With both “Jirisan” and “Happiness” ending this week, I’m ready for two new dramas next week. I’m keeping an eye on these following shows:
1. Our Beloved Summer
Synopsis from wiki:
A coming of age romantic comedy that revolves around Choi Woong (Choi Woo-shik) and Kook Yeon-soo (Kim Da-mi), ex-lovers who broke up with a promise to never meet again. As luck would have it, the documentary they filmed ten years ago in high school went viral and they are forced to face the cameras together again. The series depicts their complicated feelings and growth.
Cast: Choi Woo Sik (“Parasite”) and Kim DaMi (never heard of her)
Episodes: 16
Start Date: Mon, Dec 6
Airs on Mondays and Tuesdays
Where to Watch it: Netflix
Network: SBS
I’m ready for the angst and melancholy of a “winter” show, not the light-heartedness of a summer kdrama, but I’m watching this for Choi Woo Sik. It helps too that it’s released on Netflix; I don’t have to wait for subs.
2. Bad and Crazy
Synopsis from IQiYi via mydramalist:
A heroic drama about a competent yet “bad guy” Soo Yeol who recovers his humanity after meeting K, a righteous but crazy person. Soo Yeol is a competent police officer of the drug squad who only has high school education. Due to his ambitions, he only takes on cases his superiors like and gives them the desired outcome, yet turns a blind eye to some injustice. As the promotion period nears, Soo Yeol with no backing is faced with the crisis of losing his opportunity once again. Congressman Do Yoo Gon gives Soo Yeol hope for promotion again, but his life comes to a complete halt when K who is righteous but crazy, suddenly appears at the critical moment! What will the meeting of ‘bad guy’ Soo Yeol and the crazy guy, K, bring?
Cast: Is Lee Dong Wook going head-to-head with Gong Yoo? This is going to be an interesting match-up. But at least, he has Wi Ha Jung (that “Squid Games” hunk) to back him up.
For me, Gong Yoo >> Lee Dong Wook
But what about Lee Joon? Is he better than Wi Ha Jung? I think I’ll stay for a few episodes just to see who’s more appealing.
Episodes: 12
Start Date: Fri, Dec 17
Airs on Fridays and Saturdays
Where to Watch it: IQiYi? Viki??
Network: tvN
3. Snowdrop
Here’s the synopsis from soompi.
The drama will tell the love story of Su Ho, a student at a prestigious university who suddenly rushes into a women’s university dorm covered in blood one day (played by Jung Hae In), and Young Ro, a student at the women’s university who hides him and takes care of his wounds even while facing danger under close surveillance (played by BLACKPINK’s Jisoo).
Source: soompi
This is that kdrama that made news during its pre-production. Let’s see if the writer(s) revised the script after the uproar of the netizens. They accused the writer of disrespecting the victims and the memories of the survivors of the pro-democratic protests of 1987. I know romance is included in the drama, but I think the writer has his work cut out for him because he set the romance in such a turbulent time. The burden is on him to avoid glamorizing or idealizing the “bad actors” (i.e., individuals and organizations involved in the illegal and unethical operations).
Cast: Jung HaeIn (“A Piece of Your Mind” and “D.P.”) and Jisoo, a female kpop idol from I-don’t-know-the-band. I hope she’s worth all the buzz.
Episodes: 16
Start Date: Sat, Dec 18
Airs Saturdays and Sundays
Where to Watch it: ??
Network: JTBC
I’ll stay only until the 3rd week.
4. Bulgasal: Immortal Souls
What happens when an immortal finds the mortal he needs to end his curse? As @GrowingBeautifully said, the premise of the story pretty much sounds like “Goblin” except that in this case, the mortal keeps getting reincarnated.
From soompi:
“Bulgasal” is a new fantasy drama starring Lee Jin Wook as Dan Hwal, a bulgasal (a mythical creature that cannot die or age) who was once human centuries ago. Kwon Nara will star as Min Sang Woon, a woman who is repeatedly reincarnated while fleeing the bulgasal, but remembers all her past lives.
The newly released teaser begins with Dan Hwal approaching Min Sang Woon as he says in voice-over, “For 600 years, I went around searching for you. In order to end the curse.”
Later, Min Sang Woon wakes up in Dan Hwal’s arms as she asks in amazement, “That was you?”
Amidst glimpses of his action-packed adventure, Dan Hwal declares, “I’m the last monster still living on this land. A bulgasal that cannot die or be killed.”
Source: soompi
Cast: Lee Jinwook and Kwon Nara (never heard of her)
Episodes: 16
Start Date: Sat, Dec 18
Airs Saturdays and Sundays
Where to Watch it: Netflix
Network: tvN
Full disclosure: I’m going to be biased but I’ll give “Bulgasal” a chance to wow me.
5. When Flowers Bloom, I Think of the Moon (or Moonshine)
This is where I’m getting my romcom fix.
Synopsis from soompi:
Set during the period of the Joseon era when prohibition laws were at their strongest, “Moonshine” is a drama about the romance between Kang Ro Seo (Hyeri), a struggling aristocrat who starts illegally making alcohol in order to support her family, and Nam Young (Yoo Seung Ho), Joseon’s greatest inspector who is known for living a very principled life.
The new stills show how Kang Ro Seo became a purveyor of moonshine (illegal alcohol). When her father dies, she becomes a day laborer in order to put food on the table. Although the other aristocrats turn their backs on her, she lives cheerfully and energetically in hopes that her older brother, Kang Hae Soo (Bae Yoo Ram), will pass the gwageo, the highest-level state examination to become a government official.
However, disaster after disaster befalls Kang Ro Seo and her family. Determined to raise his family’s social status again, Kang Hae Soo incurs an enormous debt. At her wit’s end, Kang Ro Seo happens by chance on the world of illegal alcohol brewing, and decides to go down this dangerous path despite living in a period where both drinking and making alcohol is illegal.
source: soompi
A brief note on the title, “Moonshine.” The word “moonshine” means whiskey or liquor that is illegally distilled and sold. Why? Because these illegal alcohols were made in the dark of night, by the light of the moon. The moonshiners were trying to hide their activities from the authorities.
Don’t get history wrong, though. Making and consuming the whiskey weren’t illegal. But once the whiskey was sold, then the authorities stepped in because taxes had to be collected. As expected, the moonshiners resisted, rather violently, to the government’s perceived intrusion in their small, family-owned businesses. If you want to know more about moonshine, just go ahead and google it.
Cast: Yoo SeungHo and Hyeri. lol. It’s interesting that Hyeri is a moonshiner because in her last drama, “My Roommate is a Gumiho,” she was an avid soju drinker.
Joining the cast is Byeon Woo Seok, that tall guy from “Joseon Marriage Agency.”
Episodes: 16
Start Date: Mon, Dec 20
Airs on Mondays and Tuesdays
Where to Watch it: Viki???
Network: KBS2
6. The Silent Sea
Synopsis according to Netflix:
During a perilous 24-hour mission on the moon, space explorers try to retrieve samples from an abandoned research facility steeped in classified secrets.
According to wiki, this tv show was adapted from a 2014 short film.
Cast: Bae DooNa? Lee Joon of MBLAQ? Who cares?
All we need to know is Gong Yoo is back!
Episodes: 8
Start Date: Fri, Dec 24 (lol! Who’ll watch Santa and his reindeers deliver his gifts all across the world?)
Airs on ?? I’m not sure whether 8 episodes will be shown weekly or dropped simultaneously ala “Love Alarm.”
Where to Watch it: Netflix
Network: Netflix
I’m excited that December is chockablock with dramas. It’s like Santa is gifting us all with goodies because we’ve been nice all year.
Right?
What are you watching?
All of the above lol
Hi @packmule3,Oooh-so tempting- Very exciting new shows. Of course I’ll be watching The Silent Sea-Gong Yoo and Bae Doona in a Sci fi (They had me at Jules Verne.. I also went to one of the first Star Trek conventions and have Gene Roddenberry’s autograph)-a no Brainer for me. And I want to see the interactions of the two leads-Bae, especially because I’ve seen her Englsh speaking work and because I think she is charismatic. I also think Gong Yoo is upping his game by expanding his genres. His Squid Game cameos certainly caused a stir from people who were unaware of his status in Korean TV and cinema.
I’ll also be watching Our Beloved Summer because I like the premise and the leads. If you watched Itaewon Class, Kim Da-Mi was the quirky FL. She was also in the movie, The Witch. I like the ML here and think he will have an interesting pairing with the FL.
Snowdon also interests me because of the subject matter. We get a lot of older historical fiction, but not more modern historical fiction. South Korea went from an oppressive dictatorship where the population was poverty stricken to this democratic, economic powerhouse after these painful periods of student demonstrations. I hope the subject is handled well. It is also a new venture for Disney so I’m interested in seeing how a new player in Korean content handles this, e.g., will there be quibbles about translations/subs.
If the group is interested in anything else, I’ll follow the crowd. I didn’t watch Jirisan but read the posts for a possible future binge. BOD posts are too good to ignore.
Kalispera!
I want to watch all the above as @JohnL said!
First of all, I am waiting for “The Silent Sea!” Gong Yoo is back!
@Packmule3 have you seen the official stills? You should! 😀
GY also launched an official IG account run by his Soop management team! I have posted it on our Goblin thread, but here is for all those who didn’t see it! —> https://www.instagram.com/_gongyoo_official_/
Within 5 days he has 2.1 milion followers!
Second of all is “Bulgasal”. I want to see how they are going to portray it. Then is “Bad and Crazy”! I have seen some teasers and Lee Dong Wook is amazing as the bad cop and Wi Ha Jung is the Crazy cop.
As for a Sageuk I want to see Hyeri and Seung Ho. She was pretty good in “My Roomate is a Gumiho” and I want to see her in something entirely different!
I am not that pretty sure about “Snowdrop”! But I will watch the first two episodes for reference!
I just finished watching the first episode of “Our Beloved Summer” and it is fresh. They fight like cats with dogs! I enjoyed it and laughed at times. It was needed after all that angst from our weekend series!
Let the good stuff begins!
@Packmule3,
Kwan Nara played along with Park Seo Joon and Kim DaMi in Itaewon Class.
I have watched the first episode but I wasn’t in the mood for it. My folks finished it and they liked it. It is a very intense story.
https://asianwiki.com/Itaewon_Class
https://mydramalist.com/33898-itaewon-class
I’m not too impressed with Kwon Na Ra s acting. She was also in My Mister. She’s very pretty but kind of flat. Itaewon Class is a bit intense for sure.
This is a solid list!
@Unnie Shimkoong I agree about Kwon NaRa. I don’t know why they keep casting her. I find her acting uninspiring 🤣
I am watching Snow Drop for HaeIn. I was so excited when I heard that Kim HyeYoon was cast…only to find out that she wasn’t FL? 🤷🏻♀️ And instead it was given to untested JiSoo (BlackPink)? Huh? Wae??? I hope I won’t be watching this wishing HY were the FL instead and thinking how she would do a much better job at it. 😂. I guess I need to give JiSoo a chance. So I will tune in for HaeIn.
I’ll be sad to say goodbye to Happiness. I dropped Jirisan after episode 2. Started and dropped a few Chinese dramas.
I:
am cautiously optimistic about bad and crazy and the silent sea.
will give snowdrop and moon flower a few episodes before deciding.
will wait and see response before beginning Bulgasal.
am already let down by Summer— I’ve only watched episode 1 and had quite a few giggles.
I love the enemies to lovers trope when done correctly. This episode however already raised red flags.
1. It’s one thing to have different personalities, but there seems to be no common ground or understanding between the two.
2. They dated for FIVE YEARS and broke up—also seemed to be off and on in that 5 year period. 3. I thoroughly enjoyed her interactions with the ceo? Or whatever his position is,so I’m destined for SLS which Im not sure I’ve ever had or will enjoy. I do not like watching shows where the majority of time is spent on a couple who won’t end up together like On your Wedding Day and it’s the reason I dropped season 1 of yumi’s cells as soon as I found out they weren’t endgame. 4. Bickering can be super funny and beneficial for a viewer. Perfect example is goblin. The bickering is funny, not too mean (and he apologizes if it goes too far) and also demonstrates that although there’s a difference in age and wealth, she can still match wits with him and they’re equals as far as EQ. This bickering just feels…unhealthy. I do so hope I’m proven wrong because I like both main leads.
I want to check out Our Beloved Summer for sure because I like Choi Woo Shik.
Otherwise, my most anticipated drama is F4 Thailand: Boys Over Flowers which is premiering Dec. 18, 2021 on VIU and GMM25. I’ve been waiting for 2 years to see this drama ever since they announced it in 2019. I can’t wait to see how Thailand takes this classic drama and updates to give it that Thai flavor and make it fresh for a new audience. The cast is gorgeous-visuals are no joke! Everyone-male, female, young and old is so pretty. The trailers are very good and I saw a brief interview with the director on YT. I’m really excited to see this drama and I hope it will be good.
Just found out that the other Thai drama that I have been waiting over 2 years for, Boss & Me starring Push and Aom, is now airing on Mango TV. Unfortunately there are no English subs. Sometime Mango will add subs like 6 months later so I’m going to keep checking.
Is anyone watching Rainless Love in a godless Land? I’ve seen it on my IQIYI and I wanted it to finish airing before i began but I may just go ahead and dive in
Ha! When do you have the time, @JohnL?
“Snowdrop” is on Disney?! That should be interesting. I hope they don’t mess this up like they did with Mulan, and The Little Mermaid.
I’ll definitely watch Hyeri and Yoo Seung Ho. They’re an odd couple; I would never have expected this match but it should be a fun watch nevertheless, @Cleopatra.
Hello y’all. It’s been a while. I don’t have VIU so I’m not able to watch the other more recent dramas (also 3 meals in a day. Hehe). But I’ve discovered Be Melodramatic on Netflix. I watched it for Jeon Yeo Been whose character I am most invested it but I’m enjoying the others as well. Ahn Jae Hong’s also a diff persona here.
Kpop fans would accuse me of living under a rock, but is BlackPink a successful girl band like Girls Generation?
She seems to be great at self-promotion if her first drama is getting hyped up like this. Is that why she was cast? Her fan base? It’s not as if there’s a dearth of veteran female actress in kdrama so I wonder she was chosen?
I wish her all the success.
Thanks for the heads-up on “My Beloved Summer,” @birdie007. I hope the ending of this drama isn’t like Kang Seo Joon’s “The Third Charm.” 😂 Guy and girl met, dated, broke up, met again and really broke up for good. The ending was depressing. IIRC, they decided to be just friends living in different continents.
And I decided that I like banter because I like witty repartees, but I don’t like bickering.
They’re not the same thing. With bickering, there’s an undertone of meanness and resentment. The couple can’t say their thoughts aloud so they pretend to use humor to get whatever’s bothering them off their chest. Like passive-aggressive.
@packmule3, Agreed,but I think they may have bought it from a studio.
Also know that Pachinko is going to be on Apple+ with Lee Min Hi starting as Honsu. I have great hopes for it-I loved the book. However I fear disappointment. I think LMH may be miscast. That should be out next year.The cast is an international Asian star studded group including my fav Oscar winner, Ms. Youn. I guess we’ll see.
@pm3, Blackpink is huge. They even have a documentary on Netflix.
I think dramas hire idols for the same reasons that certain actors cross over in the US-bankability(for investment in the project) and rating. It is a business after all. People like Cha Eun wu are routinely criticized for his wooden acting but he gets loads of jobs for his name and looks.
I’m really looking forward to Snowdrop. And currently I’m halfway on Now We Are Breaking Up. Maybe cos I’m middle aged, I’m in the camp that is really enjoying the show – there were cheesy scenes in ep 3 and 4, but it’s really picked up since ep 5 and 6. I’m loving the show, the mature romance, and the chemistry between the leads is scorching.
Looking forward to Our Beloved Summer most though I haven’t started the first episode. Our december holidays, plus actvitities for the kids have kept me really busy such that I am lagging behind on my other dramas.
Definitely looking forward to Moonshine because of Hyeri!
Anyone watching One Ordinary Day? I have only seen the spoilers and it looked pretty intense.
Why do I feel there’s so many interesting dramas. It just gets better and better. Meanwhile just being obsessed with The Red Sleeve and occasionally going into the rabbit hole of research isn’t giving me extra time to try any of this shows. 😛
Thanks @pkml3. I may not watch more than 4 of the shows I’ve listed below, but I must say that this year we’ve been spoilt for choice.
I seldom watch a show for the actors alone or for the writer or director. Usually I go for the premise, and consider myself fortunate to have watched a good show.
However this December, I can’t not watch this show for the actors:
The Silent Sea – Not only Gong Yoo but Bae Doo Na too. And sci-fi, generally interests me.
I may even consider Uncle for Oh Jung Se.
For the shows which I may choose for the premise:
Snowdrop – I like the onset of the mystery of why Jung Hae In’s character is covered in blood.
Bad and Crazy – to see what kind of super hero Lee Dong Wook is to be.
Our Beloved Summer – for the troubled reunion of a couple, to see if there’s love that can surmount the hurdles. I liked some long ago divorced couple reunions too.
The Immortal/Bulgasal – for reincarnation, the Bulgasal and I don’t mind Lee Jin Wook and Kwon Nara. (The way some feel about Kwon Nara is how I feel about Hyeri LOL.)
Not sure:
When Flowers Bloom… – Not so enthused because of Hyeri, but I’ve given her a chance before and may do so again.
@Packmule3,
I am curious about them myself! Let us see how that will go!
Another Sageuk to watch this year!
I’ll give Bad and Crazy a chance because of Lee Dong Wook. I didn’t have the courage to watch Squid Game, so Wi Ha Joon is a new actor for me. Since LDW is well known for his and Gong Yoo’s characters’ love-hate relationship in Goblin, this new show will have a steep hill to climb if it depends on bromance to keep viewers hooked.
I will watch Snowflake for Jung Hae In, although the trailer disappointed me. I hope the show doesn’t start as the trailer did, all Saccharine and fluff, in service of greater shock value when the angst kicks in. I want to see JHI in another successful drama. He was great in D.P., but A Piece of Your Mind limped to a weak finish, although I don’t fault his acting in it.
Gong Yoo in a sci-fi thriller? Yes, please! Even from the trailer, it appears the production value of this show will be top-notch. I hope the character Gong Yoo plays is complex and well written.
These may be all the new shows I can tackle at present. I recently started watching Six Flying Dragons and am enjoying it, but 50 episodes…dang! I love seeing familiar actors in a different setting, such as our beloved Dr. Do from HP & HP2, Jung Moon Sung. Using SFD as filler while waiting for new episodes of current shows to be released, it’ll take a looooong time for me to finish it.
Hi Ladies, it’s been a while and hope you all are well. I’m in for Our Beloved Summer and When Flowers Bloom, I Think of the Moon, for Hyeri and Yoo Seung Ho mix.
@Unnie Shimkoong,
I haven’t watched Kwon Na Ra acting before, so I cannot tell.
I haven’t watched My Mister, although I have heard about it. I agree with you that Itaewon Class is pretty intense and I am not in the mood for something like that at the moment. 🙂
I will try Bad and Crazy for the scenery. Because I am shallow. I will start WFBITOTM for Hyeri and Yoo Seung Ho even though I find most sageuks trying.
I liked Wi Ha Joon in Romance is a Bonus Book.
+1 on “My Beloved Summer”. The two leads are very good actors.
Also probably “Bulgasal” for a fantasy fix.
And the Silent Sea for the final pick. It seems Netflix will drop all eight episodes at the same time.
Having just watched episode 2 of beloved summer—show is very funny. Second episode seemed less bicker-y. Still attracted to ceo director guy.
@packmule3
Q: Ha! When do you have the time,@JohnL?
A: WFH helps. Luckily, our the end of the year is our slow period so I have the luxury do watch them all. I’m excited!!
@birdie007, just binge ep1 and 2.i have a lot of hope for Summer. The two leads are so full of behavioral quirks that they seem right together. In two short episodes the writer/s have set up the main characters, their families (grandma and restaurant parents), their friends, coworkers, and potential love rivalsz-team leader and idol) and the documentary team. I like that there’s a natural quality to the acting and that our leads are both kind of nerdy. For me, Kim Da-mi’s role is such a departure from her Itaewon Class and Witch rolls, that I was very impressed. I can’t help but like her. She can do the K Drama Meg Ryan roles, but without the perkiness. I like Choi from his Parasite role and from his role in The Boy Next Door where he was quite comedic. But of significance here is that he and Kim are reunited since recently starring in The Witch. Ottom line-I’m in.
Hi Ladies!!
Thanks for the post and comments. I am excited to see so many shows are available.
@OAL I’m star struck with your Start Trek experience and Gene’s autograph. As a Scifi fan myself its soooo cool.
@Cleo Thanks for IG rec. I was one of the millions signing up to follow. Not sure if that’s why now I’m getting feeds of Korean actors and other themes lol Fun though
@CheekyChu is 3 Meals only on VIU? I am curious about that one since I liked Ha Seok-jin on 1% of Something and wanted to see his next project. He did a cameo on Red Sleeve (which didn’t realize it till later).
On the top are these two because I think I’ll enjoy them the most.
1. Silent Sea – Scifi/space theme and ML do it for me.
2. My Beloved Summer – I watched the first 2 episodes already, before catching up to Happiness 🙁 (I know, I know how could I, but as much I like the show it still gives me anxiety so I wait).
I will try the others but will depend on time and access. If they are on Netflix and Disney they are easier for me to access and watch. Viki is slow to stream for me sometimes.
Snowdrop – curious about the time period but not sure since trailer didn’t sell it for me.
Bad and Crazy – looks interesting, but not sure if I’ll stay
When Flowers Bloom – I like the FL and I like sageuks, but again not sure about the plot
I’ll be reading your comments for guidance on what to follow and watch. My kids go on winter break soon so I’ll be watching lots of Christmas theme kids movies and shows.
Chiming in with one more thing I just learned about Our Beloved Sunmer—the ceo guy that I mentioned previously isn’t even the second lead, he’s just considered having a guest role 🤦🏼♀️🤦🏼♀️😩😩 which will probably be a good thing if he’s out of the way because I won’t have to have the angst of shipping them instead. Definitely won’t be having SLS with the female lead and the guy who’s now a producer (sorry, I’m terrible with character names at the beginning)
Of course #ourbelovedsummer 🌻🌻🌻 is must.
First few mins of the show… alr make me fall in love 😍
I love both dami and wooshik.
I honestly waiting wooshik comeback as male lead since ho gu’s love drama..
(It was lovely romcom, i love it)
So, yes!!! I will and alr spamming my timeline on twitter talking about my beloved summer 🤓❤️ ~~~
@packmule3 and waiting for your first impression about ung & yeonsu ~~💕
It showed as light romcom.. but also there is something that makes me curious..
I also waiting snow drop ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ I hope this one good melodrama
Because we were chatting about Ong Seung Woo, and there’s a bit of time in between dramas, I picked up More Than Friends (2020). Will wait until I’ve watched Episode 4 to comment on it. The friend-zoning was so clear, I wonder how the ML will come around, if he comes around.
@GB Ooo let me know if it’s worth watching (you know how to contact me outside of BoD 🙂).
My dear @nrllee, I’d love to let you and everyone know what struck me about More Than Friends. LOL. Let’s see…
If one is in a mood for something slow, serious, a bit like a slice-of-life show, relationship-wise, with a moody and slightly somber feel, then it’s good. The music, beautiful camera work and overall plot are tending towards a melancholic tone. I’ve watched about half way so far… up to Ep 7. We get to compare the couple relationships of 2-3 friends. These are of course complicated by their pasts.
The themes brought up for reflection include:
– balancing who comes first: self or others
– going for one’s dreams as opposed to societal/parental expectations
– disillusionment and the meaning of ‘success’ in work-life
– the trauma in adults (28+) who were children of divorced parents
– the shame of poverty
– the question about what a ‘friend’ is and whether it’s wiser to choose the person who loves one, rather than the person one loves. How does one differentiate a friend from a lover?
I like that there’s a bit of reverse trope where it’s the male who cries sexual harassment and does the wide-eyed response to a kiss or is the one plastered against a wall or something LOL.
For those who are sensitive about a lack of consideration for expressed wishes, I guess there’ll be grumbles, etc. There are sweet moments too. I’m prepared to watch because the mood suits me, and although I don’t find the multiple friends’ couples as dramatic, say, as in ‘Lovestruck’ or ‘Because This Life is My First’, there’s a greater element of reality.
As for Ong Seung Woo (ML) and Shin Ye Eun (FL), their rendition of adults in their late twenties, grappling with life, is good.
I’d like to see if one kdrama dares to trounce the first love trope, although I’m not hopeful because there are 9 episodes to go and several ways relationships can go.
If anyone wants to know if the ending is happy before they start watching, let me know. 😉
Thanks @GB. Sounds angsty. I am not sure I am up for anymore angst as we head into the end of 2021. Happiness is…not exactly…happy 😂. It’s almost depressing to see how so many revert to their worst selves? And Red Sleeve always seems to have a dark cloud of foreboding overhanging it so I am almost scared to expect a happy ending. I need something sugar sweet and saccharine like True Beauty to get me to the end of 2021 and ring in a happy new year 😂.
My little happiness – enjoyable sweet romance Jan 2021 – c-drama
Now we are breaking up – I’ve started, so I’ll finish. I also enjoyed this at the start, slightly hokey melodrama with the fashion froth element and I like watching SHK in action even if this is not her greatest role… but now I but am less and less carried by the plot…
Happiness – catching up on this one and keeping eyes averted from nasty bits
The King’s Affection – for me this was great in eps 1 to 5 or so but it has dragged plot-wise since then a
RSC – of course!
To Fly with you – c-romance and winter sports drama – light and enjoyable yarn!
Thanks @Kate for your cdrama recommendations! I think I will watch To Fly with you!
Can’t believe I’m only watching 1 kdrama right now which is Happiness. And Goblin rewatch. I’m delinquent on Jirisan (ep10) and waiting for it to end to see if worth continuing. Also halted at ep6 on Now We are Breaking Up.
Plan to watch Snowdrop at Disney+ (didn’t believe that at first but ok…) and Silent Sea. Will try out Our Beloved Summer this weekend. I liked Kim Dami’s portrayal of her character in Itaewon Class.
About More Than Friends
Hi Everyone, just a note since I actually binge-watched and finished this not-easy-to-watch show. It’s strange to write about a show that one is unlikely to recommend, however to be fair, although I won’t say to anyone that they should watch this show, I would say that it wasn’t bad.
This show felt that it was in between the style of the normal 16-episode drama and a soap opera, without the over-dramatic melo. It wisely concentrated on several couple relationships without getting into other complicated sub-stories.
It was good for a sedate, telling of ‘real’ life. At times I felt it was over-indulgent in the slow angst-ridden sadness, but I felt it was relatable to those who have difficulty in their family and couple relationships. There’s a lot that was taught (and could be learnt) about how to look at relationships, even the relationship with oneself.
There was enough backstory to explain why characters behaved the way they did. There was growth overall: a growing awareness among characters, growing up, openness to realisation of the problems they themselves caused and the going forward in a healthy way. I felt it could have included more light moments and good laughs, (there were too few!) to counteract the sad wistful tone.
I liked the artistic calligraphy, the framing of scenes and the 6 main characters’ interactions. A thoughtful and thought-provoking piece of work. It was interesting watching a youthful Ong Seung Woo and Shin Ye Eun become mature characters by series end.
@GB, I watched this drama and agree with you, that it is not for everyone. Sometjmes it is slow moving and frustrating, but the ending was realistic and worth the wait for me. You do a service to BOD followers by providing the right description, a good review to enanle decisions.
Thanks @GB. I will keep that in mind. I need to be a mood for melo to watch it then.
Thank YOU, @OAL for your kind words. I’m happy to add any ‘value’ to this lovely blog, in whatever way that I can.
@nrllee, It was a Show that I found I needed to finish, and yet, I cannot describe it as compelling. What a paradox! Or maybe it was compelling in a different way.
Yes, we need to watch it with lenses adjusted for a different kind of viewing. This is not the light and fluffy sort of thing we might expect from seeing the young actors. And those actors (all of them) acquitted themselves well in this Show.
@Janey… I’ll fly with you …is what I would describe as a fluffy ‘filler’ – a ‘watch in between the good stuff’ drama. If you want recs for higher quality c-dramas … there are many. But you may enjoy it ! I am enjoying it. Just a buyer beware warning!
@Kate – I want fluff right now so this show would be perfect! And those winter sports are interesting. Thanks!!!
Oh good! Yes they like their winter sports … especially speed skating! I am reassured @Janey. I really like to mix up ‘higher and lower brow’ dramas too.
I’ll watch Yoo Seung Ho and Hyeri. I will try Snowdrop because of JHI and because it’s on Disney+ and Lee Dong Wok’s one.
I have to catch up on Happiness.
–I’m still watching Red Sleeve Cuff and loving it more each week.
–I’m also watching my first Korean telenovela–Young Lady and Gentleman. Gosh is it silly. I think the actors know it’s supposed to be over the top and campy, and they’re really having a blast with their roles. One of the main characters has amnesia (of course) and thinks he’s 22 again. (This is the kind of show I watch while folding laundry, etc., so I don’t have to give it much attention. I’m laughing out loud a lot, probably at parts that aren’t supposed to be funny).
–I’m looking forward to Moonshine (since I liked Hyeri so much in Roommate).
–We just subscribed to Disney+ (for Let It Be) so I anticipate watching Snowdrop there.
–I want to watch Gong Yoo in The Silent Sea but I’ve veered away from suspenseful shows during the pandemic (TRSC is getting too suspenseful for me, but I’m so invested in the story I can’t quit). It will be a challenge for me to watch it all.
What I’m not watching:
–I gave Our Beloved Summer a shot–got through half of the second episode and then quit. The weird chronology (wanted to see more of the past in the beginning, to establish their relationship) was off-putting and I didn’t care about either of the main leads, so I’m not willing to wait to see their character development.
–Melancholia – it may be a wonderful show but I found it too dang depressing and put it on hold at the end of the first episode.
–Now We Are Breaking Up – watched parts of the first two episodes. Liked all the stuff about Korean high fashion but the “romance” seems a re-do of Search: WWW (with the same ML) and the workplace tensions were just annoying.
–The King’s Affection – I finally quit after episode 15, which I FF-ed through. It started so well–at least when they were using child actors–and then it got so SLOW. I plan to zip through it all after it’s finished to see how (or if) they manage to come up with a HEA.
————-
So–right now, I’m averaging four hours of k-dramas a week, the lowest amount of viewing since the start of the pandemic.
I’ve started on Happiness and why my guy got bitten so early? 🤧 I am gonna binge the rest of it tomorrow. It is easier to watch in one go when I have a watch partner who likes this kind of zombie, outbreak related stories 😅
I will finish OTW & YAMS then starts on “Show Window: The Queen’s House”…
looking forward to Hyeri x YSH’s sageuk. Seems fun 🤭 I’ll see if I can get into the romcom mood on this one… I might also take a peek at Young Lady and The Gentleman because the FL has been in the buzz list for the past few weeks. She was the pretty ER fellow in HP2. I am skipping the rest of the dramas in the list above😅. I will see what January 2022 has to offer. 🤭
Kalimera my friends,
This is out of context:
I wanted to ask if we have anyone from Kentucky? If yes, are you okay?
I have read the news about what happened and I am worried.
Sending love and prayers…
@Packmule3, please check your email. I’ve sent you a project I worked on for several weeks regarding Joseon monarchs and sageuks.
The historical drama The King of Tears, Lee Bang Won has just started airing on Viki and Dramacool. I will be watching it because I want to learn more about Joseon Dynasty history. I hope it is good!
https://www.viki.com/tv/38283c-the-king-of-tears-lee-bang-won
Thanks, @Welmaris.
If it’s not up by 6 am tomorrow, your time, please remind me again. Thanks. we’re on my way to another Christmas party and I don’t know what time this will end although invitation says 8pm. 🙂
I watched the first two episodes of The King of Tears, Lee Bang Won, hoping that the show would find its pace and become a worthwhile watch…but no, it remained a disappointment. The script is badly written. Do I need to be told there’s a surprise attack when hearing the sounds of swords clashing and men screaming? Do all men crossing a threshold, whether as victors in battle or would-be assassins, stop as they’re framed in the doorway to look meaningfully at each other? Is it a requirement that every moment a heavily pregnant woman is onscreen, she is encircling her protruding belly, top and bottom, with her hands? Enough! I’ve dropped this show.
Hmm… JiSoo… the tone of her voice surprised me. And let’s just say I wasn’t terribly impressed with her in this clip. But I will reserve my final judgment till after I watch a few eps.
https://youtu.be/iK7DpNZaHqk
Thanks @nrllee.
I watched the video and a couple others of them doing a poster shoot, playing a game, and interacting. Let’s just say, I’m not convinced by them yet. They struck me as awkward and uncomfortable with each other.
@GB I agree. It’s her first foray into the drama world so I will give her some leeway. People keep commenting on their “visuals” on social media but there needs to be more than that to convince me. 😂. If it’s a love story with very little else apart from it being in a difficult era I need them to give me fireworks to keep me invested.
Hello, everyone! 🙂 Work has been relatively busier than usual atm, though I’m hoping to be able to make time for watching dramas especially since there is quite a good selection this December. Gong Yoo and Lee Dong Wook shows??? Funnnnn!
I paused when I read @packmule3’s statement above when she said for her, GY >> LDW. I wondered how it was for myself. I *objectively* get that GY chooses much better projects. I also think he is a little more nuanced/mature and has a range wider by a few degrees than LDW in terms of acting. But darn the heart wants what it wants, and I like LDW better than GY. 😅😂
I am also interested in the Hyeri show, though tbh, I’m once again underestimating her. I said the same thing about Reply 1988 and My Roommate is a Gumiho, and I always ended up being pleasantly surprised and 100% charmed by her both times! I wonder why I still ride this mini roller coaster of doubt/underestimation, and yet here I am. 😆 (To be clear, will watch the show. Lol.)
I watched ldw’s bad n crazy trailer and it seems like a lot of crazy fun hmmm… might check it out… and I just finished Happiness… I feel distracted by ep 6(?) and just waited for it to end but the ending is, how to say, anticlimax?😂 Anyway, the drama gets me thinking of our current situation… hmmn….
I found another dramas to watch in Dec. i.e. 6 eps drama Dr. Brain, Artificial City and Show Window: The Queen’s House. Gonna start on those🤭. Oh I have my January line ups too i.e. Ghost Doctor, Juvenile Justice, Through the Darkness and Internal Medicine Director Park.☺☺☺
I am really enjoying Our Beloved Summer – who else is watching?
@Good Twin,😊 I am living it so far. I love the pairing of Choi and Kim. The set up gets better every week with the possibility of a love triangle,/quadrangle with the department store executive and the female idol- not to mention the rivalry between Ung, out true artist and Nu-a, the fraud. Add the revisit to the high school documentary and what happened to our former couple with the added storyline of the producers and crew and we have lots to involve ourselves
I also am enjoying his parents who give him chores like peeling onions for their restaurant and her sweet relationship with her grandmother and good friend. Ing’,d relationship with his manager friend also hits the mark. I originally started this because I like the two leads. Both show vetsatility-she in Itsreon Class and the Witch, and he in the Boys Next Door, Parasite, Train to Busan and the Witch. I am hoping for some plot twists. I also hope that our FL gets more professional story than just as a corporate slug because of her promise in high school. I want a bit more from her, especially more depth of character. This lady episode showed how she was being played by the department store executive whose company is her company’s big account. Her facial expression at the end of the last episode said it all. So Yeah I’m in and am happy you are watching.
Kalimera @GoodTwin and @OAL,
I am watching “Our Beloved Summer”. Kim has done a remarkable job to be a snob so far. Choi is getting under my skin.
I was tolerant towards Yeon Su at first, but when I saw what she told Ung in the alley back in Episode 3, let’s say I don’t like her that much right now. You can break up with your boyfriend, but how you do it, reveals a lot.
They both have issues, but hers are more deep than Ung’s.
Ung is indeed childish, but he truly loves / loved her. As a artist, he is also very sensitive. He was in a rollercoaster of emotions, due to her hot and cold persona.
On the other hand, Yeon Su doesn’t know how to love herself first and then others. She puts a strong front, while she is fragile and sensitive. When she showed a little of her true self to Ung, then she changed her attitude and hurt him deliberately. From what we have seen so far, she was more toxic to him.
As for last night’s episode. Yes @OAL, YS was played by the department store executive. I realized it when he changed his attitude in the first meeting, because of the documentary. If we talk business here, the CEO did a clever move. The way he did it, though, is unethical. He should have told them that he wanted to do that.
With their past hanging in between, Ung felt betrayed by Yeon Su. Yeon Su was simply devastated.
Hi everyone, sorry for going AWOL, things were hectic at my end. Have yet to finish Jirisan (got upto ep. 7 or 8 I think) but have read that the drama overall was just okay. So, I’ll see if I should continue. From this list for December, I have tuned into Our Beloved Summer because of Dami, she’s back after almost 2 years and her and Woo-shik work well together. I like it so far, not something I’d typically choose to see, but Dami and Woo-shik engage me enough for now. Hope the writers don’t pull off any cliched story lines and keep the humour intact, I live for Dami’s quirkiness. Also, Lee Joon Hyuk is supposed to have a guest role but he’s appeared in all episodes so far (and been my favourite part of the series too, I’ll admit) which is great. So I’ll persevere.
Will also keep an eye out for Silent Sea and Bulgasal. Other than that, nothing else interests me on the list.
For 2022, I’m looking forward to Kim Tae-Ri/Nam Joo-Hyuk starrer Twenty One Twenty Five (or is it the other way round lol) and Mido’s Thirty Nine. The first poster has released and got me all pumped! https://preview.redd.it/hpbdx9h4ym581.jpg?width=640&crop=smart&auto=webp&s=ce2be88674485e4e9fb7bf2511310eac26a58be4 (Mido’s a vision, honestly LOVE her short hairdos in TV shows, as someone who sports short hair usually, for me, she is such a breath of fresh air from the typical long haired prim and proper kdrama FLs, hope she maintains it). Also SURINAME!
Hi @Cleo @OAL @Good Twin
It took me a while to get into Our Beloved Summer. I find that I’ve started to like it.
Like @Cleo has described, Yeon Su is one of those characters who hides their vulnerabilities under a hard, tough exterior. She attacks first rather than shows her softer side. She may also possibly say what she does not actually mean, in order to appear indifferent. I’m guessing that she is so super afraid to be used, hurt, to be looked down upon and/or humiliated, that she’s mostly prickly to protect herself, and therefore prickly also at the wrong times.
From Choi Ung’s point of view, he thought he had 10 reasons to hate her. Actually I could only figure out maybe 9 of them, but here they are in the order that the Show had them. Some of the words in inverted commas are what CU said of her. I felt that actually what he said was too nice and did not truly reflect what it was about her that was the issue. I’ve added my own interpretations.
I’ve also noted that some of these 10 point can be collapsed so that 3 might become 1 point. And I’ve added in brackets, the times when she showed a better side of her after being difficult.
1) ‘She’s so selfish.’ She wouldn’t share her notes with others (but she did share them with Choi Ung on Aug 31, 2011 – 42 Days of dating).
She was exacting and vengeful as when she removed the name of her teammate from the presentation. This shocked her class mates but others’ disapproval did not seem to bother her at all.
2) ‘She has no social skills.’ Feb 20, 2012 – 215 days of dating. She was overly competitive. ‘She had to win at everything’, even when drinking with CU, although it was supposed to be just for fun. (However she followed through on what she said and she actually carried CU home when he was more drunk than her.)
3) ‘She’s so stubborn.’ She wanted to have her way with his hair. She’s domineering. She did not respect his point of view that the hair style would not suit him.
4) ‘She’s a self centred person who has to do whatever she wants, no matter what.’
5) ‘She has no sense of romance at all.’ She refused to see the cherry blossoms, as if they were a waste of time that could be spent on something more important.
6) She treated Ung as if he was not important to her. ‘She always had important stuff to do.’ She was inconsiderate. She chose not to lunch with him although he’d taken the trouble to go to school to eat with her.
On Apr 1, 2013 – 621 Days of dating. She said CU was being petty because he was upset over a meal, (but she made up for it. She had brought handfuls of cherry blossom petals to throw in the air so that they could say they’d seen the cherry blossoms together.)
7) May 24, 2013 – She got on well with his mother. They talked ‘trash’ about him. (But he was happy to see them together.)
8) She was too aggressive. Jun 4, 2012 – 320 Days. He wanted to stop her from fighting 3 guys (but she was defending him.)
9) She does things that make him love her but she also hurts him. He felt that he was always the first or easiest thing she abandoned.
Choi Ung : “Am I the easiest thing you have that you can throw away?”
Yeon Su : “No, you’re the only thing I can throw away.”
CU’s thoughts : ‘When I think I can’t be happier, she takes me to the highest place and she pushes me off the cliff, in the cruelest way possible.’
10) She erased him from her life so quickly. (This was the appearance she gave but it was not true).
– – –
The above is mostly from CU’s perspective, but the way he describes the reasons, illustrates that there are less than 10 reasons. Numbers 1) 3) 4) can probably be lumped together.
5) and 6) might also be similar in that she was more task oriented than interested in CU.
7) Is not actually an issue at all, so I’m not sure what Show says the real reason for hating her is.
8) Is not an issue either as long as she took his side. However he found it a problem that she also fought him and not just fought for him.
Personally I found her lack of consideration and arrogance more troubling. However I think for CU, it was her selfishness (as he calls it a few times), the way she threw him away and her getting over him fast that bothered him the most.
What these 10 point show of CU is that he’s a simple, nice guy, generally. He did not nitpick on the characteristics that I mentioned. He did care about her sincerely and was deeply hurt that she abandoned him in a cruel way. They both had issues with expressing their true feelings for each other.
YS, herself, was proud and insecure. She wanted CU to give her verbal assurances of his love (I gather this from her frequent ‘what if’ scenarios) but she did not want to ask him outright. It never occurred to him that, that was what she was after, so both of them frustrated the other. I find both the OTP intriguing but more YS. I wonder why her grandmother is so adamant about fighting off being looked down upon. It has coloured her way of interacting with others and made her appear unapproachable.
I am waiting for Silent Sea. In the meantime I have been watching Rain or Shine. It’s Junho first drama as lead and Won Jin Ah’s first drama. Not bad. It’s about life after surviving a trauma. I am half way through and I think some plots are predictable, however, there are still enough heart warming moments. I like Yoon Se Ah character as the night club manager. She has some witty observation of life. Tae In Ho is the typical bratty director who got the position because he was born into it. However, there is some loneliness from his side too. No bad people is entirely bad.
Not a big budget, not a new topic. Dare I say, I found it more thought provoking than Jirisan. I am half way through and will have a more conclusive view after finishing it.
I also want to check out Hyena. I read that Ju Ji Hoon is underutilised in Jirisan so I would like to see him playing a character has some capacity to grow.
@Viva I loved Rain and Shine. Straight shooting Halmoni (Grandma) was superb 😂. JunHo and WJA were great. I liked the cast all round.
@Viva @nrllee …. you remind me of the first time I saw Junho and Won Jin Ah.
Rain or Shine/Just Between Lovers is still one of my favourite shows, but it’s not easy to watch. Junho was phenomenal there. His character’s relationship with halmeoni was weird and lovely, because she was something of a loan shark, who ended up like his only family. Won Jin Ah made her first TV appearance in this show, although she had acted in a few films. She was great too. Show tugged at my heart over and over and was one of the best ‘healing’ shows.
@Viva, Sending you a huge recommendation for Hyena. Ju Ji Hoon and Kim Hye Soo are fantastic together. There are some scenes where v they downright sizzle. Ji Hoon can be described in some parts as the 3ssence of smug and Hye soo is sooo smart. They remind me of Tracey and Hepburn in parts of this drama. The drama is also fast paced and has excellent upporting cast members. I don’t want to spoil it for you so I’m being deliberately vague. What I will say is that I had to look twice at our two stars because I found it hard to be,I’ve that Ju Ji Hoon was the prince in The Princess Hours and Kim Hye-soo was so monstrous in Coin !ocker Girl. These two are fantastically talented.
I wanted to suggest Wok of Love to the Junho fans – it was cute and entertaining which is what I want from a romantic comedy. Checked the following boxes:
1. Chefs and cooking
2. Cute romance
3. Cute bromance between gangster and chef
4. Kittens – Gangster and Junho holding kittens – (need I say more?)
5. Junho saying “sleep with me”
Back to Our Beloved Summer – I really appreciate all the insightful comments above. I started to rewatch the first episode and he commented on YS’s appearance – how her skirt was long and her shoes were ones even his mom wouldn’t wear. YS is poor and lives with her grandmother – so there is presumably a sad back story there. Like noted above she projects strength and indifference instead of showing any vulnerability. I think she broke up with him for reasons related to her grandmother and perhaps the need to work. I think he loved her so much he didn’t realize he needed to say it because it was so obvious to him. I like how the first 3 episodes were plays on names of well known romantic or teen movies. I wasn’t sure what episode 4 title referred to though “The Boy, or the Girl, We Liked Then”. Perhaps a Korean film? I didn’t like the FL in Itaewon Class – but I realize the actress was fine I just didn’t like the character she played. She is so good in this role – I really like her voice too. I hadn’t seen ML before except in Parasite. I really like him too – perfectly embodies his character
The Our Beloved Summer OTP are great together in real life.
Yes to this pairing. Keep in view (airing 2022).
https://www.soompi.com/article/1503986wpp/yeo-jin-goo-and-moon-ga-young-confirmed-for-new-mystery-romance-drama
I saw that. It looks interesting and I like the leads.
@nrllee @GB yes I am enjoying it. The topic is quite tough but it touches beautifully about people with baggage. I shed a few tears last night. Junho delivered a good job even back then! I like Won Jin Ah here. I only watched her in Life and I think she has so much more to offer in Rain and Shine. Like you said the overall cast is good, with their observations on tough life. The dialogues of the characters have depth and touches my heart. Why do we live life if it is full of regrets and can’t dos? So that we can live life full of regrets and can’t do more wonderfully. It is always nice to discover a gem to watch.
@OAL good to hear! I will watch that next after Rain and Shine. I heard Ju Ji Hoon is good but I couldn’t experience it in his recent work. I like Kim Hye Soo. She has that toughness in her, like she has been through life and seen in all.
@Good Twin I will put that on my watch list. 🙂
@Viva my first encounter with Won JinAh was in the disaster Melting Me Softly which I didn’t finish. Even there in spite of the disaster of a script, whenever she was given an opportunity to emote, she did it really well. So I hunted down a drama with her in it that was more melo. And happened upon Rain and Shine. Sure enough, given the right script she shone. She did well in Life as well but there wasn’t much there for her to stretch herself, there were too many strong players in that drama to steal her thunder.
I’m also watching Our Beloved Summer. I’m curious as to the writer and director combination. The writer, Lee Na Eun, has only two previous works to her credit (2017 – Secret Crushes: Special Edition; 2019 – Failing in Love). On Wikipedia I found a Korean film director with the name Kim Yoon Jin, but it seems the height of his career was in the 80s and 90s. The only recent work I found done by a Korean director with the name Kim Yoon Jin was a drama special in 2021; the same person is listed as a producer for It’s Okay to Not Be Okay. So it makes me curious if these are two relative unknowns, or just not known well outside South Korea. Their work or reputation seems strong enough to draw in top-tier talent for this show. I’m watching this show to see if I can discover why these actors committed to bringing this story to life: I’m trusting their judgment as seasoned professionals.
I was a bit skeptical about the concept of this show, the documentary, since it’d just been done with Lovestruck in the City. I also want a plot that’s fresher than bitter former lovers reuniting and squabbling, suffering because they don’t reveal their true emotions to each other. So far this Kdrama hasn’t broken new ground, but I’m hoping it will before the end.
I feel the female lead character is almost intolerable in her overconfidence, dismissiveness, name-calling (pathetic and childish being her two most used), etc. But then I see her living situation at home with her grandmother being her only family and their relative poverty, then I can understand why she maintained a razor focus on her education. She’s doing what is in her power to improve her/their lot in life.
I’m dragging my feet finishing Happiness. I’ve only the last two episodes to watch, but I have to be in the right mood to deal with it. It’s written, acted, and directed excellently, but the subject matter is challenging. I feel about this drama the way I did watching SKY Castle and Mother: I can only digest it in little bites.
For a change of pace, and because I wanted to see more of Kim Dong Wook’s work (because I loved him in You Are My Spring), last night I binge watched the two Along with the Gods films (2017-Along with the Gods: The Two Worlds; 2018-Along with the Gods: The Last 49 Days). Both movies were filmed at the same time, but released separately. Both films were hugely successful in South Korea, winning many top awards. In a ranking of domestic South Korean films by gross, Along with the Gods: The Two Worlds comes in at third highest, and Along with the Gods: The Last 49 Days comes in at sixth. In comparison, Train to Busan comes in at tenth, and Parasite is in the 13th spot.
Did I like the Along with the Gods films? Yes. Would I recommend them? Yes. They were visually fun, with amazing costumes, sets, CGI, etc. The story was wide ranging, from Goryeo battles to modern-day scenes in a SK fire department and the ROK military. We see the vulnerable juxtaposed with the powerful: orphaned children and warriors, a grandfather and grandson making a last stand against redevelopment. The world building of the afterlife trial system made sense, despite its weirdness.
And what does it say about me that I thought the actors looked better in their Goryeo-era personas than in their modern-day manifestations? Have I become a sageuk geek?
Hello my dear bod ladies and gent(s)!
Hello queen packmule, I hope you and your family always healthy! How’s your december so far?
Hello GB, Cleo, OAL, Miracle23, Nrllee, viva, Fern, dashman, Welmaris, Good Twin, agdr03, pandamilktea, Janey, BethB, grace, JohnL, Lovebangwon, Au0101, cheekychu, Kate, Carolina, Unnie shimkoong, (i hope i mentioned you all already, i’m sorry if i missed 🥲) .. It’s nice to see you all again, and I think i never met some of you, so nice to meet you.. 🌷🌷
I think I’m ready to join you all in the next drama discussion. Not only Work has been so crazy for me, but also my outside of work projects, I still watch dramas in between but I didn’t have time to analyze, haha..
I’ve managed to binge watching happiness and jirisan. Haven’t read the threads here, I hope I could read your great comments and analysis as always.
For this my favorite month, I will watch:
– Our beloved summer:
Will we have thread for this drama later? I saw GB’s note and I super agree with them. It reminds me of Go Back Couple drama (starred by Jang Na Ra and Son Ho Jun) anyhow. We’ve only got Ung’s perspective so far but not much from YS. I bet she had a reason for her act. To be honest, i was quite biased at first, I didn’t like her character in Itaewon Class (like i want to slap her, she’s so good at being irritating girl, oh God). I know if I didn’t like her at all it means that she did a great job at her acting, but the first impression of her in her new drama gave me this irritated feeling too. But until I saw her act towards her grandmother (halmeoni). And I thought “wait.. what.. hmmm this could be different. She could be interesting.” And I continue watching this drama. Why I said that it gave me a feeling like when I watched Go Back Couple is because : not until later we finally know what really happened in the female’s perspective. What makes her heart broken and why makes her going to that decision. So I have this assumption, well maybe it is too early to judge YS now because we haven’t see much from her point of view.
So the conclusion is: if there is a thread for this drama, it would be great for us to discuss this even deeper. Hahaa..
P.S @GB: Thanks for the our beloved summer OTP clip!!!!!! Much love for you 💕💕💜💜
– the silent sea: of course because of Gong Yoo!! And Bae Dona.. and they are astronaut?! Oh I can’t wait..
– bulgasal: Because I like kwon nara.. (I have to say that I prefer her’s over Kim Da Mi’s character on Itaewon Class haha) also I think she could be a good actress if she train and learn more, so.. I want to see her progress in developing her acting skill from thi drama..
note: I enjoy her acting in Royal Secret Agent with L (before he went to military service). I laughed so much in that joseon drama. If you are up to comedy I suggest you watch this!!
Note: @dashman thank you for mentioning 2521! Hahaa I am waiting for kim tae ri my girl crush and the nice nam joo hyuk too. I was a little disappointed that it is not aired in this december like they were planning before. But looking at the great line up dramas this month, I think it is better for them to push the airing time.. 😅😅
So see you again fellas 🙏🏻🙏🏻
Hi there @moonstar512!! I’m glad you’re back with us. 🙂
I’ve finally warmed up to Our Beloved Summer. Normally I’d be fed up with the kind of character that the is the FL in the beginning too. However, I’ve learnt to be more patient about a character’s background and trajectory.
Our Choi Ung may also have had his faults, but since we are seeing the events from his point of view, those may have been hidden from his own awareness. Like you say, if Show gives us Yeon Su’s perspective, we may understand the OTP better and it will be more balanced.
Good to know that you like Kwon Nara. There are some actresses that affect my viewing pleasure, but she’s not one of them. Anyway, I usually do give actors more than 1 chance to grow on me.
I’ll try Uncle soon since this thread has mentioned it a few times and I did too.
Thanks for mentioning Royal Secret Agent. A funny Joseon drama is better than an angsty one. 😉
Welcome back @Moonstar! I have been on and off as well due to work and study. Now I have some extra hours to kill🤭 I started that makjang drama…. I am gonna go on ffwd mode cos I am only intrigued to see how my unnie reacts to this scandal of her husband. geez watching a man goes gaga over his secret affair while devoted to his wife next makes we wanna vomit blood 🤦🏻♀️…
https://twitter.com/gatamchun/status/1471205914174967808?t=QIiz16EW7W5woEySHZVXdw&s=19
I saw this tweet in Snowdrop. Thought I might share with you ladies here. I am not sure how the general public in Korea is viewing this drama as I did not intend to watch or follow it. OP shared her perspective and experience on the matters depicted in the drama.
@GB I like that clip of the two “Our Beloved Summer” leads. He has a big personality and knows how to entertain. She was more reserved but all in. You can see that they trust and respect each other! Very cute!
@miracle23 it remains to be seen how the writer depicts the “facts”. I don’t doubt that many have suffered horrendously during that time and the wounds are raw still. So anything that even suggests that there could possibly be “nice” people amongst the scum is a slap in the face. But there are stories to be told of people (a minority yes) who bucked the trend. Oskar Schindler comes to mind. A shining beacon of humanity amid the cruelty and horror. This writer did a good job of Sky Castle. So I want to see how she pens this piece and what message she is trying to convey.
I am watching for HaeIn. The PD and writer hunted him down and wouldn’t do the drama without him. I am really hesitant about JiSoo. Hopefully they will work well together.
@nrllee and @Miracle23, my daughter is a fan of JiSoo, but she won’t watch the show because of the tweets she has seen about it from Koreans who are upset about what the show seems to say politically. @nrllee, your comment about Shindler could be what the show wants to put forth – there can be humanity even in a group that collectively is unprincipled.
Gosh, I had hopes that this was one I could finally watch with her…☹️ Pouting emoji.
Kalimera Ladies!
I wanted to say that although, it is not in my priority list to watch “Snowdrop”, we must be cautious, because most of the times we are hearing / reading things beforehand, that are not true. The show will air shortly. If something is not okay we will hear about it, when the actual episodes will air.
The same thing happened with “Melancholia” and the inappropriate romance between a female grown up math teacher and an underage male student…when this didn’t happen at all! As far as I know, plotwise, they accused them of such a relationship, but that was not true.
Still, before airing, articles came up that stirred a fuzz about it, when currently the show is about math, power struggles, corruption and revenge. I am not watching it, but I was curious about it since the beginning.
Also, I believe that Jung Hae-In is not that stupid to get involved in a story that he knows is sensitive for many people, including his own parents.
The channel has already written a letter explaining that they haven’t misused that historic era to netizens after the fiasco with Joseon Exorcist.
I will just wait and see. If my friends tell me that is good I will give it a try.
Also,
Annyeong @Moonstar512 and welcome back! It is good to have you around!
@GB Unnie, thanks for the link, I watched it and I liked it! I want to see the movie “The Witch Subversion” I have heard from my friends that it is pretty good!
@GoodTwin We will see how “Our Beloved Summer” goes. I have read a theory in MyDramaList about Yeon Su’s Halmeoni. If that is the case, then things will get complicated. If you want me to share, just say so…
@Fern I hope she changes her mind and gives it a chance. 🙂. We’ll see how much of a furore it raises. Personally I like watching depictions of humanity amid all the horror. It gives me hope. That not everyone turns a blind eye or joins in and heads down that path of madness.
@Miracle23,
I just read what that poster wrote on Twitter. Unfortunately, in every dictatorship very bad things happen. I can say so because, we had a junta back in 1967-1974. We also had a civil war after the end of 2nd WWW.
Yes, people were kind to their families and friends and in their work they were torturing and killing their opponents. This is not a lie. This happened in the past and it can be happening even in the moment that we speak.
If you want to see what happened in our country, just check the movies by Theo Angelopoulos (Like The Traveling Players and Voyage to Kythera) and Pantelis Voulgaris (Like Stone Years) or one my favourites, like Kierion, by Dimos Theos.
I have studied history and I say that have more to learn about it, because World’s History is a neverending lesson. You cannot say you have read enough. I have read several aspects of the greek history and I know important aspects of the european one up to a point. I am keen that I know nothing at all.
The History after the WWW’s is too near us and we need to pay attention. One of my friends is doing a master degree in Modern Greek History (esp.the latest 100 years) and we are talking about it. She tells me that things are complicated, something we already know because when our grandparents / parents lived were actually living the facts.
This twitter user is angry and emotional. You can understand it by reading his/ her phrases. The thing is that with the Cold War and what happened between the huge players of that time, because she/he is referring to KGB and East Germany’s ways, is a HUGE historical matter that needs someone to have read a lot about it.
Some people haven’t read History and it is okay. If you want to get started, though, you have to leave behind all your ideas, misconceptions you have about several things in order to start yeducating yourself.
We -humans- are capable for greatness. We also are capable of horrors.
Hi ladies,
Yes, I do understand amidst the bad things happening, there are some good people stuck in between trying their best to stick to good principles yet powerless to overcome the supression from the most powerful. We had that here as well. The recent years have seen some crazy things going on, people brought in for questioning, witnesses went missing, public prosecutor killed in a gruesome way, family members gave contradicting statements, backdoor government taking over in the middle of covid situation… might not be as horrifying as what happened in the world history but mindboggling and frustrating nonetheless. 🤦🏻♀️
So, this is the writer who wrote Sky Castle? Then Snow Drop may be her/his next well written drama. I am not watching but I will read your thoughts on the drama. Looking forward to it 😉
Hmmm…interesting tweet, @miracle23.
Do you know this person? Is she real? Can you vouch for her? 😂
I don’t mind YOU inviting her to post on this blog to state her reasons for opposing the kdrama. We’ve always liked to be “informed” as we watch dramas, to know the background story, to get the historical context, and so on. And if she is who she says she is, i.e., a child of protestors, then her perspective will enrich our understanding of the drama. We’ll know what to pay attention to when the writer and director are showing us XYZ. We’re not watching the show blindly. And we’re not going to fall for a whitewashing of a historical atrocity because of an infatuation for the actors.
In short, if she wants, she can write her opinion and post it here. We’ll take her warnings under advisement.
Bitchesoverdramas isn’t like soompi, dramabeans, or mydramalist. Our viewership is small and niche (just happy, sassy, and witty bitches, remember?) and I prefer it that way. But because we’re small, she doesn’t have to worry about fangirls attacking her. Fangirls are blocked, anyway.
I do ask, however, that we treat each other with civility and respect.
This drama will come and go. It’s only 16 episodes. Depending on the the script and performance of the actors, this show can turn out to be all hype and no lasting impact.
But the fight to preserve history from those who seek to trivialize, romanticize or erase it is real. I personally find it jarring that there’s a romance about students set during that 1987 June Democracy Movement when it was the torture and death of a student, Park Jong Cheol that sparked the whole protest. It’s like… making out and dancing on somebody’s grave. 😐
Unfortunately, I don’t know her in person, @packmule3. Can I really invite her in? OP’s tweet was qrt-ed by a moot of mine, so it appeared at my timeline. I finally finished reading the whole thread and it was so long… someone even tried to hack her acct 🤦🏻♀️..
hmmm… this history sounds familiar… I think that Undercover remake of BBC series released by JTBC earlier this year was also based on similar period and event as SD albeit the fictional characters and it being a remake of BBC’s Undercover. In the Korean remake, the name of the leader of the student movement who was killed by the NIS was not Park Jeong Cheol. The person leading the NIS was a pictured as a good father to his family but he was a cruel and ruthless director of the NIS. He was the one who killed the student while in detention and made up a case that the student was murdered by his friend.
I can see that OP seems really troubled that international viewers might be getting misleading info on the historical facts of that time period. It would be interesting to read her thoughts on the drama as it progresses. I just don’t understand how can the writer made sensitive historical events such as this as a dark comedy? For the many remakes of Gwangju massacre event, I don’t think there’s any that I would deem a dark comedy. Sky Castle is a dark comedy, fine. But SD? Errr… 🥴
Sure, @miracle23.
I don’t want to copy her tweet(s) but if she wants to reword them a bit to fit our readers here, why not?
She has to assume though that she’s explaining to people with zero to little knowledge of history (bec none of us here are Korean) but are open-minded to know more. We’re not hostile so no hostility or aggression is warranted. We just want to know her side so we can see things from a wider perspective.
We can listen to the “minority” voice, and we can proceed from there.
On another topic – has anyone tried ‘Ancient Love Poetry’… mixed reviews for early episodes because of Xu Kai’s rather limited range and the main actress – award winning – not being in a role that allows her to shine…
But others are saying give it a few episodes and it is better than or on a level with ‘Ashes of Love’ (which I really enjoyed). I am on ep 3 at the moment and it does seem to be warming up…
GwangJu Uprising was depicted in a love story this year – Youth of May. I didn’t watch it but my daughter did (for Lee DoHyun 😂 – aka Captain Firefly from HDL). That uprising was the precursor of the June (Democracy movement) struggle. I don’t remember YoM being as controversial. Probably because the protagonists were students themselves? These were their allegations against SnowDrop in a written petition to the Blue House. This was because for some reason parts of the the plot was leaked mid production. (Cr http://en.koreaportal.com/articles/48769/20210328/why-netizens-want-cancel-blackpink-jisoo-s-drama-snowdrop.htm)
1. the plot of the drama reminds them of a “painful part of history whereby many student activists were accused as spies and received unfair torture and died.”
2. the set-up of the male lead as a North Korean spy disguised as a student can show romanticization to spies.
3. the leaked plot of the drama allegedly introduced a character of a National Security Agency (NSA) team leader as an “upright and passionate character who follows the rules.” And according to the “Snowdrop” fan union, this also romanticizes the NSA who was, in history, involved in “torturing student activists disgracefully.”
4. The fan union also demands an explanation for the choice of character for the female lead whose name “exists as a real figure” in the Democratic Movement. Such association, according to the “Snowdrop” fan union,” can give harm to the historical figure. (JTBC decided to change the character name for JiSoo as a result)
5. the fan union slams the drama for using Hosu Female University as the setting where the “female lead, who is a student at the university, hides the male lead in the dorms.” If this plot is true, then it becomes problematic as the school has played a “pivotal role” in the student movements of that time.
The official response from Blue House (cr https://thesillytv.com/kpop-news-will-blackpinks-jisoo-starrer-snowdrop-continue-to-air-after-facing-a-petition-to-be-cancelled-the-blue-house-releases-an-official-statement/)
The Blue House addressed the petitions that moved to stop the airing of dramas that distort history, naming Snowdrop and Joseon Exorcist in particular.
“On March 26, after taking into consideration the severity of historical distortion in Joseon Exorcist, it was decided for the show to be taken off air. For Snowdrop, the broadcasting station that plans to air it has claimed that the controversy was due to the incomplete synopsis and character introductions that were released partially, resulting in one-sided information. It is not a drama that disparages the Democratic Movement or romanticizes spies. The drama is currently in production.
In the 4th clause in the broadcasting law, independence and freedom is guaranteed and due to the law, non-legal regulation or interference is not allowed. In particular, as creative works are free to pursue their own individualistic expression, it is something that needs to be approached with caution.
The government respects the free choices and self-restraint that will be exercised with sensitivity by the creators, producers, and consumers with regards to contents that have stirred up the public.”
However, The Blue House also stresses that in the case where the drama falls into severity for distortion of history after airing, it will be dealt with accordingly. Not only will the regulation committee for broadcasts be closely monitoring Snowdrop, but the producers will also have to take full responsibility should it come to that point.
And in the PressCon recently, PD said this (cr https://kbizoom.com/snowdrop-director-jo-hyun-tak-please-focus-on-people-rather-than-north-korea-politics-or-ideology/)
“‘Snowdrop‘ is a project that writer Yoo Hyun-mi has been preparing for a long time.” He then explained, “She (writer) said that she was inspired when she saw the handwriting of North Korean defectors who defected from a political prison camp in 2008. The story was expanded through twists and turns as well as various processes. Besides, the writer herself had real experience in the dormitory while attending college in the 1980s.“ (so the writer herself experienced it first hand)
He added, “The work was prepared and materialized as we combined two above-mentioned things. However, rather than focusing on North Korea, politics or ideology, we tried to look deeply and closely into people.“
@Cleopatra, I also think this is Disney getting into K Dramas. They are a huge w I rldwice presence and have a reputation to uphold. I am hoping that the bad press will be false. I like Jung HaeIn a lot. He is very talented and versatile. He also maintains a clean reputation. One would hope that he will protect it. From what I have seen from netizens as a group, they can be very harsh and will easily ruin people/projects when they can. With that awareness, I think knowing how that mob works, great care will be taken with Snowdrop.
Just something to think about on this thread. What would the netizens think of comedy and satire. I am thinking about several movies that eviscerated the nazis and the cold War. I think of Charliie Chaplin’s The Great Dictator, the movie To Be or Not to Be and The Producers regarding the nazis and Dr. Strangelove vis a vus the cold war. Sometimes the best critiques of historical events are done tongue in cheek and/or with outright humor.
And then you can think of movies that are outright propaganda. Leni Reifensteil made some of the most brilliant movies like Triumph of The Will and Olympia, all to the service of Hitler and Naziism. And during the fifties, the anticommunist politicians in the US caused the blacklist of filmmakers for making movies sympathetic to the Soviet Union during WWII. And the Birth of A Nation, a much heralded silent film in its time, glorified the Ku Klux Klan.
What hits me about the general discussion is that there always seems to be a rush to judgment about anything deemed historical, even though nobody has seen the work in its entirety. In addition, the genre may affect the reaction when some people would be offended by things like humor. It might be helpful for jewels to look at these by thinking of them in context. Bottom line-it’x complicated.
I agree, @OldAmericanLady….however, this is neither our history nor our culture. It’s theirs.
Frankly, we don’t have the right to tell them not to be offended when they are in fact offended. It’s like telling somebody whose toe is stubbed on a chair that it can’t be at all that painful so he should stop moaning in pain. It’s their toe, it’s their pain, not ours. Similarly, the Koreans know what’s offensive to them, not us.
Neither do we have the right to brush aside their outrage as “rush to judgment” or to lecture them to acquire humor and sangfroid like we Americans/Europeans/Westerners/non-Koreans do. Those words sound dismissive and condescending. Our “white privilege” is showing. 🙂
What I’m offering to that twitter person in this blog — if she accepts it — is a listening ear. She was agitated in her tweets, so I’ll listen to her point-of-view without ME rushing to judgment (it works both ways) that her complaints are invalid and spurious. I’ll keep an open mind in the beginning, and form my own conclusions at the end.
So yes, @miracle23, extend an invitation to her — if you want to take on this role as intermediary — to write a post about “Snowdrop.” Email it to me first if you prefer.
Noted pm3. I will email you once the post is ready😊
@moonstar512 hi darling, yes yes super excited for 2521 KTR is my girl crush too (other than Kim Da-mi) xD Plus NJH is a no brainer in a romcom. Didn’t know this drama was supposed to air in December and has been postponed, now I’m sad 🙁 Anyway, I trust KTR to pick good projects even if Joo-hyuk can be hit and miss in general. That said, I have yet to watch Space Sweepers, which has attracted mixed reviews. Let me know if you’ve watched it and vouch for it 🙂 Looks like we will be watching lot of common dramas, see you soon on those threads chingu ❤️
Co-incidentally, Dami’s character name in Itaewon Class was Yi-Seo (YS) and now in OBS is Yeon-Su (YS), so I still associate YS with Yi-Seo and get confused 😂 I liked both Yi-Seo and Yeon-su from get go, Yi-seo was nothing like the conventional kdrama FLs which was great to see (even if she did some unpardonable things) — Dami was a rookie actress at the time and I feel like she did a hell of a job in her first kdrama — and now Yeon-su is shades of grey FL, which is a lot in the traditional kdrama FL realm, but here’s where Woong and his part in their back story offer a refreshing take to such pairings in that, he is a good balance of brazen and reserved to match her uptightness, which makes them have a quirky as well as an endearing equation. I am yet to watch ep. 4, but up until 3, things are paced well enough. I just hope the reason for break up is not stupid lol Anyway, we still don’t know how they started dating in the first place lolol Even if everything is stupid, I’m just glad to see Dami back on screen and can’t wait for her film Soulmate to release next year.
Hi @dashman1010
Review of Space Sweepers (This is partly inspired by professional reviews with which I agree).
I just watched the movie 2 days ago. Personally, I liked it. It was fun and warm, had enough suspense and was a happy ride. All parts (camera, music, acting, etc) came together well to move the story along. It did not feel too rushed and everything made sense.
Specific things I liked:
The fact that everyone could speak in their own language and everyone had an electronic translator that eradicated our having to hear painfully spoken English.
The CGI was great and the space flight and fight scenes were exciting.
Human beings haven’t changed 71 years in the future, they could be terrible but they could also be wonderful. Rivals and enemies could become trusted allies in a higher common cause.
The bickering ensemble greatly entertained me. And of course, as in all my beloved k-ent shows, they became family.
The ending had a nice unexpected twist.
What could have been different:
The storyline could have ventured to be a little bit less predictable, but it was such a pleasant watch, I didn’t really mind that.
Some parts flashed by so fast I had to slow down bits to see what was happening.
I found it a worthwhile watch.
Kalispera,
I have just finished Bulgasal and it is pretty solid!
@GB Unnie, If you watch it we can talk about those “Goblin” vibes that are not there…
Also, I have watched last night “Bad and Crazy”, the title depicts what is happening indeed! Lee Dong Wook shines! 😀
Was Bulgasal premiering this weekend? I forgot. Let me open the thread.
@Packmule3,
Yes, it is on Netflix for you!
The first episode can easily be a stand out…
Just finished “Uncle”. It’s good.
@Packmule3,
I have to check it! I have seen the trailer!
I just finished the newest of The Red Sleeve Cuff…
So many to watch…🥺
@pkml3, would you mind opening a thread for Our Beloved Summer as well? A few of us are watching it. 🙂
For those who are looking forward to The Silent Sea being released on Netflix next Friday (Dec. 24), here’s an interesting video that may give you some perspective as you watch it. Chris Hadfield, a Canadian astronaut with impressive space cred, reviews space movies. He not only addresses physical and scientific accuracy (or lack thereof), but talks about whether or not a film depicts well the training, professionalism, and emotions of people who venture into space, or support those who go into space. I learned a lot watching this.
https://youtu.be/3RkhZgRNC1k
BODs I think I just became an ARMY after watching this a half dozen times today. Red Sleeves can wait! https://youtu.be/A8KQhwmdZIw
Oh gosh @Good Twin, I laughed so much!!! That James Corden! Thanks so much for helping me exercise my stomach muscles.
I am seeing a lot of noise in my Twitter feed regarding SnowDrop (after Ep1 last night). A lot of them are tweets from BlackPink fans. I get the feeling they are trying to drown out any negative press.
This also popped up but I had to dig hard to find it.
https://twitter.com/koreanupdates/status/1472470580544696320?s=21
There’s already another petition floating round to halt the screening (close to 97000 signatories). Remains to be seen how the drama will go. This writer tends to have a lot going on in her drama. I remember feeling totally overwhelmed with the number of characters she introduced in Sky Castle Ep1. It took me a while to get to know everyone. With the poster reveal and the huge cast on it I get the feeling it will be the same here.
@GB unnie, thank you so much for the detailed review of Space Sweepers, enough for me to prioritise it higher up in my to-watch list 🙂
@pm3 thank you for creating Bulgasal and OBS thread ❤️
P.S. @Cleo are you watching Wheel of Time? I’m on ep. 5 and it’s been ok so far. The overall reviews have been moderate to good. Small set of viewers are mind blown while another small set (mostly book fans) are fuming lol Interested to know your thoughts 🙂
@dashman1010,
Of course I am watching it!
I am fine with it. Mostly because the books, which are 14 in number, are meandering with lots of information.
We should be realistic. It is an adaptation. I am happy I get to see my favorite fantasy books into screen. 🙂
Daniel Henney as Lan al’Mandragoran is perfect and so is Rosamund Pike as Moiraine.
What do you think?
@Welmaris,
Thanks for the video! I will try to watch it before “The Silent Sea” airs this Friday!
@Cleo yes, I like it too. I have heard that the books were an infodump at times and that the TV series is cutting down too much, so I really can’t say if I’m getting to full essence of the books, but so far I have not been fuzzy on any details so I guess that’s a good thing? Idk, the pace is a bit up and down and I think that the GoT comparisons are a bit of an overkill, but otherwise they have done a good job. The CGI is iffy in a lot of places though, so I hope they do things a bit better in the next season, at least justify the budget they’ve got. I think they’re primarily shooting the series in Prague and OMG it’s SOOOOOOO beautiful! I love all the scenic shots (that are not CGI heheh).
As far as characterisation is concerned, I too like Lan x Moiraine and their equation, although we’re getting less and less of it in the subsequent episodes :'( The others are also suitably cast, but I’m not invested in any particular character or equation as much as Lan x Moiraine. Nothing sticks out like a sore thumb for now, but I’m not gobsmacked either. Overall, after 5 episodes, I’d rate it 7/10. Is next week the season finale? Damn, now we wait 😄
@GB I know right?! That crosswalk concert maybe the best thing I’ve watched in 2021. Who knew that BTS were such comedians? The bit wouldn’t have work with out their excellent reactions. I love James Corden jazz hands as the “choreo”! 🤣😂
A note on Daniel Henney,He has been in at least one Korean movie and in The Lively Sam Soon playing an American Doctor. He was also in at least one episode of Home Alone/I live alone. Hi e is Korean Irish American who grew up in Michigan. I get a big kick out of the Korean Americans and Canadians who either were brought to these countries as young kids or were born here who chose to go back to S Korea or returned with their families, who ended up becoming well known actors in Korea. And then we have Korean stars like Gong Hyo Gin who went to high school in Australia. For some reason it is fascinating to me.
There are speculations looming at DC Gallery that some hands are taking over the release of ratings for Saturday and Sunday shows and there might be rating manipulations going on as well. Presumably to show too high a rating for SD may not be a good idea, hence what is happening at the moment.
Updated:
https://m.wikitree.co.kr/articles/717650#_ace
Only TNMs has come out.
Meanwhile, Nielsen which reported a network issue last Saturday still has not released its ratings. Things are looking like somebody is manipulating something 😐
@Miracle23, oh is that why? I was waiting to see TRS ratings and Soompi hasn’t written an article as usual. Do they think lower the rating for SD can reduce the pressure?
@miracle23 it sounds suspicious. Red Sleeve Cuff also didn’t have a rating release that night. I think many were hoping it would eclipse Ep11’s 12.8% so they were waiting for the rating.
The petition signatures to axe SnowDrop has blown up to over 250,000 (last I looked). It’s not looking good. JTBC even deactivated the chat function for the drama because it would be inundated with angry KNetizens. I watched Ep1 and I probably won’t continue. I can see why Koreans would be triggered. The writer wasn’t wise in her choice to have so many triggering characters and scenarios in the drama. Just claiming it’s “fiction” doesn’t cut it. Especially if you choose to have so many things which even if placed there unintentionally (or with good intentions) do carry with it a lot of past hurt and atrocities historically. You’re just asking for it.
Looked for SD on Disney in search. Showed no match. Doesn’t look good for that drama. Disney could take it as a loss. One question is do international, streaming services like Disney, show it or decide not to risk their other projects. I do know that I certain large countries that have disappeared people culturally and/or political content has been taken down or heavily censored. I think that a lot has to do with money.
My question is Youth of May was set in similar times but seems to have gone unscathed. What is the difference between the two projects that have engendered such protest? Cording o Wikipe r IA it is based on a memoirand has been in the works for twelve years. For me it would be interesting to understand the triggers that brought about the overwhelming numbers on the petition to the Blue House. Also, is there a specific demographic group that make up this protest. Did the drama even air in S. Korea?
@OAL it’s on Disney+. Yes it did air on JTBC. I think YoM had protagonists which were the students (or one of them was, I think the other was a nurse). In SnowDrop the protagonist is a North Korean Spy (Jung HaeIn) and there’s another main character in the NSA who is hunting him down.
Thanks@nrllee. The fate of the show is now with the Blue House.i’ve read that some netizens are upset with the actors and crew. Given how history affects people, perhaps this drama and storyline has happened too soon. But if you think of this some projects set in the Joseon, Goreyo and Shilla era may be too soon. I remember post WwII America, when the major animus was on the Japanese (perhaps because they bombed Pearl Harbor
and maybe also were not white as are the Germans and Italians). But by the seventies Americans were going crazy for Toyota, Datsun Z Cars and sushi.My WWII veteran DD’s favorite movies were The Seven Samurai(remade here as The Magnificent Seven) and Roshomon. In S. Korea, it appears that there is a much ,much longer look back time and given the Japanese occupation, relations with that country still seem fraught.
@OAL I think the PD/writer were remiss to not take into account the warning shots fired prior to airing. It didn’t look like they changed much of the plotline at all. Joseon Exorcist canceled airing (after Ep2) with 216000 signatories in the Blue House petition and sponsors dropped out. SnowDrop has already eclipsed that number of signatures and it looks like some sponsors are pulling out as well. It’s not looking good. If they persist and push through, I doubt they will be able to quell the rising tide of discontent.
And now the family of the student Park Jong-cheol (as mentioned by @packmule3) who sparked the 1987 Democracy Movement have come out and spoken about how the drama is recreating the narrative that is immensely painful to the surviving families. I think it’s only right that they pull it from screening.
https://twitter.com/gatamchun/status/1472778855165628416?s=21
Dear @Packmule3,
Kalimera. Can you open a thread for Moonshine? It is the premiere tonight!
My Dear @OAL,
We all are fascinated by people who can succeed in such a way!
I really like Daniel Henney. I haven’t seen any k-drama with him, but I am enjoying immensenly his participation in “Wheel of Time Saga” 😀
@Dashman1010,
I have to say that those two are part of the journey of the “Wheel of Time” Saga.
You will see more about the others and what are their abilities or lack therefore. *smiles innocently*
So far, the One Power visuals are pretty good. I am also impressed by some of the actors and actresses that play the Two River lads.
Although, the late Robert Jordan was a very good friend of George R.R. Martin, I find the comparison wrong myself. WoT has nothing to do with GoT.
@GB… agree re BTS crosswalk concert… those guys are a blast. I am topping into Armyhood too….
On the newish C-drama front, I gave up on ‘Ancient Love Poetry’ – found it hard to buy into the leading couple …but another C-drama has caught my attention. Very fresh and is drawing me in from the first episode…’Snow, Sword, Stride’…
Hi @pkml3, if you have a moment, please open up thread for the episodes of shows (Bad and Crazy, The Red Sleeve Cuff) that are airing this weekend.
Plus a new thread for The Silent Sea too, please. I was watching the teasers and wow, do they build up anticipation for this show!!!
thanks for the reminder, GB. will do.
Woah! It looks like Netflix has dropped several (or all the 10?) episodes of The Silent Sea at one time!! At first I noticed 5 were up, and now I see that 8 are up. I guess if I check again, there might be 10 episodes.
To binge or not to binge, that is the question. 🎄 😬 🤪 🤔 🎄
Thanks for the heads up on Silent Sea @GB! This may break my week-long JOMO of not watching any k/c drama shows. I’m ready to go cozy up in the couch now.
Merry Christmas to all!!!
I have struggled over Christmas to find something I genuinely felt drawn into …started and dropped so many dramas…
I thought I may have come to a cul-de-sac in my love of K and C dramas … but I am hooked by My Mister.
Such an finely written, engaging and worthwhile drama – a real grower, layers of an onion style, lyrical at times, with humour, quirkiness, realism … the whole lot.
I am 7 eps in and would strongly recommend it. You do need to hang on in there for the first few episodes because characters are not immediately appealing… I have just watched a priceless scene – an ode to failure… funny and touching at the same time.
ps — this is aside from the Red Sleeve Cuff… of course!!
@Viva, I decided to message you on this thread about Just Between Lovers. You know that there are recaps for this show at Variety Recaps?
https://varietyrecaps.wordpress.com/2018/01/01/just-between-lovers-ep-1/
@GB, thanks! I will have a read. I have started on My Beloved Summer and up to ep 2. Hopefully will be able to catch up at some stage. 🙂