Open Thread #252

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Good to hear you're doing well!:) Good luck with moving, let us know how everything goes! I'm moving in September - just found a flat, but still need to sign the contract.
By the way, I'm sorry if I missed any of your comments from last week's OT - if I owe you anything, I'll try to make up for it this time!
Also, you raise an interesting question in your comment below on how to understand who is at fault when the drama isn't good. Have to think about this and will reply soon.

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Mystisith

August 10, 2012 at 6:40 AM

Bonjour Ivoire!

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Ivoire

August 10, 2012 at 7:23 AM

love xxx

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Ivoire

August 10, 2012 at 7:59 AM

Hello Leaf, my dear,

How are you? And how was your week? I still owe you some responses from last OT (and maybe the one before that, I will check) and I will (eventually) answer, promise! You know what happened to me last night? I dreamed of LMH, yeah, really! He had made a short foreign movie and was in my area (or he was somewhere in Europe and I happened to be there as well), I wasn't really sure.

Anywoo, he and the other actors and actresses were staying in a big cottage like kind of place and I was there too, the whole time they were staying there. People had rented suites or something like that, and I happened to be staying there somehow. They had interviews and visited the town and just did what tourists do. The interesting thing was I could actually see them (mostly him, because he was the one I was mostly interested in) up close and I did. One could actually walk up to him and interact and talk with him (somehow, his English was pretty good. I KNOW :-), it was my dream, what can I say? :-)). He was really approachable and really down to earth and a little shy, and REALLY CUTE!

So, the other interesting thing was that my dream was very vivid. The people in my dream felt like real people I was talking to, and hanging out with, having lunch with, etc... (these were the movie people), LMH being one of them. It was a very interesting dream. I could actually touch them and the dream felt real, like I wasn't dreaming but being in real life kind of dream... This is what I get for looking at the link for the blog Dramafever sent me yesterday, with 150 pictures of BTS of Faith (I haven't looked at all of them yet) and for watching the 6mns latest trailer of Faith as well, at least 3 or 4 times, before going sleep.

So, using the 6 degrees of separation (more like one degree here) theory, do you think that it might work for you? Starring at pictures of your boyfriend and trailers of some of his dramas/movies and maybe you could have really vivid dreams in which you are interacting with him (hanging out, talking to him) in a really nice place? Just a thought my dear :-), you never know what might work, until you actually meet him, which for you, I hope will happen some day :-). Any news of said boyfriend?

Have a great weekend as well, my dongsaeng, and love you back :-)! (Please,remind again, what do the xxx mean again?)

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Ivoire

August 10, 2012 at 8:02 AM

I meant to say :"Please remind me again..."

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Christabel Godlewska

August 10, 2012 at 8:14 AM

HAHA.... oh Unni I love your message!!! <3<3<3
I saw those 150 pictures and decided my brain wouldn't be able to cope so didn't look haha.
But that sounds like an awesome dream!!! Maybe one day it will happen? And please... I'm sure Lee Min HOTs english is more than good enough ;)
Ahh so super excited for Faith!!!

And I love would totally love to have a dream about my boyfriend!!! But I don't dream (ok ok I dream just don't remember them at all) so it wouldn't be much use... ^cries^

And xxx are kisses so basically the same as love.

Hope your week is better!!
Love xxx

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Rashell

August 10, 2012 at 8:29 AM

Ivoire, I'm trying not be jealous that you dreamed about my boyfriend! ;)

Seriously that sounds like an awesome dream. I'm one of those people who almost never remembers what they dream. So even if I have an awesome Min Ho dream, I wouldn't remember it.

I have a question:

Sometimes, when the recappers analyze a drama as a whole, they would say that the drama could have been better if the director would have done a better job ("I blame the director," I think that JB said that about BOF). I have read that comment and I have usually taken it as a fact.
Now however, I wonder, how does one know that the drama (or movie) wasn't as good, not because of the actors, but because of the director? From a viewer's chair, could we (could I) differenciate and know how much responsibility goes on the actor's shoulders and how much of the drama (movie) "failed" (or wasn't as good) because of the director?
Would that have anything to do with an actor/actress past performances? What if it is their 1st acting job, like the actress playing Me A Ri in AGD? How do we know she wasn't as good vs the director didn't do as good a job as he could have? I am wondering if I could recognize or see something like that and so I wanted to ask: what are the things that you guys use as clues? I hope my question makes sense.

Also, I have to tutor French this morning, so I will not participate on OT as much today, or least not right away. I am looking forward to reading your answers and comments when I come back :-).

2nd question actually: I love this rendition of this song:

1--http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6cO-UJSvCZY

and then there is this version by Jo Sung-mo alone:

2--http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fswpGIFmddo&feature=related

I am trying to find both versions , but really the 1st version is my favorite (with the original singer). Could someone please tell me what the title of the song is, and where (as in on what album/CD) I could find it? And please don't give me the title in Korean characters (like they did for these videos) as I don't read Korean. Is there a Romanization title of the song, please?
I tried to look it up on Yes Asia so I could eventually buy the CD, but I don't know the title, so I am not sure what I am looking for. Again, I am interested in both versions, but more so in the one (1st one) with the original singer that has the Flamenco beat and sounds in it. Thanks!

Also, there are a number of OTers I owe responses to from comments left to me on the last OT and the one before that. I haven't forgotten (I usually don't) but I have had a challenging and busy week, so I haven't gotten to that. Please know that I will, simply because I like to finish a conversation that we started and close that arc, that's just me. Just like if someone eventually answers a question I had asked, I ALWAYS appreciate that. So please be patient with me :-)

I will have to move soon (yes, AGAIN, 3rd time in the last 6 months or so) and so I need to go through my things and pack (AGAIN)! So again, please be patient with me.

@ Maya: I think you were supposed to move last week, if I am correct? Did that happen? If yes, how did it go? Were you able to be ready on time? ( I think you procrastinated on packing, which I TOTALLY understand :-))

Any news on the Indonesian- Korean drama? Can't remember the name right now. How is that faring? (If anybody knows). I know some people here on OT are from Indonesia (some live there) and one actually is out of the country, but they had let me know what the drama was about a few OTs back (sorry, I just can't remember your screen names off the top of my head right now), but you know who you are.
Do you guys know if I could catch it online with English subtitles? (I currently live in the US). Thanks!

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jomo143

August 10, 2012 at 7:44 AM

What directors do:
They take all the creative folks, listen to them, and decide what ends up being filmed.
This includes final decision on sets, wardrobe,make-up, lighting, sound, music, timing.
So which scenes from the script are shot, how they are filmed, how the actors read the lines.

A good director is adept at pulling the best performances out of his actors. He needs to be sensitive to how everything gets translated to the screen, too, as opposed to how it sounds/looks on the set. Sometimes the actors say "He makes me feel comfortable" "I really wanted to give my best because of him" or they may HATE the director who keeps them on edge. That is also a technique to motivate and challenge the actors.

A bad director allows poor performances, or even bad performances. (See Dr. Jin) He doesn't pay attention to the small details that take away from or derail the story the writer is trying to tell. So you get OVER THE TOP acting, or sluggish acting, or absent acting with a bad director.
You get stupid scenes that don't end, or confusing scenes that don't move the story along. You have low quality sets, wardrobe and music that doesn't fit the mood.

Another key part to good filmed show is the editor. That person has to be just as much a story teller as the director, but ulitmately, it is the director who approves the final version. If they don't like the editing, it should be redone and redone until he is happy.

My favorite recent example of a great director is the person from White Christmas. He manged to get real, raw and compelling performances out of a rookie cast. Some of the same actors have been in other projects where we did not see the same level of talent. In that case, it is easy to blame the director.

Does that help?

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Christabel Godlewska

August 10, 2012 at 7:45 AM

Well I remember I think JB saying that if the drama is bad and you don't know why then it is most likely the direction.

Basically I take direction to mean how well the story flows and whether it is logical. haha.
Yeah... I'm not quite sure either now I think about it...

I also wanted to say that I thought the Youtube links would get red so you could just click on them. Those two songs are the rendition of the song that JR sang to his wife Min Sook (sp?) in AGD at the end of one episode. I will try again and see if it works, otherwise, please copy and paste to see the videos I am talking about. I would appreciate it if you think you could help me find out how to find those songs (so I can buy them). Thanks again!

1–http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6cO-UJSvCZY

and then there is this version by Jo Sung-mo alone:

2–http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fswpGIFmddo&feature=related

Thank you to those who have already responded to my post, I will be back later to read your comments :-)!

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danni

August 10, 2012 at 8:16 AM

The song is "If you come into my heart" but I can't seem to find those versions. Though if you just want the song, they do have the original one by Jo Deuk Bae, it's number three on the first CD.

http://www.yesasia.com/us/cho-duk-bae-best-live-song/1020331200-0-0-0-en/info.html

A link to Jo Deuk Bae's original:

August 10, 2012 at 9:48 AM

That's actually a really good question.

The director is, in the end, the boss of everything and although s/he does not write the script, do the cinematography, act, compose the music, edit the film material, etc. s/he does have the final say in these things. And even before: s/he will direct people in certain ways, e.g. say "I want this scene filmed from this particular angle". But this depends very much on the director and who they are working with - some may control this a lot more than others (I'm thinking Michael Haneke right now, who had the English remake of his film "Funny Games" done exactly like the Austrian original, except that the actors were replaced by American A-listers. But apparently the set was identical, e.g. the exact same clock stood on the exact same mantelpiece in the exact same spot). For acting: well, there may be separate casting directors but again, directors do get a voice. They can bring out the best in their actors, but they should also be able to spot wanna-bes before they are cast.

I don't think we can always clearly identify whether it's the directing or something else. Probably, if the whole thing is bad (i.e. not just terrible choice of music) it's the director's doing (or lack thereof) - could be either that s/he is getting bad stuff from all sides and can push people to do better OR sh/e has good raw material but doesn't know how to handle it (select the best shots, the edit the scenes at the right point, etc.).

But even if just the music is bad, it still means that the director has some part of the blame even if s/he didn't choose the pieces/compose the music. Because s/he can object and if they are any good they should have a sensitivity and talent for all aspects of filmmaking - and bringing out the best in the entire crew (not just actors).

Well, there are producers too who provide the money, so they will be pulling strings in the back and budget limitations may come in as well.

I don't think there is one good way of directing by the way. There are different types of directors and different types of cast and staff, some who will work better with one person, others with another.

I do think sometimes you can just tell that a different director would have done better - often because see basic errors (too many clichés, consistent flaws, repeated gaps in the story line) that either scream carelessness or simply demonstrate that the director doesn't have that kind of sensitivity that can take something to another level.

Okay, I'll stop rambling!

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CaroleMcDonnell

August 10, 2012 at 12:35 PM

If everything or most everything is bad, I blame the directors. Of course the producers can be blamed as well. They hired the director and sometimes they hire the production staff. But if all the actors are universally bad, or stilted, I think the director is to blame.

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Maya

August 10, 2012 at 7:53 AM

Happy OT Ivoire! :)

Btw answering your question on Gaksital thread, my move went well although exhausting. I practically had to pack the whole 2bedroom apartment by myself since my roommate is out of the country right now. The whole moving thing lasted for 4 days. And apparently the new apartment is infested with fleas. I started living there on the fourth day and when I woke up in the morning, my feet and ankles are covered with bumps. I called the leasing office immediately and they sent the pest control guy. I think it's under control now. Although I read on Internet that I still need to sprinkle some salts and baking soda on the carpet and vacuum it daily to make sure that it will be completely flea-free.
Anyway enough about me. How's your week going Ivoire? Did you manage to find the instrumental piece of that song in YouTube? The song is starting to grow on me too (it's no wonder, since I've been listening to it all day :D), and I like that operatic song as well. The one called Judgement Day, which is sung by Joo Won apparently?! :). It's kinda funny since I didn't like it that much at first.

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alua

August 10, 2012 at 8:22 AM

The electricity just went. The internet is working though. Water has been intermittent too (though we've got it at the moment).

I am in the middle cooking dinner! With gas, but it's a bit hard to see, even with a flashlight. In fact, my computer is the brightest spot at the moment!

Very much waiting for Arang and the Magistrate.
I tried Haeundae Lovers but, ummm, not very taken by it so far.
So I'm really only watching j-dramas, finished Lucky 7 (John, you're right, I do want a second season), bits of Liar Game (because I saw the latest Liar Game film on the plane and reviewed it, so I wanted context) and Rich Man, Poor Woman. That last of which is getting intense. Didn't love episode 5, because somehow I felt they could have made more of it. It establish a number of turns and twist in the dorama though, both in terms of betrayal and love (no spoilers).

Watched a k-film too, Lee Yoon-ki's This Charming Girl (will review that next).

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shukmeister

Where ave you been watching Answer Me 1997? I know Dramafever just started subbing them.

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Mar

August 10, 2012 at 2:51 PM

Subs are really slow to come out on Answer Me 1997. REALLY APPRECIATE subbers, do not get me wrong. Just a tad frustrating when you get addicted lol. Charming drama.

I'm watching Golden Time also, mostly for The Voice though. Wow, really amazing how sloppy some of the medical stuff is portrayed in that drama, not to mention the actions of the doctors and department heads, really, really, silly.

Disappointed The Voice has gone back to his goofy skinny guy character portrayal with GT though. I'd thought he was going in a different direction, more leading man, especially after Pasta. I really appreciate the step up he took in Coffee Prince, and then really loved how he went to a more mature looking and more refined character in Pasta. Loved his more groomed hair style in Pasta, and also that he gained some weight, just loved his look in that drama period.

I also an enjoying Lee Sung-min as the mentor doctor in GT, fabulous performance.

Looking forward to Arang and The Magistrate and Faith. Fall semester will start soon so tv, movies, and pleasure reading will be on the back burner, but as I have to wait for subs, I'll not be jonesing for the next episode to come out lol. Pre game-AATM s looking like it is well put together and makes sense. The stuff coming out on Faith is less than well knit, so I am a little concerned, but Lee Min Ho pretty is a huge draw. But hey, we all though Big was going to bring it and it did not, so only time will tell on these two new dramas. I also have To The Beautiful You and Panda and Hedgehog on my radar for future viewing if they seem like they are going to work.

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Nutella

August 10, 2012 at 9:53 PM

Answer me 1997 is there on dramacrazy as Reply 1997... although the subs are a bit slow ^u^

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3 Stacy

August 10, 2012 at 6:28 AM

Happy Friday everyone!

I've had to make a vow with myself that I will not marathon any more dramas until I have completed my course work for my degree - which will be next March! I'm allowing myself to keep up with dramas as they air (if they are streamed somewhere) but that's all. I figure weekly episodes is no different that the time I used to spend watching all kinds of regular shows like American Idol and such that I never watch anymore. The only American shows I watch anymore are Bones and Once Upon a Time.

However, I'm still downloading stuff for future use :D

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celest4

August 10, 2012 at 7:01 AM

Haven't seen many dramas this year also because of my degree *sigh*. I got a little break today so I decided to visit the OT in what seems like months if not a year lol. I'm so curious to watch Answer Me, 1997 though. I will probably have to marathon that and many other shows when I do have my break (and when subs are finished).

I love Once Upon a Time too! I thought it would be really cheesy at first but it's been such an addictive watch. Looking forward to that, The Walking Dead and the last season of Fringe in the fall :)

Glad to see I'm in good company :) When I first started watching dramas - doramas and then Kdramas - I marathoned everything because there were so many dramas and I had to watch them all NOW! hehe Up until a few months ago, I refused to watch dramas while they aired because marathoning was the only way I knew...however, once I tried watching dramas as they aired, to my complete surprise I found that I liked that method better! Not only does it prevent me from spending one to two days absorbed in a drama and neglecting everything else (including school work), but I found myself more invested in the story and characters. I think because I spent more time with the drama overall - several weeks as opposed to a couple of days. I dunno. Whatever, I'm totally converted now.

Over the past couple of years I've slowly accumulated a number of dramas that I intend to watch one day. I'm continually adding to the pile dramas that sound interesting but aren't high on my priority list (like AGD and INR2), plus with some of these I like to wait and see how they end before using up any of my limited bandwidth to download.

So yeah, Faith, Arang, and Hana Kimi Korean Style will be watched weekly because Lee Min Ho is my husband (I don't care who else has MINE'd him, he's still MINE!!!) and Lee Jun Ki + Shin Min Ah = CRACK and HKKS, well, I'll be watching just in case it turns out good cause I lurv me some Hana Kimi!

Hi KL - driving in to work I could see REALLY dark sky over the horizon and I mentioned to my daughter that I hoped she got home to take in the towels before the rain hit - she immediately googled weather and said we had only a 30% chance of storms, which surprised me based on that sky. Nothing is happening yet...if it were storming badly we have a skylight here in the office and from where I sit I could hear it hitting the glass but only if it was coming down hard. It was VERY muggy though...I would like a storm to clear the air. But don't kill my tomato plants!

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shukmeister

August 10, 2012 at 9:05 AM

Hey JoAnne ~

Intellicast was showing vertical bands of yellow and red, so it looks like an intense but short-lived excitement, much like some recent dramas [cough cough BIG cough cough]. Bring those towels in! lol

I love sandpaper towels!! lol It beats using scrubbing bath salts.

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Mama J

August 10, 2012 at 9:18 AM

Ok My Wondrous Beans I'm back with time to actually write something ;)

So let's see - BIG HAPPY DISCOVERY last weekend - a really, really yummy Korean restaurant 45 minutes away from me. Looks like a hole in the wall until you go in, and food was beyond delicious. As well as lovely, lovely family who owns the place, and a great market across the street. I FINALLY got to try ddukbeoki and - yum. Does anyone know if you can freeze the refrigerated pre-made rice cakes? I bought some, and they're vacuum packed. We'd have a hard time eating the entire package in one sitting though, so I wanted to use half, freeze half for later. I bought two packets for sauce just in case :) My NOTORIOUSLY picky daughter loved her meal enough that when I said we would be visiting once a month from now on until forever she was completely on board. Her more adventureous friend who accompanied us loved her meal too - between us we had vegetarian mandu, ddukbeoki, cold buckwheat noodles with tempura and dipping sauce, galbi, manduguk, pickled daikon radish, pickled cucumber, broccoli with gochujang, kimchi...and yes, soju. Oh! and patbingsu! And I made a drama friend with the daughter, although she laughed and said I watch a curious mix of shows she likes and shows her parents like. She said she would help me with my Korean learning and I got another compliment on my pronunciation so it was an all-around STELLAR trip in my eyes :)

Dramas - marathoned I Love Lee Tae Ri in 4 days. That was really well done, and I spent a lot of time musing about how a well-written drama can have some of the same 'sins' as a poorly-written drama, and we barely notice. Like Big, there was the squick factor, or should have been. I don't think it was as squicky. Like Big, we didn't see some big scenes. (When he changed, how that worked, what happened to Seung Jae, etc) Like Big, we had to wait until almost the end to find out exactly WHY Uncle was such a dick. And like Big, they meet again accidently years later but we don't really know what happens next. And you know what? All those things pissed me off in Big, and I didn't care in the least with Lee Tae Ri. I had faith it would work out, because the writer gave us enough to go on. and I was SO HAPPY to see so much of Coach - love that actor. And actually, like the actor playing the uncle too - he was that ineffective gangster in Kimchi Family. Yeah..I liked this one a lot.

Gaksital - just so much win. I can't even stand it, how much I want to watch this show forever and ever and have YEARS of well-done Shunji - KangTo maneuvering.

Ok. INR 2012. So last week I talked at length about exactly why I was so happy with the ending of INR 2011. I got what I thought I wanted with this one, too, but am left strangely unhappy by that fact. Why, you ask? Ok, you didn't, but I'm going to talk about it anyway. All the way through I adored both men. I ended it adoring both men. I always knew they BOTH loved her deeply, and I completely accepted Oppa's behavior once I understood the reasoning behind it. I'm not saying I thought it was the best way to handle it, but I'm saying I understood it and could forgive it. And when she left Ji Hoon to go back to Oppa, I got that. (Man, did he act the SH** out of being heartbroken. SO.GOOD.) But when she was so clearly hearbroken to make that decision too...I, well...ok. I waivered. My heart left Oppa and went to Ji Hoon. I never thought it would happen! I thought I would always want her to make the choice she made! But she was so SAD about it, so torn. They were all broken hearted, all 3 of them. So when Oppa made the big mental speech about their time having past, their opportunities having been used up? My heart said YES, SHOW! YES! This time, the decision will be to keep those precious memories and sad memories, and move on to the new love, the one that is so much better for you (if we're being honest.) It seemed real to me, and very organic. I also loved how it affected the narrative arc of the two seasons, because there were SO many nods to Season 1 in Season 2 - and having the heroine make the OPPOSITE choice this time, and having them BOTH be the right choice? How real would THAT have been?

So I'm sad, because show didn't have the balls to go there. Even though I adore Oppa and I didn't want him to be sad and alone after everything he went through.

In other news: new music to me this week: Verbal Jint. See also Phantom, and Sanchez, and everyone else VJ collaborates with. I'm like a kid in a candy shop. Thank you, Tablo, for leading me there.

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alua

August 10, 2012 at 10:02 AM

So awesome that you found a wonderful Korean restaurant! It sounds fab!

I wanna try making some patbingsu some time... some of the cooking blogs I frequent have been posting recipes and it sure looks good (and I'm saying that as someone who eats just about not frozen sweets/icecream).

INR2012 - I am right there with you with everything you said!
YES, SHOW! YES! was pumping through my system at that speech too!! I always was rooting for Ji Hoon even though I figured it was futile, but at that point, I was like really? REALLY? YAAAAAAYYYY! But then they showed that "what if" at the coffee shop and my heart fell. I still get it, I still think the ending makes mostly sense, I liked Oppa too, but it does feel like lost opportunity to show a legit moving on to a new love. It's a bittersweet ending, which happens to, so I can still count this as one of my favourite chick flick dramas.

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reeen

August 11, 2012 at 3:50 AM

I liked both guys, too, but I think the ending made a lot of sense. The drama let us know that Yeol Mae and Seok Hyun had been separated before but always got back together, no matter how bad the breakup was. I think Yeol Mae genuinely moved on after being pushed away so vehemently and certainly would have been happy with Ji Hoon. I was convinced at some point that she would choose Ji Hoon in the end (even though he clearly was the second lead concerning screen time etc.).
But when she went back to Seok Hyun I thought that was the decision that allowed for the most character growth. In a way, staying with Ji Hoon would have been a more selfish choice for her, because happiness would have been certain. Going back to Seok Hyun meant staying true to her earlier declaration that she was determined to find love with him and it was still uncertain whether she could ever truly be happy with him. But in that moment what mattered more to her was Seok Hyun being unhappy than her own happiness.
Of course, leaving Ji Hoon after promising to marry him also was selfish - I liked that there was no clear-cut solution in this drama and the characters had real human flaws (except for Ji Hoon - he was very level-headed and secure for someone who had been abandoned early in life... but maybe his flaw was choosing someone more or less unavailable). The most problematic trait of Yeol Mae was, I think, that she wasn't really honest with Ji Hoon from the beginning and pretended not to be so close to Seok Hyun - that also doomed their relationship and caused the rude awakening for Ji Hoon.
And by the way, I think Yeol Mae must have had many happy memories with Seok Hyun, too, or she wouldn't have gone back. We almost exclusively saw scenes of their breakups and relationship problems, but they were together for more than 10 years and I can't help but think what we saw of their relationship led to a rather skewed view that they were never on the same page (a problem with the script).

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Mama J

August 11, 2012 at 7:05 AM

Your assessment of YMs thought process is spot on - in that context I agree with the ending

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christy

August 12, 2012 at 12:19 PM

you make a lot of sense reeen :)

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shukmeister

August 11, 2012 at 1:09 AM

I also freeze mine. From the way I use my rice cakes, a fozen package gets broken down to 4 servings. I vacuum seal them and toss them back into the freezer.

August 10, 2012 at 6:49 AM

Hi hi~ Lookie, my first timid foray into the open thread~ I agree with you about the underwhelming in RMPW, I had to watch it twice to appreciate all the little things, but even then I still liked it much better than anything else I watched this week (have yet to watch the Gaksital though..). The nuzzling though, more than made up for it~ In fact, it made me write character analysis for all the main characters >.<;;

Ha ha, I was thinking too, with that name you are going to be welcomed with open arms on the OT!

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shukmeister

August 10, 2012 at 9:11 AM

@Nutella ~

Welcome! And don't be shy!

I'm liking RMPW. It's a nice change from some of the more melo offerings Ibrecently watched.

* RMPW SPOILER ALERT! *
I am surprised at his partner's behavior in Ep5, and I fail to see the motivation. Oh well, I'm sure it'll be explained later on.
* END SPOILER*

August 11, 2012 at 1:15 AM

With Japanese dramas having a shorter number of episodes than Korean, I expect everything will be clearer in the next installment; for the record, I hate to wait!

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alua

August 10, 2012 at 10:48 AM

So it wasn't just me! I also thought Rich Man Poor Woman was a bit underwhelming this week, lacking heart somewhere in the middle of it all. It did move things along - throwing us twists of both betrayal and love - but somehow something was lacking? (I can't quite put my finger on it.)

Maybe most of all that I didn't really feel we got to see anything new and interesting from Makoto. Even if she gave Hyuga her little pep speech and grinned from ear to ear in the train, I kinda wanted more development from her (not run away whenever she happens to run into Hyuga and Yoko together!). And more reaction from Hyuga (not necessarily romantic, although I am rooting for them). He just seemed more moved (i.e. unsettled) by her presence in the first two episodes or so, which I found really interesting (him going "Why can't I get that girl out of my mind?" - him who remembers no one!). Instead, he is paying way too much attention to Yoko and it seems more of that will follow.

I also sort of wish the betrayal would have been more secretive. You know, leaving the viewer guessing also, not revealing (at least some) things quite clearly at the end of the episode.

Didn't fancy the preview either - feel like it might go in directions I don't want it to go!!!

August 10, 2012 at 1:13 PM

I think this week's initial underwhelmingness was due to a few things: Firstly, nothing big happened directly to Hyuga or Natsui right uptil the very end (when the stuff got leaked) so even though we *know* that something major happened, since it didn't reflect on the characters we love the most, we didn't really feel like anything happened except for the fluff, and the 45 minutes seemed to zip by~

Note that I'm not complaining about the fluff in the least. In fact, I advocate throwing everyone else off of the show and keeping only Hyuga and Natsui in it just being together~

As for Yoko... it's farrrr too long to post here (it's the longest analysis yet, which is weird cos she didn't get as much screen time and neither do I go ga ga for her) so here http://rockharlequin.livejournal.com/5515.html or here http://butaneandthebeast.tumblr.com/tagged/moya-goes-crazy-over-a-drama

P.S. Is it just me, or does Shun look GIGANTIC in this dorama? He's even taller here than he looked in Crows.. and he sort of looked terrifying in Crows (for the first 2 minutes anyway..) Ishihara looks party-sized next to him..

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alua

August 10, 2012 at 8:23 PM

How tall is Shun? I did strike as well, especially when the Makoto-the-tomato-grower walked up. And when Shun had to bend down walking into a room so as not to hit the head on the doorframe.

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Nutella

August 10, 2012 at 10:14 PM

It says everywhere he's 6ft (183 cm) but there're a lot of Japanese actors who (claim) are 6ft or even taller, but Shun's looking much taller than them...

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Mama J

August 10, 2012 at 6:42 AM

How did you feel about it? I will be expounding. I've never been so unhappy about getting what I wanted before, and it's confusing me.

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korazylady

August 10, 2012 at 6:46 AM

My sister and I watched it (in different cities) and were texting the whole time. I absolutely agree with you 100%! At least they didn't play up the plot line that I thought they were going to, so I was really relieved about that.

I'm leaving soon, so will have to check your comments on Sunday. It was bad enough when I was missing dramas while being away, now I'm going to miss the OT, too!

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sebsob

August 10, 2012 at 7:04 AM

Spoilers.

After the ending of INR1 I was wary of this drama but Shin Ji Hoon was just wonderful. I thought that maybe I would be all right this time, or maybe I just convinced (read that as deceived) myself because I just wanted to watch more of Ji Hoon.

Anyway, by the middle, I was at a point where I wouldn't mind so much how it ended BUT now that it has, in the manner that it did, I can not say that I am satisfied.

I kept saying, if she knew she would falter, would turn back and return to that which was her first love, first choice, first always then why did she begin something new with someone else.

oh noes... hope you did finally make it to Chesapeake! Where I'm at this is Hurricane season so I also have to be wary of the weather for my Sat-Sun plans... hopefully no freakish weather for me!

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christy

August 10, 2012 at 7:56 AM

The sun IS shining where I am, and it's lovely. What I needed after finishing INR2012 last night and being all wrung up.

*SPOILER*
Oh I wanted her to pick Ji Hoon!! They kept teasing it right up till the end and although I figured I was hoping against hope, I couldn't help but hope anyway. Sigh. It's not that I hated the main guy, I AM glad all the crazy made that couple address their issues, so I understand the ending, I just thought Ji Hoon was much the better for her guy. I LOVED the scene where his little arm squeeze helps her calm down and not say things rashly. Also it just makes me sad that she pretty much gave up kids for him, she may know the reason WHY he's unsure about marriage and family now, but it feels a bit like an unanswered question... will he ever agree to it? will she really be okay saying they'll get married "in a little while" for the rest of her life? Sigh, a happy ending and yet somehow not. Still really loved this drama! And her friend's story lines were really great too!
*END*

Have a good visit!!!

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korazylady

August 10, 2012 at 8:33 AM

Hi Christy,

***Spoilers**** I was on team SH so was happy in a way. While I was glad not to have to deal with the sadness of the disease, it was kind of a cop-out how they never mentioned it again. Also, she really, really seemed to love JH (it was all soooo heartbreaking - how could she throw that stuff away?) And then the whole year thing - my sister and I were like WTH??? But, I was so glad to see that they could finally have the relationship they should have and were both genuinely happy. I've seen long term couples go both ways - some split and some come back together. But these two were so darn cute I was routing for them. But like her with guy 2, also. But didn't really like her much at all, haha! So confusing! I did like the fact that it was never clear cut up till the end.

By the way, do you understand Korean? Because there were pretty many subs missing and I feel some things were lost to me. I hope they finish it as I'll definitely rewatch (without teary eyes this time. I'm a hopeless romantic, what can I say!)

Ok, we're going to make a dash in the rain. Good weekend to you!

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christy

August 10, 2012 at 11:28 AM

*sneaks on at work*

Good luck with your degree! hmmm I've been wanting to see A million stars falling from the sky, but I hadn't added it to the queue yet... now maybe I will xP but the list it is growing!! ah when will I finish!

August 10, 2012 at 5:19 PM

After I watched the show I went and put their names together in google because I wanted to see some pictures of them together and found out they starred again in another show [Change], now your telling me they were also husband and wife in Chuusingura ?!! *squeals*. I'm heading off to watch those shows now lol. I would love to see them together again as well, can never get enough of a good pairing ^^

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8 sebsob

August 10, 2012 at 6:47 AM

Warmest greetings!

I discovered this MV last week and have been sharing it with everyone which is why I am posting it here (sorry if it has already appeared in an OT.)

It is beautiful.

However I just realized that one of the actors that has me enamoured is Song Jae Rim from Moon Embraces the Sun! I was taken aback and though I thought I never would, I might watch that drama again. He is wonderful here, every nuance in his expressions causes movement in my soul.

It also has Lee Min Ki and I will also add a warning, it will make you cry so maybe leave viewing until those Sunday Blues.

http://youtu.be/km4D0wkmaPM

August 10, 2012 at 1:23 PM

I wish I'd been on that OT! but my spring and summer was so hectic I barely made it to read some of DB's articles... hopefully this fall I'll be able to participate more with the family here :P

I understand how you can tear up at this song, it's actually really hard not to do so! ah... I need to go eat some sugar to cheer me up!

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sebsob

August 10, 2012 at 10:17 AM

They are both so wonderful in it. I watched first without understanding the lyrics, and it still moved me. Then again with the lyrics which added another layer of depth.

I read a few posts on forums and I was surprised about the numerous interpretations. People see what they want to see; incorporating their own secrets into it.

The music is beautiful and the lyrics wondrous but I really liked how they choreographed the MV. Just outstanding.

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Min

August 10, 2012 at 1:25 PM

Yes definitely an overall beauty... voice, lyrics, mv- everything was incredible.

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sebsob

August 10, 2012 at 10:22 AM

I agree. That is what I took from the song and those closing lyrics and end scene,

"They won't ever reach you, the words that let you go."

Friday!

Watching:

Rich Man, Poor Woman
Answer Me 1997
Joseon X-Files
The Legend of Zhen Huan

My wife brought Psy & his Gangnam Style video to my attention. LOL

Hi John! My husband started watching the Gangnam Style video last night and repeated it a few times. He says he likes the video better than the song. Either way I appreciate how the song has showed up on the radar over here.

BTW where are you watching Joseon xFiles?

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john

August 10, 2012 at 10:12 AM

kewbie~

I'm watching it on Dramafever.

It's listed as Secret Investigative Files. It's a short series though, only 10 episodes.

I do have the C-Drama The Legend of Zhen Huan
to get me through those anxious hours and days of waiting for subs for the current shows.

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isnin

August 10, 2012 at 10:44 AM

Gangnam Style!
I am tickled pink to see this video reaching so many people and making them all fans!

WHY is his video is good?
WHY it is so successfully getting attention in other countries.

IMO

1. his sense of humor
2. not "trying" to break into other markets/countries
3. his "I don't give a flock" attitude
4. really well done
5. star cameos

This song would be the ultimate flash mob song.
If I saw people dancing Gangnam Style I would immediately go over and try to make friends!

It's almost school time, which means less dramas. In fact, I might be putting my looooong list of upcoming dramas on hiatus and completely immersing myself into study.
Guess i'll just marathon everything after school ends in june next year, which is a whole 9 months....

What is a student to do when withdrawal symptoms kick up? Keep pictures of Joo Won on her phone for health purposes.
*run off to marathon everything while I still can*

Btw, just finished watching Bad Family. I recommend it for rainy days. It's the cutest, most adorable and heartwarming family drama I've ever seen, all packed into 16 eps! I love Kim Myung Min.

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Min

August 10, 2012 at 7:32 AM

Oh gosh! you've watched Bad Family??? yay it is the best for rainy days! so wonderfully cute! i've watched that drama at least once a year since it came out! lol so that makes it around 5-6 times? I think... heh.
and I feel you about school and dramas.. but I think I'll have to watch at least 1 drama at a time because then I really will go into withdrawal! Besides it can be the hour break that I take from studying! instead of watching regular tv just watch k-dramas! yay! heh....

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13 Christabel Godlewska

August 10, 2012 at 7:01 AM

Hey!!!! How is everyone???
Hope you all had a good week!!

I just tortured myself earlier with the final episode of Big and am bitterly regreting watching it. It didn't start any big trends that Hong sisters dramas do and why I end up watch the stupid things ^sigh^

But I don't feel too bad as I am watching many good dramas such as White Christmas!!! I still can't believe the little brother in Big is the same guy!!! I mean, why oh why did you accept Big when you are actually awesome????

Other fav drama at the moment GAKSITAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Love it!!!

And I have one more week here before I am flying to Seoul!!!! Can't wait!!!!

love xxx

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14 shiku

August 10, 2012 at 7:01 AM

Hi Everyone!

I just love love love the Olympics. It's amazing to see people train for years for a race and give their all to win. (on the flip-side I feel sad for the athletes who pull a hamstring, break their legs in the crucial moment.)

What has been your favorite moment of the Olympics? I have many like David Rudisha setting a new world record in 800m final, Bolt defending both his titles, the Flying Dutchman winning the high bar men's gymnastics event final (if you haven't seen it what are you waiting for?), Gabby winning the AA gymnastics final, Phelps winning his 5-6? medals, Sanchez winning and crying at the podium when he won (400?)m final, Mo Farrah working with his teammate and winning the 10,000m final and hugging his daughter at the end, etc.

I never knew there were events like Trampoline and synchronized swimming and BMX racing.

What events do you think they should add to the Olympics? Rugby.

Who also loves the google memes they have when you are about to do a search?

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fab

August 10, 2012 at 9:12 AM

Hi,

I love the OG too!

The flying Dutchman was definitely amazing! I was on the edge of my chair, unbelievable how hard that looks. I also loved the swimming, with very young teenagers winning gold, Phelps securing his 18th gold ever and unfortunately the last, but my favourite was Kromovidjojo(also Dutch), she won the 100m and 200m freestyle.

I am sad that windsurfing won't be included in the next OG in Brazil.

August 11, 2012 at 9:39 AM

so UPDATE:: SO HAPPY!! MEXICO WON :)

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15 Blaumauss

August 10, 2012 at 7:02 AM

Happy Friday everyone!

I've been watching Gaksidal, very thrilling. Forgot to breath sometimes.
And I watched the latest episode of Dr. Jin. I really do not know why.
I wanted to forget what I saw, and watched the Olymic Beachvolleyball-Finals.
Very thrilling indeed. Tanned athletic tall men to jump and dive through
the sand - mmmh - sugar!!
But it wasn`t enough to forget. so I need a summer-sports-drama about swimming, or
beachvolleyball, or...what else. With hot athletic boys with REAL abs. No fake
abs please, please please. I `just can`t get the DocJin-pictures out of my head.
Maybe because of a brain fetus, who generated the pictures again and again.
Oh my good - now I think of the brain fetus thing...
Maybe there is hope - Arang and the Magistrate and Faith coming soon. So Arang
and you gods from Faith: please chase away the fetusthing... I count on you!!!

So but tonight no k-dramas. I will enjoy the summernight with a friend of mine
at a beach-bar in Berlin.(Hope it does not rain.)
Anyway, have a good day and a nice relaxing weekend!

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August 10, 2012 at 8:40 AM

I usually prefer kdrama to japanese dramas but RMPW turned out to be some much more awesome than its title...glad to see that I'm not the only one who loves it, every tuesday/wednesday I sit and refresh the page waiting for the subs...
Oguri Shun is defo my favourite japanese actor and I like both of the main characters, they're just so lovable <3

wish there was a new episode right now to help cheer me up!

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oftheshore

August 10, 2012 at 9:11 AM

@Mia,
I always though Oguri Shun was a good actor, but he was never physically attractive to me until this show. Satomi Ishihara is just gorgeous, and I love her outfits and haircut.

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18 neener

August 10, 2012 at 7:06 AM

Happy OT!!! dramas being delayed because of Olympics might be turning into a good thing with me.... I'll be having exams next week so it is a good thing :D at least I'll have my reward after :D

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19 Min

August 10, 2012 at 7:07 AM

Hey OT friends and family hope you've had a wonderful week! As for me is it weird that I'm both happy and sad that I'm back in school? I'm going to miss my family in the US but I was going stir crazy cuz I already missed school! crazy huh?
I'm also not going to be as caught up in dramas because things are going to get more demanding but I'm going to count on all of you to fill me in :)

I think I'll drop everything I was watching to see Arang at least... It's LJK's comeback drama and boy have I missed him!!!

And boy does Psy's Gangnam Style video crack me up... I've also listened to SJ's Spy and love their performances in the music shows XP

August 10, 2012 at 7:17 AM

Happy Friday OT, everyone!

I watched Joseon X-Files, as recommended, and was so blown away. Even after everything I was still going, "Why, WHY, WHY?!" Wonderful, wonderful series. Tickles the mind so much, I love it.

There's a thunderstorm brewing outside, while I'm listening to Vertical Horizon and speed reading romance novels.

How is everyone?

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john

August 10, 2012 at 7:31 AM

Ladytron33~

August 10, 2012 at 10:28 AM

I am also watching Iki mo Dekinai Natsu and really enjoying it. It has been interesting learning about some of the family laws in Japan. The one they are writing about seems really destructive to the futures of children affected by it. You would think they would amend this somehow to make these people's lives easier.

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22 ck1Oz

I wouldn't call it serious or funny. Just kind of warm and sincere. I've only seen 8 episodes, there isn't much humor it's very dry versus jokey. All the medical shows are graphic, I'm not particularly bothered by it as much as I was by the brain or heart surgery or the obgyn surgeries. Might just be an immunity from medical program exposure at this point.

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Ladytron33

August 10, 2012 at 9:27 AM

I know. I just don't have all the time for what I want to watch. I still need to catch up on about 5 dramas from this past season before I get sucked into the next. I think a few weekend marathons will probably get all those out of the way though. :)

August 10, 2012 at 9:30 PM

Silliness keeps us balanced! ;) There's already too much heavy stuff in the real world as it is. (So my love for Princess and I is also justified! I am well past my teens too. :D )

I will probably need to keep my brother supplied with Coca-cola for a month or something, lol.

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27 tiacait

August 10, 2012 at 8:07 AM

Hello everyone! It's been a while since I could play on OT day, but I just have to pose this question.

For those who watched both, which did you prefer: I Need Romance or I Need Romance 2012? I must say, as much as I loved the actors in 2012, I think I ultimately thought the stories from the first season were more interesting.

*SPOILERY FOR INR 2012 ENDING*
I thought that 2012 ended up ending everything WAAAY too neatly, with marriages seemingly for everyone and babies for most, just because finales need babies.

*ENDETH SPOILER ALERT*

Did anyone else like the first season better?

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Mystisith

August 10, 2012 at 8:30 AM

The thing is, INR2012: I saw the end coming. I didn't agree with the ending for first season but at least it had an element of surprise. Here it's just "well on tracks". I also loved more the group of girls of the first season.

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tapiocapearl

August 10, 2012 at 8:57 AM

Finished I Need Romance 2, and while I enjoyed it, I'm glad it's over because I don't think I can handle the wishy-washiness of it any longer. Liked the way it ended for the main couple, very realistic like season 1 even if I didn't like that ending. Now that INR2 is done, I can say that neither season is better than the other. Each has its charm but are both flawed and frustrating. I loved the friendship in INR1 and the friends' personalities as well as their storylines (Kim Deuk-su, you are one sexy, ping-ponging nerd boy). In INR2, I ended up not caring about the friends, disliked how each of their stories got tied up into little neat bows, and I blame the writers for that. They didn't showcase the friends enough, so I didn't have time to love them. But the love triangle in INR2 was more interesting to me because both guys were so even, whereas in INR1, it was, to me, once a cheater always a cheater. If they make a third season, they should make it where both the love triangle and the girls' friendship are compelling at the same time.

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28 publicenemy

August 10, 2012 at 8:25 AM

I was watching this Hindi Drama called 'Iss Pyaar Ko kya naam doon' and it's got a great story line.... But the thing about Indian Serial's is that they tend to drag. A lot...

So I just watch the good parts and skip the rest.

Anyway my to watch list is getting bigger and bigger with each passing day! Too many dramas and yet so little time! ;D

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Maya

August 10, 2012 at 2:17 PM

Do the camera also zoom in to the main characters over and over again at crucial moment in the drama? :)
Because I always think that Indian dramas and Indonesian dramas bear this similarity, in terms that they tend to exaggerate certain scenes. :D oh, and Indonesian dramas also tend to drag a lot too..

August 10, 2012 at 8:35 AM

Hello everyone! Running a bit late as I hauled topsoil to my parent's house to fill in a hole left my a late, lamented maple that went down in a windstorm. First batch of dirt is in, and I'm resting before tackling the next.

I'm watching RMPW, up to ep 5.

Also watching 18 vs 29, recco'd by an OT member, broadcast in 2005. I'm up to 10 on this one.

Also also watching Queen of SOP, a CDrama involving department stores. No shoes (sorry all you IDID peeps), but a pretty cute storyline with only one really evil character (who is not any of the leads).

Finished a Thai lakhorn, Sawan Saang, which begins with racecars but unfortunately doesn't stay on them.

So two amnesia cases, and one plucky girl / two chaebol triangles.

Loving RMPM! First dorama I've watched in a long while, because there simply wasn't anything that appealed to my tastes.

How is Queen of SOP? I want to watch it, but it's got to wait a while. I can't find any raws to download, unfortunately, but only Viki is subbing it so there won't be any softsubs so I guess my only option is streaming it on Viki. I just hope the show is still available once I have time to watch it.

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whimsyful

August 10, 2012 at 9:43 AM

Hey Shuk!

The weather seems to be crazy everywhere. There's been a couple of thunderstorms where I'm living.

August 10, 2012 at 8:46 AM

Happy Friday, OTers!

Just finished INR2 (literally - I told myself that I couldn't join in the OT until I watched the finale), and I have to say, I'm satisfied. At the end of ep. 15, I was sure that any possible ending was going to leave sad and depressed, but the finale was just the right mix of bitter and sweet for me.

Haeundae Lovers - For the most part, I really like it. It's just quirky enough, and Kim Kang-woo is perfect. It's hard for me to ship the OTP, though, because the hero is married. Woah that's a big problem, no matter how much I enjoy the rest of the show. So until I see a few more episodes, I'm on the fence.

Answer Me 1997 - Watched the first episode and really like it so far. I'm hoping to watch some more later today or tonight.

Gaksital - I'm going to be brief because if I don't watch myself, I'll go on forever about every little detail. Here's the short version: I love this show. It definitely has its flaws, and sometimes (okay, pretty much every episode) it seriously creeps me out, but I appreciate that it doesn't shy away from the darkness of the subject matter, and I love the complexity of (most of) the characters.

I'm also watching the original INR (3 episodes in) and the Tdrama Autumn's Concerto (15 episodes in) on the side. And AGD ends this weekend! I sympathize with all the fans who want more, but I'm ready to close the book on this one. So yay for finales! and yay for HeadsNo2 only having one more episode of Dr. Jin! You can do it!!

I hope everyone has a great weekend and that this new batch of dramas doesn't let us down!

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tapiocapearl

August 10, 2012 at 11:21 AM

I don't know what special you're talking about, but I did watch one where the cast were on a talk show. It was funny to watch. And I didn't think Eugene's character was a bitch at all. Misguided, yes, but I liked that about her and that's the reason why I loved her and Ma-jun's relationship. It felt uncomfortable at times, but you still wanted them to end up together because these two lost people needed each other to be happy. And I liked that Yu-kyung owned up to her decisions and mistakes and recognized that Tak-gu was too good for her (because he was).

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33 Russe12

August 10, 2012 at 9:02 AM

Hello all!

I just have a quick question. There's a song that I have heard a few times in Flower Boy Ramyun Shop that I have also heard in another drama that I cannot remember right now, but the time in FBRS that I particularly remember was in ep. 11 (I think?) during the kiss scene between Chi Soo and Eun Bi. I don't know the title or artist, but would someone else maybe know? I've been wanting to find out what it is for a while now. Thanks!

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meecheellee

August 10, 2012 at 6:39 PM

Thanks Leaf! Looks like the second question was a no brainer for you. (:

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35 cv

August 10, 2012 at 9:29 AM

Happy OT all! ^^

I finished watching GHOST last night. OMG! Awsome! IF you have not seen it, you should. Fast pace edge of your seat thrill ride. Yep. I was even happy with the ending. :p

Rich man, poor woman---definitely my new crack. haha! Strong character and storyline. A tweek here and there would be better but overall, not bad.

Can't wait until next week for Arang and Faith. ^_^

Have a great Friday and weekend. :)

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DB5K

August 10, 2012 at 10:29 AM

*Warning: Spoilers Galore*

Ghost's script is the definitely one of the most well-written of the year, in my opinion, but the ending was an anti-climactic cop-out.

One part of the ending that I appreciated was that Jo Hyun Min was remorseful in the end, and that he chose to kill himself when he realized he killed someone who truly loved him and was also bearing his child. There was a certain poetic justice in that. Kudos to Uhm Ki Joon for doing an excellent job portraying Jo Hyun Min because we could always see sparks of his humanity beneath his megalomania.

But the ending was still a major cop-out. The script writer slacked off in so many areas. For example, one of the recurring motifs in the drama was how easily data was manipulated and yet Jo Hyun Min chose to believe his arch-nemesis' words that Shin Hyojung was pregnant just based on a few ultrasound images? Come on, there should at least have been a video of her at the hospital, happily filming and talking to herself about seeing her baby for the first time.

Also, Kiyoung-Woohyun concluded in the end that the legal system was flawed and couldn't bring about justice, so he turned to illegal methods and released Jo Hyun Min's x-files. In fact, he frequently used his hacking skills throughout the drama. Yet in the end, he chooses to keep pretending to be Kim Woohyun, who personifies rigid adherence to legal and police codes. The ending reiterated Kim Woohyun's last message to Kang Mi, "become a good cop, unlike me." But how is Kiyoung-Woohyun supposed to be a good cop when his very nature is to be a renegade hacker? And doesn't Woohyun's son deserve to know the truth? Kiyoung-Woohyun's whole purpose of becoming Woohyun was to avenge his friend and clear his name. He accomplished that, so why can't he begin the steps towards reclaiming his identity? With Jo Hyun Min gone, there's nothing stopping him.

And since we had a nice happy ending, couldn't the script writer have closed some ends on the budding Kiyoung-Woohyun and Kang Mi relationship? Just one scene of him teasing her or something would have been enough.

And I can't believe the whole solution to Jo Hyun Min's master-mind plotting and manipulation was simply to release Jo Hyun Min's x-files. If that's the case, why the fudge couldn't Kiyoung-Woohyun have released them sooner? Kiyoung-Woohyun realized that Jo Hyun Min's power of coercion lay in blackmailing ever since he talked to the crooked prosecutor and found out that Safe Tech's antivirus software contained backdoor trojans.

This series was amazing, but it dragged on in the last few episodes, recycling the same plot devices. It should have been shortened to 16 episodes.

Sorry for the paragraphs -_-" Despite my ranting, I still think Ghost is one of the best dramas of the year.

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36 Mia

August 10, 2012 at 9:32 AM

I just learned that I can't teach English in Korea as a non-native speaker, no matter how qualified I am :(

very sad :(

very VERY sad :(

one more dead dream...

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Sethe

August 10, 2012 at 11:44 AM

Hey Mia,

It might not be absolutely impossible... depends on what you're willing/able to do, I think. For example, a Seoul hagwon might not hire someone not from a native English-speaking country, but outside of Seoul, it might be possible for a highly qualified teacher from a country where English is in common use to find a job.

I thought i have more time to watch drama ( Shut Up Flower Boy Band and Joseon X Files) this past two weeks but olympics and pinterest kept be busy.

Im only watching Rich Man Poor Woman. Started Haeundae Lovers but im not that impressed yet.

Excited for Arang, Faith and may also watch Beautiful You also.

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40 redfox

August 10, 2012 at 11:46 AM

I would like to see more of the korean films everyone is watching in Estonian cinemas, but we only get some korean during the Dark Nights Film Festival. Do I really have to wait till December? *whine whine whine*

can you tell me if there are any really good films available online?

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41 Farpavilions

August 10, 2012 at 11:46 AM

Totally random question: just finished Ojakkyo Brothers last week and was wondering what's with the matchy matchy pink for girl blue for boy honeymoon jammies (complete with printed cutesiness) that crop up in kdramas (Big too, if I recall rightly).

There's an adblocker my brotherinlaw installed. He suggested upgrading my software including adobe flash even though i already have or better yet getting a new computer as this one is 5 years old and falling apart. I'm going to have him look at it again to see if he can salvage it, i doubt it, and to look at the internet to see if that's the problem.
as for hulu i stopped using it because i still had to deal with commercials even after paying. i figured that would get the message across that i was unhappy with them. i also convinced a few other people to just use their free version instead of hulu plus.
netflix volume is quiet, i have to have it at maximum just to hear it.

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43 Noelle

August 10, 2012 at 2:11 PM

Happy OT everyone!

I'm on a GTO craze lol. Watching the 2012 version as well as the anime. Still need to watch the movie.

Maya

August 11, 2012 at 10:39 AM

Glad you like it John! :)
Back then, I was hooked from the first episode and dramathoned the whole dorama in 2 days..

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alua

August 11, 2012 at 7:40 AM

Haven't seen Densha Otoko, but checked it out now thanks to you mentioning it. Sounds interesting! Might give that a try. Putting it on the to-watch list for sure.

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john

August 11, 2012 at 10:22 AM

alua~

I'm on Ep 2. An uber-dweeb meets the girl of his dreams while stopping a drunk from harassing her on the train.

With the support of his group of chat room friends, can the dork transform into Don Juan?

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46 john

August 10, 2012 at 4:16 PM

Maya~

Thanks you. I remember seeing something about it months ago.

Liar Game was ok, (watched primarily for Erica Toda ), I'll probably watch the 2nd season but not right away. The last episode was a way-too-long season recap and that kind of put me off a bit.

Is there any romance between Kanzaki and Akiyama? That would move it up on the watch list.

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Maya

August 10, 2012 at 4:32 PM

I think some undertones romance between Kanzaki and Akiyama was hinted, but the drama never really went there. And I felt the same thing, I kept watching it with hope that their relationship will blossom as they would make a really cute pairing! :)

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alua

Does anyone post on the Open Thread after Friday/Sat morning :o? I keep missing it...

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Maya

August 11, 2012 at 8:47 PM

Hi MeeisLee, it normally starts on Friday morning around 6.20 AM PST.

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by javabeans

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