Open Thread #431

1 little-muffin

January 22, 2016 at 6:04 AM

Anyone here follows Merchant Gaekju/Master of Trade? I’ve finally caught up to eps 32 and seriously feeling so depressed with how the story goes. I think it’s really fated that Jang Hyuk and sageuk equals to no happy ending.

Thankfully this week we have a new fun light-hearted series in ‘One More Happy Ending’. I’ve always loved Jung Kyung-ho but the other guy (Kwon Yool) is pretty charming too. This series will balance out all the heavy depressing stuff from other shows that I’m watching now. So far so good!

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Sancheezy

January 22, 2016 at 6:11 AM

One more happy ending seems promising, might check it later ^^
is kwoon yool also starred in the Roaring Currents?

Totally agree with you!
Bring back old times!

I really love Jang Nara, she was that idol in my teen. :)))
She looks forever young!!! And her acting is very lovely here, and very dedicated to portrait the character, what with that much shouting and drunk and aeygo expressions... all in just 2 eps...

And her interaction with Jung Kyungho. I root for them to be the OTP!!!! LOL at their childhood grudges towards each other. "First kiss phobia" and "wearing belt all the time"... :))))

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Islander north

January 22, 2016 at 8:41 AM

Only at ep. 29 on The Merchant, have been waiting on Viki subs, then caught up on other series. I am optimistic that this will have a good ending. Hope, hope!

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juniper

January 22, 2016 at 8:53 AM

I'm only on episode 17 (I stopped at episode 10 and then picked it up again recently) but the prospect of an unhappy ending doesn't surprise me, considering the writer. idk. It is pretty over-the-top, but I'm actually really enjoying just how miserable and hopeless this show is, even this far back, and I'm ready to embrace the idea of a sageuk that goes on a downward spiral, rather than follow your typical upward trajectory. I think there should be more sageuk about revenge, betrayal, greed, bloodshed, mutilation, etc lol.

Yeah I am following Master of Trade/Gaekju. I think Jang Hyuk will end up with another gal in the end.

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Excitable

January 22, 2016 at 6:35 PM

It's only the first two episodes but the drunk part is so cute i really can't imagine any one play the main lead characters like they do. It can be annoying but they make it look so lovable until you want to cuddle those two drunkards and squeeze them together. LOL

The cast is what make One More Happy Ending so charming.

OMGGG I agre with you wholeheartedly!I cried so much watching Grave of the Fireflies and I don't think I will ever watch it again. Extremely depressing and haunting.

You are the apple of my eyes is also my favorite movie! But I can watch it over and over again, because it is so real.

January 23, 2016 at 3:37 AM

I think the sungjoon confession about how he understand that he did her wrong clear up his intention. It's one way of him understanding himself than being a pricked just for her. If he didn't talked about that to her, then he did wrong. The way he gradually changes in 3 month is personal growth and he is better than before which mean he is willing to change.

What I don't get about SLS is how people ship Shin hyuk and hye jin. Shin hyuk is lovable and adorable man but he is not the best man for hye jin, he may lots of people choice but I don't see that for Hye jin.
He likes from the start because he thinks he can make fun of her to entertain himself. He is crazy good writer that doesn't help her when she is new in the office. He makes prank to be with her and to get her attention but he doesn't think about her position and how that trouble her. Hye Jin is clearly annoy by him and she is nice enough to play along. He likes what he likes but he doesn't really knew what hye jin likes that's why I don't think they had a mutual understanding as couple, as also prove by hye jin who can't understand his point of view.

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3 redfox

January 22, 2016 at 6:08 AM

Hi
Ever since Reply 1988 ended, I have been thinking back to my own „years“, as in what year would answer ME, but I just can´t decide.
Would it be 1991? The time when we became independent and Russian tanks were here and I was standing in the line in front of Toompea Hill with others to stop them, stupid stuff, that. I was just 10, though... But 1999 when I was 18, is not a very interesting year in itself. Except the madness of final exams and choosing which Uni to go to and what faculty. I had no idea what I wanted to do, I was a confused nutcase that wanted to do textile design AND genetic engineering. Yeah, good luck... Or would it be 1996, the first time on my own on a 4-day music festival? The start of my festival-friendships and fandoms? The first time to come home 4.30 am, and also the first time traveling Europe? Or maybe it is 1993 and surviving my teens, but that would really be too ugly... even though good material for a drama. Uh. I dunno, the 1980-ies were still the most normal ones, I guess. 1987, The Baltic Chain year and start of Singing revolution. But then, there was nothing to eat and nothing to buy. Nope, not going back to Soviet Union. 1990-ies didn´t make sense at all. There were too many short-living trend items that I had no desire to own or be seen with. I mean, Neon leggins? Flubberballs, jojos? Underwear over jeans???? So...maybe 2000? The start of new millennium? (though that would officially be 2001... good year, we won Eurovision. ) So yeah, I have no idea which year would answer me.

People have speculated what year is next for the reply series, saying 1980, but I would like it to be the parents´ perspective now. Dong Il and Il Hwa have won me over... Why don´t they make a series of THEIR youth now? Hm?

Watching:
Tried Cheese in the trap, dropped for now. Not feeling sincerity. Dunno... it is like it doesnt manage to get my interest level over the critical line.

or savant

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January 22, 2016 at 4:09 PM

I didn't know that he studied ballet! Also pilates and yoga apparently..

Your story sounds very interesting! I'm always fascinated by the way the world's brokenness shifts gender roles.

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pebble

January 22, 2016 at 7:33 PM

Hi Jashindo, now that you mentioned about the similarity in LJK and PBG, I came to realise why I took immediate notice of PBG when I first saw him in Cantabile Tomorrow. I am a long-time fan of LJK, so I probably subconsciously fall for actors who either resemble him in appearance or acting, such as Yoon Shi-Yoon.

In my eyes, PBG is more like a baby, the way he cried during his fan meeting melted my heart. He seems to be easily overwhelmed by emotions in a candid manner, also he seems too well-mannered, perfect and all-rounded for his age. He put in lots of efforts to excel in whatever he does, for example, someone who played cello in a real orchestra even commented that the way he played cello in CT was absolutely real, and his conducting was no nonsense, and felt like a real orchestra conductor. He even practiced yoga and pilates, omg! How did a 24 year boy came to develop interest in these areas when the main interest of the majority of his peers is clubbing? All these made me quite curious about his family background background and upbringing. Hmm...

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Jasindo

January 22, 2016 at 7:47 PM

I know right! So little is known about him now, but I'm sure more will come out as he's becoming more popular. I'm guessing his family is affluent from pictures of his vacations overseas and his choice of hobbies as you mentioned. Even his English pronunciation seems pretty good from the few words I've heard!

January 22, 2016 at 9:59 PM

^referring to Ghostess obviously haha

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pebble

January 22, 2016 at 11:31 PM

I fully get what you mean about Park Bo Young's acting in OMG, I've watched that drama too.

I just went to re-watch KATC, and PBG's Taekkie did have some semblance of LJK's mannerisms, acting style and intonation. You must be very observant to have detected it given that Taekkie's character is so vastly different from Gong-gil, and Teakkie was not as effeminate too. Probably go watch one of LJK's modern drama like Two Weeks or Time Between Wolf and Dog or even Arang and the Magistrate, he was so masculine in all of these, a stark contrast to his portrayal of Gong-Gil, and see if you still feel that PBG and LJK are actors played out by a singular character :)

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Jasindo

January 23, 2016 at 12:32 AM

I watched Scholar Who Walks the Night in it's entirety (I don't know why haha), the first few episodes of Joseon Gunman, and the first few episodes of Arang before it was taken off viki, all before KATC; so I knew he wasn't naturally or always effeminate and which was why his performance was all the more amazing to me. But rather than LJK and PBG being exactly alike as actors across the board, or Gong Gil and Taekie being the exact same character, I meant that it felt as if they were played by the same character.

I think the very best actors are like empty vessels that a character can completely take over. Not unlike possession haha In most cases, when you've seen enough of an actor's filmography you can see little glimpses of their natural state, out of character, that carries over in spite of various diverse roles: that one expression, the way he moves his hands when he's upset, etc. But with Gong Gil and Taekie, I felt like what filled and took over LJK and PBG was the same "entity." And that entity/character played through them both as any actor would, playing a different person, but still showing glimpses of his true self. So basically, GongGil/Taekie was an actor who played both LJK and PBG in those particular roles. haha

Sorry for that unnecessarily convoluted and bizarre explanation! But I definitely need to take your recommendations and watch more of LJK's filmography! :)

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CaroleMcDonnell

January 22, 2016 at 6:51 AM

Wow! Someone else who isn't feeling Cheese in the Trap. I thought I was an aberration. Well, if I am, at least now there are two of us.

What I like about SFD is that.. humanity of everyone involved. The only badly-written character is the old lady with the croaky voice. Would be nice to know why she is so committed to Nameless. Other than that, pretty much everyone feels human. No one really good, no one really bad. Even Lord Lee Saek seems like he's doing stuff for the good of the people.

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Islander north

January 22, 2016 at 8:46 AM

I was hesitant about Cheese in the Trap for first few episodes, then it got my attention for ep 3 & 4, eps 5 & 6 got me totally onboard.

Dropped Oh, My Venus at ep. 14 as I kept asking myself why I was wasting my time...as exciting as watching grass grow. Couldn't feel chemistry between the leads at all.

Actually enjoyed Sweet Savage Family all the way through including the ending. Sweet, fun little show and totally enjoyed the leads.

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CaroleMcDonnell

January 22, 2016 at 9:05 AM

Sweet Savage was fun but the easy forgiveness really bothered me. The Chairman's family was a bit too much.

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juniper

January 22, 2016 at 9:02 AM

I wasn't feeling it, either. Not a fan of most of the performances (maybe Kim Go-eun was so much better than everyone else she made them look bad? lol idk).

The main couple creeped me out in the webtoon even, and I feel like they're not handling it with the kind of ambivalence it requires--just find it very disturbing to see them become a drama ~OTP. On the other hand they're way too ambivalent on Yoo-jung's true nature (or rather, what it signifies in the relationship) to fit my reading of the original text.

January 22, 2016 at 5:16 PM

Darn, this was my fear about the drama from looking at screenshots and skimming over recaps but I was hoping I was reading too much into too little with all the comments gushing over the show.

I'm not sure either, but I've Googled a complete list of Oh My Venus OST, do you see any titles in there that maybe you haven't heard of? That could be the song.

http://wiki.d-addicts.com/Oh_My_Venus_OST

If you do find it, let me know! I can't seem to find it on YouTube either. :)

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wapz

January 22, 2016 at 7:51 AM

I tried to find it too and I think it is not released. Thats pretty surprising because many people liked that ost and were searching for it.

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January 22, 2016 at 6:45 AM

holy shit. well, Bogummy did say in an interview, that he wanted to travel?

That's brilliant! Hope they got their mozzie meds too... I still need to find out where to watch subbed Youth over whatevs episodes..

Re. Remember episode 11, the saturi and colorful clothes are back. Yay! Really love Park Dong Ho. Even better in ep 12, I count at least 6 changes of snazzy outfits :)

On a more serious note, found it really strange that we rushed through (mild spoilers: ** the revenge/punishment of the two docs **) in the first 10 minutes of episode 11. I would've thought it'd be fleshed out more - writer could've trimmed some scenes re. the Smile Light Bulbs case to fit it in.

Also now that I've watched episode 12, am worried that there'll be no truly happy ending in this drama :(

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8 pebble

January 22, 2016 at 6:16 AM

Fans of AM1988 couldn’t be blamed for inciting such an aggressive ship war, it all boils down to their subjective preference for the type of guys which push the right buttons.

Those who vehemently ship for JH & DS probably prefer a man who is macho and tough on the outside, but a gentle softie on the inside. Being a fighter pilot is a big bonus, which girl doesn’t go gaga over a handsome guy smartly clad in pilot uniform? JH is considerate of others but is reticent and not used to explicitly explain his intention. To be with such a guy, the girl would have to be a tough cookie with a truckload of confidence. While he was digging in his heels with inaction, the more things shouldn’t be left unsaid all the time! As viewers, we got to see things from JH’s perspective, we know how much he adored DS, so it is very easy for us to sympathize with him. But it was definitely no fun at all for DS who had to agonize over his nonchalant behaviour, which seemed so inconsistent and confusing.

Those who are ardent shippers of Taekkie & DS would most likely enjoy fussing over their man, and prefer guys who are introverted, clingy, and always ready to give love assurance through outward display of affection, teletubbies big hug style, making them feel much needed in a secure relationship. Being a baduk celebrity, there was no lack of fangirls, but Taekkie had tunnel vision, even after countless blind dates, in his mind’s eyes, he could only see DS, this kind of “pabo” loyalty is so endearingly appealing.

What pushed my buttons most is the lifelong bond between Teakkie & DS. I find that unfailing love, whether one-sided or two-sided, which can withstand the test of time is the most irresistible. In many kdramas, though childhood/high school sweethearts losing touch is a recurring trope, their emotionally charged reunion years later always never fail to make me teary eyed. Probably I do yearn for an eternal love, but it is not about hoping for someone from my distant past to turn up at my doorstep, it just does not work this way in reality, which explains why so many people are turning to watching kdrama for doses of hassle-free larger than life legendary romance.

Dear beanies, below are dramas with the type of enduring love which fully captivates me, please help add to the list if you can think of any others.

Type 1 – reunion of separated childhood/high school first love – Autumn In My Heart, Winter Sonata, Spring Waltz, Sad Love Story, Stairway to Heaven, Will It Snow For Christmas, Can You Hear My Heart, Iljimae, Twenty Again, (Wildchives & Soybean Soup? I’ve not watched it)

Type 2 - Oppa/Dongsaeng from the past lingering close by as a protective guardian angel – Piano, More Than Blue, I Can Hear Your Voice, Goddess Of Fire, Pinocchio, I Need Romance 3

Type 3 – Childhood oppa ended up with unrequitted love - Baker King Tae Gu, Marry Stayed Out All Night, Feast Of The Gods

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redfox

January 22, 2016 at 6:29 AM

Reply 1988 did not get messed up, the writer has all the freedom to end it however she likes. The ones who felt betrayed had just been clinging to a certain fate too obsessively, so it hurt. but they did it to themselves.

As to others, like me, I had also let JungPal fans´ unwavering belief affect me and had already accepted that Taek would not be the one. So I was very surprised and overjoyed and relieved with the last episodes.

depends on the viewer, whether they get disappointed. not so much the ship, even.

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pebble

January 22, 2016 at 1:25 PM

True, JungPal's fan misled themselves more than the writer actually did, it is about taking in what they want to believe than what it really is. The most obvious tell-tale sign was the future husband smokes, but JH was against smoking, he did voice the opinion that smoking was bad. Somehow, I was led to believe JH is the future husband due to him knowing about DS's crush on SW from the postcard DS sent to the radio DJ, it is only in ep 20 that we got to see Teakkie knew about that too from snatching away DS's torn diary page from her. Anyway, I'm happy that Taekkie ended u with DS, he just couldn't live without her. He was even cured of his long time sleeping problem immediately after DS reciprocrated his kiss, omg! With love this deep, how could he be denied of DS's love :)

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atz

January 22, 2016 at 7:00 AM

Regarding reply1988

Because of the writers willingness to fool the viewers, the romantic scene between Ds and TK seems to be cut off a tad short in the end. The writer intentionally blocked much of Ds's internal conflict in men or make her emotion sort of fuzzy so that we were required to do much guessing work of DS Who is dense when it comes to boys. How could I guess her feeling right? i am too old for the task but somehow she chose TK which is my favorite. But this makes me a bit bewildered since I usually do not guess right.

What I like about is not about their romances but the whole families' assembly. They are perfect neibghbours. In reality, if our neighour won a lottery a big time, there would be malice attitudes or jealousy either in Their face or behind their back.However they were tight knitted and they were willing to help each other with sincerity. they are truly perfect neighbours. That is why it broke our hearts to see the neighborhoods without them decaying. Did the Kim family build the house? But I felt that the family abandoned the house in the end,,,, where did they all move to? A nursing home or retired community? They cannot separate themselves,,, they should stick together till end!!

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pebble

January 22, 2016 at 2:18 PM

Hi Atz, you're not too old for the husband-hunting task, so long as you feel young at heart! I guess we probably more or less belong to the same generation, I remember the happiness which Momoe Yamaguchi and Tomokazu Miura brought when watching their drama when I was a small little kid. News of their real life marriage had me infected with over-the-top excitement for days!

Yes, the way the close-knit families in AM1988 rooting for each other so genuinely without any ill-will and jealously was so very heart-warming. The scene of the mothers exchanging dishes made me smile gratifyingly as it reminded me of how my mum and my aunties used to do that in the good old days. I was so close to my cousins who live near us, we were always hanging out in the neighbourhood doing all sorts of kiddy stuff, just like the gang of 5 in AM1988. Watching this drama does me feel quite nostalgic, having moved country after both my parents passed away, I lost touch with most people from my past, with only remnants of memory left from the bygone years, nothing stays the same anymore....

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pogo

January 22, 2016 at 10:37 AM

reunion of separated childhood/high school first love

you forgot the most appropriate example - Answer Me 1997!

Jung-hwan's confession hurt, but it wasn't even close to as devastating as Yoon-jae in 1997. Well, NOW we know they got back together, but back then we didn't know if 1997 was the story of a failed first love. And the raw pain in Seo In-gook's voice and the look on Jung Eun-ji's face, like she was one heartbeat away from tears.....it still hurts to watch, even now. (and it's even more devastating because even without knowing the ending, we know she's already in love with him, just unwilling to process the change in how she sees her best friend).

Like I keep saying, Jung-hwan felt like he was modelled off Yoon-jae, but the crucial difference was that Yoon-jae, despite his own attempts at concealing his feelings for Shi-won, did at least intend to tell her he liked her, and then actually did. While Jung-hwan never says anything, and unlike Shi-won/Yoon-jae, he and Deok-sun aren't estranged for the intervening years..... I am far less inclined to cut him the slack for not speaking up. (and Taek, on the other hand, was an absolute open book about his feelings for Deok-sun, even when he aborted his confession plan after finding out about Jung-hwan).

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redfox

January 22, 2016 at 11:40 AM

in the end, how do i explain... seemed like carrying the feelings in secret was more of a hidden pleasure for Jung Hwan and it is not that much about wanting to be together with Deok Sun but all about himself having those feelings. cause outwordly he was always rather distant and didnt seek her company actively, didnt call her or ask her to the movies...
while Taek and Deok Sun were always together, even after she lied about the kiss, they were just as close. nothing changed. it would have been unnatural for them not to be together.

Happy Friday! Snow in the forecast- People panic already living in the state where there are almost zero snow plowers.
Not much going on except enjoying most of dramas that I am watching, and I am excited about new casting news- (Neighborhood lawyer) Ryu Soon-young, (My little baby) Oh Ji-ho, (Cinderella) Park So-dam etc.

About dramas and stuff:
Reply 1988: People are still pissed off about Reply 88. Some said the episode started to get messed up this year (ep 17), resulted in reply 1988 being the BEST drama of 2015, and WORST drama of 2016 being ended up with messy(half-baked) husband hunting.

Cheese in the trap: Thank you, thank you Suzie! for turning down Seol's role. Kim Go-eun is perfect, thank you very Gamsa!
btw Yoo Jung bumping his head and Seol's reaction of giggling at him was one of my favorite parts (next to Seol's drunk scene).

in Radio Star, Park so-dam(First time) talked about her eyes. She said some director told her eyes are Joseon's eyes (Korean traditional beauty had small almond eyes, until it changed to big double-lid eyes due to influence of Western culture), and people seem to fear she might do the surgery, but she said she is fine without it (thank you very much).

Talking about eyes, In CITT, I laughed when In-ho asked who left the bag with the Band-Aid and the man said the girl with fuzzy hair and tiny eyes. LOL.
This also reminds me of Bi/Rain. On his interview after the drama 'Sangdoo, Let's go to school', he said he went for a plastic surgery, but the doctor hold him not to touch his eyes because it will break the balance. Should we thank that doctor?

Remember: Nam Gung-min apologized to Yoo Seong-ho in the show 'Have you eaten?' He said he curses himself watching Nam kyu-man tormenting Yoo Seong-ho in 'Remember'. I have read there are actors/actresses who get hurt by comments/feel stressed because of their evil roles in dramas (Cho Soo-hyang in 'school-who are you', for example). I hope they take it as complements on their job well done.

It is fun to see actor/actress's (somewhat) true face through talk shows (radio star, taxi, happy together etc).
(Happy Together) Lee Sung-min(Miseang) said he is closest to Lee Sun-gyun (who acted in Golden time and Miss Korea together) among his juniors. He talks about LSG all the time, which pissed off his wife, who told him to get out and live with Sun-gyun. lol. That reminds me- I love 'Youth over flowers- Iceland'. This group has so much affections and feels genuine (maybe thanks to JoongWoo). I can't wait to see the new ep tonight.

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Nads

January 22, 2016 at 5:29 PM

Kim Go-eun makes this drama for me! I've read the webtoon, so it's impossible for me not to compare webtoon Seol to drama Seol, but Kim Go-eun does a wonderful job at making Seol more...likable? It's difficult to get subtle emotions across in comic format, so Seol tends to come off as not insensitive, exactly, but a bit distant and caught up in her own world sometimes. All the little quirks Kim Go-eun brings to her character - especially the panicky/anxiety ridden tone that often narrates her internal monologues - help me identify with her a bit more.

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10 Kaylie

January 22, 2016 at 6:19 AM

Hello! I just watched Misaeng, (yeah I know I'm more than a year late) but can I just gush about how good the drama is even though it's so depressing? Im Si-wan is such a good actor, his acting is absolutely perfect. I could feel every bit of insecurity and fragility from his eyes and it makes you want to root for him. It breaks my heart every time he faces a setback. I can't wait to see Im Si-wan in more dramas!

The pacing is great so far, but obviously it's not done yet so it's hard to predict whether it can keep building tension all the way to the end. I've been very impressed though with the writers' ability to keep creating compelling, highly dramatic episodes. The storytelling so far is very well done.

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Kween Ramyeon

January 22, 2016 at 11:05 AM

Oh my - I couldn't believe it, they had a few episodes of Missing inflight, so I marathoner those. The weird thing was the whole slice of life thing, make it feel fine to watch in the middle of the season and not from the start. I felt like it was everyday life, how you walk into situations not knowing the full story and just have to work it out along the way.

The characters are all fantastic - I love Manager Oh and his loyal Assistant Managers. And their strike team. I'm going back to re-watch the whole thing from the start.

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Kaylie

January 22, 2016 at 7:08 PM

Chief Oh and Assistant Manager Kim's concern for each other was very endearing too. Haha after a while it just felt like I was part of this office family and I didnt want to say good bye to any of them. )':

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pogo

January 22, 2016 at 11:30 AM

Misaeng is my favourite kdrama of all time, and it will take something really mighty to even begin to shift it from that #1 place in my heart.

I love that it's about a worker in an ordinary company and not a "cool" profession (the usual kdrama creative types), and that the work is so unglamorous. The underlying message is a beautiful one, it's not often you get a story that tells you that there is meaning even in doing an ordinary job and simply surviving from day to day in an ordinary life. It's really quite uplifting, if you think about it.

And Im Shi-wan really is amazing as Geu-rae. He's proved himself time and again, but he's a much better actor than some far more hyped Hallyu stars in his age range (he, Lee Joon and Yoon Doo-joon could easily take any of them). And I know everyone loves Lee Je-hoon, but the role of Jang Geu-rae is one I honestly CANNOT see being played by anyone else, that role was made for Im Shi-wan.

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spazmo

January 22, 2016 at 3:01 PM

byun yo han is SMOULDERINGLY HOT in SFD, you must watch him with his messy mane of glory!

January 22, 2016 at 6:34 AM

Happy OT guys!!

I marathoned Kill Me, Heal Me a few days and thought it was good. But after watching the BTS, and weighing the pros and cons of the drama, I started crying. The show has affected me so much, I didn't realize until it was over. It's probably the down side of binge watching. You don't really fully savor the story when you're watching episode after episode until 5 in the morning. Maybe when I start watching Reply 1997, I should limit it to 4 episodes a day?

On to currently airing dramas. Cheese in the Trap is still making me happy. It's nice to see that Seol no longer feels awkward around Jung. She seems happier and enjoying the dating than their first date.

In-ho is still a puppy. Jung is adorable but still a mystery and sometimes creepy. I'm really curious about these two's past friendship and what changed their relationship.

One More Happy Ending was a surprise. I wasn't expecting anything but I really enjoyed it. It's funny, has a nice pacing, and there's a pug (hahaha). The romance is also promising, can't choose between Jung Kyoung-ho and Kwon Yool since both are charming and have great chemistry with Jang Nara. Other than Mi-mo (Nara), I can't wait to see how the other Angels' lives will be explored.

January 22, 2016 at 9:19 AM

One more happy ending was a surprise. I didn't expect so much crazy packed in first two episodes and they have done a good job in integrating the heavy side with the light ones. I hope they can keep it up. Mimo is far, thousand light years far from being perfect but none of the leading ladies are in the drama. All imperfect but completely aware of it which is fun. I love Jang Kyung Ho, my Paksa makes such a great dad, I loved his part with his son. I think its pretty obvious Mimo and Him are endgame but it will be a long crazy road for them especially with the second lead who appears to be very calm, sane and gorgeous in the mix. And Jang Nara did a great Hepburn imitation, it was hilarious and they did it pretty nicely.

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January 24, 2016 at 5:36 PM

:)

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13 alua

January 22, 2016 at 6:40 AM

Not really committedly watching any k-drama atm.

Dropped Cheese in the Trap after ep 2 because I decided I would rather finish reading the whole webtoon first. I know that means I'll have to wait years, but there's something I love about the webtoon that, although I liked the drama adaptation so far, isn't in the drama. So I want to enjoy the webtoon in full first.

Tried One More Happy Ending. Not really my kind of humour. [SPOILERS] Watchable, but by the end of ep 2 I'm finding myself disliking Jang Nara's character, who seems increasingly stupid and appears to have gone through 4 guys in two episodes? Her confronting her ex was really, really annoying. Girl, you parted ways FIVE years ago. You dated another guy for two years and almost got married, and you are mad at your ex for having a fiancée? Get a life & be happy with yourself because you are not ready to be in a relationship. [END SPOILERS]
I confess, I'm also not very fond of the fact that a lot of the plot so far has been driven by excessive drinking. Is there any K-drama (that's not in the high school genre) that doesn't involve a drinking scene? And doesn't have a plot twist that majorly rely on drunkenness?

Still watching Moorim School but it's all over the place and I'm skipping half of each episode. Likely to drop by next week.

Tried Designer Baby but didn't hook me. Tried Fragile but Takei Emi scared me away pretty instantly.

alua

January 22, 2016 at 2:18 PM

Tbh, I find the serious bits distracting from the over-the-top comedy. The jokes would work better for me if they didn't throw in these parts that seem to suggest that she's really still in pain... I couldn't help but agree with everything the ex-husband said.

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January 22, 2016 at 9:45 AM

I think with Nodame the whole setting/character set up made the difference. Because every character was manga-esque. And because it was immediately clear that Chiaki was as much as a disaster as she was – not just a swoonworthy, pretty, genius musician & rich boy. And that Nodame, if she had never ended up with him, would have been perfectly fine – she never "needed" his love to be happy.

Nanba was inept in love but a genius. And the moment that genius kicked in, she didn't care about love but dropped everything. Hard Nut was not a rom-com in any case, but a detective drama. She never "got" the guy, nor did it matter whether she did or not – she didn't need him to be happy.

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kuromitsu

January 22, 2016 at 11:17 AM

It doesn't negate the fact that Nodame was (a couple of times literally) clingy and her whole motivation revolved around him (at least before she found her calling).

Then you have HanaKimi where a girl decides to risk her future and do something that would turn-around an all-boys school just for that one guy she saw at track meets.

January 22, 2016 at 11:54 AM

One More Happy Ending

You needed until end of episode 2 to dislike Mi-mo? Whence such patience? I thought she was clearly designed to be ridiculed from the get-go.

I actually liked the concept of a comedy with a female lead who is not your stock perfect human being (in terms of morals, character and so on) but instead really invites malicious glee from the audience. By episode 2, I'm no longer convinced that this is deliberate, but the Schadenfreude I get from Mi-mo's self-imposed miseries cannot be ignored.

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alua

January 22, 2016 at 1:17 PM

Well, it's not that I loved her in episode 1, just I found episode 2 more trying than episode 1. And at least in episode 1 she briefly impressed with telling her fiancé that since the relationship was over, she wasn't going to hold on to him (though I think she should have explicitly told her ex-bandmate that she could "have him", no regrets).

I do like that we've got divorced characters in dramas now. Hopefully she won't be made into a chaste maiden that the first time she sees the guy semi-dressed gets weak in the knees.

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Jon G.

January 22, 2016 at 1:37 PM

And at least in episode 1 she briefly impressed with telling her fiancé that since the relationship was over, she wasn’t going to hold on to him

Well, it was quite clear that she saw this guy merely as her "trophy husband" anyway without any actual emotions invested in him as a person. And that's the reason it's easy for her to get over him, but very difficult to let another woman (especially _this_ woman) "have" him.

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Jon G.

January 22, 2016 at 12:03 PM

Dropped Cheese in the Trap after ep 2 because I decided I would rather finish reading the whole webtoon first.

Ah, that's too bad. I was really looking forward to read your thoughts on the show. Then again, I made the same decision many times with book-to-different-medium adaptions ...

Still watching Moorim School but it’s all over the place and I’m skipping half of each episode. Likely to drop by next week.

Wow, I'm impressed. Only half of each episode.

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alua

January 22, 2016 at 1:29 PM

Sorry about that. Though I'm not sure I would have much interesting stuff to say about CITT.

As for Moorim, that's an estimate. It may well be more (and soon be 100%)...

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Excitable

January 22, 2016 at 6:48 PM

The webtoon version of Cheese in the Trap is a bundle of complex stuff though, which is why i stop for a bit because i don't think i can handle the webtoon version with my busy schedule.

One More Happy Ending is fun and the kind of drama you can turn off your brain with. I like it.. but despite it all, Han Mi Moo is definitely frustrating. I'm not blaming JNR at all, she makes the character likable but... something is off. I'm just not fond of how volatile her relationship is. You would expect she to learn something each time but even the lessons learned comes across as childish. It's hard to explain. But i'm not liking the character build up. I hope the character will show some development soon or else i might drop it.

Hello all:

Wow! It's the weekend already. Am seriously glad we won't be hit by the upcoming supposed "monster storm."

Dramas:

Six Flying Dragons: So good. Am awaiting the relationship between Moo Hyul and Sa Gwang. I'm suspecting an upcoming heartbreak when Moo Hyul has to kill her.

Moorim School: I love most everything about this drama except for the love story (Am shipping chaebol so that doesn't help) because it's such easy storytelling. And I dislike the principal. I'm just kinda burnt out on the cold all-knowing inscrutable pride-destroying teacher trope.

Cheese in the Trap: Not feeling this. Just not. It's good. But for some reason...eh.

Remember: Dear me! Is this drama going to end sadly? The Punch vibe is making me worry. I'll have to prepare myself I guess.

Glamorous Temptation: I think I might be ready to jump back onto this one and actually watch it instead of reading recaps. Now that all the secrets are out.

Same for All Will Be Well. I might join it now that we're at the 89 episode mark. Apparently, I hate wandering about in the actual plots of makjangs and I just wait til the last few episodes when everything is coming together.

One More Happy Ending: Surprisingly fun and relatively realistic. Am thinking I'll like this one.

Jdrama: Ants and Umbrellas -- fun. Only four episodes. Two more to go.

I've left All About Mom in my rearview mirror. No sorrow, no grief. I'm free of it and guiltfree about tossing it away.

Drama excitement: Yay! Signal and Madame Antoine are out. Hoping they get subbed by later today.

Carole ~

Glamorous is still crazy. All I have to say is satellite photo !

Looking forward to Signal, hope it's good.

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CaroleMcDonnell

January 22, 2016 at 7:27 AM

I'll be joining you in watching it from now on. We can jump into the cray together.

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john

January 22, 2016 at 7:44 AM

K dramas :

Dazzling Temptation: Crazy

CITT: Almost half way and still a lot of mystery. Like the cast.

One More Happy Ending: Watched 1st ep. OK so far.

C dramas:

Legend of Qin : Didn't see the anime (probably a good thing), enjoying the show.

Cuo Dian Yuan Yang: Zhao Li Ying = squee

J drama:

Garasu no Ashi :

Dark subject matter (child /spousal /sexual abuse). Setsuko ( Saki Aibu ), abused as a child, helps free a mother and child from the same fate. 4 episodes. Not for the squeamish.

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CaroleMcDonnell

January 22, 2016 at 11:38 AM

January 22, 2016 at 7:47 AM

Or maybe Junghwanied is a term for someone who self-friendzoned him/herself and then wallowing in misery afterward. Okay, I'm just being bitter, but he is so frustrating sometimes.

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john

January 22, 2016 at 8:01 AM

gadis ~

Jung hwan should have kissed Duk Seon way back in Ep. 10, when they sitting together on his bed and she asked him if she should go on the blind date.

All about the timing indeed. He missed that golden opportunity.

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kbaswithneko

January 22, 2016 at 10:20 AM

He had more than one chance. Also the scene where he gets into bed with her, forgetting that the downstairs family is sleeping over. Their faces are inches away from each other when she asks him to go to the concert with her.

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elric

January 23, 2016 at 9:26 AM

This. Oh yes, this.

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kuromitsu

January 22, 2016 at 8:56 AM

I love Han Mi Mo and Song Soo Hyuk together too. I don't even mind if they don't get together, as long as they have a lot of scenes together I'll be happy. But It'll be better if they get together.

It seems there's a lot of cameos in that drama that entirely fly over my head. I wish there's an explanation of the inside jokes somewhere. I know the leading lady of Falling for Innocence, I get Sandara Park, and that's pretty much it.

I think there's an inside joke about Mi Mo's ex's fiancee and about that sexy woman who choked on chicken.

Who's the WGM couple?

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gadis

January 22, 2016 at 3:36 PM

The leading lady of falling for innocence and her husband at the very first minutes of ep 1. Watching them go through such an ugly divorce in the drama while they are still all lovey dovey in WGM. Yoo Dain's couple in Plus Nine Boys also made a cameo appearance as one of her very demanding client.

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Gemeniano Tabi Jr

January 22, 2016 at 4:22 PM

The female lead of FFI (KSY) and Kwak Shi yang of Perserverance Gu Hae-ra/Oh my Ghostess..

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kiroum

January 25, 2016 at 8:15 AM

Does anyone know why Ra Mi Ran ' s nickname is "Cheetah" ? Thanks a lot in advance :)

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17 cozybooks

January 22, 2016 at 7:20 AM

Oh my goodness I totally never plan on commenting, but the OT is so fun to read, and I made a resolution to be more social this year (which means starting with comments online, Haha), so Happy Friday, I guess!

Dramas I'm currently watching (I don't watch tons of currently airing ones, because I don't like having to wait a week for new episodes):

Nine Time Travels: Oh my dear gracious heavens, that show has killed me and sent me to a glorious heaven. The acting, the writing, the plot--and it has that magical pull that just draws you in. :) :) :)

Secret Garden: the body swap episodes are hilarious so far, but it doesn't have that magic draw for me, for some reason. I'll finish it, but I hope it can pull me in more than it has so far.

Taiwanese Drama: Murphy's Law of Love: I have put all other shows on temporary hold to finish this one. There's not much conflict (it's like they build it up for angst and then yank the rug out from beneath you like 'haha gotcha! No misunderstandings today!') It's just a slice of life story with lots, and lots, and lots and lots of cute. So much cute. It makes me so happy, I could watch them be cute for forever.

Dramas Currently Airing that I plan to watch:
Remember--Son's War
Madame Antoine
Signal
:)

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owl

January 22, 2016 at 8:04 AM

Hi Cozybooks (I like your name), welcome to OT as your first social venture or 2016! Remember-War of Son keeps getting better. I am also looking forward to Madame Antoine and Signal. I started rewatching Secret Garden and 49 Days as a return to that first-time kdama experience and feeling. Glad you've joined in the fun and discussion of kdramas here on db. Fighting!

Hi to you and happy Friday!!

Nine is crazy good, isn't it? I remember being awed so much for the plot and the time-travel mystery while having a huuuuge crush on Lee Jin Wok.

January 22, 2016 at 7:45 AM

Cheese in the trap compelled me to watch Coffee Prince. So far so good but Now all the main conflicts have ended in ep 12. So now I'm wondering if i should check the other episodes or not?

That is my problem with rom-coms. As long as the main conflicts are over, the show loses interest for me atleast. Same goes for She was pretty and many other rom coms.

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kimchikay

January 22, 2016 at 8:11 AM

Oh no!! Keep watching...it's good all the way till the end!

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21 owl

January 22, 2016 at 7:56 AM

Moorim School – Love triangles and bromance are mutually exclusive, so we have a problem here. Stick with this kdrama through episode 4 and I think you’ll be hooked. The cast was on Hello Counselor this week - Hyun Woo and Hongbin were adorable as guests.

Reply 1988 – Episode 20 was a gem of a finale. I cried buckets just because. There was such heartfelt nostalgia in not necessarily wanting to return to your younger self, but mourning the place that marked two generations’ youth. I’m over the moon in love with Taek.

Remember War of a Son - *spoiler spoiler* Could the drama get any sadder than last week? The answer to that is, “Yes.” Ep 11 and 12 are the best so far. Ep 12 was subbed 92% so I went ahead and watched it. When Jin Woo asked the doctor how much time he had, the doctor replied… (it was the 8% that wasn’t subbed.) AAuugghh! I would give my eye teeth for the calf-length pale ice blue coat that In Ah was wearing in ep 11. It was out of this world beautiful and classy.

Shaolin Clenched Fists – 6 eps are subbed, I’m learning about life as a Shaolin Monk and the intense martial arts associated with it. The guys were completely into Drunken Fists Jackie Chan style.

Fragile (jdrama) – I see ep 2 is up – about a temperamental, unconventional pathologist who’s better at diagnosing patients than their own physicians – I recognize Shuhei Nomura the most from several jdramas I’ve seen (All About My Siblings, Koinaka, and The Hours of My Life).

The two wolves paced around the glass sliding door to the pension. I was nervous; the baby was asleep in the crib in my room. I wasn’t sure who it belonged to. I called out quietly at first then yelled louder, “Julian!” I could see him in the hallway, but he couldn’t hear me. I ran upstairs. Xuimin and D.O. were in the living room talking with a young man who recognized me immediately and gave me a big hug. I was his 2nd grade teacher, he reminded me. Oh! He had grown up so handsome – Neil, of Teen Top! He was selling peanut brittle and the school cookbook for a fundraiser – I bought both. No one else seemed bothered by the wolves. I drew the curtains so at least they couldn’t look in with those gleaming eyes. Julian was dressed in his tux and asked why I wasn’t ready, yet. He even had a lovely bouquet for me, but I was still in my pajamas and didn’t have a dress to wear. A wolf nudged the door open with its nose. The baby stirred, the wolf turned in that direction. I was frantic but the distance between me and the crib was growing, growing and the wolves were now inside fidgeting. When our eyes met, they growled and bared their teeth. I woke up this morning not rested at all after a dream combination of Moorim Scool and The 25th Seoul Music Awards that I had watched last night. Sheesh! 24 hour kdrama brain. My head is spinning this morning!

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Elle

January 22, 2016 at 8:36 AM

Re: REPLY 1988--OMG. I can't even begin to tell you how much I cried watching the finale. I started to wonder if I might need counseling or something, lol. Why was I that emotionally invested in a drama? I do tend to get teary-eyed a bit and cry sometimes when watching dramas, but it felt like I was crying every other scene. Those darn writers and producers really did a number on us viewers that's for sure.

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January 23, 2016 at 3:44 AM

the master also funny, and I like how that one master that punish them because they laugh but the punishment actually will help them to master the technique

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CaroleMcDonnell

January 22, 2016 at 9:21 AM

YAY! I'm liking Moorim a lot as well. Even with my aforementioned caveats and dislikes. Wondering how he wears that necklace even now. As a kid, did someone not try to steal such a precious thing from him? Even in the orphanage? (Was he in an orphanage? I forgot.)

Questions:

I wonder, do you think it's chaebol's father's brother - the guy in the coma - making Shi Woo and Chi Ang cousins??

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redfox

January 22, 2016 at 9:37 AM

the finale of R1988 is especially heartbreaking cause they are not keeping the set as a tourist attraction even though they also regret it

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owl

January 22, 2016 at 11:01 AM

True. One of the set places I'd go see if it was preserved if I visited Korea.

January 22, 2016 at 11:00 AM

Hi JBB - good to see you on OT, it's been a while!

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pogo

January 22, 2016 at 10:27 AM

Love triangles and bromance are mutually exclusive

Not if Sassy Go Go has anything to say about it ;)

For me, it's just the opposite. We moved around a lot and I rarely interacted with neighbors until I was a teen, although our family was close-knit and included living with an aunt, uncle, and cousin along with my parents and siblings during my early years. So, a more permanent childhood is something I look on with curiosity and can only imagine log-standing ties to people and places. Reply 1988 did a memorable job of that for me.

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pogo

January 22, 2016 at 11:41 AM

really, the neighbourhood experience was one I only had till the age of about 8, so it's a rather distant recognition. After that, like you, my parents moved around a lot and never formed close ties to neighbours the way my grandparents had.. but that was still enough to remember what it used to be like. And I missed it a lot, especially at first - but then I got used to it.

But my grandparents and their neighbours remained friends even after moving, one of our 'block uncles' (as we used to call them) actually came to my grandfather's funeral last year despite his own ill health.

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redfox

January 22, 2016 at 11:50 AM

for me, it was the small town Viljandi, where my granny lived, and I spent half a year at her house or more, cause both my parents were working and my dad was abroad most of the time with his choir, so basically just mom, and she tossed me there so she wouldnt have to worry about feeding me. I would find food in the garden. Granny didnt like me, she liked my cousin, I ate lunch and dinner outside on the stairs. but it didnt bother me. the street was sort of a loop, a dead end street and the Circle kids were playing together. we had a lot of fun. but I also liked being on my own and play with flowers and leaves in the garden or talk to frogs or trees. I guess I was the weird kid on the block.

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owl

January 22, 2016 at 12:12 PM

hi superfox,

I picture you with a little red felt hat and a worn pinafore on as you foraged in the garden and talked with frogs. Like a sad fairy tale. But then the present day museum stories, art, and travels seem much perkier and at least there's food, right?

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redfox

January 22, 2016 at 12:29 PM

but you know, it didnt even bother me as a child. I didnt know I am supposed to want more. I mostly ate scallions and strawberries anyway. I have always had a very vivid imagination and get carried away in my fantasy world so often, I did not hear or see anything

and I liked sleeping in a swing hung from the apple tree.

one of the kids I played with is now a baker and always leaves for work before even I get up in summer. something like 3 am...I get up 4.30 for snail termination.

the other one is a criminologist in the police department in that same town. he once caught a pyromaniac who burned down a house of a family with 8 kids. he also helped the family find temporary lodgings and raise money for them

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owl

January 22, 2016 at 12:44 PM

all fodder for an Estonian drama

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22 Elle

January 22, 2016 at 8:00 AM

Hi Cozy. You're watching two great dramas! Nine & Secret Garden. Loved both of them.

Re: Nine--it is soooo mind bending trying to keep track of all the tweaks to the past & present. I keep saying I'm going to rewatch it b/c I'm sure I missed stuff and there is probably a lot to explore. But it's so daunting to contemplate a rewatch. I feel like I have to be in the right frame of mind.

Re: Secret Garden--it's just fun!

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23 kimchikay

January 22, 2016 at 8:15 AM

Started watching Six Flying Dragons and really enjoyed the first episode! I'm looking forward to marathoning the rest.

heyyy. congrats! and usually all you will remember from hectic times is that it was a good point in your life.
lets hear from toddlers next time, then! I might have some dramatic stories from the museum, as well (hey, I have one now. there is a viewing platform on top of Maritime museums´ Fat Margaret tower. it is just a medieval tower, but some tourist came down and said: "I found a secret door, but it wont open!" I was like,. what the hell, where? "On the roof! In the middle! cmon, there is just a stone wall... "No, there was a secret passage! Open it!" Why? "I want to see it!" There is nothing there. There is no door. "Yes there is!" wtf he went on forever, convinced that there is a door somewhere on the roof. I don´t know what the heck he saw. )

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28 kmw3

January 22, 2016 at 9:19 AM

Hi Beanies! I hope everybody has a great weekend. I recently moved into a new place and now i have internet so i have a whole big list of things to watch. I swear I was going through Dramabeans and Abnormal Summit withdrawls!

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owl

January 22, 2016 at 11:32 AM

Hi kmw3,

You must be happy to have internet - all the more kdrama opportunities!

Abnormal Summit withdrawals for sure. I catch a raw episode of Where Is My Friend's House once in a while, and even Problematic Men where Tyler is a permanent panel member. It is fun to see Daniel and Sam as Moorim School staff. But I really, really miss the subs for the Abnormal Summit panel, wish so much someone would take on the project of subbing. :) Wouldn't that be amazing!

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29 Ayan

January 22, 2016 at 9:30 AM

Happy OT,

Looking forward to watching the dramas airing this weekend, praying that Signal and MA will be good!!

One More Happy Ending - Loved the fact that Da-in's co-star in Plus Nine Boys had a cameo in the first episode and the SeeSaw couple in WGM. Didn't like the merchant selling fake jewellery on the streets, thought they could have come up with something much more imaginative and interesting. Hopefully the next episode focuses more on the friendship between the former angels.

All about my Mom -
Now it's been extended to 54 episodes, eight episodes to go, I think my sister and I will play bingo. Hye-joo whimpering again - Check. Hyung-gyu with no sense yet again - Check. How did he become a lawyer, isn't that a profession where you have to be intuitive?
Glad to see that Doo-shim got recognition for her acting with the daesang award. CR, HJ are the only characters left who I don't feel like killing at the moment.

Variety
WGM - it is jarring to see Oh Min-suk being so nice in the show, given he plays a total jerk in WGM. Suprised that Ye-won hasn't made a cameo and happy to see that she opened her own gallery.

At least we got Yoo Seung Ho back, and Yoon So Yoon is coming back in a few days.

when the rest of the '86 and '87s go, it'll be sad. Joo Won, Ji Chang Wook, Yoo Ah In.........

Sighzzzzz

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owl

January 22, 2016 at 11:34 AM

Welcome back, Seung Ho and Yoon Shi Yoon (love them)! Take care Seunggi, we won't forget you until you return!

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31 joykim

January 22, 2016 at 9:40 AM

Reply 1998: Marathoned it after 16eps were released. Believe I weeped in every ep for its heartwarming story. Like many others, watched with my heart for Taek but brains hinting JH. Finally so happy to be Taeken. Park Bo Geum first wowed me in Nodame Cantabile and then I Remember You. Hence I very quickly shipped him in 1998.

Cheese In The Trap: Lucky to have this replace my 1998 blues. Reading the webtoon but can't feel much. Way prefer the live action characterization. Kim Go Eun is simply fantastic in her quirky nerdy self doubting role. She reminds me of another new gem discovery Park Bo Young from Oh My Ghostess.

Moorim School: Saw the banner at dramacool and thought it starred Park Bo Geum. So half way into ep 1, I started doubting the not on par acting from PBG. Half way into ep 2, I frustratingly googled and found out it's Lee Hyun Woo instead. Anyone else think they look alike? Was going to give up for it's super cheesiness, but glad ep 3 & 4 started picking up.

One More Happy Ending: She looks like 17 in that embarrassing MV! Jang Nara and Jang Hyuk brought me to a new world of kdramas with Bright Girl Success Story in 2002. Always thought the pair as good performers but it wasn't until Fated To Love You that they both blew me away with their skills. I enjoyed the cutesy Tdrama leads but the Kdrama leads were superb in such a cheesy drama.

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32 whatsthescenario

January 22, 2016 at 10:13 AM

My Daughter, Geum Sa Wol

How is this drama consistently getting +30% ratings each weekend???

I started watching it this week. Power watched my way through, once I became familiar with the character, plot lines, etc.

I'm quite late to comment about it.
But how is Geum Sa Wol so very 'not bright' by now. When she presented all the evidence at the Chairman's banquet, how the hell is SHE the one arrested (or kicked out)???

Why does she keep telling all the wrong people what her next move will be and they always beat her to it???

Why the hell would you NOT tell Junkyard Ahjussi or your housemate Seon Hoon (sp) about that evil b*tch Hye Sang by now???

What is with all these men abusing women - slapping them, choking them, pushing them ... and no one says anything about it (I wish some mutheff*** would lay a hand on me).

This is why I often skip the long makjang dramas. I mean, there's only but so much evil my heart can take b4 I start getting furious for no reason. It's not good the heart ;-)

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33 pogo

January 22, 2016 at 10:18 AM

So I finally finished Answer Me 1988..... never mind the Deok-sun love line, I'd consider myself a very, very lucky woman if at 50 I had friends like the three Ssangmundong ajummas, they felt so real. And the final shot of the empty alley just ruins me. And that initial tag line proved to be more accurate than we even realise - the true and last love in this show really was family. In all the noise about Jung-hwan, it's easy to ignore that, but it's the truth. (though there are imperfections, and some things - even elements I love - could have been executed better). And I SO look forward to Park Bo-gum's next project!

dropped Moorim School, since it is a show of which I must, as the saying goes, expect little and forgive much. Too much for me, though.

Cheese in the Trap - There's an odd balance to this one that keeps me hooked, and hooked hard. I've only read season 1 of the webtoon so I'm treating this as a drama on its own merits, and it seriously is fantastic. Before the drama I was wondering how Park Hae-jin and Kim Go-eun would feel together onscreen, but their chemistry really shines despite the relative lack of skinship (and even Seol's greater ease around In-ho). They couldn't have been more perfectly cast, and Kim Go-eun makes such a fantastic Seol, I'm wondering which drunk monkey on the casting team thought of offering this role to Suzy first. Thank god for good sense prevailing and the production holding out for Kim Go-eun.

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azkaa

January 22, 2016 at 10:28 AM

"drunk monkey" :p

I don't think i suppose to laugh but this gets me LOL

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pogo

January 22, 2016 at 10:44 AM

I'm glad I gave you a laugh, lol. But yeah, there's a yawning chasm between the skill levels of Suzy and Kim Go-eun, and imo the only way someone could possibly offer a role like Seol to someone who's known for mainly looking vacant onscreen, is impaired judgement. Like maybe alcohol, or drugs, or being hit really hard on the head. We really do owe the Korean webtoon fans one for preventing that.

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Kween Ramyeon

January 22, 2016 at 10:45 AM

Let's use that from now - if someone's badly cast, it was definitely "alcohol, drugs, or being hit really hard on the head." LOL

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34 julia the berkshire beanie

January 22, 2016 at 10:23 AM

Hi Beanies!

How are you today?

Check out my website for articles about Korean bridal robes and Korean knots.

Haven't seen a Kdrama since I turned off my internet in November, so going into withdrawal. I am still plugging away at Memrise flashcards so I don't forget the 400 or so Korean words I have learned using my phone.

I also just finished learning the 215 Chinese radicals. Chinese characters seem so much easier. I think all dsylexics should learn Chinese. I am faster recalling the chinese characters than reading the english answers now.

Anyone know of coloring books related to Korean dramas/actors?

I got a beautiful coloring book "Secret Tokyo" for Christmas. Whiling away my free time coloring, water coloring, and zen tangling.

Be well everyone. Just wanted to say hi!

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owl

January 22, 2016 at 11:43 AM

Hi dramapanda,

I happened upon a grocery outlet in town that sells those masks for 69 cents each - a real bargain. I noticed the supply dwindling (although I'm pretty sure I'm the only one who grabs a handful every couple of weeks) and bought a box of 24. There are only a few boxes left on the shelf. Unfortunately, when they're gone, there's no telling if they will ever get them again. I also bought up the supply of facial mist and it's never returned. Last time I found BB cream made in Korea for $1.99. It's very nice, grabbed 3. The emulsions you describe sound lovely.

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pogo

January 22, 2016 at 10:48 AM

I know what you mean about tropical rain - I love it when we have torrents of it, when I was younger we used to run to the windows every time the season's first rain came. That smell of rain hitting dust is still one of my favourite smells ever.

Moorim School is, as I said above, the kind of drama of which one has to expect little and forgive a lot. But if it's smart and self-aware enough to know how dumb and cheesy it is, it might actually make something work in a camp way. But for now..... I'm out. I have rather limited patience for budget special effects and "wolves" that look so obviously like dogs.

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Kween Ramyeon

January 22, 2016 at 10:52 AM

Yes, that kind of rain is just more...satisfying. Like let it ALL out... Then suddenly, it's cool and everything smells fresher.

it is because she soil needs bacteria to dissolve and create nutrients. they disappear with too much fertilizer and, in general, chemicals, pesticides and stuff. in the soil. thats the reason why megafields are so poisoned. most of the worlds´ food is actually growing on "dead soil" where nothing would ever grow at all without tons of chemicals.
not even sure if that soil can ever be restored to health without growing a forest on it for the next 100 years or so.

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36 azkaa

January 22, 2016 at 10:52 AM

So, i still haven't even started my new year's resolution which is watching Reply 1988. The whole Junghwaned fiasco (especially the twitter rampant) kinda scarred me for good that i am so reluctant to pick it up now, no matter how much i love Park Bo Gum.

Finished binge-watching:
Wonderful Mama
48 ep sounds terrifying so i end up fast-forwarding half of it. The first half is a bit draggy, makjang-y plot and enough dose of noble idiocy but what to expect from weekend drama anyway. But the second gets sooo much better that i find it entertaining. Jung Yoomi is so different here compared to SFD's Yeonhee but so is Park Bo Gum (such a bundle of cuteness, he is). The main lead romance kinda meh though and i find Kim Ji Seok - Lee Chung Ah romance more interesting.

My life is kinda messy now that i find it even stressful to watch any serious drama, hence i decided to stop watching Six Flying Dragons. Feeling so guilty for this tbh so i fast-forwarding the last two episodes and it's already draining me emotionally. It has been intense 30 ep and i kinda find it tiring, anyone feeling the same?

Dear Lee Bangji, i am sorry T_T

On the other hand i pick up Cheese in the Trap!! Crossing finger for i always wary watching airing drama, though the fact that it's pre-produced is so assuring. Am i the only one who expect Park Hae Jin to have deep, dark secret here or doing bad things? Guess even after 2 years Bad Guys still leaves me deep impression.

Anyway have a good weekend everyone!

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I don't get the love for Answer Me 1988, I really don't. I liked it ok at first, although I never loved it like 97 and 94, but as the weeks went on it became more and more of a struggle for me to watch to the point that I didn't even watch the last 2 to 3 weeks.

While I did defend Hyeri at first as not ruining the show, I think ultimately she and or the writer is the one that ruined it for me. See what I loved most about 97 and 94 was the strong female lead in the form of Sung Shi-won and Sung Na-jung played by Jung Eun-ji and Go Ara respectively and just the awesomeness of both the characters and actresses. So I don't know if the writer ruined the character by deciding to focus on a community, although I doubt that as most of the other characters were fantastic, or the more likely conclusion that Hyeri just couldn't give her what she needed. That would be evidenced by the fact I never thought Hyeri had more chemistry with either male lead.

I saw an interview recently I think on Soompi where the staff said they'd keep going with the Answer Me franchise as long as it's popular. So I'm guessing there will be a fourth series, I'm crossing my fingers for a setting of 2000 and a return of the heroine type of 97 and 04.

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redfox

January 22, 2016 at 2:02 PM

she might not have been strong on her own, but she was strong in combination with other characters. and I really didnt miss one single main heroine at all. I really liked the community set-up cause it is closer to life that way. focusing on just two or three is pretty unrealistic

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39 Fuujin

January 22, 2016 at 1:57 PM

Hello all. This is my first time posting on the open thread. I have a totally random query, which I hope isn't violating any rules. I recently finished Liar Game (love, love, love) and was hoping to follow up with with an equally edgy, thrilling show. I settled on Bad Guys after reading the first recap. But I can't figure out how/where to watch it. I'm in the US. Dark Smurf has English subs, but only when the screen is minimized. Can anyone direct me to a version with English subs that is available to stream in the US? I would be forever grateful. Thanks!

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Nads

January 22, 2016 at 5:57 PM

*love triangle

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42 twocents

January 22, 2016 at 6:36 PM

One More Happy Ending is unexpectedly so gooooddd. I havent watched any of Jung Kyung Ho previous works but he's charming in this drama and Kwon Yul is just adorable. Why are you the second lead again?? sigh.

Anyway, I'm just all giddy waiting for Monday and Tuesday bcs of CITT. I am totally addicted to it. Also, can anyone suggests me any websites that talks about kdrama fashion wardrobe? Especially for CITT bcs I need to check out what Hong Seol is wearing because her outfits are so amazing, simple coordinates but so flattering. Thank you in advance!

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43 Unlurker

January 22, 2016 at 10:11 PM

Coming out just because of Cheese in The Trap.
OH my god.

I only ever watch the crack dramas and this one is SLAYING ME.

It's made me wonder what is better...

The anticipation and excitement waiting for new episodes to come out? Discussing the cliffhangers and cute moments right after watching the episodes?

OR...

Just making note of a potential crack drama and waiting until it's fully aired. Then watching it all at once. Netflix style.

I never thought I'd say this but Monday can't come soon enough.

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44 newgirl

January 22, 2016 at 10:46 PM

Late to the OT, as always. Even on the Fridays that I wake up early, I'm just too much of a bear, not the teddy kind, to post anything before 2 cups of coffee. By then, I've been busy at work for hours. The last 12 days I've had only one day off, but managed to finish AM88 and keep up with CITT.
I'm going to miss the whole neighborhood of AM88. I never cared who DS was going to end up with, just wanted to see a satisfying ending for everyone, and that we got. I appreciated the focus on character development and family, as I felt the other shows in the series started slipping when the focus fed the shipping wars. I was annoyed that I couldn't watch it until Monday night, but as a result I avoided the recaps and comments, and that allowed me a little more freedom to enjoy sans shipper frenzy.

CITT is surprising me. I didn't think I would enjoy it as much as I do. I like Kim Go-eun's look, and think the writer and actors are doing a good job of maintaining the mystery and resulting tension in the relationships. I haven't yet found a site where the entire webtoon is available (in English), so may hold off anyway until I finish watching the show.

And finally, YAY! A new podcast!!!
Thanks jb and gf for all you do!

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45 curly

January 23, 2016 at 12:45 AM

Hello to all beanies.

It's my first time joining an Open Thread.
But I've been watching Kdramas since 2012.
Secret Garden is one of my firsts and one of the best for me.
I've been into habit of drama late night binges.
Then since I'm already working, i'm into airing dramas during 2015.

I'm currently watching

Remember - adoring the great acting skills of Seung-ho. And it's great to see a manly role for him.

CITT - its a fresh feeling for me to be watching dramas in college setting. I got hooked up coz of the mysterious character of Yoo Jung sunbae. and i kinda relate to Hong Hong. :)

One More Happy Ending - honestly i'm excited for this coz of the unique role/appearance of Yoo In Na. Though i only watched Jang Nara in School 2013, i think this drama is gonna be great. Been laughing and clapping (a habit) while watching the first two episodes.

I just wanna ask you all beanies here, why i should watch AM1988? I'm still considering if I'll do a marathon of this drama. Need some of your thoughts! :)

BTW. It breaks my heart that most of my favorite actors will be enlisted this year. Huhu. Seung gi, Ji Chang wook, Joo Won.

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redfox

January 23, 2016 at 2:36 AM

you should watch Reply 1988 because there are a lot of heartwarming moments, and every character has their own conflicts and dilemmas. You should get to know them, because all of these people are special in their own way. To learn about friendship, sharing, compassion... of course you should get to know Taek, the genius baduk played, who cannot tie his shoelaces or plug a kettle.

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curly

January 23, 2016 at 2:41 AM

Thanks for the response redfox. :)
I only watched the episode 1 but find it too slow and boring sometime. But I was also touched with the scene when duk seon appeared on TV as picket girl. Well, i guess it's a heartwarming drama about families. Will try to watch the next episode. Thanks again. :)

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46 john

January 23, 2016 at 2:00 AM

Sad news with the passing of Mic Gillette, founding member of soul-R&B powerhouse Tower of Power. Mic played trumpet and trombone in TOP's legendary horn section.

Thanks for the memorable music.

What Is Hip?

You're Still A Young Man

So Very Hard To Go

Down To The Nightclub

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47 twocents

January 23, 2016 at 3:13 AM

I just have to comment twice to praise Kdrama Gods that now this year of 2016 I'm truly enjoying new series of dramas. It's like endless! Cable TV dramas especially give high expectations and guess what? they actually meet them.

Okay so now, the real reason why Ive got to comment twice is because SIGNAL! Is this even worth to be called as produced in drama quality? First episode got me hooked! Hopefully it's not too early to say this, but please let this drama be awesome. So guys please watch SIGNAL. YOU HAVE TO GIVE IT A TRY (hehe sorry not sorry for the capslock)

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50 alasecond

January 28, 2016 at 11:15 PM

Just started r88.. my first of reply series.. n cant believe show is indeed amazing..

ah ! interpersonal dynamics of all forms are same across time spans/generations/decades

so is r94 n r97 worth trying? or is r88 the best n others will be dissapointing?.. which one should i try after i complete 88?

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by HeadsNo2

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