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1 redfox
September 5, 2014 at 6:15 AM
Hello.
First of all, I want to thank everyone for always being supportive when I complain and whine about my woes. I am kind of like one of those grannies that always say „Aigoo, aigoo!” and lament all the time, although I am not granny. Thank you for reading and sympathizing with my posts!
RUSSIANS JUST CAME ACROSS ESTONIAN BORDER AND KIDNAPPED AN OFFICER ER, WHAT THE????
Oh shit (wrote this inbetween cause it just happened!)
Dramas: worst news for the „sms with naughtly wrong spelling sent unintentionally” trope: there is now a mobile app that can delete a sent message from the senders´phone. (think You´re Beautyful, kiss, message: „It felt good!” – never happened. Cancel crawling intothe room and all that mishap.). now in the future if anyone watches a drama, they will think why did she not delete it from her own phone? I feel like so much will be lost because of the damn technology.
I wonder if other known drama tropes have become pointless because of technology this year...
Watching My Secret Hotel. Aww cmon they need to get back together! You little doves, why are you running in the wrong direction? I think out of all the reuniting exes stories this is the sweetest! And I even suddenly warm up to the bitchy bride and the young driver, cause... oh my. What frustration!
Three Musketeers – certainly has the somewhat dark vibe of the original Musketeers! Btw, has anyone seen the Soviet film from 1970ies- 1980ies with the awesome songs? You need to see it. It has comedy, but underneath the comedic surface, there is lots of secrets, heartache, manipulations, bitterness... The song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjZvP15bzIc And this rather famous film was filmed mostly in Tallinn.
Also, i think I recruited a new drama lover, but she is interested in psychological thrillers / suspense. White Christmas? Ghost? Don´t know that many. Can you recommend me some really suspenseful psychological thrillers, please? She was ok with the likes of Two Weeks (action more than psychological) . I hear your voice seemed too melodramatic to her.
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redfox
September 5, 2014 at 7:05 AM
is my comment showing? I wonder.
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Lady Gaga
September 5, 2014 at 7:08 AM
Yes dear, no worry^^
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redfox
September 5, 2014 at 9:19 AM
good, I thought the link in it would make it not show up
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kopytko
September 5, 2014 at 7:52 AM
Dear Redfox,
You must be upset. I know I would be. Take care.
I hope NATO will react. They have to!
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TS
September 5, 2014 at 9:07 AM
Otherwise, what's the point of NATO all this time/
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kopytko
September 5, 2014 at 9:20 AM
Exactly.
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redfox
September 5, 2014 at 9:37 AM
the thing that RUssia wants to show IS that even if NATO does something, and even if it is effective, and even if there will be no direct war, they dont play chess by the rules. Russia means to be so unpredictable that nobody can guess what madness will come next. but it is not madness, it is pre-meditated, and since it is, we can use intelligence and find out. thank goodness they are just stupid terrorists not madmen. being sarcastic here.
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CaroleMcDonnell
September 5, 2014 at 8:03 AM
I'm so sorry. I can't even imagine the stress and grief folks in Estonia are going through.
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Me Guerrero
September 5, 2014 at 8:32 AM
Redfox: however I am not sure at all, if the Western are the good guys this time, please read these 2 blogs to inform you more about it
1- http://robertlindsay.wordpress.com/
2- http://voxday.blogspot.mx/
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redfox
September 5, 2014 at 11:04 AM
both blogs are on the intelligence blacklist and have published hostile information before, so no thanks. we know propaganda when we see it.
and even if there are bad guys among us as well, that will not undo the fact that Russia is provoking conflict everywhere and shooting civilians in Mariupol, Donetsk and Luhansk from RUSSIAN side near UKRAINE border.
we have such agents here too. it is not even intimidating it is just annoying
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Thursdaynexxt
September 5, 2014 at 8:34 AM
Are they insane? Just after Obama's visit?
Looks like NATO is ready to put its foot down, though, so I hope things don't get too much crazier than they already are.
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redfox
September 5, 2014 at 9:17 AM
they aren´t insane. thats ruled out. which makes them fully calculating terrorists.
I will check into the updates and let you all know what´s the current situation
just came from running, went to release stress but fell and hit my knee :-(( but I am ok it doesn´t hurt. just one more injury to show the doc when I go for check-up on tuesday (workplace orders). my list of injuries during just the last year... don´t know what they will think. both knees, both ankles, hip, head, neck, thigh, now knee again. I guess I am not a very smooth ninja. Lee Jun Kiiii I neeeed your heeeeeelp!
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Thursdaynexxt
September 5, 2014 at 9:37 AM
Ah, where's your stunt double when you need 'em?!
Seriously, though, will be glued to the news, and thinking of you and your neighbours!
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redfox
September 5, 2014 at 10:00 AM
BBC article: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-29078400 they don´t have much and since all concerning the intelligence officer is classified both for foreign and domestic news agencies, dont know ifthey will even give us more.
BBC is the best source of news though, both for the conflict in Ukraine and for everything happening here in Estonia.
Beng
September 5, 2014 at 9:16 AM
TEN Series? VAMPIRE PROSECUTOR Series? God's Quiz series? -- can't think of others
movies:
Chaw (a fun thriller movie); Sector 7; The Host; Blind; New World, Cold Eyes,The Client, Running Man, Monster,
OMG - The Scarlett Letter -- i can't explain my feelings after watching this movie.
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redfox
September 5, 2014 at 9:18 AM
thank you, I think TEN will be just what she would like. she isnt much into vampire stuff though.
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Sur
September 5, 2014 at 12:25 PM
How about "Gap Dongie" But that will probably turn her off dramas
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redfox
September 5, 2014 at 2:00 PM
I am sort of cautious about that one, but who knows, she might like it. but since the reviews of the later episodes werent so good... a real good suspense thriller should build up to the end, right?
Tara
September 5, 2014 at 2:15 PM
I wouldn't really recommend Gap-dong because it was a disappointment -- to me, at least. Psychological thriller yes, but the last eps turned me off and kinda had me thinking why I even bothered to watch it all :/
I don't know if you wanted recent dramas but there are a few older dramas that I'd recommend were psychological thrillers -- Story of a Man and The Devil. Kim Kang-woo and Joo Ji-hoon, respectively, were reallyyy good villains and the stories itself were interesting.
redfox
September 5, 2014 at 10:34 PM
I can´t watch Story of a Man, knowing what happened in real life :-(( it is not pleasant for anyone when they suddenly find out
Tara
September 6, 2014 at 11:00 AM
@redfox:
I watched Story of a Man when it first aired, and then it happened...so I guess I can kinda understand why you'd feel that way. I had always heard about him, but had never seen any of his dramas until this.
But I've also had this happen before with My Rosy Life...so yeah, your apprehension is understandable.
But, having said that, I still thought the drama itself was pretty damn good...even after all these years, it's still in my Top Ten.
Tara
September 5, 2014 at 1:51 PM
I liked Vampire Prosecutor and Ten, both were nicely done crime thrillers. I'm not into the whole vampire craze at all(yeah, you can imagine I did not and will not read the Twilight series) but quite enjoyed VP. It's like a crime drama, except he's part vamp. Nothing really into vamp life (haha) so you could possibly have her venture a look. I mean, if someone like me loves it despite not being into vampires? I think it's worth a try :)
And I'm terribly sorry to hear about the continuing madness. I do read your posts but never really commented, but I do hope there will be a time when all that shitty madness gets turned down permanently and your country can be peaceful again. I don't comprehend why there's isn't more of an uproar about Russia's actions than there have been. I remember back when he was PM and he changed the law so that he could be Prez again...I was like, that cannot be good. It's unfortunate and I do hope there can be some action done to get them to haul their asses outta there :(
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redfox
September 5, 2014 at 2:01 PM
well, maybe I can use the lure of "really pretty eyes" or something.
meh
September 5, 2014 at 1:17 PM
I like TEN but I am not in love with it. I hate to say this but I cringe while watching Joo Sang Wook. He is such a charismatic person with a sexy, husky voice but I hate his portrayal of the mysterious, cold person. Personally, I feel that he tries too hard / overreact. The story lines for each murder cases are very interesting but the execution isn't well thought out. I already knew who the killer is. It's just finding out their motives. I would recommend "Galileo" Season 1. It is a Japanese murder drama that I love. It involves w/ Science to prove how the murder happens. It revolves around a Physics professor who uses his logic to solve crimes that are 'impossible'. Love "Galileo" as it's short, simple, straight to the point, and hardly any romance. Highly recommend "Galileo".
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redfox
September 5, 2014 at 1:59 PM
thank you! I know a lot of japanese dramas have criminal investigation and stuff, but there are too many so I cant choose what to watch
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meh
September 5, 2014 at 3:08 PM
Also, forgot to mention "Border". "Border" is also great and very addicting to watch. I've finished the entire drama in a day without skipping! (Yea, it's that good that I didn't even skip. Very rare for me to do that for a drama/movies). It's another Japanese crime drama starring Oguri Shun. He survives with a bullet struck onto his head. Ever since then, he can see the ghosts of the victims. Both are exceptionally good (better than the Korean crime dramas that focus heavily on melo and romance). I also read that "Trick" is a great Japanese crime show. Similar to "Galileo", "Trick" also focuses on the aspect of using Science to solve how the murder was committed. Enjoy~
Tara
September 5, 2014 at 2:09 PM
I think it's Joo Sang-wook as an actor that made you cringe, because I have to agree...he's a bit hard to watch when he's a serious character. His acting does come off as too much a lot of the time...he doesn't have that nuance, the believability of him actually being the character - if you know what I mean. He's definitely got the looks and the nice voice...he just needs to really immerse himself into acting lessons to fine-tune it all, so that he doesn't come off as being too much.
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meh
September 5, 2014 at 3:47 PM
I agree with you in regards to his acting. I want to love him as an actor but I just can't. I'm watching TEN as of now. I am not loving his character; so to me, he is of no importance. I am much more invested in the other side main characters. I think had the write did a better job at his character development and his role was play by a better actor, I would love his character and the drama.
harmonyfb
September 5, 2014 at 6:34 PM
Yeah, but Kim Sang Ho was awesome in "Ten" - I'd watch him read the phone book.
Tara
September 5, 2014 at 7:17 PM
Yes yes, Kim Sang-ho was awesome!! :) He's the dependable ajusshi sidekick, and can out-act Joo Sang-wook by light years. He's more of a character actor, but he can definitely rock that role.
It was the first drama I'd seen him in, and have liked him in the dramas I've seen him afterwards -- You Who Rolled in Unexpectedly, Twinkle Twinkle, City Hunter, Wonderful Days. Again, always the ajusshi/nice uncle role but still a delight to watch because he portrays his characters as so likeable...not stiff/awkward at all.
Lc
September 5, 2014 at 9:16 PM
@meh, sorry I posted a reply to your comment on Galileo but ended up making my own comment on #45.
In short, in addition to Galileo, I also recommend The Devotion of Suspect X, which features the Galileo protagonist, and The Wings of the Kirin, also by the same author of Galileo, the incredibly talented and profilic Mr Higashino Keigo. <3 <3
And on Trick, it works on the same basis as Galileo, where paranormal or supernatural events are solved using science and logic. The amusing thing in Trick is that while Hiroshi Abe the professor is the better educated member of the two, the cases are mostly solved by the female magician Nakamie Yukie using her smarts and common sense. :D
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redfox
September 5, 2014 at 10:20 PM
oh thanks, marked down! good for recommendation and might watch them myself as well.
redfox
September 5, 2014 at 9:31 AM
umm, updates about the kidnapped officer. (don´t know much)
it is really weird.
FSB the Russian former KGB has said they "arrested" him but the fact is witnesses saw unknown russian men knock him down put a bag on his head and drag him off. across the border
how did this happen and why nobody stopped it? well, EU "border" is boprder by name alone. we are not SUPPOSED to have proper military on border. by all means we need to restore it. the little strips of land both sides of Lake Peipsi, it should not even be difficult to build some sort of wall.
even if I don´t particularly like the thought.
The officer was supposedly carrying a gun, recording device and his name was "Eston Kohver" (I am sure the name is fake cause that would literally mean "Estonian Suitcase") Like WHAT????
if this is provocation, then... what would they achieve, I cannot tell?
curiouser and curiouser...
the Russians used a smoke bomb and messed with the radio connections. ok. it was a planned kidnapping and the fact it happened right after Obama visit, is no coincidence. Russia is trying to intimidate not just Estonia, but the whole NATO, showing that they do whatever they want.
naturally, Russians say, nothing happened on the border and they in fact arrested him...in Moscow. get outta here. there were footprints from the Russian side, the news said, and signs of struggle on Estonian side. No blood or proof of gunshots.
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Quiet Thought
September 5, 2014 at 7:53 PM
Thanks to Redfox, I heard about this bizarre kidnapping incident hours before most of my politically alert American friends did. It is so trivially inane an act on the scale of the world stage, but not for the poor soul who got kidnapped. So people have trouble believing it.
Fortunately, the European NATO members are finally stirring into action, and the Ukrainian army seems to be putting up a fight. There was little or nothing the Americans could do without European support, but, if Putin can be stalemated, then maybe the whole thing will calm down.
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redfox
September 5, 2014 at 10:38 PM
the thing is, it is essential to close the EU border. and restore the border guards as military officers. right now they have no rights at all. but we have the duty to protect not just ourselves, but basically the whole Europe from the agressor next to us. so I think we have to build fortresses if we have to.
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redfox
September 5, 2014 at 9:34 AM
also, I posted links to Obamas´speech, some galleries of his visit and some articles in Financial Times & BBC but they are not showing up yet, but do come and check later tonight.
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oftheshore
September 5, 2014 at 10:14 AM
Hey redfox, I feel you there. My parents are back in Kiev, and my grandma lives close to where the fighting is happening today in the South. It's so strange essentially watching your country unravel...Sorry for venting here and being uber off-topic, guys, it's just been a tough few months indeed.((
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redfox
September 5, 2014 at 11:11 AM
I am sorry too, poor thing, you must be so stressed and I have no idea how to help.
my colleagues granny and grandaunts are in East Ukraine too
she is pretty worried she can never see them although at the moment war is not near their town.
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pogo
September 5, 2014 at 11:34 AM
redfox - wow, that is insane re: the Estonian officer being kidnapped. My country also has hostile neighbours and land disputes, but even we/the other side know not to be provoking all-out wars, it's almost as if Russia here wants to mess up. Bad....
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redfox
September 5, 2014 at 11:53 AM
it is unprecedented! Soviet Union had people kidnapped before and they disappeared but the actual kidnappers were from other countries albeit working for KGB but this time, FSB has actually admitted: yes, we did it, so what? we crossed the border, took him from a NATO /EU member country and took him to Russia! WTF is this.
they are on the same level as ISIS. it seems insane, but it is totally deliberate! there is no coincidence. premeditated and it is said: "kidnappers used violence, signs of struggle"
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conrad
September 5, 2014 at 1:38 PM
Watch "Nine: Nine Times Time Travel" - mystery, thriller, action, fantasy - Highly recommended.
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pinny
September 5, 2014 at 9:48 PM
What about Cruel City?
Ahhh I loved that drama. Not really what I'd call a psychological thriller but definitely smart and suspenseful.
There just aren't enough korean dramas like that out there are there?!
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redfox
September 6, 2014 at 1:29 PM
how about Golden Cross, was it a little like that? dont know much of it.
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2 redfox
September 5, 2014 at 6:16 AM
On other fronts: PRESIDENT OBAMA came to Tallinn. I was at work like always, didnt see anything but the helicopters following his car and heard the sirens so I knew where he was heading (I was watching from the deck of a ship in our harbour).
Here is his speech: http://www.postimees.ee/2907053/video-obama-avalik-kone-heinz-valgu-ja-marie-underi-tsitaatidega His personal aid has said it is his most important speech yet. I guess it is pretty important, because this is as close you can get to Russia while still being safely inside the borders of NATO and EU. Well, how safely, is the question
He used quotes from an Estonian FEMALE poet in his speech, that – get this – his ESTONIAN CLASSMATES had once read to him. Yup he had estonians in his class and sat next to one. Surprise, surprise.
Look at pictures: http://www.postimees.ee/2908071/galerii-obama-stenbocki-majas (in the government building) and http://www.postimees.ee/2907711/barack-obama-tervitas-kadriorus-president-ilvest-ja-teisi-riigitegelasi (meeting presidents of Latvia and Lithuania in the Art Museum Kumu)
He emphasized that the historical injustice our countries once faced, losing our freedom for 50 years, cannot happen again. Well, lets hope. I am still as sceptical as ever. But it is still cool how Financial Times and BBC have stories of Estonia on the same week, withing days of each other. Usually it is one of them at a time. Now it is all of them.
Financial Times: http://blogs.ft.com/the-world/2014/09/estonias-lessons-for-europe/?
BBC: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-29054128
Also: France stopped (more like halted) selling Mistrals (for now) to Russia. Hopefully permanently. I have written hundreds of letters in the past few months to everyone, from Putin to Hollande to Obama. Public pressure has to be continuous to work. But just halted. It can still happen. So write, pressure some more:
http://www.elysee.fr/ecrire-au-president-de-la-republique/
One of my Postcrossing friends from Ukraine finally answered she was safe. She is from Mariupol which is preparing to defend itself from the attack of the Russian army. TELL EVERYONE, she says, THERE IS A REAL WAR BETWEEN RUSSIA AND UKRAINE. There are no „pro-russian forces.” It is NOT a domestic conflict. She and her family escaped to another city though. I feel such relief every time I get an answer. I also donated 100 euros to get medical supplies. Thats at this moment 1/3 of my salary. But I was sure of my decision.
There was news from Echo Moskvõ, that a lady was stoned in Crimea when she did not stand up when a DJ at a beach played the Soviet anthem (formally Russian, but in fact the same old...) the DJ TOLD people to stone everyone who doesnt stand up as „anti-russian and faschist”. Crazy people.
Also, Puttin threatened to throw an atomic bomb to one of the Baltic States or Poland. It might be bluff like Northern Koreas´constant threats. Now I know what South Koreans feel! Blast, in reality it is chilling...
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redfox
September 5, 2014 at 6:18 AM
oh oops, I was in such a shock from the most recent event that I am posting goodness knows where, I am really sorry, can you delete the reply here?
ESTONIAN OFFICER WAS KIDNAPPED TO RUSSIA. wtf has it started? oh heck.
details at 5pm they say at a press conference
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redfox
September 5, 2014 at 11:07 AM
and what good does this speech do now... when I posted the comment and it was waiting for moderation, I still did not know about those recent developments.
what a drama this would make, huh?
South Korea uses their conflict and tension with the North in dramas, maybe Estonia should make a spy series or something.... but it takes SO much money!!! does anyone know just exactly how much making a drama (for example, a spy drama) would cost? I guess it depends on the actors too. but sometimes the production costs will cause the actors being unpaid (rarely though, right?)
I know the bdget of estonian dramas is neigh nonexistent. and they are mostly talking head dramas
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pogo
September 5, 2014 at 11:37 AM
I'm glad to hear your friend is safe, but frankly all of this sounds terrifying. But I also admire you for writing all those letters and alerting people (whether they listen or not) to what is happening.
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redfox
September 5, 2014 at 1:55 PM
thanks. but with my letters, I do not intend to or desire to be the next Anne Frank
I will not be made a martyr.
arghh but the provocations in Ukraine started the same way
I know the world loves disaster stories. tragedies sell. but we will not become one.
we lived here 11 000 years, before russians even existed. and we will be here still one day when there is no more Russia beside us.
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Mermaid Scribbler
September 5, 2014 at 5:56 PM
I am truly praying for you and your country Redfox - the down on my knees kind of praying. Hugs!
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redfox
September 5, 2014 at 10:23 PM
Thank you!
3 peng
September 5, 2014 at 6:21 AM
I just wanna cry right now over the end of FTLY have been mourning for the past 6 hours now. Anyone has any tips for curing my withdrawals symptoms? T_T
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redfox
September 5, 2014 at 6:25 AM
first find the soundtrack and put it on
then take a book love love as much as that drama and let it pull you into its world. I promise you will forget everything. well, not everything as in amnesia trope but...
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mary
September 5, 2014 at 6:27 AM
The (unhealthy) way to get over a kdrama is to distract yourself with more kdramas. When those dramas end too, distract yourself with more.
Basically, it's an endless, evil cycle of crying and squeeing. And eyebags. Lots of eyebags.
Anyway, that's how we deal with it.
If you find a better cure, please tell us. Thank you very kamsa!
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jhu
September 5, 2014 at 6:36 AM
mary! so clever you are!
a wisdom more ancient than k-dramas themselves can be gleaned from your words. you give me very super-naturally vibes, m'lady.
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harmonyfb
September 5, 2014 at 7:01 AM
I had a terrible pang this morning because I woke up thinking "Yay, it's Friday - Marriage, not Dating will be on tonight!"
...and then I remembered. ::unladylike swearing::
Pardon me while I go watch it yet again (third time since the finale) and whine.
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Blcktron
September 5, 2014 at 7:20 AM
I feel your pain, my Friday's don't have the same brightness since it ended. If all drama's were written that way I would never be able to cope with reality. For now it's OST recap
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panda
September 5, 2014 at 6:30 AM
@ Peng, i honestly dont know how to get over mine.
I have started watching it again for the 3rd time, hope it helps.
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jessybee
September 5, 2014 at 6:55 AM
peng, do you dramatroll.tumblr.com? i say reminiscence over FTLY over some hilarious memes of Gunnie, Snail Couple and grandma!
It was a good show though.. it's been a while since I finished watching a romantic comedy drama from start to end!!
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Lady Gaga
September 5, 2014 at 8:05 AM
I'm with you….Jang Hyuk oppajusshi………TT…TT….
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owl
September 5, 2014 at 8:35 AM
Marathon, marathon, marathon. I can't tell you how many times I've watched my first dramas - Pasta, Love Rain, Faith, to name a few into the wee hours of the morning eating cereal out of the box and drinking coffee, coffee, coffee.
"You make me sick and want to be the medicine, too?" Dramas, you are like that.
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Xiarylle
September 5, 2014 at 8:58 AM
FAITH! ommo, another Faith fan. :D ^_^ I know it's got same gaping holes but that show is one of my cracks. that and 41 Days. don't ask me why, i just do. :D
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owl
September 5, 2014 at 9:52 AM
hi xiarylle - you may appreciate my Faith cimitoon (cimitoons page) on my blog - from one Faith fan to another :)
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Xiarylle
September 5, 2014 at 2:28 PM
ooh...i shall check that ou! thanks! :D
Xiarylle
September 5, 2014 at 2:40 PM
i meant out*. dang this keyboard! :D
i love your Faith cimitoon!! you have talent, my friend! :D
owl
September 5, 2014 at 3:52 PM
cimitoons - expressions in kdramaland - is there an autobiographical fiction genre?
Jiji
September 5, 2014 at 10:47 AM
Faith is my all-time favorite KDrama -- nay -- television show -- EVER. Poor editing, plot holes and all.
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Jeri
September 5, 2014 at 7:52 PM
Interesting.... I'll have to check it out. I've staying clear of that one because of the negative comments, but I can totally understand loving a show that others diss.
MapleSilver
September 5, 2014 at 9:16 AM
If you have a favorite actor then rewatch his drama, and then his next drama, and the next, and so on until you find your next crack.
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redfox
September 5, 2014 at 12:01 PM
in the ranks of Faith fans. the action scenes were terrible, the camera work sometimes just poor but... it sneaked into my heart anyway, somehow. even Ki Chul - no especially Ki Chul. the most crazyass villain ever
my other crack drama is You´re Beautiful and mostly bc of Jeremy. In fact I want to ride the bus for hours somewhere far away and when the round ends everything will be ok and normal.
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owl
September 5, 2014 at 12:35 PM
I'm with you on both dramas, superfox. Faith is a study of superpowers gone so wrong, a plot that is murkier than a Scottish bog, and the loopiest of time travel, but somehow it is fondly remembered for its kdrama appeal. You're Beautiful, just add that to my list of "go-tos" when I'm craving more drama insanity (or drama for my insanity?) -
Also, reading your real time real life posts - looking at a map of the area and borders makes one realize the proximity of hostile advances and takeovers (acts of war) - is it never ending?
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redfox
September 5, 2014 at 2:52 PM
well, Kyiv Russ was never hostile towards us, but as soon as the Novgorod dukes appeared they started craving more than what the merchant ships could carry. ever since 14th century there was trouble. before that there were too few of them, just occasional ventures to rob the locals (believe it or not, in the 9th-10th century estonians were actually relatively rich!)
so yeah.... dont know what we´d do if Lake Peipsi dried...
Xiarylle
September 5, 2014 at 2:45 PM
You know redfox, I have always respected you because you seem to know what you're talking about when it comes to kdramas. :D and knowing that you like Faith too makes me feel better. *high five!*
I've heard bad reviews about Faith and to be fair, the show has issues I don't even want to talk about. But there is something about that show that makes me keep re-watching it. I swear, i've watched that for at least 5 times from the first episode to the last, no fast forward. that's real commitment, folks! :D
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redfox
September 5, 2014 at 3:17 PM
ohh, forgot: Shut Up Flower Boy Band a totally different weight category, just perfect in every way and I love it dearly. more than Faith or maybe it was easier to accept Faith was just a drama but SU was so...I was slightly depressed they werent real.
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Xiarylle
September 5, 2014 at 3:27 PM
I was pleasantly surprised with Shut up Flower Boy Band because I watched it with relatively low expections. and lo and behold, I was hooked! :D
Alan
September 5, 2014 at 12:56 PM
Best way to get over withdrawal is to realize quickly that you were fortunate that FTLY was one of the rare dramas that while imperfect, was solidly produced, written, and acted. Those of us who watch dramas, spend so much time watching dramas that fail our expectations that watching one that meats or exceed them should give us hope that it is possible for a satisfying drama to be produced.
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panda
September 5, 2014 at 1:35 PM
i like this comment :)
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4 mary
September 5, 2014 at 6:23 AM
Just dropping in to say that I am happy they're giving Rim something to do this week at Mermaid-landia (aside from getting his butt grabbed). :)
I kinda see what tvN is doing with the annoying cliffhangers and misdirects. But I refuse to go the way of Reply1994! *stompity feet*
I'll just accept that Ohn Joo Wan is the lead (hey, he is awesome too) and enjoy Pervy Mermaid's character arc.
Now that I don't feel pressured to wish that Rim is lead, I'm ready to squeeee endlessly everytime he shows up and does strange things onscreen. Just like the My Il Hwa era! ^_____^
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redfox
September 5, 2014 at 6:26 AM
I honestly tried to watch and the so called supernatural element just looks so bad I don´t wanna.
sorry all mermaid lovers, but... seriously? that level of execution is ok for you?
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panda
September 5, 2014 at 6:28 AM
yes, because its not meant to be taken too seriously.
If you watch it like its a screwball comedy, you would enjoy it much more.
And @redfox, do take care of yourself
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mary
September 5, 2014 at 6:54 AM
Up to what episode did you see? The supernatural part doesn't really show up much anymore, which is good. I don't really want extended shoots underwater or a focus on Ursula-esque villains and King Triton or something.
I just want to see Mermaid trying to learn how to live in our world and fixing her Princess Complex (which is already happening, thank god) and fantasizing over Rim like a crazy Mary.
I remember reading complaints a couple of weeks back about the waterproof "ipad", but that wasn't an ipad. That's a Galaxy S5. One of its main features is it's ISO-something certified to be waterproof. Samsung even did a promotional video where they made the S5 take the ice bucket challenge and dared other flagship phones to do the same.
Anyway, I guess my point is waterproof phones don't bother me. If I accepted Ariel having books and clocks and paintings intact in her hideout, why can't I do the same for Ha-ni? :)
That being said, this is not the most perfect drama ever. It is silly and has too many gags that could bore people. Also, they're using that Reply1994 trick again where they refuse to tell you the OTP.
If anything, those extended pop culture jokes and OTP confusion are what makes me impatient sometimes. The supernatural part is fine by me.
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redfox
September 5, 2014 at 7:04 AM
I watched nearly all and found nothing funny or interesting in it.
I really dont get the charm.
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Lixie
September 5, 2014 at 7:15 AM
It's ok. I watched Marriage Not Dating until the end and never really got to like any of the characters, I don't regret watching but it was not charming or interesting for me. If you don't like anything about SP, move on, don't be stubborn like me and insist thinking the show will suddenly change and make you fall for it. :)
mary
September 5, 2014 at 7:23 AM
Yikes~ then I rest my case.
There's more and more of that SNL-style gag and if you force yourself to like the show, you'll just end up hating it.
Try other shows. There are plenty of nice kdramas now and even past ones you can catch up on! :) And it doesn't even have to be kdrama. Though I'm not updated on jdoramas and TW dramas now and can't rec any. Sorry.
redfox
September 5, 2014 at 9:41 AM
oh btw I did catch up on an old drama - well, not THAT old: Protect the boss. Too much romance and too little other stuff, but I like the video conference trick. kinda reminds me of Transcendence.
or those masterminds that the heroes never meet who sit in some mysetrious office and give orders through the screen. you know.
dogs are all howling suddenly?
harmonyfb
September 5, 2014 at 7:07 AM
That being said, this is not the most perfect drama ever. It is silly and has too many gags that could bore people. Also, they’re using that Reply1994 trick again where they refuse to tell you the OTP
Every episode, I change my mind about the shipping arc - this last one, I'm thinking that the Chef and the Mermaid are destined to be together, and that Well-meaning Unemployed Bro and Gold-digging Ex-Girlfriend will get back together after she realizes what a terrible person she's been.
I don't mind the silliness - it actually comes across as endearing; and it's a nice balance to the more adult sexiness (mmmmmm, butt grab).
I admit I'm kind of confused about the Chef character, as he seems to swing between stony-faced jerk and sweet little boy (and my subconscious keeps seeing him as Killer Kim, so it's super-sinister.) It doesn't help that these dream sequences keep giving him sinister things to do. ::scoots away from the possible assassin::
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mary
September 5, 2014 at 7:31 AM
I like silly as in normal roommate shenanigans, but the extended jokes like 3 minutes of an MV/game parody sometimes makes me impatient. Because that could've been time used on moving the story forward. T^T
Re: lovelines
The lines are so deliberately crossed and blurred, there was even a moment in Ep5 when I thought, "Shoot! Screw the pervy Mermaid, that foxy Jin-ah might actually be the perfect match for Rim after all."
Of course I changed my mind again after 3 minutes. Aigoo~ so confusing, this show. Hahaha
panda
September 5, 2014 at 8:01 AM
I love this aspect
I have even secretly shipped the princess and Big. lool
Alan
September 5, 2014 at 1:01 PM
Just a note for those watching Surplus Princess, Hi! School Love On is also a fish-out-of-water story that is dealing with the question of what is true love and why does love hurt so much.
Given that they are running simultaneously and deal with these questions from the perspective of high school kids and young adults, comparing the two will allow viewers to think a bit about different ways to think about the same topic.
Also by viewing the two dramas, one can see differences and similarities in how they deal with fish-out-of-water moments in dramatic set pieces. Some differences reflect the ages of the characters but it is remarkable how many similarities there are.
Lixie
September 5, 2014 at 2:55 PM
@Alan I was just thinking about it today. I was trying to figure out why SP works so much for me and HSLO is boring me.
I don't buy it, the reaper girl. Everything that is so real about the selfish mermaid feels off in the reaper, though I like the actress and the rest of the cast don't bother me either. It's the writing. I don't know, for me, it drags and wastes a lot of opportunity. I'm tired of old candy cliches in the school, there are times there I felt Heirs vibes. The reaper keeps saying stuff like how humans do this and that, but it's normal stuff. Things she should know about if she kept such close attention on our daily life.
TS
September 5, 2014 at 9:11 AM
See, I liked the supernatural part. Without it, I'm a bit bored.
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windsun33
September 5, 2014 at 12:55 PM
I love the pervy mermaid parts - but I fast forward through some of the other stuff. I think the mermaid parts and her unni-friend are funny as hell (let's dry your fins and I'll do your nails"..).
But I found the whole food cart thing with all the multiple "let's see how stupid we can all be" just annoying and skipped most of it.
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Alan
September 6, 2014 at 7:29 AM
Purpose of Food Court scene was to focus on the despair of the failed lawyer character. It was designed, but not well executed to show his complete embarrassment and humiliation. While we tend to focus on the 4 leads, the writer is using the supporting characters to get her message across
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panda
September 5, 2014 at 6:27 AM
Mary, we need to write to the writers of SP that we demand more Rim time!!! Lol
And you are right, both guys are aweome.
Its really amazing how much i enjoy the show
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Lixie
September 5, 2014 at 6:44 AM
Yes, I was one of the people questioning who was the lead but after ep 4 I know it's Joo Wan, no more denial.
I still think it would be more refreshing if it was the chef, enough with the whole fate putting the main OTP together, I wanted her to get the hot guy even if she had to hate him for a while after all he can be sort of a jerk sometimes, and then fall in love again.
Also his shy personality is more interesting to me than the sincere unemployed guy. I also have a thing for guys with some trauma or trouble, so that probably counts too. Btw I never even knew who SJR was before and don't even think he's all that good looking as people say, just wanted this story to go more in my direction. :)
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CaroleMcDonnell
September 5, 2014 at 8:07 AM
I felt that way too. Even though I had trouble with the princessiness of our heroine, I really hate knowing who the OTP is supposed to be. And why not have her and the chef be the real pair?
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Lixie
September 5, 2014 at 9:01 AM
It's like EVERY kdrama has to teach us the right guy is not the one we dream about. Why?
I get the whole sometimes you get what you need instead of you what you want, and I usually love the process of the guy or girl finding out the perfect SO for them was the least possible option but sometimes it feels contrived. Following the kdrama rules instead of natural flow and as much as I love SP, I feel a this way about the OTP there.
Provided we are correct and chef has no chance of course.
Can anyone remember a kdrama when this trope did NOT happen?
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CaroleMcDonnell
September 5, 2014 at 9:21 AM
Great point! Or else they do the other common thing of saying "how dare the second lead female continue thinking she's estined for this guy when we all know that she isn't?"
Either way...too done.
I don't know why the kdrama writers think we can tolerate the lack of suspense. And the second-lead thing. Cause really..why? Why is second lead even needed when everyone but the characters know who is fated? What is that supposed to do to me as a viewer? Sooooooo annoying.
CaroleMcDonnell
September 5, 2014 at 9:41 AM
This youtube video made me smile. I think this might be what the second lead thing might be about. Anyways, check out the Pride and Prejudice example around the six minute mark http://youtu.be/Qcv1IqHWAzg
mary
September 5, 2014 at 9:44 AM
There are also lots of dramas where the girl ended up with the guy she loved crazily from the start. Some that come to mind:
- Playful Kiss (Kim Hyun Joong and Jung So Min)
- Pretty Boy (Jang Geun Seok and IU)
- Reply1994 (LOL the shipping wars in this drama!)
If we're keeping score though, based on screentime + "caring for the mermaid" scenes AND co-habitation, the odds are stacked against my Rim. T^T
Lixie
September 5, 2014 at 9:51 AM
Thanks mary! Good call. I never watched Reply or PK so I'd never think about them.
Pretty Boy DID that and I think I disliked it so much by the end I tried to forget it ever existed ehehee.
I remembered another stalker drama that also did it! To The Beautiful You. I enjoyed that one very much even if it was not very good. :)
bbstl
September 5, 2014 at 2:14 PM
OMG, Carol your link just made me laugh so hard. I don't think I still totally understand it but it was fascinating! I love that she did it with P&P. The illustration of Darcy is so obviously Colin Firth and the illustration of Collins made me howl, it looks like he's wearing a diaper! Thanks, that is great.
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bbstl
September 5, 2014 at 2:15 PM
Sorry *CarolE*
CaroleMcDonnell
September 5, 2014 at 2:20 PM
Yeah it totally cracked me up. These guys always do the weirdest math problems
newgirl
September 5, 2014 at 8:50 PM
Carole, thanks so much for this. I watched part II of this video and it explained the "match" program for medical residents who use it to vie for a position in a teaching hospital residency program. As it medical person who works with such residents, it showed me why the residents we get are always happy to be in our program, but we're not always happy with them! And yes, there's plenty of drama there too!
CaroleMcDonnell
September 6, 2014 at 5:51 AM
Oh my! newgirl! Or should i say Omo? Glad you liked it.
Alan
September 5, 2014 at 1:04 PM
I disagree here as the two characters that need to develop their self-identity are the OTP as originally envisioned. I think the transformation of the male member to accept his art as his life is going to be an interesting path to follow and a lot more interesting that what could be in store for Rim's character's growth
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CaroleMcDonnell
September 5, 2014 at 3:17 PM
good point. but just because the chef has already discovered that his art is his life doesn't mean he can't be a good choice for the otp. The otp doesn't have to be at the same exact identity place.
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bbstl
September 5, 2014 at 8:37 AM
Mary, will you continue with Squeecaps for Mermaid? I really like the ones you did.
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mary
September 5, 2014 at 8:58 AM
*hangs head in shame*
I'm working on the third one. Things have just been very very busy at work. :<
I'm halfway done with the 3rd one! ^____^
Thank you very kamsa for waiting! *works furiously to get to mermaid squeecaps*
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Beng
September 5, 2014 at 9:24 AM
i love Surplus Princess, it's just fun and easy to watch plus the eye candies are great! =)
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5 soprection
September 5, 2014 at 6:34 AM
OMG, Surplus Princess is soooooooo funny, you guys. If you’re not watching it, you need to get on that. I love all the dream sequences and skits and asides and weird sound effects and funny captions. It is SO ridiculous. It sometimes feels like a really long SNL skit.
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Faye
September 5, 2014 at 6:50 AM
I think I need some light entertainment like that now. Everybody seems to enjoy it; I'll have to check it out!
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kopytko
September 5, 2014 at 7:05 AM
I can't start watching Surplus Princes. But the reason is strange. I'll tell you when the drama is over, because someone may be needlessly put off. Anyway, it's because of the word "surplus" ;P
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okiejune
September 5, 2014 at 12:05 PM
???????!
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kopytko
September 5, 2014 at 12:23 PM
I find this word repulsive.
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windsun33
September 5, 2014 at 1:04 PM
That makes no sense to me.
kopytko
September 5, 2014 at 1:22 PM
Whenever I see the word surplus I think about a very peculiar perfume. It's disgusting, but I cannot get that association out of my head.
okiejune
September 5, 2014 at 8:36 PM
I think of "army surplus" - when I was in a rebellious teenage phase I bought several pairs of used army fatigue pants, complete with old rips that had been mended, and wore those with red t-shirts all the time. (just because I love red and that army green together, no deeper meaning).
6 Kiara
September 5, 2014 at 6:36 AM
This is rather odd to ask on a K-drama site but is there a football fan out there who is in a Fantasy Football League? YAY! Football Season is finally here.
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Faye
September 5, 2014 at 6:52 AM
If you're refering to American football/NFL, I *was* a fan. I'm so angry at my home team that I'm considering sitting out this season, though. It's hard when everyone around you is getting geared up for the games . . .it can be very exciting.
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DeNile
September 5, 2014 at 7:26 AM
I think she means what you call soccer...
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DeNile
September 5, 2014 at 7:29 AM
Ooops...my bad. She might have meant the NFL...
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Kiara
September 5, 2014 at 7:39 AM
Yes, the NFL. My family and friends are football fans. We get together almost every weekend to watch the games and eat together so its a lot of fun.
What is your home team Faye? I'm a Seahawks fan but my family and friends are 49er fans so imagine the trash talks I have to put up with every year lol.
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Faye
September 5, 2014 at 10:44 AM
@Kiara - My home team is the Baltimore Ravens (coached by the brother of the 49-ers coach!). They're a huge deal here, and my husband bought a seat license the first year they came to town, so we usually go to the game. I don't know if you heard, but one of the players was caught beating up his then-fiance to the point of unconsciousness. He barely got a slap on the wrist from the team (two game suspension), and the attitude of all the players really go to me ("It was his own private business; people are so hard on him . . ."). I know he's certainly not the first professional athlete to be violent, but domestic violence is a huge issue for me, and I just don't think I can bring myself to root for the team now.
I will send my football support to you instead - you must need it coming up against all those 49-ers. Stay strong :)!
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Alan
September 5, 2014 at 1:06 PM
Go Orioles. How can anyone from Baltimore talk about football right now when baseball and the Orioles are on the road to winning the American League East. Like the Ravens but it will be hard to get too excited about them until October
Faye
September 5, 2014 at 1:27 PM
@Alan - Just brought them up in answer to Kiara's question. But yes, I am super-excited about the Orioles. I hope they don't mess it up in the home stretch as they are wont to do at times. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for them.
ktiep
September 5, 2014 at 5:36 PM
Crack me up with all the NFL talk on the KDrama board. I wonder which players watch Kdrama...
I'm in San Francisco, so obviously we root for the 49ers. Never did much go for the Raiders, but that's probably because I grew up in Denver.
Anyway, I think it is the 9ers who will need the luck against the Seahawks. Seattle is so dominant no-a-days.
Kiara
September 6, 2014 at 4:49 AM
@Faye- You must be talking about Ray Rice. I read about what happened between him and his girl friend, now wife (shakes head). I had a chance to draft him because he's a great Running Back but I passed and everyone in our league refused to pick him up. We were all disgusted by what he did. It's too bad because the Ravens is a great team and I totally understand why you can't bring yourself to root for them.
Thanks for the support :).
Kiara
September 6, 2014 at 4:57 AM
Will be rooting for the Orioles :).
Kiara
September 6, 2014 at 5:40 AM
@ ktiep- No disrespect to Peyton Manning (he's one fine QB) and his team but my favorite game(s) last year was not the super bowl but the NFC West playoffs between the Hawks and the Niners. That was crazy good and I'm looking forward to another match up this year.
Good luck to the Niners this season :) <3.
spazmo
September 5, 2014 at 12:19 PM
GO HAWKS!!!
; )
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Tara
September 5, 2014 at 2:38 PM
Hey Kiara! I don't know if you ever read my reply to your question a few OTs back, but I agree YAY for the season starting!!! :)
My home team is the Washington Redskins, although I live in MD and go to school in Baltimore (and cheered for the Ravens when they won the Super Bowl).
I've been a diehard fan since I was old enough to understand the game (haha)...so maybe like 6 yrs old? I was still learning English then...haha. But despite the downward trend of the team (although 2012 was a great year -- lost to your Seahawks in the playoffs)...I'm still a diehard fan.
I'm a diehard Orioles fan, to recoup for the not-in-my-stateness of being a Washington fan ;P They are doing so awesome this year and leading the division by 9 1/2 games!!! Yet they're still so under respected...
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Kiara
September 6, 2014 at 5:29 AM
Hi Tara :). Sorry I missed your reply. When I moved to the US my first home was Seattle and being a sport fan I got into the American football, baseball and basketball pretty fast. I became a fan of every team in Seattle, Mariners, Sonics (while they were in Seattle) and Seahawks. I remember when the Hawks were pretty bad in those days and it was easy to get tickets. Now I have to kiss someone's butt with season tickets to get in lol.
My family and friends are die hard 49er fans, way before Joe Montana's time. I swear half of their wardrobe are full of Niner jerseys, t-shirts etc. That is all they wear during football season lol.
Good luck to your team this year :). I have my team that I stay loyal to but I also love the Broncos, Ravens, Niners, Rams, the Saints (big fan of Drew Breese and he is my QB for my team this year) and Green Bay, who doesn't love Aaron Rogers and those arms lol.
Tara
September 6, 2014 at 11:59 AM
The majority of my friends are 'Skins fans, but there are the few that stick out -- because they're Cowboys fans. Argh. What rankles me more is if they're not from Texas, but born and raised in the DMV...can't cheer for the hometeam but their rival?! -.- But to each their own, I guess.
Good luck to your team too...although I don't think they need it, they look good already! And I noticed all your fave teams all have great QBs...which should definitely be the main reason why they're good :)
Aaron Rodgers is one of my fave QBs, and I cheer for them (as long as they're not playing us. haha). It was kinda hard to watch Thursday's game...it was like the Seahawks were way too good, and/or the Packers don't have that oomph anymore. A shame, but I do hope they improve.
It's also a shame that Sam Bradford reinjured the same knee again, because I thought the Rams had a fighting chance this year -.- Peyton Manning is one of my all-time fave players ever (have you seen those commericals he made with his bro Eli for Direct TV? Too funny...as was his stint on SNL -- I could not stop laughing!).
Good luck with your fantasy league! Go show your league who's boss!!! :)
Kiara
September 6, 2014 at 4:44 PM
Three of my guys were playing on Thurs, Jodie Nelson, Marshawn Lynch and Bobby Wagner. I ended up with 41pts and currently leading my opponent but he's got LeSean McCoy and Stafford yet to play. I have Drew Breese so I'm not worried. He was projected to win before Thurs but Lynch pulled me ahead with 2 TD. Yay!
Thanks for cheering my team on:) <3
Believe it or not I have Peyton and Eli's commercial on favorite hahaha. I missed his SNL stint but I will look for it.
No doubts the Orioles will make it to the playoffs :).
Have fun watching the games tomorrow :).
Kiara
September 6, 2014 at 5:04 PM
This is just too funny lol.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fo4-hc1bp30
Manning and Sandra Bullock. Loved the movie btw.
7 samsooki
September 5, 2014 at 6:36 AM
Discovery of Love is awesome.
I really liked Sung Joon in I Need Romance 3, and now we get to see the less-likeable version in DoL.
Plus we get to see a more subtle refined version of Eric, who retains all of his coolness.
You guys have GOT to read dramallama's recap. Soooo good.
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dpanda
September 5, 2014 at 6:44 AM
Hi samsooki
For a strange reason i do not like DOL.
I want to, butit just seems like a mash up of INR2 and INR3 ....................
I also kind of find it boring. I dont know why
And it hurts cos i wanted to LOVE it
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samsooki
September 5, 2014 at 7:41 AM
hi han,
it's totally cool not to be into a drama or another.
i happen to like the more subtle aspects and the more realistic portrayal.
As people have mentioned, Yeo-Reum is turning darker and more manipulative, scheming and cold. It appears that KTH's goal, if not to win her back, will be to do what Sung Joon did in INR3, which is to keep her warm and honest with herself, because that's how one can be truly happy. Of course it is funny that Sung Joon in DoL plays the role that he was so against in INR3.
I am actually surprised by how much I like DoL.
I was totally rooting for Sung Joon because of INR3, but now I am back to the OTP and Eric.
Do you speak or understand Korean at all? I think sometimes the subs might be less than 100% brilliant, and if you look at dramallama's and lollypip's recaps, you might find some of the nuances that are otherwise missed.
We have some REALLY good recappers for DoL, and that just adds to my enjoyment.
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dpanda
September 5, 2014 at 8:06 AM
I do not speak or understand any korean apart from the little gleaned from kdramas. lol
Okay, i will continue reading the recaps cos i dropped even those by episode 4.
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Zogzog
September 5, 2014 at 10:10 PM
Agree, I thought I'm the only one who don't like DOL and I tried to love it. Gosh i feel so calm now because its not only me..
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Lady Gaga
September 5, 2014 at 6:53 AM
Me too….me too…Totally in love with the story. It just messy, sexy, crazy…LOL…All characters are imperfect, which makes me fallen to this drama. It feels so real. It looks like I'm the one of the character they played.
And Eric also my new oppajushhi….If only he's younger 10 years, we will be perfect match…HAHAHA….
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korfan
September 5, 2014 at 6:59 AM
Lady Gaga -
"oppajushhi" ...... *laughing*
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Lady Gaga
September 5, 2014 at 7:04 AM
Yes….Eric is my oppajusshi…And , I heard he's also the leader of k-pop boy band….aaakkkh….I'll check his group songs soon after this drama finish…. Not much time due to semester just started…huffftttt….
I need to change my title song from Alejandro to Eric Mun….*kyaaaa…..slap myself….
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Tara
September 5, 2014 at 7:23 AM
Eric's group, Shinhwa, is the longest-running kpop "boyband" (they're men now!) in kpop history. What's even more impressive is that they've never split up or changed members at all, which is kinda like the norm now.
I've been a fan of theirs since I was in middle school, and Eric's always been my fave ;) Believe me, I watched through all of Strongest Chil-woo (campy over-the-topness but I liked the Zorro-esque storyline) and Spy Myeong-wol (that was a mess) just for him. Plus, his persona on their show...I'll just say he is one interesting dude ;)
korfan
September 5, 2014 at 7:27 AM
Lady Gaga -
Sounds good to me!
And yes, you heard right, he is the leader of a kpop group, Shinwha. ........ They've been in the industry for years and have quite the following. ....... I may be wrong, but I think they're all over 30, so not really boys at this point. But hey, that's ok, they're oppajusshis now!
rose
September 5, 2014 at 7:39 AM
I love DOL too!
You should check out on Eric's group. They are called as Shinhwa! They are talented and so funny.
You'll be surprise how 4D Eric is in real life lol
If you check on his personality, he's a wise man and a great group's leader. Opps...please pardon me for my fangirling heart over Eric haha
For the beginning you can check on this video lol (Eric as Mathilda in the end )
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZFshDTf2Ww
Lady Gaga
September 5, 2014 at 7:58 AM
@Tara, korfan and rose…thanks for introducing me to his group. I saw some random few clips of the show (Shinhwa bangsong ?), so funny…no wonder Eric oppajusshi can play that crazy bromance scene very well….LOL…
And…and…and….I saw his younger day show (gogogogosh…he was so handsome with a bit longer hair…) with my-beloved-forever-beautiful-unnie Yoon Eun Hye on xman show (?, whatever…)….kyaaaaa…..what a perfect couple. They should marry each other soon…..*wrong focus*
owl
September 5, 2014 at 12:39 PM
I also like watching Min-woo on Dancing 9 season 2. He has such a cute eye smile~
kopytko
September 5, 2014 at 8:01 AM
I enjoy watching Discovery of Love. An entertaining drama.
The thing is, I find Sung Joon's character just as unlikable as in INR3 :P. But I am pleasantly surprised by Eric.
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8 Sajen
September 5, 2014 at 6:41 AM
I just want to say R.I.P. Go Eun-bi of Ladies' Code and I wish the other members recovery, especially Kwon Ri-se as the latest update I can find indicates there's still a high probability she could die as well. I also hope Polaris allows the survivors the therapy they almost definitely need. Personally if I were the parents I'd be suing the rental company for murder by negligence as tires/wheels don't just pop off of cars.
My sister is in town so all I've been able to watch Is My Secret Hotel and the Three Musketeers I most likely won't be able to see anything else until Monday.
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Tara
September 5, 2014 at 7:35 AM
The Ladies' Code accident has been incredibly tragic to hear, and I wholeheartedly agree that the rental's wheel falling off is very fishy. Wheels just don't pop off of cars that easily without due negligence on their part of not thoroughly checking. It seems like the wheel was missing quite a few nuts for it to even get into that shape in the first place...a blown tire has a bigger possibility of happening than the whole freakin wheel falling off, I'm just sayin'.
The parents should definitely sue those asses that let this tragedy happen. I do pray for RiSe to make the recovery, although it sounds pretty bleak now -.-
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9 panda
September 5, 2014 at 6:41 AM
Happy OT beanies!!!
Lets talk dramas eh:
1. So this week was FTLY finale which i won't go into much here except to say i am very sad i won't see my uri couple next week.
2. The Three Musketeers which I'm loving and not just because i lurve Lee Jin-Wook. lol. I just find it so incredibly well written and like the characters. I also like the fact that not everything is explicitly stated and you therefore have to dig through the layers. I cannot stress how much i am fascinated by Prince Sohyeon. He can be such an ass with that smile yet i am convinced he likes the Crown Princess. Can't wait till the 2 of them can finally get together without any misunderstandings.
3. Surplus Princess: Really liking this madcap show. LOL. Its hilarious. Honestly its sad both this and TTM are 1 episode/week shows.
4. I felt IOIL ep 14 was the best to far in regards the story and their treatment of JJY.
5. On my radar to watch Plus 9 boys.... And i also can't wait for Secret Door. Out of the upcoming Wed/Thur shows i will try the first eps of the one with Sooyoung.
Blade Man, buahahahaha cant wait to read the recaps
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DeNile
September 5, 2014 at 6:48 AM
I am skipping Secret Door...that poster showing Sado/Je-Hoon with hidden tears in his eyes was the feather that broke the camel's back. I cannot handle tragic tales that well and this one looks ready to drag out every bit of sadness in me kicking and screaming so no...
.
.
.
...but ofcourse I will be tempted and might give in and watch but mercy please...aaarrrrggghhhh
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Faye
September 5, 2014 at 6:50 AM
The Crown Prince is really intriguing me on The Three Musketeers. I had to get over some initial prejudice against his character (residual hatred of Lee Jin-Wook's character in "I Need Romance 2"), but I've really started appreciating him now. He gives the impression of having contradictions and depth. And that enigmatic smile of his is very interesting.
I think he is struggling between unresolved issues over Mi-Ryung and burgeoning feelings for the Crown Princess, which even he many not be full aware of. I also like his amused sort of mentorship of Dal-Hyang.
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dpanda
September 5, 2014 at 6:56 AM
Faye let me give you an antidote to your hatred of his character in INR2 which i also disliked. (Infact, in INR2 i disliked both him and the female lead. urgh) Go watch NINE
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Faye
September 5, 2014 at 7:04 AM
@han, it's definitely on the list of Dramas to Watch! I didn't realize he was in that one.
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panda
September 5, 2014 at 8:08 AM
Oh he is, and the drama is one of my favs
dramapanda
September 5, 2014 at 3:03 PM
please watch it, its daebak!!!
CaroleMcDonnell
September 5, 2014 at 8:12 AM
Am looking for Secret Door as well. I like it that it's strictly a historical exploration. I like fusion sajeuk, musketeered sajeuk, and supernatural sajeuk. But straight-up history is fun as well.
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owl
September 5, 2014 at 8:37 AM
IOIL - how will it wrap up in only 2 more episodes? I'm dying~
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10 Faye
September 5, 2014 at 6:43 AM
This has been a bad few weeks for K-drama and K-pop, hasn't it? From the tragic (Eun-Bi's death and the other ladies' injuries) to the criminal and infuriating (Kim Hyun Jun) to the sleazy (Lee Byung Hun), it hasn't been a great time to be a fan. Not that Korean celebs are worse than those of other countries, of course, but a lot has piled up at once, I guess.
So, for this week I'm avoiding the unpleasantness and burying my head in the sand. K-dramas I'm currently watching: Shut Up Flower Boy Band (I know, very late to that party), The Three Musketeers (fun, suspenseful, keeps me waiting eagerly for the next week's episode), and It's Okay, It's Love (breaking my heart in the best way possible. I just want all these troubled people to heal and be happy. Is that too much to ask from TV life?).
What is everybody else watching? And in non-K drama topics, what do people like about the fall? For me, it's the early fall when it stops being so humid, and the leaves start to change, and the air just tastes so crisp and everything feels new.
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DeNile
September 5, 2014 at 7:19 AM
We don't hall Fall where I live so I can only console myself by what I see on TV or hear from the experiences of others.
Just having loads of rain my ends
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scandalous
September 5, 2014 at 7:53 AM
I just can't accept the fact that they tied DH with a rope instead of cuffs.
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CaroleMcDonnell
September 5, 2014 at 8:16 AM
Fall is so crisp and fresh. One canjust walk forever.
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Faye
September 5, 2014 at 10:46 AM
One of my favorite parts! I love long Saturday afternoon walks, breathing in the fresh air . . .
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owl
September 5, 2014 at 8:56 AM
I really want to enjoy the last 15 days of summer - and hope fall brings an extension of warm, sunny days, although it is already in the 40s at night in my neck of the woods. Fall makes me want to bake chocolate chip cookies, pumpkin and banana breads, and blueberry crisp. I am making loads of homemade spaghetti sauce from the seemingly endless crop of tomatoes from just 3 plants. It's crazy. Other than baking Christmas cookies, this is the extent of my joys of cooking - take out please most of the time :)
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Faye
September 5, 2014 at 10:47 AM
Nothing like summer tomatoes, right? I also make and put away homemade spaghetti sauce.
Ironically, after an unsually cool August, it's been hot and incredibly humid this whole week. But one day it will just turn on a dime and become "real" fall - weather is so changeable here.
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Boxed-In
September 5, 2014 at 8:57 AM
Fall. Colours.
And the feeling that the season is like Nature's way of housekeeping. You know, like some of those leaves lying on the ground could get squished under the tyres of a car or just get blown away and be forgotten. And some others will rot and go underground and come spring, get an opportunity to redeem themselves in a way. So awesome.
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jhu
September 5, 2014 at 9:22 AM
beautiful. i must say i'm quite drawn to your way of writing because your voice feels so similar to that of a very close friend i have.
you really are a wonderful writer. do you maintain a blog? do share if you have one.
will miss reading you after epi 20.
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Boxed-In
September 5, 2014 at 1:26 PM
Thank you.
& it's strange what you said about feeling familiar with my voice, because that's exactly how I feel about yours. OMG do you think we know each other in real life? It's totally possible- has happened to me before. :D
No I don't have a blog. Never got out of the pen-and-paper habit, sadly. Will check out yours though. Thanks for the link.
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pogo
September 5, 2014 at 11:32 AM
Talking about Lee Byung Hun and sleaze, I was wondering why the comments in the blackmail scandal were so negative towards him, and ended up finding this:
http://netizenbuzz.blogspot.in/2012/09/why-is-lee-min-jung-viewed-as-victim-of.html
(if any of this is true, he's scum himself, barely one step removed from being an actual thug)
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11 DeNile
September 5, 2014 at 6:44 AM
I am still weeping/wailing/mourning/shaking my head(fist) over the title of that kdrama 'Pride and Prejudice'
I can't recall who mentioned it but someone said Pride and Prejudice is your basic kdrama: rich dude with issues(and loads of pride) meets and falls for feisty gal(from a not-so well-off family) who has an embarrassing relative(Mrs. Bennet wins hands down! though a reread and understanding of the times they lived in earns her some sympathy), plus a second lead(except he is not so nice in this case but he does do his best to keep the two main leads apart)
Again I ask: why is this not happening?
Forgive me but just seeing the title Pride and Prejudice anytime anywhere always does something strange to me. Reminder: let me not rewatch Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy please...let me not. DO NOT GIVE IN TO THE TEMPTATION!
On another note:
1. My Secret Hotel: you are doing strange things to my heart
2. Nightwatchman's Journal: I know there's an end somewhere because that is the only reason I am following (or trying to follow) this series
3. Three Musketeers: when one stare from across the room can wins the episode...oy
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Faye
September 5, 2014 at 6:55 AM
I said that about Pride and Prejudice, although I'm sure I'm not the only one who did so.
What is the K-drama version going to be about? For me, there is only one true Pride and Prejudice, and that's the 1995 BBC verison with Colin Firth. I'm sure other versions are good, but I can't bear to watch them.
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korfan
September 5, 2014 at 7:02 AM
Faye -
Colin Firth was certainly very good in that 1995 production!
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DeNile
September 5, 2014 at 7:14 AM
Faye asked: What is the K-drama version going to be about?
What else? The tale of Dary and Elizabeth with a whole load of kdrama tropes thrown into the mix.
And yeah, Colin Firth was awesome. Me saying 'let me not rewatch him as Darcy' was basically a call for sanity on my part because I have watched it so many times: he was the ultimate Darcy. After watching him, every time I read the books, I saw Colin Firth
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Boxed-In
September 5, 2014 at 8:43 AM
Faye, as much as I love the 1995 BBC version for its faithfulness to the original text , I think 'The Lizzie Bennet Diaries' is a great adaptation in the recent times. It's 'modern' in the true sense, and if you guys haven't watched it on YouTube, please please do.
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Faye
September 5, 2014 at 10:50 AM
Another one for the list :).
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DeNile
September 5, 2014 at 10:53 AM
Watch it. But I admit that it sort of went a bit off with the Lydia scandal and how it was resolved.
It is also the one adaptation where I actually like and sympathise with Lydia Bennet
Alan
September 5, 2014 at 1:10 PM
Another fun variation on Pride and Prejudice is the Movie Lost in Austin, where a Jane Austin fanatic in current London gets switched with Lizzie Bennet in the novel. It is a hoot how she tries to keep the story line straight while knowing in advance how it should all end up.
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AJ
September 5, 2014 at 8:42 PM
There's also the 1980 (or thereabouts) 6 part Masterpiece Theatre version (available at Netflix or Amazon Prime) with Elizabeth Garvie And David Rintoul -- charming and very faithful to the novel. Mrs. Bennet much better in this version than Alison Steadman in the Firth/Ehle version.
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Kiara
September 6, 2014 at 5:55 AM
I've watched every versions of P&P and 1995 is my favorite. Colin Firth is the true definition of fine wine. Have you seen him lately? He is hotter than ever.
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atz
September 5, 2014 at 7:00 AM
I love love Colin Firth in P and P. He portrayed Mr. Darcy with perfection. The entire conversation was carried out almost all based on the original book. So the way they say certain phrases is kind of off putting( so old fashioned) but I enjoyed those conversation immensely at the same time, such as 'You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.'-- I love to hear someone real say this to his love interest!
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Faye
September 5, 2014 at 7:06 AM
While we're gushing about that version of P&P, I looove how much chemistry he and Jennifer Ehle generate. If you think about it, they barely touch (except for dancing, and the kiss scene at the very end), but they have so many sparks just with their looks and words - it's somehow sexier than some makeout scenes, and a sign of really good acting, I think.
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atz
September 5, 2014 at 7:16 AM
In fact they were dating during the film, I heard. Still, the skills that those British actors in those British dramas are so high. they excel in subtlety.
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Kiara
September 6, 2014 at 5:56 AM
Wow didn't know they were dating.
DeNile
September 5, 2014 at 7:17 AM
His agitation in the proposal scene was one of my best moments. I mean, you could see a man clearly smitten but using his pride to win a woman and the smackdown that followed will forever live on
Do you recall the look they exchanged when she helped his sister after the discomfort caused by Caroline's remark about Wickham when Elizabeth and the Gardiners were visiting Pemberly? THAT LOOOK!
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Faye
September 5, 2014 at 10:49 AM
That scene where she's turning pages at the piano, you mean? It's only one of my favorites. The eye sex! And then later that evening he goes around the house and remembers it and grins - ah, it slays me everytime.
bbstl
September 5, 2014 at 7:27 AM
They were having an affair in real life! It's true. That can't have hurt :)
I wondered how weird it was when many years later they were together again in The King's Speech (she was the speech therapist's wife).
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Saya
September 5, 2014 at 8:00 AM
P&P is just one of those stories that I can see endlessly remade and just find every single interpretation interesting (although DO NOT SPEAK TO ME about that hideous Greer Carson/Laurence Olivier abomination). I was SO excited at the thought of it being remade as a kdrama! I'm dying to see what kind of interpretation it would have (also: Jane Eyre). There's something about that period which would lend itself very well to the kdrama world...I've always described kdrama to other people as 'like BBC period dramas, but not period and not BBC'.
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CaroleMcDonnell
September 5, 2014 at 8:19 AM
oh my gosh, Greer Garson! I'm cringing now at all that frippery.
DeNile
September 5, 2014 at 10:57 AM
I wound up watching the Greer/Laurence version(on youtube) and stared in dismay at my screen for several moments before laughing.
At the end of the film, all of the sisters are paired up with someone...in a very bizarre and comical way
owl
September 5, 2014 at 12:45 PM
I haven't been so disappointed after clicking on a post and reading that it's NOT Pride and Prejudice as we know it by any association since I don't know when.
Legal drama, perhaps Price and Prejudicial would be a fitting and non-misleading title?
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Kiara
September 6, 2014 at 6:01 AM
Same here. I wish they'd drop the title.
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owl
September 5, 2014 at 2:19 PM
Also the thought of Daniel Choi as Darcy - I as so doubly bummed about the whole thing.
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12 korfan
September 5, 2014 at 6:50 AM
Hi Everyone!
I hope you are all doing well today. ...... Amazing that it's September already!
What isn't amazing is all the bad news coming out of seemingly ever corner of our world. ...... Each piece of national and international news apparently more sad and tragic than the previous days' news. ....... So many problems, but so few solutions.
On a different, more positive note ....... So my new favorite store/shop is Daiso. ....... I had heard of it and seen it when driving to different places. I finally had time to go in and check it out. ....... Oh my goodness! It's so much fun! ........ It's from Japan and they have tons of merchandise! ........ Stuff made in Japan, South Korea and China. ...... The best part is that the merchandise is budget-friendly because everything is $1.50! ....... One could be there for hours just looking at the variety of snacks and candy! ....... I think I'm going to visit often. *giggle*
Watched this week:
Temptation - Oh so interesting. ...... Interesting examination of what trust means/encompasses. ...... Trust you may or not have in others ...... trust you may or may not have in yourself ...... trust you have in the amount of time you assume life gives you.
It's Ok, It's Love - What can I say, it's hitting all the right notes for me. ...... The characters are in-your-face, they're complicated, they're flawed, they're amusing, they're real, and they're heartbreaking all at the same time.
Fated To Love You - Sign me up as a new Jang Na-ra fan! ...... Maybe it's just me, but I don't think I've ever seen anyone pull off "meek" and "not assertive/not confident" quite like that. Love her. ...... And Jang Hyuk! ....... I just saw him yesterday in the episode where he does the singing at that party! Awesome.
That's about it for now. Everyone take care and have a great Friday!
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panda
September 5, 2014 at 7:09 AM
Welcome to the FTLY express!!!!
We are very happy to have new members :-)
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korfan
September 5, 2014 at 7:33 AM
panda -
Happy to be aboard the FTLY express!
I'm still in the beginning part of the drama, so I'm well behind all of you guys, but that's ok. I hope things continue to be good until the end.
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neverending
September 5, 2014 at 8:02 AM
Happy to find a fellow Jang Nara fan here!
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Boxed-In
September 5, 2014 at 8:38 AM
Agree with everything you said about Jang Nara in FTLY. I haven't seen her in anything else (yet), but the way she pulled off the meek-not-pathetic, clueless-but-dignified Mi-young...wow. It's amazing that she matched step-for-step Jang Hyuk's much more flamboyant Gun. Amazing.
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korfan
September 6, 2014 at 6:40 AM
Boxed-In -
My sentiments exactly!
I've known who she was for a while now, but I just had never had the chance to see any of her previous work, due to one thing or another on my part.
I'm currently not even half-way through FTLY yet, but so far it's been a joy to watch both of them.
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13 zakin89
September 5, 2014 at 6:53 AM
Happy OT
Back on OT after two weeks of abstinence =) Snooker in Nürnberg was great though I was pretty bummed that my fave went out of the tournament in the quarter final and I was in a foul mood from then onwards :P But it was fun nevertheless especially bc I won tickets to another Snooker tournament in Germany in November^^ Though I don’t know if I’ll be able to go there :P
The Ladies’ Code accident earlier this week still makes me teary eyed whenever news come out =( It’s just so sad and I send my condolences to Eun Bi’s family and hope that the others involved will somehow be able to get over this tragedy! It looks so grim for Rise though :/ Severe head trauma and they apparently had to resuscitate her at least once does not sound too promising. Hoping for a miracle here tbh!
But onto some lighter stuff namely K-Drama
My Secret Hotel: Yoo Inna and Jin Yi Han have such a fantastic chemistry =) I LOVE them to bits! And Soo Ah.. well she lost all my respect this week -.- I love the overall tone of the drama though and am really excited for next week!
IOTL: Oof… We all knew dark stuff must come eventually but now that it’s here it’s hard to digest =( And damn Jo In Sung… Those last few minutes of ep 14 were amazing!
Nightwatchman: I’m so strangely addicted to this one^^ I can’t really say why but I just like watching it so it must do something right^^
FTLY: It’s over! *sadface* The last ep was a bit weird but I loved Agent Tak and Agent Dragon^^ They are hilarious together :D
I just don’t know what to do on Wed-Thu now that our Snail-Couple won’t be there anymore. Also… Jang Hyuk and Jang Nara need to keep working together!
9 Boys: SO GREAT! I loved the first two episodes so much. Choi Ro Woon cracks me up so much and I’m so excited for more Lee Chae Mi! I didn’t think I’d like Jin Goo from the start but … my heart broke for him! He is soooo in love and I can’t wait how this is going to work out for him^^ One complaint thought: TOO LITTLE Oh Jung Se! I want more of him!
Still enjoying Surplus Princess and 3 Musketeers + have started Reset and liked what I’ve seen so far!
Variety:
Running Man: Ji Chang Wook is adorable and it was nice seeing Kwang Soo with someone younger for a change. And when he took one for the team and finished their mission alone… So great! Honestly though JCW looked like he’d pass out any minute :P
They did a great job in choosing partners and I enjoyed all of them immensely! Ji Hyo + Seulong were probably the cutest but damn was I impressed by Ailee! That girl can sing even on a freaking rollercoaster!
Also the log in issues over at viki are getting annoying! I couldn’t log in the last few days properly or better said I was logged out whenever I tried to watch something and it annoys the hell out of me bc I want to see my dramas in HD T_T
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atz
September 5, 2014 at 7:12 AM
Re Nightwatchmen: I agree with you. But the lead girl needs to upgrade her acting skills, even Yuhno( second leading man) can outshine her. In fact Yuhno in this role is not as bad as people claim he was. ( though he is a man of few words and his sword fighting scenes are quite good,,, his dance skills must be a big help for the fight scenes.)What has been going on with the second leading girl is more interesting than the story of the first leading girl. Jung Il Woo is doing very well in this drama and his hanbook is so beautiful. And the blacksmith guy aka a former nightwatchman has good presence. His mere presence in some scene can make the drama more appealing.
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msh867
September 5, 2014 at 10:40 AM
@atz
I feel bad for the main female lead. So many people said she's a BAD actress. Jung il woo is doing a good job, not great, but good. As for the pleasant surprise, according to various articles every week on Korean news Naver, Yunho has been getting positive reviews from critics for his improvement and DECENT acting in his FIRST SAGEUK historical drama. Also, the general audience in Korea is warming up to Yunho and they think he is now a decent actor, not bad anymore like he used to be.
Sageuk dramas are more difficult than modern rom-coms, but surprisingly, yunho is doing better in a sageuk. Despite playing a character with few words, he still has more dialogue scenes than action scenes up until now. He still conveys emotion by eye expression and changes facial expressions to react appropriately to different situations. I love the bromance chemistry between Yunho and jung il woo.
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atz
September 5, 2014 at 3:01 PM
The leading female character is somewhat flat as well. So I do not think that her performance or lack of is entirely her fault. It's just I do not feel a good chemistry between she and Jung Il Woo. I get a feeling that now the viewers are more interested in bromance than romance.
I personally prefer Yunho and Jung Il woo bromance( or bromance trio of Yunho, Jung Il Woo and the blacksmith) to Jung Il woo and two girls love triangle.
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lili
September 5, 2014 at 3:09 PM
the main lead girl is really bad even the second lead who also bad still doing a better job then her
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msh867
September 5, 2014 at 3:40 PM
@lili
Wait...second lead..who are you talking about? The second female lead or second male lead?
Yunho is NOT doing bad at all. He is getting positive reviews from critics for improved and DECENT acting in his FIRST sageuk drama. He is also getting a good reception from the general public in his native country. They support his acting career now.
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TS
September 5, 2014 at 6:12 PM
His mum made his hanboks. She's a traditional crafts professor.
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Waca
September 6, 2014 at 1:03 PM
Yeay! I really like Nightwatchmen too! :D
I actually think the main female lead isn't that bad. I really like her character even if in ep 9 & 10 she had disappointingly absolutely no role. I am serious here: she's a female character, but she managed to save the main male character twice, and she never tripped on her feet for no reasons like female characters usually do in most dramas (the worst example EVER of that being in Sungkyungkwan Scandal). To me she's a strong female character, so yeah, I like her.
I agree about Yunho being ok here. The first times he spoke his speach seemed rushed and weird but apart from that I can't find anything faulty with his acting. I really like his eye expressions and fight scenes.
That drama don't have exceptional actors, to me they all are only doing ok, and the directing and music are simple, but I dunno, I really like that drama. I feel it's entertaining and I like the story. The villain cracks me up too. And I really feel for the king who's going crazy and for the mysterious blacksmith (I freakin' loved that scene with the boat and the grim reaper, it made me think of Arang and the Magistrate when it was great).
So yeah...erm, somehow I always manage to miss the Open Thread by a few days, so I don't think anybody will read this but well...I wanted to write it anyway. :)
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aley
September 6, 2014 at 5:32 PM
@waca
No, Yunho's speech was not rushed or weird. His intonation and the way he delivered his lines is sufficient. Yes, I like the way he shows emotion by his eye expressions. I can say that Yunho is now a decent actor, not bad at all. I agree with the majority that the leading girl is a bad actress and she's hard to watch. The leading actor is pretty good but he's not one of the best. The night watchman is not that good...the story is boring, messy, illogical, and keeps dragging too much.
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Waca
September 7, 2014 at 3:17 AM
What I said about Yuhno's speech, was only for the first few lines, and it's only what I felt, so of course I can be wrong. I totally agree that he spoke well for the rest of the drama. However I don't speak korean so I can't really juge...
I actually find the story interesting, not messy, and not illogical. It did drag for the last two episodes, but come on, every drama drags on. You can find that drama not that good, it won't change the fact that I and some people still like it, so please don't say things as if it's facts. You can say that you don't like it and find it boring, messy, illogical, and so on. But don't say that it is for sure if you don't prove it point by point, because if you just call names to something I actually enjoy, you'll only pass as rude.
I don't get why you answered my post in the first place.
aley
September 7, 2014 at 4:02 AM
@waca
Excuse me? How can you say that?
I can respond to someone's post if it is part of the conversation and pertains to the subject that I started. I am NOT rude. I simply said that I don't like the drama because I find it boring, illogical and messy. I simply stated my opinion but I never passed it as a fact. I never said anything is for sure. Yes, some people like the drama, but I just have the same opinion as the critics and many other people who think this drama is not that good. you simply misunderstood and took it the wrong way....In my comment, I NEVER said "it is fact/it is true this drama is boring etc."
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aley
September 7, 2014 at 4:19 AM
@waca
In this case, I know I'm not the one who started the whole topic. However, when I said "that pertains to the subject I started"....what I meant is I was the first to state my opinion about how I feel about the drama's story......but you misunderstood me so I responded to clarify.
Everyone is entitled to voice their opinion. You can join another conversation if you agree or disagree with someone's topic. I see people do this all the time on the internet. Again, I stated my opinion that NWJ is not that good because I find it boring and messy. It's not a fact and not for sure. You thought I was rude (even though I wasn't) because you took my diction the wrong way.
Waca
September 7, 2014 at 7:53 AM
I'm sorry, I misunderstood you (and I am a bit on edge today so yeah, I must be a bit unfair too, I am very sorry for that) :O !
In fact you never said "I dont like the dama because", you said "the drama is not that good...the story is...", and because you were answering specifically to me, I took it the wrong way... :(
I still don't understand what you meant by "I was the first to state my opinion about how I feel about the drama’s story" ? When you first answered me, I looked up in the conversation 13 to see if you had previously said something, and as I didn't find you it looked like you were butting in only to "correct" me (again, it wasn't the case, as you said, I just got confused with your diction). Did you write your opinion under another name or in another conversation? I totally missed it...
"Everyone is entitled to voice their opinion. You can join another conversation if you agree or disagree with someone’s topic. I see people do this all the time on the internet." Yes, of course. I never said you couldn't! I've been on the Internet for a long time (even if I don't come on dramabeans as often as I would want to), so I tend to prefer clear sentences which start with "I think" and "I like/dont like" because it makes wrong assumptions less likely to be. I really didn't want to start a dispute, sorry for calling you rude.
14 Jig
September 5, 2014 at 7:07 AM
School started a couple of weeks ago so I'm trying not to get into a kdrama cause homework would never get done elsewise. However, I am happily living on recaps (I discovered I don't really mind spoilers). I'm following Three Musketeers, The Secret Hotel, Youth Over Flowers, and Plus 9. I can't wait to see the episodes. They all sound really great.
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15 harmonyfb
September 5, 2014 at 7:20 AM
This week I saved myself some time by reading recaps of dramas I didn't think I'd like. Whaddya know, I was right.
Currently-watching:
1. "My Secret Hotel" - I wasn't so happy that the mystery got short shrift the last couple of episodes, but I loved that the teaser of the manager accusing NSH of making a fool out of him was - in reality - him feeling like a heel because he'd been a smart-ass about them dating while she was hurt and insecure. And now I'm on the slippery slope to SLS once more.
2. "The Night Watchman" - oh my god, the prince is suddenly sympathetic and opening his heart to the half-naked shaman because of their similar traumas (mmm, this is a kink of mine and I love to see it), and yay, more ghosts! But I find myself completely distracted by the knowledge that Jung Il Woo's mother wove that beautiful pink hanbok (and I keep wondering if she wove any of the other fabrics).
3. "Surplus Princess" - bwahahahahahaaaaa! The funny just keeps on coming. It's about as deep as a saucer, but I don't care.
4. "My Name is Kim Sam Soon" - Y Halo Thar, completely unnecessary Hyun Bin shower scene. ::ahem::
About to start watching:
"Gap Dong" - a friend and I are going to start watching it in tandem this weekend.
Wishing I could watch:
"The Tattooist" (starring Song Il Guk and Kwon Hyun Sang) - I can't even find a release date for this movie, let alone when it might hit the American market. ::heavy sigh::
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bbstl
September 5, 2014 at 7:36 AM
Glad to see folks are still enjoying MNIKSS, it's my most favorite ever and what I judge all kdramas against. I remember at the time that HB confirmed he was completely nekkid in that shower :o
Unlike some other shower scenes we have enjoyed *cough YFAS Towel, wtf? cough*
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harmonyfb
September 5, 2014 at 3:53 PM
I'm loving 'Kim Sam Soon' so far (though I don't understand why her name gets all the comments. It doesn't sound particularly odd to me, so I'm clearly missing something.)
I really like that KSS is blunt (sometimes a little more so in her head than in real life, but that's always the way, isn't it?) and plain-speaking. I look forward to watching her character transform the jerkface restaurant owner into a decent guy.
(And the scene where his mother says she'll show him 'manners' - and then drags him into the bathroom to hit him while KSS snickers under the blankets? I 'bout busted a gut laughing. I'm from half a world away from Korea, but I swear, that was such a Southern scene that it killed me. You don't beat your kids in front of company, after all. ;)
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Tara
September 5, 2014 at 8:15 PM
I never really understood either about her name. It's funny because my grandma's name is the same, so maybe that's why I never saw it as odd. Maybe old-fashioned? I dunno. It also could be that I don't know Korean to the extent of knowing what certain things mean -- I get Sam being three, but that's about it ;P
KSS is one of those heroines where there's bound to be more than quite a few viewers who relate. Because she's realistically written - I liked that she was blunt, said what was on her mind more often than not (compared to regular kdrama heroines), cussing up a storm and being fierce. Not the meek, always taking whatever crap someone throws at them, type of girl.
It's one of those classics which I'd watch every now and then, and compare it to the recent dramas.
Is Night Watchman watchable? I haven't watched it since the second ep, because it got relegated to the "to watch later" pile and I have yet to pick it back up again. Now that FTLY is finished, I have freed up dramawatching time to catch some of the newer fare.
I've been reading on here how lead female is awful (isn't it her second drama ever?), but I do want to see Jo Chang-seok as a ghost.
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harmonyfb
September 6, 2014 at 7:10 AM
>Is Night Watchman watchable?
I'm enjoying it - though the bad guy is a terrible actor. You just have to understand going in that this is fantasy-historical and not actual historical, and that will smooth over a lot of the ridiculous things (like the might-as-well-be-naked shaman). (Also, the kid playing the prince as a child is super-annoying, and his scenes go on for a long time. Just bear through it.)
Do-ha's acting doesn't bother me; she's supposed to be a rube from the country, so the wide-eyed delivery works ok for me. It's the bad guy whose acting annoys me (and I fast-forward through most of his scenes - which helps the plot, because the bad guy storyline doesn't make a lot of sense. But I don't care - it might be a hot mess, but it's fun. And there's a dragon, and ghosts, and sexy-if-improbable swordplay, and Jung Il Woo's sly sideways smile.)
Tara
September 6, 2014 at 11:29 AM
Your last sentence is why I do want to try and watch it...I was drawn towards the ghosts/ghost-seeing (a la Arang), the dragon (which was like the only thing I liked from the first ep) and JIW's sly smile (which I stuck through most of Golden Rainbow with regrets, of course). I've been a JIW fan since 49 Days, so I've been hoping he'd get a decent drama...even if this one is a mish-mash of fantasy/sageuk/nonsensical ridiculousness, if gauging from the comments on past OTs.
The bad guy is the half bro, right? I remember him not being that bad of an actor...although it has been a few years since I've seen him. So if I get to watching this, I'll keep your tip in mind. Honestly, most sageuks have the baddies doing boring plotting and etc. -- which I typically FF through anyway. Give me action action, not sitting around the table and plotting.
The shaman's outfit was one of the few things I found utterly ridiculous because of the time period...as with the wizard (? I don't remember what to call him) with the really bad blonde wig and weird clothes.
harmonyfb
September 6, 2014 at 7:00 PM
>The bad guy is the half bro, right?
No, the half-bro is the king, who is completely mad (he continually hallucinates himself as an antagonist.) I hope to see him get healed with the defeat of the bad guy.
The bad guy is the 'wizard' with the terrible wig.
harmonyfb
September 7, 2014 at 12:36 PM
I'm on ep 14 now, and I have to say, that the male lead and second female lead are two of the most awful characters I've ever seen.
I adore Kim Sam Soon's character, but oh my, the horrible girl who leaves without a word for 3 years, pouts "you're not still mad, are you?" when she shows back up, and then proceeds to break up what she thinks is a relationship...UGH. I want to kick Yoo Hee Jin in her simpering face.
And JH - wow, what a ticking time bomb of insanity, with his random rage-punching and getting into fights at the drop of a hat, and his insane 'don't look at another man even though I'm going to be sleeping with my ex-girlfriend' jealous BS. ::disgusted noise:: At least KSS's ex was straightforwardly skeevy.
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harmonyfb
September 7, 2014 at 5:28 PM
And I hated the ending.
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Tara
September 7, 2014 at 8:32 PM
Characters like Hee-jin are exactly the types I'd like completely eradicated in kdramaland, because they annoy the crap outta me. It's honestly so freakin' ridiculous -- the ones who always think they can just simply come back and "claim" the person they dumped/left behind just because they think they can...even more so when said person is in a relationship. Utterly ridiculous.
I suppose it's useless to complain because I think the majority of dramas I've seen always has that person.
I wasn't too fond of Jin-hyun either...but despite his flaws, he was infinitely better than skeevy ex Hyun-woo. The gall of that dude...jeez.
As for the ending...it felt open-ended, and I think that was intentional -- after all, all the crap they went through and to have a nice ending with a bow on top? Unlikely. At least it wasn't one of those WTF endings, so I wouldn't call it a horrible ending.
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harmonyfb
September 8, 2014 at 3:52 AM
It wasn't the open-endedness I objected to - it was JH's behavior (and the "I'm gonna go to another country with my conniving ex, ok?"). I just couldn't get past it.
After seeing KSS be awesome for so many episodes, I really just wanted her to get together with the blind date guy and JH have to go into therapy for his anger issues. (My husband: "Why do you expect dramas to go your way? You should know better.")
Chandler
September 17, 2014 at 7:47 PM
It's for these reasons that I simply can never take part in the love for MNIKSS that many people seem to share. Kim Sam Soon was the only good thing. I initially loved her chemistry with the male lead, but he infuriated me to the point where I couldn't even finish watching.
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16 Meow
September 5, 2014 at 7:30 AM
I think I'm just gonna stick to the drama talk because almost all the news I read is about death, death and then some. My granny always says this one line: What has this world come to? >.<
IOIL: This show has had my heart since the start and man did I feel Hye-soo's pain. I knew it was coming but damn these episodes really kicked up the feels. Those last minutes of ep 14- I was just crying like a baby. D: Jae-yeol has to get better soon! Idk how much longer my heart can stand seeing those two like this. Also, the Hye-soo and Jae-yeol is one of my favourite couples of ALL time. I hope I find a guy like Jae-yeol (minus the schizophrenia :P)
I haven't been following anything else- I caught Plus Nine Boys, it's interesting and that main lead is so endearing! <3
Also can I say how happy I am to see PSH in Pinocchio?! So so so EXCITED! LBY was EPIC in IHYV; I hope PSH's character is just as BADASS! :D :D :D '
And speaking of excitement, OMG OMG OMG WE'RE JUST ONE WEEK AWAY FROM ITAKISS2!!!! I feel like I've been waiting FOREVER. It's almost here! The honeymoon up first! :D <3
Finally, I miss my kitties. College life is tough without the furballs running around everywhere. I wanna go home! <\3 I have college tomorrow too. *lesigh*
How is everyone?
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CaroleMcDonnell
September 5, 2014 at 8:23 AM
which male lead? the uncle? I've always lied that actor. And of course the ubiquitous Miss Kim as superstitious Omma. I hope she has a plot growth or love story as well. She deserves some love after being in mom mode for so long.
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Meow
September 6, 2014 at 1:46 AM
Actually I was talking about the first son, but now I think all four of them are endearing. They're all going through hell with a lot more to come. I'm turning 19 next year, am I going to have a hard time too? :P xD
Also yes to mom love line! I hope there will be one- she has played way too many mom roles!
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17 Wag_a_Muffin
September 5, 2014 at 7:32 AM
I'm drawing a episodic cartoon of #everykoreandramain10panels on twitter. I tried to think of the main cliches in all the (hundreds) of dramas I've watched. Here is the latest episode (8, so if it doesn't make sense, go back and read the first seven--if it's okay that I link it here. If it's not. I'm sorry and I'll never do it again. : )
https://twitter.com/WagaMuffin1/status/507880054949302272/photo/1
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Wag_a_Muffin
September 5, 2014 at 1:01 PM
Thank you for the twitter comment, Carole!
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18 scandalous
September 5, 2014 at 7:49 AM
Happy Friday! ^^
Been trying to watch Secret Hotel and will probably watching Iron Man for its unintentional hilarity. Wut wut.
Am reading Axis Power Hetalia by now. I love Lithuania. Freaking badass.
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CaroleMcDonnell
September 5, 2014 at 7:59 AM
I'm waiting for Iron man as well. I'm thinking it might actually work. Will see though.
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19 TS
September 5, 2014 at 7:49 AM
Someone recommend a Japanese sageuk to me, please, drama or movie. I want something with lots of pretty kimonos and either a lord's castle with ooku or a shogun's court (with ooku for scheming in pretty kimonos).
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korfan
September 5, 2014 at 8:03 AM
TS -
I'm honestly not familiar with Japanese sageuks, so I don't really qualify as someone who should be giving Jdrama recommendations, but for the last couple of months, when going through the tv channels I've seen a drama called Strategist Kanbe.
I've seen a couple of minutes, here and there. ...... I don't know what it's about, but it appears to be warring shoguns and castles have been mentioned.
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TS
September 5, 2014 at 8:30 AM
Ooh, thanks! I'll check it out.
xoxo
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TS
September 5, 2014 at 8:37 AM
And... I can't find it subbed. Sad Face.
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spazmo
September 5, 2014 at 12:36 PM
Gunshee Kanbe is on drama dot net, subbed.
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TS
September 5, 2014 at 6:12 PM
Thank you!
oozzeee
September 5, 2014 at 10:25 AM
I don't know if Ohisama counts as a Japanese taiga, but at least it has subs and is available for online streaming.
Granted, I did not watch it since long dramas , but I read a good review of it from someone who has a lot of jdorama watching experience.
It is however, a whopping 156 episodes.
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junny
September 5, 2014 at 11:10 AM
Japanese sageuk is called jidaigeki.
Pretty much all taiga (the 50-ep drama that goes the whole year) are jidaigeki and have some form of politics or scheming or kimono parade. You might want to try Atsuhime (2007) for starters, it's pretty good.
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TS
September 5, 2014 at 6:13 PM
Thank you, I just learnt a lot!
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carol
September 5, 2014 at 12:05 PM
I don't know if these movies are considered as taiga or not:
Tenchi The Samurai Astronomer (a movie about calendar making)
Sakuran (memoirs of a geisha, MTV style)
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junny
September 5, 2014 at 12:22 PM
Nope, movies are not taiga. A taiga dorama is a 50-episode historical drama by NHK that spans the length of the entire year, with an episode screened every Sunday. The current taiga is Gunshi Kanbei with Okada Junichi.
Ohisama (as mentioned by oozzeee) is also not taiga - it's more a family drama, with episodes that aired from Monday to Saturday.
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carol
September 5, 2014 at 12:53 PM
Ah, so taiga is strictly for historical TV series by NHK? I did not know that. Thank you for explaining.
You do learn new things from the OT :)
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junny
September 5, 2014 at 2:25 PM
You're welcome :) And yes, the term is just for the NHK year-long drama.
Are you watching any Japanese dramas at the moment?
carol
September 6, 2014 at 4:36 AM
@snow (sorry for the late reply)
The only J-Drama i'm watching right now is Black President, still stuck at ep 6. Somebody mentioned about itakiss 2 premiering next week, i'm looking forward to that.
azraqey
September 6, 2014 at 10:10 AM
When you mention ooku, I'm wondering if you have watch Ooku (movie) where Ninomiya Kazunari and Shibasaki Kou are the leads.
For not a very long drama, maybe Tempest? I'm not sure with pretty kimonos though ^^"
Or if you like some jidaigeki fusion, time travel-like..Nobunaga no Chef (of course it has the shogun and whatnot)
Onna Nobunaga. Just some suggestion since I like Amami Yuki
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fanwho
September 7, 2014 at 9:01 AM
Only Japanese sageuk I watched and enjoyed was JIN (which had messed up korean remake Dr.Jin).
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20 CaroleMcDonnell
September 5, 2014 at 7:57 AM
Hi all:
Hope everyone is doing well.
K-Dramas:
Joseon Gunman. Loved the ending. Still smiling. This one had me googling Korean history. I've always loved LJK but after Joseon Gunman I just love him so much more. He's such a committed actor, and such a good sweet person. Hoping he makes another drama soon. Does he make only one or two a year or am I missing them?
Night Watchman: Episode 9 just totally upped the pleasure. Episode 10 was good also. I will say that I find the love story between the prince and the shaman's sister to be really thin indeed. But will endure it. Apparently romance novels are the basis for all dramas so romance is obligatory. Anyways....there is something weirdly unpredictable and "where the heck are they going?" about Watchman. Even when it's predictable, there is this feeling of it being more like a diary (or journal ;-) ) where the story movement is more about one episodic event happening after another rather than a protagonist aiming to achieve some great goal. Heck only the protagonist plans..and we don't know what the heck he really really i after. Still, I am hooked and willing to go where the story goes.
Reset: Awaiting episode 2. Apparently I need another good police procedural. I won't mind if there's a bit of supernatural stuff either. I like the seriousness of it as well. Not melodramatic but not overly jokey. The hero's reaction to the high school girl lookalike felt very "real" and not over-the-top. Loving Boss Kim as well. Ruthless!
What's happening to my family: I am so loving this. What a sweet dad! His daughter and older son need a good shaking. Am unsure which of the doctor's wife possibilites I should be rooting for. Was doc/future-cancer-curer merely using his hoobae? And should we be angry at her for not realizing that? Will she become a hateful second lead? Heck, will she become "pregnant"? But should the doc be so cold about how he treats love and marriage?
Yoonas Street: I don't know why i balk at looking at it on darksmurf. They do a really good job. But nooo Am now stuck on episode 20 on dramacool.
Three Musketeers: Really liking this. Hoping Yong-hwa can pull off his Milady De Winter romancing.
Plus Nine Boys: Loving this as well. Really intrigued that the writers have put us in the position of wondering which +9 guy will get his woman. Good twist on romance plotting.
drama specials and variety: 400 year dream..first episode good, will catch up on second part today. Loving Love & war and the specials.
J-dramas:
Time Spiral: Gackt, the ever-strange. He's not the best actor but wow! There's this intrusive sexuality that is just amazing. Am liking it. It's supposedly based on a novel.
That's it. Have a great weekend, all.
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Peridot
September 5, 2014 at 10:13 AM
Carole mentioned Gackt! :).
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CaroleMcDonnell
September 5, 2014 at 10:26 AM
LOL! yep Gackt! I never really liked his acting but wow...he is so dangerously sexy in this drama. He almost just almost accosts you with his eyes. And if you like time travel dramas, there's that. It's good so far.
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Peridot
September 5, 2014 at 11:09 AM
I think that there is acting potential. I remember watching him in Moon Child. In that film he was just being himself, but there were moments when he showed some talent. Have you ever heard him speaking Korean? LOL! It's so cute :).
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alua
September 5, 2014 at 1:38 PM
I watched ep 1 of Time Spiral.
Gackt... was totally creepy.
I only sensed dangerous, nothing sexy. (O_O)
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CaroleMcDonnell
September 5, 2014 at 2:25 PM
Maybe it's me then, alua. For me he has the typical vampire/bad guy vibe. The good girl is simultaneously repulsed but also drawn to it like a moth to a flame that will destroy it. I like her best friend-would-be-dater but there is something so selfish and amoral about the time traveller that I'm wondering what I should think of him. Luckily it's a novel and also a jdrama sothere probably won't be any easy answers.
alua
September 5, 2014 at 3:00 PM
I don't think it can be as easy as the Time Traveler proposes. He might have an ulterior motive, I doubt it's a case of 'you'll fall in love with me' just because he's in love with her. He did save her from the kidnappers though, that's the one good thing he's done so far.
However he's manipulating her reality, so I imagine at some point she'll realise this and hopefully start fighting against it. Her friend, although he's pretty flat as a character so far, at least truly cares for her.
CaroleMcDonnell
September 5, 2014 at 3:21 PM
Wasn't the time-traveller THE kidnapper? He sent the guys to kidnap Kentaro to get his rival out of the way...but they got heroine instead. That's how I understood it. Or am i wrong?
alua
September 5, 2014 at 10:42 PM
Damn, that's not how I interpreted it, but who knows! The flash-back was pretty unclear. You might well be right.
He's definitely after her, and it's not an some sort nice, unselfish way. Maybe the time travelling and time manipulating is a special quality that only some people possess and she has it too but doesn't know about it.
At least I think it goes beyond time travelling, since obviously the same things seem to be happening twice but versions of events get manipulated and most people only realise one version, but the girl is capable of remembering both (which is why she is so confused).
CaroleMcDonnell
September 6, 2014 at 5:57 AM
Yes, she's capable of kinda standing outside of the string and seeing the possible timelines... or maybe how things were before he changed it. Or how things were in another complete other life. A bit of Mirae's Choice and NINE. But if she loved him in another timeline, why the heck is he back again trying reset her current time line?
Yeah, he said something about orchestrating the kidnapping.
Oh gee, I was being so single-minded. I was thinking it was all about him selfishly wanting her love no matter when. You think this might have more global ramifications?
alua
September 6, 2014 at 10:16 AM
I thought he might need her power for something else.
Maybe when they wrongly kidnapped her instead of Kentaro, he realised she possessed that power. Maybe his own power alone isn't enough for what dark plan he has?
I'm totally guessing. I just didn't think it was a simple (if twisted) "I love you" story.
At the moment I don't think she loved him in another timeline, or if she did, it's because he forced her too (maybe she has to pretend so she an figure out the time-travelling). Haha, I just don't want to think anything good of him. Gosh, even that kind of scenario would be so icky! And so creepy!
He's so creepy!
But maybe it'll come with a great twist and the people who seem good now will end up being the creepy ones. Who knows. Damn, now I'm going to have to continue watching because although I wasn't sure I would because Gackt sort of ... put me off (the caked-on make-up isn't helping).
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CaroleMcDonnell
September 6, 2014 at 10:33 AM
Darn it! The trouble with these timey-wimey things is you never know which came first. Does he know something BEFORE the kidnapping? Or does he learn it AFTER the kidnapping? But if he learned it after the kidnapping, why did he decide to kidnap Kentaro in the beginning?
Ah, Gackt! He has always done the sexually-unnerving thing well. Yeah, I'm not liking the cake make-up either. If he isn't careful, he could start giving off the old dissolute/"rake" vibe.
I'm kinda hooked into it too. Between it and All you know is Kill/Edge of Tomorrow...i'm totally on this j-novel time vibe.
Faye
September 5, 2014 at 10:56 AM
Re The Three Musketeers: The thing I like about the Dal Hyang -Mi Ryung interaction is they seem to be tracking the Dumas book relationship. In the book, D'Artagnan was a hot-headed but rather young and naive buck who was *totally* played and manipulated by Milady. Those looks Mi Ryung was shooting at Dal Hyang -knowing, seductive- and the almost scared way he was looking back (as in, "uh oh, I don't know what to do with this one") were very well done. It won't be a romance, it'll be a skillful con, and I think they'll pull it off.
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CaroleMcDonnell
September 5, 2014 at 11:16 AM
Yes, if Yonghwa plays naive, it should work. Because his character is definitely naive. I'm hoping to feel the passion of his (deluded) love for her. So I can feel his pain and anger when he understans the truth. Am trusting he can pull off all the changes MiLady's gonna put him through.
In Joseon Gunman, the actor who played Ho-Kyung was okay. (and I really liked this actor after Wang Family and his appearance on Happy Together) But I kept thnking I would've felt his love, his grief, his sacrifice more if he had been a more seasoned actor. All i felt for his character was pity and a vague admiration for his nobility He kinda felt too pure and noble for the world. Which is a good interpretation of that role... but which somehow didn't feel well-rounded.
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CaroleMcDonnell
September 5, 2014 at 1:10 PM
Oops! Forgot to mention Seijo, another f-drama i began watching. Female serial killer....so yeah... hoping it's goo.
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CaroleMcDonnell
September 5, 2014 at 1:13 PM
aaargh *good* My keyboard is just annoying today!
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Alan
September 5, 2014 at 1:14 PM
For Yoona's street check out myasiantv dot com I think the episodes are being posted real fast and it has decent interface.
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CaroleMcDonnell
September 5, 2014 at 1:44 PM
thanks, Alan!
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Saner
September 7, 2014 at 8:00 AM
Carole, where are you watching your kdrama? I dropped off the radar last year after there was an obliterating of my favourite sites, but some of the new series look really good!
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21 owl
September 5, 2014 at 8:19 AM
Greetings!
Variety -
I Am A Man - pitiful and they know it with a dash of endearing-ness.
Abnormal Summit - entertaining, I watch it for the cultural clashes and views on Korean culture experiences by foreigners.
Happy Together - Mama Shin was the star by far
on the bachelor special.
Roommate - Maybe it's just too late to pick up the pace. With low ratings that may not even be in the plan. Nothing worse than variety dying a slow death. I can't "want to like something" for 18 more weeks (Although lingering and not dropping shows is my weakness.)
LA Hustle - crazy, Bangtan Boys must feel like they're on another planet ~ It's been a long time since I lived in LA, but still and always it is a crazy place.
I watched G-Dragon's KCON 2014 stage - was his voice especially high or what? Still, he is one of those ultimate entertainers~
Dramas
FTLY - sweet wrap up. Jang Huuk♥ come back again soon.
It's Okay, It's Love - omgah! My heart breaks for the total dysfunction that can be hidden for only so long - abuse is so damn destructive it makes me furious. Jae Beom has the burden of moving towards healing for the family, and I like how that's fallen to him. I actually think he will rise to the occasion and pull it off. Jae Soo Kwang is my hero this round.
Three Musketeers - really beautiful to watch
All About My Siblings - slice of life done right -
Check out Hangul Live lesson 21 - Dining Expressions *click owl*
I am pretty excited about my end of summer 2-week driving trip from Yellowstone Natl Park through Jackson, down to Denver, and finally northwest through the Rocky Mountains to Aspen, Moab and back home. It will put my trusty wheels over 200,000 miles, every one of them put on by me. I will be picking up and dropping off family along the way, looking forward to our visit.
Have a great weekend ! \ /
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korfan
September 5, 2014 at 8:28 AM
owl -
The language lessons! ...... I had no idea that was happening. Seriously.
I'll have to check it out and see what it's all about.
Thank you for including this on your site.
Have a great trip!
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owl
September 5, 2014 at 8:43 AM
You're welcome - all 21 lessons are on my site and I will continue to include it as a feature. (They promise a year of lessons.) What I like is that the words are in Hangul, English (other languages are subed, too), romanized, pronounced, and used in sentences. For 4-minute lessons, it is easy to pick up new - and useful - words. Skits are very cute, too, thanks to our FT Island idols!
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latteholic
September 5, 2014 at 10:38 AM
I really like I Am A Man, tbh. The audience is probably the highlights of this show for me. They're so natural in their reactions and it's great to see regular people on variety shows. I also like the fact that they don't talk about serious topic, but about funny/pitiful experiences that happened to them. I still find the structure lacks coherence, but there were a lot of moments in this show that made me really laugh from my gut and I loved that.
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owl
September 5, 2014 at 11:24 AM
I mean really, 147 men who signed up because they are scared of karaoke and then proceed to sing in front of each other - who couldn't help but laugh at their stories and um...singing attempts...so sad, dudes, with SISTAR, no less! Jaseok can make anything work, I think. Somehow the song lyrics "Another Saturday night and I ain't got nobody" played through my head the entire episode - it might well could be the theme song of this show!
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latteholic
September 5, 2014 at 11:47 AM
Once they got to the 'god of falsetto', I died. He's totally gone after singing "When I'm Gone". I'm tone deaf as well, so I can totally relate to their stories :D But I think I have better chance at carrying the tunes than these men (at least, that's what all tone-deaf people think! :D)
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CaroleMcDonnell
September 5, 2014 at 11:17 AM
uhm...now I'm getting curious about "I am a man." I might start watching. Any suggestion which episode to start with?
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owl
September 5, 2014 at 11:28 AM
There are only 2 so far plus the pilot. Gooddrama dot net has it. Jaesook makes it work with his constant reminder that they are slated for 20 episodes, now 18 left. So funny. I can easily see how he is the much loved and trusted nation's MC.
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latteholic
September 5, 2014 at 11:54 AM
KBSWorld have it on their channel. I'm hooked after watching the pilot episode. It's the saddest one so far, but hilarious. I think you will enjoy the show if you don't take it too seriously. I liked the pilot episode and episode 2 at the same level. I found episode 1 less funny than the other 2, but nevertheless I still got some really good laughs from it.
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CaroleMcDonnell
September 5, 2014 at 12:56 PM
Thanks! I'll watch it. I like Jaesook a lot.
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thursdaynexxt
September 6, 2014 at 8:55 AM
Yay for Abnormal Summit!
I only discovered Eng subs last week so I marathoned all 8 eps, which means I'm woefully behind on all my other drama eps.
I'm really liking the tone of the show. The debate gets very heated, but they talk about such random stuff, and haphazardly meanders off the agenda - it always keeps me laughing!
Sure, they're only "representing" their countries in a very loose sense, and some of the guys aren't quite old enough to accurately present the norms and customs of their country (I'm thinking Australia, Ghana and Japan, for example). Plus, in this day and age - an all-male panel sends the wrong message! (even though I like the bromances!)
I appreciate that the show does try to push its boundaries (like sex education topics). After all, it can take advantage of the fact that there's more latitude given to "foreigners" to discuss such things in public, whereas Koreans would be restrained by more conservative rules of etiquette.
Anyway, I'm pleasantly surprised by it - I was initially put off by the title - would love to see it keep going for several more seasons!
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cecilia
September 6, 2014 at 8:59 AM
So glad someone's also enjoying Abnormal Summit. I personally think the show is the most fun when it's just G-11, because the guests are often off-putting and try-hard. I wonder why can't they have viewers send in their issues/concerns and let the casts debate over it instead of inviting guest at every episode.
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thursdaynexxt
September 6, 2014 at 6:19 PM
I don't mind so much, since I'm getting to know a side of k-entertainers that I'd never normally see (and since that's the only way we'll see any gals on the show!), and I find it fascinating to see how the guests, G-11 and hosts all interract, depending on the topic.
But yeah, guests aren't the most important part - the agenda gets totally thrown out the window sometimes - it certainly isn't Hello Counselor or Witch Hunt! :)
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22 kopytko
September 5, 2014 at 8:34 AM
Hi Everybody!
I continue watching the same dramas as before: Mama, Temptation, My Secret Hotel, Discovery of Romance, It's Ok It's Love and Glorious Day. The melos are better than I expected (I tried them just out of curiosity, without planning to sit through the entire episode), the romcoms aren't bad, but they aren't fascinating either. Oh, and I still can't wait for the poor In Woo to be free ;).
However, I need to thank @james94131 for providing a link to YooNa's Street, which is as good as everybody said. People who haven't seen it and feel they are in a drama slump might want to have a look. Recommended!
Out of curiosity and because of my love for the 1980s I watched several random episodes of Endless Love. I am disappointed that the stylists don't even try to make the characters' clothes and styling resemble the 80s fashions, but I guess it's not only negligence but also lack of funds. Still, with some creativity, it could look so much better. The story itself is so-so. I mean, it is a bit simplistic and not as gripping as it might be. Acting wise, I'd like to mention Jung Woong In, who created an interesting, non-obvious character, both repulsive and fascinating. I might watch some more to decide whether I'll keep following this drama.
Have a nice weekend!
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latteholic
September 5, 2014 at 10:17 AM
Agree! Yoona's Street pulled me out of my drama slump! Love it! I'm all caught up with the subbed episode though, so it's gonna be a pain from now on to wait for the sub.
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james94131
September 5, 2014 at 10:19 AM
You're very welcome. I'm happy that you enjoy Yoo Na's Street. If you want to have some real fun, check out SJR super fangirl Mary and friends' recap of YNS episodes which they have called funcaps; just google. I think it's OK to give a shoutout to Mary's group since DB is not providing any recaps of YNS.
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kopytko
September 5, 2014 at 11:12 AM
You mean the Problematic of the Unproblematic blog by kakashi&co. I am familiar with it.
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james94131
September 5, 2014 at 11:57 AM
Yup, that's the one!
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kopytko
September 5, 2014 at 12:27 PM
I like their humorous style, but I find myself less and less interested in recaps. I wonder why...
23 oozzeee
September 5, 2014 at 8:53 AM
Happy friday night to those who have the same timezones as mine!
Just got back from watching the movie adaptation of If I Stay and it was a bit of a letdown. The book was nothing groundbreaking to start with, but the movie took too many liberties, and the end result is a bit meh for me. I loved the soundtrack though.
As for kdrama, weekend means new Plus Nine eps. Yay!
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24 TS
September 5, 2014 at 9:10 AM
I'm so happy FTLY and Joseon Gunman are over. Neither hooked me, and, in the case of FTLY, no matter what show I finished on Viki, it would next direct me to it.
I'm not a rom-com person at all...
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Lixie
September 5, 2014 at 9:35 AM
I don't think neither was a rom-com.
Please so spoilers on this comment because I haven't finished either but really FTLY was a melo with comedy aspects and JG was a melo-adventure.
Rom-Com is something like Marriage not Dating, Surplus Princess and Plus9.
Not sure what Night Watchmen is supposed to be anymore, apart from a delightful mess for me eehehehhe.
IOIL is another. That is a melo disguised as rom-com. I like it a lot and even wish they had embraced the melo side earlier.
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kopytko
September 5, 2014 at 9:40 AM
IOIL is not a melo disguised as a romcom. I would say it's slice of life, or more precisely a Noh Hee Kyung drama ;)
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Lixie
September 5, 2014 at 9:44 AM
I'd say slice of life is more something like Let's Eat. Everyday life happening to everyday people and IOIL is far from that but that's just my feeling, I know there is a better definition out there somewhere.
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kopytko
September 5, 2014 at 9:52 AM
Well, mental illness and dysfunctional family can happen anytime, anywhere, to anyone. Thankfully, not so often, but still.
LE is a romCOM in my opinion(with accent on the comedy part). With a little of mystery drama.
Lixie
September 5, 2014 at 10:32 AM
I'm sort of curious about it so I read this definition on wiki, yes, I know, wiki might be wrong. :)
The literary term refers to a storytelling technique that presents a seemingly arbitrary sample of a character's life, which often lacks a coherent plot, conflict, or ending.[6] The story may have little plot progress and little character development, and often has no exposition, conflict, or dénouement, with an open ending.
IOIL is entirely centered in the mystery of what happened to JY's family and his relationship and his mental problems. Isn't that a character driven plot? I'm not trying to be argumentative, I'm just always curious about definitions. :)
kopytko
September 5, 2014 at 12:05 PM
I wouldn't say it is a character driven plot, mostly because it is not really driven. The characters react to whatever happen to them, as they have relatively little agency. My understanding of 'slice of life' is like that - you take characters, put them in a given situation to see how they react and what they do.
I appreciate someone caring for definitions, but on the other hand, it really doesn't make drama worse if you cannot put it into a clearly labelled box.
What's in a name? that which we call a rose
By any other name would smell as sweet
alua
September 5, 2014 at 11:44 AM
IOIL isn't a melo disguised as a rom-com – it never pretended to be a rom-com. Funny moments can occur in any genre, they are not exclusive to comedy/rom-com. There's romance in it, but it's only one part of the story, which has so many other parts, which are all just as important IMO.
I'm not sure I would call it slice of life exactly , although it certainly gets close to that. Very close. Don't ask why, that's just my subjective interpretation of slice-of-life, which is based mostly on Japanese slice-of-life as I don't feel I have seen any Korean drama that truly fits into that category. (Let's Eat has some pretty random and a bit contrived things happening, the stalker mystery in particular).
I guess I would call it a realistic drama? I don't know. I'm not too bothered about finding a category for IOIL, other than my personal "Top 5 Dramas Ever" category. ;-)
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Lixie
September 5, 2014 at 12:25 PM
@koptyko I disagree because for me JY and JB's actions are pretty much behind everything or almost everything that happened in the show so how could they have little agency? If slice of life was just any character reacting to anything I think we could label anything as slice to life.
Anyway, of course not fitting any definition doesn't make anything worse nor did I ever said it did. :)
Lixie
September 5, 2014 at 12:29 PM
Sorry alua, I just got from the teasers and stuff the impression they were selling or promoting it as rom-com.
And I only replied to TS who in the first post seem to label it rom-com.
Let's Eat was just the closest I remembered to give an example. I know the stalker mystery was a bit contrived.
Anyway how can you tell me not to ask my forever favorite question? Why, why, why? hehehehh
kopytko
September 5, 2014 at 9:37 AM
I watched neither of the shows. Tried but dropped without hesitation. I am a little bored of all the excited praises of FTLY, all the more so I just disagree with them ;P.
Oh, and I absolutely love romcoms, just that wasn't one to my liking.
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iamdeb
September 5, 2014 at 1:44 PM
Why was I more into FTLY when the couple was separated and Gun was suffering, I was surprised by that. I think it was definitely Jang Hyuk's amazing portrayal of a man experiencing deep heartbreak and longing for the love of his life. It was just so palpable and I wanted to hug him through the screen. I should have been really into the couple because they are obviously adorable and have great chemistry but I wasn't, not sure why.
I get why people love it so much though, if you love the couple, you will adore the drama.
I'm jealous though, it's been a bit of time since I had a drama to squee about. I've only really been into High School King and Sly & Single Again this year.
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25 Xiarylle
September 5, 2014 at 9:15 AM
HAppy OT everybody!
I hope everyone is doing well. Redfox, hang in there. We're hoping the international committee decides to do something fast and soon.
So, like many of you, I am suffering from FTLY withdrawal. and I would like to take Mary's advice and move on to another Kdrama. that being said, I am willing to marathon them but I want to marathon something that's worth my time. Please let me know if it's a "yay" or "nay". Thanks!
1. Joseon Gunman
2. The Night Watchmen
3. The 3 Musketeers
4. Plus Nine Boys
5. You're All Surrounded
6. My Secret Hotel
7. A New Leaf
8. Yoona's Street
9. High School Love on
10. High School king of savvy - i finished up to ep 11. is it worth finishing? I cannot get past the female lead's exaggerated acting. i.tried.so.hard.
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panda
September 5, 2014 at 9:26 AM
The Three Musketeers is highly recommended. Its not a rom-com though
You're all surrounded isn't bad. Not fantastic but pretty slid. It has 2 of my favourite leading men :)
I have heard good things about Plus Nine Boys though not seen it personally.
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dpanda
September 5, 2014 at 9:28 AM
3. yay
4. yay
5. yay
8. hmmm, in as much as there have been hyper rave reviews for it, it didn't grab me. Have not seen more than ep 2
9. yay
10. didn't like the female lead
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james94131
September 5, 2014 at 12:03 PM
Thanks for giving Yoo Na's Street a try. It may not be for everyone, but it's too bad you didn't get into ep 3 which is sooooo good. If you ever have some free time in the near future, give ep 3 a view and maybe you might change your mind about YNS. Happy viewing!
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dpanda
September 5, 2014 at 12:25 PM
hi james94131
I really like the fact that you are dedicated to making lots of people watch YNS ;)
Was it also you on FTLY soompi forum?
I will definitely try and watch episode 3 just cos of you and
will look for you next OT and tell you my impression.
Khamsamida
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james94131
September 5, 2014 at 2:12 PM
Hi,
I will definitely be looking for your posting on the next OT. As Mary would say, thank you very kamsa!
Not me on the FTLY soompi forum. I've only posted on the YNS soompi forum.
Have a nice weekend!
Lixie
September 5, 2014 at 9:40 AM
1- nay - bored me so much
2- yay if you're into crazy
3- maybe - it's fun but hasn't gripped me yet
4- maybe
5- big nay -
6- nay for me but lots will say yay
7 -idk
8- idk
9- nay
10- yay, you came this far, finish for the boys :)
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Xiarylle
September 5, 2014 at 9:47 AM
10 - you are right, i should finish this just for the boys :D
thanks all, i am actually keeping a tally of scores since i want to invest (if you call it investing) my 16+ hrs of kdrama watching. ^_^
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CaroleMcDonnell
September 5, 2014 at 9:52 AM
--Joseon -- yay, if you can FF through episode 13
--Night Watchman-- yay, just kinda ride on its strean of consciousness. I think it would've been better if the watchman had been the real main protag/hero
--Musketeers--yay, unqualified yay...ignore the posiness of Yong-hwa's fighting.
-Plus Nine Boys--yay
--you're all surrounded--kinda meh for me
--secret hotel-- i gave up on it
--new leaf-- yay, i left it but plan to return
--yoona -- yay, unqualified yay! Very slice of life
--high schooll love on-- yay but i don't like the stepmother much so i stopped watching
--high school king--yay--the exaggerated acting is a bit much but that's the actress, not the story.
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owl
September 5, 2014 at 9:57 AM
Did you watch Witch's Romance or I Need Romance 3? Both were good~
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Xiarylle
September 5, 2014 at 10:08 AM
Owl - sure did! :)
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pogo
September 5, 2014 at 10:57 AM
1. Joseon Gunman - yay, if you can fast forward some bits like Carole said (not a big yay though, just modest yay)
2. The Night Watchmen - NAY. Stay away, I can't let a fellow drama watcher be subjected to this nonsense)
3. The 3 Musketeers - YAY!!! (really interesting, different from the usual kdrama concept)
4. Plus Nine Boys - YAY!! (see above)
5. You’re All Surrounded - nay. don't bother.
6. My Secret Hotel - yay!!!
7. A New Leaf - didn't watch
8. Yoona’s Street - YAY! Caught one ep only, though I really like it
9. High School Love on - didn't watch
10. High School king of savvy – not my cup of tea.
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harmonyfb
September 5, 2014 at 10:58 AM
My opinions:
1. Too much crying.
2. DRAGON. Also, don't watch it expecting historical accuracy of any kind.
3. (Not seen yet)
4. (Not seen yet)
5. Heart-breaking storyline, good acting. Don't be fooled by viki saying it's a comedy. It is NOT.
6. Murder Mystery! +plus divorced couple hijinks
7. (Not seen yet)
8. (Not seen yet)
9. (Not seen - don't have any interest in watching high school kids, as I have one of my own at home)
10. The premise *grosses me out*. See my answer to #11.
I recommend: "Marriage, not Dating"
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fanwho
September 7, 2014 at 9:23 AM
I also recommend Marriage Not Dating. Even though I watch/watched all 10 shows, I enjoy/enjoyed
High School king of savvy,The 3 Musketeers, My Secret Hotel, and Yoona’s Street(latest ep was so good!).
And also enjoying Mama, temptation, JangBori, Surplus princess.
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Because of Reasons
September 5, 2014 at 11:13 AM
I'll give a yay each for 3 Musketeers, Plus Nine Boys, and My Secret Hotel. Probably a nay for A New Leaf - it started out well, but petered out in an unsatisfying way with lots of storylines left unresolved. And a big YAY!for Yoona's Street, which is a great slice of life drama (if you like that sort of thing, and I know not everyone does).
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26 anotheraddict
September 5, 2014 at 9:16 AM
Wishing all the Beanies who celebrate it a very Happy Chuseok next week.
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27 logan5
September 5, 2014 at 9:17 AM
5 Kdrama clichés I can do without ...
these are not major tropes like evil mother inlaws, switched births and getting run overed by cars ... I'm talking the little clichés are just worn out and annoying ... well ... at least to me they are ....
1) The "Triple Replay" ... okay ... why do I need to see a kiss or a hug replayed three times from three different angles? That's just really annoying and stupid.
2) The eyes wide open, I'm a fence post kissing pose. Really? I've never in my life kissed or seen someone get kissed in such a state of shock that they couldn't react for 10 seconds. Maybe I'm just that good of a kisser ...
3) Going to bed in street clothes ... seriously people ... this isn't the 50's
4) Sensible shoes ... or should I say nonsensical shoes ... does every woman in Korea where 5 inch heels?
5) untied shoe laces ... do girls in Korea just walk around with their shoe laces untied in hopes of some hot dude will tie it for them? Seriously? If some dude bent down to tie my daughter's shoe laces I'd knock him flat on his ass, because I know he's just trying to see if he can peek up her skirt.
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kopytko
September 5, 2014 at 9:30 AM
Another cliched scene:
a modest girl is not supposed to be able to cut her own food and needs a man's help to eat a steak (because you always have steak for dinner if you go on a date). Plus a girl is expected to clap her hands if she gets food, especially cake.
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owl
September 5, 2014 at 10:12 AM
answering cell phones no matter what - seriously, doesn't anyone turn their phone off and look at the calls/messages in the morning (after the meeting, after intimate moments, etc.) Oh, except for the one time ever that they don't answer it (but stare at ringing ringing), then it is the emergency call of a lifetime.
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DeNile
September 5, 2014 at 11:05 AM
Speaking of cellphones, exactly how much are their smartphones? I have seen some dramas where the female lead is so broke she's on the verge of losing everything yet she had this latest Samsung smartphone which, if I check on Amazon, is quite a good sum of money and could probably be sold for a cheaper option and some lose change to help pay the bills.
I confess ignorance to how telecommunication companies work in S. Korea and if there is some sort of bargain between customer and service to get the phone at a lower price but...eh?
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kopytko
September 5, 2014 at 12:14 PM
Hehe... phones. It's been bothering me forever. Like in a situation where a heroine goes around with a flagship smartphone but doesn't have a washing machine (in my country a good washing machine costs about a half of the price of a top smartphone). Product placement seems the main factor here. Same goes for clothing - a character who was supposed to be dirt poor and from a humble family has more coats than the number of the episodes of the drama...
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Anna
September 6, 2014 at 12:38 AM
I have been to Korea twice in the last year (and am going again in two weeks!!) and it's true, everybody has a smart phone, and I mean everybody. On the subway, practically no one talks, everyone is accessing their phones.
alua
September 5, 2014 at 12:23 PM
Some of my Asian friends that came to London could barely believe mobile phones some of us have (as in 10 GBP phones with no function other than calling and text messages –-> no internet, no camera --> yep, that's my mobile phone).
Apparently everyone has smartphones there, and they all seem to be able to do fancier things (like when they can exchange numbers by holding the phones up to each other? I've never seen anyone do that outside an Asian drama)
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john
September 5, 2014 at 1:19 PM
alua ~
I see where tvN is going to do a K version of Liar Game. 0.o
alua
September 5, 2014 at 1:23 PM
Ahhh. I thought Japan was going to do another one.
I still haven't watched the dorama, only one of the films.
Anna
September 7, 2014 at 1:08 AM
You can do that on pretty much any smartphone these days. Well certainly on all the Samsung ones. I have done it myself on occasion.
alua
September 5, 2014 at 12:39 PM
The shoes! Oh my, the shoes always bug the hell out of me. Especially when they wear them in the most ridiculous situations (i.e. like when they know beforehand that they'll need to be running / walking through fields / etc.).
Agree on all the others too.
Can we add waking up in the morning and looking like perfect already, with not a hair out of place. Or any situation when any normal human being would be sweating / dirty but in dramas looks like they've just come fresh out of the human ironing press or something?
I also hate any kind of gravity-challenging stumble that leads to the male leaping to save the girl (worst case scenario ending in a "lip press" because somehow their lips perfectly align while they go flying through the air). Taiwanese dramas are the worst offenders with this though (Pleasantly Surprised *cough cough*).
And getting sick from a drop of rain. Although my Japanese teacher told us it's a psychological, cultural thing – like he'll get sick every time he gets wet in the rain, but his UK-raised kids totally don't.
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owl
September 5, 2014 at 12:51 PM
Speaking of getting sick - they always go the hospital for the slightest things.
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DeNile
September 5, 2014 at 1:33 PM
I get irritated when people say anemia...as in, really? Anemia...it's like the excuse for every fainting spell in dramas(and some anime) for most female leads.
I sit there fuming: say dehydration or exhaustion or even hypoglycemia but nooooooooo...anemia. And the treatment for the anemia? Ooh, just some water and one hour in bed(long enough for the male leads to fight over who pays the hospital bill/sits by her side/is the first to be seen by the damsel when she wakes up)
The next female lead who blames anemia will have me gnashing my teeth...
The second illness that irks me is appendicitis...but not to the extent of anemia but still...
The third? Amnesia...
I must stop here...
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My3Gs
September 5, 2014 at 2:48 PM
And every hospital room has a humidifier. Always.
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Anna
September 6, 2014 at 12:41 AM
I had a heavy cold a couple of weeks ago, and all my Korean friends were urging me to go to hospital. My friend in Korea texted me a few times asking, 'have you been to the hospital yet?'
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kopytko
September 5, 2014 at 1:05 PM
The "accidental" kiss is truly fascinating. No matter how much I think, I come to the conclusion that in reality something like that must hurt like hell and may enf up in breaking one's teeth because of the impact. If it doesn't it means the people involved had enough time to turn their faces away...
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Xiarylle
September 5, 2014 at 2:59 PM
I think there was an interview with YSY regarding that accidental kiss in Flower Boy Next Door. He said that in real life, the chances of that kind of kiss is next to impossible and that it's really hard to film. Not to mention it must have hurt a lot!
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Sabreena
September 5, 2014 at 1:03 PM
OMG!!!! Your comment just made me cry with laughter
Some Additions:
° There is ALWAYS a drinking scene; followed by a piggy back ride
° Accidently falls asleep on bus, then falls onto shoulder of lover etc
° That car driving swerve when male lead feels guilty for leaving female lead on pavements or something
° Chaebols have evil mothers
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Alan
September 5, 2014 at 1:20 PM
FTLY was one of the first Chaebols without an evil mother. She was actually nice. Hard to believe for an actress who played really evil mothers in 1997's Star in MY Heart and 100 Year Inherritance. The 1997 drama is now one of my favorites for both acting & story. Should note the sexual harassment, chauvinism fits the times well
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kopytko
September 5, 2014 at 1:30 PM
She was nice in FTLY because she wasn't Gun's mother. She was his grandma ;P. Grandmas have a predominantly positive image, even in chaebols' households.
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meenuby
September 5, 2014 at 2:31 PM
LOL, some more that really bug me:
-The wrist grab: oh, I think any kdrama viewer could write a novel on how annoying this is. No, it does NOT look romantic, Kdrama makers and writers! (I just feel bad for the female lead who must feel like a lifeless doll being tugged around everywhere)
-The emergency U-turn: Funny how these never lead to accidents because there's never ANY traffic.
-The "Oppa/Noona/(Insert Title Here)-Nim..." followed by no further dialogue: What is the point of this?
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logan5
September 5, 2014 at 5:10 PM
My wife once told me that if I were to ever grab her wrists like that ... I'd better grab both ... because if not, she'd be beating the crap out of me with her free hand ... not to mention the kicks I'd be getting.
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Tara
September 5, 2014 at 9:31 PM
Completely agree with your list, along with the other tropes that those who've commented mentioned! :)
I'd have to add...
How someone can perfectly overhear a conversation being held a bit far away -- and yet remain unseen (especially those that are particularly in-your-face blatantly obvious)!
The pictures that are typically "decorating" one's room -- honestly, do people put up a bunch of self-portraits in their own rooms?? (I don't think this is a cliché, but just something that keeps annoying me)
The go-around that occurs when someone's paternity is in question, and how they don't just go directly do a DNA test but instead meander through other means. I mean, if it was like 20 years ago I'd understand but this technology age means any and everyone can get the DNA test done!
Someone mentioned the whole hero/heroine falling onto each other and accidentally kissing? How about those instances in the middle of the street, where typically the heroine is crossing/about to cross and suddenly a vehicle comes speeding and she is spun into the arms of the hero? I highly doubt that happens in real like never.
Night out with friends/family drinking then noraebang/karaoke. I think the only instance where I never saw this happening was Kimchi Family.
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alua
September 5, 2014 at 11:41 PM
Oh, conversations heard from a distance... and they always hear every single word perfectly, and it doesn't matter whether it's through a close car door, in a restaurant full of people or what.
I think the decorating one's room is a cliché, because it's a definite any time there's a character that is an actor. Sometimes these characters have a big ego, but does that really mean you put larger-than-life pictures of yourself on your bedroom wall?
I remember another one: when in the love triangle situation the insecure lead is more willing to believe something his/her rival says than to talk to the other half of the OTP. This always happens even if the rival is a total or near stranger or the love rival has treated them like shit (and clearly shown that s/he should not be trusted). Because, yeah, it makes so much more sense to believe a person you've met once before or a person who has been treating you with disdain than to talk to the person whom you are supposedly in a relationship with?
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Amilia
September 5, 2014 at 11:39 PM
Amen on the going to bed in street clothes. I understand that sometimes you don't have your PJs with you, but you could at least take off your jewelry. And he can loosen his tie.
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28 Lc
September 5, 2014 at 9:22 AM
Hi everyone, not watching any currently airing dramas right now. I initially tried to watch Fated to Love You to compare against the Taiwanese version, but decided not to waste my time since I know the plot already.
Instead, I checked out another of Jang Hyuk's dramas - Tree with Deep Roots. Loving his and everyone's performances in it, as well as the excellent plot and directing.
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29 Peridot
September 5, 2014 at 10:25 AM
Hi, everyone.
It's been ages since I've posted in an open thread. I would like to open up more, but I'm reluctant to do so on an online platform. Still, I love reading your comments and I want thank you for all of your insights. You guys are amazing. There are those among you who are witty (Quiet Thought), unforgettable (Mary), and insightful (Carole). My fellow Beanies make my day :).
The drama I'm enjoying the most (unfortunately, I've had a hard time enjoying most of what I've been watching) is "It's Okay, That's Love." The science may be iffy, but one cannot deny the acting talent and the chemistry among the cast. Jo Insung was unforgettable in episode 14. His face is filled with such subtle expressions. And boy! does Gong Hyojin cry realistically!
Other than dramas, I've been writing poems and I've tried my hand at writing a reinterpretation of Little Red Riding Hood (set in Korea and involving a male fox spirit). I have to find the time to edit. I'm usually hesitant to share what I write because I often write for my own simple pleasure. I have, however, been sharing things here and there. I especially like sharing my simple drawings. I like to express my love of fantasy through my drawings and writing. Many times, however, I fail to execute what I imagine. I guess that's the case with others who like to draw and write :). Well, happy drama-viewing and creativity to everyone here!
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CaroleMcDonnell
September 5, 2014 at 10:32 AM
Hey there!
Yes, you really are a shy one. Just be brave. Would you believe I'm shy too? Except I just decided not to care what all folks think of me.
And i totally totally love your sketches! (oh my gosh, beanies! If you were to see how good this woman's drawings are!!!!!) And am waiting to see what you do with the Gumiho? Red Riding Hood. I'm sure you will make it just wonderful. And I'm here as a beta-reader if you want.
I realy have to watch okay it's love....since everyone's been liking it. Maybe i'll force myself to dive in. And if you're wanting fantasy, try Time Spiral. It's neat.
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Peridot
September 5, 2014 at 10:56 AM
You may be shy but your talent cannot be ignored :). Thanks for the words of encouragement. I'm glad that you're my cheerleader.
Yes, please watch the drama. I love the cast. As I said, the science may be questionable but watch it for the talent and chemistry. Yesterday's episode was so emotional. I should see if there are any clips from that episode that I can share with you. I know that you would have a lot to say about the show.
I've written a draft of the Red Riding Hood tale. It's about thirteen pages. I might just fix what I have and, when there is more opportunity to do research, fill in certain areas with more detail. I hope you'll like it, but I guess my writing can be lacking. Oh, well...lol.
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jhu
September 5, 2014 at 10:33 AM
Hello Peridot! So good to know you feel the same way about the community here at Dramabeans.
So you draw? That's so great. If you have a webspace where you put it up, do share the link with us. Would love to dip in and soak up some creativity.
Cheers.
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Peridot
September 5, 2014 at 11:01 AM
Hi, jhu :). So far, I've only shared things on my Facebook account. But I usually keep my Facebook and Dramabeans identities private. I'm a secret agent, lol!
I keep wondering if I should create a blog. I've asked my sister if she would be interested in collaborating with me. If that ever comes to pass, I will spread the word. There are other sites I could join as well. Either way, I'll let you guys know :).
I always say that my drawings are not that great. It's not false humility; I guess I just am too hard on myself. I just like simple creativity. I've been drawing and writing for the first time in what seems like forever. Indulging in creativity can really help relieve stress! :)
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jhu
September 5, 2014 at 11:49 AM
Aww. I know how that feels, cause I feel it all the time myself.
A blog is a real good idea. It's really simple to start, and only people who like your way of doing things will join you. So it ends up being this supportive, positive space that encourages rather than criticises you. And a lot of the time, it's small time experimenters like us who find really great connections through blogs. Made some of my best friends through my blog. They found me and I found them through their blogs. You may not even have to wait for your sister, can start one on your own very easily. Even dramabeans started as a blog that archived javabeans' simple hobby!
I've had a blog for...five years now. And it's really nothing but a digital journal. And with the help of technology, it's easily accessible and extremely well organised (unlike the real me). Have put a link to my blog on my name above so you can check it out if you want to. ;)
Blogspot is quite primitive though. There are far more swankier blogging spaces.
Also, my best friend recently sent me this and I wanted to share with you: http://vimeo.com/85040589
We tend to dabble a bit in the arts, but our insecurity gets the better of us. Ever since I watched the video, I've been writing everyday, whether I like what I do or not. This video helps keep my insecurities at bay. And gets me to persevere.
Good luck Peridot! Don't have facebook, but hope I'll get to see your work eventually.
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panda
September 5, 2014 at 12:31 PM
OMG, jhu are you indian?????
Namaste
Peridot
September 5, 2014 at 12:33 PM
Wow! Thanks for the support. I will definitely check out the links you sent me when I get off from work. I also work tomorrow :(.
Thank you again :).
Boxed-In
September 5, 2014 at 1:28 PM
@panda: Hehe. She's Nepali, from what I figured. But I'm Indian.
Namaste. :D
jhu
September 5, 2014 at 6:54 PM
@Panda, Namaste! Haha, I'm not quite Indian. Like Boxed-in rightly figured out, I am from Nepal. But on the inside, I should say I am very, very Indian. I have an intense love-hate thing going on with India, more so than my own country. And therefore a greater sense of belonging as well.
@Peridot, you're welcome. And always remember, the important thing is being able to touch hearts and forge connections. And what Carole says has left me drooling for you.
@Boxed-in, so fate. Haha. Imagine if it turns out that we actually do know each other? It would be hilarious. But your presence is really so familiar and in the nicest possible way...all I can say is that if we don't know each other yet, I have a feeling we should. :)
So Namaste indeed!
You don't have a blog, but you do paper and pen, right? I should have known it. Now how am I going to find a way of getting my hands on all that paper?
Peridot
September 6, 2014 at 10:29 AM
"And what Carole says has left me drooling for you." LOL! Thanks, again, for the kind words!
CaroleMcDonnell
September 5, 2014 at 1:29 PM
Just accept that no one is perfect; that'll make you feel free to share your work. The important thing is that your drawings have personality and life and they bring out emotions in those who look at them. They're also quite evocative. I cannot tell you how many perfect stories I've read that left me cold or that felt machine-made. When it comes to heart and life, your drawings rise above a lot of other folks' art. And the red riding hood art is perfect for a storybook.
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Peridot
September 5, 2014 at 1:33 PM
Thank you so much :).
jhu
September 5, 2014 at 6:38 PM
ok now i REALLY want to see her work! it's usually people who seem to doubt their work that actually touch our hearts.
i want in!
pogo
September 5, 2014 at 10:52 AM
Hi Peridot! I remember you from the Arang & The Magistrate threads, I loved reading your comments - good to see you back!
The Red Riding Hood adaptation you're working on sounds really interesting, I hope you'll share someday (or not, if you don't want to - sometimes you might want to keep things private)
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Peridot
September 5, 2014 at 11:04 AM
Hi, Pogo,
I'm glad you enjoyed my comments on that thread. I've posted in other places since then, but I'm the type who will post if I really feel that what I have to say or write has meaning. There are exceptions :).
As for the short story...one day, I might work up the courage to share it with a larger audience.
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mary
September 6, 2014 at 9:26 AM
Awww Peri! Thanks for the mention~ didn't we use to hang out at the Basketball recaps?
Y'know, before that drama went all WTF-IS-THIS-DRAMA-DOING-NO-PLEASE-STAHP on us?
Hope you'll be more comfortable enough to share your thoughts and art with the beanies. :)
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Peridot
September 7, 2014 at 1:47 PM
Of course I had to mention you, Mary :)!
Yes, I did lurk in the Basketball discussion threads, but I have to admit that I gave up on that drama. The terrible ones (or crazy ones) seem to draw out the most comments from me, lol!
Thanks for the words of encouragement :).
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30 cynkdf
September 5, 2014 at 10:38 AM
Hi everyone. For those of you interested in the new 16-episode drama starring Park Si Yeon, Bae Soo Bin and No Min Woo, please note that the new English title seems to be "Love and Marriage". TV Chosun has released the first teaser, and the first episode will be aired on 27 September (Saturday).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFMauLuMQ9U
Since it's aired on TV Chosun the chances are not high that it will be picked up by any of the major subbers. We hope that those of you interested in the drama will visit the drama page on Viki etc to request for the drama to be subbed
Thank you so much!
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CaroleMcDonnell
September 5, 2014 at 10:44 AM
I will search high and low to find my No Min Woo. Thanks.
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Lixie
September 5, 2014 at 11:32 AM
I had forgotten about it completely! Thanks!
BSB and NMW in a rom-com? Plus I like the girl too.
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pogo
September 5, 2014 at 12:32 PM
Love and Marriage? Isn't there already a 2008 drama starring Kim Ji-hoon and Kim Min-hee, by that name?
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D
September 6, 2014 at 2:11 AM
oh i remember that drama - i love KJH but only followed the recap here.
i guess whoever is responsible for the english title has ran out of original names for their dramas.. not complaining as long as it makes sense (re Pride & Prejudice? a big fat no)
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Alan
September 6, 2014 at 7:33 AM
When I hear Love and Marriage, all I ever think of is this Frank Sinatra song.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BRDBvKGc1fE
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Tara
September 6, 2014 at 11:17 AM
That's exactly what I think of when I hear Love and Marriage -- but more from the Married with Children (the theme song is your link) than Frank Sinatra himself.
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31 Rovi
September 5, 2014 at 10:43 AM
First off, happy OT people.
Second...still shocked by Black Wednesday. Even though I'm not even a fan of the girls in the first place, a sudden unexpected death still comes as a shock when the deceased is someone in the budding flower of youth.
Our deepest and sincerest condelences to the family 故Go Eun-bi, and our prayers for the eventual recoveries of Lee So-jeong & Kwon Ri-se.
#RIPEunB #PrayForLadiesCode
Third, Lee Byung-hun is an ass (from what I have gathered at Omona). He should apologize not to the public, but to Lee Min-jung. She's the real victim. Dahee shouldn't be given all that flak even though she and that Lee Ji-yeon model were at fault too for consenting to the actor's wrongdoing.
Fourth, here's my query:
To those who have watched "The King's Man / The King's Clown", I am referring to the play scene which is just a veil about Lady Yoon's execution by poison:
Doesn't the play resemble Peking opera? Because if it did, isn't the form too advanced for its age???
-We're talking 1504 (since it's around this time Prince Yeonsan found out about the exact circumstances regarding his birth mother's death, and the resultant deaths of his father Seongjong's 2 senior concubines (Lady Jeong & Lady Eom) and grandmother the Dowager Queen Insu) here, and Peking opera arose late-18th cen. and became fully developed and recognized by the mid-19th cen., equating to the mid-Qing Dynasty.
-The makeshift costumes representing Ladies Jeong & Eom are distinctively Manchu: from the robes (just look at the collar) to the hairstyle (head board with flower in the middle and the side tassels)...
-Even the characters representing Seongjong & Lady Yoon are taken from the Peking opera "Farewell My Concubine" (霸王别姬 bàwángbiéjī 패왕별희 paewangbyeol'hee)'s leads Xiang Yu & Consort Yu respectively. Just look at Gong-gil & Jang-saeng's makeup.
Fifth...
...anything else...?
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Rovi
September 5, 2014 at 10:45 AM
Oh right...
Happy Hangawi everyone~!!!
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pogo
September 5, 2014 at 11:27 AM
Not sure why my comment got eaten, but I agree about Black Wednesday - those poor girls, to suffer so much through no fault of theirs. I hope the entertainment industry in Korea reforms its practices, or else we'll have more senseless and tragic deaths on our hands.
As it is, accidents aren't taken seriously enough, didn't Gong Hyo-jin get into a three car pileup just a few months ago?
Now there is talk of an involuntary manslaughter charge against the manager, which sounds like a scapegoating move to me considering that managers are worked every bit as hard, if not harder, than idols. They're not given a choice about it either. Sad....looks like higher ups want to brush this under the carpet rather than reflect or change themselves.
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pogo
September 5, 2014 at 11:30 AM
Oh, and Lee Byung Hoon's case..... I have to say, there is quite a contrast between the treatment of the rookie idol blackmailer who got arrested right away and could be looking at life in prison for blackmail,
.....versus Mr. Kim Hyun Joong who treats cooperating with a police investigation for a violent crime he committed, as something on par with checking into a hotel - he'll do it when he feels like it, and can go running all over Asia first.
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Lixie
September 5, 2014 at 11:38 AM
What happened to LBH? The story I read online and what seems to be version here appear to be different. Anyway, nice the blackmailers got caught I guess, korean media is so crazy about perfect images I always imagined there a lot of stupid things being used for blackmail left and right.
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Rovi
September 5, 2014 at 1:26 PM
It's like this:
Model Lee Ji-yeon & GLAM's Dahee (who was "Monstar"'s Nana) met up with Lee Byung-hun (I dunno why; just that Dahee knows him through a model eonni) at his and Lee Min-jung (who was out of the country)'s house.
Apparently they did some social drinking, then I dunno who of the girls filmed it, but then LBH then began asking about the girls' first sexual experience, what they like in a man, etc. etc.
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Lixie
September 5, 2014 at 3:11 PM
Ok, that was what I read. Now, forgetting all the talk about his past, that didn't seem enough to blackmail someone but I don't know the details.
Rovi
September 5, 2014 at 1:21 PM
Let's not jump to conclusions regarding Kim Hyun-joong.
At least IMO; I'm not outright defending him, but...is it just me, or am I smelling another Park Shi-hoo in this? I dunno...it's just that, I smell something fishy from all sides.
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CaroleMcDonnell
September 5, 2014 at 3:25 PM
I'm agreeing about the fishiness. I really don't think KHJ can lie well. I think he tends to tell the truth. But who knows?
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pogo
September 5, 2014 at 7:56 PM
Hard to argue with the pictures of her bruises, imo. the Park Shi-hoo case was a much bigger mess, here the only one who seems to be caught out in multiple lies is Kim Hyun Joong (denying the length of the relationship at first, claiming the bruises were 'only playing around' etc).
I really wouldn't be so quick to believe his "4D" public image. We all know he was a terrible actor but clearly, he knew how to put up even that much of a front. And I do think it's outrageous that he was allowed to remain out of the country for weeks so he could come in for investigation when it was convenient. Ridiculous.
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CaroleMcDonnell
September 6, 2014 at 6:00 AM
LOL! yes, it's possible there were numerous occasions...not just the once that KHJ said. Still, once is bad enough. And if its done once....
Tara
September 6, 2014 at 11:13 AM
It's easier said than done to not jump to conclusions when a celebrity is in the news for something unsavory as beating up his gf, or worse, rape.
The PSH bit seemed fishy on both sides, but the KHJ bit is more unnerving that he was allowed to go out of the country instead of immediately going to questioning.
For me, guys who beat their significant others are immediately shuffled off to the "asshole list"...there ain't NO way it "only happens once and only once." Once a beater, always a beater. Same goes for rape.
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32 pogo
September 5, 2014 at 11:13 AM
wow, I am really behind on all my dramas - 2 weeks worth of Joseon Gunman eps and the Fated To Love You finale, plus Surplus Princess!
I started out ready to LOVE Joseon Gunman but I'm disappointed by the way it was a weak copy of The Princess' Man template, with some additional politics thrown in. I can't fault Lee Jun-ki though, he put in a good performance and I'm glad the drama topped its time slot even if it never broke 13 percent ratings.
Of all oppa's post-army dramas, this is my least favourite. But I'll give him this, he chooses good roles.
Fated To Love You - haven't yet seen the finale, but I'm not ready to let this show go! I know so much of ep 19 was filler but somehow Jang Hyuk and Jang Nara and the cast make it totally worth it. I went into this drama expecting to scoff at it, and instead I'm in love. I do recognise the drama's faults, but the Jangs are jjang, best OTP of the year without a doubt! (and if MBC hands out awards for Best Kiss, they should be scooping that up right and left).
And I can't let this drama go without pointing out what a fantastic job the leads did, because for episodes 13-17 they were the only reason I stayed watching it. And there's really something about watching veteran action/melo heroes take a turn back to rom-com and kill their roles - first So Ji-sub with Master's Sun last year, now Jang Hyuk here. They really go above and beyond to create their characters, whether it was SJS' "get lost!!" hand gesture, or JH and the INSANE laugh. (and I love that both dramas lampshade the hand gesture/laugh!) Credit should also go to the supporting cast, everyone from Mi-young's mom to 'Dragon' Yong was pitch perfect and heart-warming.
Plus Nine Boys - yes, Kim Young-kwang is a douche for making bitchy comments about fat girls. But I don't care when he is in character, because he is NAILING IT here. He'd make a great romantic lead someday, and I hope he takes the SBS offer for Pinocchio, I would love to see him with Lee Yubi.
(and speaking of Pinocchio - I can't wait to see Lee Yubi back in a drama! I wish she was the lead, but I would like to see the Lee Jong-seok/Park Shin-hye pairing too)
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pogo
September 5, 2014 at 12:31 PM
oh, and My Secret Hotel (SPOILERS FOR EP 6 AHEAD) -
the second lead ship is sailing!!!!!!
of course, since this is an exes' reunion story they will break up Sung-gyum and Sang-hyo later, but for now I'm just swooning over all their interactions. I love how he teases her and her playfulness around him, the chemistry is palpable. But my favourite was her honesty about her marriage - that was unexpected! and THAT KISS!!
(word of appreciation for Yoo Inna's outfit during that kiss scene too, her figure is gorgeous and the outfit showcases it to perfection while still suiting the character of Sang-hyo. I like Sang-hyo's wardrobe in general, too)
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Tara
September 5, 2014 at 2:50 PM
When Lee Yu-bi's name came up for Pinocchio, I thought of you...maybe casting people heard your recs on DB about her! :P Even though it is yet another second lead, which is really just a damn shame. She needs to be cast as first lead stat!
And I agree with everything you said about Fated to Love You. This drama really made me fans of Jang Hyuk and Jang Nara. I'll miss the laugh... :(
And your earlier comment about the double standard with the blackmailing scandal vs. the domestic violence scandal? Spot on.
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pogo
September 5, 2014 at 7:58 PM
hehe I fully admit it, I was screaming with joy inside thinking maybe she was offered the lead! (and yeah, I am rather obviously her fangirl, I admit it :))
But stil, second lead in a Park Hae-ryun drama, it's not your typical second lead. I just hope that if the drama is a hit, she gets some of the benefit as well.
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Tara
September 6, 2014 at 12:15 PM
I do think the drama will be interesting...if it's anything like her previous works, I think it's safe to say Lee Yu-bi will get some of the limelight her way a la Lee Jong-seok did with I Hear Your Voice.
Had to look the writer up because I didn't know her by name, but you're right...if her previous works are any guideline, second lead isn't too shabby and could possibly help push her into getting the lead roles that she should definitely be getting offers for.
You know, it's kinda weird that for someone who has a famous actress mom, she doesn't use that to capitalize in getting roles. A bit frustrating yes, because she could potentially be getting these roles. But I do like that she's doing it on her own merit...much applause to that. I do hope casting directors will open their eyes and pick people who can actually act than just a "pretty" face who can't act worth a crap.
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33 DeNile
September 5, 2014 at 11:19 AM
I nearly forgot to mention this in OT...
Dr. Frost/OCN...please include the character of Pavlov. Pavlov is the star. All hail Pavlov..while I am happy with Song Chang Ui as Frost, I need to know about Pavlov...we need Pavlov...did I mention how much I love Pavlov?
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34 junny
September 5, 2014 at 12:33 PM
It's nice to be back on jdramas for me, and the fun dilemma is what to watch next. Think I'll give Saikou no Rikon a shot - I do like Eita, Ono Machiko and Ayano Go, and even though I'm lukewarm about Maki Yoko, maybe she'll surprise me in a rom-com.
Also have Border lined up, and one of these days I shall finally finish a taiga (a good one, that is. Tamaki Hiroshi, much as I adore you, Taira no Kiyomori was not one of your best...).
Hope everyone's having a good Friday!
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Sur
September 5, 2014 at 12:47 PM
suggest me some Jdramas please. I'll tell you what I liked and what i didn't
Nodame-love
love shuffle-love
pride-love
Hana kimi-okay
Hana yori dango - okay
I have seen some more but this i remember at the moment
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alua
September 5, 2014 at 1:22 PM
Tonbi (family)
Nagareboshi (drama, subtle romance)
Slow Dance (romance, slice of life)
Soratobu Kouhoushitsu (work drama, both dramatic and funny, with some romance)
Arifureta Kiseki (human drama. I LOVE this drama.)
Ii Hito (about a male Pollyanna)
Himitsu no Hanazono (rom-com plus family)
Waterboys (comedy, good fun)
Tatta Hitotsu no Koi (romance)
Kimi wa Petto (quirky)
Yokai Ningen Bem (bits of sci-fi but very heartwarming)
11 Nin mo Iru! (family, comedy. so funny.)
Kaze no Garden (family)
Kingyo Club (high school – low budget drama, but tackles bullying really well)
Rondo (romance, mystery, really well done IMO. This is a J-K coproduction)
Smile (human drama, tackles racial discrimination. not enough people have seen this)
xxxHolic (this has cult status)
SPEC ~ First Blood (another one with cult status. have a plate of gyozas ready before watching. two plates, one steamed, one fried)
Aikurushii (family drama)
Kare, Otto, Otoko Tomodachi (family drama, with romance)
Itazura na Kiss – Love in Tokyo (rom-com. This is the best Playful Kiss adaptation IMO)
Piece (drama... this one is a little different. the acting can be a little weak, but I like its uniqueness)
Long Vacation (rom-com. very fond of this one. a classic)
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Sur
September 5, 2014 at 2:11 PM
Aww Thank you for this long rec.
I have seen some from these
Tatta hititsu no koi I didn't like it that much
Long Vacation, Arifureta Kiseki, Slow Dance these sound fun i'll give it a shot
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junny
September 5, 2014 at 2:41 PM
alua has given you a great list, so hope you enjoy the dramas!
I would like to add:
Shikaotoko Aoniyoshi - fantastic stuff
Love Revolution - rom-com
Kekkon Dekinai Otoko - rom-com
Hero - legal
Gaiji Keisatsu - suspense/police
JIN & JIN 2 - medical (pls ignore the fact that a Korean remake of this ever existed)
Sur
September 6, 2014 at 10:35 PM
@Snow Oh my! Thanks I started watching Love Revolution, and it hit me from the first scene itself! The analogy "LOve is like waiting for a taxi" was great and I'm hooked. Thanks for the rec.
junny
September 7, 2014 at 2:54 AM
@sur
Glad you're liking Love Revolution! It's one of my favourite jdramas and has a lot of memorable scenes. I just love the chemistry between Esumi Makiko and Fujiki Naohito.
Enjoy the rest of the ride! :D
CaroleMcDonnell
September 5, 2014 at 3:27 PM
oh my gosh! i should copy this list!
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okiejune
September 5, 2014 at 8:41 PM
Exactly what I thought - I added another page to my "to-watch" drama list :)
alua
September 5, 2014 at 10:39 PM
Actually, I have this list (which includes some kdrama too and one or two TW ones) on my blog BUT it's an unpublished draft because it includes brief synopses and comments (cast, marathon quality etc) and I just haven't got round to finishing with the synopses. Being a perfectionist, I don't want to post the unfinished list.
Of course, I keep adding to it, which doesn't help the matter. Hours of My Life, Long Love Letter, and, probably, Watashi ga Renai Dekinai Riyuu should be added.
junny
September 6, 2014 at 4:06 AM
@alua,
would love to see that list!
thursdaynexxt
September 6, 2014 at 7:04 PM
@ alua: great list!
Wow, some of these are bringing back memories! Loved Fukatsu Eri in Slow Dance.
@ james94131: thanks for reminding me about Takeuchi Yuko!
I'd also recommend her (not-so-new) dramas & movies, particularly:
- Lunch Queen/Lunch no Joou (family comedy/rom-com)
- Strawberry Night drama & 2 movies (gritty crime procedural)
- Golden Slumber (movie, based on the Beatles song. Don't know how to describe this genre - suddenly one day, a guy is framed for the assassination of the Prime Minister, and goes on the run. Quirky.)
I think PRIDE's already been mentioned - highly recommended!
Yamato Nadeshiko (with Matsushima Nanako) is an oldie but a goodie (poor Candy is sick of being dirt poor and determined to snag herself a rich husband. We've all seen the plot before, but this one's got a lot of heart)
- Love Story (the TBS version with Nakayama Miho and Toyokawa Etsushi. Bright but clumsy editor is assigned to "manage" a grumpy bestselling author who's currently got writer's block. Katori Shingo's hilarious as the next door neighbour in the apartment block)
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james94131
September 5, 2014 at 2:06 PM
saddest drama ever made anywhere: One Litre of Tears
romcom: Hotaru no Hikari #1 and #2 (Ayase Haruko!!!!!)
romcom: Kekkon Dekinai Otoko
rom: Bara No Nai Hanaya (Takeuchi Yuko!!!!!)
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alua
September 5, 2014 at 12:50 PM
I think Maki Yoko is an actress that's sort of easy to dislike. She tends to play somewhat cold characters that people can find hard to relate to. Her character in Saikou no Rikon is a little strange too, Ono Machiko is definitely more heart-warming.
I actually think she's a rather good actress, just that the people she plays are hard to sympathise with and she just about never picks a role that has a 'popular' or easy-to-like sort of character.
I liked her in Osozaki no Himawari (though, again, many thought her character was too cold there), also in Kare, Otto, Otoko Tomodachi (again, a little cold... but I appreciate the independent spirit many of her characters have). She is very good in Ravine of Goodbye, but it's a very bleak film, not easy to watch. I still haven't seen Like Father, Like Son but I wonder if her mother-role there might differ from the usual stuff she does.
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junny
September 5, 2014 at 3:10 PM
I think it's because I first saw Maki Yoko in MOZU (which is just mehhhh all round) and didn't like her character or her acting, both of which left me cold. I hope she'll be more likeable in Saikou no Rikon - strange is okay if the character can be somewhat endearing.
To be honest, when I first saw her in MOZU, I couldn't believe she is only 31, she looked like she was much older. I guess it was the styling, and that she was playing such an annoying character.
But since I survived Tanihara Shosuke in Love Shuffle (helped tonnnns by Tamaki!), I guess I can survive Maki Yoko again (Eita, you'd better do your job there!).
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owl
September 5, 2014 at 12:53 PM
I was a fan of Saikou no Rikon, thought it was great, hope you enjoy it!
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john
September 5, 2014 at 1:07 PM
snow ~
I hope you enjoy Saikou no Rikon. Good writing, fantastic cast.
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junny
September 5, 2014 at 3:11 PM
owl & John, thanks! I hope it'll be an enjoyable ride too. Have heard much about the writing prowess Sakamoto Yuji, the screenwriter for this drama.
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35 Sur
September 5, 2014 at 12:40 PM
Happy OT beanies
4 important events this week for me
I stopped watching all current dramas, I just can't keep up my obsession for so long. I guess i'll just marathon when it ends. I'll give FTLY another go I was dissapointed the first time but I guess welll..... Its okay I may go back too watching I don't know, MND also I have to catch up.
I started watching High scool love on! Oh its fun Its really cute too, and the lead is really good for a first timer that is.
Last to last week i guess everyone on OT was talking about LOVE SHUFFLE!!!! I'm in love i have to say. what a drama, My senses are still reeling from all the pandas and monkeys. Its a great drama thank you to whoever started talking about it
I saw one epi of IRIS and one epi of ATHENA. Can anyone tell me which is better, please
Oh and I got dumpped today................
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owl
September 5, 2014 at 1:00 PM
oops, answered in 36, but wanted to console you on the dumped bit as well. sorry {{hug}}
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Sur
September 5, 2014 at 2:03 PM
thank you <3
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panda
September 5, 2014 at 1:47 PM
A huge hug to you
It will hurt but it will get better soon.
IRIS is vastly superior to both Iris 2 and Athena
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Sur
September 5, 2014 at 2:06 PM
Thanks for the hug I need it. The whole fact that he used to be my best friend before we dated stings more. enough with my pity party
I liked Iris's first epi too but my sister is a huge Cha seung Won, Jung woo sung fan, So I had to put up with Athena someday or other I guess. And I'm not fond of Kim Tae Hee so I have my reservations too but as everyone said I'll give Iris a shot for now
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Tara
September 5, 2014 at 2:24 PM
For me, IRIS > Athena...but I haven't seen IRIS 2. I tuned in to Athena for Cha Seung-won and Jung Woo-sung too but didn't really like it as much as the original (and I'm not fond of Kim Tae-hee either).
I'm sorry to hear about that, so hugs from me to you as well :) The same thing happened to me too in undergrad, so I definitely understand your pain. Keep your head up, a better man awaits you :) (I'm still waiting for mine though...haha)
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Tara
September 5, 2014 at 2:28 PM
Oops, forgot to explain: By same thing, I meant he was my best friend. Since we were 10yrs old. We started going out freshman year and we were together for nearly 3 years.
Sur
September 5, 2014 at 10:48 PM
That IRIS info helped a lot! And thank you for the hugs <3 Funny I'm in Undergrad... I too think someone must be out there for us, we just have to trade through some Jerks to reach there.. Whoa that's some long friendship, Must have hurt a lot.. Hugs to you tooo!!
CaroleMcDonnell
September 5, 2014 at 2:31 PM
I'm so sorry about your being dumped. (((sur)))
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Sur
September 5, 2014 at 10:45 PM
Thank you <3
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junny
September 5, 2014 at 3:14 PM
Glad you enjoyed Love Shuffle! ^_^ Yay, panda! Don't you just love all the PAN jokes and pyjama parties? Did you have a favourite couple from the drama?
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Sur
September 5, 2014 at 10:44 PM
I loved the pajama parties always wished I was there too!! Yay Panda! My favorite was NO PANda joke. I think I loved the lead couple best, Kei's ending was so fitting! Mei's couple was a little contrived, I loved O-chan But that cardboard cutout.. As for the doctor, he was crazy!
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junny
September 6, 2014 at 4:04 AM
Yes, I totally love Kei's ending too! It was so nicely done. And I adore him and Ai-ai together, they had such a wonderful vibe throughout the drama. I feel Kei's arc was fleshed out the best, such that everything in the end made sense.
LOL, by cardboard cutout, you mean Kairi? They're cute together, but I feel that twist regarding Kairi somehow warped their relationship a bit. A lot of reviews I read had those two as their favourite couple though!
Mei is a horrible character. I don't think she deserved anyone.
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Sur
September 6, 2014 at 10:27 PM
True Mei was so wishy washy, at one point I was screaming at Kei that "If you don't end up with AI AI that's fine but please no Mei, Just be awesomely alone then"
36 owl
September 5, 2014 at 12:56 PM
Hi sur- I watched IRIS, Athena, and IRIS2 with my brother - his choice. I liked IRIS better than Athena from the actors to the plot and action. You can go right into IRIS2, they are connected, though often it seems loosely so.
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37 john
September 5, 2014 at 12:57 PM
Enjoying J dramas: Ryomaden . Interesting times in Japanese history. Also Gin Nikan
Yoo-Na's Street: Realistic characters, wonderful cast.
Plus Nine Boys: Like it so far
My Secret Hotel: Ok, could be better.
Discovery of Romance: Female lead is irritating as hell, probably drop it.
FTLY: Need to watch last Ep. I enjoyed the 2 Jangs.
Mermaid: Wife dropped out, I'm still watching.
Tried to watch K movie The Huntress. I fell asleep, the wife said I didn't miss much.
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Alan
September 5, 2014 at 1:23 PM
Hello to one of the few males who watches/posts on Asian Dramas.
Huntresses is a bit of fluff. Kind of costumed take on Charlie's Angels. Just a note the best role and bits in the move are done by the rotund actor who is one of the ghosts in the Nightwatchman.
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38 Tara
September 5, 2014 at 1:42 PM
Hey everyone...happy OT!
Missed yall last week...was super hectic with the start of classes. The commute is a bit nerve-racking, taking nearly an hour and a half just to get there during rush hour. I've gotten quite the nice tan on my face and arms from just the past two weeks alone! ;P haha. I'm getting used to the drive though, and the classes itself are good. Kinda kicking myself for not doing this sooner, but guess it's the first step to start that counts, right?
I haven't yet caught the Fated to Love You final 2 eps, but I intend to get to those soon. I've held off in reading the recap too, because I want to prolong it from actually ending already :(
Definitely caught Jang Bori is Coming raw last weekend. Woo-hoo, the shit is beginning to hit the fan for viper Min Jung. Her crawling on her knees, clinging to Jae-hee and then begging Ji-sang...although demeaning behavior for any woman, her character could spend eternity like that and I wouldn't be fazed. Now that she's trying to cling on to what little she has (blackmailing both Bo-ri's mom and Jae-hee's mom), the next few weeks should be very interesting.
BTW, my sister started watching along with me about a week ago and is hooked on JBiC! She turns her nose up to kdramas, but now she's marathon-watching it like crazy! haha :P
I caught the beginning 5min or so of the first ep of Plus 9 Boys...are those stories forreal?! It was part chuckle-inducing, part "is it really true??" If it is, dang...what a way to set up the whole ending in 9 is cursed! I should be careful of the last month+ of my 29th year then ;)
Other than that, I've been watching bits and pieces of other dramas (Temptation and What's With my Family) and really needing to catch up on Yoona's Street. I'm looking forward to Secret Door (I need me a good sageuk) and Bad Boys. Will try to catch Plus 9 Boys and My Secret Hotel.
I'm excited that this weekend marks the return of NFL football season!!! :) That means Fall is here, my fave season of the year. It's great to have this and my baseball team leading their division with the largest lead in the MLB...good sporting times, which my area rightfully deserves after so many clunkers across all sports! :)
Have a great weekend, yall! :)
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fanwho
September 7, 2014 at 10:31 AM
Another Jang bori watcher~ I am amazed how side characters act so well - MinJung (Lee Yoori is great as evil sis) and Bori's mom, Bori's daughter DanBi (and their great accents/Satoori). DanBi child actor is so good (she is also the mean daughter in Temptation). Makjang, yet so fun to watch.
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Tara
September 7, 2014 at 8:22 PM
I find the little girl who acts as Bi-dan to be incredibly adorable, especially when she's with Jae-hwa. And "grandpa," Nae-chun and Ji-sang too :)
Her character here really is a 180 from her character in Temptation...as was her character in Thrice-Married Woman.
And yes, Lee Yu-bi is done a heck of a job as evil Min-jung...if someone who is a villain is really pissing you off when they're on-screen, they are doing something right. At least, that's my rule of thumb...so despite hating her guts on-screen, I do have to agree she's acting pretty well. Her cackling laugh and smirk at Bori in ep42 was kinda genius, showing how off-the-rails she's becoming as her house of cards is slowly tumbling down.
I think the only weak-link is Jae-hwa's half-sis. She's ok as bratty young sis, but with the strong cast -- I suppose there's bound to be one or two that aren't as up to par as the others. For me, the saturi took some time getting used to...although now, it's totally endearing :)
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39 NoClue
September 5, 2014 at 2:53 PM
I'm guessing I'm in a bit late for the Open thread, but if anyone's still reading it I have a very random question which is bugging me. So I watched a drama recently where a parent had been awful to his/her child. I really want to say it was Hotel King but that doesn't quite seem to fit with the story line and in any case that's not my question.
My question starts when the child said something like: they say that parents are reincarnated as their children's children - when that happens, I'll make sure I'll give you the love you never gave to me.
My question is: is that really a common belief in Korea/Asia/a particular religion? And if so, in which? And how would that work? And is it only for only children? Because otherwise in the next life if you were both going to be your parents' parents then you'd end up marrying your sibling, which would be kind of weird (wouldn't it?). Or would you each get a parent each???
If anyone's still around and up to answering my question I'd be so grateful! It's been niggling at me...
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Xiarylle
September 5, 2014 at 3:23 PM
sorry! i meant to reply but instead i ended up making my own thread on #41.
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Lc
September 5, 2014 at 6:19 PM
Hi NoClue, in Chinese culture, if parents are having difficult times with their children, you may find people consoling them by reminding them of the saying that children are debtors in a person's previous lives.
It's a combination of Buddhist beliefs (the endless cycle of birth and death, and the inevitable fact that a person will leave unfinished business when he/she passes) and cultural attitude that children are your burden for life.
There's also another saying that a daughter is her father's lover in his previous life. Just to reflect that in parent-child dynamics, the father will be more doting or lenient with daughters compared with sons.
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Lc
September 5, 2014 at 6:38 PM
Hi NoClue, I realised that I didn't answer your exact question. I don't remember coming across the saying you mentioned, but I think it's a reflection of a Buddhist belief that if people are parent and child in this life, their karmic affinity are very closely tied together. And if they have unfinished business with each other in this life, their karmic forces will ensure that they continue it in a future lives. Many a Chinese drama with reincarnation theme has capitalised on this belief for their plots.
As to why the saying applies to children of children? It could be that this saying originated at a time when people marry and start families when young, hence the person's children and parents are both alive already.
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NoClue
September 6, 2014 at 1:11 PM
Thank you xiarylle and Lc! I'll have to have a deeper look into reincarnation and karma, but Lc your explanation was really good so suddenly it makes a lot of sense :) Thank you both!
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40 lili
September 5, 2014 at 3:20 PM
there are this drama with good actor but suck story line and character but there are this suck actor/actress but good story line and character..sigh...i wanna watch drama with a briliian actor/actress and good character also story line...
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harmonyfb
September 5, 2014 at 6:06 PM
>i wanna watch drama with a briliian actor/actress and good character also story line…
"Two Weeks". Great acting (Lee Joon Ki kills it as Chang Taesan), tightly plotted storyline, and fully realized supporting characters.
Also, "Sunkyunkwan Scandal" was pretty darn good writing and excellent acting on the part of the four leads.
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41 Xiarylle
September 5, 2014 at 3:21 PM
I think the belief in reincarnation is prevalent y in (some) Asian countries particulary East Asia. I don't really know how the reincarnation process is because they (slightly?) differ from one religion to the next. I do know that the following religions adopt the reincarnation ideology:
Buddhism
Hinduism
Jainism
Taoism
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42 kimchikay
September 5, 2014 at 5:32 PM
Since it's an open thread and all....I have Wonderful Days and Glorious Days on my drama list - are either one worth watching?
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Tara
September 5, 2014 at 8:32 PM
I began to watch Glorious Days because I was interested in SBS announcing that they were no longer gonna do makjang (which I can't really tell if they really have implemented or not). I thought the story setup was leaning towards simplistic, but I liked the way the characters were developed. The story is a bit meh, because of the lack of real "drama"...which might be a bit of an eyeopener when contrasting with other weekend dramas.
I haven't watched it as of late, mostly because it's been relegated to the "watch later" pile. And I do have to attribute that to the constant grating on my nerves from the boys' mom's constant whining and bitching...there's only so much I can take from watching it and not getting annoyed with it ;P
Is it worth watching?...probably not the one to ask, since I haven't watched it lately. But then again, maybe that's leaning towards no instead.
I was eagerly anticipating Wonderful Days because it marked the return of Seo-jinnie to dramaland, along with the cast. The feel of the drama reminded me of weekend dramas from years past...the old, yet familiar. I liked his family more than Seo-jinnie's character itself, because of the quirky attributes of all the family members made them so endearing (I liked the little kids the best). They all speak in saturi, which took some getting used to because some of the words I had never heard until watching this.
The storyline was at times a bit frustrating, running around in circles and a bit predictable. It certainly felt like those older weekend dramas. At about ep 40, I started losing interest and pushed it to the "watch later" pile. Didn't pick it back up until the final ep, which I did watch.
Is it worth watching?...kinda. More so this than Glorious Days, in my opinion. Is it knock-off-your-pants excitement? No. But it's more along the lines of the traditional family dramas, instead of those makjang-filled ones.
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43 Koi94
September 5, 2014 at 5:38 PM
Happy Friday, everyone!
Just been lurking after My Love From Another Star ended. I amazed myself at how sad I was when it ended and had to will myself to watch another drama, so I can get over the slump!(Funny how that works!) Also, lots of family events: my two sons graduated from 8th grade and high school, a wedding and the subsequent start of the school year, didn't leave much time for drama watching.
Still, I somehow managed to start and finish 3 dramas, Trot Lovers, Marriage, Not Dating, and the just ended Fated To Love You. Have I become such a pro at watching Kdrama, that real life can be crazy and hectic and I can still follow 3 dramas mindlessly like breathing air, or brushing teeth? It's just something I do routinely now as a necessary part of the day. Heol!
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44 ktiep
September 5, 2014 at 6:12 PM
I know it's late, but I just wanted to post to let you know I caught up on all your posts. I don't know what to do. I have decided to walk with someone early on Friday mornings, so I don't have time to post in the OT. Grr...
I did want to tell you that I went into San Francisco and saw "The Admiral." It was really good. I especially like the special effects. I hope Korea enters it into the Academy Awards for Best Foreign Film so more people will see it. I am still amazed at the number of people who have no idea about the quality and quantity of films that come out of Korea.
Have a great week, Beanies.
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meh
September 5, 2014 at 8:39 PM
i want to watch "The Admiral" and plan to visit S.F. tomorrow. Is it still too late to watch it?
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45 Lc
September 5, 2014 at 8:34 PM
I love Galileo!
It introduced me to the crime writer genius that is Higashino Keigo. He was formerly an engineer before he became a crime writer, that explains why Galileo can use science and logic to solve the cases in such a believable manner.
You might also want to try the Japanese movie The Devotion of Suspect X, which is also based on a bestselling novel by the same author. There is also The Wings of the Kirin, starring Hiroshi Abe.
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junny
September 6, 2014 at 4:12 AM
Ahh, Higashino Keigo. I enjoy his stories too. Recently finished reading Salvation of a Saint, which was pretty enjoyable. I believe that story made it to Galileo 2 as well.
Abe Hiroshi also starred in Shinzanmono, again adapted from a Higashino novel of the same name. It's recommended!
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Lc
September 6, 2014 at 5:18 AM
Ooh thanks! Must make time to watch Galileo 2 then!
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46 Steven
September 5, 2014 at 9:19 PM
Hi, Guys
This is my first time posting here.
I would like to ask if any of you can give me recommendation of some good K-drama specials and where to watch them with English subtitles.
I will be very thankfull for any of your suggestion.
Have a nice day!
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D
September 6, 2014 at 2:33 AM
K-drama specials as in one or two ep short drama? I usually watch on KBS World channel on youtube. I remember liking Twenty starring Lee Yubi's sister when it shows up in my Vikii. I think it's on youtube as well... good luck & happy watching..
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pogo
September 6, 2014 at 6:57 AM
Twenty Years Old, the special D suggested, is really cute and fun, you can find it on dr*m*fire.
I strongly recommend Anticipate Love, starring BoA and Daniel Choi. It may have another title but you can find it on the KBS youtube channel.
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47 peaches
September 6, 2014 at 3:53 PM
unlike most everyone else, i actually enjoy discovery of love, but i miss marriage not dating. i'm not really into any of the japanese dramas that are airing right now although i'm japanese, so i'm just watching plus 9 boys, discovery of love, and japanese variety shows right now(T.T)
watched long vacation with kimura takuya in it this summer and it was so...90s, but god, it was so good. i need a good drama.....
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junny
September 6, 2014 at 4:38 PM
Love Shuffle, maybe? :D
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48 Tara
September 6, 2014 at 8:55 PM
I don't know if people are still reading this, but here it goes:
Has anyone suddenly encountered, once entering the soompi website, that a red blinking page, warning of a computer virus (I forgot exactly what was written, in my utter horror out of that possibility and quickly hitting ctrl+alt+del to get rid of the page and immediately running anti-virus software) -- because this is the second computer that I've had it happen to just in the past week or so?
(Yeah, color me as stupid for going onto soompi again, but I wanted to catch up on some news)
I've googled it and it seems like it's only happening to me...? It might be from one of their ads, but I distinctly remember just typing in the soompi website, seeing the front page and then it just switches over without warning.
I'm in the midst of running anti-virus software on this computer I'm typing on...but my other computer showed, after a full 2hr scan, that it had a virus, which I promptly removed via software and then did system restore.
ARGH you damn viruses!!! >>>>>:/
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Anna
September 7, 2014 at 1:05 AM
No, I haven't encountered any virus warnings going onto Soompi. I have ad blocker installed, so any dodgy ads are weeded out anyway.
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49 harmonyfb
September 7, 2014 at 9:48 AM
Last night my daughter took my husband & I to a local Korean restaurant for our birthdays, and we ate until I thought we were going to burst.
It was the first time I'd tried the scallion pancakes (OMG, so tasty), and the first time I'd tried kimchi. I expected to hate it, but lo and behold, it was delicious. The waitress said they made it in-house - it was so spicy I thought I was going to breathe fire, but damn, it was yummy! Yay for broadened culinary horizons. :)
The only thing we had that I didn't care for was a sausage(?) - it was light brown and really spongy - I didn't care for the taste, and the texture was awful. But everything else? ::two thumbs way up::
They also served this sweet cinnamon tea that was awesome - almost like a dessert. Mmmmm. I might have to learn to make my own kimchi.
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fanwho
September 7, 2014 at 10:40 AM
Congrats on your first Korean food tasting!
I can't figure out what that sausage thingy was.- SamGyupSal? Sweet cinnamon tea must be SuJungGwa(made from dried Persimmon).
Now I am hungry :)
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harmonyfb
September 7, 2014 at 12:13 PM
Well, I had made bulgogi and tteokbokki at home (and really liked them); but it was my first time for the pancakes (yum!) and the kimchi. :) Next time we go, I'm trying the kimchi stew - it looked good.
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Tara
September 7, 2014 at 1:28 PM
Happy Birthday!! :)
Maybe that sausage-like thing was soondae (blood sausage)...? I'm the only one in the family that refuses to eat it, everybody else inhale 'em lI don't like the texture and taste of it.
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harmonyfb
September 7, 2014 at 5:21 PM
Thanks for the birthday wishes! I'm 51 this year - it was a great birthday dinner, too.
>Maybe that sausage-like thing was soondae (blood sausage)
Next time I go, I'll ask. I thought they were gross. :P
But one thing I disliked out of the mountain of food on the table is pretty good odds. :)
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fanwho
September 8, 2014 at 4:09 AM
Come to think of it, that brown thingy must be SoonDae which is made from the intestine of a pig. It is made by taking out inside and stuff it with blood, rice, noodle and stuff. We commonly see in drama people (like high schooler) are eating them along with KimBap and TtakBokGi in a snack place.
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harmonyfb
September 8, 2014 at 4:50 AM
I didn't care for it - the texture was really off-putting (sausages shouldn't be spongy. ::shudder::)
But I can't get over how much I liked the cabbage kimchi, after I expected to hate it. I brought the leftovers home and I'm taking it to work in my lunch today. :)