For the first time in a long while, nothing premiering this month grabs me. I guess I can force myself to watch “Miss Night and Day.”
Miss Night and Day
Synopsis from soompi:
“Miss Night and Day” is a romantic comedy about a young job seeker who suddenly finds herself trapped in the body of a 50-year-old woman and a skilled prosecutor who becomes entangled with her.
Starring: Choi Jin Hyuk (“Mr Queen”) and EunJi (“Reply 1994”). I don’t mind watching this show for EunJi but there’s something about Choi Jin Hyuk that strikes me as overbearing and supercilious. He also played a prosecutor before in “Pride and Prejudice” (2014).
I did find him hilarious in “Zombie Detective” (2020). And for that alone, I’m giving him a chance here.
Episodes: 16
Start Date: Saturday, June 15
Airs on Saturday and Sunday
Where to Watch it: Netflix
Network: jTBC
That’s fine. I can continue binge-watching:
a. The Atypical Family. Ten of 12 episodes are out already on Netflix. Should I write a review about this?
b. Queen of Tears. I need a push to finish the last two episodes.
c. Frankly Speaking. I just dropped this. As I feared, Go KyungPyo doesn’t have “main character energy.” The plot itself wasn’t boring like “King the Land” but Mr. Go and the female actress, Kang Hanna (“Start Up”) were so dull together. In the end, they had two chances to convince me of a budding romance: no chance and fat chance.
d. Lovely Runner. Better late than never?
e. Knight Flower. I just need a light-hearted historical.
f. 2 Days and 1 Night Season 4. I think the variety show “Running Man” is more popular with international fans, but I learn so much more about the regions, food, and culture of Korea from “2D1N.” The show affords me a nice break from all the fantasy-weaving in kdramas.
What are you all watching this month.
I can recommend Knight Flower. The FL made it worth it for me.
Lately I am less attracted by the new kdramas so I watched Red Sleeve and was well rewarded🙂.Next on my list is River where the Moon rises. I enjoy dramas with strong roles for FLs…
Signed a grateful lurker 🤗
I can’t believe it’s already June! So much is happening in life and in drama. I’m running late on Lovely Runner… 😊
Any modern Cdrama recommendations?
I am happily rewatching The Tale Of Nokdu.
Kalimera and let’s have a nice June!
I am currently watching “The Atypical Family”.
And I have finished “Lovely Runner”.
I also have started the “Player” Season 1. While Season 2 started yesterday on Viki.
More: https://mydramalist.com/28659-pan
As it seems, I have become too picky. I start shows that I stop or pause for some reason after I watch the first two episodes or when I am also in the middle.
I am also rewatching “The Legend Of ShenLi” just because…!
I definitely will watch the two JTBC dramas this June, Miss Night and Day and the other one, My Sweet Mobster, which will be aired after Frankly Speaking. actually, I do like watching Frankly Speaking, but I also get why it’s not watchable for some viewers. The Atypical Family, on the other hand, have decent viewership ratings, so I might give it a shot. I’ve seen spoilers of this drama by Instagram and it looks promising.
Thank you for the thread and suggestions, @packmule3. Maybe someone here will suggest an outlier that turns out to be a diamond. 🙏
I am watching The Atypical Family. The score and OST are very different. I’m no musician, but I find it mesmerising. The story, characters and actors have been so good. Only one week left, but an open thread would be welcome. We would have to remember to note the episodes, so no one gets spoiled. 🧐
I’ve started Dreaming of a Freaking Fairytale and that, as well, will be over before long as it’s one of those with short and relatively few episodes.
Nothing in K-land has grabbed my interest. I haven’t even been able to start Queen of tears despite the hype. Do you have any C ideas? I’ve just finished rewatching 50something episodes of Love like the Galaxy for the Nth time…
I’m being forced to take a break from viewing due to work because like all here, nothing seems worth sacrificing sleep this month. Will re-watch fav scenes Healer and Lovely Runner for mental health upkeep.
Speaking of work, it was giving ulcers this morning (I love chanelling @WE hee hee. Last month it was fraying nerves 😂) But look at what came for a rescue!
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C7yiwwRyr-X/?igsh=NWV6ZDZqa3BkNGdk
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C7yiShwy62H/?igsh=MWY0YW51bHB4MTZsbg==
@Arihsi, the first was a bit like soft porn. Let’s see if the algorithm lets me post this.
https://gifdb.com/images/high/mobile-mim-girl-fan-ventilation-hot-weather-pefl3o3sxgnxn1yf.gif
@Nicole, for Cdramas, I usually wait for @Table122000’s recs. 😂😂 I was about to start on “Love is Sweet” (2020) because I like Bai Lu with Luo Yunxi but I couldn’t find it on Viki. Oh well…
@claudiaguiso
I’m going to be shallow here. As much as I like a strong FL, I’m plodding through the show because of ML’s sharp jawline. 😂
After finishing Lovely Runner last week and promptly going into LR withdrawal, I started searching for things to replace it, timewise (but not in my heart!). So I thought I would watch Korean movies for awhile. But Korean movies can be really dark (I thought The Concubine was going to be sexy but it’s really brutal, The Last Princess was depressing, etc.). Not what I want to watch in the summer. [I do know there are funny Korean movies, as well. I enjoyed watching Miss Granny last year.]
I’m trying to watch The Atypical Family because it’s beautifully shot and I like superhero stories. But the ML’s depression is hard to watch and I hate how he is neglecting his child. My enthusiasm for it is waning on Episode 3. I assume things will change so I’ll slowly keep at it.
I’d like to watch Freaking Cinderella but I’d have to pay for another streaming service–it’s on Paramount Plus in the USA. I’ll look for your reviews/comments to see if it’s worth my time/money!
Nothing else is really grabbing me right now. If you’re watching something new-ish that you really like, let me know!
@BethB, have you watched “Castaway On The Moon”? It is one of my favorite Korean movies.
Stayingon the lovely runner track, Has anyone watch “girl on a bulldozer.” I don’t really know anything about Other than it stars our female lead female lead.
@BethB, with “Atypical Family”, I didn’t get into the swing of it until Ep 5. It wasn’t so much the depression of the ML but the smugness of the FL and the power imbalance of their situation that grated on me. The FL and *her* own atypical family were scamming the ML and his supernaturally gifted family with impunity. The injustice, combined with naivety on the Bok family, drove me nuts. But at the end of Ep 4, when their positions evened out, the plot movement became a more satisfying watch for me.
As for Cdramas I will again recommend the beautiful gem that is To the Wonder. I just loved it. Memoir, travelogue and coming of age. It is really lovely and short! Only 8 episodes.
I’m skip watching Midnight Romance and really love the parts I am watching (skipping office politics). The last two episodes were so enjoyable. If you’re tempted but on the fence skip to Episode 8 and fast forward to the middle where the two friends are meeting for drinks in the conference room at work. It is an amazing 10 or 15 minutes of dialogue between the two friends on love, work and why the FL has remained single.
And I will be tuning into Hierarchy on Netflix which looks a little bit like Heirs 2.0. I hope it is offers fashion, ridiculous opulence, a plucky heroine we can root for and pretty please no underlying murder mystery. Here is hoping!
I still have Moving and the Shop for Killers on my watch list.
On the topic of korean movies I have a number on my list but I never watch them. I find the k drama format more compelling.
I really enjoyed Minari Which many of you may have heard of. This is what the one about the korean family who immigrates to the American midwest.
Past lives is on my list to watch. Not sure if that has a depressing tone or not or is primarily a romance.
Ode to my Father has been recommended to me a few times. I noticed that It is currently streaming but I forget where. MAYBE Tubi or Prime. I understand it is tragic but Uplifting story of a family following the korean war.
@Good Twin, where can I catch this “To the Wonder”? Thanks.
@Fern LoL LoL… I somehow immediately thought of Edward Cullen when I saw this one.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C7yiwwRyr-X/?igsh=NWV6ZDZqa3BkNGdk
Without the severe anemia depicted in the ML of movie adaptation thankfully.
I read three books of the Twilight saga in my early 20s before giving up on the series at book 4. In the movie adaptation, Robert Pattinson or the actress (forget her name) never fit into how I imagined the leads while reading the books – a common occurrence for book readers.
After almost 15 years of reading those books (never re-read), suddenly at 10 AM one random morning, my brain went… Aha ! There’s Edward Cullen now.
@packmule3 I watched on IQIYI – I think it is free on IQIYI or third party sites.
Oh one other thing I am watching is the reality singing competition Girls on Fire on Viki. The talent is insane. All the contestants were selected based on vocals and it is a lot of fun to watch and super low stress.
@packmule3 I do not know which ML’s jawline disagrees with you but let me quote Nam Jun Paik: when too perfect lieber Gott böse 🙂
@monmor Past Lives is neither depressing nor primarily a romance. To me it was a very delicate voyage in the realm of emotions
Even more reason for me to watch past live.
RPat is one of my daughter’s favourite actors, mainly for his interesting film choices.
Yes, BWS is having an Edward Cullen moment there. Dear oh dear.
@Arihsi and @Fern – shallow island worthy! Thanks for sharing! The heat wave in Cali is matching the hotness of BWS!
I would love to get a listing of good Korean movies! Pls share if you have any. I like Minari and Past Lives. Past Lives resonated with me and since we are fresh from time travel storyline, isn’t a blast from the past something like a time travel, too and the what-ifs and what-could-have-beens in your head?
I’ll check out Castaway on the Moon, @snowflower!
K movie recommendations:
Masquerade (historical)
The Royal Taylor (historical)
Always (romance/melodrama)
I tried watching To The Wonder, but only the first 2 episodes were free.
I could only find To The Wonder on WatchAsian in my country in May. I think it would be popular on Viki and on Netflix if they were to get it.
Hi @pkml3 and Everyone,
I’m trying another Webtoon adaptation. I’ve watched 3 episodes of the 16-episode drama, and found that even with the usual webtoon feel (some OTT characters, sound effects, whimsy, … that sort of thing…) Show has a proper plot, has been making sense, is interesting and has characters who help each other become better.
ML is a rigidly dutiful, polite person who lives in Seongsan Village (the real village is a tourist attraction as a folk village, I believe) that remains stuck in Joseon times, while accepting that the world outside is modern.
I like the mash up of Joseon culture and style set-in modern-day S. Korea, the fact that FL gets over her state of being downtrodden quickly, that she takes care of herself and that ML is a capable fighter although his sweet boy looks belie that.
They each have their own battles but are there for each other. In the end the main great conflict will be whether ML can get over his rigid adherence to the rule of how one must treat one’s teacher and loosen up.
This is another one of those series where the epilogue gives little nuggets of info that help us appreciate it better.
Information from MDL
Title: Dare to Love Me (2024) Adapted from the webtoon “Treat Me Carelessly”
16 episodes of 1 hour+ each.
Main Actors: Kim Myung Soo or ‘L’ and Lee Yoo Young
Platform: Netflix
Shallow Island: ‘L’ the idol or Kim Myung Soo has improved as an actor. He has a similar sweet look as Kim Min Gue, but somehow seems more manly. Anyway, those who like the cute/sweet guy can enjoy just watching ‘L’.
June Korean Dramas I want to Check Out:
My Military Valentine (Viki)- The trailer loos cute. I need a good rom-com, so hopefully this will be it.
Hierarchy (Netflix)- What if Heirs and Boys Over Flowers had a baby? It seems they did and its name is Hierarchy! I’m ready for the Next Generation of Wealthy Teen Drama.
Going to wait for reviews and audience feedback:
Player 2 (Viki) I liked US show “Leverage” and this show has that kind of “caper” vibe, but not sure about overall plot. Will wait on this one.
DNA Lover – This could be the cute summer rom com I need, but the ML actor is hot-or-miss for me. (Although for many people he is a must-watch) So far, no infor about an official international watch site.
Chinese Dramas I want to Check Out in June:
Regeneration (Viki): I’m excited for this mystery-thriller drama starring Jing Boran. Trailer looked really good, and only 10 episodes!
The Double (Viki, Youku YouTube) – Wu Jin Yan is back in an historical drama. It’s another revenge plot, but it’s been getting good buzz. I’ll be waiting for the Viki subs, so will probably check this out at the end of June.
Present Is Present (WeTV, Kukan Drama YouTube, Viki) – My boy Fan Zhi Xin is back! This is romance with a touch of fantasy drama. Apparently there is a “Signal” vibe with a phone that connects to the future. Anyway, I have to check it out for FZX. It’s been getting some good buzz. I’m going to watch it at Viki.
@Growing Beautifully, I’ve seen some clips of Dare to Love Me on YouTube and wondered how it is. I’ll give it a try.
@Fern, wonderful! If you find the first episode a bit strange and cartoonish, rest assured that the episodes 2 to 4 tone down the cartoony bits. What we see in the beginning that might be grating will become understandable pretty soon.
So far the mystery/crime to solve, the trajectories of the characters and the mash-up of modern life with Joseon culture make sense in this drama-verse.
I’d like to start my Ep 5, but I may have to leave it for another day. 🙂
@Growing Beautifully, I can’t find it on Netflix in the UK, but it’s on Viki, so I can watch. I’ll give it a go now.
@Good Twin, hello and like you enjoying Midnight Romance. The discussion on Ep.8 was a higight fir me too. Great insights. Enjoying the romance too. The scene of the first kiss was so well written and acted. Then there is the almost Shakespearian comedy with the Director…
@Kate yes there is some really good dialogue. I don’t normally like noona romances but it really works here. Probably because he is a mature man at the point where their relationship begins.
@Good Twin – agreed and the age gap isn’t huge this time
His comment about being blinded by her title to the fact that she was the age of a young student when she first taught him, was telling.
@Kate and @Growing Beautifully, between Dare to Love Me and Midnight Romance it sounds like we have two romances involving former teachers here.
I am dropping The Atypical Family–except to maybe skip through to the parts where the kids are once all the episodes have dropped. The only person in this family I’m concerned about/like is the daughter. The main couple are doing nothing for me.
I started watching the first episode Oh My Ladylord since I have Amazon Prime again for a month, and I’m interested in how dramas are put together (it’s about a drama writer). I also enjoy watching Lee Min Ki since I find his drollness funny. But I saw that it had very low viewer ratings. So I looked up why–and now I’ll drop it seeing that it is anything but a HEA.
I liked KHY so much I’m thinking about starting Extraordinary You.
I’d like to watch Castaway on the Moon after watching the trailer but don’t see where to watch it in the USA. Has anyone been able to stream it here? [Pluto TV??]
To the Wonder looks compelling but I’m not sure I want to pay for another subscription just to watch it (it’s on IQIYI here, and only the first couple of episodes are free).
@Table122000 thanks for mentioning Military Valentine – I will definitely check that out. I’m intriqued with the north vs. south themes – CLOY, The King Two Hearts, Dr. Stranger. . .
Thanks @Fern. Will check out @GB’s recommended show when I get a gap. Will report back
@Good Twin- You are welcome. At first, I thought My Military Valentine was the drama project “Andante of Love” with a new changed name. But I soon realized it is a totally different drama.
Andante of Love is another drama that is set in a Korea where the Korean War has ended and the main leads are living in a Peace Village in the former DMZ.
Information about Andante of Love:
https://forums.soompi.com/topic/483600-upcoming-drama-2023-love%E2%80%99s-andante-%EC%82%AC%EB%9E%91%EC%9D%98-%EC%95%88%EB%8B%A8%ED%85%8C-kwon-hyun-bin-song-ji-woo-premieres-in-second-half-2023/
This drama was put on hold. I don’t know if filming has even started yet. The premise sounded interesting, so I do hope that this drama will get made someday soon.
Howdy! I’m late by a week but I’m only watching Dreaming of a Freaking Fairy Tale. I will definitely watch cdrama, Present is Present. 🙂
So far I have been rewatching Who Rules The World and did Hidden Love too. LOL!
Sigh. I can’t believe it’s June already!!!
Dear @pm3
Hello ❤️
I’ve been thinking of asking you since a long time but keep postponing it. Anyway, here it is:
Would you be at all interested in having an open thread to discuss poetry? I know this is Bitches Over Dramas and not Bitches Over Poetry but you do enjoy good litrature is what I have noticed through the years.
I don’t know what others think ?
My comment went somewhere 🫢
Has @pm3 finally decided to throw me out?
Kalimera @Arihsi,
Busy bee here… I cannot comment, so I am lurking a bit.
I don’t think that is the case honey… *winks*!
Hee hee… Thanks @cleo. I was asking @pm3 if she’d be interested in having an open thread to discuss poetry? I know that’s not the aim of this blog but just sounding it out…
I just read the post A tale of two princesses dated March 2021.
I was rofl. Never expected an historical drama could give rise to such in deep analysis of M’s behaviour he he…
@packmule 3 Adam’s apples definitely distract me more than jawlines
-sigh- 🙂
@Arihsi, I’m not greatly into poetry, but I appreciate it when it’s relevant to a discussion. My memory is faulty, but I seem to recall some poetry mentioned in TKEM, When The Weather Is Fine, and in the c-drama Forever And Ever. It adds to the atmosphere.
What sort of thing were you thinking of?
Listening to a podcast I learned the origins of a kdrama trope. Accordingl to the podcast (I have not fact checked) dramas airing on network TV are required to show all passengers wearing seatbelt in cars. Hence the seatbelt buckling trope (because it is so hard for a woman to buckle a seatbelt with tall drink of water at the wheel). Now I’m curious what other tropes out there are based on broadcast rules. Perhaps there needs to be an anti antifeminist broadcast rule?
Good Twin, you are so right about the conference room scene in episode 8 of Midnight Romance. The friendship between the two women felt so real and long lasting. It also provided us with some insight into our FL, who seems to have it all together, but it turns out, had it very rough on the road to success. Speaking of which, I liked how she let the director know that while she was grateful for his help in the past, she has already more than repaid him for it and won’t allow him to use those days to manipulate her. Also, the romance between the two leads really fizzes. We’ve just finished Doctor Slump and I have to say, that I found the confidence and maturity of the ML in Midnight Romance a refreshing change from the childish antics of an almost 40 year old plastic surgeon.
As for what we are watching this month, we are sticking with Cinderella, Midnight Romance, and Lovely Runner. Actually, we are just about done with Lovely Runner and will find something else to fill in with. My husband and I take turns picking and I think it is his turn to pick next.
@Fern poetry with ZERO connection to kdramas is what I was thinking of 🫣
Poetry as in poetry by itself.
My current favourite –
“Warning” by Jenny Joseph
When I am an old woman I shall wear purple
With a red hat which doesn’t go, and doesn’t suit me.
And I shall spend my pension on brandy and summer gloves
And satin sandals, and say we’ve no money for butter.
I shall sit down on the pavement when I’m tired
And gobble up samples in shops
And run my stick along the public railings
And make up for the sobriety of my youth.
I shall go out in my slippers in the rain
And pick flowers in other people’s gardens
And learn to spit.
You can wear terrible shirts and grow more fat
And eat three pounds of sausages at a go
Or only bread and pickle for a week
And hoard pens and pencils and beermats and things in boxes.
But now we must have clothes that keep us dry
And pay our rent and not swear in the street
And set a good example for the children.
We must have friends to dinner and read the papers.
But maybe I ought to practise a little now?
So people who know me are not too shocked and surprised
When suddenly I am old, and start to wear purple.
—-
Athe resonates deeply with me. Ah. For the soberiry of my one and only youth.
Or of course, the textbook classic “Still I rise” by Maya Angelou.
I want KHY to read some of these please. 🫢
“You may write me down in history
With your bitter, twisted lies,
You may trod me in the very dirt
But still, like dust, I’ll rise.
Does my sassiness upset you?
Why are you beset with gloom?
’Cause I walk like I’ve got oil wells
Pumping in my living room.
Just like moons and like suns,
With the certainty of tides,
Just like hopes springing high,
Still I’ll rise.
Did you want to see me broken?
Bowed head and lowered eyes?
Shoulders falling down like teardrops,
Weakened by my soulful cries?
Does my haughtiness offend you?
Don’t you take it awful hard
’Cause I laugh like I’ve got gold mines
Diggin’ in my own backyard.
You may shoot me with your words,
You may cut me with your eyes,
You may kill me with your hatefulness,
But still, like air, I’ll rise.
Does my sexiness upset you?
Does it come as a surprise
That I dance like I’ve got diamonds
At the meeting of my thighs?
Out of the huts of history’s shame
I rise
Up from a past that’s rooted in pain
I rise
I’m a black ocean, leaping and wide,
Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.
Leaving behind nights of terror and fear
I rise
Into a daybreak that’s wondrously clear
I rise
Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,
I am the dream and the hope of the slave.
I rise
I rise
I rise.”
I am already collecting purple clothing!🙂
Thanks @Arihsi. These poems speak to me too.
Hello @Kate and @Fern,
I find that surprisingly, but to its credit, Dare to Love Me (DTLM) has much greater emotional heft than expected. It’s no longer just a webtoon-turned-drama for a fluffy watch. There’s still that of course, but we also delve a little bit more into the characters who are more real and more grounded, than in some of the other webtoon adaptations.
The more realistic character interactions and emotions will of course (or they should) give rise to more character arcs that are my catnip.
I’ll stick around DTLM for the interim to see how the teacher and her rigidly polite, distant-but-lonely student fare.
I was rooting around for something to watch and tried the contemporary cdrama, The Tale of Rose. It’s a mostly FL-centric drama but I was pleased to find the side characters interesting as well and that she has a great partnership with her older brother.
Played by the very attractive Crystal Liu, the character, Rosie Huang Yi Mei is bold, smart, a little crafty and very ambitious, and … yes… so beautiful that men lose their senses around her LOL. It’s sort of a dating and workplace drama, but I’m guessing from the synopsis that the theme might be one does not have to be in a relationship or married to be considered successful. If one watches this to see self-actualisation as the goal and does not mind romances not exactly turning out to be living together happily ever after, it might be an interesting watch.
I believe it can be found on WeTV and Viki.
From MDL:
Genre: Romance, life
38 episodes of about 45 minutes each
Main characters: Crystal Liu, Tong Da Wei, Wan Qian with guest roles given to Lin Yi and Wallace Huo among others
I forgot to mention that I’ve watched most of A Sibling’s Romance, the reality TV show that brings 5 pairs of siblings together with the aim of finding love under the watchful eyes of their brother or sister. There’s just 1 more episode to go and I’d really like to know if the relationships that start in the eye of the many cameras around these participants will be able to take off properly.
I guess I was more engaged when the show moved to Singapore and I became a TV-tourist LOL.
So many intriguing recommendations @GB! Will follow up. Especially interested in DtLM! Thank you fir sharing your enthusiasm.
@Kate Do not mention it and as usual, it’s my pleasure! I was just thinking this morning that I like how an uppity, pampered individual has to live humbly for a while. Will they become wiser?
@Nicole. Just finished cdrama Blossoms in Adversity and I found it to be quite a gem mostly due to the FL character who had such gumption and spirit. I am surprised no one else is being sucked into the Joy of Life S2. Not quite 1/2 way through but it is still witty, funny and intriguing to me. Sadly we will likely need to wait at least 2 years before S3.
I too am in a bit of kdrama slump but I am going to try to get past minute 20 for episode 1 of Lovely Runner.
Hi here.
I didn’t watch anything, I was focused on writing.
I made a SHORT story (12 minutes) for a screenwriting challenge.
Of course, I propose it to you for reading and comments (on my blog):
https://w-two-worlds-season-2.blogspot.com/2024/06/the-scream.html
Genre: Hard Sci-Fi.
Of course, I use the korean format (+visual screenplay).
Lot of big pictures, making you feel like watching it on TV.
I also made a western screenplay version.
I didn’t posted that in the challenge yet, in case I need to fix various things.
So, your feedback can help. 😉
Annyeong 🌺
I just finished – Lovely Runner 💗, and Atypical Family (what an ending!) – and The impossible Heir (go for your dreams!)
Watching – Midnight Romance in Hagwon (Academy dramas- Koreans are really serious about school/studies, the romance is funny *noona), Dare to Love, and Hierarchy (hmmmm – i’m rooting for the underdog- may justice prevail).
For oldies- i found FLEX X COP in hulu — 💗 Horray!
Kalimera!
Is anyone watching “Regeneration” and “The Double” on Viki?
@GB Unnie, “A Tale of Rose” also was uploaded on Viki! I have it on my radar because of Lin Geng Xin who will do a guest appearance!
Ooopss, I forgot to mention that all the above are Chinese Dramas!
Hi @HK_Lady, you’re watching a lot of shows at the same time!
I’m trying to watch a few but I seem to have gap times when there’s nothing new aired.
Karakai Jozu no Takagi-san: this has disappointingly stopped subbing and posting the episodes. There are 2 more to go where the couple are grown ups. It’s been more than a couple of months but the last episodes have not been uploaded.
Dare to Love Me: Is turning out pretty good in the sense that although it can be webtoonish with some OTT stuff and animation/toon sounds, it also has a proper through-line plot, is coherent, characters are not entirely flat and are easy to like, and there’s emotional heft. I like the message of valuing heritage, and the idea that things of the past can still be relevant today with some updates. It’s rife with several possible couples and I want them all to work out!!!
Freaking Fairytale: Still a hoot to watch. Prince is upping his game somewhat after undermining himself like a dork.
The Tale of Rose: Hmm more adult than expected. I can see that we will get into more melo times. I like the brother-sister interactions, although the over-protective bro should chill a lot more.
My Sibling’s Romance: Waiting for the final episode, presumably still in location in Singapore. It’s quite well edited so that we are left on tenterhooks and I’m dying to know who’s going to end up with whom. I’m a bit sad that a couple of folks are probably going to end up unattached, but that’s life.
ABOUT DARE TO LOVE ME
I’m glad that the uncertainty is put out of the way early. I like that show does not waste too much time (although I was wondering if I was getting filler in Ep 9). I heartily approve the directness, simplicity and sincerity of the ML, and appreciate that FL had several considerations that made her dither. Good that show is still on track on the investigations. I hope we get more time with the various ‘couples’ and hope for a happy alternative for Yoon Bok and grandpa.
One more thing I like is that the title sounds like a plea of person A to person B, but it also works as a statement of challenge between other couples, or a protest against an unwanted 3rd wheel. 🙂
Hi @Cleo, it looks like we posted here at the same time!
The Tale of Rose – Ah, I see that Lin Geng Xin is going to be the husband of the FL. That will be interesting.
I have Regeneration on my Plan to Watch list. I’m not sure about The Double. It sounds like a female led revenge drama but it may still devolve into FL needing to be rescued by male characters.
😉😜😄
Kalimera Unnie!
Yes, The Double is a revenge drama. I know that the FL is not a damsel in distress. She is rather cunning and the ML is letting her do her part. The tension between them is on fire and their conversations too. Although, I have watched the first two episodes on Viki, I have seen snippets here and there and one my friends is watching it already!
Wang Xing Yue is the ML here. He was also in “Amidst a Snowstorm of Love” and he was playing Lin Li Yang’s rival Meng Xiao Dong.
I have started Regeneration too. I believe it is a story that @WE would love to watch as well.
Yes, in ToR LGX is going to be the husband of the FL.
I am going to focus on The Double and Regeneration for now!
I do hope you are okay!
Hi @Cleo, I’m fine. How about you?
I forgot that Regeneration is the drama I already watched!!! It’s got a great premise and a western whodunnit feel about, like watching an Agatha Christie novel adaptation. I like the twists and what you see is not what it seems. 🙂
Unnie,
I am okay, just too busy at the moment. I don’t have time to watch many shows and I have become a picky lady here.
We are kinda behind ya all, in the CDramas. I am glad you liked it. I have managed to watch the first episode. I heard the ending was altered from the novel, because of the censorship.
When I will watch it I will tell you!
@Cleo, okay! I’ll be interested to know how you find Regeneration. 🙂
@Cleo, I’m listening to the OSTs of The Double… they sound mostly so sad! Lyrics very poignant but so sad.
Unnie,
I haven’t listened to all the soundtrack yet. I have heard two songs so far on the first two episodes of TD.
It is a sad story. I mean the FL was betrayed brutally and we learn about it since the very beginning… o.O.
I do hope you will watch this as well. Ι would love to talk about it!
@GB, if you want me to open a thread for a new kdrama, please tell me today. I’m going on a two-week trip and may not have access to my private laptop. Thanks.
-pm3
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My dear @pkml3, thank you for your offer. I shall take you up on it, not just for 1 drama but for 2, if you don’t mind: one kdrama and one cdrama. Please open a single thread for kdrama Dare to Love Me and another for cdrama The Tale of Rose
I’m not sure how much I’ll find to say about them, but thoughts fly through my mind as I watch and I’m very grateful to have a place to ‘nest’ them, here on BOD.
Thanks for letting us know that you’ll be away for 2 weeks, because we always worry when we don’t hear from you for too long. Have a good trip and safe travels!! My prayers go with you!
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Safe travels @packmule3
Thanks, @GoodTwin.
Will do, @GB.
If I don’t have them up by 7pm EST, holler. 🎤🎙️📣📢
Thanks for all the threads @pkml3!
I happened to click on the Youtube suggestion to see what’s recommended for June 2024 Kdramas … and found these which I missed before and so never thought to check out.
From Dramanice/MDL
Kdrama: The Player 2: Master of Swindlers (2024) [I liked The Player (2018)]
Genre: Action, Comedy, Crime, Noir, Suspense, Thriller
Description: A money-stealing action drama in which the best players in each field, such as scammers, hackers, fighters, and drivers, band together to find and steal dirty money illegally collected by the rich.
(Source: HanCinema)
Episodes: 12
Duration: 60 min.
Airs On: Monday, Tuesday
Platforms: Viu, Viki
Anyone up for an anti-hero, action-packed, crime-committing ensemble? I recall their nice chemistry together and great teamwork.
Korean Movie: Wonderland (2024)
Genre: Artificial Intelligence, Coma, Drama, Sci-fi
Description: Wonderland is a simulated universe where people can reunite with loved ones with whom they can no longer interact with in the real world. Jung Yu Mi and Choi Woo Shik`s characters will control all events that occur within this simulated reality.
Suzy and Park Bo Gum play a young couple. When Park Bo Gum’s character falls into a coma, Suzy`s character will request to meet him in Wonderland.
Gong Yoo, a husband in his 40s, dearly misses his late wife, Tang Wei, as does his child who cannot forget their mother. Gong Yoo`s character requests a reunion in Wonderland.
(Source: Soompi)
Duration: 1 hr. 53 min.
Platform: Netflix
The movie was released on June 5. Hope it can be streamed by now. I believe I’ll check them out.
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Hi @pkml3, I seem to have a comment awaiting moderation. 🙂
I’ll just post this while waiting for my missing comment to be fished out of spam sometime.
I’ve watched the first Episode of The Player 2: Master of Swindlers (2024) which is Season 2 of The Player (2018), and it was an explosive start to the series.
I liked the cool guy style of Song Seung Hun and the camaraderie of his team. For a change I’ll be rooting for the anti-heroes who are the best swindlers, who scam other swindlers and hand them over to the police.
Plucked it out already, @GB. Will open a thread for the Park BoGum and Suzy movie…just because I MUST watch this to see if PBG has improved or not.
Will also open a thread for the Miss Night and Day.
Thanks and righty ho @pkml3! I was trying to get to watch the movie, but it’s just been released this month, hence I’m not sure we’ll get to watch it so soon.
Yes, I must watch that movie because I like that kind of premise and there’s Gong Yoo!!! And it will be interesting to see that he’s playing opposite Chinese actress, Tang Wei. I expect to hear multiple languages spoken. 🙂
@GB – i do watch a lot of shows – because the current ones only show 2x a week – what do i watch the other times? LOL so i try watching other stuff. 🤣
I actually also finished the movie with Leo Wu “Upcoming summer” – didn’t know there was a controversy with the Ming character. Anyhoo, the ending is open. ugh!
I also finished “Hierarchy” – only 7 episodes – omg it feels like there will be a second season kind of ending! What?! are they hoping for one? aigoooo. I wouldn’t mind LOL
Safe and enjoyable travels, @packmule3. Thanks for the offer for new threads.
My Sweet Mobster is silly good fun! Quite the cast in the supporting roles. Someone had a lot of fun making this. From the name of the gangs, the Thirsty Deer company motto, the sausage statue in the corporate headquarters, and more there is so much clever silliness.
A little more on My Sweet Mobster:
The subbers on Viki deserve an A++! I’m certain that there is some wordplay I’m missing out on but the segmenting and translation has been spot on. The ML is quite swoony with his voice. The OST is quite good too. The only thing I don’t like is the fringe on FL. I laughed all the way through the second episode with some pathos at the end. Will the mobster with the heart of gold win the girl? I’ll be tuning in to find out.
Good Twin,
You’ve made My Sweet Mobster seem very appealing, so it is going on the list!
I’ve completed watching the reality TV show: “My Sibling’s Romance”. Looking back I found it quite a nice watch although a bit on the long side with 2-3 hours per episode. The last episode had me in tears many times: it was touching the way the participants and hosts were honest about their thoughts and feelings. It was great that not only were they analysing their own responses to each other as friends, soul mates or BF-GFs but they also improved in their sibling relationships and appreciated their families more.
I was having a great armchair tour of many places that are within my reach but still, not quite. I loved the aerial views, night scenes, the fantastic photos taken by the camera crew. They really made Singapore look extra beautiful. I felt oddly proud LOL.
I found it a more satisfying watch than other dating programs that had no family involvement. In fact, for one couple, it was imperative that the sibling became a mediator and cleared the misunderstandings. It was a pleasant, mostly angst-free watch, and I recommend it to those who have the time to spare. 🙂
Sorry am so late to the game: but I am just here to heartily recommend My Sweet Mobster. Nestled somewhere along the gamut of Dare to Love Me, and a Freaking Fairytale – My Sweet Mobster seems to have found that magical sweet spot for me: surreal absurdist humor, social satire with sly light humor and poignantly comic commentary and a very good mobster ensemble cast (since the iconic Vincenzo’s Bye Bye Balloon gang)
Annyeong 🌸
i found myself re-watching “Goblin” and enjoying it like i haven’t watched it several times 😁 i have forgotten how fast the first 2 eps are- the Canada trip, she got the job, and the kidnapping where the car got cut in half hahaha.
me and the hubby also watched some BRAT pack movies including the documentary by Andrew McCarthy – St elmo’s fire (first time- so drama), sixteen candles, and pretty in pink hahaha.
i will catch “miss day and night” and the movie “wonderland” when it hits netflix.
@Empress New Clothes – I am really enjoying My Sweet Mobster too. I really prefer the maturer ML in my kromances (CLOY, Kiss Sixth Sense, Love to Hate You). I haven’t see Uhm Tae Goo’s work before, but he is killing it in this role of mobster with a marshmallow center. Episode 3 was super cute!
Kalimera Ladies and Gentz!
I am currently watching: “The Double” and I am officially hooked!
The Female Lead is a badass! Not a damstrel in distress, do you hear me @Arihsi!?
And the Male Lead is looking for her and offers his help by the sidelines!
I also have started “My Sweet Mobster” too! I really like the ML. As for the FL, once again we get to see a silly girl. *facepalm*
I really don’t like that in every k-drama we get to see lately, the female lead is like a caricature at first and little by little she becomes a real person… o.O
Hello All..
After enjoying the Atypical Family (turned out I like this drama! an unexpected heartwarming family drama.. Need more episode actually -_-“), I think I want to try a new drama..
To be honest, I haven’t moved on from Kim Hye Yoon, I even re-watched several episodes from Extraordinary You because I miss her acting. Lol.
Thank You @GMPL, @Good Twin, @Empress..
I think I am gonna try to watch My Sweet Mobster tonight. (I saw the teasers/trailers, and I think it is fun.) I never watched the Male Lead before, but I am captivated by her voice from the teasers, like wow, the raspy voice very matched with his character as a gangster.
I think it will be entertaining..
@Cleo, I believe it’s because several of the latest shows have been adapted from webtoons that may tend to have foolish girls who become better after they fall in ‘lurve’ LOL. I’m just guessing:>
Unnie,
This is inexcusable. Women are better than this and we shouldn’t be treated like cute, little and stupid girls all the time. Just saying…
@Cleo, I’m just playing devil’s advocate here and adding another guess… this is based on something that a friend of mine has observed, but I have read no studies and done none myself.
There are many shows like idol dramas/webtoon adapted dramas that are specifically targeted at a very large, young Asian female population (teenagers and a bit older) who are generally lacking in power in their real lives. They turn to dramas, games, webtoons to live vicariously as much sought after females.
Perhaps it serves some innate need in some or many viewers ie viewers accept/enjoy the setup where the plain/weak/foolish female can still snag a good-looking boyfriend who’ll love them no matter what.
They may not mind starting off in the drama as weak or strong, but somewhere along in the series, they will have the male character always looking out for them, doing swoony stuff with them, etc. The female characters may or may not grow, or only grow in order to serve the male character or worse, regress and depend on him more and more, but the viewers tend to not notice all these things, as long as they get their swoony romance.
Since ‘listening’ to this friend’s point-of-view, I’ve become more alert as to how characters in romances are portrayed. I look for some signs of equality, that there is improvement rather than regression, I look for various possible red flags… but I still miss many.
The paradox is that we may really like a drama and/or character, but the execution may actually be lacking, and there may be big flaws. However over here, we have the chance to say “I like … BUT I can see that … can be improved.” Or even that it was a pity we could not like a show because of how badly executed it was, even when 90% of viewers loved it.
Perhaps it might/does spoil my viewing pleasure, but when I suspect that a show is badly made and that we are supposed to just slurp it up and enjoy it because of the eye candy or sweet romance, etc … then I feel offended that I’m not taken as an intelligent viewer. I won’t want to play along to turn a blind eye. I like to feel that a show respects its viewers.
I started The Atypical Family and I am surprised at how much I like it.
@Cleopatra – I am watching My Sweet Mobster also and enjoying it–it’s a light, fun watch. (I wouldn’t mind having a separate post for comments on MSM, say for Episodes 1-8, and 9-16).
I don’t see the FL as a silly girl, even if she dresses as a middle schooler sometimes (probably for her character as Unni Minnie). She is someone who loves being with children, probably because she says at one point that no one played with her when she was a child (until she found a childhood friend at age seven). So she is still creating childhood memories for herself, in some ways. She works as a child content creator because she can play with children on their level (although throwing all that flour at the festival was a little too much!). She volunteers at a children’s hospital ward on her own time–not something a typical silly female would do. And she also has a lot of integrity–she takes the blame for her mistakes rather than shunning responsibility (like the management at her company). She is willing to forego income when she feels her product endorsement (required by her company) caused children to get sick. Why do you think she is silly?
Kalispera @BethB,
I am super busy and I didn’t have more time to write more down in the moment. So, let me analyze some more what I was saying about the FL. My assessment was based on the Pilot or Episode 1 of the show.
When the FL is introduced to the audience, we get to see her do silly things, like:
1. Putting handcuffs to the ML because she misjudged the situation.
2. Hitting him on the head because again she misjudged the situation outside the restaurant.
3. The way she let the ML’s hand go and as a result he fell from the stairs for me it was not funny, but a disaster!
I get to meet a Female Lead, that is not likeable at all at first, and that is not comedy for me. The tropes were used but in a very bad way.
Also, when a person is falling down and there are stairs beneath, and we get to see him rolling down, he / she is not only going to get two broken ribs or a concussion, but they can also die.
Then, when we entered Episode 2 and little by little, we start to see that she is kinda different from what we got in Episode 1.
WHY?
Why should I have to see a grown woman who is all those things you have written above and some more, most likely you also watched in Episode 3 that I haven’t watched yet, to be painted as silly first?
That is my objection and I am talking about the character’s structure.
First introductions do matter. You cannot erase your first opinion of someone, even though later he / she may be perfect.
I want a Female Lead who is all that you have written above and maybe naive in some areas, but not silly.
Especially, when we have drugs, a gang and ex convicts, in the plot.
Comedy is an genre that is very interesting and challenging. There is a fine line between good comedy and bad comedy.
The first episode didn’t meet my taste / or comedy’s criteria for me. Hence my opinion that the chakkanim did not do justice to FL’s character, by making her appear silly by first glance.
Hi, @Snow Flower. I was wondering if you had watched the Atypical Family, because the score is so interesting to me and I know that you are a musician. I really enjoyed the drama, but the score may have pushed my enjoyment even higher than normal.
@Fern, I like the score of The Atypical Family. There are some truly mesmerizing piano-centered tracks.
Hi Ladies,
Here to say that I stopped watching the Tale of Rose and picked up The Double binged all that was available and am loving it. I am also loving My Sweet Mobster and have now picked up Bitter Sweet Hell which seems to be an oddball mature persons mystery riot! Loving it.
I watch short, ad hoc things. Here’s a sweet interview with one of my fave celebrity couples, Ji Sung and Lee Bo Young. This made me laugh out loud at times, and they were so sweet, I wanted to share.
Love how considerate Ji Sung is. I was super amused about what LBY said about working together with hubby in a drama.
I finished The Atypical Family and found it surprisingly touching despite its flaws. I see it as a modern fairy tale with the moral being the importance of context and proper interpretation.
I have started a rewatch of Just Between Lovers.
This month I watched and finished Extraordinary You since I was on a Kim Hye Yoon kick after Lovely Runner. I can’t say that I watched the whole thing. Once I got the gist of the story I found myself fast forwarding through it because nothing really changed or evolved once the main characters realize that are in a comic book. It really would have been better as a 10 or 12 episode series. I did like its take on facing one’s mortality (the comic book characters who are conscious realize they can disappear at the whims of the writer).
I started Midnight Romance in Hagwon assuming that it was the same screenwriter as Something in the Rain. It certainly has the same (real-time) pace and emphasis on conversation/dialog. At first it was slow going for me and I FF-ed through any scene where a character spent more than a couple of seconds walking into a room or sitting at their desk. But now that I’m used to the pace I’m enjoying it–and finding it difficult to watch other dramas, which seem artificial in comparison.
I’d really love to have a separate post about MRIH, maybe to talk about cram academies/hagwons in SK since this is the second drama in two years I’ve watched that has been centered on them (the other being Crash Course in Romance). I don’t understand the culture at all. For one thing, I was shocked that this academy lets anyone teach there, even if they don’t have an Education degree or didn’t major in the subject they teach. This would never happen in the USA. Since most of us don’t live in SK, I the emphasis on the conversation could be on dramas about hagwons, and how they differ in representation. For example, the one in MRIH is extremely cut-throat but like the one in CCIR, it has its superstar teachers.
Once I finish MRIH this weekend I’ll probably amble back to My Sweet Mobster. In the summer I also like to watch more movies, so I’ll look for SK movies to watch. That would be another fun post–if we could talk about recent SK movies we want to watch or recommend!
@Beth B,
I agree with you on MRIH. It started so slow and I wasn’t quite following all of the office politics. It still blows my mind that you would get rid of your most popular lecturer just because they MIGHT leave at some point. How about a promotion or money to get to them to stay? So weird, but again, I might be missing something here.
Anyway, I have appreciated the later unexpected turns in the narrative and have found the relationships nice to watch so, I don’t regret watching it. A certain character’s redemption has come as complete and lovely surprise. However, I think we might be FFing through episode 15. It looks absolutely brutal. I just couldn’t bring myself to watch it last weekend. We might even skip to sixteen.
As for the cram schools, I think they are like the SAT/ACT test prep centers in the US and you definitely don’t have to be a certified teacher to teach those in the US. My daughter went to a lady who taught focused reading and mind mapping. She didn’t have a background in education, but her training helped my daughter digest all the reading for her AP classes and proved particularly useful on the science section of the ACT. The read I get off the situation regarding the cram schools is that if the instructor gets results, the parents don’t care about their credentials. They are all about the score. That’s why the proposal to teach a love a reading is considered wasteful, even by the Grey Witch, who was, herself, a teacher.
I’m just glad to know that I am not the only one enjoying it!
@Snow Flower, Oooh Just Between Lovers is still one of those shows dear to my heart. A couple of us did a rewatch of it here too and loved it to death all over again.
It was a rare show for its time, in how it gave us the point of view of the true PTSD sufferers, the victims, the survivors and their families, and what they faced in their society at the time. It gave us a statement of how those responsible reacted and what the more sincere response should be.
I loved the relationships, the celebration of life amidst the loss, and the message of hope.
@GB,
I just finished The Atypical Family and was in a mood for more traumatized MLs on the path of healing/redemption, so Just Between Lovers was the perfect choice. It is my second time watching it, and I can’t help but marvel at how thoughtful it is. The emotions are deep and genuine, and the story never goes into melodrama territory.
@Snow Flower, so true. It was full of angst but without the makjang. It felt authentic rather than something out to just pull in viewers or make a buck. I loved the healing. If ever there was a ‘healing’ drama, this was it on several levels.
I think I have watched rain or shine as it is Also called maybe three times. I loved it each time. I understood better each time
How the show Illustrated the Different ramifications of such a traumatic Event On so many different characters.
At the time I had no idea Who junho was.
Hi @MM, this the gateway drama for me in becoming Junho’s fan.
I was totally convinced that he was that long-suffering, yet generous soul who had one misfortune after another hit him. I felt with him through and through, his sense of low self-esteem because he had halted his education to work in any way he could, in order to give his sister a chance to excel. It was heartbreaking that he did not even feel worthy to live in the house with his sister. It would have saved him so much rent, but he preferred to be with his found family rather than risk bringing his sister down.
I never wanted so desperately for a drama character to have a happy ending as I did for Gang Doo.
The story was so good and so many characters were well developed and believable.
I am trying to think if there are any other k dramas.I have watched that are so gritty And real.
“Thank you” had that quality to it for me, Not to the same extent though as just between lovers.
I tend to like my asian dramas with a good dose of romance.
Juno is so good though that I give him an exception. I enjoyed “confession” with Juneau although the romance was fairly minimal. I guess my phone knows I am on the northwest coast.
@monmor, I liked Thank You as well. I should rewatch it one day.
@Snowflower In addition to the characters and story in thank you, I really enjoyed the music and the atmosphere of life on the island.
Gosh, I can’t believe it’s July already!
The July Korean Dramas I want to check out:
Serendipity’s Embrace (Viki)- Kim So Hyun is back! I like a nice second chance at love story. This says it’s a rom com, so hopefully it will be funny as well.
Chinese Dramas I want to Check Out in July:
The Princess Royal (Viki and VIU)- I’m really excited to watch this drama! It’s another rebirth story, but Both FL And ML are reborn. They had an unhappy marriage in the first life, and ended up dying due to political strife. They each find out the other has also come back and they work together to change things in the second life. The trailer looks awesome and I love the banter between the leads. I like the lead actors and I enjoy a nice second chance at love romance. From the clips, it looks to be a nice balance between palace politics and romance. Can’t wait!
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@packmule3, please could we have a What Are We Watching in July 2024 thread?
Happy 4th of July tomorrow! 🗽🧨🎆🧨🎇🧨🎆🗽
I’m watching cdrama As Beautiful As You – Seven Tan and Xu Kai – it’s 40 episodes ugh – but cute so far. The first couple of episodes feel similar to Best Choice Ever. I like Seven Tan and her drama choices are always highly watchable even when the plot goes array ….
Thanks, @Fern!
*awry not array
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Hi @pkml3,
All the best to you and all in your ‘region’. I do include prayers for all who can make a difference to make the right kind of difference.
Thanks for all the threads. I left you a few notes on the Freaking Fairytale threads Ep 9 & 10, and 7 & 8. One of my posts never showed up on the Freaking Fairytale thread and I was hoping you might fish it out for me.
I’ll be away for the next week but will be in to read. Take care!
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