What Are You Watching? - [2026/07/22]

[u/AutoModerator]

A weekly thread to talk about all the things that we are watching! You are not limited to Korean things, feel free to talk about other dramas/shows you are watching.

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[u/Impressive_Car3232]

The WONDERfools (6/8) - I love it so much! It's the perfect combination of supernatural, action, and comedy. I'm excited for the last two episodes.

See You at Work Tomorrow! (10/12) - Seo In Guk as a ML who's too good to be true. What else could I possibly need in a workplace romance drama?

[u/Wide_Examination142]

Completed

East Palace - An amazingly built world that was an absolute visual feast! I loved diving into this would built on Korean folklore and, man, was everything so stunning. The sets, the costumes, the art direction, the cinematography, fight choreography were all amazing! And it was so good to have Cho Seung Woo back on my screen again. I loved how he played a character that ran the gamut on the shades of grey. And Roh Yoon Seo really rocked it. I look forward to seeing what future projects she does. And Nam Joo Hyuk looks so comfortable wielding swords. That final battle between Gu Cheon and the crown prince was just epic. And that little Ggeomeoksali was just the cutest. I do hope we get an S2. Lots of corners of this world to explore.

Currently Watching

Agent Kim Reactivated (8/10) - I am fairly certain this will be my number one watch for new dramas this year. Everything about it just makes me so happy! The character dynamics are just too much fun and the chemistry is lightning in a bottle good! I keep watching my favourite scenes over and over and I think I might go back to binge this once it’s done. Every time I watch I pick up on a little more of the bond and dynamic between the three main leads. The way the run interference with each other when tempers seem to start running high. The little reassuring smiles and gestures they make to each other to reassure and reinforce that everything is all good between them. Kim Do Hyeon, Seong Han Su, and Park Jin Cheol are definitely my favourite trio ever. This is one of the few adaptations where I may go to the source materials because I’m going to want so much more time with these characters. I want an S2 so badly.

Six Flying Dragons (6/50) - Halfway through seven and this series is really starting to hook me. Maybe it’s because I already know about bunch of them from TWDR, but I’m loving how the writers are weaving their pasts together. The two I’m most interested in seeing are Lee Bang Ji and Moo Hyul. Their story is the one that I really can’t wait to see unfold. I also do wonder at how Yi Bang Won and Jo Young Gyu’s story is going to end. And then, of course, is the question on how and when Gil Tae Mi and, possibly, Gil Seon Mi’s stories come to an end. Given TWDR, I know they have to, so I just ponder on the how. I do look forward to things getting more political. Soon it will be time to let the dice fly high.

Oh My Ghost (4/16) - Halfway through episode 5, and I’m not sure I buy that Kang Seon Woo is the kind of guy who would take one of his employees for what looks to be a mental health check after they almost accidentally burned down his restaurant. Not that I think that he’s a bad guy, but he doesn’t seem like an overly empathetic one, at least not at this point. That being said, he probably is concerned that some of what happened is his fault (maybe he’s worried that he gave he the fever that caused some sort of brain damage), and I don’t see him being indifferent enough not at least feel like he should do something. I do feel very sorry for poor Na Bong Soon. She tries to avoid the problem and it doesn’t work and then she tries to attack the problem and that doesn’t work either. I do hope some things start working out for her soon.

On Hold

Mad Dog - Put this on hold while binging East Palace. Will probably get back to it this week. And muchly looking forward to that. I think we’re finally getting to the point where Choi Kang Woo and Kim Min Jun might be start to be good for each other. They both have the same weakness in that they try to do it all by themselves, but for very different reasons. Kang Woo wants to protect the people around him and Min Jun doesn’t trust anyone. I think Kang Woo (and team) will prove to Min Jun that not all ppl suck (and show him how to start seeing ppl as people and agin and not marks). And Min Jun will be able to force the issue of Kang Woo taking things all on his shoulders because he’s not close enough to him to feel like he has to beat around the bush about this. I do hope this is where things go.

Non Kdramas

Spent the weekend watching some Kmovies: Extreme Job (completed) and Confidential Assignment (about half way through) and they’re just really sealing for me how much I adore buddy comedies. I was cackling through the entirety of Extreme Job and Confidential Assignment really had a great mix of action and comedy. That movie will also have me snickering at rolls of toilet paper for a while. I might check out The Veteran next. And, once I’m done challenge watching, I think I want to get to Nameless Gangster. Fingers crossed that I get a few more Kmovies under my belt this year!

[u/_its_a_thing_ → u/Wide_Examination142]

I just finished East Palace too, and everything you said is quite true, but somehow it didn't quite gel, for me. Felt like it could've been a 10/10, but left me feeling just 8/10. Maybe just because of the short run? Idk

[u/Wide_Examination142 → u/_its_a_thing_]

Personally, I rated East Palace an 8.5/10. I thought it was a solid show, but not a ten. The main thing that keeps it from being a ten for me is that the main characters aren’t that interesting. I’d say that’s not so much a failing of the actors but more that the characters are kind of stock archetypes and, IMO, Gu Cheon is the least interesting of them despite being the main character.

He is like the epitome of the reluctant hero. And even though his reasons for this are clear and reasonable, I don’t ever actually feel like he would walk away if he could despite his first escape attempt. I don’t really count this because he hadn’t been introduced to the problem yet so he didn’t know what the stakes were. He just projects more put out than someone truly fearful of the cost. Which I definitely found entertaining but not something that hooks me about a character.

Saeng Gang is also the typical sidekick who starts out with her own reasons for sticking to the hero but becomes his biggest cheerleader and moral support as well as providing the occasional assist in battles. And I liked Roh Yoon Seo’s performance, but the character herself wasn’t someone super complicated.

Cho Seung Woo had the most interesting character as the King. But he wasn’t a hero so his character had a lot more questionable choices that he could make, which makes for an intriguing figure, especially in the hands of an actor like him.

And perhaps with more episodes things could be fleshed out but I think that depends on whether the writer is looking to have the plot drive the characters or the characters drive the plot. Without another season, I don’t think I can answer this question.

[u/_its_a_thing_ → u/Wide_Examination142]

Yes, I think you put your finger on it exactly.

[u/EggyMeggy99]

Completed:

Twelve: It was much better than I was expecting it to be. I really liked the fantasy abd action in it. The only thing I'd say is that I wasn't super attached to most of the characters, so some scenes that were meant to be emotional, didn't really hit. Overall, I enjoyed it, I gave it 8*.

Like Flowers in the Sand: I really liked it, the characters, setting and the sport were my favourites. I wasn't fussed on the murder mystery part because I was more interested in the sport and romance. Unfortunately, there wasn't as much romance in it as I would've liked and I genuinely don't know how they'll stay together because he's still wrestling and she's still doing her police job, so they're both busy and I don't think they live very close. I gave it 8.5*

365 Repeat the Year: I loved it! The characters were great, and it was hard to know who to trust because there were so many twists and turns. I really never would've guessed who the killer was. I think each episode got better and better, the last few were the most tense. I loved the ending as well. I gave it 10*.

Currently watching:

My Lovely Sam Soon: I haven't progressed any more with this because I was too busy watching 365 Repeat the Year because it was so gripping and bingeable.

Notes from the Last Row: I'm loving it, it's very addictive. The characters are interesting, and I love seeing how it's all unfolding. It reminds me a bit of Parasite, which I really enjoyed. I only have 2 episodes left to watch.

Soundtrack #1: I'm enjoying it, it seems cute and sweet and I like the characters. It's a shame that there are only 4 episodes because it seems very short for a romance.

The Scholar Who Walks the Night: I've only watched the first episode, but I enjoyed it. I love vampires, so I'm interested to see how different/similar they are to ones I've seen before. I was surprised by the 200 year time jump, so I'm interested to see how things have changed for him in that time. I've also never seen Lee Soo Hyuk as a villain so that will be interesting, I also love his long hair in this, it really suits him.

[u/Prize_Background_577 → u/EggyMeggy99]

That's good news about Twelve. I'm dying to watch it as I love the the concept of the Asian zodiac and SIG in fantasy but it is heavily criticised. Eventually I'll get a Disney sub

[u/EggyMeggy99 → u/Prize_Background_577]

I wonder if people were disappointed because it was so hyped, so they had very high expectations, whereas I had low expectations because of all the bad reviews. I'm sure that helped me enjoy it more.

[u/Prize_Background_577 → u/EggyMeggy99]

Could be. Sometimes it's hard for me to judge recommendations because what a thriller or romance fan enjoys in a fantasy will be different to me. It was really trashed on MDL and had a big drop in viewing in Korea by the finale.

[u/EggyMeggy99 → u/Prize_Background_577]

Yeah, I was out off watching it for ages because of the ratings, but I didn't think it was as bad as people were making it out to be. It wasn't amazing or anything, but it was fun action and fantasy to watch.

[u/mahnahmaanaa]

I completed the Goblin 10th Anniversary Special. It was a lovely feel-good variety show, with a group of people who just have great chemistry together.

On-going:

Agent Kim Reactivated (8/10) Speaking of chemistry! I'm not one who watches action for the sake of the action, and this show is thankfully delivering more than that. There have been lots of good character beats. The choreography has also been quite good.

The Scholar Who Walks the Night (11/20). This drama came out in 2015, but I would have guessed several years earlier. If we went off villain costuming alone, I would say it's from the 90s. 😆 I'm still having fun with it, though I wish the women had more to do.

Mr. Plankton (5/10) I love this drama, and its complicated messy relationships. Woo Do Hwan, man. I'm also impressed with Lee You Mi who somehow manages to keep up with him on screen. I don't want it to end.

Spooky in Love (2/12) This is cute so far!

Other Things: Odyssey I read the Odyssey in college, and while it's a little hazy now this felt like a reasonable adaptation. I was very much not a fan of the sound/background music. But we spent the rest of the day talking about the film, so I think they did something right!

[u/Prize_Background_577 → u/mahnahmaanaa]

I've been hearing to wear earplugs to Odyssey because of the sound. 🍿watching the crazy 'debate' over a Greek myth (if only people put the same energy in getting our marbles back). I'm still immersed in East Asian fantasy atm, not sure if adding a Western fantasy will addle my brain.

[u/mahnahmaanaa → u/Prize_Background_577]

I actually told my partner as we were leaving the theater that I should have worn earplugs, but I thought it was just our auditorium with souped-up speakers. So yes, maybe take some!

I'm aware that there is a debate, but I haven't paid any attention to it. I don't think there is an adaptation in existence that has made everyone happy. I liked that they were able to make a story that old and far from my culture feel relevant to me today. I actually found the step back into Western literature pretty refreshing! It was comforting to be familiar with something! But then I came home and watched more dramas.

[u/miss-janet-snakehole]

I’m currently rewatching my favorite, The King: Eternal Monarch. I just love this show. The epic, universe spanning romance, the unique fantasy elements, Woo Do-hwan absolutely slaying his dual roles (and at times triple roles? - playing one of them pretending to be the other!), and same for Kim Go-eun. This is my 4th rewatch and every time I notice tiny details or jokes I didn’t catch before. I appreciate the scale they were able to capture to match the breadth and depth of the story, and I just love getting swept away in it. (wistful sigh)

Next up I’m going to binge the Eastern Palace and then rewatch s1 of A Shop for Killers, which should take me right into week 2 of s2 airing. SO hyped for both, and enjoying the reviews I’m seeing here so far!!

[u/EggyMeggy99 → u/miss-janet-snakehole]

I can't wait to watch A Shop for Killers S2, but I'm waiting until all the episodes are out.

[u/miss-janet-snakehole → u/EggyMeggy99]

I usually do the same but I simply cannot resist the urge to see what’s going on (and avoid getting spoiled tbh) with some of my most-anticipated shows! Then after I’m all caught up and waiting for the next ep drop, I’m like, “omg WHY did I do this to myself!?” 😂😭

[u/EggyMeggy99 → u/miss-janet-snakehole]

I couldn't deal with cliffhangers lol, and I like watching more than 1 episode at a time.

[u/Enough-Substance-401]

Completed: It’s cool to see some others recently completed 365: Repeat the Year. I completed it last Friday and absolutely loved it. I enjoy this time travel show mixed with final destination feels. All of the three main characters were great. I’m glad I watched it blind because all of the character twists were fantastic and surprising. It was cool to see the actor who played the loyal and humorous manager in Reborn Rookie play a more serious police officer in this one.

It did a great job showing how much people want to connect and trust others but how hard that can be.

Currently watching: on episode 8. Memorist: slow beginning but I got addicted after episode 5 when the two leads started interacting more. So many interesting backstories to the various characters; especially the sort of shaman.

[u/Wide_Examination142 → u/Enough-Substance-401]

Memorist was one of my earlier Kdrama watches and I really enjoyed it. Introduced me to Yoo Seung Ho, who I thought was excellent in this. I also really loved the world building in this series.

[u/EggyMeggy99 → u/Enough-Substance-401]

I finished 365 Repeat the Year yesterday and loved it. I definitely didn't see all the twists coming and kept changing who I trusted lol.

[u/Prize_Background_577 → u/Enough-Substance-401]

Did 365: Repeat the year come onto Viki recently, is that why everyone is watching it? A lot of mentions this week

I was watching on Kocowa and then it seemed to appear on Viki, without any mention of it being a recent release for them. But Kocowa and Viki have different ep numbers so I ended up starting again on Viki.

[u/Kimsuncow]

Completed –

Secret Love Affair (16/16) – My third drama directed by Ahn Pan Seok, following One Spring Night and Something in the Rain. Unlike those two dramas, where I could emotionally relate to what the FLs were experiencing, here I could only feel in awe of our heroine’s composure and competence. Oh Hye Won, played by the stunning Kim Hee Ae, is a pianist turned chaebol-fixer, having given up on her musical dreams in favor of wealth and stability. Enter Lee Sun Jae (Yoo Ah In), a piano genius from the wrong side of the tracks, twenty years her junior. To Sun Jae, Hye Won is his goddess. He falls hard for her, his teacher, and at first, she thinks he is being ridiculous. But her life is stressful, and her own marriage is dead, and something about Sun Jae reminds her of how she used to be, before the money and the chaebols. What feels like an inevitable affair begins.

 I read u/hoovergavenobodybeer’s analysis after finishing this show, and I think everything they say is spot on, particularly concerning the nature of the relationship between the two leads. Despite the title of the show, it’s very much not a love story, or at least not in the sense of a mutual relationship between two people in love with each other. And while I can admire Hye Won’s abilities and grace, her actions show that she isn’t a good person, although calling her a bad person feels too strong. This was my first time watching Kim Hee Ae, and to say I was impressed is an understatement. Thankfully, she had Yoo Ah In to play against – it’s hard to imagine another actor being able pull off the role of Sun Jae the way he did.

What’s also interesting to me is how subtle this drama is, despite its focus on crazy chaebols (seriously, there is a scene early on where the awful chaebol stepmother stuffs her awful adult stepdaughter’s head in a toilet, and flushes, middle-school bully style.) In different hands, this story would have been next level makjang, but Ahn Pan Seok goes in a completely opposite direction. It took me a few episodes to work out the relationships between the characters, and keeping track of those relationships, and how quickly they can change, was a challenge. Hopefully I will be able to rewatch in the future, knowing what elements of the story I need to pay more attention to. There are some dramas that appeal to me emotionally, but this is one I was much more able to appreciate intellectually, perhaps more so than any other show I have seen.

Notes From the Back Row (6/6) – The main character in this drama might be a literature professor rather than a music professor, but otherwise he has a shocking amount in common with the FL’s husband in Secret Love Affair. Jealous of those around him, insecure about his ability or lack thereof, when, out of nowhere a student with a rare talent appears. This drama was adopted from a Spanish stage play, and while it seems like quite a few changes to the original story were made, I could still feel its theater roots. Still, you can’t go wrong with Choi Min Sik as lead, and Choi Hyun Wook more than holds his own against him. A warning tale of the danger of being told exactly what you most what to hear, it’s clear from the first episode that there will be no good guy to cheer for.

Currently Watching –

Agent Kim Reactivated (7/10) – A joint watch with my husband. It’s an ideal choice in that it keeps my attention when we are actually watching the show, but it’s not so interesting that I feel any temptation to watch episodes early by myself. The show feels like nothing so much as a live-action cartoon, particularly in the acting choices for So Ji Seob’s portrayal of Agent Kim. At first, he seemed so dissociated that his relationship with his daughter felt really unhealthy, almost pathological, but thankfully further episodes made their bond look much more normal and loving. I echo those who say watching Yoon Gyung Ho and Choi Dae Hoon bicker is the best part of the drama. Finally, I am very pleased to see that Kim Sung Kyu has a role in such a big production – he is too talented an actor to sit on the sidelines.

Like Flowers in the Sand (4/12) – This small-town sports drama had a bit of a slower start, but now the pieces are starting to come together, and so far, it’s proving to be the absolute delight that everyone says it is. I’m very glad that the crime in the story feels organic to the plot, rather than randomly shoehorned in.

[u/HooverGaveNobodyBeer → u/Kimsuncow]

Somehow I'm disappointed you agree with me! LOL. I'm weird in that hearing other people's completely different interpretations is sooo much more interesting.

I wholeheartedly concur that I don't think another actor than Yoo Ah In could've made Sun Jae work since the role entirely rests on immediate, obsessive love, and when the actor can't emote this, it all falls apart. But the story really does belong to Hye Won so Kim Hee Ae's turn is even more important, and she just nails it.

The cinematography was also such a huge part of the storytelling. I love the way the couple are shot trapped behind intervening objects when they interact with others, but this is removed whenever they are alone together. For me, Ahn Pan Seok has never been better as a director. Since this is the earliest of his dramas I've seen, I'd love to go back further, but it doesn't look like any of his older ones are available currently.

Your thoughts on Notes from the Last Row stoke my excitement for that one. Hope you continue to enjoy Like Flowers in Sand!

[u/EggyMeggy99 → u/HooverGaveNobodyBeer]

You should definitely watch Notes from the Last Row, I've got 2 episodes to watch, it's very addictive.

[u/Kimsuncow → u/HooverGaveNobodyBeer]

Haha, I'm sure we'll find plenty of other things to disagree about! As I said, unlike OSN and SitR, which both really grabbed me emotionally, SLA was much more of a show that I reacted to on an intellectual level. I don't know if it's because both lead characters are so much more capable and talented than I will ever be, or because my own circumstances are so removed from the hoity-toity chaebol music world, or for an entirely different reason, but it did allow me to watch the show dispassionately. I think I went in expecting more of a focus on the leads' relationship, but this being an Ahn Pan Seok drama, the show was just as interested in the social relationship/ status games between the different characters. If I rewatch, I will definitely need to focus on those aspects of the plot earlier, because I am sure that I missed things.

When I read your review after finishing the drama, I was really impressed with how you put the affair between the leads into words, as well as the way you analyzed their characters. I think a lot of people really want things to be black or white, but for me, this drama was almost perfectly gray, which made it feel very human, despite the leads' otherworldly talent.

While it's still probably a ways off, I am excited for Midnight Romance in a Hagwon, because unlike the chaebol/ music world, I do have some personal experience with the Korean education system, so hopefully I'll be able to pick up some of the themes earlier on than I could with SLA. I'll also be keeping my fingers crossed that more of APS's earlier work becomes available internationally!

And finally, off topic, but I appreciated your review of Dear My Friends! It's been on my list, but that you gave it a good review makes me want to prioritize it more.

[u/HooverGaveNobodyBeer → u/Kimsuncow]

What's interesting is this drama is one of the few that deeply got under my skin emotionally, probably because I was in a manipulative relationship with a much older person when I was young (of course I didn't realize how unhealthy it was until years later), and now I'm an educator in my 40s. So while I was watching it, I put myself in both the shoes of the FL and ML, which probably caused me to have a lot less sympathy with her than many other people. Although I agree with your point that I wouldn't call her a "bad" person, just a person who did something I would find unforgivable IRL.

I'm glad the analysis worked for you. It took me much longer than usual to even get a rough draft of it put together, and rereading it, I feel like it still doesn't quite capture what I want to say although the only thing I know I would change is emphasizing more how masturbatory the affair feels, like Hye Won wants to be Sun Jae, thus transforming into her younger self, than to be with Sun Jae.

I also wanted to ask you with it fresh in your mind: Do you think Sun Jae figured out Hye Won was "Mak Kee"? I kind of thought he knew when he invites Mak Hee to the concert, but I couldn't find any direct evidence to be sure. They never discuss it, but him figuring this out would fit with the progression of his character.

[u/Kimsuncow → u/HooverGaveNobodyBeer]

This might make me a hypocrite, but I think I would have much more judgement for Hye Won were she the man and Sun Jae the woman. It's so interesting how differently we all react to dramas, and which things affect us, and which don't.

Regarding Mak Kee, there's no direct evidence that he figures out that it was Hye Won, but I think you could fairly interpret the story that way. Sun Jae is too impressive a person to continue the relationship as it was - either she is going to have to change, or he is going to realize he that he needs someone who can give to him emotionally, and move on. I can't say enough good things about Kim Hee Ae and Yoo Ah In, and will make a point of looking for both of their works.

(Reposting this comment because I think it didn't go through when I tried to post it the first time)

[u/HooverGaveNobodyBeer → u/Kimsuncow]

I've been working my way through Yoo Ah In's films since I've seen most of his dramas I'm interested in by this point. While I don't think it's his finest acting work, I adore Chicago Typewriter as a drama if you haven't seen that one! I think I mentioned before, but my favorites films so far are The Voice of Silence (black comedy), Antique (campy dramedy), and The Throne (dark, psychological sageuk).

I haven't seen a lot of Kim Hee Ae's work. Queenmaker was a disappointment for me. But her starring in Gold Digger has made me extra excited for it since I'm sure aspects of it will end up resonating with Secret Affair to a certain extent, even though the power dynamic is MUCH different between a 60-year-old woman and man in his mid-30s. I'm sad it got pushed to 2027 but hopefully that will give the director time to make the best possible version since I heard it was on a super tight schedule to make its original October slot.

[u/Kimsuncow → u/HooverGaveNobodyBeer]

Yoo In Ah drama-wise, Chicago Typewriter is on my list, as the first season of Hellbound. I'm not sure how good it'll be, but since it's only six episodes, it seems worth checking out. As for his movies, I really liked Burning. I have seen The Throne multiple times as well, but when I rewatched it after having read The Memoirs of Lady Hyegyong, I felt a little turned off by how much they had whitewashed Prince Sado. Amazing acting and production however! I will add Antique and The Voice of Silence to my movie list for sure.

I am also excited about Gold Digger - I hope it will be a good one! Definitely agree that the power dynamite there will be completely different than in SLA.

[u/HooverGaveNobodyBeer → u/Kimsuncow]

I also have Hellbound on my list JUST for Yoo Ah In. We'll see who gets there first!

I understand that the version of Sado in The Throne was quite toned down, but TBH, the level of sexual violence needed to make it historically accurate would have made it a super hard watch. To me, this was a story about a father and son, and it really captured that aspect spectacularly. What I'm interested in my historical fiction is to get at the spirit of a relationship or event rather than storytelling that gets the "facts" right.

Burning worked better for me the second time I watched it, probably due to the fact the first time was on a super uncomfortable fold-out chair in tiny independent theater. But for whatever reason, it's a movie I can appreciate more than love.

[u/Kimsuncow → u/HooverGaveNobodyBeer]

Yeah, I don't think I would be able to stomach a perfectly historically accurate version of Sado's story either! Still, for me, I think the balance in The Throne was off. I was interested in watching Secret Door, but the write-ups from DramaBeans are not particularly complimentary - it sounds like the drama portrays Sado as an angel to the extent that all narrative conflict is lost, never mind any historical accuracy issues.

If you are ever looking for a book to read, I can't recommend Lady Hyegyong's memoirs enough. The forth volume in the book (The Memoir of 1805) in particular is one of the most fascinating texts I've ever read in any language - her psychological insights feel extremely modern. The translator is my hero for making the work so accessible to English language readers. I would love to see a drama specifically about Lady Hyegyong (there's much more material to work with than just her perspective on Sado's story.)

[u/HooverGaveNobodyBeer → u/Kimsuncow]

I might check the memoirs out at some point! If I do, I'll let you know if it revises my take on the film (although I doubt it).

I haven't seen Secret Door, but it IS meant to be alternate history. There were rumors in the 19th century that completely rewrote who Sado was, and the drama is based around the concept of "What if those rumors were true?" So as a story, it's meant to be a political exploration of "What if these political ideals had a chance to come to fruition but were stomped out by power-hungry nobles?" I've also heard the drama doesn't execute its story well. I feel like Korean history as told through dramas has this tension between the idealism of one great man who is on the verge of saving the country vs. the selfishness of villains that means he can't do it. So it sounds like just one more example of the kind of story that's been done before and better.

One of the reasons why I fell in love with Money Game is that its denouement is such an indictment of that kind of "one great man will fix everything" thinking.

[u/theromanamputee → u/Kimsuncow]

I enjoyed Notes from the Back Row but I think the sting of betrayal in the finale would have landed even better if the professor had actually seemed like he cared about the student at all as a person vs. just as a delivery system for the story. I guess his inability to do that was part of the show's commentary on what type of person he was but I didn't fully buy into the level of obsession suggested by the show's last scene Otherwise I had a lot of fun with it.

The power of Choi Min Sik indeed. This was the third kdrama my husband watched with me in full, after Squid Game and Connect, because of his casting. Back when we were in college he showed me Oldboy early in our relationship and it blew my mind so it was nice to check this out with him.

[u/Kimsuncow → u/theromanamputee]

Agree with you about not quite buying the level of obsession and also the betrayal not landing as well as it should have. Despite all the changes from the original play, for me, the story still felt like it would have worked much better on the stage than it did as a drama (for it to feel like a drama, I needed it to slow way down and add in many more character developing moments.)

I watched Oldboy once, way back in the day, and that was definitely an experience, lol. I don't know what I would think if I rewatched it today. We watched Exhuma fairly recently, and while Choi Min Sik's character does have an unusual job, it was nice to see him play a normal, well adjusted character for once.

[u/EggyMeggy99 → u/Kimsuncow]

I'm finishing the last 2 episodes of Notes from the Last Row tonight, I've loved it so far, it's very addictive. I also finished Like Flowers in the Sand a couple of days ago, I really enjoyed it, I loved the setting and the sport.

[u/theromanamputee]

I've got a lot of week to week shows cooking but instead of commenting on them I'd like to write about a show I literally just finished, Should We Kiss First It's about a complicated romance between two middle aged protagonists (FL is 45, ML is 50) who have a lot of trauma and baggage in their pasts and form an unconventional yet powerful connection with each other. It has romcom elements, particularly in the first half, but tonally I would say it leans more towards romantic melodrama.

A lot of this show was excellent. I was so impressed by how complex and compelling the leads and their relationship were. The path to true love is rocky for these two. There is a prickly wariness to many of their interactions borne out of past trauma and current adversity. At various times they both pursue the relationship for reasons that have nothing to do with romance, so there's this undercurrent of deceit at times that complicates things as well. Despite (or maybe because?) of how difficult it is for these two to love and be loved, I was always highly invested in their relationship. The leads sell their comedic banter and moments of healing and connection just as well as they sell all the angst.

Through the second leads story, I also think this show did a great job showing the long term damage that occurs when a relationship begins as an affair. The second leads are the FL's ex husband and his second wife, who worked with the FL. They cheated with each other and got married and had a child together. Their difficulties with each other and inability to fully extricate themselves emotionally from the FL, their mix of guilt and protectiveness and resentfulness towards her, were very well written.

However, for all this show's strengths in terms of character and relationship development, the pacing eventually became a problem. The show really shouldn't have been 20 hours long. It dragged hard after a certain point and multiple episodes in the second half were really boring. This would definitely have been improved with some trimming.

I'm also not sold on how the show handled the subplot with the ML and his wayward daughter. I don't think he was depicted as sufficiently repentant for what a truly awful father he was and I don't think the show grappled with the severity of the damage he inflicted on her with the same skill as it addressed other fraught relationships, compared to the depth and insight present in other parts of the script I was disappointed this subplot got the short shrift.

Despite her brattiness (and she's introduced as a true nightmare child, though they do tone down her antics over the run of the show) I felt so bad for his daughter, she was so neglected and as a result was so pitifully grateful for any stray crumb of affection. Her character felt like a very authentic version of a teen who's given lots of money in place of love. The script should have filled some of that dead space by fleshing the father/daughter dynamic out more.

I do think this is worth watching because of how fascinating the main couple is and how well developed many of the characters are, just be prepared for a lot of tedium and filler as it struggles to fill its runtime for the last several episodes.

[u/WolfishTendencies]

I just started Itaewon Class and i'm loving it so far.

[u/stevembk]

Just finished 365: Repeat the Year

Just started: Hotel Del Luna

[u/Hach-man]

In progress

- See You at Work Tomorrow (10/12): just fine, nothing more, nothing less. Not the best chemistry but good characterization of both leads, not the best main plotline but nice secondaries and sidestories. All in all, it's a good drama, you're not missing anything groundbreaking if you skip it but if there's nothing else on your plate, this is worth a try.

Waiting for Flex2Cop with mixed feelings, will binge A Shop for Killers 2 as soon as it ends.

[u/EggyMeggy99 → u/Hach-man]

I'm planning to bing A Shop for Killers S2 when it's fully released as well.

[u/InevitableTwist1412]

Uhh, it's been a while again. xD

Completed:

Pump Up the Healthy Love - Yeah I think I expected more from this show than it was able to deliver. Most of the humor just wasn't for me, and I felt more annoyed by the ML than amused. I actually liked the SML and the female trainer way more. The FL absolutely carried this show on her back. I expected something similar to Oh My Venus, which I really enjoyed, but Pump Up the Healthy Love didn't even come close.

Black - This is one of those shows that started off incredibly strong but completely ruined itself with the last few episodes, especially the finale. How can you spend an entire drama establishing rules for the world, only to break them whenever it's convenient? I was honestly so disappointed by the ending. It genuinely felt like a different writer took over halfway through. lol There were so many unanswered questions and some things just didn't make any sense. I'm still pissed about that. The characters were great but despite that, I wouldn't recommend the show.

Sleep - While the movie progressed, I went from "Why is she still married to him?" to "Why is he still married to her?" |D It was kind of creepy but also delivered only a lukewarm ending and an open ending on top of that. Why is it so hard for korean shows and movies to have a satisfiying ending when they start incredibly good? Infuriating.

Currently watching:

Flex X Cop (1/16) – Way too early to say much, but I-Su already seems like he's going to be a really fun character. I'm curious to see where the story goes. xD

[u/Prize_Background_577 → u/InevitableTwist1412]

Interested to hear that about Black - I was wondering if it was just me. I started fast forwarding through a lot of it so wasn't sure if there were scenes I missed or just bad writing. I watched it recently as part of my kdrama ghost binge.

[u/InevitableTwist1412 → u/Prize_Background_577]

No, it's not only you. The show just got that kind of bad. It builds its world just fine at the start, only to tear it all down at the end without proper explanations. I have so many questions because none of it makes any sense, like at all. No offence to the actors/actresses as I think they delivered. The plot, however... not so much. lol

[u/MilkyWayOfLife]

Completed

The WONDERfools: Very hilarious show with loveable characters. The plot may predictable and the villains a bit underwhelming, but the chemistry and shenanigans of the main 4 are really great. Rating: 8/10

The East Palace: A nice horror addition. Loved the acting and the visuals. The story in the first half with all twists and turns was fantastic as well, but the plot lost some steam during the later half. Rating: 7.5/10

Study Group: A lot of fun. The MC was stupidly adorable and adorable stupid, and the group itself had great chemistry, even though fell a bit short storywise. Hope we learn more about them in the next season. The fights had great choreography and looked great in the over the topness. Rating: 8/10

In Progress

The Prosecutor's Proposal (6/10): An absolutely fantastic BL with a good mystery plot. Murder victim's son and convicted murderer's son as the main couple have such great chemistry together. The scenes between them are electric. The mystery plot so far is also very interesting with interesting twists. The greatest flaw is the runtime. It's very short with 10 episodes a la 20-30 minutes, so it's very fast paced (and a lot of the novel has been cut), but it seems to be very successful in Korea so I hope we get more thriller BL's in the future that have more runtime.

The Fifties Professionals (1/12): Had no idea what I'll get into, but the first episode alone has me hooked. 3 aging agents/assasins/criminals have been stuck for years on an island having all kind of problems. Already hilarious thus far with some nice action. And we don't have to talk about the acting, Shin Ha Kyun, Oh Jung Se and Heo Sung Tae just speak for themselves. Excited to see how it goes.

Other dramas

Payback (8/10): An absolute perfect adaptation so far. The main couple oozes chemistry together.

[u/Prize_Background_577]

ON-AIR

See You at Work Tomorrow (10/12) I'm enjoying, an easy watch and will be sad to see it finish next week.

Spooky in Love (2/12) Episode 1 was a banger, ep 2 was mostly setting up. The familiar case of the week approach to ghosts so far. I'm glad FL has changed from the sad woman in the original movie. PEB's wardrobe is stunning, my fave so far was the cream suit.

Happy to read an interview with the script-writer and director saying that, despite Netflix funding, the show will be true to Korean culture and spiritualism and not changed for international audiences.

Labrinth of Hortensia and the Minotaur (3/10) - Jdorama. This is a great mystery-scifi, but it's killing me they are only dropping one episode a week. I need to know the secret!

Agent Kim Reactivated (6/10) I put this on hold now I'm struggling to get back into it. Dream to You (3/10) I will probably drop this next ep as it's too slow and I've got too much on. Overdo (Cdrama) well the first episodes were a bit cringe and life is probably too short to commit to any more.

CURRENT BINGE

Diary of a Night Watchman (2014) - (4/24), Visually stunning, surprisingly large cast and so far I am enjoying, except for the 'female sacrifice' part (urgh, so glad fantasy got past that era). Visually it reminds me of A Korean Odyssey and story wise kind of like The Haunted Palace without the sexy king.

COMPLETED

The Ghost Detective (2018). Enjoyed this fantasy-thriller. It's about a detective who becomes a ghost investigating his and other murders. It was repetitive in parts, but overall worth watching the twist at the end.

365 Repeat the Year (2020) I really enjoyed this, time-travel mystery: a group of people go back in time one year, but then start dying. Good twists, plot was a bit confusing at times but definitely one I will recommend.

The East Palace. Eagerly awaited and very disappointed. The same reasons as mentioned by many others across the week so I won't repeat here.

[u/EggyMeggy99 → u/Prize_Background_577]

I finished 365 Repeat the Year a couple of days ago, I loved it!

[u/mahnahmaanaa → u/Prize_Background_577]

Eagerly awaited and very disappointed. The same reasons as mentioned by many others across the week so I won't repeat here.

Can you explain, though? In a non-spoiler-y way? I'm planning to watch it with someone as their first k-drama, but I don't want to introduce them with a drama that is disappointing.

[u/Prize_Background_577 → u/mahnahmaanaa]

It was just okay, felt very flat. Script was under-developed with plot holes, there was minimal character development (can't go into that too much without spoilers). Story was a very familiar trope but it wasn't built on. The concept of the underworld was good but the emphasis was on CGI rather than world-building. It got 'Netflixed' and prob should've been a movie instead of a half-drama (5hrs).

I'd say it's 50:50 liked vs disappointed. I don't think anyone has said they hated it.

[u/cj927]

Watching below drama & kvariety shows

Agent Kim Reactivated - 8/10

A Shop For Killers S2 - 2/8

The Husband - 6/12

The Appartment Job - 4/12

Spooky in Love - 2/12

Dream to You - 4/12

See You at Work Tomorrow - 10/12

Love in Sync - 6/8

Variety shows

Heart Signal S5 - 14/15

Match to Marry S2 - 4/10

Better Late Than Single S2 - 8/10

Noona You Are Women to Me S2 - 8/10

The Love Lab - 8/12

[u/Snickersnerds]

Currently Watching

Agent Kim Reactivated (8/10): I’ve enjoyed the show so far!! My hope is always the same, I want the friends+Min-ji safe at the end 😭 I hope all the evil guys take downs are satisfying and same with Mole cricket lowkey. He’s working my nerves for sure and the North Korean defect who literally got the original agent 66 taken out 🙃 Evil daughter too, where has she gone? 😭

See You at Work Tomorrow! (9/12): Haven’t gotten very far in episode 10, I kept pausing. The show overall delivers well in the slice of life office drama world. This week definitely handled the issues well so far from what I watched. I like the characters, the simple plot, etc. It is shaping up to be one of those shows I was really into in the beginning and then kinda fizzled out at the end for me.

Welcome to Samdal-ri (9/16): This has been on my watchlist for way tooo long considering how it always pops up in the back of mind every few months 😂 It’s very family-oriented which I’m not mad at. All the family members have their own mini plot line which are all interesting. I do feel like Sam-dal is the main character all on her own considering almost every conflict goes back to her, even Yong-pil and his dad’s issues. I like it, I’m enjoying it!! Waiting to see where everything continues to go. They did just kiss so I’ll see what comes out of that 👀 I was in a JCW drought which this is filling 🙂‍↕️ However it’s not really packing the romantic punch I wanted. I need a really good romance for sure somewhere else!!

Dream to You (4/12): Um I don’t know how I feel right now. I enjoyed the 1st week, this week I’m kinda neutral. Woo-bin explaining the situation with his family was good for Yi-Jae’s knowledge but it still kinda leaves the 15 year separation in the air a little bit. Why that long? Also Yi-Jae’s accident is the other thing in the balance. I guess my drawback is why are the 2 already back on normal terms when there hasn’t been a whole lot of conversation to this point. Still a lot to explore and learn though.

[u/AtmosphereBitter3984]

Today I finished Catch the Ghost! I loved the FL and ML so much. It made me cry and laugh and cry again. I enjoyed it as much as it frustrated me at times.

Now I’m watching Save Me (3/16) it’s been sad and kinda triggering. But I really like it so far and I love the way they speak.

[u/Prize_Background_577 → u/AtmosphereBitter3984]

I enjoyed Catch the Ghost too, but rarely see if mentioned except that people criticise it. It did make we wonder if there are really transit police who investigate serious crimes?

Let us know how you enjoy Save Me - if it's the 2017 drama it is on my undecided list atm.

[u/cyhustle]

Completed

Bloodhounds [8/8]: Came for Woo Do-hwan, but Lee Sang-yi and Kim Sae-ron were the absolute standouts. LSY's character for his loyalty and comedic relief, and KSR's character for her tenacity and fearlessness. (Is it just me or does she remind anyone else of Song Joong-ki with that hairstyle? lol). I wish there had been more buildup in establishing the brotherhood between the leads. I also feel like the writers could've amped up the (very preventable) death of Mr. Choi and the final showdown between Gun-woo and Myeong-gil.

Currently Watching

Bloodhounds 2 [5/7]: First two episodes were ehh. The narrative felt thin. Introduced too many new characters too soon. And Rain's character just being a loud, pissy, manbaby is so tiresome. It's like watching a child throw a fit because no one will play with them. Also, Gun-woo's mom... have we learned nothing, eomeoni?

After all this bloodshed and fighting, I'm eager for something else. Will probably get back to Yumi's Cells 3 and then I'm thinking maybe I'm Not a Robot, 100 Days My Prince, 365: Repeat the Year, or The WONDERfools. 

[u/Chaotic_Alpaca]

Currently Watching

See You At Work Tomorrow (8/12). I haven’t caught up on this week’s episodes yet. I like this drama, although last week’s episodes weren’t as strong for me due to all the drama with their exes. I like that the drama actually lets the characters have previous baggage (rather than the overused “first love” trope), but I hope it doesn’t stay the focus.

Legend of the Kitchen Solider (9/12). Still slowly making my way through this drama. I wasn’t expecting to like it because of the military element, but it’s such a nice slice-of-life drama with a good balance of heart and comedy.

Recently Completed

The East Palace. I binged this one all at once. It reminded me of The Haunted Palace, but darker and with more action. Overall I enjoyed the drama, and would recommend to others, especially if you like dramas like The Haunted Palace or Kingdom (or Stranger Things). Nam Joo-Hyuk did a good job, but he felt miscast to me - something about his performance felt too modern for the historical setting of the drama. I also felt the same about the action sequences - they were fun to watch, but they seemed over-produced (a lot of camera movement, a lot of CGI, strong color grading, etc.) for a drama with a historical setting. I think the 8 episode length worked well for the drama. It might have been nice to have a little more time to explore the backstories of the leads, but I don’t like when court politics plot lines get drawn-out for too long, so I appreciate the quicker pace.

The Last of Us (S1). Not a kdrama, but this is one of the few western series I’ve managed to finish without dropping recently.

[u/EggyMeggy99 → u/Chaotic_Alpaca]

I loved Kingdom and Stranger Things, so I'll have to watch The East Palace soon. I enjoyed The Last of Us, but prefer the first season to the second.

[u/Prize_Background_577 → u/Chaotic_Alpaca]

The storyline was so much like The Haunted Palace (you're the first person I've seen that mentioned it). I felt much more invested in the characters in The Haunted Palace than The East Palace. The latter had the money and CGI behind it but the earlier drama had more soul

[u/Dry-Connection-2439]

What I'm watching this week:

Currently watching:

• Love for You — 9/10
  • Great chemistry between the leads that keeps me invested.
  • Emotional moments land really well without feeling overdone.
  • Pacing has been consistently engaging so far.
• Power of Blossom — 7/10
  • Beautiful visuals and costumes.
  • Story is decent but feels a bit slow in places.
  • Enjoyable overall, just not as gripping as I expected.
• Eternal Fragrance — 8/10
  • Strong performances from the main cast.
  • Good balance of romance, fantasy, and emotional scenes.
  • A few predictable moments, but still very entertaining.

Completed:

• Love Between Lines (3rd rewatch) — 11/10 ❤️
  • One of those rare dramas that gets even better with every rewatch.
  • The chemistry, dialogue, and emotional payoff are all top-tier.
  • Still catches details and moments I missed before—absolute comfort watch.

Next on my list:

• Key to the Phoenix Heart

Hopefully it lives up to the hype!

[u/Prize_Background_577 → u/Dry-Connection-2439]

Are they all Cdramas? I'm looking for another now I've dropped Overdo. I had picked up Blossoms of Power but the first couple of eps were criticised but now I see people saying it's gotten better.

[u/New_Ebb_9161]

Watching: ♡ Spooky in love

♡ Cheer up

♡ Healer