was that Superintendent General who was present at the police-prosecutor councils. I felt like that guy was just like that Intelligence Director who sacrificed Choi Bit.
strawberry
October 4, 2020 at 12:44 PM
another thing I would add is Yeo-jin’s conversation with Yoon in prison. She had an inkling that he might commit suicide or done something drastic based on Shi-mok’s dream. And what she said to him – something along the line of your one bad decision doesn’t determine who you are as a person – really sums up how the writer creates these characters.
It’s not enough to simply peg someone as a villain or hero. it’s more interesting to make them complex/multifaceted with considerations to their upbringings and environments.
Maq
October 4, 2020 at 2:13 PM
I mean Yoon did more than one bad thing tbh. He did several bad things. But I agree otherwise.
asterell
October 4, 2020 at 2:15 PM
Really, I was confused about why Yoon was standing with LCJ and Eun-soo until I saw his face when Yeo-Jin came to visit.. it was a brilliant sequence. I first thought the dream was just about people who compromised to pursue their own form of justice, but when LCJ stopped SDJ from coming over, I didn’t know what to make of Yoon standing there since he was still technically alive. Really well done..
dramalover4ever
October 4, 2020 at 3:45 PM
When she heard of the dream she needed to go and see Yoon to let him know that the victim needed him to live so that he could be reconciled to him and to what had happened. I loved how she put that obligation on him and he got it. Yoon looked so bad and so despairing, and she did it to save him. She also didn’t let on to SM. It was so subtle and smart.
strawberry
October 4, 2020 at 2:03 PM
(ALSO TO ADD TO MY COMMENT ABOVE: Woo is also the product of his environment in terms of like the belief that he deserves all the fucking good things he ever wanted because of his position, of his gender, his connections, etc. If no one ever calls you out because of your seniority and power, you’d never realize how fucked you are until it’s too late and you’re fully immersed in this corrupted system. Look at the way he walks to Shi-mok and how he justifies his actions over time. It’s always about what others did that compel him to react to maintain the common good. No thank you, you douche.
This in relation makes Kim So-hyun an interesting character and makes the case for his “ambivalent” stance at the end. (I’m all for this outcome for his character btw. this is not a negative thing in my book.) KSH screamed at Woo earlier and was all freaked out once he realized there are REAL consequences, but he’s also not one to be the trailblazer like Shi-mok and bulldozes over anything that is corrupted.
After all, evil is banal and a lot of times the line between good and bad is really blurred or so thin you blink and you’ll miss it. )
strawberry
October 4, 2020 at 2:04 PM
*talks
jeeze i’m not emotionally stable enuf to write anything coherent
strawberry
September 27, 2020 at 8:44 AM
FoS 2ep 14: OMG. Shi-mok just got that much hotter interrogating suspects. DAMN. We need more seasons if only just to watch him being his true badass self. *swoons* (more spoilery thoughts in comment!
neener ~ Inside the Magic Shop ~
September 27, 2020 at 8:46 AM
That look in the last few seconds?? CHILLS!
strawberry
September 27, 2020 at 8:57 AM
HOT DAMN.
strawberry
September 27, 2020 at 8:55 AM
WOW.
WEASEL.
ALL HAIL WEASEL.
*blessed*
Cool. Cool. Cool.
ALSO. OMG.
I screamed.
I don’t have words? All I really have to say is HOT DAMN SHI-MOK. (ALSO HOT DAMN CHO SEUNG WOO).
A few things that definitely made me ok with selling my soul to FOS:
– That little tap Shi-mok gave Yeo-jin to calm her down when the student’s dad came strutting in. So fucking cute I CAN’T EVEN.
– Literally every second of every interrogation scene in this episode with Shi-mok being the freaking hottest. Gosh, confidence and intelligence are hot af. (I cannot wait to watch the behind-the-scenes of these episodes, although I doubt CSW really break at all. I just need to see his smile).
(ESPECIALLY the last one wherein he pretended to care about backlash from the prosecution. LOLS. Boy, he’s about to wipe that smug look off your face with an arrest warrant. Bye~)
– Shi-mok caught and bodily shoved the student against the car. DAMN. The whole chase scene is just beautiful.
– Shi-mok bodily pushed the dad back. JEEZE. There was a limit to how much my heart could take and this episode literally keeps pushing it.
– Shi-mok zeroed in on the clothing donation box and smacked the shit of it.
I’m not remotely sorry for my very shallow focus on Shi-mok in this episode. It is 2020, and I need anything that makes my heart sings the song of happiness instead of rage.
Next weekend, I might squeal over Yeo-jin for similar reasons. Beware.
neener ~ Inside the Magic Shop ~
September 27, 2020 at 9:09 AM
YES TO ALL!
Eazal
September 27, 2020 at 12:29 PM
Several times YES if necessary!!!
PYC
September 27, 2020 at 9:11 AM
Love your scene by scene song sheets of wuri Shi-mok. How can an emotionless person arouse so much emotion from all of us?
dee23
September 27, 2020 at 9:22 AM
Let’s not forget Yeojin’s “Next time, it’ll be obstruction of justice. You’re his senior not mine.” #boss
strawberry
September 27, 2020 at 9:23 AM
truly, our fearless queen!
strawberry
September 19, 2020 at 12:27 PM
Forest of Secrets S2 Ep.11 – some thoughts on today’s episode and more generally spanning both seasons as a whole in the comment below. Maybe contains spoilers~
strawberry
September 19, 2020 at 12:28 PM
Although there are a lot of questions, I feel like things are coming together more and more. There are a lot of possibilities and theories floating out there, and I’m not really subscribing to any one in particular since we know the drama is great at pulling the rug under our feet at moment’s notice. I am more incline to think that Seo Dong-jae is dead at this point, which is honestly making me feel so sad. Anyway, there’s still hope yet!
This season, we see Yeo-jin and Shi-mok’s partnership being tested via the investigative authority council/fight and Dong-jae’s kidnapping case. I really enjoy watching that unfold, especially in today’s episode. Both themselves and the world around them changed so much since we saw them last in season 1, and I really like that the show doesn’t shy away from giving us a different evolution of our beloved characters. Despite all of that, Yeo-jin and Shi-mok still come together and help each other out because ultimately, they both strive for the same goal. I’m excited to see where they will end up, personally and professionally. I’m just going to throw some ~fun~ possibilities out there – maybe they both go on a vacation somewhere beautiful and Shi-mok gets to finally enjoy a full meal with Yeo-jin without interruptions. Or they say goodbye to their government jobs and open their own private investigation office/law firm and continue to kick asses. Basically, I want our adorable duo to live their best lives! Because they have been through so much.
I really want to write more about the character developments between season 1 and 2, but that has to wait until this season ends so we get the complete story arc.
While I know that comparing the structure between the two seasons is a flawed approach, since any two scripts do not have to have the same narrative flow, I’m still dreaded the episode 13 mark. I hope we’re not stuck with a huge cliff-hanger tomorrow. ALSO, how is it that we only have 5 episodes left? (I’m excited to see Cho Seung-woo’s new drama at some point after FoS ends, but it won’t be the same, and now I’m sad again. Sigh.)
strawberry
September 14, 2020 at 7:42 AM
FOS S2 Ep10: YIKES! I love love love how things are unfolding, and at this point, I can confidently say that I love both seasons equally!!
Possum
September 15, 2020 at 3:51 AM
Cool! I’ve just started rewatching season 1 and hope to go on to season 2. 💪
strawberry
September 15, 2020 at 7:39 AM
Yay!!! Both seasons have a bit different approaches I think but the writing and acting are just as awesome and the directing/cinematography/editing is even better in season 2!
strawberry
September 12, 2020 at 10:51 AM
Forest of Secrets S2 Ep9: My brain is still fried but I can say I’m so tensed and excited to see how things unfold! (More spoilers thoughts in the comment below, so be careful if you haven’t watch it yet!)
strawberry
September 12, 2020 at 10:51 AM
I love seeing Yeo-jin taking charge of the investigation and leading the news conference. I’m still worried about her working for Chief Choi but I have faith she’ll pull through without giving in.
The conversation between Shi-mok, Yeo-jin, and the other police officers about the photo is so interesting. Yeo-jin pointed out the fact that prosecution wouldn’t hand over weasel’s work history, underlining the bigger problem of investigative authority, and Shi-mok agreed without arguing or raising a fuss. If it were another prosecutor, they would no doubt deny it or becoming so fluster/angry, especially when surrounded by police officers. Yeo-jin is also being fair when pointing out the police’s biases in the same breath.
It’s hilarious that every other police officer at Yongsan groaned when they saw Shi-mok walked in. And then to see Shi-mok, Yeo-jin, and the police chief all discussing the case like they weren’t meant to be on “opposing” sides. Which I guess is the whole point – that police and prosecution need to work together and CAN work together to actually achieve something good.
Shi-mok’s question about what the symptoms of someone who is worried are is probs meant to push Prosecutor Kim to pay attention to Prosecutor Won. Dude is getting suspicious. But like Won isn’t that subtle either. I hope Kim would turn out to be an ally to Shi-mok in some ways.
Sigh. It really looks like Dong-jae’s wife might be cheating on her husband, or has other shady dealings under the table. Her comment to her younger son about “that’s not your dad” … lolol poor weasel. I hope we find him alive.
Eazal
September 12, 2020 at 12:02 PM
I had the same feeling about that “it’s not your dad”!!
strawberry
September 12, 2020 at 12:56 PM
so suspicious!!! i don’t think she actually kidnaps her husband but she’s definitely hiding something.
neener ~ Inside the Magic Shop ~
September 12, 2020 at 12:12 PM
Kim Sa-hyun slowly going into the Shi-mok line is the plot twist I never knew I’d see. That conversation they had was hilarious, his ‘Eung’ LOL!
strawberry
September 12, 2020 at 12:57 PM
haha same!!! I hope to see him continue down this road because it is so funnnnny! He seems shady in that he totally bites into the status quo for his own benefits, but I doubt he would actually commit serious crimes.
neener ~ Inside the Magic Shop ~
September 12, 2020 at 10:58 PM
Yes, I don’t think so. He’s the type who does favors knowing he’ll get something big in return.
strawberry
September 6, 2020 at 9:36 AM
Forest of Secrets S2 Eps 7-8: Is there hope? Idk, but I’m here for it!!!! (More spoilery thoughts in the comment below!)
strawberry
September 6, 2020 at 9:36 AM
First and foremost, sending prayers for our weasel’s safe return DESPITE THAT HORRENDOUS ENDING SCENE OF EP 7.
*crying break*
Second, every time Shi-mok attempts to eat something, I will be expecting bad news.
The scene with Chief Kang berating Shi-mok for bothering him was sad to watch, but it also makes me realize that Shi-mok HAS changed. He’s become more self-aware in a way that he wasn’t before. Sure, he’s calm and rational and detached. But his actions still affect others, and we’re starting to see him realizing/understanding that more. Just as he’s reflecting on how his behaviors affect others, Shi-mok’s also becoming more aware of his own biases despite his good intentions.
I think Seo Dong-jae’s disappearance drives that point home more. It’s totes not Shi-mok’s fault that Dong-jae was kidnapped, but I’m sure the guilt is there. Yeo-jin tried to reassure him when she said “this” didn’t happen in real life, and that they would find Dong-jae safe and sound. What surprises me most is Prosecutor Kim telling Shi-mok that if this case is affecting him emotionally, he should tell Chief Woo to pass it onto someone else. But then the bastard guilt-trip our beloved Shi-mok with “why are you not running around finding him instead of questioning me” routine, and triggered Shi-mok’s headache. Come on, asshat!!! *waving angry fists* Fight me instead!
With next weekend’s episodes preview, I have more hope that we’d find Dong-jae in time. BUT I’m also NOT going to be TOO hopeful either.
That Hanjo director guy might be the driving force behind the scene. He seems shady enough. Lee Yeon-jae doesn’t seem to know what happened with Park Kwang-su’s death, considering how she sent that sleazy ex-judge on the hunt for information without the director knowing. If he’s the culprit, I would feel so bad for Yeon-jae and her incredible bad luck with men.
On the other hand, it’s looking like Chiefs Choi and Woo were involved in the mess too. Yikes. I mean, at this point, who isn’t a suspect? But that’s what I like about a mystery/thriller story because if you’re not constantly questioning your reality, is it really a mystery?
Seeing Chief Choi doing laundry and being domestic is rather jarring. Probs just as jarring as seeing Dong-jae’s wife and kid. I appreciate that these details give our questionable characters dimensions and depths.
ALSO, makes it sad to see that Shi-mok is still alone. 🙁 Remembering the scene of him waiting at a rest stop before being summon to Seoul, watching families walked passed and looking a bit wistful. I don’t think there’s going to be romance between Shi-mok and Yeo-jin, but I hope we get to see some possibilities of Shi-mok’s own happy ending.
Ohhh, what about that female prosecutor whose name I did not catch? The one who was Dong-jae’s mentee and now working to help find him? She also seems a bit suspicious, but she’s also smart. At this point though, I’m leaning more on her being a potential culprit somehow. Hm
strawberry
September 6, 2020 at 9:41 AM
Also, in an interview, Cho Seung-woo has said Shi-mok would be eating something later without being bothered and that something is a vegetable. That makes me think of those carrots sticks they give you with soju in a pojangmacha. Which then makes me think of shit, what if it’s Shi-mok drinking by himself because he’s sad??? Because something bad happens????
alasecond
September 6, 2020 at 7:31 PM
He should be safe.. because killer’s prime motive seems to be getting police and prosecution to implicate themselves
PYC
September 7, 2020 at 5:32 AM
“ Seeing Chief Choi doing laundry and being domestic is rather jarring. Probs just as jarring as seeing Dong-jae’s wife and kid. I appreciate that these details give our questionable characters dimensions and depths.”
That laundry scene is a surprise to me that we get to see the other side of a character who is so ambiguous at work but totally the other way round at home – where her kid is the priority. It adds much dimension as you do rightly observe.
strawberry
September 5, 2020 at 9:24 AM
Forest of Secrest S2 Ep. 7: I’m sorry, but what just happened? Why??? I guess I’ll just throw away my heart now???????? (more spoilery thoughts in comment below!)
strawberry
September 5, 2020 at 9:36 AM
You know, I DID NOT see that coming and this might be the understatement of the week. (I’ve made some ill-advised understatements last week, and probs more next week.) That ending scene was NOT necessary, show.
I went into this thinking that there’s no way, absolutely no way, they would hurt us SO SOON in the drama’s trajectory – if we’re thinking back on season 1 ep 13 when Eun-so died. BUT HERE WE ARE, AT EPISODE 7. Excuse me for being surprised. Granted, not every script should have the same structure but still, I hung onto this flimsy ~logic~ to protect my fragile heart.
*crying break*
And the preview – OMG. Shi-mok, hon, are you going to collapse again?! Good thing I threw away my heart so like, come at me with all the pain – it’s all just going to bounce off me now. (Is that how pain works?)
Shi-mok got so impatient when he was talking to Dong-jae’s co-workers, and when he told the female prosecutor that he too was Dong-jae’s mentee, he was clearly affected by all this. AND THEN, when Yongsan police chef said he didn’t want “this” to happen “again”, I might have screamed internally. All the foreshadowing is really all we needed. We did not need to see the ending scene.
*going back to crying*
neener ~ Inside the Magic Shop ~
September 5, 2020 at 9:51 AM
I REALLY hope he’s just bleeding and that he’ll be saved!
strawberry
September 5, 2020 at 10:12 AM
Honestly, same. But also honestly, will cry either way things turn out. 😭😭😭😭😭😭
strawberry
September 4, 2020 at 3:51 PM
In between waiting for new episodes of Forest of Secrets season 2, I’ve picked up C-drama A MURDEROUS AFFAIR IN HORIZON TOWER per Avenue X’ review/recommendation. I’ve got through 2 episodes so far and it’s pretty good! I’m holding off my judgement until the end since I don’t want my hopes to be crushed LOLS. The episodes are relatively short, and I genuinely like the female detective. She has that soft-spoken rookie thing going, but isn’t afraid to call out her boss on his biased comments. Any other Beanies watching/have watched it? :3
Bebe | Nessa❣️
September 4, 2020 at 4:53 PM
The premise seems quite intriguing, but I’m holding off on it for now because I’m not sure about the acting of AngelaBaby 🤔🤔
strawberry
September 4, 2020 at 5:03 PM
yea same but so far, it doesn’t bother me. Probs bc she’s doesn’t have a lot of scene/dialogues and even when she’s onscreen, it’s pretty tolerable (which isn’t saying a lot LOLS).
Bebe | Nessa❣️
September 4, 2020 at 5:05 PM
Okay, good to know! 😊😊
13infamyss
September 4, 2020 at 6:03 PM
Angelababy… as a corpse 😂😂😂😂😂
It’s not really my comfort genre, but I’ll check it out if it turns out to be really good………….. hopefully it stays good, strawberry!
strawberry
September 4, 2020 at 6:08 PM
yeaaa that’s most of what her role is so far. I think in small doses spread out over the course of the 40 mins-episodes is the way to experience her acting… 😛
Bebe | Nessa❣️
September 4, 2020 at 6:32 PM
OMG 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
strawberry
September 1, 2020 at 10:37 AM
A DRAMA A DAY CHALLENGE @purpleshees
And I’ll close out this challenge with my favorite variety show(s):
1 NIGHT 2 DAY (season 1) – This was my first foray into K-variety and it did not disappoint!
THREE MEALS A DAY (in all its versions) – I don’t think I need to explain this at all, but season 1 sank its claw into my heart with Lee Seo-jin in a variety show setting. Gosh, I need a re-watch of this to cheer me up. All the other versions/seasons and their cast members are just as fun!!!
GRANDPAS/YOUTHS/NOONAS OVER FLOWERS series – SO GOOD.
I think I should just say anything Na PD produces is great instead of listing them out. haha 🙂
strawberry
September 1, 2020 at 10:10 AM
30 DAYS BOOK CHALLENGE @isthatacorner
Welps, grad school started for me half way through August and I just forgot about this challenge. I want to wrap it up with a few last mentions.
DAY 30: MY FAVORITE BOOK OF ALL TIME – CONVENIENCE STORE WOMAN by Sayaka Murata. I’ve mentioned this before, but it truly is my favorite book of all time and I cannot recommend it enough. She has a new book (or maybe a translation of one of her published works) coming out in the US in October. I totes pre-ordered it and my excitement for this is off the charts!!!!
DAY 28: FAVORITE TITLE – HOMESICK FOR ANOTHER WORLD by Ottessa Moshfegh. This is a wonderful collection of short stories!
DAY
And that’s all, folks! It has been fun! Onwards to more awesome books~
mugyuljoie is preciousss
September 1, 2020 at 12:06 PM
Thank you for these! I’m adding them to my list.
strawberry
September 1, 2020 at 1:21 PM
Yay!!! :3
nightmoon
September 2, 2020 at 4:14 PM
I’m actually reading this now! I may have seen your original post about it here.
strawberry
September 2, 2020 at 5:56 PM
yay!!!!! 🙂 it’s so strange and wonderful!~
strawberry
August 30, 2020 at 2:25 PM
FoS2 ep 5-6: spoilery thoughts in the comments so proceed at your own risks!!!!! BUT AHH. WOW.
strawberry
August 30, 2020 at 2:46 PM
WOW. What just happened?
Just a few things here we gotta talk about before touching that ending:
– Chief Prosecutor Kang is so competent and badass. Seeing him opposite that sleazy Prosecutor Kim is such a contrast. I love that he warned the guy about using Shi-mok – it seems like all of the new players this season seriously underestimated what Shi-mok can do. Prosecutor Won got a taste of that at the end of ep 5 and Kim’s feathers were ruffled during his encounter with Shi-mok as well. Take that, punks! (I really wanted to scream that out loud while watching~)
– Lee Yeon-jae and the dinner scene, wow. It clearly hurts her that she has to use such tactics to secure her management rights, but wow, what a crazy whirlwind that conversation was. The newspaper guy might still have some sorts of feelings for her, or just a teensy tiny bit of human decency and caved when she asked after her dad. ALSO can we talk about that lipstick comment?! What a sexist asshole! It surprised me when LYJ wiped her make up off. It was a gesture of defiance because honestly, whatever she wears or does would still be spinned against her simply because she’s a woman. Urg, go burn in hell with that attitude, newspaper dude. Just leave all your shares for her. thnx.
– The conversation between Shi-mok and Yeo-jin is so sweet to watch. Their dynamic is just perfect~ I like that he showed up after having done his research and told her about his suspicions instead of threatening/coercing it out of her. AND when he asked if she still draws these days, I might have squealed a little. Gosh, now that things are taking a TURN, we really need some fluffy and funny drawings from Yeo-jin.
– side note: that white jacket Yeo-jin wore during that scene is the same one she wore in season 1 when she raced over to Shi-mok’s house in ep 13. There are also some similar suits Shi-mok wore. Idk why I fixated on their wardrobes. I guess it’s just nice to see that some things don’t change. LOLS
– Yeo-jin’s conversation with her boss gives me all the chill. I get the long game Choi Bit is playing, but Yeo-jin started to work at the Reformation unit not to take part in these games, but in hopes of implementing true reforms. Choi’s comment on how things weren’t easy for her/them back in the days and how she now just wants to bring others upward with her by giving them opportunities makes me feel a bit sad. Things definitely have not been easy for women in any workplace, let along in the police force. I admire Choi’s determination but her questionable ethics are a bit icky to watch. It’s that kind of cycle that feeds the corrupted system. Once/if the police gain investigative rights, the same kind of corruption would continue. That’s not a meaningful solution at all. I’m curious to see where this will lead, especially seeing how affected Yeo-jin is.
Eazal
August 31, 2020 at 8:34 AM
I loved, loved, loved kicking ass Chief Kang! Ha! That SaHyun deserved it!
strawberry
August 30, 2020 at 2:48 PM
– AND THAT TWIST. Holy smokes! I hope our resident weasel is ok! Not gonna lie, I’m so glad that something crazy happens so that Shi-mok and Yeo-jin can team up with the rest of the detectives, like the good old days! It’s looking more and more that Shi-mok and Yeo-jin would break out on their own since both of their bosses are questionable at best and truly corrupted at worst. I can’t wait for next weekend!!! Meanwhile, fingers crossed for weasel’s safe return!!!!! We can’t have another heart break.
strawberry
August 29, 2020 at 2:59 PM
!!!!!!
strawberry
August 18, 2020 at 5:38 AM
AWWW! Look at their smiles!! My heart can’t handle this~
SeeSamME
August 18, 2020 at 5:57 AM
Make me happy looking at their interaction. I am forever thankful to whoever casted them and other actors to Stranger.
faraway
August 18, 2020 at 9:17 AM
Wait what?! Did JSW seriously remembered Yeo Jin’s pants from season 1??
strawberry
August 18, 2020 at 5:28 AM
!!!~
strawberry
August 16, 2020 at 11:29 AM
Forest of Secrets 2 ep. 2 = I\’ll share my thoughts in the comment below because they\’ll be spoilery, just in case any Beanies come across who haven\’t watched it yet. :3
strawberry
August 16, 2020 at 11:50 AM
I love the pacing so far. It’s slow but feels jampacked with information. At the end of this episode, I finally understood this whole turf war between the prosecution and the police. Yesterday, I was just confused as to why it matters who closes what cases. Lols. I’m excited to see what’s in store for our duo next but also willing to wait and take the time to let the details sink in, which is good since live watching can be a pain sometimes. :3
And hooray for Lee Yeon-jae and Seo Dong-jae being back on my screen! I want to see more of LYJ’s handling of the business and all the associated ~drama~. SDJ cracked me up when he was trying to see his case to Prosecutor Won. Still the same – wanting to maneuver his way up to the top via any path possible. And still having Shi-mok standing in his way!
Talking about Shi-mok, it makes my heart sad to see him so alone and without a place to stay. It makes sense that his apartment in Seoul is still being leased out, but like can he crash at Yeo-jin’s place??? I hope we get to explore his personal hurdles regarding his family and relationships (be it friendships or romantic partnerships). I love the changes in his demeanor towards Yeo-jin from season 1 to now, especially the dinner scene. He apologized for leaving before they could even eat, and his awkward backing out/tumbling out of the restaurant! Side note: can he ever eat in peace?! Poor guy, every time we see him with food/snacks, he gets an important phone call to meet unpleasant people.
dee23
August 16, 2020 at 12:13 PM
Don’t you feel like it’s too slow? I checked S1 again, and the first two eps had more things going.
I’m just thankful we get to see our leads in one scene this week. 😥
strawberry
August 16, 2020 at 1:33 PM
No, the slower pacing doesn’t bother me. I wonder if I’m just too optimistic about this season, but I like what I see so far. If this season turns out to be a slow-paced and more character-driven, I’d still be down for it.
faraway
August 16, 2020 at 4:59 PM
Same with me too! I had to paused while watching last season because I couldn’t process the informations but this time it’s a lot easier to process things (but we’re still in ep 2 so who knows??)
strawberry
August 15, 2020 at 9:55 AM
Forest of Secrets 2 ep. 1 = How I\’ve missed this show! I\’ll put all my spoilery thoughts in the comment below, so be careful if you haven\’t watched it yet!
strawberry
August 15, 2020 at 10:03 AM
We’re only on ep 1 but the pacing and atmosphere are very similar to season 1, which I think is a good thing. There are references to what happened in season 1 and I’m really interested to see where that might lead to now. I’m glad that these events continue to have repercussions and even though two years have passed, that’s not a lot of time when it comes to legal disputes. I’m excited to see Lee Yeon-jae coming back on screen as the badass and vengeful CEO, and see how she’s dealing with her father’s lawsuits and her husband’s death. And of course, our resident weasel Seo Dong-jae! He doesn’t seem to change one bit from the promo for ep 2. haha
It’s so good to see JSW as Hwang Shi-mok again – and really, he’s not as emotionless as he’d like you to believe. I cracked up at his exasperation when the Chief at Tongyang’s office wanted to have lunch with him after berating him for not showing up to the going-away-party the day before. :3
Junie Bug
August 15, 2020 at 10:40 AM
I was kinda disappointed that SDJ or LYJ didn’t show up in this ep but it just leaves me wanting more from ep 2!
strawberry
August 15, 2020 at 10:41 AM
I also wanted longer episode! Hahaha this is the one instance where I’d be ok if the episodes are longer than an hr.
Junie Bug
August 15, 2020 at 11:38 AM
Haha same! I’m honestly hoping they increase the length because I need more time with these characters.
SeeSamME
August 15, 2020 at 3:50 PM
Nice touch to have Chang joon narration at the beginning. Love it. I got trust issues right again right from E1 😐🧐
strawberry
August 12, 2020 at 5:35 PM
Hahaha! The dynamic we’ve been waiting for 3 years for!