Romantic-comedy drama recommendations
by javabeans
Since I’ve had a lot of requests for drama recommendations following You’re Beautiful, I thought I’d put this up as its own post. I may be spotty with some of the other genres out there, but I’m ALL about the trendy drama! The following is a list of my recommendations (and some that are not recs but merely possibilities) for trendies that have a similar tone and vibe to You’re Beautiful.
I’m sure many of you have seen many (maybe even all) of the dramas on this list. But some others who haven’t racked up as many drama-watching hours may want a guide to help them navigate the many, many offerings out there.
First, we’ll start with the other the Hong Sisters dramas…
DELIGHTFUL GIRL CHUN-HYANG (2005)
What it’s about: Modernized reworking of classic Korean folktale of a Romeo and Juliet-esque couple from Joseon times. Jae Hee and Han Chae-young are forced together at a young age, then fall in love as they mature.
Why you might like it: Jae Hee, Jae Hee, Jae Hee. Brilliant comic timing and heartfelt emotion. The situations are laugh-inducing and it’s a lot of fun; the couple bickers their way throughout but you can feel the love between them. Trademark Hong Sisters jokes — every episode ends with a sageuk parody that plays off the traditional folktale with a modern sense of humor.
Why you might not: This is my favorite Hong Sisters drama, but remember that it’s their first. If you’re watching it after seeing their others, keep in mind that what was fresh and new in 2005 may now seem common. Also, some people hate the second leads, particularly the male (even if it is a yummy Uhm Tae-woong!). Maybe it helps to remember that he’s based on the evil, possessive magistrate from the folktale.
MY GIRL (2005)
What it’s about: A girl who’s gifted at telling lies is hired to impersonate a long-lost granddaughter of an old, ailing rich man. Her warm, bubbly personality clashes with the old man’s cold, businesslike grandson, so naturally they fall in love.
Why you might like it: Super chemistry between Lee Da-hae and Lee Dong-wook. (Also: Lee Junki.) Lots of comedy, cute romantic moments, quotable lines.
Why you might not: I loved Lee Da-hae’s bubbliness, but some found her too much. The last few episodes get a little too angsty, and the big conflict is a little contrived. Still, it’s one of the better/best offerings in the trendy drama genre. If you liked You’re Beautiful, this is the first drama I’d recommend.
FANTASY COUPLE (2006)
What it’s about: Reworking of American film Overboard. A privileged, snobby heiress loses her memory, and the blue-collar worker she mistreated decides to get his revenge by pretending she’s his girlfriend. He brings her home and puts her to work.
Why you might like it: It’s less angsty than the other Hong Sisters dramas. Han Ye-seul completely reinvented her image with a great rich-bitch characterization; she doesn’t hold back and really goes for it. Quirky side characters like loopy Kang-ja add a fun touch. A subplot actively mocks Autumn Love Story.
Why you might not: The Anna & Chul-soo relationship is funny and cute, but not overtly romantic (perhaps this is a plus for some). I consider the directing to be the weak link, and while it isn’t outright bad, it veers into the slapstick. The writing is better than the iffy directing.
HONG GIL DONG (2008)
What it’s about: Fusion sageuk reimagining of Joseon hero Hong Gil Dong, a Robin Hood-like crusader for the poor. “Fusion” means that while the setting is in the 1600s, it has a modern sensibility and sense of humor.
Why you might like it: Kang Ji-hwan is awesome. He starts out a lazy, swaggering, troublemaking rascal, but that’s because Hong Gil Dong is an illegitimate son and therefore was unable to fulfill his dreams. His pairing with a cheery Sung Yuri is great, and she changed a lot of people’s minds about her acting, formerly deemed subpar. Jang Geun-seok plays a cool-headed prince. There’s comedy and wackiness, but also political machinations and a royal coup plot that adds complexity.
Why you might not: I liked the ending and wrote my big explanation in the finale recap, but many did not agree. Because this has more weighty plot matters, the humor scales back and the conspiracy takes over in the last third. I think it gets downright slow toward the end, before it picks up in the run-up to the finale. The humor is a little slapstick for my taste.
And then the rest, in no particular order:
FULL HOUSE (2004)
What it’s about: A girl’s debt-ridden friends sell her house for the money. She comes home from vacation to find that a surly movie star has moved in. Homeless and alone, she works as his maid to earn her keep.
Why you might like it: Rain and Song Hye-gyo are cute as a bickering couple, and this was one of the early “contract romance” dramas. It was huge in the ratings and is probably one of the most-watched early Hallyu dramas.
Why you might not: Don’t think too hard, or the logic might collapse (even the premise doesn’t quite hold up — your friends sell your house and you don’t fight back?). This is one of those “shut your brain off and enjoy” dramas; particularly toward the end, the plot stops making total sense in its efforts to keep the couple apart. The romance is cute but not necessarily romantic. Still, it’s an easy, mostly fun watch.
MY NAME IS KIM SAM-SOON (2005)
What it’s about: Like Bridget Jones, the lead is a 30-year-old who isn’t the typical pretty skinny girl that most guys go for. She’s loud, hot-tempered, and likes to eat. Her boss is a cold, unfeeling type with whom she agrees to a contract romance in order to get his mother off his back about marriage.
Why you might like it: It sounds typical, but the execution makes this great; it was a huge phenomenon and broke 50% ratings. At times funny, at times heartwarming, the writing is solid and Kim Sun-ah and Hyun Bin work great together. You should really see this drama if you’re a fan of rom-coms.
Why you might not: Maybe the hype has turned you off? I do think it gets built up too much, but it’s a very solid drama.
GOONG (PRINCESS HOURS) (2006)
What it’s about: Modern Cinderella story with a twist, in that Korea is imagined as a monarchy; a handsome prince is the source of every young girl’s fantasy. A normal girl is forced to marry the prince because of a decades-old pact between their grandfathers. She is brought into the palace, where she starts out clumsy and out of place as she is trained to be a princess. The awkward couple gradually falls in love.
Why you might like it: Beautiful visuals, gorgeous soundtrack, amazing costumes. Yoon Eun-hye shot to stardom, as did Joo Ji-hoon, and this drama was a huge phenomenon with its young fanbase. The intriguing twist (an imagined Korean monarchy) adds interest to the opposites-attract romance. A gentle, caring second male lead makes for a good love triangle as Yoon Eun-hye is caught between the nice prince and the cold one.
Why you might not: The extension surely hurt the pacing of the later episodes, and this drama got downright sloooow. The political conspiracy was drawn out and sucked fun out of the latter half. The ending (which is a puzzler) feels sloppy. But the other elements are strong enough that it’s well worth a look.
WHAT’S UP FOX? (2006)
What it’s about: A 33-year-old woman has a one-night stand with a guy 9 years her junior — her best friend’s brother. At first they agree to ignore it, but they start to fall for each other and she fights the attraction because the age gap is such an obstacle, particularly when she’s being courted by a handsome, charming doctor her own age.
Why you might like it: This comes from the writer of My Name is Kim Sam-soon, and like that drama, the writing is solid and the acting very strong by leads Go Hyun-jung and the adorable Chun Jung-myung.
Why you might not: It has a mellower, low-key vibe with a realistic air, and it isn’t as outrageous or outright comical as some other rom-coms. The chemistry is great, but some people have a problem with the age gap. (I think they make it work.)
SOULMATE (2006)
What it’s about: A light, humor-filled drama about the modern dating world, told through the relationships of six main characters. Each person has a different dating philosophy, demonstrated by how they view the concept of soulmates. (Is fate something that comes to you, or are you in charge of making your own?)
Why you might like it: Super, super editing and plotting. The storytelling plays with nonlinear structure, and in earlier episodes, one half of the episode tells something from the main girl’s perspective, while the other half takes the guy’s perspective, and we see how the two halves fit together by episode’s end. Clever writing, great dialogue. Lots of fun. It’s short and sweet at 12 episodes, and was completely written in advance of its broadcast.
Why you might not: I love this drama to pieces, but it may be a little slick and fast for some others. It’s a little risque and definitely not as chaste as most kdramas, but I think that’s a welcome thing.
BAD FAMILY (2006)
What it’s about: When a family is killed in a car crash, the only survivor is a little girl who suffers amnesia. Her uncle hires a “fake family” to act as her family to help her recover until he can get to the bottom of the car accident.
Why you might like it: Hilarious! The fake grandpa flirts with his fake daughter-in-law. The fake uncle starts to like his fake niece. They all have to juggle their regular lives outside their family performance. Comedy abounds and Kim Myung-min, in a rare comic performance, is fantastic as an uneducated ex-gangster; Nam Sang-mi is in one of her more adorable roles. Heechul plays a runaway hired to be the fake brother. This drama isn’t as romance-heavy (although there is romance), and is more about the wonderful shenanigans of the fake family as they go from fighting all the time to forming actual bonds.
Why you might not: I remember hating the first episode, which was boring. But after that, I fell in love!
DAL JA’S SPRING (2007)
What it’s about: Perhaps inspired by the j-dorama “office lady” genre, this series features the romantic foibles of a 33-year-old professional woman who’s unpracticed in dating; Lee Min-ki becomes Chae Rim’s romance coach.
Why you might like it: Funny, sweet, adorable. Chemistry is great, Dal Ja is lovable, and Lee Min-ki is perfect. Lots of pop-culture parodies and funny situations. Best of all, it explores friendships and working relationships in addition to the romance.
Why you might not: It was extended by two episodes, and while I almost don’t even notice, it does slow a teeny bit. Chae Rim’s makeup and hair takes a little getting used to. But definitely worth a watch.
COFFEE PRINCE (2007)
What it’s about: (As if I have to even tell you!) A tomboyish girl who is regularly mistaken for a boy takes a job at a cafe whose concept is to hire only good-looking guys. She falls for her boss, who falls for her too — while thinking she’s a boy.
Why you might like it: Gong Yoo’s portrayal of conflict is complex and nuanced. Jeremy in You’re Beautiful took a comic bent, but Gong Yoo’s exploration of his feelings is wrought with emotion. Yoon Eun-hye dove into this character and made it her own. The other “princes” are great to watch, and the director injects a breezy, refreshing air to the atmosphere. Fantabulous music selection.
Why you might not: The extension hurt the ending, and the tension drops off toward the end. Otherwise, this is one of the shining highlights of the trendy kdrama.
THE STORY OF HYANG DAN (2007)
What it’s about: What Shrek did for the Western canon of fairy tales, Story of Hyang Dan does for traditional Korean folktales. A modern comic spin takes us through multiple folk stories while centering the plot around the one about Chun-hyang and Mong-ryong (which is the basis for Delightful Girl Chun-hyang). However, this drama twists the tale to speculate what would happen if Chun-hyang were a selfish brat and Mong-ryong fell for her servant girl instead.
Why you might like it: You like irreverent, humorous reworkings of classics, and/or light-hearted fusion sageuks. Choi Shi-won (Super Junior) and Seo Ji-hye have cute chemistry, and this is low-commitment at a mere two episodes. Modern parodies (Love Actually, Prison Break) are included among the folktale allusions (Iljimae, Shim Chung).
Why you might not: This is not a serious drama at all. It’s purely a short, entertaining goof. But cute and sweet all the same.
WHO ARE YOU? (2007)
What it’s about: A dad dies in an accident and is granted 49 days by a sympathetic Grim Reaper to come back using the body of a young man in a coma. He gets three hours a day to do for his daughter what he wasn’t able to do while he was alive. The body he “borrows” belongs to a cold businessman, and the three-hour body-jacking episodes turn the unsuspecting businessman’s life upside-down.
Why you might like it: Yoon Kye-sang is awesome. He does the body-switching surprisingly well, and his relationship to his ghost inhabitant develops with unexpected warmth.
Why you might not: The romance is funny and sweet, but mostly because of Yoon Kye-sang — Go Ara is rather flat. The drama gets off to a silly start, but get past the first few episodes and you may discover a gem.
LAST SCANDAL OF MY LIFE (2008)
What it’s about: Cinderella with a twist. An ordinary ajumma with a cheating husband and a kid runs into her first love, who is now a movie star (and faking his age as much younger). The movie star is horrified at how she’s let herself go over the years, but as they spend more time together when she is hired as his housekeeper, he sees past that and starts to fall for her again.
Why you might like it: Funny, fast-paced, and sweet! Rom-coms are often stronger in plot than in acting, but the benefit of having veteran actors is that they can ACT! Jung Jun-ho is fantastic as the pampered movie star, and Choi Jin-shil is winning as the ajumma.
Why you might not: If you’re still saddened over Choi’s death, you may not feel comfortable watching her last work. I personally think it’s a great way to remember her. If you don’t like the idea of watching an ajumma in love, well, you’re missing out!
BOYS BEFORE FLOWERS (2009)
What it’s about: Korean version of Japanese manga/anime/drama Hana Yori Dango. Poor girl gets a free ride to an exclusive, uber-rich high school ruled by the bored, privileged “F4” clique. She offends the leader, who makes it his mission to terrorize her and eject her from the school. Surprisingly, she stands up to him and fights back, and he falls for her.
Why you might like it: The premise is great. Lee Min-ho burst on to the scene with a star-making performance as the mean F4 leader, and the whole country fell in love with his character. He made the drama worth watching for me.
Why you might not: Out of all the dramas on this list, this is the one that I most hesitate to recommend (and it comes with a lot of caveats). Poor writing wasted the great source material. Often, it was riddled with poor acting. Poor directing. Middling musical selections were overused and badly applied. The production was so fraught with accidents that the live-shoot system exhausted everyone involved, and the time contraint really shows. Crazy, illogical plotting and a second half that drags make this a frustrating watch — but an addicting one. On the other hand, I don’t regret watching it, and the fandom craze was hella fun.
Other possibilities that I won’t/can’t vouch for, but that others surely will:
My Love Patzzi (2002): Jang Nara has two awesome guys chasing after her and the interactions are cute, but I don’t think you can take this drama seriously; it’s a real lightweight. It’s an update of the Korean Cinderella (Kongji & Patzzi), where the person everything thinks is the good girl is actually fake, and the rude, troublemaking girl is actually the one you root for. At 10 episodes, it’s a fast series.
Attic Cat (2003): One of the first dramas to have a couple cohabitate (or, as I call it, using the forced proximity device). If Jung Da-bin’s death interferes with your enjoyment of her roles, you may not want to watch. Like with many stories when the couple lives together, there are contrivances to get one of them to leave, then return, then leave again, which you may find tiresome.
Capital Scandal (2007): A little slapstick with the humor, this drama places leads Kang Ji-hwan and Han Ji-min in 1920s Korea at the time of Japanese imperialism.
Bottom of the Ninth with Two Outs (2007): The baseball motif works with the story of a 30-year-old single woman and her romance with her best friend. Low-key and naturalistic with strong dialogue, it may be refreshing for some or too slow for others.
City Hall (2009): Don’t listen to me, listen to the fervent praise of all the die-hard City Hallers! Strong, mature chemistry between Kim Sun-ah and Cha Seung-won make this one enjoyable if you’re hankering to see something more than the typical chaste trendy-drama kisses and hand-holding.
Brilliant Legacy (Shining Inheritance) (2009): Romance with plenty of dramatic, makjang elements. One of the year’s highest-rated dramas and a hitmaker, catapulting careers for Han Hyo-joo, Bae Soo-bin, Moon Chae-won and Lee Seung-gi.
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Tags: 1 show to rule them all, Bad Family, Coffee Prince, Dal Ja's Spring, Delightful Girl Chun-hyang, Fantasy Couple, Full House, Goong, Hong Gil Dong, My Girl, My Name Is Kim Sam-soon, Soulmate, The Last Scandal of My Life, What's Up Fox
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201 firefly16
November 30, 2009 at 10:57 PM
I have to say that after watching City Hall, You're Beautiful seem too immature for me. You're Beautiful has it cute moments, like the scene where Shin-woo call Mi-nyeo and end up following behind her around the Seoul’s Myungdong shopping district and make suggestion of places to eat noodles n ice cream. But overall, I did not like the main actress action and still think that Shin-woo should have got the girl :-P. No Korean drama has so far has top the romantic ending of City Hall for me :-). The chemistry between Kim Sun Ah and Ch Seung Won is amazing and made City Hall so much better than any Korean drama that I have ever watched.
That said, I did like He Who Can't Married - a bit slow in the first few episodes, but it got really better n funny as the drama progresses.
Soulmate was fun to watch, and I'm also want a second season like Cate!! The one thing that I really like about this drama was that they had really great music and it fit the scenes so well.
As always My lovely Kim Sam Soon will always have a special place in my heart, since it is the first Korean Drama that I watch and became addicted to Kdrama and Kim Sun Ah :-P.
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202 faridah
November 30, 2009 at 11:27 PM
the majority of this list I have either seen or made a conscious decision not to watch tho I mite change my mind now
The ones I have not seen are hyang dan, and love patzzi so thanks for those
I agree with:
delightful girl
fantasy couple
hong gil dong
Soulmate: My all-time favorite kdrama, the soundtrack was amazing
Sam-soon: my first kdrama and I rewatch it frequently.
Dal Ja: really good but i am biased b/c I love Lee Min Ki
Last scandal: AMAZING
Bottom of the Ninth with Two Outs: I really liked this drama, not very plot driven so it may appear slow but i thought it was great
I saw the first episodes of bad family, who are you and what's up fox and did not like them but if you say they are good i will give them another try
I suffered thru the first 6 or 7 episode of BBF and gave up. The acting was so bad, they played too much music in some episodes. I did not find their cast especially attractive except for kim bum (don't hate me). It was just frustrating, I tried so hard to like it but alas I gave it up. I LOVE the jdrama HYD tho, so everyone should see that instead.
I do not want to watch my girl, there is a lot hype surrounding it and I do not want to be disappointed
The others are good but could be passed
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203 epyc
December 1, 2009 at 12:33 AM
@ 169 frac - Thanks for the head up for Country Princess!
@ 199 momosan - Lawyer of Korea is one of my favorites too. Just curious - which is the throwaway line by LSJ?
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204 mak
December 1, 2009 at 12:38 AM
@ Faridah, MY GIRL is very entertaining rom-com, if you are into comedy and drama in one, MY GIRL is the best choice. The rest mentioned above also very good except BOF (the acting that actually put me down). But if you are not a fan of Lee Da Hae, I'm not recommeding you, because most of the show is about her and if your forward all the scene, you get nothing.
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205 jossy
December 1, 2009 at 4:02 AM
if anyone reads down this far...;D the first kdrama iever watched was stairway to heaven...and although that was little over a year ago it opened up an entire new world for me...:) soon enough i veered into other kdramas and thats when i discovered BOF ahh i was totally sucked into the crazy fandom that was BOF..ahhh good times and after doing background reading (wiki)lol i discovered LOVE...loved the jdorama version so much more but gotta give mad props to lee minho he owned his gu junpyo character and to the excruciatingly addictive soundtrack...guilty pleasure! ive seen all but 4 of the list! itend to marathon a little :D kekeke and i also watched brilliant legacy live i dont know what it was the piqued my interest but it totally ruled my being at the time..lol similar to the YB effect..but the ANJELL boys totally trump the F4 boys in all ver.
gotta love rom-com kdramas they make you all giddy inside its like an epic long chick flick, and who dosent like a good love story, with a happy ending of course!
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206 e sonne
December 1, 2009 at 5:59 AM
love most of the list, but im sure i wanna add sweet 18 there. hehe.. since its the 1st cute drama i've seen.
i love Fullhouse despite of all the draggy parts. because it was very entertaining, cute and funny.
also love Goong despite its slowness . i dont think its draggy, but i blame the director, music background and script. i think the storyline including the political conspiracy is concrete, just the story landed on a false hand.
also love BOF despite all the weakness. yes, the music, the directing, and i blame most on the horrible lousiness of it's script. but AMAZINGLY i love it very2 much. I've watched Hanadan on the year it released, I agree Hanayoridango has more powerful script, music and directing but it failed to attract me and not addictive at all. BOF could be far better if it landed on the right hand and they didnt write the script in such hurry.
I love Brilliant Legacy very much too, but ehmm, i dont think its in the comedy list.
i love the other as well, MLKSS, fantasy couple, bad family, coffee prince, soulmate, the story of hyang dan, and some others. after being recommended, i'll try city hall later :) i dont really like my girl, coz the girl is just too much.
and lastly, i love You're Beautiful most, for its good directing, script, cast, storyline, OST, and ummph.. everything. i dont mind watching it again & again.
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207 bellini
December 1, 2009 at 6:15 AM
Number 1 on my list SMILE, YOU
and the rest :
My Girl
Hong Gil Dong
Coffee Prince
princess Hours
Full House
Boys before Flowers
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208
December 1, 2009 at 7:15 AM
Go for Smile, you....a really good and sweet drama. The lead actor and actress really have great chemisty that makes you want to fall in love.
( I find it is better than You're beautiful)
Try Thank you....heart warming and nice to watch
Queen of the Game. I watched it 3 times...nice plot. I am Lee Bo Young fan
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209 dieffe
December 1, 2009 at 8:31 AM
Thanks to you suggestion I watched Delightful Girl Chun-hyang and I fell in love with this drama. I liked everything about it, except maybe the depressing parts near the end, because the leading characters were just so adorable that I couldn't stand to see them apart anymore.
I think this drama may top My Girl for me, and this means a lot, since MG was my favourite rom com before this. Great humor, great characters, great plot.
A MUST WATCH, DEFINITELY!
Hong sister never disappoint!
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210 momosan
December 1, 2009 at 10:36 AM
@epyc - at the end of Lawyers of Korea - in yet another elevator scene (I swear half of the drama takes place in that elevator) where they are bantering back and forth about how many times he's going to ask her questions, out of left field LSJ says "geez, I should have just made you pregnant." Either line that was a throwaway on his part, or he delivered it really well, because it was so unlike any of their other back and forth about the questions.
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211 epyc
December 1, 2009 at 5:14 PM
@ 210 momosan
Thanks - I remember that line too! Throwaway line or not, this is quite typical of the character played by LSJ. He is the magnet attraction of that drama, although probably low on eye-candy factor. I didn't plan to watch it but got the DVD upon the shopowner's recommendation. Got drawn in after the first two episodes and then pulled an allnighter to finish it. Had re-watched it a couple of times already.
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212 innocec3
December 1, 2009 at 8:22 PM
After reading this, i immediately started on What's Up Fox. And it was AMAZING<3 awesome awesome drama. I usually dislike huge age gaps but the leads and the storyline made it work. Now i'm crazy about Chun Jung Myung and can't wait until his next project~ (I wonder what other dramas the writer wrote... because I LOVE her works - MNIKSS<3333)
I am definitely going to watch Fantasy couple next~
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213
December 1, 2009 at 9:45 PM
thanks for the suggestions i am taking them one at a time and i just finished watching delightful girl Chun-Hyang and i LOVED IT. It had one particuklar phrase that i heard in YAB the one about she seen him when he did not. I came back to look for more. See ya on to the next.
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214 Sina
December 1, 2009 at 9:54 PM
What do you do if you have already WATCHED ALL of the above? I mean, is there really nothing else?
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215 xkiku
December 1, 2009 at 10:30 PM
I also can vouch that City Hall is a great drama. You won't regret watching it. U can see the chemistry between CSW and KSA. Thumbs Up for City Hall. Wow I realize that I have watch 80% of the drama in recommendation list.
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216 Jessica
December 2, 2009 at 3:07 AM
yea, I love Delightful Girl Choon-hyang, too..!!!!
Jae Hee is only the one who looks so eye-catching there, lol..
hmm.. I don't really like Boys Before Flowers, (sorry.. ^^;)
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217 Namasta
December 2, 2009 at 10:20 AM
Talking about Sassy Girl C-H, do you know the name of the song in episode 4 aroung 9 mins http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzJp3Bl0JQk
I hear it a lot (Sweet 18, Sam Soon, Xman) but can't find the name
Thanks!!!
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218 momosan
December 2, 2009 at 3:02 PM
@211 epyc
That was another interesting thing about Lawyers of Korea - the real eye candy was the ex-boyfriend, who - let us face it - was yummy and had a killer smile. But Lee Sung Jae really carried that show with his character.
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219 fraulein
December 3, 2009 at 5:55 AM
@ Saranga,
I loved Sangdoo, let's go to school too. There were so many wonderful and sad moments in that drama. Ironically, it was Rain's best acting effort even tho it was his first. I particularly loved the different love themes it explored - love between sangdoo and his female lead, unrequited love the floozy had for sangdoo, the father-daugther love between sangdoo and his Bori. I wept my heart out when he chose Bori over his lady love even though he learnt Bori wasn't his biologicall daugther. And the brotherly love/respect sangdoo and the doctor shared, considering they started out hating each other's guts. But the ending was just heartbreaking. All in, a great piece of writing
Here's my list :
1) I loved and nothing will take its place
- My Lovely Samsoon
- Full House
- Que Sera Sera
- Bad Love
- Sangdoo let's go to school
- A love to kill
2. I enjoyed
- Goong S (the sequel, not the original)
- Sassy Girl, Chun Hyang
- BBF
- Couple or trouble
- A Happy Woman (the KBS weekend drama)
- The Good Thief Hong Gil Dong
- All In
- Be Strong Geum Soon
- Dalja's Spring
- Iris
3. I found passable
- Last scandal of my life
- Accidental couple (Kim Ajung)
- Yoo Hee the witch
- Which star are you from
- Worlds Within
- Love Marriage
- Capital Scandal
- Fireworks (Han Chae Young, Kang Ji hwan)
- Snow Queen
4. I hated
- Hello Miss
- My Girl
- Lovers in Paris
- Lovers in Prague
- Coffee Prince
Ok, I am so gonna get shot..............
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220 fraulein
December 3, 2009 at 5:58 AM
@ Saranga,
I loved Sangdoo, let's go to school too. There were so many wonderful and sad moments in that drama. Ironically, it was Rain's best acting effort even tho it was his first. I particularly loved the different love themes it explored - love between sangdoo and his female lead, unrequited love the floozy had for sangdoo, the father-daugther love between sangdoo and his Bori. I wept my heart out when he chose Bori over his lady love even though he learnt Bori wasn't his biologicall daugther. And the brotherly love/respect sangdoo and the doctor shared, considering they started out hating each other's guts. But the ending was just heartbreaking. All in, a great piece of writing but a real tear jerker - there were so many tender moments. I usually rewatch dramas I love - I've seen MLSS 4 times, Full House about 7, ALTK about 3 times but I cannot bring myself to watch Sangdoo again
The first time round, I went about with puffy cheeks and eyes the day after i finished the last episode
Here's my list :
1) I loved and nothing will take its place
- My Lovely Samsoon
- Full House
- Que Sera Sera
- Bad Love
- Sangdoo let's go to school
- A love to kill
2. I enjoyed
- Goong S (the sequel, not the original)
- Sassy Girl, Chun Hyang
- BBF
- Couple or trouble
- A Happy Woman (the KBS weekend drama)
- The Good Thief Hong Gil Dong
- All In
- Be Strong Geum Soon
- Dalja's Spring
- Iris
3. I found passable
- Last scandal of my life
- Accidental couple (Kim Ajung)
- Yoo Hee the witch
- Which star are you from
- Worlds Within
- Love Marriage
- Capital Scandal
- Fireworks (Han Chae Young, Kang Ji hwan)
- Snow Queen
4. I hated
- Hello Miss
- My Girl
- Lovers in Paris
- Lovers in Prague
- Coffee Prince
Ok, I am so gonna get shot..............
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221 paige scott
December 5, 2009 at 7:44 PM
i would have to say that i most definintely prefer the japanese version of boys before flowers [hana yori dango] over the korean one.
i enjoyed the characters more, & it was alot better that the dorama wasnt as long. i felt that the korean drama was a bit slow in some parts. I also prefer the lead actress in the japanese version over the korean one too.
but the taiwanese adaptation was my least favorite.
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222 eunwhui
December 6, 2009 at 7:27 PM
i never really did like who are you.
i don't know. it just seemed tooo slow. :(
and there wasn't much chemistry between the two people
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223 royce
December 9, 2009 at 7:45 PM
Please help me,
My favorite Korean dramas (romantic comedy only) are:
6) Rooftop cat
5)Full House
4)My Lovely Samsoon
3)Coffee Prince (I think some call it 1st shop Coffee Prince)
2)Couple or Trouble, a.k.a. Fantasy Couple
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! NUMBER 1 IS: Get Karl! Oh Soo Jung!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I loved Get Karl, Couple or Trouble, Coffee Prince and Samsoon. I did not like Oh Phil Seung Bong whatever....
Please give me some more great titles based on my favorites. Thank you very much.
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224 shelay
December 9, 2009 at 11:18 PM
hey id like to ask which 3 dramas you could recommend me cause im watching autumn's concerto atm and like its almost finished ive watched you're beautiful too... any super good dramas that you can recommend me? thanks!<3
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225 hmi
December 10, 2009 at 9:54 AM
Did you not like Sweet 18? Because it rocks! Two words to describe it: simple and sweet.
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226 aiqcn
December 10, 2009 at 2:35 PM
I watched Last Scandal from your recommendation. I LOVE it. It's really enjoyable. I finished it within 2 days. The chemistry between leads is really good. Like you said, they know how to ACT. Thanks for everything.
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227 Icarusfalls
December 12, 2009 at 10:51 PM
I watched Capital Scandal as per your recommendation!!! I LOVED it.. would definitely recommend it to others... even the side characters for this story are interesting... it is soo cute and hilarious.
Warning: Some parts are kinda too anti-japanese... and might be offensive. Just take it as it is...
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228 midgee
December 19, 2009 at 3:30 PM
I love your list Javabeans. I'd say Delightful Girl Chun Hyang has a special place in my heart since this is the drama that started my romance with Kdramas. Love, love Jae Hee. I didn't like Full House for some reason since I found it such a silly movie. I've seen probably 80% of what you've lsited.
Other dramas that I like are what's been listed and I'd add Lawyers of Korea. For Jdramas I really liked Hotaru no Hikari and Nodame Cantabile.
I'll take note of others suggestions. Thanks peeps.
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229 eunwhui
December 25, 2009 at 7:46 PM
My favorite on this list is My Girl by far!
I think it's just my personality but I just loved Yoorin (Lee Dahae) soo much! I found that she acted the same way that I do in situations. This drama made me laugh a ton, and cry at the end. In fact, it's the only drama to have made me cry. But, my friend who watched it with me told me it wasn't sad at all...
The chemistry was great, i really wished they were a real life couple. It was so much fun to watch!
Second favorite would be 9 end 2 outs or Goong.
-9 end 2 outs was sweet and cute. At times, it did become really really slow. But, I loved the main couple, and how they could be best friends and lovers. There was the often used over 30 ahjumma looking for love, but it doesn't stay cliche.
-Goong was boring. but the only thing that made me love it more than almost every other drama was the main couple. I wish I could see what their child turned out to be like. I'm sure he or she is beautiful!
Dramas that I enjoyed but didn't find extraordinary
- Couple or Trouble/ Fantasy Couple was great only because of Oh Ji ho. I thought he was hot! ok. and there seemed to be no chemistry. And anna still remained a "mean person."
- Coffee Prince was a great drama, I just thought of it as too long. I found it really funny at times. I watched it a few years ago, so now I forgot some parts. But, I remember that near the second half I couldn't bear watching it.
-My name is Kim Sam-Soon was not a comedy. I found Kim Sunah adorable. But this drama was not funny. It had few to no flaws, but it wasn't interesting to me. It seemed quite bland.
- Soulmate was amazing! but too short for me to put in the category above. It was over so fast I could barely conceive a feeling for it. The ending SUCKED. I hoped sooo bad for a sequel. but no. It's like reading a great book but never reading the last chapter. It's great reading it, but it doesn't completely satisfy.
(FOR ME) DON'T WATCH!
- Who are You? was not funny. Seemed incestuous (?) and was not really funny in most parts. I didn't find the ending nice.
- What's up Fox was disturbing. I found Park Chul-soo kind of ugly. The 9 years difference made me feel really gross. I just couldn't stand how chulsoo still looked like a little boy when he pouted. I was rooting for the doctor even though he was soo feminine, cause i wanted the main actress to have a good life. I found the 17 year difference with the sister and her boss more likely than the 9 year difference.
-BOF. Obvious reasons. Everything went bad. It's momentum was only kept up by fangirls. I hated Goo Hye-sun with a passion, which is bad considering that i shouldn't be wasting energy hating someone who's never done anything to me. well, other than be a bad actress. Her acting bothered me, and she seemed to me just like Bella Swan. Needy and selfish. Okay, this is just me ranting now. But I dislike male characters like Junpyo. They're really arrogant and aggressive, but occasionally have a soft side. It's NOT LOVE! oh well, if this drama ever had a sequel of like life after marriage. It would not go well for that couple. The only good thing was Soeulmates. They were cute.
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230 doublen
December 26, 2009 at 12:38 AM
Unfortunately, I watched partly all dramas above:(
The best ones for me were Capital Scandal, Soulmate, Who are you, Coffee Prince. Coffee prince is a little bit slow; while Who are you made me cry a lot (I will also question chemistry between main leads).
Thinking whether it worth watching Shining Inheritance...
Thanks Javabeans for the post:)
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231 :|
December 27, 2009 at 9:28 AM
People usually associate rom-coms with happy endings. As this was a list of such, and most of what I've seen on this list does end that way, I expected the other dramas to end that way as well, save for HGD. A warning about Hong Gil Dong's ending would've been much appreciated.
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232 So Fauve
January 5, 2010 at 3:01 AM
This post was the final push I needed to watch Last Scandal. This drama, in return, has become one of the best I have ever seen. Thank you for this very helpful website, Javabeans.
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233 bot_bot
March 2, 2010 at 9:22 AM
I finally watched Last Scandal. Hauntingly sweet and memorable. Without this website, I might commit the crime of passing the series. Thanks JB & all others who recommend it.
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234 jenny
March 3, 2010 at 2:45 PM
I've been following this list of recommendations since you posted it in November and I'd just like to come back and add my two cents worth.
I absolutely loved My Girl and Dal Ja's Spring, they are my two favorite dramas now. I would recommend them to anybody. Also, Coffee Prince as well. While I'm not completely enraptured by it (although I have friends who absolutely adore it) it was very enjoyable, endearing, and well made.
Besides those, I would say Delightful Girl Choon Hyang (actually, I would say watch this before My Girl so that you can appreciate the My Girl ending). However, I do have a friend who didnt like it and found it to be too melodramatic towards the end. But I really liked it and found it, for the most part, to be hilarious. Also, I would say Boys Over Flowers, just because. Yes, its absolutely terrible but it is 100% enjoyable despite the horrendous music, sloppy editing, and poor acting from some characters.
One drama that javabeans recommended that I definitely never, ever tell anybody to watch is Full House. Full House is absolutely horrendous!!!! It was so boring that I didnt think I would make it through the whole thing!!!! Absolutely nothing happened in it and it got soooo repetitive after like episode 4. It was not funny. Also, the leads had 0 chemistry. Maybe it was good watching it while it was airing but with all the other amazing dramas out there why would you watch this one?
Anyways, I can't wait to watch some more of your recommendations javabeans!! I hope to finish the ones that interested me in a few months!!
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235 5 years after
March 5, 2010 at 5:39 AM
Lovers in Paris - Married and living in Seoul. Ki Ju is the CEO while Tae Yang keeps house and writes the occassional movie review but mostly keeps house. She won best customer award at 3M.
Coffee Prince - Eun Chan and Han Kyul are married and living together with the family. They have 1 son who is adored by the grandmother. Eun Chan is sporting short hair as long hair is more difficult to keep when you're brewing tons of coffee everyday. Whenevever Han Kyul drops by Coffee Princess #1, he and Eun Chan get together for some passionate headbanging kisses.
My Name is Kim San Soon - Sam Soon and Hyun Woo are still dating, and sleeping together. Hyun Woo doesn't realize that he is losing his hearing from all the skrieking of Sam Soon. They are both 10 kilos overweight.
Full House - Ji Eun and Young Jae, actor and writer, live in that beautiful house. They have 2 sons who were only bright colored shirts.
Boys over Flowers - There was this rich boy... and a poor girl... Hmmm. can't see the future...
Attic Cat - Hyung Min and Jung Eun - 2,5 kids and 1,5 dogs ( what's the equivalent of this in Korea?)
What's up Fox - Park Chul Soo is working for Stig Hansen of the Northwestern. Byung Hee is finishing her book on
1% of Anything - Jae In is still obviously in love with Da Hyung. They have 2 children - one daughter and one son. Everyone in the family gets along. Jae In and Da Hyung drives to the seaside hotel monthly, when Jae In's libido comes up. (He could have been a perfect 10!)
need to polish my crystal ball for
Secret Lovers
My Girl
Delightful Girl HY
Fireworks
Snowhite
Creating Destiny
Fantasy Couple
A Bright Girl Success Story
Bad Family
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236 kimchii
March 7, 2010 at 5:22 PM
Definitely watched 11 out of the 14 dramas you suggested... And now I'm curious about the three I have yet to see. I'm such a sucker for romances no matter how bad they end up being. That's not saying I liked all eleven. I do have standards ; )
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237 joan
March 14, 2010 at 12:48 AM
city hall no. 1 for me. the best korean drama i watched!
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238 badmamajama
March 19, 2010 at 2:40 PM
BOF or BBF is getting too much hate . i don't know what people are talking about i TRULY TRULY loved it . i tried watching the j-dorama version but couldn't get pass 5 min in . i'll have to try again . i have to say for the 5 min i saw i found that the korean version had better sets and costume for the actors and they were really good looking so that helped my addiction alot !! lol coffee prince is definately a must watch . my girl too but it gets too angsty towards the end . your beautiful was okay but not something that i'd watch a second time . I really thought that the lead actor and actress didn't have much chemistry and goong was just horrible . i was dissapointed that it was yoon eun hye . anywho thanx javabeans i'm really addicted to this blog .
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noi
October 13, 2010 at 7:12 PM
i think if you've watch the kdrama version, it'll be hard for you to watch the jdrama, vice versa. maybe that's because we've hooked up with the previous version and keep comparing between them. i've been trying to watch some kdrama version of various jdrama (god of study, man who can't get marry) but gave up. that's the reason why i really appreciate everyone who write a review comparing between two version of dramas.
in my case, i hooked up with jdrama version of hana yori dango (matsujun. period.), so i gave up watching bbf.
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239 ZephaniaN
April 13, 2010 at 6:02 AM
What about movies? I'm really into korean movies at the moment and I am literally confused of choosing which one is right and worth to watch. I love rom-coms, so any recommendation guys?
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240 Jen Neri
April 28, 2010 at 5:39 AM
@ ZephaniaN
I recommend the following rom-com movies:
Too Beautiful to Lie - Hilarious!
100 days with Mr. Arrogant
She's on Duty
My Little Bride
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241 dimsumofallthings
May 19, 2010 at 11:31 AM
I will vouch definitely for City Hall. It has the best ending that I have seen in a Kdrama so far. The music is lovely too. The chemistry between CSW and KSA is so believable you would almost wish they were a real couple...
Watching it for the third time in the last month...
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242 hanchulFOREVER
July 4, 2010 at 4:55 AM
i would recommend Smile, You very much!
but you need to watch it with fast forward button coz its a family drama, but the main couple is the CUTEST couple i have EVER seen. you're beautiful, delightfulgirl, fulll house they are all cute but SERIOUSLY the couple in Smile is so FRIGGGING ADORABLE and FUNNY argghh!! i love it so muych!!
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243 jackie
July 10, 2010 at 12:58 AM
I recently watched BIRTH OF THE RICH MAN, I find it cute, sweet, and touching. Im so overwhelmed in PROCECUTOR PRINCESS, its one good definition of romantic comedy with heartfelt love. I like WHO ARE YOU, PERSONAL TASTE ( Not the love scene of lee min ho & so jin I find it odd ) I watched almost all your recomendation since a very sucker for korean love story/dramas&movies...
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244 noi
October 13, 2010 at 7:03 PM
thanks for the recommendation!!! xD
anyway, won't you include sweet 18? it's one of the best romcom kdrama i've ever watch
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245 Joebs
October 21, 2010 at 11:40 PM
I've started watching Delightful Girl after My Girl and it doesn't disappoint! :D Jae Hee is pure osamness. I love his expressions. Rawr. I hope you'd make a recap though. :3
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246 sae
November 11, 2010 at 10:53 PM
Delightful Girl Choon-yang is my favorite of all Korean TV series. I recommend it 100%.
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247 Susanna
November 30, 2010 at 2:42 PM
I'd like to add another to your list, one of the most beautiful and inspiring romance stories I have ever seen,
Fairy from Wonderland
http://www.ancientchinese.net/series/littlefairy
It goes beyond the normal and explains everything there is of love, the ultimate sacrifices and determination, all in this series. It is unforgettable and makes a lasting image in my mind.
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248 Red
January 16, 2011 at 11:22 AM
I agree about Coffee Prince, Who Are You? and Goong being must-watch dramas. They're on my list as well - http://www.asiani.net/mah-favourite-dramas
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249 WendyBird
January 23, 2011 at 8:21 PM
Okay.....I just spent the past week watching What's Up Fox - I heard it recommended before but never bothered to even bat an eye, but then I did......
Javabeans....I love you...and I love that drama, and I love the world, and that scary exam that I didn't bother to study for because I had to keep replaying three second facial expressions is....not loved, but it's fine! Because the world looks so beautiful and fluffy after acting and plots like that....so thank you, for a lovely drama recommendation that made my week so very lovely.
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250 MCat
March 11, 2011 at 10:49 PM
Thank you so so so so much. I was in the mood for a romance/comedy drama, and I had no idea what to watch, so I Googled and found this. I loved Hana Yori Dango, Boys Before Flowers (yes, I loved it, though I felt it got messy towards the end), You're Beautiful, and I wanted to find another drama similar to those. I never would have known about Delightful Girl if it wasn't for you. I just finished it tonight, and though it was an emotional roller coaster, and it was really heart-wrenching and difficult to watch, I loved it, and I have a new obsession with Jae Hee LOL.
I have this bookmarked in my favorites, and I am going to try to watch every single one mentioned on here! Thank you so much again!!!
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