It’s December! Here are five kdramas for our scrutiny…errr…consideration.
1. The Uncanny Counter
source: allkpop
Synopsis from Wikipedia:
It is based on a webtoon of the same name and tells the story of demon hunters called “Counters” who have come to the earth posing as employees of a noodle restaurant in order to capture evil spirits that have returned to earth in pursuit of eternal life. They each have their own special abilities.
Cast:
I recognized only two out of four castmembers
Jo ByungGyu: He was the kid from “Sky Castle” and “He’s Psychometric.”
Yeon HyeRan: She was wife who thought her feckless husband was cheating on her in “When the Camellia Blooms.” lol. I’ve a special affinity for her dour, no-nonsense character.
Start Date: Saturday, Nov 28
Where to Watch: Netflix
2. True Beauty
source: hellokpop.com
Synopsis from kdramakisses.com. The synopses from this site are the pithiest so I like them. 🙂
True Beauty follows the romance between a woman (Moon Ga Young) who would never be caught without makeup on and the only man (Cha Eun Woo) who has seen her bare face.
Cast:
Moon Ga Young: I like her.
Cha Eun Woo: He’s a living proof that you really can’t have it all. He’s handsome to look at, but he cannot act. But I’m willing to give him a second chance. Who knows? He could have trained with a better acting coach since “Rookie Historian Goo Haeryung.”
Start Date: Wednesday, Dec 9
Where to Watch: Netflix Viki
Note: My problem with this drama is its source material. It was adapted from a webtoon comics. As a rule, I avoid webtoon writers. For one, most webtoon writers are young and I don’t think that they’ve gained enough life experience to be profound. (hahaha. Elitist!!! Age-ist!)
For another, webtoon writers, like writers of serial stories, don’t see the ending of their story coming. Most of them, when they begin creating their story, have no defined story arc because their plot is evolving in “real-time.” Depending on the feedbacks they receive online, these webtoon writers are influenced to improvise and change directions of their characters and plot to suit the demands of their followers. (Well, I can’t blame them. The readers and site traffic pay their bills.)
To me, the integrity of the story suffers as a direct result of the popularity and commercialization of the story. I’ve yet to find a webtoon kdrama that’s cogent and concise.
But if I’m wrong with this one…
lol.
3. Mr. Queen
credit: soompi
Synopsis from kdramakisses.com
Mr. Queen is about a modern man who is transported back in time to the Joseon era where he inhabits the body of a queen (Shin Hye Sun) and gets involved with a secretive king (Kim Jung Hyun) who has a Jekyll and Hyde type personality.
Cast:
Shin Hye Sun: she’s one of my favorite actresses. She’s not much to look at, I know. In the stills of her kdramas, her head reminds me of a skull. But when she starts acting, she’s prettier than Kim HeeSoon (that annoying “Alice” lead) to me. If there’s anybody who can play a man inside a woman’s body, she can.
Kim Jung Hyun: he’s the Waikiki guy, and the second male lead in “Crash Landing on You.” He should be good at doing comedy and murderous at the same time.
Start Date: Saturday, Dec 12 (takes the place of Start-Up)
Where to Watch: Netflix Viki
Just look at the trailer.
4. Run On
source: hellokpop
Synopsis from kdramakisses.com
Run On is about a national track and field athlete (Im Siwan) who is forced to retire after an accident that meets a foreign film translator (Shin Se Kyung) who always has to look back because she goes over the same scenes repeatedly.
Cast:
Shin SeKyung: I dubbed her Shin Sucky One. She has ONE facial expression to express all emotions: the blank look.
Link to old post: On Shin Sucky One
Im Siwan: Sigh. Another living proof that you can’t have it all. He’s handsome to look at. He’s a really good actor (he’s on my top 5 actor-idol); but…he reminds me of the Fun Size Snicker bars we hand out during Halloween. I wonder if he’ll kiss his leading lady now. I’ve always wondered if he has a “no-kissing” clause in his contract.
credit: history of things
I’m on the fence with this one. My special preference for Siwan is offset by my prodigious dislike for Shin Sucky One.
Start Date: Wednesday, Dec 16
Where to Watch: Not on Netflix. It’s probably on Viki. And THAT means, I can wait for an eternity for the subs to be up. Netflix
5. Secret Royal Inspector
credit: soompi
The blurb from soompi
Along with Kim Myung Soo, Kwon Nara, Lee Yi Kyung, and Lee Tae Hwan have confirmed their casting in the new historical drama “Secret Royal Inspector” (working title).
Kwon Nara will be playing the role of Hong Da In, a beautiful and spirited gisaeng who is actually a damo (a woman who works for a Joseon government office) working undercover. She teams up with Sung Yi Kyum (Kim Myung Soo’s character) when he is appointed the secret royal inspector.
Lee Yi Kyung will be playing the role of Park Choon Sam, Sung Yi Kyum’s servant. He is a warmhearted and lovable character who talks and cries a lot but also has a lot of cunning.
Lee Tae Hwan will be playing the role of Sung Yi Bum, Sung Yi Kyum’s half-brother. His father was yangban (an aristocrat) and his mother was a servant, and the awkward situation of his birth puts him in conflict with his brother Sung Yi Kyum.
Cast:
Kwong Nara: I’ve never seen her so I haven’t bitched about her yet.
Wait for the twitchy eyebrows on this gif.
Lee Myungsoo (also known as “L”): This guy always chooses the wrong projects for me.
He was on “The Emperor: Owner of the Mask” which was a snooze-fest. He was on “Ms. Hammurabi.” I don’t watch judicial dramas because it irks me when lawyers are depicted as villains.
Then, he was on “Angel’s Last Mission: Love.” This drama contained so many fallacies on angels that I question whether the writer did her research or had set off to offend Christians. Then, last Kim Myungsoo did “Meow, the Secret Boy.” How can this be romantic? Knowing how a cat likes to lick itself all over, I can’t imagine a heroine kissing a guy who leads a secret life as a cat.
Furballs aren’t romantic.
Given that ALL his past projects succeeded in turning me off (Four out Four!). I’m beginning to suspect that he (or his manager) and I aren’t on the same page.
I’m going to try out his latest drama with a healthy dose of skepticism.
But I also know the other two male actors, Lee YiKyung and Lee Taehwan so based on looks alone, this should be a fun watch.
Start Date: Monday, Dec 21
Where to Watch: Viki??? Iqiyi 🥸 And I just deleted this app on my phone
************
So there you go. Let’s check them out and see which ones will keep us entertained for the next 8 weeks.
Hi! Thanks for this.
I didn’t know you like Shin Hye Sun. 🙂 I liked her in Still Seventeen. She’s doing great too since Legend Of The Blue Sea.
I’m watching The Uncanny Counter and maybe 2, 3 and 5. Hopefully not the whole 4 coz it’s probably too much but we will see.
Mr. Queen!!!🤣🤣🤣
And “Awaken”. I will be watching this two. Oh and catching up on Delayed Justice.😊
Wow L is churning out project after project but he can never pick them script. That Meaow boy has red flags even in the title lol..
I have my eyes set on Mr. Queen and Run On, after StartUp not sure if i have the will for True Beauty i can smell the ship war coming.
The Uncanny Encounter is the new cable hit ratings.
Legend of the Blue Sea? The Lee Minho drama?
Yes, I like her as an actress. As you know, I don’t like actress with blank faces. To me, Shin Hye Sun has a face that I can read like a map. Weird…
I wonder too if Siwan has no-kissing clause. It’s still a bummer how we didn’t get even just a peck with Yoona in TKIL 😩.
Myungsoo, oh boy. He’s already not part of the agency that houses his group INFINITE but he could still participate in the group’s future activities. The problem is there are no group activities recently because 2 of the members just finished their military service, their leader who finished earlier in Jan/Feb will just release his 4th solo album this month, and the other 2 members are still 3-digit days away from finishing their public service stint (the one that takes longer than the military one). And he still hasn’t enlisted yet so even more waiting before the group to have a full comeback 😞. I thought that after he didn’t re-sign with Woollim (the group’s agency), he would at least be on better projects. ALML is his last drama while being under woollim. So the disaster that is Meow is actually his first drama that he chose himself (with him having more creative control than before). Now I wish for Secret Inspector to be good, it’s probably gonna be his last project before enlisting.
Kwon Nara is in Itaewon Class.
I’m looking forward for Hwang Inhyeop, the second lead guy of True Beauty. It’s just wonderful to witness his probable rise as a hallyu actor at the age of 29 following his stint in 18 again. I was drawn to him and nearly got a second lead syndrome but decided to cut it off early because his character is a bully following the inspiration of the drama which is the movie 17 again starring Zac Efron. Anyway, 18 again is led by Lee Dohyun, the second lead of Hotel del Luna! Also my baby Choi Bomin is here playing an original character added to the drama. Anyway, seeing second leads like Dohyun and Jaeseok having their starring role dramas excites me as this could give Inhyeop his big break!
I know, right? It’s a “Mr.” Queen. It should be fun…but if there’s too much potty humor, I’m out. I usually watch drama after dinner. 🙂
*Jaewook omg huhuhu how could I claim I’m his fan when I’m not watching his starring drama and forgot gis name 😩😭
Yes, she liked LMH in the drama but she ended up with Tae-oh (Shin Won-ho).
True, about the blank face but I agree, SHS is not overly pretty but she is a good actress.
Let’s hope Myungsoo does well with this project, Royal Secret Inspector then. I didn’t know that there are so many male actors around his age. He isn’t a very strong actor… and pretty boys in kdrama are a dime a dozen. Unfortunately. 🙂
The Uncanny Counter : Because I’m a sucker for wacky supernatural dramas and I need a new one as I’ve enjoyed watching The Mystic Pop-Up Bar so much.
Mr. Queen : The trailer is funny and it looks fun and quirky so it’s on my list too.
lol. I’ve to recharge quickly from all the fanwar because there’s another one brewing in the horizon. Nrllee and miracle23 will know what I’m talking about…. lol.
I was trying to check out Chinese dramas.
Perfect and Casual: university professor and student (?) forced to live together
General’s Lady: Princess is forced to marry a general and live with him in the frontier. She falls in love with him immediately. Cheesy acting, especially the general. But I can’t seem to stop myself from watching this because I’m waiting for the general to fall in love with her and come crawling back to her. lol.
@packmule3 Thank you for sharing yhis list. I hadn’t heard of a few of them.
Out of all these, I think I’ll give Uncanny Counter a try. I like supernatural dramas if they are not too scary. Master’s Sun is one of my favorites.
I do not like L at all for some reason; so not going to check his drama.
I do like how Cha Eun Woo looks (I’m shallow after all), but he has no expression on his face ever! Also, is it just me or does the plot of True Beauty sound similar to his earlier drama My ID is Gangnam Beauty? This one’s on makeup and the other one was on plastic surgery, but the concept is the same – should outward beauty be more important.
Ji Chang Wook and Kim Ji Won’s new drama Lovestruck in the City is also slated to be released on Netflix soon. I want to check out one episode of that too. I know JCW has chosen terrible dramas of late, but maybe this one will be better. Let’s see.
I am interested in Mr. Queen. Will keep an eye on Secret Royal Inspector and Awaken. Anyone still watching Kairos? I am watching it with alarm and admiration.
I have heard good things about The Uncanny Counter too.
Started Uncanny Encounter, 2 episodes in and I need to catch up on this week’s ones. It’s been good so far. I’ll be checking out Mr Queen, not sure about the others, nothing stands out to me as of yet. I think I might take December to watch good dramas I still haven’t seen.
Apparently True Beauty is directed by PD of Extraordinary You. Our favorite daughter Kim HyeYoon, Lee JaeWook and the guy who plays Squid Fairy (?) have cameos. 😂. Rowoon is probably too busy with his new drama? I was watching the trailer and wondering why it gave me dejavu vibes from EO. And then I found out the same PD was helming it. So I guess that made sense. I will give it a go.
I think Shin HyeSun is a great actress but I find her too intense. I feel like she’s one of those people I can never fully relax with? If that makes sense. Haven’t watched any of her dramas. But she always delivers with her portrayal of the character. The synopsis isn’t something that captures my attention so I will give it a miss.
I will try Run On for SiWan. Although I agree that Shin SeKyung has never really impressed me. It looks fluffy so I may just watch for fun. 😂
O wait…I lie…I did watch a drama with SHS in it. Secret Forest1. I think I instantly move away from any dramas that she’s named in because of her fans. They are very intense (just like SHS). A little bird tells me that they are already “hating” on the second FL in Mr Queen? The drama hasn’t even started yet? 🙄.
Omg @packmule, you’re watching General’s Lady too?
Hahaha I put this drama on hold. I can’t seem to finish this. I skipped on ep 13 and 14 and went straight to 15. I’m on ep 17 now.
I’m not in the mood for cdramas on youtube rn. Instead I’m rewatching Queen:Love and War 😁😅. The drama is a little bit meh but I like watching Minki and Seyeon in Joseon costume. It’s the familiarity of the drama that I rewatch this as well as the outfits are fine to look at.
I might try UnCanny Encounter since it is on Netflix though Mr.Queen looked quite funny and I am drawn to comedy.
Also looking at possibly watching some older dramas that is on my growing list of dramas to watch…like DOTS. A friend is in disbelief that I didn’t watch that.
hi PM3 and everyone 🙂
hope y’all can try to watch To Us ho Were Beautiful, a korean remake of A Love So Beautiful on Dec 28 via Netflix. Thanks!
now that sounds awkward ahahaha
To Us Who Were Beautiful 😉
I’m most excited for Mr. Queen!
I want to watch True Beauty just because I used to read the webtoon. But let me tell you, you are right about some webtoon writers not having a clear end or arc to their story. True Beauty’s (the webtoon) plot is A MESS in my honest opinion. Well, the latest season at least. But! I heard the drama follows the first season which is a pretty decent story of high school life/romance. I honestly can’t remember the feeling the first season gave me because the latest one just ruins it lol.
Thanks @pkml3. I’m enjoying Uncanny Counter now and will definitely watch it til the end.
Shin Hye Sun is wonderful. I don’t normally care for sageuks, but I might try Mr Queen.
I feel almost the same way about Shin Se Kyung and may give the show she’s in a miss.
True Beauty is only a maybe if I’m in the mood for light and shallow. It may surprise me and be light and poignant or something else.
I’m not sure about the Secret Royal Inspector.
Catch ya later!
Hehehe we do love our grovelling by the ML 😁
I’ve finished Perfect and Casual and it was ok. The thing that I liked about it was that before they did the contractual marriage, the FL’s sister found out about it so she tried to stop it. She made the FL think hard about what she was doing even though Grandpa still didn’t know that it was all for him. Lots of good kisses. 😊
I’ll check out General’s Lady later. Tell me please if it’s any good. I like the ML there, Ceasar Wu. ☺️ I’ve started on The Blooms At Ruyi Pavilion. The leads I haven’t seen in any drama but they look good, you know me and my shallowness. 😂
Based on some upcoming drama teaser.
Shin hye sun drama is on my watchlist, i love her and she is one of SK actress that always choose good project and all of teaser mr queen so funny
🤣 💕
You should added sweet home drama starring songkang and lee jin wook. Idk if you like some monster drama or not.
I heard the director is lee eung bok? His past project is Mr sunshine, goblin, dots. He also direct upcoming drama with junjihyun&jujihoon = jirisan drama.
With signal writer (kim eun hee)
Its on netflix 18 dec
And for im siwan drama, the teaser doesnt leave good impression on me. 😭 i hope the drama is good too. Its available on netflix 😆
Hey Ladies (and Gents),
I haven’t seen that we had new k-drama entries!
So far I have discovered on Netflix “The Guest” and on Viki.com the “Memorist”. They are both supernatural dramas, but “The Guest” is also paranormal like “The Uncanny Counter”.
I started the second one yesterday, after I finished “The Legend of the Blue Sea”.
Everyone on the greek forum are talking about Chinese Series “The Wolf” on Viki.com, but it doesn’t have greek subs and I wanted to see it with my folks.
As for the list @packmule3 suggests, I will definitely go for the Uncanny Counter and Mr. Queen maybe? We shall see…
P.S.Everyone is bugging me to start CLOY, but I don’t want to yet…
Hi!
‘True Beauty’ and ‘Mr. Queen’ will be on Viki, not Netflix. ‘Run On’ will be on Netflix and finally, ‘Secret Royal Inspector’ will be on an app called iQiyi.
Hey pm3, I don’t know if this is up your alley, but I’ve recently enjoyed (most of) Hikaru no Go, a 36-ep cdrama, a live action manga. It is a lovely coming of age story about a young boy who is possessed by the soul of an ancient Go master, and how he learns to love the game himself (and becomes a prodigal player along the way).
If I could give an award to a best ensemble cast, this would get it! It has no romance, but plenty of good friendships, parent-child/ teacher-student relationships, and just generally feel-good stuff.
There’s no “bad” person in the story, and everyone has some kind of a growth arc. For a manga that was originally Japanese (I haven’t read it, or watched the anime version), I thought this was adapted very well to the Chinese context. Also, some terrific tribute sequences towards the end that retell how the hero has grown from child to young adulthood.
I think I will watch Mr. Queen and Secret Royal Inspector..
not sure about true beauty, I’ve read the webtoon but stopped at the end of the first season.. a little bit confused/disappointed with the plot. but maybe if I heard the good review from you all, I will try.. 😀
I fancy “Secret Royal Inspector and “Mr Queen”. Maybe “Uncanny Counter” also.
I really wish retrospectives could be included here. I’ve just finished watching “Black Knight: the Man who guards Me” and I’m dying to know what people might think about it.
I’m leaning towards Uncanny Counter and Mr Queen. I would be so sad if I don’t have a new show to fixate on. It’s been a good year so far with Kdramas.
I’m definitely checking out Mr. Queen! The cast is fantastic and the trailers are hilarious! I have high hopes for this drama. It’s coming to Viki but also to VIU, thank goodness, so there will be timely subtitles. Also want to check out Ji Chang Wook new drama Lovestruck In The City which is currently scheduled to premiere on Dec. 22, and it’s going to be on Netflix.
I’m considering Run On, but I think I’ll wait to see what other viewers think about it before I watch it.
Mr.Queen is in my watch list hihi also The Uncanny Encounter and Sweet Home 😅 will be joining you ladies! Looking forward to it! ❤
Well, hello there 011sn. Where have you been? I guess we’re all curious about Mr Queen. I’ll open a thread for us.
Sweet Home?
That’s not about divorce, right? 🙂
Packmule sweet home is a horror haha but I can see how you would think that. I really want to watch it but I’m a wimp but the director is amazing he’s the director of Goblin, Descendants etc
Thanks for the correction. I’ll update my post.
Pass.
“The Uncanny Counter” is suspenseful enough for me. 😂😂
Uncanny counter is so good, but I’m not sure if it’s something I can focus on; I like the storyline, character dynamics and the found family trope. The main character is such a nice person to see on screen, he makes me happy and protective of him. But this feels like shonen genre: like fighting, not a lot of romance, violence, and some scenes which make me uncomfy. The mystery is interesting but for some reason I can’t analyse it properly because I like it but I don’t love it you know? Like I’m not invested or excited enough to write about it. I’ll wait to see your opinions, maybe you’ll see something I don’t. Nevertheless it is on my watch list. Maybe later I’ll start to get excited to gush about it. I just want another show to analyse and be invested in properly 🙁
I just watched Ep 12 of Kairos and am so chuffed. I guessed why the protagonists had a connection and this episode confirmed it. It even tells us why the time difference is 31 days and the time of connection is 10.33pm.
It’s a through and through, well told ‘time flip-flop’ show. It’s amazingly coherent considering how non-linear everything is and how we double back on time so to speak, when the protagonists of the past reach the 31 days and ‘remember forward’ what should have taken place but didn’t. It’s great that instead of a parallel timeline, we remain consistently in the same timeline with present people making new realisations of occurrences in their changed past, and how these have implications to a new future. All thoughts and motivations remain true to character.
I like how slowly, logically, a few more people come to be on the same page and more people are working to change the ‘present-future’. It’s going to be hard to find another time jump/warp/travel tale that is done as well as this.
Waiting for Mr. Queen subtitles…Viki is Viki but turns out the VIU schedule is Sunday/Monday so it will be a while before I can watch the drama.
Got some good news this week as GMM announced their 2021 schedule and dropped trailers, including a trailer for their Boys Over Flowers remake! Wow! I have to say the F4 is gorgeous and the actress playing the Jan Di character is cute too! I think this is the first time for me where I find all the members of F4 attractive! Here’s link to the English subbed trailer for anyone interested:
Hello Ladies and Gentz!
I wanted to share with you a kdrama that is not on the list that I have just finished it is rather interesting: The Memorist.
Have you seen it? I really enjoyed it.
It has suspence, paranormal powers and bloody murders…
Also, I just started the Healer. I am waiting for Mr. Queen to have English subtitles on Viki.com and as for the Uncanny Counter is not open on Netflix for Greece yet…
Hi @Cleopatra
I’m a real fan of Healer. I must have posted a thousand comments on the Healer thread at DB. It had a great backstory and continuation from it, very likable protagonists with awesome skills, my fave ahjumma and ‘dad’ character, and so much warmth in relationships with a sweet romance. It was better in the beginning when there were great action scenes, but while these petered out and a few plotholes did show up, the story still was good and the ending lovely.
I’m enjoying Uncanny Counters now. I hope you can get to see it soon, so you can join us on the thread here.
Hey @GB!
I totally get you how you are a fan! I am really enjoying the great action scenes, but also the development in the story. It is rather refreshing I have to say!
I am in that first snow / fist kiss episode and I was saying…Just kiss her already! LMAO !
Yes, I really like that ahjumma too! She also played in Psycho but it’s okay! The messages that we get to see are so humane. I really like it so far!
Asf for Uncanny Counters, I do hope to catch up pretty soon and definitely join you in the thread to talk about it!
Dear @GB,
Good morning! I really really LOVE Healer. I am at episode 18. What an amazing story so far. I am so happy that I decided to watch these Series!
I am kinda late I know, but still the central story about the corruption is amazing. I am waiting to see the last pieces of the puzzle and how it will end.
That scene in episode 16 was wonderful between our two lovebirds. I have rewatched it 10 times already! What a powerful embrace! It is refreshing to see two people who are in love and trying to sort things out in the middle of a stressful situation. I just wanted to share it with you!
Hi @Cleopatra, I’m glad that you are enjoying it like I did. Now you can see why I’ve been such a fan (and still am) of this kdrama. A friend of mine who knows about show making, calls it a very solid show, which it is. The romance is really one of the sweetest, with the guy being respectful, so cutely jealous (of himself!!) and so cool with those disguises and how he gets in and out of buildings like a dream. Love how Chae Young Shin considered herself his sunbae and took care of him too, and treated him like ‘a little sister’ LOL. Yes, this is one show that warms my heart and puts me in awe of server hacking by the most unlikely looking ahjumma!!
@GB @Cleopatra ‘Healer’ is one of my all time favorite kdramas too🙌 Loved JCW in his two alternate personas and PMY is super cute yet strong. The ahjumma is awesome! The storyline is a perfect mix of action and romance. This is at par with ‘City Hunter’ in getting that mix right.
@Cleopatra So glad you discovered it😊
Hey @Phoenix! Great to know you too are a fan of Healer. It’s one of those shows that stay in the memory and still gives me the warm feelings that I had back then.
Ladies I really love it. I have a tingling sensation in my heart.
So Happy I Found it @Phoenix. It is not translated in Greek but I am watching it with English subtitles…
@GB I totally understand you…
I am welcoming myself in Healer’s Fan Club!!!
P.S. On the Greek Forum I made 3 ladies to Start watching it + some friends of mine!
LOL @Cleopatra, bravo! Bravissimo! You’ll more friends to rave over re-watches of Healer with you. (๑✧◡✧๑)
@GB I have posted 4 posts already! The most of them have watched it, but still there are some who don’t!
I am very passionate when I want to. First I am introducing them to the music, then I do more magical things… LOL!
I am proud of myself too!!!🌹☺️😂
Healer is a classic! There were so many good elements : the past story, the romance, the actors, the action, the humor. One of my favourite 🙂
Has anyone start on run on?
Good morning Ladies (@GB, @Phoenix, @Sayaris)
I have finished watching Healer last night.
I almost had a heart attack 10 minutes before the ending but I am okay. *Phew*
I really enjoyed the reunion of MH with YC, Plan B, and the “Samchon” line!
The ending for me it was so sweet.
The scene with the lines of what they do liked about each other is legendary…
I am definitely going to rewatch it, so as to see If I missed anything the first time.
@GB I found your posts on DB! What a beautiful insight about Episode 1 and Episode 20. I would like a Special Episode though, to see how was their life afterwards. I know that it won’t happen, almost 6 years later…
Someone said in our Greek Forum that they want a remake. I don’t know. How can you watch a remake with other actors than the ones you loved in the first place?
Still, it is a solid story. I am glad that it ended that way.
I don’t know why people thought in Korea that it was not a good story to give it solid ratings.
It is my ninth kdrama and so far I think it was one of the most well written scenarios I got to see so far. If someone wants to write a solid story and have balance between action, romance and humour is one of the best examples to study!
*sighs* I don’t know what I want to watch next. I am very fond of those two…
Heh @Cleopatra, you actually found my posts on DB? Well, there were too many LOL. It was the most fun time ever, spazzing over a show with many like-minded people, a couple of whom I’m still in touch with even now. Those were really golden days for me with kdrama. And yes, that feeling of not knowing what to watch next… Healer ruined us for other shows for a long time. Nothing could hold our attention until the Healer fever slowly subsided. I’m very glad you’ve loved it as much as we did.
೭੧(❛▿❛✿)੭೨
Ladies, I forgot to mention that the kisses in Healer are my favorites too😍 I’m never going to forget that scene where JCW kisses PMY with her eyes covered by a woollen cap, as soft snowflakes fall all around and Michael Learns to Rock croons “Eternal Love” in the background..sigh..💗💗💗
@GB I did! I even found some of the questions Writer-nim answered about the ending / series. I totally get it.
I have been in this place before as well… I was involved in a fandom before. I had a FanBlog with admins from around the world. I talked with many gals I have some friends as well from those days.
I also have attented Fan Conventions as Press. I did some interview with some actors from the cast. It is one of the chapters of my life, I hold dear, even though I don’t talk that much about it these days.
I have the same problem today. I will do what I did on TKEM.
Rewatch it again and I will set a deadline day to stop watching it…
@Phoenix,
I loved their kisses and hugs too! I mean for a kdrama that in order to be kissed you have to watch 12 episodes. We got them touching a lot and it felt right, not rushed! Ah… that song has ruined me as well…*sighs*
It is what writer-nim wanted to say. We have forgotten what is important like a touch, a hug and kisses…
With Writernim words:
“Q: Is the reason YS feels relaxed when she holds onto JH’s arm because of their childhood and does it also imply that they’re destined to be together?
A: A little bit of that, too, but I personally wanted to express personal contact. People these days are all busy looking at their smartphones, but I think it would be better if we actually touched each other, holding hands, hugging… then you can convey way more than just by texting.”
Credit to Soombi and English Translation by ruizaio
https://forums.soompi.com/topic/343605-drama-20142015-healer-힐러/page/1060/
@Phoenix @Cleopatra
Yes! Those divine kisses. The snow kiss was really one of a kind! And the hand porn!!! Some kids came to my place and we actually made a video of that hand ppor scene using the door way of one of my rooms and the couple were a real husband and wife, LOL. We even posted it on YT. Crazy days!
Wow @Cleopatra, you’re a real fan girl. Taking on a role as Press and interviewing actors! What fun. It’s great to have those experiences in our lives to look back on and grin about. 😀
@GB So very true… I also have photos that prove it! Haha!
I was / am. But like our Healer I need my quiet time too.
I had the most fun those days, I cherish them but I don’t miss them.
It was so hectic to run a blog that need to be updated with the frenzy of interviews, premieres etc…
That’s why I am happy that I met all of you. I cherish dearly how a movie or a tv-series can bring people together for their passion. I have been there, but I am more wise now.
@Ella I’ve started “Run On”, need to finish ep2 but I came to see if anyone else is watching it. Apart from the obvious romance thread I’m not too sure what path the drama will go down. I get a sense it will deal with family issues, neglect e.t.c But hopefully nothing too melo. I want lighthearted dramas going into the new year 😪
You should watch Sweet Home on Netflix!
We have two episodes left and it is amazing!
Hi Everyone, I’m thinking of trying this 2019-2020 show that is completed, Someday or One Day (from Taiwan). I just glanced at the review on this show, written by a reviewer with whose views I generally always agree, and she gave it an A+ (very rare). It’s another time jump/travel and change of body/identity romance with suspense. Reviews say that this one is well done and the ending is good.
Dramalist’s synopsis is quite detailed:
Sounds like a more romantic (than Kairos) and even warmer show, which I believe manages to surmount the hurdle of time and body jumps!
Not KDrama or Asian but Brigerton (Netflix) anyone? 🤔
@Esst3
I catched up on Run On, not sure if I will finish it toward the end but for now I will continue watching, I like the fashion here and no love triangle to be found so far so yay. And the way these characters are written, their dialogue and their delivery are a bit whack.
@nrller – I was gonna ask that question, too. I saw there’s Pride and prejudice posts here. Julia Quinn is no Jane Austen but the Bridgerton series is fun and the adaptation is quite controversial. I binge-watched already. 😊
BTW, it’s definitely not kdrama in the skinship department! It’s very risqué!
Thanks for the heads up @Janey. Hmm…not a fan of skinship in my Period dramas. I am definitely more a “restraint is sexy” type viewer. Where all the love making is done with words and innuendo and sexual tension is at its maximum intensity with a gaze that singles you out as the only person in a crowded ballroom. Gah…John Thornton and Margaret Hale (North and South) I am looking at you. 🥰
@nrllee – I read all the books way back and did not remember it to be this this “romp-y”. I was shocked after having watched mostly kdramas this year. LOL!
What I liked about kdrama is that you can watch it with kids milling around the living room. This one, you can’t!
@Cleopatra, Phoenix, GB – saw your comments on Healer and I just have to gush with you. It’s one of the first kdramas I watched and became a favorite! It’s a total
package of a story. I love JCW and PMY in their roles and romance was heart-fluttering.
Hmm, maybe it’s time to rewatch it.
Nrllee.
Guess what I received for Christmas gift? The whole Bridgerton series in paperback. lol.
I was complaining last summer that I didn’t have a single romance book at the beach house and I had to scrounge around for a decent beach read. So I was given a set by my romance-loving sister-in-law. lol.
I’ll read the set FIRST before watching the Netflix series. I’ve 10 books….ugh! I hope they don’t give me a toothache.
I’m opening a Thread. hahaha.
I love the books, @packmule3. The inner dialogs are hilarious, but as far as I remember, they were rather risque with detailed descriptions of lovemaking scenes that I actually skipped. So the series definitely won’t be like chaste kdrama kisses onky scenes. Were there 10 books eventually? Only the first 6-7 are good – especially the books about Daphne, Anthony, Colin, Eloise and one of the other daughter (I forgot her name). I don’t like the other books, they are not as funny. I remember Colin’s book was hilarious, and of course once Lady Whistledown’s identity is revealed, most of the fun is lost. Half of the fun is in teying to guess who the witty author of the infamous scandalsheet is.
Hope you enjoy Mallet of Death (there’s a super funny game that Bridgertons play) and the Regency matchmaking shenanigans! 😃
@PM3 – the Netflix show season 1 is about “The Duke and I” so you only need to read the first book, for now. 😊
@Janey Thanks for the info. Maybe they are planning to make one seadon each for each of the main Bridgerton siblings, though 10 seasons may be a bit too much🙄 They may see the response and decide to continue with it.
@Phoenix – I initially thought it will be a couple of books in season 1 but it turned out to be only book1. Seems indulgent to do 1 book for 8 episodes in my opinion, but it was an easy watch. Even Harry Potter had only 8 movies! 😊
Haha agreed! Hope the series lives upto the books!
Hey @Janey!
I am glad you saw that I enjoyed Healer! I love it and I have started The K2 because of Ji Chang Wook. BUT after watching the chemistry he had with Park Min-Young I don’t think he has any with Im Yoon-Ah, I prefer Song Yoon-ah.
Yes, you should rewatch it! I bet you will enjoy it!
kalimera (good morning in Greek) Ladies,
I haven’t talked with you for a while! I hope everyone had warm and beautiful Christmas time with their loved ones.
I have to say that I finished watching Sweet Home and if you haven’t watched it give it a try. It might be a bit scary but it was so so good! You will enjoy it! It has so many meanings about humanity.
Also, I have started The K2 to overcome my Healer withdrawal.
Although I really enjoy Ji Chang Wook I cannot say the same for his love interest in The K2. I may be biased after watching the chemistry he had with Park Min Young, but I feel she is lacking. Anyway, I prefer the “evil witch” Song Yoon-ah. So far, we are watching one or two episodes but I cannot stand more, even though there is eye candy.
What I really enjoyed this Christmas weekend was the Series Chocolate that was also filmed in Greece. The Photography of the Series is magnificent! It was highly recommended by a friend I made her started watching k-dramas. So, I gave it a try and I binge watched it.
I have to say, the plot warmed my heart so very much.
I cried, laughed, contemplated about life and I fell in love with the characters. I haven’t encountered before Ha Ji Won, Yoon Kye Sang and Jang Seung Jo. I will definitely watch their other works.
I have to say out loud that Kim Won Hae is my favorite ajhussi! He makes me laugh and being emotional with his facial expressions.
And Yum Hae Ran is my second favorite ahjumma after Kim Mi-kyung.
If you haven’t watched it please do. It will warm your insides.
Lastly, I have also seen the trailer about Bridgerton series! You are going to make me watch it too!
Have a nice day ahead from sunny Athens, Gr.
Kalimera, @Cleopatra! I like Ji Chang Wook but he seems to have picked not so good dramas after Healer. None of his other dramas are as good, except Suspicious Partner. If you haven’t watched that, do check it out. It’s better than K2 which is kind of meh for me at least🙄
I’ve heard good things about Chocolate but didn’t check it out as I don’t like Ha Ji Won. But may give it a try..
@packmule3 mind meld. 😂 Spending too much time with the Psychic Couple (FG) has its side effects. I am in no hurry to watch Bridgerton. Haven’t read the books. I hope it doesn’t turn out to be another Sanditon for me. I didn’t get very far with that at all.
Hey @Phoenix!
I have heard about Suspicious Partner too! But my folks wanted an action drama so they voted for The K2! I will definitely watch SP after The K2.
I almost had a heart attack from the erotic scene someone posted about “Lovestruck in the city”. I mean in other series we get a caress and a kiss and we gasp in delight!
Please give Chocolate a try and I will be waiting for your thoughts!
HJW was really good, she even talked in Greek and with good pronouncation too!
I can say that I am proud because it is not an easy language.
I loved how they made cooking food as part of the series and how food give people comfort when they are struggling.
@Cleopatra @Phoenix
Not a big fan of HJW but I liked her in Chocolate, she and YKS looks good together, maybe because in her previous dramas she’s mostly paired off with dongsaeng actor. I like the sweet romance, the cooking and the patients individual story are touching.
Hey @Ella,
There are times, like this year with the Covid19 pandemic, that we are struggling and we don’t know what to do. We seem to forget that Life is beautiful even though terrifying at times. Some of us mourn, some of us say that are okay while in reality they are not, putting a tough front while they are struggling internally.
Every k-drama I watched since this past August made me realize:
That it is OKAY to not be OKAY. It is okay to struggle, to hurt and when you are ready to heal and finally move on.
It is also okay to wait for someone who will know how to love you for what you are deep inside and not hurt you because he / she doesn’t know how to love first themselves and then all the others. That someone exists in the world we live in, as long as we are ready to open our hearts to them.
So, as for Chocolate, the series gave me HOPE and understanding to appreciate even more Life and its precious moments and for that I am grateful. I am yearning for all the days to come and bring me wisdom, love and happiness. I am also ready to overcome all the obstacles. Because all people get born, live and die. But we have to be ready to live our lives into the fullest…
That’s what the k-dramas I watched made be ponder this year…
It is kinda philosophical but I lile the meaning…
What a beautiful thought, @Cleopatra. I agree..with all that we have been through this year, we have realized that It is Olay to not be Okay. Kdramas and this blog have helped take my mind off depressing things in real life too🙌
Hey @Phoenix,
I am glad you feel this way. It is nice to know that you are not alone in this vast world. There are others with you in another city or continent too…
I do hope 2021 will bring us moments of joy and laughter and if there are depressing moments too, let’s have k-dramas, this community and our real friends and family to deal with them!
@Cleopatra
Binge-watching k-drama has been my comfort zone in 2020 especially on the second half of the year. Pretty much replacing what used to be a night out or hanging out with friends for me.
Reading your thought makes me smile, it’s always great to find joy and hope in little things, your take in Chocolate bring me back to the the memory of watching it and the warm feeling back then.
I have to be honest though not every k-drama I watched I dissect properly, some leave a special place and lasting impression, those that I can re-watch over and over, also over analyzing every little details and still be immersed in them. But most of the time I watch k-drama on superficial-shallow level.
This is why I’m thankful that twitter introduced me to this blog.
Kalimera @Ella,
Totally I understand you. I am trying to rest after a very long period of time that my program was pretty hectic because I was working and studying full time for the second time in my life.
I wasn’t watching any tv, except Lucifer on Netflix.
I prefer watching theater. It may has to do with our greek cultural DNA, dunno.
It is one of the fields I am contemplating to take my Master Degree. We shall see.
There are times that I am watching a k-drama to just enjoy my evening, but the plot is that good that makes me dissect as you mentioned above. I am in crossroads myself this year. So pondering is good for me. It makes me understand more about my life until now.
But as you said, there are times I just want to spend my time as well. It is okay to be on the superficial-shallow level too. I cannot read any books right now. I have studied so hard these past years that I just cannot yet.
So, I am happy that I stumbled upon this blog too. I even remember how I found it.
I was google searching about the Kim So Wol’s poems in TKEM and I found the Azaleas post by @packmule3. So, yes I am grateful that I can chat / share my thoughts / joke with all of you…
P.S. I found some typos above! *face palm*
Hi all 😃. I would like to recommend a webdrama. It’s called Failing in Love and this was aired last Oct. 2019 but was available on youtube on Nov. 2019. It’s 10 episodes, around 30 minutes per episode long, so it’s a quick watch.
It’s a slice of life high school drama about a boy with separation anxiety and has this habit of asking out a girl every week to no avail because he wants to be in a relationship so badly. He has a girl bestfriend who liked him for 10 years because they’re childhood friends and he lived just above her house. And a guy bestfriend who was also friends with him for 10 years, whom they call a psychopath and is rumored to be gay. It’s a story of them failing in love because reasons, so no one ends up either of the characters.
The thing is I want to know your thoughts and opinions on this drama because I’ve been rooting for the “psychopath” male lead. He’s seen as manipulative, bad person in general because of his reason for being friends with the main lead. Some call him a stalker too because he waits for the female lead everytime. He’s a tsundere to the female lead basically. I don’t think he’s a stalker but I don’t know anymore. He means no harm to her. He likes her for 10 years but has kept it to himself because the girl likes the main lead. But has been bothering the girl eversince he got the chance to show his feelings to her.
So yeah… I guess I want someone to enlighten me, whether or not his actions towards the girl are okay. I think this is one of the well-made webdramas and it’s such a bummer no one’s talking about it. Maybe because it’s not a happy romance ending?
Here’s the playlist btw 😁 https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCl-tBS7OxKENS3Ph8BMEKdyg4TxVrvJb
Hope someone watch and like this 😄.
Hello everyone!
I do hope you are all well! Happy New Year from here too!
I have watched Doctor John with Ji Sung and I really loved it!
Have you watched it? It is a medical drama that has to do with moral issues regarding life and death.
The other series I am watching currently is W: Two Words Apart.
I am really enjoying it so far. Have you see that one?
@LeeDale9198 I will try to watch the series you mentioned above. But my list so far is very long…So I don’t know when that will it be…
Hello !
I just wanted to say that we started watching CLOY and so far I am not that convinced by Seri’s choices. Still, I am going to watch it to see more about this story that everyone is talking about.
I haven’t encountered Huyn Bin before. He is rather interesting! *ahem*
Okay didn’t know where to post this but this Sageuk looks promising? Kim SoHyun and JiSoo – he who I always confuse with Nam JooHyuk – don’t kill me – River where the moon rises. I think they are besties in real life as well (JiSoo and NJH) so that doesn’t help.
https://www.soompi.com/article/1449609wpp/ji-soo-transforms-into-a-passionate-youth-who-fights-for-peace-in-upcoming-historical-drama
Hey @nrllee!
I have seen these series and it looks promising!
I have also seen two more Series that will be aired during February. I have attached the trailers too!
1. L.U.C.A. the Beginning
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNz1J3EftP8
and:
2. Sisyphus : The Myth
@Cleopatra Wait. That clip is the Chinese version? I thought they are releasing the KDrama with Cho SeungWoo and Park ShinHye? That’s the one I am watching. Mainly for Cho SeungWoo because of his acting. Is that the same story? It sounds very similar.
Luca looks interesting too. But I can’t start so many. I usually have a limit of watching 2 dramas concurrently. I can’t juggle any more than that. I will start the Sageuk River Where the Moon Rises and Sisyphus. Hopefully by that time True Beauty would be finished.
@nrllee,
You are right, I have pasted the wrong trailer!
My bad! Here is the correct one for Sisyphus!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=734PeGfxICM
I will watch the first two episodes to see which series work better for me!
I think that Sisyphus is doing the trick for me. But we will see!
I haven’t started True Beauty and Mr. Queen for that reason. I am kinda late in the party for those but I had to stick watching what I am currently watching!
In other news we have started watching CLOY.
Everyone was bugging me to watch those series, so I had to catch up.
We are on Episode 6. It is interesting.
I know that since we are laughing that much in the beginning, afterwards I am waiting for the emotional parts.
I haven’t encountered Hyun Bin and Son Ye-Jin before.
I like the HB visuals though!
Thanks @Cleopatra and @nrllee
I finally have done what I normally do not bother to do. I looked up the show, Sisyphus, and checked on the PD and the writers.
I find that I’ve watched 6 of this PD’s works. Among them, Doctor Stranger was one of the worst shows I’ve ever encountered, but the others were not all that bad, although they do not feature among my favourites either. The writers have only done a couple of other shows before, and are relatively new. I’ve not watched anything they wrote.
To watch more Jo Seung Woo, I’ll be happy to try Sisyphus. As for Park Shin Hye, it’s tough for her to be a believable soldier. She somehow does not have the ‘soldier look’, if you know what I mean.
As for L.U.C.A., I may try an episode or 2 and see if it grips me.
@Cleopatra, Yes, Hyun Bin generally looks really fine. You’ll see him in Memories of the Alhambra as well.
@GB,
Thank you for the info! So far I haven’t looked up the shows! I have to check If I have seen anything from them.
As for Hyun Bin, I have Memories of the Alhambra on my watch list as well, but I have encountered mixed feelings about the show.
Some say is amazing, others complain about the ending.
That’s why I haven’t started it yet.
As for CLOY in the beginning SYJ was kinda irritating me.
But I said give it a try, it is the character that irritates you.
I haven’t seen any other work of hers. So, I don’t know who she is
or what she was doing before. After Episode 3, things are progressing better.
The only think I learned about the duo is that they are dating.
Which is something good for them, but I am a viewer and not a shipper.
So there.
Are you okay today?
@Cleopatra
I’m great, thanks for asking! How about yourself? I find that the last year of sitting while working and watching shows has given me a spare tyre around my waist!!! I am generally on the skinny side, but my clothes have become tight around my middle.
I was one of those people who didn’t really have patience for Memories of the Alhambra after the ML disappeared. I was also not enthused by the FL (who’s also the FL in Sisyphus, btw)
Perhaps watch it and read what BOD has to say about interpreting the visual clues etc.
I guess I liked CLOY well enough while I watched it, but I will not re-watch it. As you can tell by what I say about PSH (of Sisyphus), I know what you mean about not liking characters. I find myself more and more doubtful about the calibre of acting of several recent shows’ leads. Or I disliked their past characters and so I have no patience with their new characters. Or it’s just that I see something about them that rubs me the wrong way.
I still do give them another chance from time to time, however, hence I’m pleased to say that Suzy has improved in Start Up.
@GB,
I am getting there myself. Unfortunately, I had neck pain and now I am doing physiotherapy to easy my muscles. Other than that, I am pretty good myself too.
I am going at TO, so I am moving around, but I am trying to rest when I can.
I understand what you are saying though, I have stopped going to the gym, because of the lockdown, and my body knows it.
As for PSH I haven’t seen any of her works as well.
Now that I have thought about it I have finished watching 14 k-drama titles.
I have other 4 in WIP. I am in a good place.
I think the reason I was not into CLOY was because other viewers tried to tell me to watch it because it is amazing!
Even today, I had to answer to an individual because Start-Up is mediocre to her. Just because I stated that Start-Up is for me one of the best productions of 2020 in a thread.
I don’t fall for the actors and swoon about them. – The only time that happened was on Goblin with Gong Yoo, but there is indeed a very good reason why. (I will tell you another time)
During my second major, I found out that I love better to watch theather. I was planning to do a master degree on literature critique, but I changed my mind. So I am going for a theather critique instead.
So nowadays I am more sensitive while I am watching a play, a movie or tv-series.
I am looking for the following variables: script, acting, directing, cinematography, music and costumes are important issues for me.
There are times, I am watching an actor playing with his / her facial expressions, their silence, their emotional expressions, even when they are articulating their lines.
(Best examples here are Yoo Ji-tae on Healer and Si Jung on Doctor John.
As far as I have searched YJT is playing theather and he is directing several plays himself. As for SJ he has caliber. )
So, e.g. I am not just falling for Lee Min Ho.
Instead I fell for Lee Gon because he did what he did for Tae Eul in Episode 11 and 12 on TKEM. I have watched that specific scene for countless times and everytime I am amazed with the choreography.
Because LMH was going his way to KGE, but the scene was organized like we were watching him dance while holding with 4 Tigers sword all the way to TE.
Also, the way there were looking to each other. Their stares were so intensive. You were watching two people in love who were apart in a tragic incident.
I felt that before she even told him “I missed you”.
For me that is good acting and I didn’t know LMH and KGE back then.
I was just watching a tv show. I didn’t know anything about k-dramas! Not that I know much more now. I am beginning to understand though.
Anyway, for all the above reasons, I decided to talk more about what I like like I did on my Uni essays. For that reason, I have started to blog again.
I have two articles I want to write. One for TKEM and the other for W.
Hopefully I will at some point.
As for Suzy I have heard that she was improved in Start Up.
@Cleopatra, sorry but what is ‘TO’?
About theatre actors, yes … those who have been trained for theatre have the ability to act with their whole body. I believe that they bring something extra to the screen.
About Tae Eul in TK:EM, when she was kidnapped… I liked that she retained her policewoman wits about her and stood up to help herself and to disable the perpetrators’ car etc. She didn’t get a personality transplant and become hopeless and weak while waiting to be rescued.
Yes, the choreography and shots of Lee Gon slashing his way through the mass of betrayers was very poetic. The thought of it is making me want to watch it again. 😀
Although I’m without any background in it, I find that I’m rather interested in the visuals of film making. I’ve been watching on and off, little tutorials or videos on mis en scene and camera work. Often times while watching a series, too much passes me by and I miss visual clues. I only get to ‘see’ the hidden messages maybe, on a re-watch.
It’ll be very good for you to write about shows, and review them for theatre critique. For me, I find there’s nothing like writing things out to make me pause, re-think and realise so much more that I failed to notice. Generally before I write, I have hardly an idea in my head, but as the words get put on paper/the screen, the ideas start to flow.
@GB
“TO” abbreviation for “The Office”.
In Greece, our actors are theatrical actors in the most part. So, I am kinda used to what you stated in your first sentence.
One of my favorite greek actors is Aris Servetalis. I have seen him perform on stage in 3 different theatrical plays so far. (Check the movie Apples (2020) they say that it might be at the Oscars in the International Category, we are waiting for this to happen! *crossing fingers* https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10110614/ )
I like that TE’s personality trait as well. She was indeed a warrior and not a damsel in distress. We need empowered women figures on TV.
It is the TKEM scene I am currently watching on loop these past days. 😀
I was curious about the visuals of film making as well. You are right, we cannot understand much while watching a scene only at one time. When I was taking my Theather and Cinema module. I had to write 4 essays, two on two specific theather plays and another two for movies. I had to watch the film at least twice. Find the expressive means the director used, then rewatching for gazillion times the scene in order to describing it.
That’s why when I love a TV-Show I am rewatching it at least twice.
And then I am watching my favorite scenes again and again.
I have an idea about W. I even discussed it with my Philosophy Professor and he wants to read the article. So, I have to take my time in order to analyze the philosophical matter in hand, then how I discovered it used in W, in order to connect it with the TV-Show.
I am really enjoying your writings, I have told you that before! 🙂
@Cleopatra Thank you kindly. Yes, I do need to re-watch most episodes to be able to write sensibly about them LOL. That’s why I sometimes prefer to not be posting about a show. It requires too much time to analyse with re-watches and to write.
All the best to you on your blogging and on writing for your Philosophy Professor. 🙂
@Cleopatra @GB yes to theater actors/actresses. They have to be completely immersed. One take and that’s it. You have to think on your feet, if your theater mate forgets lines you have to improvise on the spot. You have to command attention because the stage is big and the audience quite a way away from you. Cho SeungWoo has this presence that is bewitching. Even if the plot sucks I just enjoy watching him act. 😂
@GB Doctor Stranger was a mess. I blame it on Jin SeYeon. Rumors were that she has a sponsor who interfered with the writing. PD and writer had differences of opinion as to how it should end. Ordinarily I wouldn’t go with rumors but I have watched just one of her other dramas (Grand Prince) and I would say there may be an element of truth in it. All her dramas seek to elevate her character (with little logic)? They give her super powers or super skills just so she stays relevant? It just always feels very forced/shoe horned in there. But yes I am a bit leery of the whole premise of Sisyphus (time travel ala Alice). PSH returns from the future to rescue CSW’s character so as to prevent a future apocalypse?
@GB Kalimera!
You are welcome. I agree with you. It is not easy to rewatch and analyze.
I also thank you for your kind words!
P.S. Check the Start-Up thread we are talking about Rewatching Episode 2 this SAturday! @Ella wants more info about the hour!
Kalimera @nrllee !
I love theather actor / actresses. I guess we have a culture history with the ancient greek tragedies and comedies.
I find very interesting to watch Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides and Aristophanes plays, and not only the newest theatrical plays.
For the greek students it is mandatory to study Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey plus Sophocles’ Antigone tragedy at high school. I have also read several other plays that we had to analyze for papers.
Unfortunately we don’t have the total of the ancient tragedies and comedies, because they are lost. Still we know from other discoveries, the existance of other authors and the name of their plays.
It is not easy at all to remember your lines! I have a friend who is an actress herself and I know how hard they are working to make a production come in life!
As for Cho Seung Woo. My mom was watching “Stranger” though, so I have seen him perform here and there, but I cannot have a final opinion about his acting skills.
What I found interesting is how he is using silence and how he occupies the screen with that silence.
I am interesting to see how they are going to interpret Sisyphus the Myth (the greek myth) into the play..
You can see the Letter Σ (sigma) in the promotional teaser!
https://tv.jtbc.joins.com/teaser/pr10011273
@Cleopatra Kalimera! If you want something short and sweet that showcases Cho SeungWoo’s acting, I suggest you try to find a movie called Marathon. It’s a true story. He played an autistic boy who loves to run. It is a lovely heartwarming story. Be prepared to cry because it’s heartbreaking in parts. Or watch the Kdrama Life (same writer as Stranger). That was very well made – it’s the best depiction of the differences of opinion between the service sector and corporate sectors when they collide – evenly mapped out on both sides. And there he has the full range of emotions to play.
@Nrllee,
Thank you for the suggestions! I am writing them down in my endless list of the movies / Tv Series I have to see.
I am mostly watching TV Series that have a deeper meaning as well. For me Black is one of the best thrillers out there just because we got to see the corruption running so deep. Also the suspence was amazing!
Of course there times I want to watch something light and funny.
BTW, I looked for BSW’s Bio and I saw that he is also a theatrical musical actor.
That for me is a bonus, because I am singing myself and I have a musical ear so to speak.
These days I want to see : “Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter… and Spring” of the late Kim Ki-duk. I have heard it is lyrical and amazing.
@Cleopatra and @nrllee
I’m back from a busy day (one out of 3 going on now) and am so pleased to see your posts.
@Cleopatra, thanks for the heads up on the Start Up watch/re-watch party. I’ll get back to @Ella after this.
Thanks for pointing out the Sigma symbol in the title of the show. I’d probably have missed it.
@nrllee, you’re a mine of information on what to watch for whom LOL. I should put those shows down for myself as well (I can add them to MyDramaList).
Hey @GB,
I totally get you!
As for Sisyphus the original greek myth the short version is: Sisiphus went against Gods’ wishes – he even fooled them- and then Zeus punished him for doing it.
For the long version I will try to write it another time.
P.S. I am glad we arrangeD the SU Episode 2 Rewatch party!
@GB when I happen upon an actor/actress who impresses me I tend to go back and sift through their filmography to play catch up. I want to see if they stayed consistent or showed growth from when they debuted. I did that with Do KyungSoo, Yoon ShiYoon, Cho SeungWoo, Seo YeJi. I would follow up with articles and interviews they’ve done. Just to get an insight into their mindset and how they approach their roles. I do skip some of their shows if the premise is too dark or sordid. I couldn’t finish Save Me for Seo YeJi because the whole plot line was about a cult and I couldn’t stomach it in the end. Same for Cho SeungWoo. Some of the movies he took up were too violent or had storylines which didn’t appeal to me. I highly recommend Life. It’s really thought provoking. It highlights the difficulties faced when institutions like hospitals are taken over and run by corporations. The writer brought to the fore the issues without passing judgement. It’s so hard to strike that balance. And it was actually in that drama that I found out that Seoul hospitals had specifically sectioned off wings which were vacant to deal with pandemics. They learnt through MERS that it was a necessary investment. But of course if you are a corporation you would look at that empty wing with all that equipment sitting languishing and think, “total waste of resources. Let’s make use of it for something else.”
Hmmm…if you’re interested in “W” there was a poster here who made a script as a sequel to “W.” He was really into the whole philosophy behind the drama.
Wenchanteur. See his name? It’s W + enchanteur.
But I don’t know where he is now. Maybe we can do a “W” watch together and he’d delurk. hahaha.
Hey @packmule3,
I have already read that thread and I have seen that Wenchanteur wrote a script about the sequel. And yes, I am silently lurking to some of your posts, when I am watching a series, to see what you wrote about it and how the commentantors reacted / commented.
The funny thing is that 4 years ago, I wrote an essay on my Philosophy module about the main theme on W. So, while I was watching the series, I was in awe, because I didn’t expect that writer-nim Song Jae-Jung would do something like that.
So, my basic goal after watching CLOY is to catch up with her work,
(Nine: 9 Times Time Travel , Memories of the Alhambra, Yumi’s Cells)
even more now, because I think she is one of the most visionary writer-nims I have encountered for a long long time!
P.S. I sent you an email. Have you received it?