I must have jinxed myself last month because I didn’t get to watch most of the dramas on my May list. Let’s see if the Kdrama gods will be kinder to me this month.
1. Cleaning Up
According to soompi, this is about three women working as office cleaners at a security firm who overheard confidential information at work, and decided to invest in stocks using this info.
Cast: Jun SoMin (“Running Man”), Yum Jung Ah (“Sky Castle”) and Na Inwoo (2D1N) in a support role.
Episodes: 16
Start Date: Fri, Jun 4
Airs on Fridays and Saturdays
Where to Watch it: Anywhere but Disney+, I hope.
Network: jTBC
2. Link: Eat, Love, Die
I don’t know what to make of this drama. Is it a romcom, melodrama, fantasy romance, or a mystery romance?
Synopsis from mydramalist:
A fantasy mystery drama about a man and woman who share the same emotional state.
Eun Gye Hoon is a chef who sets up a restaurant in the town where his twin sister went missing 20 years ago. He finds himself randomly experiencing emotions one day, spontaneously crying and laughing, and it turns out that they are the emotions of a woman named Noh Da Hyun.
Cast: Yeo Jin Goo (“Hotel Del Luna”) and Moon Ga Young (“True Beauty”)
Episodes: 16
Start Date: Mon, Jun 6
Airs on Mondays and Tuesdays
Where to Watch it: Booo. Is it on Disney+ ?
Network: tvN
3. Yumi’s Cells 2
This is season 2 so we already know the routine. This kdrama is about Yumi’s quest for self-discovery rather than romance. She won’t end up with this guy, Babi, just like she didn’t end up with Woong. Perhaps in season 3, she’ll find her true love.
It doesn’t really matter to me because I’m watching this for the cells.
Cast: Kim Go Eun, Park Jin Young (he reprises his role as “Babi”)
Episodes: 14
Start Date: Fri, Jun 10
Airs on Fridays and Saturdays
Where to Watch it: Viki again?
Network: tvN
4. Jinx’s Lover
The synopsis from soompi –
Based on a webtoon of the same name, “Jinxed at First” is a fantasy romance drama about what happens when a poor, unlucky man, who has accepted his unfortunate fate, meets a goddess of fortune, who jumps out into the unknown to undo a curse despite having been hidden away by a chaebol family.
Na In Woo will be playing Seodong Market’s fish seller Gong Soo Kwang who has a special jinx. After meeting Seul Bi (Girls’ Generation‘s Seohyun) seven years ago, Gong Soo Kwang’s life completely changes as he loses everything. The drama will capture the story that unfolds when the two symbolizing fortune and misfortune meet to create special chemistry.
Source: soompi
Cast: Na Inwoo (“River Where the Moon Rises” and “2D1N”) and SeoHyun (member of Girls’ Generation)
To be honest, I was disappointed when I found out that Seohyun was his costar because I don’t think they match visually. Beside him, Seohyun’ll look like a squid. I’d much rather watch the faces of Yoona (“The King in Love”), Kim SeJeong (“A Business Proposal”) and Kim GoEun (“Yumi’s Cells”) on my monitor than her face, especially when she has a simpering smile.
But I’ll wait and see if she grows on me before I drop this show.
Episodes: 16
Start Date: Wed, Jun 15
Airs on Wednesdays and Thursdays
Where to Watch it: iQiYi?
Network: KBS2
5. Alchemy of Souls
Finally! The Hong sisters’ drama is here. I hope this isn’t going to be maudlin again like Hotel Del Luna.
This drama started off on the wrong foot when news came out that the newbie actress playing the lead female role was “fired” due to “poor acting.” Of course, such a report would effectively end the budding career of the actress so tvN issued an official statement that the production staff and the actress came to a “settlement respecting the opinions of both sides.”
Jung SoMin was quickly hired as a replacement.
Synopsis from mydramalist:
The fate of these people become twisted due to “hwanhonsool” (the soul of the dead return to the living).
In the country of Daeho, Jang Wook comes from the noble Jang family. He holds an unpleasant secret about his birth, which people all around the country talk about. He’s a troublemaker. Jang Wook happens to meet Deok Yi. She is an elite warrior, but her soul is trapped in a physically weak body. She becomes Jang Wook’s servant, but she also secretly teaches him how to fight.
Seo Yool comes from the noble Seo family. He seems perfect with good appearance, intelligence, and strong martial arts skills. Go Won is the crown prince of Daeho. He hopes to become a generous king.
Cast: Jung SoMin (“Mischievous Kiss”) and Lee Jae Wook (“Do Do Sol Sol La La Sol”)
I’m definitely watching this for Lee Jae Wook. lol. I hope this won’t suck as badly as DDSSLLS.
Yes, I’m aware of their age difference. But I don’t think the actors’ ages will be relevant to the story since JSM is playing an old soul (eternal soul?) trapped in a young body anyway.
Episodes: 20?!!!
Start Date: Sat, Jun 18
Airs on Saturdays and Sundays
Where to Watch it: Netflix
Network: tvN
As for Chinese drama, I’ve been looking at “The Blue Whisper” starring Dilraba Dilmurat and Ren Jia Lun (“Forever and Ever”) on viki. My problem with Chinese dramas is they’re so long while my time to watch drama is so limited. I might skim it to see if it’s worth investing 40 hours.
What are you all watching? Care to join me on the latest Hong sisters’ drama, “Alchemy of Souls”?
Yes! Pm3 🙂 I’ll join you watching Alchemy of Soul. Hope you have more time to watch dramas this month! I didn’t watch any K drama in May. I watched a few c dramas and they took up all my time! So far the c dramas I watched are very easy to watch and entertaining, less stressful on my emotions. Let’s see if Alchemy will bring me back to the k drama side.
Currently watching:
You are my Hero:Easy watch. Good at everything policeman and kind intellingent Doctor. Up to ep 22. Presented a very different Bai Jing Ting from Reset. Comfort drama 😊
Martial universe – it is like watching a game/ conquering quests show. CGI can give me a headache sometimes. Traditional story line. Up to ep 35. No major twist. True love was obvious in the earlier episodes. The person who has the potential to turn bad did turn bad. I still want to see how it unfolds. All prepared for a sad or open ending.
Kalimera and let’s have a great month ahead! 🎈
Dear @Packmule3 et al, I can understand how you feel.
These days, I am watching as much as I can and it is okay.
Although, Hong Sisters don’t suit well with me, I will definitely watch “Alchemy of Souls”. From the trailer, it looks promising!
I will also watch “Yumi’s Cells #2” for Kim Go Eun-nni(!).
I am also contemplating If I will have time to watch “Link: Eat, Love, Die” for Yeo Jin Goo and / or “Jinx’s Lover” for its story.
Currently Watching:
1. “From Now On, Showtime” : that I am really enjoying so far! Park Hae In is hilarious ! I am glad he took that role, he is expressing many facets of his talent!
2. “Reset” with my fellow B.O.D’ers @GB Unnie, @WE and @Viva
3. “Bloody Heart” : which I am going to finish but I am not okay with it.
They made Lee Joon so lamentable as a character that his talent is hidden behind endless crying scenes…(I am pissed about that).
The show has directing and script issues, that people don’t see it because of beautiful Cinematography / Photography and excellent Montage / Editing.
4. “Six Kiss Scene” : I started this, because I was curious and the first two episodes were rather interesting. I want to see more of it! Yoon Kye-Sang and Seo Ji-Hye’s characters are interesting and there is chemistry between them.
That’s from me for now! Have a lovely day ahead!
I don’t know if I will be able to finish any drama anytime soon… I have re-started (which I dropped aeons ago 🤣) Do You Like Brahms because I want to see how the director did the drama. This is since he will be directing YYS – Moon Ga Young – Keum Sae Rok new drama based on a book titled Understanding of Love, a noir romance. I will only tune in on DYLB while multi-tasking at home. I need patience to get through some bad acting in that drama🤭
Next on my to finish list is Red Blood.. I have stopped at Ep 2 and will wait until end of airing before I marathon the whole series😂
I am considering to watch Link to see MGY. Have never watched her dramas before. I might try Find Me in Your Memory as an alternative.
That is all for me 😁
I will start Link for the leads. I agree about the concept being odd. So I am not sure if I will finish it. Same with Jinx’s Lover. Like @pm3 I am not a fan of the FL. Real life has been busy so I haven’t been in the mood to finish anything I started (Liberation Notes was a tad too morose for me so I dropped it).
Dear BOD Community,
I hope everyone is staying well and healthy! May was a tough month since we are doing hybrid teaching/learning. Our school year ends the end of June so we we still have a month.
My heart goes out to the families of the victims of the Texas mass shooting. I also pray for the shooter, who was bullied as a kid and lashed out at the world since he was mentally and emotionally unwell. I hope the United States will have tougher gun legislation and provide free counseling to the children and families who were impacted by the Texas mass shooting.
I usually try to watch one drama at a time, and finished “Green Mothers’ Club” in May. It wasn’t what I expected, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. It brought up issues surrounding marriage, education and friendships which I could relate to.
None of the current dramas have pulled me in, so I am going through my checklist of K-dramas to watch and am halfway through “Just Between Lovers/Rain or Shine” which I am thoroughly enjoying. It’s a slow burn drama and I’ve never see the leads act before starting this drama. They portrayed their roles well! I saw that there is a BOD thread for “Just Between Lovers/Rain or Shine” so I’m excited to read that as well.
Last night I read that there will be a sequel to “Strong Girl Bong-Soon.” Too bad they are changing the leads since the chemistry between Park Bo-Young and Park Hyung-sik was amazing. It’ll be a different story.
Take good care everyone!
Cleaning Up.
The trailer makes me run away, except for the beginning.
Eat, Love, Die.
The concept is interesting. Potential for comedy. But the trailer doesn’t make me want to watch it. I feel the boredom.
Yumi Cells 2.
Of course! But you killed me with your spoiler. 😬
I had no idea how it would ends before to read you!!!
Jinx’s Lover.
Maybe. There’s a good concept for the comedy.
Alchemy of Souls.
The first episodes will probably be excellent, because the writers are good at it. Not sure in the long run.
Hello! I’m currently watching Bloody Heart. It’s so good! Jang Hyuk is so compelling as always. And the ML whom I’ve never seen before, has the most amazing voice! The FL, I forget her name, is nice to see in a Lead role finally.
Alright, @Viva. Let’s watch “Alchemy of Soul.”
I haven’t figured out the deal with the title. Knowing the Hong sisters, the change from the working title “Return” to “Alchemy of Souls” signaled a shift in focus.
Yes. I also enjoyed watching (more like racing through) “You Are My Hero”. With a dramas, I’ve learned to fast forward to the couple scenes only, thereby ignoring all the secondary romances, and side plots. I remember the secondary love story with the bratty female best friend and the gullible male best friend annoyed me no end.
Hi @packmule3, My definite is Yumi’s Cells2 for Kim GoEun. I love her. (She is also cast in the Jo role in the Korean adaptation of Little Women done in contemporary setting. Am curious to see how it translates) It’s on Viki and is listed in their coming soon section. (I sent you an article about their subbers that is quite informative).
Although I like Disney+, so many of their K content shows don”t appear when aired.Snowdrop recently showed up on my feed and I watched the first episode. The production design was fantastic with great visuals,sets, costumes and make up.
Women’s dorm life(that I lived here in the US) was done quite well. I will continue it.
I also think I’ll watch Alchemy of Souls for the same reason you will the male lead.
I am completing Our Blues.I like it a lot. The intertwining stories are given enough time. I am enjoying Kim Woo Bin a lot.
I also just finished The Package. I happened upon it and enjoyed the tour guide element. It was set in France and had a lovely part about Mount Ste.Michelle and the Statue of Michael at the top.
I do get way layed a lot but decided to do at least two on your list.
I have also decided to watch a movie or two instead of committing to an entire drama.At the end I get a sense of completion.
And finally,I’m still going back to My Liberation Notes because there’s so much to take in.
I never thought that when I got into K Content that I’d get overwhelmed but that is the case. I think it has something to say about how addicting they are. LOL
@Packmule3 – thank you as ever for this account of what’s coming up.
‘Yumi’s Cells’ – a big yes! Loved Season 1. Sad to lose ML but excited re new ML.
I am in a massive C-drama phase – I get into Korean or Chinese dramas and find that I follow up on actors I like and then build a momentum.
Currently watching
‘To Love’ with Ling Gen Xin (from Princess Agents and Master of My Own’. I appear to have developed a mild crush on him. ‘To Love’ has great ML and FL chemistry (went from reel to real apparently) and generally good supporting actor performances. It is, that said, an odd blend of romance, romantic comedy, mystery, thriller, murder and a Hallmark Movie style coffee shop! Sometimes this means that the requirements of one genre create a rather tone deaf sequence of emotional development. Can’t explain unless you watch.
‘Love in Flames of War’ with the gorgeous Shawn Dou… turn of the 20th Century drama. Sadly – an insipid heroine and rather clunky plot make this something for fans of SD only. He was another lead in ‘Princess Agents’ – a strapping Canadian Chinese actor;
‘Intense Love’ — frotheeee C-drama …only those of you who like your dramas like whipped cream will enjoy this pure escapism. Diverting. ML was the lead in ‘The Tiger and the Rose’ with Zhau Lusi.
@Cleopatra,
Thanks for reminding me about “Kiss Sixth Sense.” For some reason, I was hooked by the first episode. I couldn’t figure out what her deal was so I stayed around.
But the format of this drama is like that other Disney+ drama “Grid.” Only one episode per week. I might just catch it when everything’s released.
“Bloody Heart” was on my list last month. Thanks for the reminder. I’ve to pencil it in my viewing schedule right now or I’ll miss it completely. The first episode was good.
“From Now On, Showtime” is a love-hate relationship for me. The actors are cute but the plot is predictable. For instance, when we heard the gunshot, instead of actually seeing the serial murderer get shot, I knew the evil spirit lived on in the body of the good cop. So I fast-forwarded through two episodes to see if my theory held.
The Director/Writer make everything needlessly complicated — as if the viewers didn’t know that evil isn’t so easily vanquished.
I also think this drama would have been better if it had just a 12-episode, or even 10-episode run. There’s a lot of filler scenes.
Ok, @OldAmericanLady. I’ll look for your email after my morning jog. It’s going to be hot today (90 degrees?) and I want to run before my clothes start sticking to me.
I just checked my inbox and I’ve lots of unread messages. 🤪
Yes, I’m watching Yumi’s Cells for Kim GoEun, too. She draws out the “cute aggression” in me. Kinda like Mr Gu when he told MiJeong that he wanted to squeeze her and eat her up in one bite.
The Babi actor is going to be swoon-worthy. That I can guarantee.
What, @Nicole?!! You haven’t seen Lee Joon before? 🙂
He was recently in “Bulgasal” but I knew him first as a pretend husband in that virtual reality/variety show, “We Got Married.” He was funny there.
He likes playing these dark characters.
@Packmule3,
Kalimera! Bummer, I didn’t notice that! I saw Episodes 1+2 of “Six Kiss Sense” back to back and I was waiting to watch Episode 3+4 together! LMAO!
About “Bloody Heart” I will wait for your thoughts! I have written mine on the actual thread. I won’t say anything more here. I don’t want to do spoilers for those who hasn’t watched it! Kang HanNa is amazing, truly mesmerizing.
I have read your comment on the “FNOS” thread. So far, I am enjoying it, because it is easy to watch. Especially the latest two episodes were shot effectively.
I really liked the sageuk story and how it was showed to us. I think “FNOS” is the only show that I don’t have issues with this past month…LOL!
@Miracle23,
In case you didn’t notice, that Song Joongki drama co-starring my favorite de-wormer — the Maggot actress — isn’t on my list of shows to watch out for this month. 😂
“Find Me in Your Memory” was just okay. The romance is a bit bland. I can understand her falling for a guy who’s older, stable and mature, but I can’t understand his attraction for her because she’s like a kid. If I take out their trauma connection, they won’t have anything much in common.
Anyway, I watched that show because I liked the mellow personality of the male character.
Wait, @Cleopatra! ✋
Are “Kiss Sixth Sense” episodes shown back to back? I just assumed it would be like “Grid” because it’s on Disney+ and has only 12 episodes. I could be wrong. 😂
@Packmule3,
I have forgotten what date it started and I watched this past Saturday Episodes 1-2 back to back! If you didn’t say about it, I was expecting to watch again Episodes 3-4 on Friday, because I was thinking that it was two episodes per week!
I think I confused you as well! 😆🤭
@Packmule3, to be honest, I didn’t notice at all 😂😂😂 but you reminded me of another legal drama that I will be putting on my watch list (I forgot about it earlier 🤦🏻♀️) i.e. Why Oh Soo Jae?
As for that SJK’s drama, the acting will be heavily contributed by the two guys i.e. SJK and LSM since it mainly revolves between the two of them. As for the ladies, since I am currently watching DYLB, the 2nd FL in DYLB will be in that SJK drama as well… She is one of those whose acting chops have started to test my patience (as at ep 5 or 6, I can’t remember.. but when she spoke more than three words 😮💨 🤣) and guess who she resembles when that happened? Yup, that 😂
Two actresses who gives out similar acting chops and similar expressions/silhouette will be ‘acting’, or lack thereof, side by side in one drama, both vying for SJK’s attention… 😂😂😂 I heard Tiffany will be his best friend. Can she save the guy, please? 🤭
On MGY, hmmm… maybe I will just focus on Link😆… In Understanding of Love, her role will be the one who turned mellow and gloomy in the later part of the story… she fell for a guy (Jung Ga Ram) with unstable career background… both young and from their conversations, are immature🤧… she envied his pretty eyebrows (😂) and proud that he is handsome and was thought as nice, manly and not coward like those men in her office… in the book it is written that she will have a rude awakening of sort with regards to her inner conflicts, actual feelings, a temptation towards the first guy (YYS) who she knew has feelings for her but she ruthlessly rejected because to her he was timid and too nice and ordinary and that annoyed her 😬, how her relationship will take a roller coaster turn from lovers to just platonic housemates etc. Before she knew it, her love story has turned toxic.
A love story, realistically written by the author based on his own observations at his workplace, it depicts the realistic process of falling in and out of love and questioning what love is, actually?
I don’t know how the 2 rookie writers will write the script but I hope it will be done really well and to watch this together with our lovely and experienced ladies & gens of BoD when the drama airs end of this year. 😊
Thanks @pkml3.
I will probably watch Yumi’s Cells2 and Alchemy of Souls. Kim Go Eun is usually great and I would like to complete the YC trilogy ultimately.
As for ‘Alchemy’, it will be interesting to see Jung So Min being a badass fighter of sorts for a change. Their age difference does not show and does not bother me. Of course the fun will be that these 2 mismatched beings will end up as a couple, won’t they?
I kind of like the premise of Link: eat, Love, Die but I’m not sure if I’ll stick with it.
I’m also continuing with @Cleo on Reset. For me, it’s a slow and steady rewatch, trying every permutation of getting the bomb to not kill even a single soul. The backstory that comes towards the end held my interest, although it cannot justify the intent to commit murder-suicide.
We’ll be ending From Now On Showtime! in a few weeks. It’s been light entertainment.
And every Saturday we still have our exciting rewatch of ‘W – Two Worlds’ with @WEnchanteur, which remains as riveting as ever, even when we know the ending.
I will try Alchemy of Souls (Lee Jae Wook!), but don’t know if I will stick with it. Everything else is either a. Not available to me or b. Not very interesting.
I’m also going to try ‘Blue Whisper’ and see if it is worth the investment – thank you for the heads up Packmule3!
Hello ladies! Like all of you, cannot wait for Yumi’s Cells 2 as a KGE fan. Will probably give Jinxs Lover a try just because I’m looking for something light to balance out the stress of work and I’m curious to see more of seohyuns work.
Currently just finishing up Our Blues and Woori the Virgin, and fast forwarding through most of Shooting Stars (Dialogue is not great but I want to see what happens haha).
Anyone else watching Woori the Virgin? Was pleasantly surprised by the story telling and Dialogue and its now the highlight of my week. It sometimes feels as cartoonish as the American version (esp the villains) but I find it still works, especially as it goes very meta with all the kdrama tropes. Would recommend!
I am looking forward to June shows (and to being less busy with unpacking so I’ll actually have time to watch something!).
I have been looking forward to Yumi’s Cells 2. Alchemy of Souls looks good (Lee Jae Wook!!)
I am currently watching/finishing From Now On, Showtime and Shooting Stars (I said I was dropping it but it’s one I can easily watch while doing chores or even taking small naps–not a lot of plot that you have to keep up with). I mean to go back to Our Blues when my life is not so crazy.
Look forward to commenting with everyone on YC2!
Annyeong 🌼
Thanks for this PM3.
So excited for Yumi’s Cells 💗 I’ll miss Woong but i’m sure Babi will endear himself to us as well. waaaaah. can’t wait.
Yes to LINK and ALchemy as well. will be following and reading the threads here at BOD. idk about Disney+ I have it but so far i’ve only seen SNOWDROP there. nothing else Korean is showing up 😥
Anyeong BODers!!! I miss all of you! Hope everyone is doing well, safe and healthy and thriving. I was in a drama hiatus (ergo also BoD hiatus) due to many many things but I think I can jump start this June with Yumi’s Cells!!! KGE and the cells may pull me up from my drama slump. And looking forward to Alchemy with LJW and my first Hong Sisters kdrama.
Hi @Janey, @HK_Lady, @BethB, @Exwriter, @Kate, @Snowflower, @Miracle and everyone, it’s good to see you! I trust you are all busy but well.
Yes being busy and entering a drama slump seems to be the situation in the last few weeks. Is it an ‘infectious’ state-of-mind? LOL.
Even when there are shows to watch, I feel no impetus to try them. At the most, I might haphazardly try a movie here and there to avoid a series with a long commitment. Oh for a great plot with twisty turns that draws one in, and a great set of growing characters to get behind. I believe that’s the medicine I (we) need!!
I’m hoping that Alchemy at least has that, while YC2 will be a light watch with meta cells. 🙂
@GB, I do feel there’s a k drama slump for me since ABP. I am hoping for a renaissance
from Alchemy. 😂 But carefully manage with my expectations as the higher it is, the more painful if it doesn’t meet the expectations.
I found C dramas so there’s still lots to watch. Amazing amount of contents there!
Greetings BODers!!!
Thank you @pm3 for this post. I always look forward to reading what everyone has to share.
It has been a while for me. More specifically since 5/13 lol. The only reason I remember is cause one of my posts didnt get posted. I have not been able to join the rewatches and stuck to a few shows cause it’s been hard to watch. My schedule is more packed so I guess that’s one reason for not keeping up.
Looking forward to:
1. Alchemy of Souls – I will be more preapared this time and not set myself up for a good ending. I havent liked the way they end their dramas so far, but I do enjoy the way the sisters can weave a story. Plus I really like the FL lead.
2. Yumi’s cell – I didnt finish the first one (I think I got tired of the exgf and never went back to it). Looking forward to this knowing how it fits into the whole series. FL is good too =)
Still to finish Who Rules the World. I’m stuck on episode 12 and it seems like I need a lot of willpower (read time when I’m not sleepy) to finish it.
@Exwriter I am watching Woori the Virgin. It is the highlight of my week too although the end of the week for me since it’s the time when I can watch more easily. It is funny and it is over the top, it has that telenovela feel and it’s a kdrama. There’s probably a post there comparing telenovela, us version, and kdrama version. I like this version much better. For one thing, it will be short. I could not stick to the other versions (Juana la virgen and Jane the Virgin). I thought it was funny that they kept the ML with the same name – Raphael.
@Kate I’m curious about your cdrama recs. I’ll have to check them out, AFTER I finish the one I’m watching 😉
Big hello to @GB, @Cleo, @Viva, @nrlee, @We, @OAL, @Janey, @snowflower, @Kate =)
Hugs everyone
It’s not a Kdrama series, but in a few minutes I’m heading to a movie to see The Round Up with English subtitles. It’s the newly released South Korean film in which Son Suk Koo plays the villain. I’m taking advantage of living near a community with a high population of Koreans. Chimaek for dinner before the movie…yes, please!
Hi BoD community. I will join in for Alchemy of Souls. It starts 06/18 right after Our Blues end on 06/12. I am just going to stick with one KDrama for June/July. I am hoping Our Blues’ ending will be okay for me. It’s been an excellent ensemble cast with multiple storylines told like a book of vignettes.
I might be the only one in the big group that did not like My Liberation Notes. There were many good moments, but the overall story is “lost in despair and I can’t for the life of me figure out how to help myself move forward and be better, and exfoliate all the bad behaviors from me and from the people around me.” It’s been two years since I’ve watched Kdramas, and I haven’t watched one that had an ending that fits the beginning and the overall storyline(s). I am hoping that Our Blues is that Kdrama that has the satisfying ending. Fingers Crossed!
@Welmaris, I heard that movie is really good! I am gonna have to wait till it is shown here 😂
Hi @GB 👐👐 …yeah going full swing into a kdrama marathon is tougher these days… I just wanna sleep more than watching anything kdrama…😂😂😂 similarly, I also just switch on movies at Netflix during weekend as opposed to starting on a new kdrama. I feel that DYLB might be shelved if I keep struggling to retain my interest (and patience🤭) enough to finish it😂
@Exwriter, Thanks for the Woori recommendation. I started it-am a Sung Hoon fan-and enjoyed the first few seasons of Jane the Virgin I’ll continue watching to see the Korean spin
@Carolina – hi and a quick PS. Of the C-dramas I mentioned this month, I wouldn’t really recommend ‘Love in Flames of War’ – but I will probably ff to finish it.
This evening watched more of ‘ To Love’ which is also known as ‘My Mysterious Fiance’. I will want to watch to the end for sure. I am liking the way we keep getting taken deeper into a story and a backstory that emerges over many episodes and through many perspectives. Flawed but entertaining if you can stay the course, and well acted with appealing leads. I am wondering if the writers were inspired by some classic Hitchcocks with one or two elements in this drama. But I can say no more.
BTW, I do recommend too ‘Master of My Own’ with same male actor and out at the moment.
Hi @GB! We have a 4 day Jubilee bank holiday weekend over here and although I missed a special, historic recipe, celebratory pudding at work yesterday…I am delighted to have this break. I hope you are ok outside of your K-drama slump.
To BODers, I think we have cases of sensory overload. Hiatuses are good for it as well as selectivity. The good thing is that so much is out there for the taking and everything we do is voluntary. It is nice to hear from you all and to know that you’re okay.
I just remembered that I am curious to see Money Heist korean version. I have not watched the original one yet but I heard good things about it. I like the lead Yoo ji Tae and he suits this role. It will be aired in Netflix on June 24.
BOD is like your friends who you have not talked to for a long time and when you see each other, you’ll just start chatting where you last left off, as if no time had passed. Love it!!! Thanks for the greeting, I’m doing well.
Just like some of you, I’ve been watching some movies, too! Recent movie in Netflix is “Operation Mincemeat” and stars 2 Mr Darcy actors (Colin Firth and Matthew MacFayden -who I did not recognize at first!). Since the theme is Nazi and WW2, I followed it up with “The Imitation Game” rewatch which is one of my favorite movies. My next one is “Atonement” rewatch with the daughter but we keep on postponing that.
Reporting in on the movie The Roundup. Being that it is in the action and cop genres, there isn’t much character exposition. Male lead is a bit rogue, but has society’s best interests at heart. Bad guy is bad, chops and stabs lots of people. Good cop is good, pulverizes lots of people with his fists. Despite lots of blades being swung at him, and fellow cops not dodging them, male lead doesn’t get a scratch on him until the climax, and then it’s merely a flesh wound. (No, not in the Monty Python sense.)
As the antagonist, Son Suk Koo’s character doesn’t get a lot of dialogue. He does command attention on the screen, though, expressing a lot with his face: chillingly emotionless, annoyed, angry, etc. A proper villain.
Kalimera Ladies!
I am glad to know that you are all okay, doing well even though you are all busy!
I think that we needed some time to “breath” outside our houses. It was stressful enough to be in quarantine for such a long time and now we are stepping back into a new reality post Covid. For instance, I have started decorating my balcony and it is a work in progress!
@Janey, it is wonderful to have this connection in “B.O.D.”, right my agapimeni?
@Carolina I am glad you are okay! I do hope we get to see you in “W” or in another kdrama!
Dear @OAL, I am glad to know that you are okay! Take good care of youself, okay?
@Viva, you should come from “Reset” thread to talk about it! I have yet to write my thoughts on Episodes 11-12.
@GB Unnie, hello from here too! I think my k-drama slump started after the fiasco of the second season of the “Hospital Playlist”. After that, I am watching only those stories that I really like. I want easy going stories.
The only exception was “Tomorrow” for me that I really really liked it. “Bloody Heart” doesn’t count! 😅
Also, If I don’t have any interest in the story, I drop it immediately and I am okay if I don’t watch anything at all!
@Welmaris is it good to read you. I have missed your beautiful analyses!
Hey there to @Kate, @SnowFlower @Beth @EXWriter @Miracle23 et al!
P.S. The K-Drama, we should add on our lists and I am waiting for is:
Café Minamdang in 27/06. Seo in Guk is starring along with Kwak Shi Yang!
https://mydramalist.com/article/upcoming-drama-caf-minamdang-starring-seo-in-guk-and-oh-yeon-seo-to-air-this-june
Hello everyone. I had only been watching one drama and that is Our Blues. After episode three it did took me some time getting used to the omnibus style of the drama but after episode eight I was fully immersed into the character’s lives as if they are real people.
I wasn’t interested in the new batch of dramas until I happened into Eva’s first episode. I think I am going to continue watching this. I wonder if any of you are watching it as well.
@Viva, yes, the slump came around the same time. I think it really hit me with the disappointing ending of Grid. The uninspiring, disappointing Again My Life just made the slump deeper. Even Ji Chang Wook (best loved as Healer) as snazzy magician failed to impress or reduce slumphood with The Sound of Magic.
Hi there @carolina… so you are having an issue with Hong Sisters Kdrama endings? I look for endings that are coherently flow from the plot. The happier the ending the better, but it does not really bother me if there’s not much of a Happily Ever After, as long as it makes sense.
@Kate happy holiday weekend! I’m fine, thanks. However, I’m with a group of people, one of whom seems to have contracted Covid. Therefore tomorrow I will have to test myself to see if I’m Covid negative, before heading out. It will be such a pity to ‘get sick’ at this time, in the middle of a retreat!!!
@Cleo, decorating your balcony sounds like something fun and relaxing to do. So you’re in a drama slump too. Yes, I’m also not in the mood for stories that require me to do ‘hard work’. I just want to be entertained without having to think too hard.
Thanks for news on a Seo In Guk show. I’ll definitely be interested in Café Minamdang since not only is SIG in it but the premise (the little that I can find of it) is the kind that I find intriguing.
@Welmaris, For another side of Son Suk Ku try watching Matrimonial Chaos. It’s on a romcom.In that one we see him paired with Lee El! The main couple is Cha Tae-hyun and Bar Doona but with the two couples there’s a mix and match feel. Son Suk Ku is something of a ladies’ man here. He and Lee El, who is far more glamorous look great together. The main couple is also fine. It is nice to get an idea of the range of our actors.
So happy to read your posts!
Hi @Cleopatra, I’m so happy that you’re back and have told us your strategy for dealing with our K and C Drama riches
I hope that your balcony looks beautiful and that you get lots of joy out of it.
We our now going into summer in New York City. I live in a more suburban outer borough and have a front and back yard. My spring saw my daffodils, tulips, irises and alliums come up. My hyacinths didn’t. My crab apple and Vesuvian plum tree as well as the Cleveland pear trees along along our street bloomed. It was a happy spring. Now everything is green.
Sending you and all of our BOD friends happy thoughts for a great summer and for the reverse seasons for those of you living below the Equator. I’m so happy that this is an international group. Please stay safe and be well.💐🌻🎉🌼🌹🌷🍷
Ooh, I forgot something’s.Chalk it up to old age (lol).
@Janey, Operation Mincemeat isbon my list. With two favorite Darcey’s how can you go wrong.
And to all of you in the UK, happy Jubilee! 🇬🇧🌹🌷💐💝👸From your gal in the colonies (also lol) Hope all of the festivities go well.
@M, I’m watching Our Blues and enjoying it. The last few episodes with Lee Youn-oj’s sister and with Chun-hui’s granddaughter were beautiful and in the latter episode heartbreaking. This drama does a great job in portraying people with disabilities. It doesn’t stereotype them and shows these characters to have needs and wants just like “normal” people. I also live the cameraderie of all of those people related to the fish market and how they treat the divers(who are no spring chickens), the ahjummas, the teens…This drama has given me an ugly cry or two, some laughs, and a lot of joy. The secondary characters get a star turn. At the heart of it all is Jung Eun Hee BB played by my fav Lee Jung Eun. I keep hoping they’ll give her a romance one day-she didn’t get Cha Seung Won(my entry level drug), but sometimes, please give her a steamy romance! She has the range and would be great in a role that would show more if get range! Why do all the conventionally pretty women get to kiss on camera! ugh!
@GB – I hope you haven’t caught anything. What a pain. Do keep us posted.
@Cleo – hi back – thank you for the tip off re Cafe Minamdang – looks interesting!
@GB Unnie,
I just read you message! I do hope you are feeling okay!
Keep us posted about it! Sending positive vibes! *Hugs*
And I forgot to answer to what you said:
@GB Unnie,
I was picking up pots last night. I am waiting to be delivered.
Yes, Seo In Guk! On his IG, he is teasing us with his new album!
I have to see that he looks good and I am happy that he is happy!
Dear @OAL, I am around BOD but on specific threads! It is good to talk to you and learn about your beautiful yards! I am a novice in this so, I am taking baby steps! I have picked up some roses and I am waiting eagerly for some petunias to sprout!
I am wishing you happy summer to you! Yes. it is good to have international friends around the globe that we can chit chat here and there because we all share something common we like. I am always waiting for your posts. You always have something good to say to us! 🌹💕💫
@Kate Hi there! Yes it is interesting and I want to watch it! It seems rather interesting as a plot…Also, I have missed SIG!
Hi @Cleopatra, if you have room, put in small pots of herbs like mint, basil and oregano
They’re easy to grow and you can just cut them when You’re cooking. I have wild mint in my yard that I give away to my Palestinian neighbors(no Middle Eastern conflict on our block where we live with Israelis, Egyptian Christians, Roman Catholic Irish and Italians. My neighbor also grows sumac. I know that Greek food used a lot of great herbs. We have a few Greek restaurants where we live, but where my son lives in Queens they are great. When I go I get the grilled octopus but I love the food in general and now know the difference between commercial and fresh Feta(yum). The spirits are too strong for me(ouzo and retsina)-I hate to say it, I’m an easy drunk. Anyway, I digress please enjoy your garden.
@OAL, i am enjoying MY BLUES also. pretty raw. love it. and in JEJU, too. someday, i would love to go there. anyhoo, good stories. heartbreaking stuff. but i see hope, joy.
I am also watching I WANNA HEAR YOUR SONG with our KIM SE JEONG 💗 and Yeon Woo-jin (I’m starting to get into his work).
I just finished DR ROMANTICS 1 and 2, and DOCTOR STRANGER. them medical shows. wow.
@GB unnie, no drama slump here. LOL. seriously. i keep going….
watching FROM NOW ON SHOWTIME *almost the end. finished TOMORROW. SH**TING STAR *celebrity dramas, so sad. the struggle is real. WHO RULES THE WORLD (when i can).
@HK_Lady, I started Sh**ting star. It’s such a no-brainer that it can beat any slump, lol! Tropes, silly situations, feeling to know a bit all that already. Bussiness Proposal effect. I can chain 3 episodes in a row. Beer and pop-corn!! 🙂
@HK_Lady, Enjoy both Dr. Romantics. I have seen both and enjoyed them. Good main casts with great leads and supporting character The hospital set was reused as the set on It’# Okay To Be Not Okay Just prepare yourself for some realistic medical issues.
Hi @Cleo, thanks for your concern. I’m feeling very well and I’ve tested negative today, therefore I can go about as per normal. However I’ll have to keep checking before I go out on other days.
What fun bringing in flowering plants (and herbs!!). I saw someone growing herbs in the home over here (our weather is not quite right for some kinds of herbs) and it took quite a set up and some effort. I’d love to have my own garden of herbs from which I could harvest them fresh for cooking (not that I cook much at all!!!)
Hugs back to you, my agapimeni!
I’m on vacation now and I’m so looking forward to relaxing with Yumi’s Cells 2 and Alchemy of Souls. It will be fun to follow along in real time on BOD! I’ll probably binge Now, Showtime. I’m thinking of getting a one month subscription to Kocowo to watch some classics like Lovers in Paris and Stairway to Heaven. They sound soapy, though. I don’t know. I’m also looking forward to the second season of Only Murders in the Building. I don’t watch a lot of American t.v. ,lately, but I enjoyed season 1.
@GrowingBeautifully, @Kate, @OldAmericanlady, I just finished watching “Just Between Lovers/Rain or Shine” and want to thank you and everyone for your thoughtful discussion and analyses. The series helped me understand trauma survivors and give me a fresh perspective on dealing with and living with pain and sadness.
We need to keep living–just because!
Happy Dragon Boat Festival from Taipei BODers!
@HK_Lady, @OldAmericanLady, I recently introduced my husband to the two Dr. Romantics and he was hooked! The two Dr. Romantics are my favorite medical dramas.
It was his first K-drama, and as a medical professional, he told me the series was a realistic portrayal of politics at the hospital and what he faces in life.
He has even rewatched both series. Now we are looking forward to watching Dr. Romantic 3 together. We’ve never watched a series together while it is being broadcast so I am excited.
@OldAmericanLady, great idea about growing small herb pots, we get a lot of sunshine so I should try that too!
With so much evil and hatred in the world, it’s comforting to hear how you and your neighbors around the world live in peace and harmony. I wish it were the same!
At the school I work at, I have been very intentional to talk about tough topics and ideas and teach my kids (students) about accepting different ideas, cultures and perspectives, what prejudice, racism, and inequality look like and mean in life, etc. With the recent surge in COVID cases here I’ve needed to help destigmatize COVID and help the kids understand that we get sick and bad things happen, there is sadness, grief and evil, but we need keep living and keep hoping and be people who bring peace and comfort to others.
Hi @Hatlady, I am so happy for you that you and your husband watched Together! I would bet that many of us, me included, would be love to share at least one K Drama with our husbands.
@Hatlady, I’d be lying to say that all is good in the US but so many of us have family who came from other places or are intermarried. We end up mixing at work, school, public transit,storesetc. Most of us on my street spend time caring for our families, making a living, keeping healthy and keeping our homes nice. Even if we disagree it is far better to get along. So what might happen in our native it ancestral lands dorsn:t happen as s much in places like NY. My son works in government
His boss comes from Nigeria
Bmist of his colleagues come from various parts of Asia including India,Pakistan,China,Korean and Taiwan
There are others from Russia, Puerto Rico-you get the point. Before Covid office parties consisted of international lol pot lucks. There were we also celebrations for and Diwali and Li no at New Year.My school years brought me in contact with all sorts of people
I went to middle school near NY Chinatown and was part of a white minority where most of my classmates were Chinese
I made lifelong friends there and once Covid wanted we’ll have another reunion that will probably be a Chinese banquet. Do it’s not perfect but we end up getting along, being friends, neighbors and colleagues and find good ways to live together. It is also a paradox because we also have an underlay of racism, xenophobia and other prejudices.
So for me, my early life experiences set me up to enjoy K Dramas and other international content, leading me to BOD and getting to speak/write to all of you
Aren’t I lucky!
Dear @OAL,
Yes, I will definitely buy some herbs for my balcony! I also love basil. If you ever come to Greece, you will see in the countryside big pots of basil and I love the smell. It is a childhood memory of mine!
I am glad you are all in an mutual understanding and a quiet neighbourhood. People with different cultural backgrounds can live harmonically with each other.
I am glad to know that you know the difference between commercial feta and the fresh one. It has a difference in taste indeed! I like fresh cheeses too much, especially during summer that you can eat salads mostly and / or our (λαδερά φαγητά) | lathera / ladera dishes that are vegetables cooked with olive oil.
We are all lucky! *grins*
Kalimera @GB Unnie!
Good to hear you are okay! How are you feeling today?
I do hope that you will continue to be okay. Yes, it takes time for the symptoms to manifest. If it is the Omicron variation it is up to 3-4 days.
Well, If I had a back yard I would do more flowering. A friend of mine is doing it and she is happy and proud for her garden! So, I can relate!
Hugs back my agapimeni!
@Hatlady – it is such a beautiful series. Really glad it was worthwhile viewing for you.
Do you know, that series showed up in the top 5 favourite series of lots of people on a survey – recent I think on Dramabeans. I was reading through the comments and people listed it over and over again. I don’t think it was noticed greatly when it came out – someone can correct me there – but it certainly should have been!
Currently watching and loving Love All Play (aka Going to You at a Speed of 493 km). Shame this show is not getting more attention as the characters are well-developed and have great chemistry. I hope we will see Chae Jong-hyeop in many more roles from here on out!
Also enjoying Sh**ting Stars. As other have said, it’s pretty much just fluff and that’s fine with me.
In June, I suppose I have to watch Yumi’s Cells Season 1 before Season 2 starts!
SEO IN GUK is back!
Cafe Minamdang First Teaser Trailer – Yep, I am excited! 😅😊
@milktea, I was enjoying “Love All Play.” I’ll pick it up again this soon. I like the lead actress there. She was in “Zombie Detective.” I agree. She and the lead actor there (the second lead in “Sisyphus”) had a credible romance.
As for “Sh**ting Stars” I’ll reserve that for later when I need fluff. 🙂
@Cleopatra,
Is Seo In Guk’s drama starting this month as well?
Too many to chose from!
@Packmule3,
My priorities shifted the moment it was revealed that SIG’s show will start after the conclusion of “Bloody Heart” aka 27/06! 😂😂
And guess who else is playing with him…
Hint : a SMART guy!
Annyeong BOD kapamilya *family 🌼
@WEnchanteur, beer and popcorn. i must say i’ve never had the two together. yes, sh**ting stars is an easy watch. better to binge-watch. but i’m hooked now so i await each episode haha.
@OAL – i have yet to watch “it’s ok not to be ok” – it’s on my watchlist. but i have a long one. sigh. i think it’s awesome that your world is so international.
@hatlady – say what?? Dr Romantic 3! what!!! i am in haha. can’t wait. i think that’s great that your hubby enjoyed the series and that you’ll get to watch the next one with him. unfortunately, i only get to enjoy my Kdramas by my lonesome.
@Cleo – that was such a short teaser for cafe Minamdang haha. All SIG. i guess that’s all we need to get hooked haha.
In June I am watching Kiss Sixth Sense, and I want to check out:
Link:Eat, Love, Die-Like both Leads and I’m so ready for a summer rom com (Please be good, show!)
Money Heist Korea-I like caper stories (Oceans Eleven, anyone?) and the ensemble cast has some of my fave actors.
Dear M (rumored to premiere in June)- Premise sounds cute!
I’m on the fence about the following dramas. I will wait for reviews and viewer feedback. If they have a lot of positive feedback, I may check them out:
Alchemy of Souls-I haven’t liked a Hong Sisters drama since Master’s Sun, and their turn away from comedy to melo-not a fan. I need happy endings so I’ll hold off on this one even though I love the Leads.
Jinxed At First- not a fan of FL acting, but rom com is my fave genre so might check it out if I hear really good comments.
Cafe Minamdang-SIG one of my fave actors, but the premise is not grabbing my interest. Will wait and see.
@OAL
Nice to hear your perspective about Our Blues.Just like you I really like Lee Jung Eun and glad that she isn’t just a secondary character here.
I did cry to my surprise at the end of episode 8. Episode 15 also made me tear up. With just only four more episodes to go I will miss all the characters in Our Blues most especially Eun Hee. It would be nice if she and Ho-shik end up together, he seems to really care for her.
@Table, @Cleo, @pkml3
Because Kiss Sixth Sense was mentioned here, I checked it out. Not too bad, after 4 episodes. I’m guessing it gets onto Disney+ on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
I like the simple premise. Did she make it happen or did she just prophesy it? Did prophesying it make it happen?
It looks like a double triangle, with a side love story of just a few protagonists constantly intertwined. It would be nice if they can keep it uncomplicated and still keep us hooked.
@GB Unnie,
I really really like it! It is based on a Webtoon again that I haven’t read! Yoon Kye-Sang is amazing as Cha Min-Hu! Seo Ji-Hye is totally different of CLOY. Here as Hong Ye-Sool.
I knew he was more that meets the eye from the first episodes. He really likes her as a person.
Should we ask @Packmule3 to open us an open thread? I am definitely in!
Hi @Cleo, sure, let’s ask @pkml3 for a thread for Kiss Sixth Sense. I may not always be able to catch the episodes when they are up, but I’ll come by when I can. 🙂
@GB Unnie,
No worries. I am not watching them when it airs. Mostly on Friday…
Hi @Cleopatra, If Kids Sixth Sense is on Disney, we’re not getting it yet I’m the US feed. All we have from them right now is Snowdrop. Apple and Disney are late(if not ever) in providing K content. So I’ll look forward to reading your archived discussion once it shows up.
Dear @OAL,
You can read it whenever you can!
Here is the trailer for you: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zY3kBRX_VY
@, Cleopatra Many thank yous!
@pkml3, please open a single open thread for Kiss Sixth Sense. There are a few of us here who are watching that show. And you’ll watch it later too, once it’s all up, I believe.
Series is supposed to be 12 episodes only and I believe it comes out on Wed and Thu each week. 🙂
I have finished ‘To Love’ and it really warmed up for me after the first few episodes and the slight ‘unevenness’ of genre evened itself out. I will watch again. A cracking yarn!
Inspired by this week’s Jubilee Celebrations – only a royal story would do. I have started watching the 2011 C-drama ‘Scarlet Heart’ which was adapted in 2016 to the K-drama ‘Moon Lovers, Scarlet Heart Ryeo’.
I am on ep 3 and it is a treat!
At the moment, I prefer the female lead to the K-drama’s IU. Our Chinese heroine is feistier and less pouty. The guys are hampered by the unflattering shaved heads and plaits of that era so cannot compare with the gorgeous K-drama actors for good looks. We don’t get the moody Lee Joon-gi as 4th Prince. But – after a while – you get used to it. The costumes are lovely – beautiful costumes and hairstyles for female characters.
The Chinese version has similar themes and key moments to the K-drama but because, like the K-drama, it is loosely based on historic characters, there are evident differences from the start.
It’s on Viki btw if anyone is tempted! https://www.viki.com/tv/2978c#about
@Hi Kate, I’m interested. One of the actresses, Yum Jung-ah was a lead on Sky Castle is so I think it will be fun to watch her in an other than rich woman role. She was great and when looking her up I found out she was a first runner up in the Miss Korea pageant in 1991.Looks like that pageant is an entry way for Korean women to become actresses like a no other fav, Honey Lee.
I also like Jeon So Min who is in this drama.The drama us a Korean adaptation of a British show. This exchange of program ideas us also fascinating to me. If our British BODers have seen the original it would be fascinating to read their comments.
@OAL – I, for one, haven’t seen the British show you mention. Do you have the title of the original series?
Glad ‘Scarlet Heart’ tickles your interest, too, btw. It is of its era – you can tell it is 2011 produced… but who cares with so much to enjoy?
@Kate, Cleaning Up was a 6 epis I de show staring Sheridan Smith on ITV. It was canceled after one season Hope this helps. Mote details on Google. Hope this helps.
@Growing Beautifully-
Yes Kiss Sixth Sense is released on Wednesdays. So far it has been 2 episodes every Wednesday at the site I watch. I like that the drama is shorter at 12 episodes total. The pacing has been good.
I’m enjoying the drama as well. The FL only now questioning if she makes everything a self-fulfilling prophecy. The break up with the ex-boyfriend felt like a self fulfilling prophecy to me.
I like that the ML also has powers-that was a nice surprise. I hope that more background will be revealed about his abilities.
Hi @Table, yes the ML in Kiss Sixth Sense has some interesting reactions to being kissed. He seems to become super sensitive. Can’t take the lights or the sounds, gets pains in the head but seemed to be able to sense something extra as well.
I hope you can join us to chat about the show if @pkml3 opens a thread for KSS. 🙂
@OAL – aha! I remember that series being publicised. Will check it out. SS is a gifted actress.
I’ve tried “EVE”. Two first episodes.
Here my list (Probably many of you will run away!):
– Serious Makjang (no comedy like in Penthouse).
– 3 sex scenes (however we see nothing). One was needed but others could be made just more evasive.
– As it’s anyway rated 19+, violence, blood and scars (harsh interrogation scene).
– A nice scene introducing the main vilain fast (very good veteran
Jeon Gook Hwan), with blood and killing. I’m curious about to see him more.
– Angry and jalous people, adultery, cheating, manipulation.
– Could be a dirty revenge (it’s when the protagonist hurts innocent people while being too obsessed by revenge, collateral damages). I’m not sure for now, but I’ve no idea how it could be a clean one. Or it needs to farfetches that a bit.
– Maybe One plot-hole (or rather a scene-hole).
– Ok about acting concerning the main actress, but it’s quite predictable, she fits the role of cold femme fatale. Some good cathartic moments.
– The motivation for revenge of the main character is strong enough.
– There is also a good secondary vilain. The filthy trash kind.
– As weird as it is, there are no cliffhangers at the end of episodes, but it’s pretty intense.
@WE, thanks for your quick description of “EVE”. You’re right. The plot as you describe it makes me shudder. I would probably not sit through even the first episode!!
I’ll stick with something mild in “Kiss Sixth Sense” (also with a sex scene but more alluded to and only with snippets shown, and it hasn’t happened yet LOL).
Hi @Cleopatra, Just a note to let you know that today was the big Greek Independence Day Parade on Fifth Avenue. It is a sea of blue and white as I watch it on YouTube. have gone to it in the past and it’s a wonderful, colorful parade that has been with us for decades. Sending you good wishes for a Happy and beautiful Independence Day.
Wow! Thanks for the drama offers everyone!
I’m only interested in Alchemy of Souls because it’s in Netflix. But as it is I’m still busy for Grandma’s party which is in June 19 so I can’t start anything till after that.
I only have Legally Romance for cdramas so I will finish that after the party. 🙂
Hi all,
Anyone planning to watch ‘Why Her?’ on Viki? I am going to wait until it is at least half way subbed before I give it a go. Yumi’s Cells will get top priority but it seems to be doing ok in the ratings. The lead actress Seo Hyun Jintends to deliver great performances doesn’t she? I am also fascinated by her styling for some reason!!
https://www.viki.com/tv/38290c-why-her
Hi Kate,
I am watching WOSJ/Why Her as well. It is on Viu so I get to watch episode directly after it airs in Korea. Yes, SHJ really nailed the acting department. She reminded me of Kim Hye Soo in Hyena and Kim Nam Joo in Misty. However, after ep 2 I see the plot moving from Hyena towards Law School, combination of both.😅 Just like WWW Search, I am gonna assume the ML or any love plot is non-existent 😂😂😂 He and his crush don’t cut it for me. 🤭 The rating is good and surpassed Dr. Lawyer for Ep 2. We will see if viewers are convinced to stay. She did the heavy lifting to get viewers coming for Ep. 2 but I think that love story might not be a good move for this one, or the actor is a mismatch 🤷🏻♀️
Manage to ffwd through Find Me in My Memory during the weekend break… verdict, so-so, too much unnecessary aegyo voices, overall — forgettable😂😂😂… though I cried me a river when hero’s mom passed away.🤧🤧🤧 I am still curious of how MGY will perform as a mature woman, minus aegyo. She is beautiful, but I thinking she needs to let go of that aegyo voices and uses her normal tone more. I see her potentials in some scenes there but I need more😂. Looking forward to see how she performs in Link.😁
I am gonna play catch up with Red Heart next. Need to watch some serious acting which RH can definitely deliver 🤭
A DREAM OF SPLENDOR!!!
Liu Yifei’s return to costume dramaland after 16 years and the best thing to erase the travesty that was Disney’s Mulan
Shooting Star: I reached episode 13 (slowdown). I have found several flaws since then. The romances are not very believable. Regarding the comedy, it’s fine EXCEPT:
The fake crying scenes, 4 in total (with 4 different characters). Here, it’s not about people pretending to cry. These are scenes where they are really crying for a reason… except their crying are acted in a “comical” way. So we can call it bawling rather than crying. The first scene in question was supposed to be a moving moment (in the cinema). The scene is destroyed by the over-the-top whining of the female lead. What’s the point of doing that? Fake crying scenes are the worst in comedy. It NEVER works. In any drama. It’s awful, exhausting, stupid, mind-numbing. Better a real, sincere crying scene. Which can sometimes work through the tragi-comic aspect.
@Miracle23 – thank you! Based on what you are saying, I will watch some episodes at the weekend and see how I get on. Sounds interesting at least!
@drmaluvr… Will want to watch this too… I have seen the PR for it but don’t know the actors involved. Exciting to have another good quality C-drama ready to enjoy!
Correction – I saw the recent ‘Mulan’ (not the cartoon version) so I have seen the lead actress at work before. I am looking forward to this series!
Just watched Ep1 of Link. I love it. 😂. MGY has no aegyo here. And there’s mystery…murder(s). The “link” isn’t as weird as it is set out in the synopsis. It actually makes sense. YJG is in his glorious baritone best. Totally believe his character. As I do MGY’s character. I am staying.
Hey @nrllee,
I watched Link last night! It has premise and I am thinking to stick around as well!
Oh? Link is up, @nrllee?
Let me open a thread. If you don’t see it after an hour, nag me, ok? 😂😂
No rush @packmule3. Just wait for Ep2 to run and then open a thread.
@Cleo 🙂. Yes it’s showing promise.
@nrllee,
True. I really liked it. Especially the crying scenes!
Uri Chef was told he was a wacko! LMAO!
Dear @Packmule3,
I still remember what you said on our #DAYS thread, that you wished someone made a clip with all the times our OTP was holding hands.
Although, a year has passed, I still remember it.
Ella aka Feliticy Queen made a fmv for her bday yesterday with the matter at hand. She is calling it “Hands Aesthetics”. I think you will like it. You will even understand some of the hands included…
Enjoy! 💜
Ooh @Cleopatra, One of the first things I noticed about K Dramas was what I called hand acting-likr the focus on the clenched fist, the sleeve grab, hand holding with it without intertwined fingers, how people are comforted with slow pats to the back+very deliberately done). This is not common in Western acting. When it happens it’s in service to various emotions like anger, struggle and love.
My dear @OAL,
It is true. Hands can convey a lot. It depends what school of theather you are from.
There are those actors / actresses who work with their bodies a lot, so their hands is not an exception. 😊
Suzy’s new drama “Anna” now slated to premiere June 24, 2022. It is on Coupang. No information on where to watch for International viewers. Here is English subbed trailer:
Just caught a trailer for Yumi’s Cells 2 – a mere trailer gave me butterflies.
Viki doesn’t seem to be advertising Yumi’s Cells 2. [ Viki viewers only rated it 8.6 btw!!]
Does anyone know where we can watch it – UK, US etc?
@Kate,
I am a Viki subscriber. Viki is promoting Yumi Cell’s. I got a notification a few days ago that said that Yumi Cell’s is free for everyone to rewatch, until Yumi Cell’s 2 is out.
Tonight is the premiere and it will on Viki as well. I cannot say for sure if we are going to have english subs right away though. In the first season we were waiting a day for them.
That’s great @Cleopatra! It didn’t come up in the Viki search function but they are flagging it up in their ‘coming soon’ section. I wouldn’t have known so glad I checked with you.
So looking forward to this – as are we all!
I don’t see how these Viki viewers are already rating Yumi’s Cells 2 when the drama hasn’t been released yet.
I suggest you ignore these folks.
Or better yet, take a note of their names, and avoid conversing with them later on because you know they have preconceived and unsubstantiated notions of the show. hahaha.
@Packmule3 – apologies – I wasn’t clear.
They rated the original Yumi’s Cells 8.6. This astonished me!
I think people didn’t like the ending.
Have also started watching Chinese costume drama ‘Dreams of Splendor’.
Available with English subtitles on WeTV, it has a strong cast, female empowerment theme (including a wonderful fight scene in a tea house in ep 1…), a great cast, good ML FL chemistry, adventure, mystery and very high production values.
It is getting rave reviews apparently. Visually it is beautiful.
I hope to stay with this story until the end. Just tipping people off in case this is of interest.
It was recommended by someone in this community on this thread or the previous month’s thread. Thank you – I can’t find your post.
Correction: ‘A Dream of Splendor’
@Kate I am watching A Dream of Splendor, just on YT, not WeTV. I finished episode 10. The show is great in many ways! 1) strong cast 2) the setting/scenery is the additional character 3) pacing 4) dreamy female costumes and 5) ordinary and real people discussions about love, lost, and how to move forward with your life.
I hope other folks will give this show a try. It is 40 episodes, and I’m hoping that the show will end well, as in alignment with all the hours leading up to the ending. The show is directed by a female director and I’ve seen some clips of her talking about the show, giving a female centric storyline, with modern themes in a historic setting. A few country girls moving to the big city, hoping to make a living and live fulfilling lives.
I’ve tried and dropped “Why Her?”. This drama is uninspired and awesome at bad writing. I watched worst than that, because there are still a few nice situations (mostly some dialog lines of the main character who is very flawed and harsh).
Here a funny comment I posted on MDL:
https://mydramalist.com/683171-why-oh-soo-jae#comment-10168141
@Fan of TKEM,
So glad to hear this and to have this additional information.
Too right that the scenery is the additional character – beautifully put. It is glorious. I think it was the scenery that got me hooked!
The time and care and attention to detail that must have gone into this series. I didn’t know it was a woman director. I am reminded, now you say that, of the loving visual detail in films by the US director (Nora Ephron) ‘Julie and Julia’ etc. Not talking about scenery here but the attention to visual detail in general.
I am also on Ep 10 because the plot has now hooked me. I also very much like the core romance and its development. And of course the important decisions and journey our female characters are taking.
There is also great comedy and comedic characters.
The show is the opposite of flat – the story moves forward in so many different ways.
@WE,
I’m kind of glad to hear your review of Why Her?’… I tried it too at the weekend but wasn’t in the mood for what looks like a darkish series.
I am a big fan of the actress so may try it again when in the right mood.
I am a fan both of ‘Something in the Rain’ and ‘One Spring Night’ – K-dramas by the same director which made Jung Hae-In’s name, of course.
I am intrigued by the fact that C-drama ‘Love you way you are’ – out at the moment on Viki- takes iconic aspects of and scenes from K-drama ‘Something in the Rain’ – like the red umbrella scene, the dancing in the office scene, the hand grasping under the table scene – and weaves them into something quite different.
The new drama does broadly follow the main theme and parts of the story line + recapping/echoing iconic moments. But is very different in feel – light, fluffy compared to the more realistic K-drama. It is a vehicle for Angelababy and an attractive newcomer actor.
I wonder how this works and the deal that is worked out with the original screenplay writers.
I am watching it in the gaps between ‘A Dream of Splendor’ (wonderful) and ‘Yumi’s Cells 2’ as light relief. The theme of losing yourself for others is poignant. They do try and make Angelababy look dowdy!! The leads have great dialogue and chemistry. 9.6 on Viki at the moment. I would recommend it as a light apperatif before the meaty stuff especially if you enjoy this type of story…
ps Urgh – may have been a little spoilerish in this last post… that said elements of things I describe are in the show’s credits.
But my apologies. I was more interested in the relationship between K-drama and a C-drama than promoting the new one.
Kalimera @Packmule3!
Can you open a thread for “Café Minamdang” ?
It starts this Monday! Thank you in advance!
Hi all,
I wonder if this is of interest… earlier this month I tried to watch the Chinese Scarlet Heart sequel set in present day China. I love the Scarlet Heart stories but SH2 was a struggle to watch!
You needed, apparently to see the Hong Kong version which was uncensored. The Chinese removed all direct reference to or actual time travel! Scarlet Heart 2 lacked all of the creative tension of its characters relationships with past characters as a result.
This is due to a law passed in China in 2011 concerning time travel in dramas.
Building on that, here is a very short article that popped up on Feedspot outlining the history of Chinese TV and Film Dramas and some of the constraints that dramatists face + the different genres. [I think there was a discussion on BoD re Wuxia and Xianxia drama]
https://mydramalist.com/article/a-brief-history-of-chinese-dramas
@Kate, The article you sent was very informative. I fear that with the current Xi government, we’ll see much more censorship from Mainland and Hong Kong films. Actors like Fan Bingbing will be disappeared and certain genres will not be produced like BL. It might be fun to try to detect censorship and propaganda where we see it in these dramas.
I am wary of the Xi regime because it has its sights on Taiwan, where the entertainment industry is freer.
And finally, totalitarian governments have had their filmmakers of choice. Many,like Leni Riefenstahl of NaziGermany and Sergei Eisenstein of the Soviet Union were brilliant artists and propagandists. They were dangerous too. It would be interesting to see how remakes differ when viewing those from Mainland China and other countries with a view towards censorship and propaganda.
On a personal note, thanks for all your prayers and good wishes. My husband is now going into the treatment phase and there is some cautious optimism, but we’4 taking it step by step.
@OAL – good to hear your news. Thinking of you now and sending prayers for this next stage.
Glad you found it interesting! I’m certainly keeping an eye open for differences in approach to story telling and treatment of issues too.
Yes, the Taiwanese thing is concerning isn’t it?
Cafe Minamdang with Seo In Guk is supposed to be starting today (June 27) on Netflix. Will anyone else be watching it?
Kalimera @Welmaris!
I will and I have asked from @Packmule3 a thread, but I don’t think she has seen my comment…