To my American readers —
Be kind, be not afraid, and be supportive. Let’s pray for one another in these coming days.
Thanks, @GB and everybody, for keeping this blog running. Do I have any threads to open?
Will catch some z’s and write more tomorrow (if I’m not dead yet, lol).
1. Brewing Love
From soompi:
“Brewing Love” depicts the heart-fluttering love story between Chae Yong Joo (Kim Sejeong), a super passionate sales king at a liquor company who hides her emotions, and Yoon Min Joo (Lee Jong Won), a super sensitive brewery owner who is adept at catching people’s emotions.
Source: soompi
Cast: Kim SeJeong (“A Business Proposal”) and Lee Jong Won (“Knight Flower”)
I’ll have to watch this because of Kim SeJeong. I think the lead actor suits her better than Lee HaNae in “Knight Flower.” His romantic connection with Ms. Lee wasn’t convincing.
Episodes: 12
Start Date: Monday, Nov 4
Airs on Mondays and Tuesdays
Where to Watch it: Viki
Network: ENA
2. Mr. Plankton
From soompi:
Written by Jo Yong of “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay” and directed by Hong Jong Chan who helmed “Juvenile Justice” and “Dear My Friends,” “Mr. Plankton” is a romantic comedy that depicts the story of people who can’t blend in or connect with anyone, just like plankton. The drama will follow the journey of a man named Hae Jo (Woo Do Hwan), who was born by mistake, as he is accompanied by a woman named Jae Mi (Lee Yoo Mi), who is the unhappiest woman in the world.
Source: soompi
Cast: Woo Do Hwan (“The Eternal Monarch”) Lee You Mi (“Strong Girl Namsoon”)
Episodes: 10
Start Date: Friday, Nov 10
Airs on Friday (huh? Will all episodes drop on Nov 10?)
Where to Watch it: Netflix
Network: Netflix
3. Marry You
Hurray! Lee Yi Kyung is finally getting his own male lead role in a romcom! This should be belly-aching fun.
From mydramalist:
A matchmaking romance story about Bong Cheol Hui, an island bachelor who meets all the requirements to avoid marriage. The drama depicts the struggle that unfolds as civil servant Jung Ha Na, who doesn’t believe in marriage, is dispatched to a “Marriage Encouragement” team that was formed to send Bong Cheol Hui off to marriage.
Cast: Lee Yi Kyung (the trashy ex-husband in “Marry My Husband”), Jo Soo Min (never heard of her before)
Episodes: 12
Start Date: Saturday, Nov 16
Airs on Saturdays and Sundays
Where to Watch it: Netflix
Network: Channel A
I can’t find an official trailer so this will have to do.
4. When the Phone Rings
This is giving me “Queen of Tears” and Liam Neeson’s “I will find you and I will kill you” vibes.
From soompi:
Sa Eon and Hee Joo are in an arranged marriage, living as a businesslike pair who hardly speak to each other at home. Their quiet routine is shattered when they receive a threatening phone call, sparking turmoil in their relationship.
Source: soompi
But I think instead of a terminal illness, it’s her kidnapping that precipitates the marital crisis and forces him to reassess their relationship.
Cast: Yoo Yeon Seok (“Hospital Playlist”) and Chae Soo Bin (“Where Stars Land”)
I’m not wild about Chae Soo Bin but I may give this kdrama a look-see because Yoo Yeon Seok. I want to know what he’s been up to.
Episodes: 12
Start Date: Friday, Nov 22
Airs on Fridays and Saturdays
Where to Watch it: Netflix??
Network: MBC
I can’t find an official trailer either. 🙁
That’s it for this month for me. What about you all? What are you watching this month? Any happy Cdrama to recommend?
😁🤗😘🥛🍪🧋🍕🥤🥧🍵🍱🥢🍤🍚🍊🍉
Hello there @pkml3 and welcome home to your blog!!!
I trust that the flurry and furore are dying down as we enter the 5 Nov in the US. Yes, have a nice rest and I hope you have time to come back here to relax with us and catch the shows you’ve mentioned above.
You make the dramas sound quite inviting. I did not plan to start anything new for a while yet but the cutesy romances or not-romances in short 10/12-episode dramas have a magnetic appeal.
As for opening a thread…. you know me, for now just 3 more threads for our “365: Repeat the Year” Rewatches, and then we’ll continue with “Kairos”. Please note that the start times for US and France at least have changed to be an hour earlier.
🎈🎊🪄🪅🎉🍰🧁🍨🍧🍩🍬🍭🍮🎈🎊🪄🪅🎉
As usual, we extend here our OPEN INVITATION to anyone who’d like to join us for the Saturday Rewatch Parties. Time travel with us in ‘Kairos’ time!!!
6.00am PST
9.00am EST/parts of Canada
10.00am Caracas
2.00pm in London
3.00pm in Paris
4.00pm in Athens
10.00pm in Singapore
😁🤗😘🥛🍪🧋🍕🥤🥧🍵🍱🥢🍤🍚🍊🍉
Ya Queen! Don’t die! 🤣
Just rest for 1 week? 2 months? I won’t say 3 years. 😂
Just take your time. I’ll pray for you all. 🙏🏼 I’m affected in a way because my MIL and brother in laws are in Chicago.
Those are interesting dramas and a variety to choose from but I’ll definitely try to watch Sejeong’s one too.
For cdrama, I’ve started Rosy’s The Story Of Pearl Girl. I’m enjoying it and the story is moving along well. Rosy’s grown a lot in her acting. I think at the beginning I just had to suspend my disbelief in a couple of things 😂 but otherwise I like it. ☺️
Nice to have you back. Thank you!!! 🙇🏻♀️
Kalimera @Packmule3! It is good to hear news from you! I was wondering if you are okay!
Unfortunately, I am not watching dramas for some time now. I have started “Dear Hyeri”, but I haven’t managed to surpass episode 6. And my chingu-s in the thread, were not happy with how it was concluded.
The only c-drama I am watching is: “Fangs of Fortune”. It plays on iQiyi.
As for new shows this month, I may watch: “Mr. Plankton”. “Brewing Love” seems rather interesting, but I don’t want to say that I will watch something and then I most likely won’t…O.o.
I have heard very good comments about “Family by Choice” on Viki. It started on October.
Still, I do hope you are ALL okay. October was a very weird month…
Hi Packmule3, nice to see you back.
@GB, about rewatch: now I’ve ended Life on Mars, it was a good watch. Yet not the kind of drama I’d like to rewatch. So I opt for Kairos. 😉
Dramas soon on air…
– Plankton: I’m ok with main actor, but prefer this actress in secondary roles.
I’m probably out of this one.
– When the phone rings: A drama I’ll try. With actress of “I’m not a robot”.
– Marry You: actress was Anna Lee in The Penthouse. I could try it.
The drama doesn’t have the tag “comedy”, when it sounds a bit comedy?
Some other dramas will air. I don’t list them all but…
– Gangnam B-Side: mystery/crime with Ji Chang Wook and Bibi.
They were a pair in “The Worst Of Evil” and this new drama sends same vibes.
So, I could try it. Sounds like a dark drama.
Except for praying for calm in the States, I’m trying not to think about the elections until tomorrow when it’s (mostly) sorted. For me, it’s now “Que Será, Será.”
It’s Bonfire Night/Guy Fawkes in the UK, so a chilly viewing of fireworks and a special ‘traditional’ menu of sausages, baked beans, tomato soup among other things.
I may watch Mr. Plankton and Brewing Love.
Got it, @GB!
Thanks, @Cleopatra.
October was a roller coaster month here. It generally is during election time but this year is especially contentious because of the two stark choices the electorates have. 🙂
I must get back on my hobby horse (i.e., kdramas) soon.
@Wenchanteur,
There’s also a short series starring Gong Yoo (“Goblin”) and Seo Hyunjin (“Beauty Inside”) to be released this month. It’s a thriller/romance. You may find it interesting.
@Wenchanteur, I only know Bibi as a singer, but I could absolutely imagine her in a dramatic role. It may only be on Disney where I live, so I may have to wait. Thank you for this information.
I have also started story of pearl girl. It is off to a good start.
Hi @monmor were you able to sort out your Youku? I’m not subscribed to it, I watched on other online sites.
I’m enjoying TSOPG even if it’s very angsty. I hope it’ll get better.
@Pm3, it’s “The Trunk”. I have it on my radar, but it’s very end of the month. 😉
I trust more the director than writer (Hwarang) on this one.
He made tons of dramas: Iris, Moon Lovers + 10 others.
@Fern: I had no idea who was Bibi, just liked her role in TWOE. 🥰
Hi @agdr03!
Have your MIL and BIL voted yet? Illinois isn’t a “swing state” (i.e., a state that can “swing” either Republican or Democratic). Illinois is reliably Democratic but your family members should vote nonetheless.
In a sense, this is the reason we have the kind of election we have here in the US. If we just have a popular vote, like most other countries, then the presidential candidates only need to pander to the demands of the big urban areas, like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago, and ignore the rest of nation. But since we have electoral colleges, the candidates must fly all over the country, make their case heard, and earn the votes of even the farmers in Iowa, the steelworkers in Pennsylvania, the southerners in Georgia, the casino resort workers in Nevada, the country folks in North Carolina, and not just the city-dwellers in New York, California, and Illinois.
Your MIL or BIL — if they’re voting for a less popular candidate — may feel that their vote is lost and insignificant if the election is straight-up based on popularity. But vote, vote, vote!
Queen 👋🏻
I have to ask Hubby if they’ve voted already. But I heard 75million Americans have pre voted already. In Australia, you get fined if you don’t vote. I think about $55? It depends on the election. I’ve seen a few shenanigans because I’ve worked as an election officer in the local, state and federal ones. 😊
But you’re right, voting is important even if your candidate doesn’t win.
@Fern,
“Remember, remember the fifth of November, Gunpowder Treason and Plot!”
I find it a bit interesting that UK celebrates a revolution that failed/did NOT happen. 🙂 We have Independence Day (against the British monarchy) the French have Bastille Day (against their monarchy) and you have Bonfire Night (Hurray! Long live the king!).
Hello everyone and thank you @Packmule for great recommendations.
Like @agdr03 and @monmor, I am enjoying The Story if the Pearl Girl. Watching free episodes on YouTube.
I am also enjoying Kill Me, Love Me on Viki – Chinese melodrama in the mood of The Double – with strong leads. It is good up to Ep 18 and then there are hints that the writing is not as strong to the end. Will see.
I have branched out to more J dramas including Grand Maison Tokyo which I recommend for foodies – uplifting ensemble drama with characters with big dreams.
@packmule, yes, it’s very odd to celebrate a failed revolution and to burn the effigy of someone who died by hanging. Bonfire Night has become less of a political statement and more of family fun night here. Different areas make a big bonfire and there will be stalls serving grilled sausages and selling sparklers before the fireworks.
We used to go to one sponsored by the local Air Force Base. They and the locals put together a big roped-off bonfire with a ‘Guy’. The local Ladies’ group had tea and cakes in the village hall in addition to the sausage stalls. The fireworks went off at about 7.30 and it was all done by 8pm in case of school the next day. Good times.
@Kate 👋🏻 I checked TSOPG in YouTube and is it running for 21 or so minutes every episode?
I saw that it will be available in Netflix. It’s better there. 😊
@Kate,
Did you watch “Are You the One”?
Can you clue me in? Who was the archer who shot the arrow at Cui Xing Zhou? Was she the female lead, Liu MianTang? Did she do it as a retaliation?
Or was she the other female who was in love with the exiled prince?
Thanks.
@Wenchanteur, as a singer, BIBI is a very interesting and somewhat controversial person. Some of her songs are rather scandalous for the Korean mindset, but another one, Bam Yan Gang – set in 3/4 time, was so catchy that it resulted in a shortage of walnut jelly in the shops!
YES. Vote Vote Vote. The recent election in British Columbia was decided Based on Vote differences of around a hundred or so in some ridings, Maybe even fewer in some instances.
I am wishing the best for all Americans on this day And the days to come.
I’ll have to open another thread on the elections. 😂
I must go to my doctor’s appt. I injured myself (nothing serious) and ignored it for weeks because I didn’t have time to stop. 🤪 But I can’t rely on painkillers forever and I’m getting tired of wearing flat shoes (I walk like a platypus) and going around with a cane (making me look like a nonagenarian 😭😭), so I’m off to see my doctor then therapist.
Other shows I am considering.
Smile Code. Chinese drama with Lin Yi and Shen Yue.
TRUNK as mentioned above.
I watched the first episode of Brewing Love. Not sure if it is my style.
I finished three japanese dramas-Unmet and Testimony of N. They are both romance mysteries and I would recommend both. They are also nice And short at ten or so episodes. “A life alive”” was also good.
I have been thoroughly engrossed in The group
Rewatch of”365″.
@agdr03 @Kate I have watched two of the Non v I p episodes of a pearl girl on Youku. I may just pay more and watch the rest Or search out an alternative. I think there are at least eight or more episodes out. I did see somewhere.I can put this app on my t.V and that would be great! It is a show that would be very gratifying to watch on A larger screen With a few clicks.
I am busy with other things and Just want to watch shows without administrative hassle.🙂
If story of pearl girl is going to be on netflix I might just wait until then.
A thread for elections! 😂 It’s still fitting though because there’s still us bit—s and dramas, right? 🤣
Oh no! Make sure you get this injury healed properly. 🙏🏼 I’m sure you’re missing your precious heels! 😉
Ka! ☺️
@Packmule3,
I know that it was a very stressful month. We are waiting for the results as well. I totally understand you, though…
I want to share some sad news I have learned and I have the permission to share with all of you. Our @Janey lost her husband last month. It is / was a shocker.
I don’t know if she will online for a while, so I wanted to keep you updated.
If I have any news I will let you know. We met with Janey back in July. I was very happy, because we are conversing with the majority of you since the late 2020.
It is good to see B.O.D having a new thread, after some time!
P.S. I am going to watch “Trunk” too…
Welcome back, @pm3.
I am interested in When the Phone Rings and The Tale Of Lady OK. I will wait for word of mouth about Mr. Plankton, The Trunk, and Brewing Love.
@agdr03 – like @ monmor I have watched Full episodes on Youku. You can watch the first 5 44 minute episodes for free at https://youku.tv
I found a good little bts film where they showed ZL being filmed for the early scenes.
@Packmule, it was indeed the female lead. How far did you get in the show? Roughly. To understand you need to know about a big plot twist. I was surprised by it.
Spoiler spoiler spoiler for Are You the One for @Packmule xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
The amnesiac FL isn’t the lover of the rebel leader.
She is the rebel leader!
That makes sense of the early scene.
@packmule3, I hope that you can get your injury sorted out quickly without too much more trouble or pain. It must have been so awful to need to keep working through the discomfort.
My husband thought he injured his foot. It turned out to be gout. It sounds like something out of an Austen or Thackeray novel, but any time I mention it, I hear about someone else who has it. I’m glad he got it properly diagnosed.
Stay healthy everyone!
Prayers for @Janey and her family, as mentioned by @Cleopatra.
@agdr03 @Kate It seems to me that they keep adding non vip episodes to Story of pearl girl on youku. I did.
Read somewhere something about needing to pay to get to see them sooner. I have now watched up to episode three and still have a few more I can watch. I am not enjoying the male lead’s character yet. I hope he shows some softness soon.
@SF You reminded me that I am also interested in when the phone rings and Tale of lady okay.
@Monmor – I’ve seen 5 episodes. I agree re the ML – especially when compared with the same actor’s character and characterization in Journey to Love. His performance is too flat may also be the writing. It will change I am sure but I am not as engaged as I would like to be
Aware too I am posting on an historic day for all of you in the US. I have been glued to the BBC coverage this morning.
@Kate I think today is a day for banana bread!
About LYN In story of pearl girl
Spoiler spoiler spoiler spoiler
In Some other similar stories where the relationship starts off with the man being literally abusive, the story gives us more opportunities to feel sympathetic towards the male lead. In this drama we learn how he cruelly lost his mother and yet has no sympathy at all for the female lead who just lost her mother. His cruelty seems like cruelty for the sake of cruelty.
So is some of this the acting or is it the writing/directing?
@Monmor, his colleague with the walking stick is meant highlight the the sympathetic aspects of the ML to us. But the gap is wide between his behaviour and that softer aspect. Probably writing and performance combine here imo. His helping of D at the Pearl Hostess Sale…might indicate his thoughtfulness. But he may have had another motive.
@Kate I have still only finished episode three.
There was one scene where his friend with the cane Was hinting that the male lead might have a soft spot for the female lead. There was absolutely nothing from the male lead that confirmed that.
So yes I agree with you About the role of his friend/colleague.
The banana bread turned out pretty good.Although I substituted a cup of carrots, with the missing bananas and only had one and a 1/2.Eggs. I pulverized almonds instead of walnuts. Then my oven did not cooperate. I have needed a new oven since the pandemic when they were not to be found anywhere.
Wow! Best day of the year. I wish I could be american. I’m even less pessimistic than usual, at least for the world outside my doomed country.
Lady Ok is a drama coming at the end of the month (almost december).
I could take a look at it, mostly because there is actress Yeonwoo, my new darling. 😍
@Kate @agdr3
Story of Pearl Girl has picked up for me in episode 4 storywise. His playing his string episode shows a softer side. Are we meant to associate the instrument with his mother or did I imagine that?
Is this a show that deserves its own thread?
Story of pearl girl
I am just starting episode seven and I am excited to see what happens after the ending of six
@Packmule3: I’m very sorry to hear of your injury. I hope you can get the help you need at the doctor and be fully healed soon.
@Janey: I’m so sorry to hear of your husband’s passing. My heartfelt condolences to you and your family.
My mother has been in the hospital 3 times in 3 weeks. She is now out of the hospital and in the rehab center. I am visiting every day. It’s a stressful time for me, so I am needing some good rom coms to help me. Hopefully, November will provide them.
November Korean Dramas I want to check out:
Brewing Love- I like the FL actress-Please be good, show!
Mr. Plankton- Woo Do Hwan back on my screen in a rom com? Yes, please! (Praying that this is really a rom com and not a melodrama with comedy elements)
Marry You- I like ML actor and hopefully he will bring the funny for this rom com.
Love Your Enemy- On Viki. This may be considered more of a December watch since it premieres at the end of the month
Social Savvy Class 101- On Viki. Looks to be a cute youth drama. Apparently, the main leads fell in love in real life while making this drama.
I will wait for viewer feedback and reviews for:
When the Phone Rings
The Trunk
Chinese Dramas I want to check out in November:
Smile Code- On Viki. I like the cast even if the plot is rather cliche.
Several new Chinese dramas on Netflix recently:
Love Game in Eastern fantasy
Kill Me Love Me
The Story of Pearl Girl premieres on Netflix Nov. 16.
Hi @Table, I’m sorry to hear about your mum being in and out of the hospital. It’s tiring as well as stressful. My prayers go with you and your mum. Please do take care of yourself and rest enough on top of watching some good dramas.
I caught AvenueX’s review of Love Game of Eastern Fantasy and it sounded okay. I’ll wait until the middle of December before I start something new. 🙂
Thank you for your kind words and encouragement regarding my mother, @GB. I appreciate it. Thanks for the info about Avenue X review of “Love Game of Eastern Fantasy.” I do enjoy her channel and find her reviews interesting, even if I don’t always agree with her.
Yes, watching dramas does help me decompress. Hopefully there will be some good ones in November.
Hi @Table122000. I hope this finds you well. Sending you prayers for you and your Mom. It can be very exhausting but you’re not alone. Hopefully the drama gods can help you distress.
I haven’t started any kdrama yet but I’m hoping to start Brewing Love soon.
Is anyone watching Iron Family? It is a charming weekender with a great cast. I am a fan of Kim Jung Hyun and it makes me happy to see him in excellent form.
@SF I am interested in watching iron family. I will have a look at the first episode.
Thank you for your prayers and encouragement for me and my mother, @agdr03. I appreciate it. I’ve been focusing on my “comfort watches” lately. I am also interested in “Brewing Love.” I’m waiting to se the feedback from viewers and critics before investing my time.
Hi @Table122000 I hope this finds you well and your Mom too. It’s good to know you’re getting your comfort watches. I am interested in Brewing Love too but I just need start it. It’s a pity it’s not on Netflix.
Hi @agdr03-
My mother is slowly recovering. We are taking it one day at a time. Yes, Brewing love is on Viki. I understand where you are coming from with not being able to start a drama watch. Luckily, since Brewing Love is 12 episodes total, you can just wait and do a binge watch in 2 weeks.
That’s the best way to go about it @Table122000, take it one day at a time. 🙏🏼
I’ll see how I go about Brewing Love. I’m into Mr Plankton and When The Phone Rings so that’s 2 dramas already.
I’m not keen on starting any cdramas yet.
A new Jdorama with Ren Meguro has just been released on Viki: Where Does the Sea Begin. I’m a few minutes into the first episode, and it seems promising.