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Good morning, DramaBeanies and other Non-meanies!
It’s been a while since I’ve been up on OT. Blame real life, which sometimes sneaks up and bops you on the head when you least expect it. However, I have still been lurking the posts after the weekend and occasionally making comments on other threads. I miss you all, and hope the craziness of Spring doesn’t spill over to Summer!
My recent shows have been the TWDrama “Drama Go Go Go” starring Jiro Wang. While his acting has improved a little bit from the last show I saw him in. However, I’m shipping the lead with the older suitor, since, like Jo In-sung , he’s tall and thin and looks awesome in a great coat!
The Most Improved Actor From The Last Time OnScreen, however, goes to Hand Towel. I know Dr Jin was execrable in its execution, but I have to say I am really enjoying WAML? Trite and clichéd? You bet. Lots of skin showing? Of course. But I find myself really enjoying the show, even with the copious amount of belief suspended. In fact, with the exception of the first episode recapped by the wonderful HeadsNo2, I have embarked on a first-time project: a collaboration / conversational recap of WAML, with me as the dry words, our wonderfully Snark Mistress JoAnne, and the amazing Gif Queen Kakashi!
Our “squee-capping” project is posted up to episode 4, and episode 5 should be posted this weekend. Even if the show is schlock in your opinion, JoAnne comments are truly worth a larger audience!
And my fellow Twitter followers have all started hashtagging their lives, so, like KofD, the show has followed us into our real lives.
#WhenAWomanIsFinishedWithHerShamelessSelfPromotion
I’ve watched THTWB in its entirety, and although there were one or two questionable wardrobe choices, I was pretty pleased with the actor’s performances. At least everybody had better hair styles then the last tenants of the estate and yes I’m looking at you No Min-wo!
I watched IRIS up to episode 17, but somewhere along the line I stopped caring. Someone needs to tell me if I need to invest even 15 more minutes with this franchise, and, if so, what episode.
CMRPrindle challenged me to go along with her and write a poem a day for April as National Poetry Month, which is not as easy as some would think. Still, I’m halfway there, and posting them in one week increments on my blog.
This weekend marks my mother’s 80th birthday, so I will busy with the finishing touches on her surprise birthday. And, no, she won’t need resuscitation afterwards. ;-) My oldest sister and her family are traveling down for a few days. She hasn’t seen the ‘rents since August of last year. Me? I wanted to try and get Jang Don-gun to jump out of a cake, but on second thought that would be beneficial to me and not so much to my mom. 8)
And finally, the pollen is nuts, the wisteria is in bloom, and the sakura are just past peak. Welcome to Spring on the East Coast!
Yeah, today I pick up the flowers and make the wrist corsage and table decorations. Luckily, my second sister is doing the planning / logistics. I'm just the artistic one!
Aaaand as a follow up to the family party shenanigans, my father never mentioned dinner to my mother, assuming that my sister or I would do it... With a little aeygo, and a lot of smoke and mirrors (read: BS), my mom finally relented to a small dinner.
Which she doesn't know is 14 people, including all her children and their spouses, plus a few grands... ssshhhh don't tell her... :-)
Good morning, Shukie!
Up already?! I'm beginning to suspect you're a robot ...
The shameless self-promotion works a little better when you include a link, Shukie :)
Here it is! Shukie and JoAnne's brilliant "squee"cap of When A Man Loves, Episode 4! http://dr-myri-blog.blogspot.ch/2013/04/when-man-loves-episode-4.html
More to follow. and then some :)
I have always wondered who is "Hand Towel" and now I know! When I like someone's performance, I usually go back and watch their other work...I guess I am skipping Dr. Jin.
Next, I have to find my way to your WAML recap. Judging from the regular posts from all of you, it should be a hoot! :D
oh, and IRIS2. Me and Orion are probably the only people in the universe who watched that show from beginning to end with no fast forwarding. No, we're not masochists. We made a bet.
The suffering has been great, but watching it "together" (=simultaneously) and tweeting the heck out of it was heaps of fun. In the end, it was worth it I guess! Lots of bonding over one of the worst dramas EVER!
kakashi, I can't believe it! You aren't the only 2 watching IRIS2, and now I know we're not either!
entry from "Confessions of a mad kdramaddict"
So you know my brother who I converted at Christmas to kdramas? I was telling him about IRIS2 and he said, “I might like that. Is there an IRIS 1?”
Me: “Yes, just IRIS.”
Bro: “Did you watch it?”
Me: “Uh-huh.”
Bro: “Okay, then. I’ll watch IRIS while you are watching IRIS2 and we can talk about it.”
--Two weeks later he calls--
Bro: “Hi. I’m on episode 11. I’m surprised how open the show is about politics and tension between N and S Korea. I like the action in Japan and Hungary too. The girl in Beethoven Virus is in it, remember her?”
Me: “You mean the top Korean hacker? The one seeing the North Kor~
Bro: “STOP! Don’t tell me. That hasn’t happened yet.”
Me: (shrinks back) “Oh. Well, then has anyone died yet?”
Bro: “WHAT ?!” he yells into the phone. “Who? NO! Well, yeah, the little girl died in Japan.”
Me: “So ~ okay, that’s the N Korean sniper guy I was talk~”
Bro: “NO! Don’t say it. I don’t want to know until I see it. Is the top N Korean woman in IRIS2? Is the NSS in IRIS2? And what about the friend and the lead guy?
Me: The N Korean woman is supposed to make a cameo appear~”
Bro: “WAIT! I don’t want to know. Don’t tell me until I watch more episodes. Which I’m going to do now. It’s fun talking about IRIS with you! Bye.”
Me: (scratching head…it is? We talked?)
My brother will never know just HOW much we really discuss dramas on db!
Owl! that's so cool. I have yet to convert anyone BUT got scent of another Kaddict on island. She's a friend of a friend and I'm hoping to meet at one of their BBQs soon. I heard she sometimes comes out but brings her ipad and sits in the corner watching dramas. lol :D
she does sound awesome, pillowhead. Sitting outside with an ipad at a bbq and watching kdramas - sounds just like a real kdrama scene :) You can join her and the two of you can brush off those who laugh behind their hand, powie!
Me, too. I've been watching it with my husband, and this is his first kdrama. I thought he would prefer an action drama, and I lurve Jang Hyuk. We have been having fun commenting on it (actually he just listens to me). I don't think it is the worst drama I have ever seen, simply because at least there is something going on. The worst I have seen lately was Panda and Hedgehog. I could not finish that, because I was soooo bored.
And all by accident! I'm so busy with this upcoming house sale and move, I didn't even know what day it was. I did watch a little into eps 6 last night - couldn't resist! There will be some things I'll definitely want to check out your reaction to on your next post.
yeah, keep up the pressure. Hear this, Shuk? People now watch WAML and simultanesouly think about what you're going to write about this and that scene. Korazy is the second one that says that. This has just gone from a hobby to a very, very serious job
Luckily, I'm a scuba diver. I can handle the pressure!
I'm hoping to finish Ep 5 recap within the next couple of hours, before I head out to the wholesale florist to start designing the flowers for the party tomorrow.
How can I comment on a recap I haven't seen? Snark does not come from thin AIR, you know! I definitely thought things while I was watching, but I can't tell if they'll match with what she's WRITING until she, you know, WRITES it.
Shukie, am loving you and Joanne's recaps of WAML and kakashi's gifs, of course. And watching episode 6, I had your alternate squeeing and snarking recaps imagined in my head. BUT I CAN'T STOP FINDING SSH ADORABLE IN THIS SHOW. You hit it on the nail! So completely unbelievable that he is THAT clueless about women and being in love but I get so invested in his happiness, its not funny. I even teared up when he got frustrated with her about the ring!! What happened to me??! I wanna wring her neck for being so unresponsive.. Eeeesh!!!
Once again we are on the same page, Enz. I can't get over the fact that he's an uneducated, albeit super hot gangster and yet he
a) has no experience with women and
b) is supposed to be one of the top earners in Sk with his ultra successful company! In what, like 7 years?
This role should have been played like Eric played his in QSS. But you are right, he is so darn good looking, I can't NOT watch!
LOL. i actually found her pretty initially but now, her reaction to seeing him is pissing ME off!! Would it kill her to at least smile out of politeness??!! Sheesh
have to agree about her blank face, meh. I almost rather prefer the other female lead. If he played it like Eric, I would be dying! Where is this WAMLs blog? Sounds hilarious!
Besides that I'm still watching 9 and I'm crazy over GFB!! Also wanted to add that Enz and I went to Korea last week during the hightened NKorea nuke threat. People here at home thought I was nuts but there was no tension in SKorea at all. We had a fabulous time eating, drinking (well, me drinking) shopping and molesting posters of idols, making our own drama tours and watching some indie musicians. Was Daebak! <3
Been watching hours of the Boston Bombers coverage, so tired. Hope anyone out that way, or anyone with family or friends out that way are ok.
Hi Pillowhead! Loved seeing the pics with the "stars" in SK. If they had been real, I'm sure you and Enz could have snagged a few. I'm surprised you didn't both come home with a cute Korean in your back pockets (or did you?)
korazy, we wish. I even asked about piggyback rides when we went on the night dining tour and then, WE had to explain what THAT was !! ( I was having knee pain and wondered if they would give me a piggyback ride). I thnk even RL in korea is different from
their dramas. shocking :)
Hey thanks Korazy! We did lurk around but Enz is right. Real Korea is like RL, not all flowerboys. LOL. and yeah.. we had to explain the piggyback. but the cutie at the food walking tour knew right away. Remember Enz, the guy that first met with us for the intro but didn't join us. He craked up right away when u asked for a piggyback ride.
He was the cutest. I was so hoping he was our tour guide but I looked so bad that night. Oh, but that's how girls get their guys in dramas right?? Haha
You mean all the men there don't look like the ones we see in the dramas? Lol. You two could write your own about two women finding love and hijinks while visiting Seoul. I'd watch it!
lol.. Enz would have to write it cause I'd be too excieted and it would be illegible. :D Started reading your WAMLs recaps. OMO, soo funny, and the gifs are freaking awesome!
It's not bad. It's like a combination of "King of Drama" and "ToGetHer", so you've got the meta elements and the cute relationships. Jiro Wang still hasn't figured out how to keep his lips together, but I like the idea of three suitors to the usual Main Lead / Second Lead
Basically she has the option of a way younger, a same ager, or a way older guy. And she's a ditz to boot. ;-)
Yeah the premis is making me curious. I must say Jiro Wangs's (in my opinion from watching some of his past dramas) overacting is what kept me from continuing it. Though I suppose it gets better once you get into the promise?
I love Jiro and all his overacting mouth breathing.
There is something just, really awwww, about him.
Plus I love his pop songs.
I have memorized his latest album and I don't speak a word of chinese.
Shukmeister: Yeah could be. I'll definitivel give the drama another try, pluss I need to watch more Taiwanese/Chinese dramas to start getting a feeling for mandarin as I'm going to China for a year. Any other good dramas to recommend?
Jomo: Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against the guy! I liked him well enough in the taiwan version of hana kimi. But sometimes I just find his overacting a bit much. Like it takes me a time getting used to it in a way.
Hmm its been a while since I last commented on OT but since you are asking for TW drama recommendations I couldn't help but leap out
- Autumn's Concerto - a melodrama romance that involves amnesia, a child out of wedlock, lots of (surprisingly nice?) second leads. I watched mainly for the actress and the kid - they were cute. Oh...but the lead (Vaness Wu) can't act. Still he's pretty good eye candy ;)
- Black & White - an action drama involving two cops of different temperaments which was surprisingly watchable haha just check your brains at the door...
Those were the two that stood out in recent years for me but there are others you might want to consider (no idea what you like so am just going to suggest titles that have been popular):
- When Love Walked In - by Victoria (of kpop group f(x) fame), Calvin +Fahrenheit) and Zhou Mi (Super Junior M). Was watchable for about 12 episodes after which I quickly got tired of the scheming and over thinking in the show which never translated to action. But who knows - some people like it?
- The Queen of SOP - I like the main actress here but again never got past more than half the drama because I got tired of the plodding plot..
- Skip Beat - HAHA this one I actually finished but I hesitate to recommend it as a drama of good taste because its so ridiculous. ..I did like the manga-feel of the drama though and thought they managed to stay pretty close to the real manga plot enough that I wasnt supremely unhappy with their portrayal. Skip Beat just happens to be a fave manga of mine so...
- Endless Love - I quite liked the heroine in this one although the main lead deserved a few slaps. Kinda entertaining as to how dramatic it got though...
I think those are a few you can start off with...if you need more suggestions just say so and maybe tell me what genre you like and I'm sure I can come up with some ;)
Rainrust: Thank you for the list! Haha I've actually watched most of those! Besides Endless Love, Love Walked in and Black and White :p
I know what you mean about tiring of the plotter in Queen of SOP though! But I made it through, although with plenty of fast forwarding :p
Skip Beat I liked though I find it more watchable after the first 4 episodes or so (ones she actually gets into the LME):p I liked at I've read of the manga, but am so behind! Agree that portrayal of the characters fit it quite well though.
Think I started Black and White a long time ago though but never made it through the first episode. Might give it another try though!
I actually live in southern Virginia. I would guess they are probably peaking in DC now. Our sakura blossoms weren't quite open for our Japanese Spring festival two weeks ago.
Thanks for mentioning this link! Nine is my crack drama right now, and I missed having a place to talk about it since there are no recaps on dramabeans.
I'm kind of caught between watching Gu Family Book and Jang Ok Jeong. I haven't started watching any of them and I don't have the time and energy to watch both.
You are going to start a fight with that question.
They aren't really very comparable despite both being sageuk dramas so it's really hard to say which is better. Sorry, I'm no help. Just pick the one with the actors you like better.
Both had interesting starts and are arresting to SEE - color, style, etc.
Gu's got magic, JOJ doesn't. At least not so far.
I think it'll play out this way: romance in both, melo in both.
Gu will have more action, but the fight scenes are reminiscent of Faith, honestly. It will probably also have more funny stuff.
JOJ obviously will be more political intrigue, and so far it's kind of interesting how the titular bad girl ain't bad at all. There's some fun to be had so far but I'm not sure how long that can last, given the subject matter.
And of course, in both, their loves were fated, complete with childhood meet cutes which both couples conveniently forget until necessary.
Oh, and it was pretty amazing how we all lost our freaking MINDS over AppaHo/GumiHot/GumiDad Choi Jin Hyuk - who has, after all, been around for a while. But ohhh, never so handsomely. That man rocked a pony tail like nobody's business.
Never fear, Ann, he reduced me to very fractured English as well. I am pretty sure I pointed at the screen and strangled out 'Many hot! Many hot!' as I drooled.
Gu Family Book, is shiny, but it's predictable. Which isn't so bad, just means that if you've had a hard day, your brain can take a break with this story. (You really have to be close to brain dead to not get what the plot is supposed to be in the first 2 episodes. And though it's cruel, the plot really has nothing new to it, despite the shiny.) If you've never watched a sageuk, ever, then this might be a good introduction to the subgenre... mostly because it's an easy watch and hits all of the tropes (Including make the guy super evil with rape, which really does a disservice overall, but I'm talking politics now). (Though I'd prefer people to start with Dae Jang Geum, I understand that the learning curve is high)
Jang Ok Jeong is pretty, but kinda a bit too precious for itself I would say. Didn't inspire me to watch it.
Neither really inspires thought or great plot twists. In one, you already know the outcome, in the other it gives you the road map to all of the plot in the first 2 episodes, which is confirmed in episodes 3-4.
If you want a sageuk, barnone, Gu Am Heo Joon is somewhere between, fun to watch, doesn't inspire thought and unpredictable. It is promising to go long, but the pacing is much faster than the previous 2. (120 episodes, but it goes by fast.)
If you just simply want a drama with some politics in it, then All About My Romance would be a better fit overall. It's not exactly unpredictable, but it isn't predictable enough that I miss a few minutes and I figure what's the point anyway?
Predictable plots, BTW, aren't bad, as long as they don't pretend that it isn't. They are good for when you want to put in zero effort into thinking--and I have those moments too.
I'm watching Gu Am Heo Joon as well. Liking it. Waiting for Mandate of Heaven. And trying to catch up on Cruel Flowers. You are so right about Ok Jang's preciousness. I am still gonna try to watch episode 2 and 3. To give it a chance. But...
I'm going to jump in as a JOJ fan, since it's not gotten a lot of love in the thread. (Not to knock Gu Family Book -- it's a fun, popcorn drama thus far, with hissable villains and earnestly good heroes and a cool mythical stage for them to play on.)
But if you're in the mood for romance, JOJ is all over the romance. But without sacrificing the intelligence of the main leads (they both have some major goals they're trying to achieve and love is not on their agendas).
Plus, it's got some incredible palace-intrigue going on with a whole slew of villains with strong, driving motivators pushing them to achieve their goals, which conflict with the goals of the leads. So chess-games galore.
Plus, plus -- the ladies are all playing very important roles, thinking for themselves and not tearing into each other in vicious jealous rages as I'd feared based on the premise. (I love, for example, that In-hyun is shown to be such a good and principled person, despite her daddy. She and Ok-jang have had some lovely, lovely scenes that underlines their different approaches to life and love, but doesn't undercut either woman.)
And then there's the costumes. If you like sageuk's for the costumes you must watch JOJ -- the costumes are just gorgeous.
I'm watching both GFB and JOJ, but if I had to choose I wouldn't blink. JOJ all the way. :)
Yes.yes.yes. Totally agree with you Betsy Hip.
JOJ is totally underrated and needs more lovin'. I tend to for some reason always love the dramas with lesser ratings that totally surprise me (in a good way). It reminds me of the battle of K2H and Rooftop prince last year when originally rooftop prince seemed more popular, K2H owned my heart with its romance and its intrigue.
The romance is just seriously wow for JOJ, and i've really got it hand it to YAI because his gaze is just mesmerizing.
KTH is doing her job. Not the best, but not the worst either. For now, her acting is not something that distracts me from the beautiful story/ost/cinematography. I dont get where all the bashing on her is coming from when there isn't as much bashing on suzy.
I like how JOJ has a rather diverse cast, each with their own time to shine. You’ve got a trio on both sides with three guys falling for one girl, and three girls falling for one guy. Not as complicated as it sounds. You’ve got Prince dongpyung who is funny, goofy, and outright charming. You’ve got Chi Soo, the daddy long legs of our heroine. And our crown prince, who is smart, refined, and oozing sex appeal. And of course on the girls’ side, you got a sassy, strong, and passionate heroine competing with in hyun who is graceful, noble, and beautiful. Let’s not forget In Kyung, the clumsy, shy, and love-struck gal. Seldom do I find myself actually caring for our side characters to get more screen presence, but each character seems very promising and interconnected with one another that I’m looking forward to seeing how these relationships play out...
I am hooked.
People are bashing Kim Tae-hee? Why?!? She's doing just fine. She's adorably nerdy whenever there's a fabric project to be done, and wonderfully fluttery when Prince Lee Soon crosses her path, and admirably strong when her Uncle comes a calling. (Though also a little terrified. As any smart person would be if they're not Lord Min and Uncle Jang pops by.)
She's shared the screen with some really, really good actors and hasn't embarrassed herself at all -- catching the balls thrown at her and throwing them back -- and she's held the screen on her own and delivered the feelings her character is experiencing. I see nothing wrong with what she's done thus far. I like her character and I'm terrified for her (and also hopeful) and that means, imo, that KTH is doing her job.
(Suzy's in a different acting place and I think her part has been written well for her to handle -- earnest, straightforward, not a lot of complexity to get across.)
I'm loving JOJ as well! My favorite thing is one that you've mentioned - the intelligence of the main leads. In particular, I'm absolutely in love with the Crown Prince. Finally we have a hero who is principled, keen, and ready to take action against the baddies from the start.
JOJ is my new crack!!! Strong storyline plus backstory and the characters. Especially Yoo Ah In is a swoon-worthy! Didn't have a slight hope that DB will recap it but thanks to Koala's Playground I understand this whole story.
I was initially a bit intrigued about JOJ when I heard about it, but then, ...... I read Jae Hee was going to be in it.
I'm still trying to forget the wooden stiffness that was Jae Hee in his portrayal of Park Changhee in May Queen. Gosh, it was sooooo not good. I'm not sure I can watch him again, so soon after MQ.
I realize though, that I shouldn't rush to judgement on this, especially when so many others are participating in this production. Who knows, I just might give it chance.
I'm back!!. As soon as I post this I'm running to Starbucks, cause I'm dying for a iced caramel macchiato.
I'm here to rave about my two loves.
-You're the best Lee soon Shin; I have posted everywhere that I'm completely smitten with this show. Soon Shin & Jun Ho have my heart right now (and they are not a couple yet, I can only imagine how much spazzing ill do once they are). I spend most of the week just watching episode 11 & 12 whenever I had free time. I also luv The bread man, poor guy he is just never going to look cool in front of 1st sister. I can't wait till we actually get to see Soon shin go on auditions & people start to appreciate her. Ok.. I'll stop I could talk about this show forever...
-Incarnation of Money: it's almost over!! This show created some very interesting characters. I hated most of them, but I always waited with baited breath to see what they do next. Se-Kwan & Lee Cha-Don were so equally matched. It was very interesting to see how they will trick & outsmart each other. My only problem with this show is that Boss Bok's illness progress too quickly. She was one seriously cool lady, her fight were Angelina were a hoot. I'm going to miss you show, but now I'm contemplating watching "Giant" since I been told its the same style.
I'm also slowly watching....
OHYI: goodness is show bad, yet I can't stay away. I don't care for any of the side stories, I hate the Ex-husband (even if he is hilarious,who dresses this guy?). In episode 27 or 28 when the crazy sister is walking into the lake, I was actually cheering her on. Then proceeded to curse "Sunbae" showed up to rescue her. Sigh* lastly Chae-Won.. I have a feeling she's going to b the character that finally makes me hate Eugene.
-Gu family book: I'm still holding judgement on. I like it so far, but I'm not in luv with it. Give me more hot bodyguard and I'll probably change my mind quickly.
J-Dramas
-Yamato Nadeshiko shichi Henge, where can I find this boarding house?? Love it! Decided to read the Manga because of it.
T-dramas
-Brown sugar Macchiato: cuteness overload.. Not sure if I'm going to finish it.
-Down with Love: I love Ella Chen and her goofy cow lick. Don't kill me but why do people think Jerry Yan is hot??
- Tou Xin Da Sheng P.S nan... P.S. man.. Where was Lan Zheng Long all my life? I'm bored to tears but will continue on just to look at him.
Lastly I finally watch 2 movies that I been dying to see..
-Bokura ga ita: talk about never ever ever getting over your first love. Nanami.. Wow.. Girl can hold on. Haven't seen the second part or read the manga, so please NO SPOILERS!!
-My Sassy Girl: words cannot describe how much I love this movie. I never seen either of the actors but now I want to watch everything they been in. The scene were they wear their school uniforms and go party still makes laugh. Sorry this was soo long..
Hips, you mean? The hips, because yes. And the shoulders. And the hair. And the jawline. And yes, even that g-d deer in the headlights I haven't got two brain cells to rub together expression usually on his face. He's just PURTY and I want to pet him.
I've got to watch My Sassy Girl. It's such a classic and i still haven't seen it.
So you're still holding up and watching 100 years? Ah, woman!!! You are a stalwart! I'm waiting for the last four episodes. Then i'll dive in. Although it would be good to see sister trying to kill herself. Is that the sister with the weird lipstick?
Wow!!! She tried to kill herself? Who knew she had such sensitivity? I gather things weren't going her way. Or was it a ploy to make him pity...pity turning to love?
I was wondering why heroine's aunt would want to kill herslef. I am so behind.
Spoilers ahead**** ( thanks to River Song, the word Spoilers will never be pronounce without her voice)
Yes... Things were not going her way. Anyhow it worked because by the end of the episode she got engage... Sigh* male lead is an idiot! A very good looking idiot but still an idiot.
What is the benefit of marrying someone who truly does not love you? Why are these women so adamant about getting the guy they want? How can they ever live in peace knowing the guy never really wanted to marry them?
omg that girl joori in that show talks like her teeth are brand new in her mouth...i cant stand her - and someone said it earlier - this might be the show that would make me hate Eugene...
Thankfully no.. But I live with a person that does not sleep ( my brother) he was awake watching the news. Then he proceeded to IM with stupid questions.. So I gave up on sleep since it ran alway from me..
I keep my KDrama addiction under wraps so no one really knows how into it I really am. When I was in class this week and wanted to do a listening activity with my students (I'm a teacher), I accidentally played one of my (very) many OSTs on my PC, instead of the intended audio. I quickly minimised the window and tried not to blush. I'm not sure how successful I was at that! Lol.
How has your week been? Any interesting stories to share? :D
haha .. even I try hard to hide my kdrama addiction from my friends and family..
I have to bury my hard disk full of kds in my closet!
and then I have secret folder in my fone for my OST playlist.! [I hand over my phone o NO ONE]
melo.boy, funny. I don't always remember who I have mentioned kdramas too (just a select few). Once I forgot I talked about kdramas with friends (a couple) and I hadn't seen them for about 6 months. When we met up and were sitting around catching up, i mentioned THE SAME kdramas to them (because they said, "Oh, you told us about them last time). Embarrassed.
Hello Schmazel
Good luck with keeping your KDrama addiction under wraps ... I think that's damn difficult. I also try to keep different identities (i.e. have two seperate Twitter accounts), but it is NOT easy. KDrama has a way of sneaking into the other life :))
Soo true. I made a comment on FB about Twitter. My friend who Im always talking to ask if he could follow me. My Twitter account recently change into my Kdrama obsess side. I had such a hard time trying to explain to him, why he did not want to follow me. I ended our conversation with "all I do is talk about Taylor Lautner and how hot he is! .. That conversation ended then.. Lol..
Yeah, my daughter sort of pats me on the head and considers it a cute quirk. Plus, once she tells her friends I'm into Korean Dramas and that I can at least recognize the names of certain manga/love Asian horror movies, HER cool quotient goes up because mine does, as a mom who does more than golf and drink.
For the record, I don't golf. and I don't often drink. But when I do, I enjoy it thoroughly. Don't I, Jomo?
It would have been awesome if someone in your class would have recognized the OST! I have long given up on hiding my addiction, but then again, most people who know me think I'm a little quirky anyways.
Aw. I'm sure nobody noticed. Though I didn't know you are supposed to hide your kdrama obsessions. I used to watch anime (which I hid) and moved on to kdramas so now I feel more open and adult. I feel I need to reevaluate that now though...
Anyway ,who knows, maybe there are other secret kdrama fans around you that now think you are awesome but are too shy to say so.
LOL! It would've been funny if another Kdrama addict heard it in your class but was too much of a closeted addict so he/she didn't approach you, heehee. It's something I definitely would do, I think. Just this other day, I saw someone in the library openly watching a kdrama that I recognized. I was elated but didn't dare to approach. I keep my obsession to myself, lol.
Hello all! It was nice reading your stories. Well, I keep my KDrama addiction a secret from the outside world but not my family. I even managed to convert my brother. He asks me for recommendations for light, funny shows. My sister watches on and off - the is a chronic fast forwarder. :D
I myself am not too sure exactly why I keep don't tell anyone about it. I think I like having a little secret to myself - like having a secret super hero identity. Am I even making sense? Lol.
I don't think anyone managed to listen to enough of the song to recognise it - adrenalin kicked in and I stopped everything within 5 seconds. Talk super power. Haiyak!
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1 shukmeister
April 19, 2013 at 6:16 AM
Good morning, DramaBeanies and other Non-meanies!
It’s been a while since I’ve been up on OT. Blame real life, which sometimes sneaks up and bops you on the head when you least expect it. However, I have still been lurking the posts after the weekend and occasionally making comments on other threads. I miss you all, and hope the craziness of Spring doesn’t spill over to Summer!
My recent shows have been the TWDrama “Drama Go Go Go” starring Jiro Wang. While his acting has improved a little bit from the last show I saw him in. However, I’m shipping the lead with the older suitor, since, like Jo In-sung , he’s tall and thin and looks awesome in a great coat!
The Most Improved Actor From The Last Time OnScreen, however, goes to Hand Towel. I know Dr Jin was execrable in its execution, but I have to say I am really enjoying WAML? Trite and clichéd? You bet. Lots of skin showing? Of course. But I find myself really enjoying the show, even with the copious amount of belief suspended. In fact, with the exception of the first episode recapped by the wonderful HeadsNo2, I have embarked on a first-time project: a collaboration / conversational recap of WAML, with me as the dry words, our wonderfully Snark Mistress JoAnne, and the amazing Gif Queen Kakashi!
Our “squee-capping” project is posted up to episode 4, and episode 5 should be posted this weekend. Even if the show is schlock in your opinion, JoAnne comments are truly worth a larger audience!
And my fellow Twitter followers have all started hashtagging their lives, so, like KofD, the show has followed us into our real lives.
#WhenAWomanIsFinishedWithHerShamelessSelfPromotion
I’ve watched THTWB in its entirety, and although there were one or two questionable wardrobe choices, I was pretty pleased with the actor’s performances. At least everybody had better hair styles then the last tenants of the estate and yes I’m looking at you No Min-wo!
I watched IRIS up to episode 17, but somewhere along the line I stopped caring. Someone needs to tell me if I need to invest even 15 more minutes with this franchise, and, if so, what episode.
CMRPrindle challenged me to go along with her and write a poem a day for April as National Poetry Month, which is not as easy as some would think. Still, I’m halfway there, and posting them in one week increments on my blog.
This weekend marks my mother’s 80th birthday, so I will busy with the finishing touches on her surprise birthday. And, no, she won’t need resuscitation afterwards. ;-) My oldest sister and her family are traveling down for a few days. She hasn’t seen the ‘rents since August of last year. Me? I wanted to try and get Jang Don-gun to jump out of a cake, but on second thought that would be beneficial to me and not so much to my mom. 8)
And finally, the pollen is nuts, the wisteria is in bloom, and the sakura are just past peak. Welcome to Spring on the East Coast!
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marid
April 19, 2013 at 6:24 AM
Omg! I somehow ended in your WAML recaps the other day, I never laugh soo much. You ladies and your #when a man.. Awesome. Keep it up!!
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shukmeister
April 19, 2013 at 6:26 AM
MariD -
Kamsahamnida! I hope it makes you smile and laugh! And maybe drool a little...
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Mystisith
April 19, 2013 at 6:25 AM
Hug your mom for me. "Happy Birtday ma'am!"
Also, waiting for your next When A Man Loves joint recaps (with chunks of Hot Chocolate inside).
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shukmeister
April 19, 2013 at 6:28 AM
Hey Mysti!
Yeah, today I pick up the flowers and make the wrist corsage and table decorations. Luckily, my second sister is doing the planning / logistics. I'm just the artistic one!
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korazylady
April 19, 2013 at 7:43 AM
Happy Birthday to your Mom! You are the best daughter ever!
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shukmeister
April 19, 2013 at 10:08 AM
Thanks, Korazy! I'm also the strangest one she has, too!
shukmeister
April 19, 2013 at 8:08 PM
Aaaand as a follow up to the family party shenanigans, my father never mentioned dinner to my mother, assuming that my sister or I would do it... With a little aeygo, and a lot of smoke and mirrors (read: BS), my mom finally relented to a small dinner.
Which she doesn't know is 14 people, including all her children and their spouses, plus a few grands... ssshhhh don't tell her... :-)
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kakashi
April 19, 2013 at 6:27 AM
Good morning, Shukie!
Up already?! I'm beginning to suspect you're a robot ...
The shameless self-promotion works a little better when you include a link, Shukie :)
Here it is! Shukie and JoAnne's brilliant "squee"cap of When A Man Loves, Episode 4!
http://dr-myri-blog.blogspot.ch/2013/04/when-man-loves-episode-4.html
More to follow. and then some :)
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Waiting
April 19, 2013 at 6:32 AM
I have always wondered who is "Hand Towel" and now I know! When I like someone's performance, I usually go back and watch their other work...I guess I am skipping Dr. Jin.
Next, I have to find my way to your WAML recap. Judging from the regular posts from all of you, it should be a hoot! :D
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shukmeister
April 19, 2013 at 6:36 AM
Thanks, Waiting!
Just click on my name, and I have a blog post that I update with each new episode! But most of the credit goes to my chingus. :-)
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Pillowhead
April 19, 2013 at 8:59 AM
Ah! Ok.
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kakashi
April 19, 2013 at 6:36 AM
#WhenAWomansShamelessSelfPromotionIsAwaitingModeration :)
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shukmeister
April 19, 2013 at 6:43 AM
#WhenHerCoConspiratorLaughs lol
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kakashi
April 19, 2013 at 6:57 AM
#WhenThereAre6HitsFromShukiesBlogAlready
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kakashi
April 19, 2013 at 9:46 AM
#WhenTheModeratorHasApproved
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Mama J
April 19, 2013 at 6:41 AM
#WhenAWomanLovesHerPartners
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kakashi
April 19, 2013 at 6:44 AM
oh, and IRIS2. Me and Orion are probably the only people in the universe who watched that show from beginning to end with no fast forwarding. No, we're not masochists. We made a bet.
The suffering has been great, but watching it "together" (=simultaneously) and tweeting the heck out of it was heaps of fun. In the end, it was worth it I guess! Lots of bonding over one of the worst dramas EVER!
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owl
April 19, 2013 at 6:55 AM
kakashi, I can't believe it! You aren't the only 2 watching IRIS2, and now I know we're not either!
entry from "Confessions of a mad kdramaddict"
So you know my brother who I converted at Christmas to kdramas? I was telling him about IRIS2 and he said, “I might like that. Is there an IRIS 1?”
Me: “Yes, just IRIS.”
Bro: “Did you watch it?”
Me: “Uh-huh.”
Bro: “Okay, then. I’ll watch IRIS while you are watching IRIS2 and we can talk about it.”
--Two weeks later he calls--
Bro: “Hi. I’m on episode 11. I’m surprised how open the show is about politics and tension between N and S Korea. I like the action in Japan and Hungary too. The girl in Beethoven Virus is in it, remember her?”
Me: “You mean the top Korean hacker? The one seeing the North Kor~
Bro: “STOP! Don’t tell me. That hasn’t happened yet.”
Me: (shrinks back) “Oh. Well, then has anyone died yet?”
Bro: “WHAT ?!” he yells into the phone. “Who? NO! Well, yeah, the little girl died in Japan.”
Me: “So ~ okay, that’s the N Korean sniper guy I was talk~”
Bro: “NO! Don’t say it. I don’t want to know until I see it. Is the top N Korean woman in IRIS2? Is the NSS in IRIS2? And what about the friend and the lead guy?
Me: The N Korean woman is supposed to make a cameo appear~”
Bro: “WAIT! I don’t want to know. Don’t tell me until I watch more episodes. Which I’m going to do now. It’s fun talking about IRIS with you! Bye.”
Me: (scratching head…it is? We talked?)
My brother will never know just HOW much we really discuss dramas on db!
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kakashi
April 19, 2013 at 7:00 AM
hahaha, awesome. just give your brother the link to OT on a Friday. And tell him he's VERY welcome. We'll all call him oppa :)
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Enz
April 19, 2013 at 7:23 AM
Too funny owl!
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korfan
April 19, 2013 at 7:29 AM
owl -
oh, this is a great story!
and yes, what kakashi said, "we'll call him oppa", hehehe!
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Pillowhead
April 19, 2013 at 8:58 AM
Owl! that's so cool. I have yet to convert anyone BUT got scent of another Kaddict on island. She's a friend of a friend and I'm hoping to meet at one of their BBQs soon. I heard she sometimes comes out but brings her ipad and sits in the corner watching dramas. lol :D
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Pillowhead
April 19, 2013 at 9:09 AM
they were kinda laughing when they were describing her, and I was like...wowww, she sounds awesome..
owl
April 19, 2013 at 9:24 AM
she does sound awesome, pillowhead. Sitting outside with an ipad at a bbq and watching kdramas - sounds just like a real kdrama scene :) You can join her and the two of you can brush off those who laugh behind their hand, powie!
Pillowhead
April 19, 2013 at 10:45 AM
yup! plan too. She may not even notice me sitting with her. lol.
sartorius
April 19, 2013 at 8:01 AM
m with u on the IRIS II train....sadly!
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Ann
April 19, 2013 at 8:23 AM
Me, too. I've been watching it with my husband, and this is his first kdrama. I thought he would prefer an action drama, and I lurve Jang Hyuk. We have been having fun commenting on it (actually he just listens to me). I don't think it is the worst drama I have ever seen, simply because at least there is something going on. The worst I have seen lately was Panda and Hedgehog. I could not finish that, because I was soooo bored.
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owl
April 19, 2013 at 8:32 AM
So ♥ Jang Hyuk, too, Ann!♥
korazylady
April 19, 2013 at 6:44 AM
#WhenAWomanIsHappyToWelcomeOthersToTheShamelessSelfPromotionClub
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shukmeister
April 19, 2013 at 6:47 AM
Good morning Korazy! So great to see you on OT. :-)
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korazylady
April 19, 2013 at 6:59 AM
And all by accident! I'm so busy with this upcoming house sale and move, I didn't even know what day it was. I did watch a little into eps 6 last night - couldn't resist! There will be some things I'll definitely want to check out your reaction to on your next post.
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kakashi
April 19, 2013 at 7:02 AM
yeah, keep up the pressure. Hear this, Shuk? People now watch WAML and simultanesouly think about what you're going to write about this and that scene. Korazy is the second one that says that. This has just gone from a hobby to a very, very serious job
korazylady
April 19, 2013 at 7:06 AM
It may end up beating the hair posts!
kakashi
April 19, 2013 at 7:07 AM
I must admit I'd LOVE that. This Lee Min-ho hair post? It's OLD
shukmeister
April 19, 2013 at 7:14 AM
Luckily, I'm a scuba diver. I can handle the pressure!
I'm hoping to finish Ep 5 recap within the next couple of hours, before I head out to the wholesale florist to start designing the flowers for the party tomorrow.
Aja Aja Fighting!!
kakashi
April 19, 2013 at 7:40 AM
oh gawd .... does that mean I need to gif tonight? again??? :)
korazylady
April 19, 2013 at 7:42 AM
#WhenAWomanCreatesHerOwnMonster
Mama J
April 19, 2013 at 7:54 AM
First I have to do my bit before you GIF!
kakashi
April 19, 2013 at 8:01 AM
what? you haven't yet?! tststssss.... :)
Mama J
April 19, 2013 at 8:15 AM
How can I comment on a recap I haven't seen? Snark does not come from thin AIR, you know! I definitely thought things while I was watching, but I can't tell if they'll match with what she's WRITING until she, you know, WRITES it.
#WhenAWomanSaysDuh
kakashi
April 19, 2013 at 8:23 AM
ah
yes
I see.
#WhenAWomanHasntFinished
#WhenAWomanHasntRealizedWhatSheHasSeenIsOnlyAnUnfinishedDraft
#WhenAWomanSaysSorry
Mama J
April 19, 2013 at 8:47 AM
coming soon:
#Hashtag!TheRecap
This is a bittersweet musical showcasing the increasingly rapid spiral of 3 friends into social media mania. A MUST-SEE.
Enz
April 19, 2013 at 7:18 AM
Shukie, am loving you and Joanne's recaps of WAML and kakashi's gifs, of course. And watching episode 6, I had your alternate squeeing and snarking recaps imagined in my head. BUT I CAN'T STOP FINDING SSH ADORABLE IN THIS SHOW. You hit it on the nail! So completely unbelievable that he is THAT clueless about women and being in love but I get so invested in his happiness, its not funny. I even teared up when he got frustrated with her about the ring!! What happened to me??! I wanna wring her neck for being so unresponsive.. Eeeesh!!!
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shukmeister
April 19, 2013 at 7:34 AM
#WhenPoorPissyFishFaceDoesntGetLoveFromEnz
LOL
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korazylady
April 19, 2013 at 7:42 AM
Once again we are on the same page, Enz. I can't get over the fact that he's an uneducated, albeit super hot gangster and yet he
a) has no experience with women and
b) is supposed to be one of the top earners in Sk with his ultra successful company! In what, like 7 years?
This role should have been played like Eric played his in QSS. But you are right, he is so darn good looking, I can't NOT watch!
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Enz
April 19, 2013 at 8:06 AM
Exactly, Korazy!! You really have to park brain outside. Maybe not coz I think my ovaries, eyes, heart and loins are overruling my brain!
shukmeister
April 19, 2013 at 10:16 AM
#WhenAWomanFeelsQueasyThinkingAboutQSS
korazylady
April 19, 2013 at 11:29 AM
#WhenThereAre3+WhoLuffItIt'sEnuf!
Enz
April 19, 2013 at 8:02 AM
LOL. i actually found her pretty initially but now, her reaction to seeing him is pissing ME off!! Would it kill her to at least smile out of politeness??!! Sheesh
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Pillowhead
April 19, 2013 at 8:54 AM
have to agree about her blank face, meh. I almost rather prefer the other female lead. If he played it like Eric, I would be dying! Where is this WAMLs blog? Sounds hilarious!
Besides that I'm still watching 9 and I'm crazy over GFB!! Also wanted to add that Enz and I went to Korea last week during the hightened NKorea nuke threat. People here at home thought I was nuts but there was no tension in SKorea at all. We had a fabulous time eating, drinking (well, me drinking) shopping and molesting posters of idols, making our own drama tours and watching some indie musicians. Was Daebak! <3
Been watching hours of the Boston Bombers coverage, so tired. Hope anyone out that way, or anyone with family or friends out that way are ok.
korazylady
April 19, 2013 at 11:55 AM
Hi Pillowhead! Loved seeing the pics with the "stars" in SK. If they had been real, I'm sure you and Enz could have snagged a few. I'm surprised you didn't both come home with a cute Korean in your back pockets (or did you?)
enz
April 19, 2013 at 4:40 PM
korazy, we wish. I even asked about piggyback rides when we went on the night dining tour and then, WE had to explain what THAT was !! ( I was having knee pain and wondered if they would give me a piggyback ride). I thnk even RL in korea is different from
their dramas. shocking :)
Pillowhead
April 19, 2013 at 5:52 PM
Hey thanks Korazy! We did lurk around but Enz is right. Real Korea is like RL, not all flowerboys. LOL. and yeah.. we had to explain the piggyback. but the cutie at the food walking tour knew right away. Remember Enz, the guy that first met with us for the intro but didn't join us. He craked up right away when u asked for a piggyback ride.
Enz
April 19, 2013 at 7:25 PM
He was the cutest. I was so hoping he was our tour guide but I looked so bad that night. Oh, but that's how girls get their guys in dramas right?? Haha
korazylady
April 19, 2013 at 7:56 PM
You mean all the men there don't look like the ones we see in the dramas? Lol. You two could write your own about two women finding love and hijinks while visiting Seoul. I'd watch it!
Pillowhead
April 19, 2013 at 8:49 PM
lol.. Enz would have to write it cause I'd be too excieted and it would be illegible. :D Started reading your WAMLs recaps. OMO, soo funny, and the gifs are freaking awesome!
Waiting
April 20, 2013 at 3:18 AM
Absolutely! I'd love to read that travel blog!
Manin
April 19, 2013 at 7:27 AM
Oh, Oh is "Drama Go Go GO"? I started watching ep 1 and then dissertation and real like took over. Is it worth to watch?
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shukmeister
April 19, 2013 at 7:36 AM
It's not bad. It's like a combination of "King of Drama" and "ToGetHer", so you've got the meta elements and the cute relationships. Jiro Wang still hasn't figured out how to keep his lips together, but I like the idea of three suitors to the usual Main Lead / Second Lead
Basically she has the option of a way younger, a same ager, or a way older guy. And she's a ditz to boot. ;-)
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Manin
April 19, 2013 at 7:44 AM
Yeah the premis is making me curious. I must say Jiro Wangs's (in my opinion from watching some of his past dramas) overacting is what kept me from continuing it. Though I suppose it gets better once you get into the promise?
The main character seemed pretty good though :)
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shukmeister
April 19, 2013 at 10:12 AM
I think he would improve if he just stop being a mouth-breather.
jomo143
April 19, 2013 at 11:04 AM
I love Jiro and all his overacting mouth breathing.
There is something just, really awwww, about him.
Plus I love his pop songs.
I have memorized his latest album and I don't speak a word of chinese.
korazylady
April 19, 2013 at 11:31 AM
Oh No! Another JIS-like mouth breather? Stop the spread of halitosis now!
Manin
April 19, 2013 at 1:58 PM
Shukmeister: Yeah could be. I'll definitivel give the drama another try, pluss I need to watch more Taiwanese/Chinese dramas to start getting a feeling for mandarin as I'm going to China for a year. Any other good dramas to recommend?
Jomo: Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against the guy! I liked him well enough in the taiwan version of hana kimi. But sometimes I just find his overacting a bit much. Like it takes me a time getting used to it in a way.
rainerust
April 19, 2013 at 8:23 PM
Hmm its been a while since I last commented on OT but since you are asking for TW drama recommendations I couldn't help but leap out
- Autumn's Concerto - a melodrama romance that involves amnesia, a child out of wedlock, lots of (surprisingly nice?) second leads. I watched mainly for the actress and the kid - they were cute. Oh...but the lead (Vaness Wu) can't act. Still he's pretty good eye candy ;)
- Black & White - an action drama involving two cops of different temperaments which was surprisingly watchable haha just check your brains at the door...
Those were the two that stood out in recent years for me but there are others you might want to consider (no idea what you like so am just going to suggest titles that have been popular):
- When Love Walked In - by Victoria (of kpop group f(x) fame), Calvin +Fahrenheit) and Zhou Mi (Super Junior M). Was watchable for about 12 episodes after which I quickly got tired of the scheming and over thinking in the show which never translated to action. But who knows - some people like it?
- The Queen of SOP - I like the main actress here but again never got past more than half the drama because I got tired of the plodding plot..
- Skip Beat - HAHA this one I actually finished but I hesitate to recommend it as a drama of good taste because its so ridiculous. ..I did like the manga-feel of the drama though and thought they managed to stay pretty close to the real manga plot enough that I wasnt supremely unhappy with their portrayal. Skip Beat just happens to be a fave manga of mine so...
- Endless Love - I quite liked the heroine in this one although the main lead deserved a few slaps. Kinda entertaining as to how dramatic it got though...
I think those are a few you can start off with...if you need more suggestions just say so and maybe tell me what genre you like and I'm sure I can come up with some ;)
Manin
April 20, 2013 at 12:54 AM
Rainrust: Thank you for the list! Haha I've actually watched most of those! Besides Endless Love, Love Walked in and Black and White :p
I know what you mean about tiring of the plotter in Queen of SOP though! But I made it through, although with plenty of fast forwarding :p
Skip Beat I liked though I find it more watchable after the first 4 episodes or so (ones she actually gets into the LME):p I liked at I've read of the manga, but am so behind! Agree that portrayal of the characters fit it quite well though.
Think I started Black and White a long time ago though but never made it through the first episode. Might give it another try though!
Serena B
April 19, 2013 at 7:40 AM
Yes for Spring on the East Coast! It was long overdue. Did you happen to get a chance to see the cherry blossoms in DC?
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shukmeister
April 19, 2013 at 10:15 AM
Serena B -
I actually live in southern Virginia. I would guess they are probably peaking in DC now. Our sakura blossoms weren't quite open for our Japanese Spring festival two weeks ago.
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Julia the Berkshire Beanie
April 19, 2013 at 8:26 AM
I googled "When A Man Loves JoAnne" and got the Problematic of the Unprogmatic blog. Is that the WAML Recaps you were discussing?
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Julia the Berkshire Beanie
April 19, 2013 at 8:30 AM
All you NINE fans, don't miss Jomo & EE's recaps. Just search for Jomo's Findings on wordpress.
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Mama J
April 19, 2013 at 9:00 AM
Yep! They are doing a great job, and everybody, really: Nine is the best thing going right now. Do not miss out on this show!
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korazylady
April 19, 2013 at 11:52 AM
OMG - you are famous! Hilarious
Ennayra
April 23, 2013 at 7:33 PM
Thanks for mentioning this link! Nine is my crack drama right now, and I missed having a place to talk about it since there are no recaps on dramabeans.
Jambo
April 24, 2013 at 12:53 PM
Thanks for the tip! I was wondering if anyone was recapping it. It's really pretty good. It's a shame it's not being recapped in DB.
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Enz
April 19, 2013 at 8:43 AM
Yes Julia . You got the right blog
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Mama J
April 19, 2013 at 8:58 AM
OH.MY.GOD.
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kakashi
April 19, 2013 at 9:48 AM
"When a Man Loves JoAnne" --> the sequel
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shukmeister
April 19, 2013 at 10:17 AM
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!
Enz
April 19, 2013 at 7:29 PM
Oops I missed that!!
#WhenAWomanScreamsAndweCozSheWantsToBeThePissyFacedFIshThatGuaranteesHandTowel'sHappiness
Mama J
April 20, 2013 at 6:55 AM
So sad, too bad, Enz. Even the internet knows.
#OppasLoveForMeIsInevitable
dramabliss
April 20, 2013 at 3:53 PM
I yet have to read your recaps of WAML but boy! Am I so happy that someone is doing it. Thanks, Shukie and team!
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shukmeister
April 20, 2013 at 9:09 PM
Thank you, dramabliss!
Yes, I think the show is deserving of more love! The first 5 'squeecaps' are posted, btw
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2 danava
April 19, 2013 at 6:17 AM
I'm kind of caught between watching Gu Family Book and Jang Ok Jeong. I haven't started watching any of them and I don't have the time and energy to watch both.
Jang Ok Jeong vs Gu Family Book
Which one is better and why?
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lemondoodle
April 19, 2013 at 6:24 AM
You are going to start a fight with that question.
They aren't really very comparable despite both being sageuk dramas so it's really hard to say which is better. Sorry, I'm no help. Just pick the one with the actors you like better.
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Mama J
April 19, 2013 at 6:48 AM
Both had interesting starts and are arresting to SEE - color, style, etc.
Gu's got magic, JOJ doesn't. At least not so far.
I think it'll play out this way: romance in both, melo in both.
Gu will have more action, but the fight scenes are reminiscent of Faith, honestly. It will probably also have more funny stuff.
JOJ obviously will be more political intrigue, and so far it's kind of interesting how the titular bad girl ain't bad at all. There's some fun to be had so far but I'm not sure how long that can last, given the subject matter.
And of course, in both, their loves were fated, complete with childhood meet cutes which both couples conveniently forget until necessary.
Oh, and it was pretty amazing how we all lost our freaking MINDS over AppaHo/GumiHot/GumiDad Choi Jin Hyuk - who has, after all, been around for a while. But ohhh, never so handsomely. That man rocked a pony tail like nobody's business.
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tweetie
April 19, 2013 at 6:59 AM
I almost wish AppaHo/GumiHot/GumiDad was the main character. He had the Charisma of Mufasa and now we are watching little simba....
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korazylady
April 19, 2013 at 7:01 AM
Love your analogy. I wish the dad was the main character, too, altho I haven't seen enough of LSG to judge. Those episodes are for tonight's watching.
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lemondoodle
April 19, 2013 at 7:27 AM
But Simba was cool. Mufassa as a main character would have been boring. I love daddy, but he was a bit too perfect to be a main character.
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Ann
April 19, 2013 at 8:25 AM
Me too! He was many-hot, and his son is puppy-cute.
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Ann
April 19, 2013 at 8:26 AM
duh, manly.
Mama J
April 19, 2013 at 10:35 AM
Never fear, Ann, he reduced me to very fractured English as well. I am pretty sure I pointed at the screen and strangled out 'Many hot! Many hot!' as I drooled.
korazylady
April 19, 2013 at 11:27 AM
Me wants many-more-hot-like-him!
KimYoonmi
April 19, 2013 at 7:04 AM
Gu Family Book, is shiny, but it's predictable. Which isn't so bad, just means that if you've had a hard day, your brain can take a break with this story. (You really have to be close to brain dead to not get what the plot is supposed to be in the first 2 episodes. And though it's cruel, the plot really has nothing new to it, despite the shiny.) If you've never watched a sageuk, ever, then this might be a good introduction to the subgenre... mostly because it's an easy watch and hits all of the tropes (Including make the guy super evil with rape, which really does a disservice overall, but I'm talking politics now). (Though I'd prefer people to start with Dae Jang Geum, I understand that the learning curve is high)
Jang Ok Jeong is pretty, but kinda a bit too precious for itself I would say. Didn't inspire me to watch it.
Neither really inspires thought or great plot twists. In one, you already know the outcome, in the other it gives you the road map to all of the plot in the first 2 episodes, which is confirmed in episodes 3-4.
If you want a sageuk, barnone, Gu Am Heo Joon is somewhere between, fun to watch, doesn't inspire thought and unpredictable. It is promising to go long, but the pacing is much faster than the previous 2. (120 episodes, but it goes by fast.)
If you just simply want a drama with some politics in it, then All About My Romance would be a better fit overall. It's not exactly unpredictable, but it isn't predictable enough that I miss a few minutes and I figure what's the point anyway?
Predictable plots, BTW, aren't bad, as long as they don't pretend that it isn't. They are good for when you want to put in zero effort into thinking--and I have those moments too.
So what is your taste? What is your mood?
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CaroleMcDonnell
April 19, 2013 at 8:02 AM
I'm watching Gu Am Heo Joon as well. Liking it. Waiting for Mandate of Heaven. And trying to catch up on Cruel Flowers. You are so right about Ok Jang's preciousness. I am still gonna try to watch episode 2 and 3. To give it a chance. But...
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yukiNYC
April 19, 2013 at 8:48 AM
I'm watchng Gu because of its pedigree, Secret Garden and Dalja's Spring. So far, neither one of them has delivered.
The Korean TV rating for JOJ tell's me to skip it but then it might be fabulous for non-Koreans
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lemondoodle
April 19, 2013 at 9:32 AM
JOJ is making beloved historical icons into villains and a historical villain into a woobie. Might be why some in SK aren't liking it.
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CaroleMcDonnell
April 20, 2013 at 2:01 AM
That's why i'm not too keen on it either.
Betsy Hp
April 19, 2013 at 3:04 PM
I'm going to jump in as a JOJ fan, since it's not gotten a lot of love in the thread. (Not to knock Gu Family Book -- it's a fun, popcorn drama thus far, with hissable villains and earnestly good heroes and a cool mythical stage for them to play on.)
But if you're in the mood for romance, JOJ is all over the romance. But without sacrificing the intelligence of the main leads (they both have some major goals they're trying to achieve and love is not on their agendas).
Plus, it's got some incredible palace-intrigue going on with a whole slew of villains with strong, driving motivators pushing them to achieve their goals, which conflict with the goals of the leads. So chess-games galore.
Plus, plus -- the ladies are all playing very important roles, thinking for themselves and not tearing into each other in vicious jealous rages as I'd feared based on the premise. (I love, for example, that In-hyun is shown to be such a good and principled person, despite her daddy. She and Ok-jang have had some lovely, lovely scenes that underlines their different approaches to life and love, but doesn't undercut either woman.)
And then there's the costumes. If you like sageuk's for the costumes you must watch JOJ -- the costumes are just gorgeous.
I'm watching both GFB and JOJ, but if I had to choose I wouldn't blink. JOJ all the way. :)
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ilikemangos
April 19, 2013 at 3:35 PM
Yes.yes.yes. Totally agree with you Betsy Hip.
JOJ is totally underrated and needs more lovin'. I tend to for some reason always love the dramas with lesser ratings that totally surprise me (in a good way). It reminds me of the battle of K2H and Rooftop prince last year when originally rooftop prince seemed more popular, K2H owned my heart with its romance and its intrigue.
The romance is just seriously wow for JOJ, and i've really got it hand it to YAI because his gaze is just mesmerizing.
KTH is doing her job. Not the best, but not the worst either. For now, her acting is not something that distracts me from the beautiful story/ost/cinematography. I dont get where all the bashing on her is coming from when there isn't as much bashing on suzy.
I like how JOJ has a rather diverse cast, each with their own time to shine. You’ve got a trio on both sides with three guys falling for one girl, and three girls falling for one guy. Not as complicated as it sounds. You’ve got Prince dongpyung who is funny, goofy, and outright charming. You’ve got Chi Soo, the daddy long legs of our heroine. And our crown prince, who is smart, refined, and oozing sex appeal. And of course on the girls’ side, you got a sassy, strong, and passionate heroine competing with in hyun who is graceful, noble, and beautiful. Let’s not forget In Kyung, the clumsy, shy, and love-struck gal. Seldom do I find myself actually caring for our side characters to get more screen presence, but each character seems very promising and interconnected with one another that I’m looking forward to seeing how these relationships play out...
I am hooked.
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Betsy Hp
April 19, 2013 at 5:10 PM
People are bashing Kim Tae-hee? Why?!? She's doing just fine. She's adorably nerdy whenever there's a fabric project to be done, and wonderfully fluttery when Prince Lee Soon crosses her path, and admirably strong when her Uncle comes a calling. (Though also a little terrified. As any smart person would be if they're not Lord Min and Uncle Jang pops by.)
She's shared the screen with some really, really good actors and hasn't embarrassed herself at all -- catching the balls thrown at her and throwing them back -- and she's held the screen on her own and delivered the feelings her character is experiencing. I see nothing wrong with what she's done thus far. I like her character and I'm terrified for her (and also hopeful) and that means, imo, that KTH is doing her job.
(Suzy's in a different acting place and I think her part has been written well for her to handle -- earnest, straightforward, not a lot of complexity to get across.)
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Cynthia
April 21, 2013 at 7:06 PM
You nailed it!
Good comment.
:)
Kimberly
April 19, 2013 at 6:59 PM
I'm loving JOJ as well! My favorite thing is one that you've mentioned - the intelligence of the main leads. In particular, I'm absolutely in love with the Crown Prince. Finally we have a hero who is principled, keen, and ready to take action against the baddies from the start.
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Lisa Purba
April 19, 2013 at 7:25 PM
JOJ is my new crack!!! Strong storyline plus backstory and the characters. Especially Yoo Ah In is a swoon-worthy! Didn't have a slight hope that DB will recap it but thanks to Koala's Playground I understand this whole story.
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korfan
April 19, 2013 at 11:07 PM
I was initially a bit intrigued about JOJ when I heard about it, but then, ...... I read Jae Hee was going to be in it.
I'm still trying to forget the wooden stiffness that was Jae Hee in his portrayal of Park Changhee in May Queen. Gosh, it was sooooo not good. I'm not sure I can watch him again, so soon after MQ.
I realize though, that I shouldn't rush to judgement on this, especially when so many others are participating in this production. Who knows, I just might give it chance.
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3 marid
April 19, 2013 at 6:20 AM
I need sleep! Just wanted to say Hi to you all! The crazy stuff happening last night keep me awake since 2 am. Be back! Hope everyone is safe!
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marid
April 19, 2013 at 6:29 AM
I'm back!!. As soon as I post this I'm running to Starbucks, cause I'm dying for a iced caramel macchiato.
I'm here to rave about my two loves.
-You're the best Lee soon Shin; I have posted everywhere that I'm completely smitten with this show. Soon Shin & Jun Ho have my heart right now (and they are not a couple yet, I can only imagine how much spazzing ill do once they are). I spend most of the week just watching episode 11 & 12 whenever I had free time. I also luv The bread man, poor guy he is just never going to look cool in front of 1st sister. I can't wait till we actually get to see Soon shin go on auditions & people start to appreciate her. Ok.. I'll stop I could talk about this show forever...
-Incarnation of Money: it's almost over!! This show created some very interesting characters. I hated most of them, but I always waited with baited breath to see what they do next. Se-Kwan & Lee Cha-Don were so equally matched. It was very interesting to see how they will trick & outsmart each other. My only problem with this show is that Boss Bok's illness progress too quickly. She was one seriously cool lady, her fight were Angelina were a hoot. I'm going to miss you show, but now I'm contemplating watching "Giant" since I been told its the same style.
I'm also slowly watching....
OHYI: goodness is show bad, yet I can't stay away. I don't care for any of the side stories, I hate the Ex-husband (even if he is hilarious,who dresses this guy?). In episode 27 or 28 when the crazy sister is walking into the lake, I was actually cheering her on. Then proceeded to curse "Sunbae" showed up to rescue her. Sigh* lastly Chae-Won.. I have a feeling she's going to b the character that finally makes me hate Eugene.
-Gu family book: I'm still holding judgement on. I like it so far, but I'm not in luv with it. Give me more hot bodyguard and I'll probably change my mind quickly.
J-Dramas
-Yamato Nadeshiko shichi Henge, where can I find this boarding house?? Love it! Decided to read the Manga because of it.
T-dramas
-Brown sugar Macchiato: cuteness overload.. Not sure if I'm going to finish it.
-Down with Love: I love Ella Chen and her goofy cow lick. Don't kill me but why do people think Jerry Yan is hot??
- Tou Xin Da Sheng P.S nan... P.S. man.. Where was Lan Zheng Long all my life? I'm bored to tears but will continue on just to look at him.
Lastly I finally watch 2 movies that I been dying to see..
-Bokura ga ita: talk about never ever ever getting over your first love. Nanami.. Wow.. Girl can hold on. Haven't seen the second part or read the manga, so please NO SPOILERS!!
-My Sassy Girl: words cannot describe how much I love this movie. I never seen either of the actors but now I want to watch everything they been in. The scene were they wear their school uniforms and go party still makes laugh. Sorry this was soo long..
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shukmeister
April 19, 2013 at 6:37 AM
Jerry Yan - it's the lips. fyi. ;-)
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Mama J
April 19, 2013 at 6:53 AM
Hips, you mean? The hips, because yes. And the shoulders. And the hair. And the jawline. And yes, even that g-d deer in the headlights I haven't got two brain cells to rub together expression usually on his face. He's just PURTY and I want to pet him.
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marid
April 19, 2013 at 7:03 AM
Maybe it's my Mike He obsess brain that does not let me appreciate other Taiwan men beauty?
marid
April 19, 2013 at 6:56 AM
Great now Im going to be starting at his lips for the rest of the episodes!
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DayDreamer
April 19, 2013 at 7:02 AM
Whoah, they made a Bokura Ga Ita drama? Or are you just talking about the two part movie?
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DayDreamer
April 19, 2013 at 7:03 AM
Nevermind...I read your post too quickly...didn't see the word "movie" in it. Sorry. Got excited for no reason.
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marid
April 19, 2013 at 7:05 AM
Movie :)
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CaroleMcDonnell
April 19, 2013 at 8:05 AM
I've got to watch My Sassy Girl. It's such a classic and i still haven't seen it.
So you're still holding up and watching 100 years? Ah, woman!!! You are a stalwart! I'm waiting for the last four episodes. Then i'll dive in. Although it would be good to see sister trying to kill herself. Is that the sister with the weird lipstick?
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marid
April 19, 2013 at 9:43 AM
The ex husbands sister. The one that is obsess with our male lead.
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CaroleMcDonnell
April 19, 2013 at 9:59 AM
Wow!!! She tried to kill herself? Who knew she had such sensitivity? I gather things weren't going her way. Or was it a ploy to make him pity...pity turning to love?
I was wondering why heroine's aunt would want to kill herslef. I am so behind.
marid
April 19, 2013 at 10:31 AM
Spoilers ahead**** ( thanks to River Song, the word Spoilers will never be pronounce without her voice)
Yes... Things were not going her way. Anyhow it worked because by the end of the episode she got engage... Sigh* male lead is an idiot! A very good looking idiot but still an idiot.
CaroleMcDonnell
April 19, 2013 at 10:41 AM
::loooooooooong exasperated sigh::
Seriously? He's engaged to her????
What is the benefit of marrying someone who truly does not love you? Why are these women so adamant about getting the guy they want? How can they ever live in peace knowing the guy never really wanted to marry them?
MEK
April 19, 2013 at 1:37 PM
omg that girl joori in that show talks like her teeth are brand new in her mouth...i cant stand her - and someone said it earlier - this might be the show that would make me hate Eugene...
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Mama J
April 19, 2013 at 6:51 AM
Are you in Boston suburbs, Mari?
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Mama J
April 19, 2013 at 6:54 AM
never mind, you're not. I was trying to think what else was going on. I came up with lots of stuff. It's just that THAT was first.
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marid
April 19, 2013 at 7:00 AM
Thankfully no.. But I live with a person that does not sleep ( my brother) he was awake watching the news. Then he proceeded to IM with stupid questions.. So I gave up on sleep since it ran alway from me..
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4 Schmazel
April 19, 2013 at 6:21 AM
Something embarrassing happened to me this week:
I keep my KDrama addiction under wraps so no one really knows how into it I really am. When I was in class this week and wanted to do a listening activity with my students (I'm a teacher), I accidentally played one of my (very) many OSTs on my PC, instead of the intended audio. I quickly minimised the window and tried not to blush. I'm not sure how successful I was at that! Lol.
How has your week been? Any interesting stories to share? :D
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shukmeister
April 19, 2013 at 6:23 AM
I got a free shot of Fuji sake at a local Korean restaurant when I managed to stammer "Hello" and pronounce "bibimbap" correctly. ;-)
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melo.boy
April 19, 2013 at 6:37 AM
haha .. even I try hard to hide my kdrama addiction from my friends and family..
I have to bury my hard disk full of kds in my closet!
and then I have secret folder in my fone for my OST playlist.! [I hand over my phone o NO ONE]
*sigh*
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owl
April 19, 2013 at 10:37 AM
melo.boy, funny. I don't always remember who I have mentioned kdramas too (just a select few). Once I forgot I talked about kdramas with friends (a couple) and I hadn't seen them for about 6 months. When we met up and were sitting around catching up, i mentioned THE SAME kdramas to them (because they said, "Oh, you told us about them last time). Embarrassed.
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kakashi
April 19, 2013 at 6:38 AM
Hello Schmazel
Good luck with keeping your KDrama addiction under wraps ... I think that's damn difficult. I also try to keep different identities (i.e. have two seperate Twitter accounts), but it is NOT easy. KDrama has a way of sneaking into the other life :))
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marid
April 19, 2013 at 6:47 AM
Soo true. I made a comment on FB about Twitter. My friend who Im always talking to ask if he could follow me. My Twitter account recently change into my Kdrama obsess side. I had such a hard time trying to explain to him, why he did not want to follow me. I ended our conversation with "all I do is talk about Taylor Lautner and how hot he is! .. That conversation ended then.. Lol..
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marid
April 19, 2013 at 6:39 AM
How do you manage to keep your secret? Everyone around me know, and thinks I'm weird. But I have always been weird so I'm ok with it.
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skelly
April 19, 2013 at 9:10 AM
Same here. My kids seem to find it charmingly endearing.
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Mama J
April 19, 2013 at 10:40 AM
Yeah, my daughter sort of pats me on the head and considers it a cute quirk. Plus, once she tells her friends I'm into Korean Dramas and that I can at least recognize the names of certain manga/love Asian horror movies, HER cool quotient goes up because mine does, as a mom who does more than golf and drink.
For the record, I don't golf. and I don't often drink. But when I do, I enjoy it thoroughly. Don't I, Jomo?
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jomo143
April 19, 2013 at 11:10 AM
Me, neither, like NEVER, but at the DB Meetup, we could have been trying out for National Soju Shot Team.
somuchfun
shukmeister
April 19, 2013 at 8:16 PM
#WhenAChinguRemembersAnotherChinguInNovember
Mama J
April 20, 2013 at 7:00 AM
I didn't really drink there, though. Just a shot or two.
korazylady
April 19, 2013 at 6:46 AM
It would have been awesome if someone in your class would have recognized the OST! I have long given up on hiding my addiction, but then again, most people who know me think I'm a little quirky anyways.
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lemondoodle
April 19, 2013 at 6:48 AM
Aw. I'm sure nobody noticed. Though I didn't know you are supposed to hide your kdrama obsessions. I used to watch anime (which I hid) and moved on to kdramas so now I feel more open and adult. I feel I need to reevaluate that now though...
Anyway ,who knows, maybe there are other secret kdrama fans around you that now think you are awesome but are too shy to say so.
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DayDreamer
April 19, 2013 at 7:07 AM
LOL! It would've been funny if another Kdrama addict heard it in your class but was too much of a closeted addict so he/she didn't approach you, heehee. It's something I definitely would do, I think. Just this other day, I saw someone in the library openly watching a kdrama that I recognized. I was elated but didn't dare to approach. I keep my obsession to myself, lol.
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Schmazel
April 20, 2013 at 4:39 AM
Hello all! It was nice reading your stories. Well, I keep my KDrama addiction a secret from the outside world but not my family. I even managed to convert my brother. He asks me for recommendations for light, funny shows. My sister watches on and off - the is a chronic fast forwarder. :D
I myself am not too sure exactly why I keep don't tell anyone about it. I think I like having a little secret to myself - like having a secret super hero identity. Am I even making sense? Lol.
I don't think anyone managed to listen to enough of the song to recognise it - adrenalin kicked in and I stopped everything within 5 seconds. Talk super power. Haiyak!