I’m currently watching:
Lovers of the Red Sky. It ends on Tuesday. I’m excited because this is the first historical in a long while that I’ve watched from start to finish.
Chinese drama: Forever and Ever. It’s taking me forever and ever to write the reviews.
Will have to catch up on:
Yumi’s Cells. It ends on Sat, Oct 30.
Dali and the Cocky Prince. It ends on Thurs, Nov 11.
Jirisan. This just began last weekend.
Now, I’ve time to watch:
1. Secret Royal Inspector Joy
This is a romcom between a secret royal inspector and a divorcée. That’s all I really need to know.
Cast:
Ok Taecyeon and Kim Hye Yoon: two of my favorite actors in the kdrama.
I like Taecyeon, not because he’s an amazing actor, but because he appears to be a decent, hard-working guy. Plus, he lived in “Baa-ston” Massachusetts when he was a teen. Taecyeon is a member of 2PM. If you’re one of his fangirls/boys delurking to join us here, please note I have strict “oppa” rules.
I like Kim Hye Yoon (24 years old) because she sparkles. Unlike Shin Minah (36 years old), her aegyo is age-appropriate. She’s fun to watch. I wouldn’t mind having a doctor…errr…daughter-in-law like her.
Episodes: 16
Start Date: Monday, Nov 8
Airs every Monday and Tuesday
Where to Watch it: Viki (I’m getting a lot of mileage with my Viki membership this year!)
Network: tvN
2. The Red Sleeve
If I were composing a tabloid headline for this drama, I’d write, “Newsflash: King falls in love with a pretty maid.” But Viki has the long summary:
In Korea during the first half of the 1700s, Yi San (Junho) is an aloof and perfection-loving young prince. His father’s killing haunts him, although it leaves him in the position to take the throne once his grandfather – the cruel and ruthless current king responsible for Yi San’s father’s death – dies. He has resolved to become a benevolent monarch who will reform the law when he eventually takes the throne, but the way his father was killed has scarred him emotionally.
At court, he meets a young woman named Sung Deok Im (Lee Se Young). Yi San falls in love with her and tries to convince her to become his official concubine. But Sung Deok Im is strong-willed and free-spirited. She is also intelligent enough to understand that becoming a royal consort to the future king is a prestigious role, but one that would restrict her freedom and likely bring her little in the way of joy. But Yi San’s love for Sung Deok Im is true, and she starts to understand that forming a union with him could ultimately benefit his troubled realm.
(Thanks Viki!)
This sounds like a melodrama, and I don’t do well with melodramas. But I’ll give this a try because I like the actors.
Cast:
Lee JunHo as some King-who-isn’t-exalted-Sejong. No worries. We’ll get to know more about him and his insane father when the drama begins.
Junho is member of the kpop band, 2PM, just like Ok Taecyeon. Between the two of them, he’s the better actor. He was in “Just Between Lovers” which I skimmed and dropped (sorry, too depressing). I’m looking forward to seeing him portray a king because I’ve this image of him as Everyman, you know, a generic and average Joe, struggling to survive.
Lee SeYoung was in many dramas that I started but never finished. She was memorable as the zombie in “Hwayugi.” That was her breakthrough role, for me.
Episodes: 16
Start Date: Friday, Nov 12
Airs every Friday and Saturday
Where to Watch it: Viki
Network: MBC
Since these two dramas are historical, I need to balance them with something
3. Chinese dramas??
I’m still working on three Cdramas (“Forever and Ever,” “GO Into Your Heart” and “You Are My Glory”), so I shouldn’t start on something new.
But if you have recommendations, sure why not?
I can recommend “Love is Science?” a Taiwanese drama on Vicki. The female lead (Christina Mok) is very strong, but there are four other strong/accomplished secondary female roles, one being an intelligent and wonderfully manipulative nymphomaniac. The men, except for the malelead, are largely foils for the women, and the plot is full of curious detail and attractive twists, including a farmer from the outback who woos a banking CEO. The acting and writing are both very good, which is why I mention it.
Me, currently watching and love:
1. Jirisan (Jun ji hyun)
2. King’s affection (rowoon and park eun bin) heart fluttering ❤️
Soon will added:
1. now we are breaking up (jang ki yong & song hye kyo) seems like melodrama.
2. one ordinary day (kim soo hyun)
3. hellbound (yoo ah in)
4. our beloved summer (kim dami & choi woo sik) i have feeling this drama will turn out to be good, the two actor seems like good choosing project, male lead might not have goodlooking face, but he is really charming actor for me, the female one also same ❤️
3 of my favorite star (jun ji hyun, kim soo hyun, yoo ah in) filled my end of year with drama without romance.
Its actually not my favorite genre like mystery, supernatural, and criminal🤦♀️ But i will watch it anyway 🤣
The last time i enjoy this typical genre is in 2014, god gifts: 14days.
But So far jirisan is good.
There is other upcoming drama
1. melancholia (im soo jung and lee do hyun)
But its about teacher and student relationship ?
2. Happiness (han hyo joo and park hyung sik)
About virus things..
For cdrama………. Im still waiting “she and her perfect husband”😭
Thanks for the thread @pkml3. I’ll let others make recommendations. I’m trying to keep my drama watching plate small and not overfilled. 😉
I love Im Soo Jung from Search WWW, so I might just have to watch Melancholia. The subject matter is taboo and controversial, but I hope they’ll explore it with complexity and nuance. I’ve watched shows that explore similar situations like the j-drama Chugakusei Nikki and the American tv show A Teacher, which were both really meaningful and thought-provoking. I wonder how this drama will explore similar issues.
I’ve been watching so many great dramas during October and I’m not ready for them all to end. It’s rare that there are 4 dramas that I love airing concurrently (HomeCha, Lost, Dali, Yumi’s Cells). November doesn’t look as exciting drama-wise, so I might have to start digging up old series to watch. I’m behind on Yumi’s Cells, so I’ll also catch up on that.
Juriel, thanks for the recommendation! It sounds like a mature Taiwanese drama, of which I have a particular weakness for! Plus good writing is an absolute must for me.
Re: Melancholia, my suspecion is that the teacher/student thing was just a rumor spread, but it caused her damage in some respect. I believe when they meet up later when they’re both adults is when the real romance starts. That is the hope I cling to, anyway.
I’m currently live-watching Yumi’s Cells and Dali and the Cocky Prince. I need to catch up with Lovers of the Red Sky. I watched the first episode of The King’s Affection–which also featured talented child actors–but decided to put it on hold until I finish LOTRS because I can’t do two historicals at once since I get confused about which king’s reign the story is set in. (I’ve put The Red Sleeve on my watchlist to check out later, once I finish with The King’s Affection.)
[I finally broke down and signed up for Kocowa because I got tired of waiting for subs with Viki. There I found that My Secret, Terrius was available again, so I watched it recently while recovering from surgery. I wanted to watch it since it’s from the same writer as Shopaholic Louis (and DDSSLLS), but also because one of its storylines centers around the corona virus as potential plague (this was back in 2018).]
I’ve been looking for a k-drama to watch with my hubby and I think I’ve finally found it: Dr. Brain on Apple TV (which we seem to have for free). It looks like a thriller (not my usual genre) but it looks high budget, so I might be able to watch it with him if he can tell me when to shield my eyes at any scary parts.
Thanks for the heads up on Mr Brain @BethB! Being touted as the first Apple TV’s first original Kdrama, I’m curious to watch it. Nov 4 is the date!
Finished with HC3, it was an ok wrap up. Currently watching Yumi’s Cells which is ending this weekend (will miss the cells!) and started Jirisan.
I’ve started My Name but can’t binge a lot and the focus is on the fighting skills so my attention has waned. For cdrama, I’m watching “Love Designer” with Dilraba but I have complaints on the ML so I may drop it. I’m checking out “Love is Science” as recommended by @Juriel.
And Goblin rewatch is so engaging! Pls join us if you have the time.
The historical dramas look interesting, one a comedy and the other a melodrama. I am already watching The King’s Affection and liking it so far. I want to try Jirisan. Melancholia has Lee Do Hyun, so I am curious. The new Kim Soo Hyun drama also looks promising. So many choices…
Dramas I’m currently watching:
Western drama: Sense8 (tho I’m kinda dropping this now idk)
Kdrama: Jirisan
Cdrama: Once We Get Married
Jdrama: Konin Todoke ni Han wo Oshita dake desu ga
The last 2 are contract marriage dramas 😂. I’m also planning on flash forwarding the lakorn My Husband in Law. In terms of plot, I prefer the jdrama more than the cdrama, but I like the visual alchemy😅 of the actors of my currently watched dramas!
LeeDale9198,
I remember “My Husband in Law”!! That was a lakorn I tolerated primarily because of the actor. I wanted to see how his character would get his comeuppance. He was a jerk in the beginning. A womanizer, too. I wish they cut out that bed scene in the beginning, and the gangster story. I didn’t have to see that. But I guess on Thai TV that was a norm so whatever…
But he groveled nicely in the end.
I made notes about that show but can’t find them now. That show would have been a nice “intro” to lakorn culture and mentality. They really go for the makjang or soap opera-ish narrative.
Thanks, @Juriel, for recommending “Love is Science?” From what little I’ve watched of Taiwanese drama, I find it more convoluted than Chinese drama, and more westernized (or more Hollywood-ish) than Asian. I don’t know how to describe it because I haven’t quite put my finger on the problem.
Lovebangwon, are you a lady of leisure? 🙂 How do you have time to watch all these??
I went through your list…
1. Jirisan — I saw parts of it on Kissasian. Will continue for now because I’m curious about this “signal” she’s getting. (No, I’m not downloading IQIYI so I’ll wait for Viki or go on Kissasian/dramacool)
2. King’s Affection — No. I’ve a visceral reaction against the actress Park Eun Bin.
3. Now We are Breaking Up — No. Although I like the actor from “My Roommate is a Gumiho,” I’m not into noona romances.
4. One Ordinary Day — Only 8 episodes, right? Maybe for bingeing. But the other lead is defense attorney so there’s that issue with me.
5. Hellbound — This one looks hellish. Six episodes only. I do like Yoo Ah In as an actor. He chooses his projects well. Is this like an apocalypse?
6. Our Beloved Summer — no, never heard of this.
7. Melancholia — nope. He had a crush on his teacher back when he was in high school? Then they met again when they grew up. If the story was simply about two adults meeting again years after they first met, sure why not? But this drama seems to be dwelling on that teacher-student unresolved feelings in the past. “Melancholia,” right? And that’s a “no” zone for me. I don’t want that normalized; I don’t care about it.
8. Happiness — yes! Thanks for reminding me about this, lovebangwon ! I thought it would be interesting to see the “first” (this is the first, right?) drama about an epidemic, Post-Coronavirus. I’d like to see the writer’s perspective on this whole surreal event.
@packmule3 you could also expect that level of makjang in most Southeast Asian dramas hahaha. I admit though that MHIL is more makjang than usual imo.
But there are some Thai drama productions that are of similar quality to the east asian ones, though mostly seen on BL genre; and I could only vouch one thai drama (The Gifted Series, s1 highly recommended, s2 regrettable).
BethB,
Welcome to Viki-world!
I think Vikipass standard is currently $5 a month and the Vikipass plus is $10. I don’t know how much I paid when I first joined because it automatically renews. But I thought it’d be cheaper (and less headache) than having my laptop exposed to bugs from the illegal sites. 🙂 So I waited for one of their sales. Mothers’ Day? Christmas Day? Valentine’s Day? One of those days. I also had Dramafever membership because the best dramas were on it, not Viki.
Think of this as your act of self-love or self-care.
Last year, I think we had six subscriptions. A couple were freebies, though, because of Covid. Aside from Netflix, Viki and AmazonPrime, we had Youtube, Disney+ and AppleTV.
I’m saying no to IQIYI. And Viu isn’t available in the US.
I hope you have a speedy recovery from your recovery.
“More” makjang than usual, @LeeDale9198? Are you’re saying the other lakorns are really not as makjang as this one this one? 🙂
I have to be in a certain mood to watch lakorn. Many romantic scenes are so over-the-top and melodramatic that I end up snickering. I know that I’m being manipulated to bawl my eyes out. So when I’ve seasonal allergies, or I need one good cry, lakorns have a purpose.
Let me see now, for “My Husband in Law,” the most makjang scene was when — spoiler alert — spoiler alert — spoiler alert
when he found out that she was hospitalized and dying.
I lost it after that. lol.
@Janey oof I tried to watch My Name, first ep. itself, Han So Hee is too raw for the role. Park Hee-soon did in one scene what Han So-hee couldn’t do in the entire episode (for me). It isn’t as much the gore and fighting that’s off-putting as it is to see her “take the efforts” to pull off her acting. Maybe it’s just my mental block but I haven’t been able to warm up to her. I’m sold on Park Hee-soon though (I’ve seen all the spoilers for the show and yep, let’s just say I’m dropping it haha).
See you on the Jirisan thread! 🙂
@dashman – I agree 100% on Park Hee Soon! that fight scene between him and So Hee was a hilight! I can’t keep my eyes off of him. The other episodes, I kinda snoozed. LOL!
Yes, see you in Jirisan! So far this show is keeping me awake and engaged. I’m looking forward to the next episodes.
@Jirisan is now available on Viki. Hurray!
@Pm3, @Leedale – I had to Google what lakorn is! Hahaha! So it’s a term for Thai tv soap opera or drama. I have not watched any yet but it’s good to learn new things everyday. Any recommendations for a lakorn newbie? I assume there are lakorns in Netflix, too.
@Jirisan is written by Signal writer iirc… so I think he/she is using similar theme here. I still haven’t watched ep 2. I will binge watch this weekend.🙈
@dashman1010, thanks! I am replying here because I am avoiding spoilers at Jirisan’s thread 😂😂😂 On the variety show, things are more bearable in ep. 3 with YYS finally coming over and his fictional mom. Both of them cooked and YYS made a dining table in an hour is swoon worthy 🥰🥰🥰 I biased so ignore me lol
The earlier episodes of the show are superb boring… from the short clips 99ers looked so tired and they cook, do some vegies picking,cook and eat… plus the arrival of the person I don’t even care to watch just make the whole episodes a big bleh *yawn* skipped the two episodes… the saving grace is probably jkh x mido and kdm. JKH is showing off his cooking skill and his eating reactions are soooo funny 😂😂 I am only staying for you know who. Thankfully yys only comes after his drama filming has finished and left again for it. Not really a full regular like the other 99ers. And Na PD, geez this guy is carrying forward those cheesy creepy lovelines from HP2 😑 stop it already. Not even interesting and he got it served with low ratings.👏👏👏
I discovered the excellence of some Thai BL dramas when “The Tale of 1000 Stars” was recommended to me, not only for its storyline but also for its music. Since then I have found “Golden Blood” and I’m just coming to the end of the truly excellent and beautifully slow-moving “Bite Me” series. And moving to Japan, I found “A Man who defies the world of BL” thoroughly hilarious and very well crafted. I can do without vicarious sex, but some BL dramas have hardly any of that type of content. Rather, their sensitivity to human relationships is often outstanding and I find it very attractive.
Well @miracle23 the clip that I did watch about the lovelines…when “Rosa” asked about the kissing, JJS mentioned that he and MiDo only kissed once and it was “pure”…unlike the other couple who just kept kissing…😂😂. And he made a face (of disgust?) when he said that. Just as we thought… 🙄 pure lust and not much substance. Even YS when asked about why the relationship was kept secret in the Q&A said that it made it more titillating/exciting? Just as we said here… like an affair. It can’t stand up to the glare of reality. 🙄
Apologies to my not interested in BL colleagues; I intended this to be a reply to @LeeDale9198, but it’s come up on the main thread. Sorry.
@BethB — was just intending to quietly read everyone’s current shows — but I see you mention My Secret, Terrius, so I will jump at the opportinity to comment given I just finished it ju last night. 😁 Did you like it?? 😊 I liked it a lot, and I was just smiling from ear to ear by the end of the series. (But I had the mindset that it was a rom(ish)-com spy show, so, I wasn’t taking the spy-plot too seriously. 😊)
Also, before that I watched Oh My Venus for the first time, and wow, I think that is the hottest I’ve seen So Ji Sub. 👀🔥
Between Iqiyi and Viu, I prefer Iqiyi only because the free account/subscription to Viu has annoyingly excessive ads. At one point in time, Viu in my country played ads of a particular brand of pizza. I came to detest that pizza brand so much that time. They unwittingly elicited the opposite effect from the viewers. 😬 Iqiyi is a lot tamer when it comes to ads.
Yes to My Secret Terrius @pandamilktea. I was in stitches half the time. The kids were the stars. 😂. It was a great spoof of the secret life of spies. I liked that they didn’t push the romance too hard. It was there but it wasn’t overdone. And yes to O My Venus. I loved the banter (and the boys with John Kim). It was just a fun ride.
Jun-Jun!!! 🥰 Yes, @nrllee, you hit the nail on the head — those two shows — such a fun ride! 😊
To be fair @packmule, I’ve only watched less than 5 lakorns, so I can’t really judge the other ones hahaha. Or is it because it’s been years since I watch local tv and so my sensitivity to makjang is higher than usual 😆.
@Juriel I actually don’t watch BLs of any type. I tried watching 2 locally produced ones , one made me unbearably cringe (I couldn’t take the intense pick up lines dropped on the first episode) and another made me furious because of its plot (closeted guy dated the sister of the one whom he love, had an affair behind the girl’s back, all the while the brother claims to love his sister [in a sibling way] and that she’s the one who saved him from his sucide attempts).
I’d say based on the clips and snippets I’ve come to watch, Thai BL have high production quality on par with kdramas, but Japanese BL have more provoking plotlines.
@nrlee I agree that the kids were the stars of My Secret Terrius!
( Though I could watch So Ji Sub read the phone book. ) The little girl was recently in You Are My Spring. I was watching Terrius on DramaFever when it was shut down. I got a subscription to KOCOWA just long enough to finish it. I might have to rejoin and rewatch sometime this winter. I was hoping Viki would pick it up,but it’s been a few years and no luck. I almost signed up for IQIYI a few days ago, because they are having a half price sale. I didn’t like that they asked for my date of birth. I don’t like putting out into cyberspace ,without a good reason. Why not just ask if I‘m over 18, if they need to know that?
Perhaps im indeed a lady of leisure😶🌫️
For some reason, i stay at home everyday,its almost 2 year.
No, mostly upcoming kdrama only on my list, only few that probably will stole my heart when its airing 😁 sometimes i often click skip button too..
I have good feeling with Our beloved summer, even there is no teaser yet 😆
Its hard to deal with no romance in JJH,KSH, and YAI drama. I hope its turn out to be good one.
@Dlia I share your instincts not to make certain personal details public. I do know that DoB can become a useful algorithm for advertising but, like yourself, I won’t give that information. Perhaps I miss out, but privacy is maintained.
I am watching a Hong Kong drama called Kids Lives Matter. I gave up on HK dramas for a while but read good reviews about this one so will give it ago.
Other than that I am hoping to start on Jirisan and Happiness. All these upcoming dramas seem to be a good. November is a good month!
I have lots of dramas to catch up as always but currently watching those similar to some of you
On Going shows
1) King’s Affection – I’m actually like Park Eun Bin here better than in her previous Brahms show…Rowoon..so so. Also she does not look like a boy at all.
2) Dail and the Cocky Prince is my favourite now!
3) Jirisan – I started the first episode though it is not priority for now
4) Once we get Married – for a fun fluffy show that has all the standard expected things to happen.
I should continue:
1) Yumi’s cells – i loved it but it doesn’t seem to be what I will choose when I’m thinking of what to watch
2) Hometown Chachacha – because I read so many spoilers I couldn’t start from ep2
Curious to watch:
1) Secret Royal Inspector Joy – because of Taecyeon and Kim Hye Yoon
2) School 2021 – remember YunBok from Hospital Playlist?
3) The Last Goodbye to Mama – it is on going on Youku and I’m curious because of the review I have watched. It is using a narrative structure which parallels the life of both mother and son, and more cinematic than most dramas. It is something about the visual storytelling that has gotten me curious. I should watch on my larger tv for the movie feel for this i think.
You can tell I do not watch horror or thriller much, not too much blood and gory and zombies pls! So dramas like My Name, Hellbound would be out…as so is squid game.
Kalispera Ladies!
I am kinda late in the party.
I am currently watching: “Jirisan”.
I have also found a Chinese drama called “Truth” that I am enjoying so far. It is on Viki if you are interested!
I am planning to watch:
-Happiness
-The Red Sleeve
and I most likely bingewatch: “Hellbound” and “Dr. Brain”.
I have heard about “One Ordinary Day”, but I am not sure I want to watch something like that this time around. I prefer to watch “Dali and the Cocky Prince”.
As I have discussed with some of my friends. Some of us are going to watch specific series and the others different ones, in order to have a whole perspective!!! LMAO
Anneyong!
I realized yesterday, I also forget to write about the western series that I am anticipating these past months, which is “The Wheel of Time” Saga by the late Robert Jordan.
Daniel Henney will play Lan Al’ Mandragoran 😀
It will start on November 19th at Amazon Prime.
@miracle23 thank you for the short & sweet summary of the show ❤️ And sorry for the late response, been a bit busy this side 🙂 How many episodes does this show have do we know? Also, yep, like @nrllee said, nothing pure about secrets, they’re just insecure idiots who can’t come to terms with their realities even after years of dating. Delusional is the word I’d use for both the couples. Gosh, can’t wait for Mido to move on from this juvenile crap and see JJS just… disappear lol Very happy to see YYS already shooting for Surname, super excited for that drama! 😃
@pandamilktea & @nrllee I was sold on your chats about Oh My Venus and Terrius, so I gave the former a go. I made it until ep. 5 but starting to get super bored with the cliched storylines and monotonous expressions. Shin Min-Ah is really good, I can see how she carried HCCC on her shoulders and completely take back what I said about her not complementing KSH enough on the show, now I know that she has enough screen presence to compensate for KSH’s tepid performances. Back to Oh My Venus, maybe it’s a mood thing for me as I quite liked eps. 1-3, but 4 onwards, things started to feel repetitive and idk, a bit dated (like an adult version of Boys Over Flowers). I liked the boys trio, esp. Ji-woong, but they don’t have many scenes together anymore 🙁 I will give Terrius a go though, that seems a lot more interesting and away from romcom cliches. Thanks for both recommendations, not giving up on So Ji-Sub so soon! 🙂
@Cleo OMG YES YES YES YESSSSS I’m going to be watching Wheel of Time as well! 👌🏽 Haven’t read the books so I have no idea what I’m getting into but I liked the teasers & trailers a lot ❤️
Kalispera @dashman1010,
I have started the books 20 years ago. Progressively until up to a point. I loved it the first time around and I was reading them in english. It was very interesting!
I need to reread them, but the universe the late Robert Jordan has built is amazing. I was saddened by RJ’s pass back in 2007. He left behind 1000 pages of written material for the ending and his widow picked Brandon Sanderson to finish the series.
I am happy because all the WoT fans were waiting for this to happen for almost 20 years. I do hope they will do justice and we will be enjoying this!
The Producers said that we are going to see things happening simultaneously, because in the books we get to see a portion of this and then that.
This is one of my favorite quotes that says it all: <3
“The Wheel of Time turns, and Ages come and pass, leaving memories that become legend. Legend fades to myth, and even myth is long forgotten when the Age that gave it birth comes again.”
Let us enjoy the series!
Since people have been talking about My Secret Terrius (after I first brought it up!): In terms of Oh Ji-young dramas–Shopping King Louis, My Secret Terrius, and DDSSLLS–I still like SKL the best. Terrius was fun and perfect for binging because each (short!) episode ends on a cliffhanger, so it was hard not to start the next episode. I really liked So Ji-Sub in this. He had an aloof, sexy presence that warmed in the presence of the Jun-Jun twins. And I loved seeing the community of parents and how they worked together–it showed the untapped potential of stay-at-home moms (and dads).
I found Oh My Venus unwatchable–perhaps because I found the storyline kind of cringe-y. I mean, the main focus is about an overweight woman trying to lose weight. I stopped after the second episode. But since I liked SJS so much in Terrius, perhaps I should give it another try.
In the meantime… I’ve finished Yumi’s Cells (great!), am watching Dali (though all her recent bad luck is making it tough for me to finish it) and am trying to decide which historical I should watch next. I’d like to avoid seeing blood in the next one. As far as non k-dramas, I just watched all of Season 10 of Call the Midwife via PBS Passport. One of the few shows truly about people being kind to one another.
Also–@pm3–I’ve been a Viki subscriber for over a year but I got frustrated waiting for subtitles on Dali so I finally subscribed to Kocowa. I also just realized that I could drop the Viki Plus subscription I’ve been paying for monthly since all the Plus stuff seems to be from Kocowa…so it may end up being the same cost.
@Cleo aaaaa that line was included in the official teaser, chills-worthy stuff! I know that it’s a really old fantasy novel series but didn’t know that fans were waiting for a screen adaptation since ages. Hope for your sake this turns out to be good! 🙂
@BethB ahh sorry to omit you from the discussion, I’m further sold on Terrius, will pick it up soon! 🙂 I thought that OMV did the overweight woman thing well, they weren’t imposing any stereotypes and showed the FL have a genuine reason to put on all that weight. I do feel like the diet restriction scenes were a bit excessive (doesn’t everyone have a cheat day or something, I’m on the heavier side but haven’t trained with a personal trainer, so idk how they are IRL but I do know that people on diets have cheat days). That said, yes, it is pretty glum to me at this point and I don’t really know what more story they have to cover in 10+ more hours lol I mean the ML and FL are always coincidentally running into each other, they might as well confess their feelings hahaha Anyway, Terrius has shorter episodes like you said, definitely will give this one a go 🙂
As for the main topic of discussion, I’m not really looking forward to any dramas in Nov other than Jirisan that’s already airing. Next I’m awaiting Kim Dami’s new drama with Woo-shik (Us That Year or something, @Lovebangwon — has the title changed?) but I don’t know if that’s airing this year or early next year. Fingers crossed she delivers another hit, she’s got mad talent!
Mr Smexy Give LMH a run for his money in TKEM is back from military. Try saying that really quick 😂. I am struggling to figure out what “action noir” is?
https://www.soompi.com/article/1497032wpp/lee-sang-yi-joins-woo-do-hwan-in-talks-for-new-drama-starring-kim-sae-ron
@nrlee – WDH is back!!! Yippee!!! Can’t wait.
Is it still possible he can be in Yumi’s Cells season 2? My wish…
@nrllee,
I don’t know how Kdrama screenwriters and directors understand “film noir.” Was Vincenzo “film noir”? Do they mean an anti-hero drama? A tortured heroine? A cruel theme? A makjang plot? For sure, the drama isn’t going to be filmed in black and white so do they mean it’s symbolically dark and shadowy?
But I’m excited to see Woo Do Hwan! I’m sure he bulked up while in the military. And Lee Sang Yi! I hope he isn’t playing a shady character.
@Janey, I should open another thread for Yumi’s Cells during the intermission, right? I can’t keep track of our candidates for Yumi’s third and final boyfriend. I tried to catch up and watch Ep 9 this afternoon but SaeYi made my blood boil so I switched off. 😡 I’m glad Yumi gave her a piece of her mind.
@packmule3 I struggle too 😂. I think anything that Koreans deem unconventional (and not unicorns and rainbows) is thrown into the “noir” basket.
@PM3 – yes, that will be fun to speculate who our candidates are for Yumi’s 3rd and last boyfriend! Seems like they are keeping it under wraps. You already know my WDH wish. Ah, that SaeYi is super irritating but you’ve seen the climax of her interaction with Yumi so she fades in the background after that. Yumi was right to say that SaeYi will be a problem to any of Woong’s relationships. Although it’s sad, the break up scenes were done superbly and maturely, nothing OTT. I’ll take note of this director’s other works.
Hi everyone, was wondering if anyone is/will be watching Inspector Koo? It has Lee Young Ae (she was ace in World of the Married).
Unfortunately, am only subscribed to Netflix so will be missing out on Jirisan (have already missed out on Yumi’s Cells :(). I do hope Red Sleeve comes out on Netflix (am a Lee Se Young fan, even if it’s just because she was such a great zombie in Hwayugi!), and Secret Inspector Joy (just because it looks lighthearted and kooky).
Kalimera everyone!
I managed to watch Episode 1 of “Happiness” and it is very interesting!
If you are okay with this genre give it a try!
I have to say that Park Hyun Shik is more matured and steady in his acting!
As for Han Hyo Joo is impressive as always!
Jo Woo-Jin is pretty good as well. So far his character is shady and mysterious!
@Cleopatra “Happiness” has appeared on my Rakuten front page, and after reading your recommendation, I’ll give it a go. I’m also quite drawn to “Secret Royal Inspector Joy”, although I have the feeling it may not be on either of my two subscription platforms.
Kalimera @Juriel!
I do hope you are okay! “Happiness”, “Secret Royal Inspector Joy”, “Chimera” and “The Red Sleeve” are all on Viki. I do hope you can watch them on your subcription platforms.
I am going to watch Episode 2 of “Happiness” tonight. My friend told me is pretty good so far and she wishes they won’t do anything wrong with it.
Kalimera Ladies,
I saw a clip on Viki IG about a new cdrama called: “Fall in Love”.
Chen Xing Xu is the male lead. I am currently watching -slowly, but I am I am enjoying it- the “Truth” and I like him there. I haven’t seen Zhang Jing Yi anywhere yet.
Here is the clip for my fellow friends who watch c-dramas:
Correction: I am enjoying it* LMAO!
Thanks, @cleopatra!
Hey, I watched “Happiness” Ep 1. Scary but Ep 1 was good.
Woke up early just to finish Ep 2 now before work. (It’s 4:30 am). 🧟♂️ See you later.
Understood.
Kalimera @Packmule3!
I am glad to know that you are okay! I haven’t seen you online for a while!
“Happiness” is scary I agree, but I like it so far.
Have a nice day ahead!
P.S. I am going to give “Fall in Love” a try!
@Cleo – thanks for the cdrama recommendation! Will watch it, seems interesting. The actors are pretty young at 25 and 22 but the setting is historical colonial Shanghai. Since it’s a new show, there will be no binging for me.
@Janey,
You are welcome! Please do!!!
Ee have to discuss this one! The historic time is very interesting!!!
I am currently watching Episode 2! I am having a great time so far… Chen Xing Xu’s character is quirky and a badass.
I am laughing with his lines to the FL! LMAO !
@packmule3, are you finished yet with “You Are My Glory?”
Not yet, @Fern. I haven’t finished YAMG with Yang Yang and Dilraba.
Sadly, my real-world, work-related dramas have overtaken my online dramas. 🎭
@Cleo @pm3 – I watched ep1 of Happiness and liked it so far!
I looked away when there are scary bits. >.< Fortunately that works and doesn't stop me from enjoying the drama. PHS is more serious here compared to Strong Girl Bong Song. I like HHJ from W and good to see her in an action role. Good to see them after their breaks.
*light spoiler* starts
I like that it acknowledges COVID 19. A few dramas I watched just ignore COVID 19 and this one acknowledges it and builds a story on this. So far it kept me interested and I plan to start ep 2 tonight.
*light spoiler* ends
So (too) many dramas I am interested are on Viki these days! I just started Disney Plus so trying hard not to start another subscription. Too many things I want to watch, too little time.
In Netflix there is a Taiwanese one coming on 26 November called Light the Night. It seems interesting so I may give it a go.
Hey @Viva!
I am glad you liked “Happiness”.
I like PHS so much in this one! He is more steady. As for HHJ, I have seen her in W and loved her. Also check Treadstone! I have watched Episode 1 on Prime. She is pretty good in that one too!
I have a Viki subscription and I am enjoying it so far very much!
I will keep an eye for the “Light the Night”.
I hope that things ease up at work for you, @packmule3. It’s really difficult to say no to Yang Yang. 😊
Dear Chingus!
I have to say that I am up to date with “Fall in Love” on Viki and I am hooked!
I am really really rooting about this! Give it a shoot ! You will enjoy it!
It has a mystery, banter and an amazing atmosphere since it is in the 1920s in Shanghai. I love the vibes from that time. I have also seen “Miss Fisher Murder Mysteries” and I enjoyed Essie Davis as Phryne Fisher and Nathan Page as Detective Jack Robinson.
Chen Xing Xu is a very versatile actor. I didn’t expect him to have such a range and he is only 25 year old! I am really impressed with him! In “Truth”, he is a man of few words, but lots of actions and in FiL, he is also a comedian among other things. I am enjoying his antics so very much!
Zhang Jing Yi is very good in her role. I haven’t watched anything with her before. The same applies to Evan Lin, who has the looks indeed.
I have encountered Zheng Xiao Ning in “You are my Glory” and Xiu Qing in “Truth”. They are senior actors and it shows.
If you have time just check it and you won’t regret it!
More Info Here:
https://mydramalist.com/53549-fall-in-love
Opening Credits Song: Si Nan – A Gaze Like Stars
By rights, this post should go into What are we Watching in December 2021, However I’ll forget if I don’t post it right away. I saw this on my feed.
TVN still wants to ride on the popularity of Goblin?
https://kbizoom.com/a-new-drama-with-40-billion-in-production-cost-isnt-this-the-same-storyline-as-goblin/
https://www.soompi.com/article/1496181wpp/watch-lee-jin-wook-is-a-lonely-immortal-being-in-1st-teaser-for-upcoming-fantasy-drama-with-kwon-nara-and-lee-joon
I was thinking that we’d still be rewatching Ep 10 of Goblin in December when this new one airs. I guess we may not be able to help making comparisons along the way, but I hope for the new show to be something with consistent logic and enough differences so that we can say it was not merely a copy of Goblin.
This is the link to the script reading session and what the actors say about the Show. I’m struck by the fact that they emphasise that it’s different and new. Could be because they’ve already ‘heard’ that Show is considered a rehash of Goblin. But then, I don’t normally watch script reading and show previews, so maybe all actors say the same thing about all their shows?
@GB Unnie,
Kalimera. I was waiting for this! It the “Bulgasal”! It is another mystical being that has nothing to do with Goblin. We have encountered one in the “Tale of the Nine Tailed”. It was the guard that was getting crazy with coins. I don’t know if they will be consistent with that plot.
Anyway, I cannot decide if has Goblin vibes merely from watching a trailer. I prefer to wait and watch the first two episodes in order to express my thoughts about it. When I saw the teaser, I remember thinking that this one might be more darker than Goblin. We shall see!
Annyeong,
For November…
1. Happiness. PHS 💙 ~ not too crazy about the zompires 😲 though
2. Now, we are breaking up. JKY 💚 title is misleading. but i’ll take the premise behind it.
3. Secret Royal Inspector & Joy ~ for some Ok TY 💜
3. resuming on “the secret life of my secretary” for some laughs/romance
4. finished “Uncontrollably Fond” – 💔 so sad. but loving me some KWB 💛
so many shows. so little time 😆
Thanks to @OAL raving about it, I watched One the Woman and loved that drama. She was right about Lee Hanee having great comedy chops. She was able to go toe-to-toe with a comedy master, Kim Won Hae, who played her nemesis and boss in the Prosecutor’s Office. Watching the scenes where they tangled, both comedic and dramatic, was excellent entertainment.
I’ve wrapped up Dali and the Cocky Prince and was glad to have watched it. I give it a thumb’s up.
I started Secret Royal Inspector & Joy and may drop it because I feel it is lacking in terms of script, direction, cinematography, and performance (for most characters). I’m sorry that Kim Hye Yoon is wasting her skill on what is, in my opinion, a substandard show.
I’m watching Happiness and am engaged, although frustrated with what I see as plot holes. I wish the script was a bit tighter. There are many “but why?” moments as I watch it.
I’m delighted to be joining others from BoD in a rewatch of Goblin: so delighted that I drag myself out of bed at 4:30am to be online by 5am.
A couple of nights ago I wanted a break from Kdramas. Browsing through Netflix, which I haven’t used recently because everything I’ve watched lately is on Viki, I went with a Hindi movie that was recommended: Meenakshi Sundareshwar. It is a cute romance that gives us a different perspective, from the wedding onward. There’s a lot of well-done humor, but it also takes a serious look at the tension between career and family. https://www.netflix.com/search?q=meenakshi&jbv=81131656
I also watched a French movie on Netflix that I’d recommend: The Intouchables. It’s an excellently done fish-out-of-water tale. https://www.netflix.com/browse?jbv=70232180
I also noticed that Gong Yoo’s 2011 movie Silenced is currently available on Netflix. Its subject matter is dark, but this movie is close to Gong Yoo’s heart. He pushed to have it made after reading the novel The Crucible, which was given to him by his military commanding officer. Per Wikipedia, “In 2011, the Korean National Assembly passed the ‘Dogani Law’ (named after the Korean name of the film), removing any statute of limitations for sexual assault against children under 13 and the disabled.” I imagine this movie is currently available on Netflix because of Gong Yoo’s recent cameo on Squid Game and his role in the upcoming sci-fi TV series The Silent Sea, so may not be around for long. https://www.netflix.com/search?q=silenced&jbv=70241118
My dear Doensaeng @Cleo! I’m happy to see that you are also looking forward to Bulgasal I looked again at my posts and realised that I never even mentioned the name of this Show LOL.
Ah yes, I forgot about the character of Bulgasal in TOTNT. I should do a bit of research to find out it’s so-called attributes. I noticed in the YT link above that the actors spoke about what a bulgasal is supposed to be like. But I didn’t pause and take notes.
At least we know what 1 Show it is, that we’ll be watching in December!!! 🙂
On the Bulgasari/Bulgasal:
https://folkency.nfm.go.kr/en/topic/detail/5534
The writers do not have many works yet as shown on IMDb, but they did write Son : The Guest, which I really liked for it’s suspense, and the realistic, non-romantic, good relationships. It was also one Kdrama that was closest (as far as I’ve seen) to the way the Roman Catholic Church deals with evil spirits and does exorcisms.
More news on the Show:
https://www.whats-on-netflix.com/news/netflix-k-drama-bulgasal-immortal-souls-episode-release-schedule-what-we-know-so-far/
From Wikipedia: “It is scheduled to premiere on December 18, 2021, on tvN. It will also be available for streaming on Netflix.”
I’m only watching Jirisan and Happiness (turning out to be Yuckiness also, LOL! Not the show perse but the zompires). but I feel like it’s heavy load… I started Brain but I can’t deal with another heavy topic drama so I deferred watching it.
And I join @Welmaris as early birds as we join the Saturday Goblin rewatch! We are a chirpy bunch despite the waking up even before the crack of dawn. 😂
I need a romcom! I’ll try SOng Hye Kyo’ s kdrama – I’ve not warmed up to her as an actress. I’ve only watched DOTS and I like the 2nd couple more.
Will have more time next week due to thanksgiving week holidays. I want to put up our Christmas decor earlier also. No Black Friday shopping for me though. Will catch up on FiL, chingu @Cleo. I like that era as well and in Shanghai, there’s an area where much of the colonial buildings are preserved. I hope they show that in the drama. I’m glad you are enjoying it!
Err…okay? 🤔. Odd pairing. Space…the final frontier?
https://www.soompi.com/article/1499171wpp/gong-hyo-jin-in-talks-to-reunite-with-pasta-writer-for-new-space-themed-drama
@nrllee, subject matter of Kdramas seems to go in waves, doesn’t it? For awhile everyone is doing physical ailments (amnesia, face blindness, etc.), or gender-bender, or time slip, then it’s mythical beings, set in space, etc.
@Cleopatra, based on your recommendation I took a look at the Cdrama Fall in Love. I stuck with it through the first few episodes despite the male lead rubbing me the wrong way with his misogyny. He frequently used his bigger body size to physically control Wan Qing, and emotionally controlled her using fear tactics. Both are abusive. And they’ve got quite a story to tell their children when asked how mommy and daddy met: Your father had just killed a woman and was trying to hide her body when I accidentally walked into the room… Tan Xuan Lin isn’t particularly likeable at the beginning, but we do see his good characteristics in his loyalty to his army men and care for those less fortunate than him.
I’m sticking with this Cdrama because watching it has encouraged me to do some research on that era in Chinese history. First surprising thing I learned was that the Spanish silver dollar (not used in Spain itself after 1869, but minted in Spanish colonies until later) was the first international currency. China would only accept silver as a commodity in foreign trade, so all the mentions in this show to silver dollars probably refer to pesos minted someplace like Mexico or the Philippines. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spanish_dollar
The second bit of research I did because of Fall in Love was about the Warlord Era in China. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warlord_Era) It sounds like it was a difficult time to live through, with no central government and brutal warlords vying to maintain or enlarge their control of land and resources. Alliances came and went, with frequent betrayals. It sounds like the people who suffered the most were civilians because of excessive taxation, seizure of assets, and being gunned down indiscriminately. The Warlord Era in China began in 1916. The beginning of this Cdrama is set in 1926, and the lead characters keep referring to events that upended their lives ten years ago. The Warlord Era ended in 1928 when Chiang Kai Shek unified China. He and his National Revolutionary Army, starting from Guangzhou, Southern China, began their Northern Expedition in the summer of 1926. If this drama’s timeline continues through these tumultuous events, I wonder how it will be presented. Chiang Kai Shek and the Nationalists were antagonists of the communist movement. On April 12, 1927, there was a massacre of communists in Shanghai by forces allied with Chiang Kai Shek and other conservative factions. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shanghai_massacre
Cdramas tend to fill their opening and closing credit montages with spoilers, so we already know our OTP not only become a couple, but are married. At the end of the closing credits we see our leads kissing in a bedroom that is adorned with decorations typical of Chinese weddings, such as the characters for double happiness 囍.
I’ve watched the 2 eps of Now We are Braking Up. It has a steamy scene very early in ep1, artistically shot in the shadows. Who would forget Jang Ki Yung? In your bed? LOL!
There are similarities in his role here and Search WWW (one night stand on 1st ep for one). However in SWWW, it was a non apologetic, no pretense noona romance while NWABU assumed him as an older male maybe closer in age to SHK vs their 10 year real life age difference. Both are beautiful to look at and I like hearing JKY’s deep voice. But the acting is just average. SHK is in another cookie cutter role, similar acting to DOTS with fashion as a backdrop. Sorry to say, she is no KGE.
At the end of ep2, I get it why the show is titled as such. Will stick to it for the visuals. And the behind the scenes on fashion (it’s no Devil Wears Prada though). The scenes on a social media influencer/celebrity and how her posts are being managed (not by her but by a PR team) was an eye opener.
@Janey, I agree with your thoughts on Now We are Breaking Up. The FL is strangely lacking in some scenes – I find I’m more interested in the subtitles than in her. It’s quite melodramatic as well. I enjoy the visuals. I like the comic scenes with the 2nd FL and ML, too.
Style wise, there is a lot of unnecessary repetition and many s-l-o-w scenes where the camera just lingers. I believe the director is trying to be artistic. The music also is very Euro-centric and like a 1950s-60s French film. I think it’s intentional.
However, if a person were to rate it on a kiss-o-meter, it would get a 10/10. 😚
A bit of Sehun is nice, too. I hope that he does well here and gets a girl, too.
100% agree on the kiss-o-meter @Fern. The kiss close ups and the lighting are superbly done. Ep3 has even better kiss shots, just finished it. Maybe I should keep count, for research! Hahaha! I have to check sho Sehun is.
Hi ladies,
Came to see what I can watch while subs upload. Thanks for recommendations!
Watching:
Red Sleeves – my favorite so far (minus FL, but she’s growing on me)
Now, We are Breaking up – issue with FL but not the kissing scenes lol
Happiness – anxiety inducing show but liking it so far
Watching while subs come for shows above:
The King’s Affection – dropped it, back on it again. Meh
Love at Night – c drama. I don’t always finish cdramas, will see about this.
TheK2 – action drama, still early on the episodes. Since this is an old kdrama I can watch at leisure
Happy holidays!!!! It will be Thanksgiving on this side soon.
There are a few things I may have missed with Now We are Breaking Up.
1. How is it possible that the FL Yeong Eun didn’t know about the death of her boyfriend Yoon Soo Wan 10 years back? Was she in a coma? It must have been big news in the retail world.
2. If Yoon Jae-guk wrote on and remembered the FL’s portfolio after 10 years, why didn’t he try to figure out who she was before then? She had already named her company Sonos. In the intervening 10 years it became a famous brand within the fashion world. Or perhaps he did try to look her up and we don’t know this yet?
3. Why was Jae-guk so angry at her? Did he think she dumped his brother? I thought he said to his mother that the brother had been forbidden by his family to stay with her?
4. Clearly, at her apartment, he figured out that she didn’t know Yoon Soo-wan was dead. She also didn’t register that the two men were brothers despite knowing that both had the family name Yoon, albeit the name is fairly common. If he asked ‘How do you think I know him?’ wouldn’t that be a starting point?
5. After understanding YE’s ignorance, why did he come back to her apartment and have sex with her without letting her know about his brother? Did he think she didn’t need to know this information beforehand? If he thought she wouldn’t want to have sex if she knew, well, that’s probably correct, but what does that say about him?
6 He tells her about Soo-wan’s death outdoors in public. Really? What if she had fainted or broken down? What sort of a person would deliver news in those circumstances? The next scene showed her back at her workplace. I would have thought that we would have seen her reaction to that news somehow when he revealed it. Maybe the show will come back to that moment.
@Packmule3, as the Steve Miller band sings, “Time keeps on slippin’, slippin’, slippin’ into the future.” December’s almost here. If we’re going to be discussing what we’re watching the last month of 2021, top of my list–since I’ve gotten into a Korean history kick–will be the Kdrama Taejong Yi Bang-Won (The Great King Yi Bang-Won)
https://www.soompi.com/article/1497845wpp/joo-sang-wook-turns-into-a-charismatic-king-with-a-soft-side-in-traditional-historical-drama
It is supposed to be released on December 11. I haven’t been able to find word of how it will stream internationally, and wonder if the marketers have chosen to not promote it outside of South Korea.
The central characters will be the first three kings of the Joseon era: Taejo, Jeongjong, and Taejong. Other Kdramas that have depicted this period in Korean history include The Great Seer (2012), Six Flying Dragons (2015), My Country: The New Age (2019). These Kdramas were relatively popular in their day. Let’s hope that this new production fares better than this year’s Joseon Exorcist, which was cancelled after only two episodes because of viewer backlash due to historical inaccuracies.
Hmmm I’m thinking it was unfortunate timing when the shows one is watching, started more or less at the same time, and one is in the 2nd part or 2-thirds of the series, when everything starts getting heavy/heavier. Pity there are no comedies in my current viewing too.
After both Jirisan and Happiness latest episodes end off far from happy, and even Red Sleeve is looking ominous, I wish I could find something to lighten the mood.
Our beloved summer starts tomorrow on Netflix @GB—hopefully it will be what you’re looking for!
Oh! I forgot I’m watching school 2021. Although it’s not comedy, I’m enjoying it. There’s the usual actors that look to be 30 playing teenagers and teachers that have no business teaching, but I’m still enjoying the show.
I know I’ve to open the Whatcha watching thread for Dec.
When I get hometown to tonight, I’ll work on it.
Hubby and I are exploring a couple of small towns this weekend for their holiday decorations. I like towns with boutiques and cafes. It’s like stepping into a Hallmark Channel tv program Christmas special. 😂