Team Dramabeans: What we're watching » Dramabeans Korean drama recaps

133 June 4, 2016April 6, 2017

Team Dramabeans: What we’re watching

by javabeans

We’re back for another check-in on What We’re Watching! I’ve been enjoying the capsule updates, both as the watcher and the reader, and it seems you guys have as well. As we mentioned previously, we intend to have people cycle in and out of the weekly updates, so not everyone will necessarily write in every post, but we’ll make an effort to be semi-regular with it.

javabeans

Currently recapping: Lucky Romance

Oh Hae-young Again: I’m a little nervous at how much I like this show, because I’m afraid that it might let me down. So far it hasn’t, and it keeps me 100 percent invested with each twist of the plot, although the more I get sucked into the central relationship, the more I find myself getting impatient whenever we linger on the side characters. They’re wonderfully acted, but I just don’t care about them in quite the same way. That said, the moment that stuck with we most this week belonged to Hoon, when he declared that the very act of living was embarrassing, and thus he wouldn’t live in fear of being embarrassed. Words to live by.

Beautiful Gong Shim: is is such a feel-good, happy-making drama. The plot is simple, but somehow the drama has found the magic trick: It’s everything you love about a cheery weekend drama, minus the boring extraneous family stuff you usually fast-forward. It’s a drama made up of only adorable cute moments, and a wonderful pick-me-up in moments of stress or frustration. It’s also the only drama in years I’ve actually been prompted to rewatch episodes of during the week. I love the characters, and I love the twee nickname fans have come up for the main couple: Namgoongminah. Duh! How did we not see it sooner?

Mirror of the Witch: Continues to be beautiful, mysterious, with nary a minute wasted. And the fact that I have three addiction-spurring dramas going on at the same time is not something I take for granted. It totally makes up for the dry spell of the first half of the year, doesn’t it?

Neighborhood Lawyer Jo Deul-ho: It was never a heart-pounding, addiction-fueling show, but it was consistent and upbeat and delivered victories when you wanted, and went out strongly. I can’t imagine having endured a four-episode extension, since the story suited its length, so I can’t be sorry it got denied, even if Beautiful Mind will have to scramble (even more) as a result of it.

Monster: Since I’m already behind on this show, I put this on hold for the week…

Dear My Friends: …so that I could check out some other shows on the list. This show is good, but man, I don’t know if I can watch it without wincing from how real and heart-bruising it is. I’m thrilled it’s doing well, but I feel like I’ll have to take this in bite-sized pieces, because it’s certainly not a mindless watch.

girlfriday

Currently recapping: Lucky Romance

Dear My Friends: I was so into hating Shin Gu halbae’s character on this show, but then they made him a stoic Korean dad who stands up for his kids and never takes credit for it his entire life, and then I was crying. Damnit.

Mirror of the Witch: This show is already good, but I think it’s going to get even better this weekend. I’m just constantly impressed with the way it builds on its mythology and sucks me in with believable angst, when its world is full of witchcraft and curses and shadowy monsters.

Entertainer: They’ve finally introduced a storyline I like in this show! Hyung’s last song is the first story arc that really gets to me in this drama, and though I wouldn’t recommend any new watcher to sit through 14 episodes to get there, it’s a nice reward for those of us still watching. That and the Yeon-soo/Min-joo ship, which is the only ship worth being on in this show.

Oh Hae-young Again: I finally had the chance to catch up on my backlog of Oh Hae-young Again episodes, which of course turned into consecutive late-night marathon sessions, because once you get on, there’s just no stopping that train. I know this is a simple thing, but I just love that the drama about a foley artist has great sound, and that it’s directed with such loving attention to detail.

HeadsNo2

Currently recapping: Jackpot

Mirror of the Witch: Whoever conceived of this show needs to stay working in dramaland forever. Yoon Shi-yoon is absolutely killing it in this role, and conveys barely suppressed heartbreak like nobody’s business. More please, and thank you.

Neighborhood Lawyer Jo Deul-ho: A satisfying, feel-good ending for a satisfying, feel-good show. It probably won’t be one of those dramas that stays with me forever, but it was fun while it lasted.

Flower in Prison: I was a little hesitant to start this one despite my love of all things sageuk, but was pleasantly surprised by the first couple episodes. It’s actually pretty interesting because we only ever see The Only Prison in Joseon used as a temporary holding place, so to see a drama delve into how the prison system itself might’ve worked is a new concept. I’m still far behind and have yet to see the leading pair though, so fingers crossed.

dramallama

Currently recapping: Beautiful Gong Shim

Oh Hae-young Again: This drama gives me life every week. I’m bracing myself for when she finds out how he destroyed her wedding, but until then… Do-kyung and Hae-young foreverrr!!!

Dear My Friends: This drama makes me cry every week. Aunties are worn and torn by life, but they march on with hearts of steel. As if our aunties weren’t enough, Wan and even lousy Suk-gyun made me shed a tear.

1N2D: I’m behind on Mirror of the Witch, so this is how I get my weekly dose of Yoon Shi-yoon. With Season 3 going strong (two and a half years strong!) and now the addition of Yoon Shi-yoon (or as he’s known in 1N2D, Dong-gu — his real name), I wanted to check back in with the show. Not always the funniest, but when it delivers, I’m tearing up from laughter. I enjoy watching the jaded veterans try to adjust to newbie Dong-gu’s optimism. He’s still an innocent lil’ puppy, but he’s quickly catching onto the craftiness.

Saya

Jackpot: Oh Show, why aren’t you Warrior Baek Dong-soo? And why, for the love of brotherhood and puppies and the people of fictional Joseon, won’t you let Injwa die? It’s been twenty episodes already! Kill him, end the show, JOB DONE. Give yourself a holiday and a pat on the back. Or maybe we need to change your name to Yi Injwa Again.

Entertainer: The other half of my weekend-binge. You guys were right, episode 6 did get better. And with the exception of scenes involving otherwise sensible people gazing longingly at Hyeri/Hyeri responding with one of her three expressions (clueless, gormless or brainless), I’m loving it. It’s a cheerful, heartwarming, slice-of-lifey brom-com.

Noodle: Ohhh it’s all coming quite gloriously together, isn’t it? It’s been entertaining watching all the old schemers try to outmaneuver each other but it did kill the pace. I was worried by the slowness of episode 11, but now all the threads laid so far (and there were many) are being tightened in a very satisfying way. I need it to be next week already! But innocent little Tae-ha sacrificing himself to the dark side? Nooooo!

RELATED POSTS

Team Dramabeans: What we’re watching (May 28, 2016)

Tags: 1 show to rule them all, 1N2D, Beautiful Gong Shim, Dear My Friends, Entertainer, Jackpot, Master–God of Noodle, Mirror of the Witch, Monster, Neighborhood Lawyer Jo Deul-ho, Oh Hae-young Again, What We're Watching

133

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1 annflln

June 4, 2016 at 3:15 AM

Upon reading last post on team DB's watch list, I start to checking out Beautiful Gong-shim. And surprisingly LOVED IT. Its glad to see Namgoong Min sincere smile -not frightening one-. And GS and DT are dorks...love them.
OHY Again is my favorite. Like JB said, I'm afraid if it moving downward...hopefully not *crossfingers*.

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annflln

June 4, 2016 at 3:18 AM

Oh...I forgot mention about Jackpot. That drama was a mess...plot-wise not acting wise. Dropped it weeks ago. I'm applauding Saya for sticking till the end.

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2 Rachel

June 4, 2016 at 3:22 AM

Yay dramallama, another 1N2D-watching fan!

I do have a small suggestion to make to the DB team - this segment probably doesn't need to be that frequent; I would think since the miniseries air only once/twice a week, if you do a weekly post, your thoughts and updates may not differ that much week to week. Perhaps make it a fortnightly feature instead!

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kaybee

June 4, 2016 at 3:29 AM

Or maybe breaking up the teammembers into two "teams" and have each team write every other week? (If that made any sense whatsoever)

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annflln

June 4, 2016 at 3:31 AM

Good idea! But I kinda like this feature. It allows us readers to get more insightful opinion from DB's team, not only drama they're currently recapping but also other shows they're watching. Like JB said earlier not everyone will necessarily write in every post. Plus, we can have place to spread more love to other shows that...more is better :)

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gustave154

June 4, 2016 at 4:39 AM

i wish dramallama would recap 1N2D but maybe i am asking too much haha. she's my favourite recapper now on dramabeans!!

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PeepsLeAwesomePotato

June 4, 2016 at 5:17 AM

(I'm doing recaps of 1N2D S3)

(Also, DongGu isn't actually his real name. It's just his original name. He changed his name (and paid $20 according to Jung JoonYoung) officially to Yoon SiYoon when he was in his early 20s.

Well, we all know $20 ain't anything to 1Night, hur. Certificates and official papers ain't gonna stop them.

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soondubu

June 4, 2016 at 10:50 AM

I have a genuine question. How come on dramabeans, there's only recaps for Running Man and I think 1 other variety show?(youth over flowers I think)
No hate, just wondering

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halfmoon

June 4, 2016 at 2:53 PM

I think there was a variety roulette or something like that before. But I'm with you, I'd love to see more varied variety recaps too , even if it's not a regular thing. That would be awesome. But I get that the DB team might be tied up with kdrama and news articles.

Rachel

June 5, 2016 at 3:52 AM

DB used to recap 1N2D, but I think they stopped somewhere around the end of S2 or start of S3, when they felt the show wasn't going anywhere. Which was kinda true in terms of quality. The show has improved so much now but I believe it's hard for the DB team to pick it back up.

Running Man has always had more international fans and viewers so the web traffic does justify covering the show.

As for Youth Over Flowers it's not an ongoing show so it's less work.

Remember it's not just the 'minions' who need to watch the episode and recap it. JB and/or GF have to edit the recaps too, and that also means watching the episodes themselves. It's a lot of time and work!

crystal

June 4, 2016 at 10:56 AM

I wish they would just keep calling him Yoon Shi Yoon because that's the name everyone knows him by. Now it's confusing whether to call him Dong Gu or Yoon Shi Yoon.

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damianna

June 4, 2016 at 4:39 PM

Well, it's kinda weird for me but in 1N2D I see him as this new person which is Dong gu, even when I've been a fan of YSY since his Takgu days.
Even JJY would like to separate his singer and variety self, hence he never really showed his full singing abilities when there's singing involves in mission and stuff. Except for when he's trying to charm Han hyo joo.

kar

June 4, 2016 at 6:01 PM

I think it's a good thing, Dong Gu seems more countrified (?), fits the theme of 1N2D though we have 'Defconn' instead of Yoo Daejoon. Also I think it's funny because in the interview before his first shooting he said he joined 1N2D to be known as Yoon Shi Yoon instead of Tak Gu. Fortunately he's not Tak Gu anymore, sadly he's not Shiyoon too! It's hilarious!

obsessedfan

June 4, 2016 at 4:44 AM

I am fine with a weekly post since i think we can get insights of what the others apart from the recapper thought of previous week's episodes in brief. more perspectives, more fun.

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Oshi

June 4, 2016 at 8:21 AM

Agreed! I like the weekly thing since I'm not really asking for insightful thoughts in this feature but commentary similar to what the rest of us beanies do in our heads. The recap's and later reviews will be where they can sum up thoughts.

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Chandler

June 4, 2016 at 8:48 AM

Exactly, I don't need it to be super in-depth. But I like to see how recappers are responding to the episodes each week, because they have the chance to write about the moments they liked the most or just spazz.

Plus, this week's post is already quite different from last week, with some recappers picking up/catching up with other shows.

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3 piratri

June 4, 2016 at 3:27 AM

I really think OHY ended at last week episode 10...

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annflln

June 4, 2016 at 3:37 AM

It was scheduled at 16 episodes and then extended into 18 eps. I think its too early to end the drama at ep 10. Story wise, there still much to explore.

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yoobitna

June 4, 2016 at 6:25 AM

I think what ratri meant was, we all want OHY to end this week at episode 10 because we're too afraid of what's coming when our hae young finally finds out the truth! :< meh

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Oshi

June 4, 2016 at 8:21 AM

If it goes bad that's exactly what I am going to imagine.

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annflln

June 4, 2016 at 11:00 AM

Oh noes!! Not another CITT ?

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gustave154

June 4, 2016 at 4:38 AM

i agree it would be a great ending but don't worry there's more story

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obsessedfan

June 4, 2016 at 4:46 AM

you wish right? But we DO have to brace ourselves for our fav characters to face the music cause the real conflict begins now (*hides face*)

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annflln

June 4, 2016 at 11:03 AM

Yep...thats right. We're given 'happy moment' before entering the storm. We DO should brace ourselves. Even more...they didn't give us more preview ?

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Oshi

June 4, 2016 at 11:14 AM

There is a preview @Annflln!

Check here

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oN4dmxAixhI

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4 kaybee

June 4, 2016 at 3:27 AM

I love the Yeon Soo/Min Joo coupling! Yeon Soo and Chan Hee are so adorable and Min Joo is for once a sensible second lead female who's smart, capable and responsible (a rare breed). I love that if/when they get together, Yeon Soo will for once not always have to be the strong one, but will have someone dependable to lean on and to take care of him. The scene in ep 14 where he and Kyle were being chased by Geu Rin for using Hae Joon's toothpaste really reminded me that he's just a young guy like the other band members. I want him to just have some fun and enjoy life :)

I agree with Dramallama about 1N2D. Not all trips or episodes are equally funny, but it's often got me laughing to the point of tears. And I LOVE watching YSY being hazed/taken care of by the other members and learning the ropes. Donggu isn't his real name though, since he legally changed it, it's simply his birth name.
Am I the only one who noticed JJY suddenly behaving like a maknae at times after YSY joined? It's kind of adorable and I wonder whether it's scripted, deliberate on JJY's part without it being scripted or if it's just something that YSY brings out in him lol.
It's so great that 1N2D may be scripted, like every other variety show is, but you can never really tell what is and what isn't as they're so natural with each other.

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annflln

June 4, 2016 at 3:39 AM

LOL! The 'newbie' is technically is his hyung...so maybe it was an automatic response.

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kaybee

June 4, 2016 at 5:35 AM

I know he is, but so are all the other members and for some reason he's never behaved that maknae-like with them.

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annflln

June 4, 2016 at 11:05 AM

I don't know...maybe to make YSY more comfortable? Beside they both looks cute together.

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kaybee

June 4, 2016 at 12:09 PM

Don't get me wrong, I love it, the two of them together is so adorable and I love the way they interact, I was just surprised and wondering :)

azkaa

June 4, 2016 at 4:07 AM

Nevermind his tough aura and bratty maknae image, truthfully Joonyoung is sucker for bromance. He is actually a magnet for bromance lol. It helps that YSY isn't that older from JJY so easier to be close i guess.

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kaybee

June 4, 2016 at 5:43 AM

Haha that's true! Like the Roy Kim-JJY bromance lol, they're so cute.

The age-thing probably does help, I just looked up all the members' ages, had no idea Jongmin used to be the second youngest and even he is 9 years older than JJY. I also think it helps that YSY is such a smart guy, I think JJY has missed someone more brainy to relate to. He always seem to give more respect to and have the deepest connections with more intellectual people, like Juhyeok.

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gustave154

June 4, 2016 at 4:35 AM

if 1N2D is scripted, i love how they aren't so obvious about it. sometime the members just do whatever they like lol (they even ran away from the staff on one episode)

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damianna

June 4, 2016 at 5:37 AM

http://kkuljaem.blogspot.com/2015/04/yoo-ho-jin-pd-reveals-that-1n2d-is.html?m=1

The script is more like a guide. The guys blend so well together and I hope Dong gu will too. They are unique in the sense that they don't try to outshine one another so their interaction is fun.

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kaybee

June 4, 2016 at 6:15 AM

I remember that episode, that was hilarious! It could of course all be scripted, but I really don't think that was.

I think mostly the script is about planning the trip and then the rest is up to the members. They even cut out a lot of the games because they don't work or they ended up being boring. It also seems a bit random how they cut the episodes, which indicates that it's not that scripted in contrast with other variety shows that have a more set way of cutting them. And you often see the PD or crew being completely taken by surprise by who wins/loses or something a cast member does or when the cast start bargaining with the crew lol.

I did get confused though, by the fact that they suddenly told Donggu in one of the new episodes "wow, your first ad lib/going off script" or something to that effect. That seemed to indicate that dialogue is scipted too. I just have a really hard time believeing that, since they all seem so natural.

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damianna

June 4, 2016 at 7:25 AM

Yeah, JJY especially always left the PD and the staff dumbfounded by his quick wit in deciphering the games and stuff , Cha tae hyun too.

Oshi

June 4, 2016 at 8:24 AM

I haven't watched a backlog of episodes but he seems to be getting more comfortable. Right now he seems a bit of an outsider looking in. the dorky guy joining the cool crowd I suppose. That won't last with the way the guys are with him.

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kaybee

June 4, 2016 at 10:13 AM

I've seen some people leave comments on the youtube uploads like "OMG they're so rude to my poor YSY" lol, they must all be new to 1N2D! The hazing is a way of accepting and welcoming him as part of their team and it would take him much longer to get comfortable and get the hang of things if they didn't treat him like they treat each other.

So I agree, he does at times seem a bit like an outsider looking in, which is to be expected, but I also think it won't last long. It seems to me that he's exactly the kind of personality that will round of the cast nicely :)

PeepsLeAwesomePotato

June 4, 2016 at 5:20 AM

Compared to the other (crafty) Hyungs, SiYoon is a lot closer in age to JoonYoung, which may be what spurred his inner maknae to come out - since they've more to talk about and have it easier to relate to. Also, he doesn't have to act as tough so that he doesn't get "bullied", since SiYoon is essentially a good guy (sort of, most of the time).

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kaybee

June 4, 2016 at 6:21 AM

Yeah, YSY seems more of a softie than the other guys. And I do think the age, but also the fact that they're the smartest guys in the team and maybe even that they probably both have a lot of fangirls, make them able to relate to each other more. YSY also seems to have that random-trait that JJY does lol, where you can't predict what he'll do next.

But he also seems to be the only one who actually treat JJY like the maknae from the beginning, which might have something to do with it too? The other members were really wary of him in the beginning and didn't know what to make of him and then his wits and luck made them a bit in awe of him, but YSY seems to see through JJY's tough front from the beginning and treat him like a dongsaeng.

I'm really looking forward to how they're going to bond, they're pretty cute and fun together and it's quite a novelty to have a flower boy duo on 1N2D lol!

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Gidget

June 4, 2016 at 4:49 PM

In America, if a person changes their name:
Their new legal name is referred to as their 'name'. However - when it comes up - their birth name is always referred to as their 'real name'.

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kaybee

June 5, 2016 at 2:57 AM

Ah okay, thanks for the clarification :)

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5 annflln

June 4, 2016 at 3:42 AM

I can't stand Hyeri's acting (if there any) in Entertainer. I dropped this drama at ep 4. Maybe I will took hints from GF and start to re-watching from ep 14.

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LollyPip

June 4, 2016 at 5:09 AM

You need 13 because they wrap up one storyline and re-launch Hyung's story. But honestly, you actually *could* pick it up at 13 and be just fine.

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patinalee

June 4, 2016 at 6:57 AM

Ha ha.... Thanks for the headsup! I'll keep that in mind if i ever do start it again. Couldn't finish ep 1 the last time around. ?

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6 Enz

June 4, 2016 at 3:52 AM

I just started on gong shim when I was hesitant before because I have always found nam goong min bland and I am LOVING both minah and goong min in it. Very enjoyable at epi 3. Can't wait to catch up.

Loving OHY and dear my friends. I see my mom, my aunts in dear my friends. AND myself. So real it hurts.

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7 stringofpurls

June 4, 2016 at 4:01 AM

I really want to watch Dear My Friends, but my dad passed away two months ago and I feel like it will probably rip my heart out.

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Bùi Quốc Khánh

June 4, 2016 at 4:50 AM

You should watch something can me you smile while you watching Dear My Friends. Hope you get better.

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Gina

June 4, 2016 at 5:24 AM

So very sorry for your loss. I understand your hesitation because this drama definitely incites the feels on so many levels. But it could be a release too. Why not give it a try? You can always hit the stop button and leave it for another day.

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Chandler

June 4, 2016 at 8:55 AM

My reasoning is similar. I've just suffered a lot of loss lately and I'm not sure I can handle it right now.

I really hope to watch it someday though.

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Dramalava

June 4, 2016 at 9:39 AM

My condolences. As some one who has lost a parent, I'd say it might be wise to hold off as it can be triggering. It is lovely and you should watch it some day. Sending you loads of healing vibes ❤️

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8 gustave154

June 4, 2016 at 4:33 AM

Oh Hae Young and Gong Shim are the best dramas this year and we get to see them both in a row!! Perfect casting too!! Glad Minah got the role of Gong Shim, who knew she could act so well?? of course having Nam Goong Min helps too xD

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Wag-a-muffin

June 4, 2016 at 4:47 AM

I will have to remember "Minah" whenever I read one of those "all idols reek at acting" comments that pop up every so often. People are individuals. And some idols turn out to be talented in ways other than singing and dancing.
I love Minah's little raspy squeaks when she's teasing Nam, or angry with him. I am enjoying this show. (It's not perfect, but hey, who is?)

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bigmomma12345

June 4, 2016 at 5:10 AM

Those raspy squeaks are hilarious. It reminds me of actress Jennifer Lawrence's voice.

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pogo

June 4, 2016 at 6:34 AM

I stuck up for Minah when her casting was announced*, so all the Gong-shim love makes me feel rather happily vindicated. And she's got no shortage of singing talent either, since she's the main vocalist of her group.

*this was based on nothing besides a cameo in episode 2 of Master's Sun, where she played a mean girl so effectively that I didn't even realise she was the bread-eating ditz in Vampire Idol. That was when I realised she had potential - I wouldn't mind her doing a Jung Eunji mk. II and getting more acting roles.

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Chandler

June 4, 2016 at 9:04 AM

I also had barely seen Minah in anything, but remember being surprised at how disappointed people were in her casting. The little I saw of her may not have convinced me of an amazing emotional range, but I certainly found her entertaining and promising. I'm so glad that she's proved us right :) She really is a great singer too (so different from her raspy voice, love it!).

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crystal

June 4, 2016 at 11:06 AM

I think Minah was perfectly cast for the role, just like Hyeri was for Answer Me. Her bit roles in the past were unimpressive - an unmemorable. I would have to see her in another significant role to deem her a great actress.

kuromitsu

June 4, 2016 at 7:50 AM

I loved Minah in Sweet Savage family, and I love her in Gong Shim.

However, in fairness to the haters her character has been mostly snarky or bright/happy. I wonder if she can pull off strong emotional beats. This is the same PD of GWSS, so they know how to play to the actors' strengths.

Anyway, I think she's outdoing Hyeri ATM, so I can definitely say she's not one of the worst idol actresses out there.

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9 Thaipeppa

June 4, 2016 at 4:36 AM

Am watching Another Oh Hae Young, Beautiful GongShim, and Mirror of the Witch. Definitely enjoying all three at the moment. Wouldn't say I have a favorite out of the three because they all give me different feels. I am also watching 2 days 1 night when I have nothing to watch or when I need a good laugh. After this batch of kdramas, I'm gonna stick to only one drama per week (police unit 38) cause ya know, summer is here and I've been neglecting myself and my body -- need to get back to working out and getting my abs back.

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Oshi

June 4, 2016 at 8:31 AM

Isn't that the best?

All three of the dramas that work so well are so different in the emotional beats they play.

In my head I go Awww (BGS), AHHH(Mirror), TEARS (OHYA)

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Chandler

June 4, 2016 at 9:13 AM

I know, I love that they all satisfy me in completely different ways!

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Thaipeppa

June 4, 2016 at 3:45 PM

Definitely!!

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Chandler

June 4, 2016 at 9:23 AM

Lol, I need to get my body back too (I'm a maid of honor soon...). I actually sometimes exercise while I watch, but the 3 shows you mentioned are too good!

I also want to try cutting down to watching just Police Unit 3 (so excited!). But I'm worried that my love for Kim Rae-won and Ji Hyun-woo may hinder this...

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Thaipeppa

June 4, 2016 at 3:49 PM

Good luck with getting your body back lol. I've been slacking big time. I just can't seem to say no to ice cream and cake. Plus, all the grilling we've been doing lately.

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10 Wag-a-muffin

June 4, 2016 at 4:44 AM

Thank you Saya for mentioning Noodles. I didn't watch it at first, because the title was silly. Wasn't watching anything, so tried it for 2 episodes. Dropped it. Started watching it again. Dropped it again. And then, marathoned it last weekend, because I was stuck and needed something to take my mind off while I did some recuperating. And now (shockingly) I'm hooked and will continue to watch it. Usually I don't like soapy K-dramas. But the acting is good. And I'm curious to see if everyone gets to find out all the secrets. (Don't let me down, show. I'm warning you. I know where you live.)

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Bùi Quốc Khánh

June 4, 2016 at 4:52 AM

You give this drama lot of chances. I drop it at ep 3 because it not logic at all, i feel so bad for second male lead. (He really handsome, right?)

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Wag-a-muffin

June 4, 2016 at 7:08 AM

Yes. He's handsome. I also think the 1st male lead is handsome, too. I've been a fan of Chun Jung Myung since I watched him as a guest on Running Man--and in The Duo. (A Drama I loved until the ending.)

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11 rowanharper

June 4, 2016 at 4:51 AM

Yay! Girlfriday is on the OHY train! Hopefully this train won't crash. I'm so loving the show like everyone else and can NOT WAIT until javebeans and girlfriday do a podcast about it.

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Peach

June 4, 2016 at 10:43 AM

Yes! I love their podcasts and I've been eagerly waiting for another one to pop up for exact same reason. ?

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Oshi

June 4, 2016 at 11:16 AM

I keep hoping but I dunno. I think they may wait till after the current crop of shows is done.

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12 fab

June 4, 2016 at 5:09 AM

I just love LOVE Oh Hae Young Again! It's got my full attention and I don't need to watch anything else. Do Kyung and Hae Young make a perfect couple- those gazes and kisses...oh my. <3

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13 Aye

June 4, 2016 at 5:14 AM

I'm glad to see you guys like watching Mirror of the Witch just as much as I do. I love how the villains chill me to the core. They're haunting, frustrating, and make me feel like jumping into the screen and giving them a good ass kicking.

I also love Oh Hae Young, which is something that goes without saying at this point for everyone I believe.

Another drama I'm loving is Five Children. I just adore Lee Yeon Tae (Doo) and Kim Sang Min's storyline. That guy is freakin' hilarious.

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patinalee

June 4, 2016 at 7:37 AM

I love Five Children too. I love Mi Jung the most, she's smart, capable and has a bit of a temper that sometimes gets her in trouble.
Agree that Kang Sang Min is hilarious. Much much better than the actor's char in Passionate Love. And I'm warming up to Jin Ju. ?

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Oshi

June 4, 2016 at 8:33 AM

I'm so obessed with Five Children too!

Everyone story-line except the younger brother and his pregnant girlfriend have me hooked. I think I'm enjoying the fact that no one comes off as desperately evil. I really like the comedic chops on the in-laws and on the guy playing the golf god.

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Chandler

June 4, 2016 at 9:26 AM

I do not remember the golf god being nearly this funny in OMV! He's hilarious.

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Oshi

June 4, 2016 at 11:17 AM

Probably a matter of comfort and material. Sometimes things just click once you get comfortable with yourself.

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14 Enz

June 4, 2016 at 5:19 AM

Watching epi 4 of gong shim and I just have to rant that I HATE her sister. How can a sister behave like this?? I am soooo upset

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Oshi

June 4, 2016 at 8:35 AM

I wanted to take a leaf out of Skip Beat's book and make a voodoo doll. Something I can torture every time she does something. The worst of it is...I love the actress who plays her. She is sooo good.

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Enz

June 4, 2016 at 8:43 AM

I normally don't have much of a reaction to second leads but this one is not so much a second lead as an all out enemy! Lying, conniving and a sister! Must be th worst sister in drama land!!

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lolabeans

June 4, 2016 at 12:17 PM

I had to stop after episode 4 and I'm just reading the recaps now because I absolutely despise the Gong Mi. I'd hate her as a villain, but the fact that she's also a sister makes things so. much. worse and I can't right now I can't stand the thought of her having a happy ending. She can suffer.

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Sancheezy

June 5, 2016 at 1:27 AM

Gong Meany really try my patient,
I want to put a sign "be aware" for junsu, just stay away, don't fall for her....

but I believe junsu is a wise man

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15 I Quit

June 4, 2016 at 5:25 AM

Comment was deleted

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angieya

June 4, 2016 at 5:52 AM

I'm not French but studied it for a couple years in school and couldn't even make out what Jin Sang was saying when the Viki subbers did manage to decode some of his "French" (though a lot of times they also couldn't understand him and just translated the Korean subs into English lol). Isadora's pronunciation is quite good imo, at least her nonsense matches the French subtitles. :-P

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pogo

June 4, 2016 at 6:38 AM

yeah, I would definitely vote in favour of removing Hoon/Anna from OHYA, if I could.

(and I feel you, jb, I'm on pins and needles hoping the quality of the show doesn't drop)

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Oshi

June 4, 2016 at 8:39 AM

I kind of enjoy Hoon/Anna from a story telling perspective. They have a pathos all their own and yes they are there just to show what it means to live out loud. The actor's aren't given a lot of material to work with but still manage a bit of fun with it.

God, I don't even speak French very welll but I'm not as bad as those two. It's just like when someone tries to speak in Bangla/Spanish and doesn't get the accent. I know accent are hard but if you can't do it get some help.

By the way you guys should check out the BTS videos of Isadora and Jin Sang. They are pretty fun to watch and put you in awe of Isadoras physical skills.

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Chandler

June 4, 2016 at 9:39 AM

I agree. I do have moments when I get tired of them too, like when they went to the ocean in last week's episodes. But then the writer surprises me with their moments in episode 10 and now I suddenly care quite a bit about them. I do wish, if they are going to give them screen-time, they give them more material like this to work with.

I'm surprised that so many want them removed when we would have probably never gotten all these jump-hugs if it weren't for them. They serve a pretty important narrative purpose, even if their scenes are over-the-top.

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lolabeans

June 4, 2016 at 12:50 PM

If your name wasn't there, I'd think that I wrote this comment myself. My thoughts are exactly the same. I think they're best in small doses, but that, even considering the they mostly exist for comedy, they do serve a function in providing a nice contrast to the other relationships in the series. Remember, Hoon also started with a break-up, but instead of retreating (physically or mentally), he got his anger out immediately and went right into the next one.

And I also enjoyed their conversation in episode 10.

mutantreptile

June 4, 2016 at 9:55 AM

Jin Sang's French made no sense. Accent doesn't necessarily mean you speak the language badly, but if communication isn't achieved, then yeah, you need to work on it.

Other actors who speak other languages in dramas convincingly: Kang So-Ra's Russian in Misaeng and Yoon Shi-Yoon's Spanish in The Prime Minister and I. I have no idea if they speak them in real life, but they could have fooled me.

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angieya

June 5, 2016 at 1:38 AM

IIrc Kang Sora said she only did an hour of practice of Russian. I guess she has a very good ear when it comes to languages and pronunciations since her English was probably the best I've ever heard from a non native speaker from Korea who's never spend any time abroad (hell it was even better than the pronunciation of a lot of people who lived in English speaking countries for years lol).

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Peach

June 4, 2016 at 10:55 AM

Maybe you should just consider it part of the comedy that his French is so bad. ? If you tell your mind that it's not supposed to be good, and is just another part of his half-assed attitude towards everything (lbr I don't think this character would've been a diligent student, in French or ANY subject) then maybe it won't bother you as much.

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Oshi

June 4, 2016 at 11:18 AM

I hadn't thought of that but it fits! Now it makes me wonder if he didn't do it on purpose!

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Chandler

June 4, 2016 at 4:22 PM

Yeah, I think I wasn't expecting his French to be good from the start so I just always consider his attempts intentionally comical. It's like, even though it's "French" to them, in reality, it's a language only him and SK noona can understand. I find it kind of cute, tbh.

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16 HyunnJi

June 4, 2016 at 5:25 AM

Yay! Dramallama also watches 1n2d.

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17 mardybum

June 4, 2016 at 5:28 AM

I'm on team Yeon Soo-Min Joo. I'm so uninterested in the love triangle stuff I've started skipping a head during it. There's nothing about Geu Rin that makes me see why two guys like her so much. I've considered dropping the show. I'm watching out of habit more than interest at this point.

On the other hand, I'm not skipping a second of Oh Hae-young Again.

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18 kanz

June 4, 2016 at 5:35 AM

"Or maybe we need to change your name to Yi Injwa Again." -Saya-
Hahahahahah ROFLMAO, I'm literally laughing as I write this.
Nooo.. please, don't end like Warrior Baek Dong Soo, please just make the brothers find happiness ever after. I don't care if they alter history, which they already done. Btw, which year was the Yi Injwa died and what year is it in the drama now? I'm kinda confused with the timeline. Going GOF style, I predicted Yi Injwa will die in the last episode and it's going to be bloodbath as the writer would kill at least 70% of the population.

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19 loveblossom

June 4, 2016 at 6:10 AM

I completely feel the same way as javabeans about OHYA. I’m obsessed with our Oh Hae Young and Do Kyung. I look forward to their scenes the most.

I like both Yeon-soo & Min-joo. They’re great characters and cute. I wouldn’t mind seeing them together.. though I had shipped MJ with Seok Ho initially. I don’t think that’s going to happen now. LOL

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20 cupkate

June 4, 2016 at 6:25 AM

Omo! I might have to check Entertainers again if only for the YS-MJ ship...That actor playing YS is so adorable!

OHY is of course my fave right now, and it looks like almost of Team DB love the show as well.

MOTw continues to be intriguing and YSY continues to be amazing.

I'm quite surprised that Minah is good as Gongshim. She's so adorable and I love her voice especially when it gets raspy..It adds to her quirk which I find so cute. I don't care about the Unnie though. And the Mom.

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21 songsong

June 4, 2016 at 6:32 AM

Oh Hae Young Again is the best thing that happen to dramaland so far this year even better that DotS.

The chemistry and magic of Seo Hyun Jin and Eric is off the chart! So glad I watch this drama.

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yoobitna

June 4, 2016 at 6:34 AM

I agree with you!! Oh Hae Young Again is waaaaaaay better and addictive than DoTS. I sweaaaaaaraaawr

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gustave154

June 4, 2016 at 11:50 AM

Oh yes definitely. Everything about the drama has been great especially our OTP. Eric and Seo Hyun Jin couple 4 ever

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22 Jess

June 4, 2016 at 6:32 AM

Love these posts!

Also reminds me of something I've been wondering for a while, though maybe it's been discussed somewhere already. How does the db team decide who recaps what? Especially with all the new people around. Do you like, pull straws? Play drinking games? Maybe Joseon-style gambling? Anyone else think this would make an excellent Odds-and-ends topic? (Which, btw, those are my favorite posts!)

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23 yoobitna

June 4, 2016 at 6:33 AM

Started on Gong Shim and it was not bad, I really like the comedy especially when Nam Goong Min wearing Gong Shim's wig I just dieddddd. But nobody can beat my addiction on Oh Hae Young. So glad Seo Hyun Jin took on this role instead of Kim Ah Jung. I really can't imagine Our Hae Young as anyone else. EVER. :>

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yoobitna

June 4, 2016 at 8:28 AM

I just watched Gong Shim ep 4 and realized that both Gong Shim and Hae Young had to carry their drunk man back home, or bed. they really changed the drunk-woman-sober-man role around. YAY no more cliches

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Oshi

June 4, 2016 at 8:41 AM

Meh, the networks will keep the cliches up :P

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kuromitsu

June 4, 2016 at 6:39 PM

It also happened in Marriage Not Dating.

All About My Mom had a variation where it was Lee Sang Woo carrying his mother-in-law Go Du-Shim

I love it when they do things like these.

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24 Loolu

June 4, 2016 at 6:44 AM

Beautiful Gong Shim is a weekend drama?? Soo does that mean it's gonna have 30 or 40 episodes? I LOVE the show but if they drag out the plot....(insert crying emoji)

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patinalee

June 4, 2016 at 7:18 AM

Last i checked, it's 20 ep. Not all weekend dramas have 30 ep or more. Marriage Contract was a weekend drama, 16 ep. And very good. Uee's best work thus far, in my view.

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Loolu

June 4, 2016 at 7:38 AM

That's a relief. I just don't want the small plot of this show to carry on for any more episodes than it needs. Thank you!

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25 miroufleur

June 4, 2016 at 7:26 AM

Oh Hae Young Again is addicting and the only drama that has my heart and attention.

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26 korfan

June 4, 2016 at 7:30 AM

Saya's comments about Jackpot are so right on! I had initially decided to give Jackpot a chance and starting watching it. ..... Unfortunately, I couldn't get past episode 6. I got so bored with it!

It's a shame because I did find Choi Min-soo particularly good as the king. His scenes, however, were never enough of them and when they appeared, they were over in the blink of an eye.

Liking the Noodles though!

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27 Chandler

June 4, 2016 at 8:06 AM

ROFL, Namgoongminah. Ahhh, that's just perfect.

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28 Chandler

June 4, 2016 at 8:25 AM

First off, yay, girlfriday! I was so surprised that you weren't watching OHYA, only because I thought you in particular would love it.

"I know this is a simple thing, but I just love that the drama about a foley artist has great sound, and that it’s directed with such loving attention to detail."

-Honestly, I think a lot of us adore this aspect. It's so simple, but it has a surprising amount of impact.

My top three are definitely OHYA, Beautiful Gong Shim & Mirror of the Witch. I finally checked out Dear My Friends, but am planning to save that in case there is another drought down the line. I've been slowly catching up with Noodles too.

I am so pumped for Mirror of the Witch today. GF is right, things are about to get really good, I can feel it!

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Oshi

June 4, 2016 at 8:43 AM

Do not under any circumstances binge Dear My Friends. You may die of dehydration or the feels.

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drawde2000

June 6, 2016 at 5:21 AM

+10000. I was drained watching Episode 5 and 6 back to back last week. So, yeah do not marathon. But this is one good drama.

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29 slim007

June 4, 2016 at 8:28 AM

Watching marriage contract and loving it so much but anybody notice how freakishly thin Uee is? I could see her veins

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earthna

June 4, 2016 at 10:32 AM

Yes! She's gets thinner every time I see her. She was thin in Hogu's Love and even thinner in MC. It did work for her because of the plot but yeah.

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30 Oshi

June 4, 2016 at 8:49 AM

Yay more weekend features.

What I'm watching:

Oh Hae Young Again:
Every moment of this show has me more and more in love with it. Addictive doesn't begin to describe it. I think what hits it for me is the fact that it did such a good job instantly defining every character. I keep reading negative comments about how the characters are all stock and wondering what the helll they are talking about...

Gong-Shim:
I'll be honest I'm not nearly as invested as some folks are but I like the cuteness. The lost boy storyline is irritating the crap out of me. I wish the actress playing the sister got more credit for being a good actress. She's always stuck playing such evil characters who you hate but is just so pathetic.

Mirror of the Witch:
Oh my lovely Yoon Shi-Yoon. Please turn out to be gay so I can totally kidnap you crazy fan style....
Show is doing some work!!!! I love the aesthetic and I'm surprised at the layered villians.

Dear My Friends:
............every moment my heart clenches. I've taken to waiting a day after reading the recaps to watching it. I'm still so broken afterwards.

Five Children:
GOD DAMN IT STOP BEING SO FUN!
My first real weekend drama. I love so much of it!

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31 earthna

June 4, 2016 at 10:30 AM

HAHAHAHAHAHHA Saya! Yi Injwa Again! Perfect description of the show.

I find it amazing how I didn't bother to watch OHYA EP10 considering how EP9 was such a cliffhanger. I'm behind with OHYA and Dear My Friends but my love for Mirror of the Witch is just getting stronger.

I'm marathoning 1N2D S3 and I love it! Donggu made me watch the show.

Also, watching bits and pieces of Dragons on the side. Clicked on episode 25 around 11:30 last night and I had to stop myself from watching other episodes coz it's almost 2am. Dragons won't let me rest.

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32 Cheliwel

June 4, 2016 at 10:54 AM

Watching the same as last week, MOTW, Beautiful GS, Entertainer but now added 1N2D. I was a random viewer of Season 3 but now I'm picking it up again. I can see why 1N2D has trampled Running Man during the past two years. I still watch RM weekly and RM has been improving but the show has been so inconsistent that it feels like they need a total reboot or maybe add/ change some cast members. I feel like RM is constantly trying to find their concept.

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33 Beez

June 4, 2016 at 11:38 AM

@SAYA Say it, girl! (no pun intended) lol

I love when the bloggers here give how they really feel about shows and characters, whether I agree with them or not.

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34 Evelia

June 4, 2016 at 11:45 AM

I am way behind on Jacjpot but I plan to finish the drama. Watching Mirror of the With and I am enjoying the story. I wrote this for the first two episodes:

Episode 1

The Queen Dowager
I prayed
I prayed
That did not work
The light did not come
So
I have to
I will
Seek her in the
Night
Sacrifices
That is
What
It takes
She says
Triumph
To let
The
Royalty
To let the lineage
Continue
So I will
Call on her
Call on she
Who can
Make the impossible
In the night
Come true

Episode 2 Joon in the forest:

The Dark Forest

What will you find?
That kite floating
With the dead skin
Of the dead
That beautiful ghost
That will eat you
Or something worst?
Aren't you afraid, as the darkness
Comes
As the forest becomes dark
As the tree branches scratch at you
As the animals wail
As the wind howls
Warning you to go
To go....

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35 hyanggi

June 4, 2016 at 12:28 PM

I love javabeans' comment on OHY Again, I love it and I don't wanna it to go downhill, no not to Eric's drama! And true, Hoon's words are really haunting, why be embarrassed in trying? That's wisdom, dude.

I'm only watching OHY Again, and maybe I'll try Beautiful Gong Shim too, it sounds promising.

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36 lolabeans

June 4, 2016 at 12:33 PM

I also enjoyed Hoon's line from episode 10. Thinking along those lines, dying is inevitable. There's no reason to stop living because of that fact. Marriage Contract did a good job showing that.

I don't know why I'm avoiding Mirror of the Witch when it's totally my style. It might be something to marathon after its aired.

I do know that I'm being a chicken about Dear My Friends. A part of me just wants to marathon and get the dehydration and accompanying headache out of the way in one go, but that's probably a bad idea. Maybe I'll wait for the final week and do one or two episodes a day.

I love this feature by the way. It's a great way to get to "know" the recappers and their tastes even if I don't follow he dramas they cover. I think it will be helpful when looking for recs in the future too. And the short format is nice too because it means you're all sticking to the most stand out moments and thoughts for each week's episodes.

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37 bunny

June 4, 2016 at 1:23 PM

Currently watching:

God of Noodles
More and more interesting this week. Somehow everybody looks more bold and handsome this week, too. Cant wait for next week!

Mirror of the Witch
-still waiting for subs to come out, but I'm so on board!

Neighborhood Lawyer
Satisfying ending for a feel good drama. I wish there were more story for Kang So Ra and that cute prosecutor though, since I dunno how their relationship shall work out with that kind of dad he has. It feels like it can have a movie on its own!

Oh Hae Young Again
Sidetracked by Hoon/Anna, since they made a good point about living your life (Hoon), brotherly love, and being with someone (Anna). Got disappointed with Hoon though, when he fell for Pretty's spell from the window. Really, Hoon? I can still vividly recall how you went all out in yelling at her by (your hyung's) phone in earlier episode.

I dropped Yi In Jwa Again this week. I just dont have enough faith on the screenwriter to continue, not after Dam Seo was turned into another idiot who sacrifice her life for all the wrong reason (and which anull her very essence of existence in the story, after that looooong tiring unhappy face she had to put on in the entire movie), and not after Dae Gil gave that pardon plate to Yi In Jwa last week. I can pardon the prince though. He looks as struggling as I am in comprehensing WHY that guy is still alive and laughing.

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38 yayabean

June 4, 2016 at 3:56 PM

I should definitely watch Beautiful Gong Shi. ?

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39 birdscout

June 4, 2016 at 4:40 PM

I've been an avid dramabeans reader since 2007, and I just wanted the team to know that this feature is a fantastic and welcome addition to the site!

Keep up the awesome work dramabeans!!! Thanks for everything you guys do:)

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40 Simi

June 4, 2016 at 5:32 PM

I am also loving this new segment. It is great to see what everyone is watching and how they feel about the shows that are on air.
Right now I am watching...

Entertainer
Really only hanging on for the bromance and the brothers stolen song story. A agree with girlfriday that the Yeon-soo/Min-joo ship is the only one worth watching. The mains just don't have chemisty!

Oh Hae-young Again
I just started this last week as I had been waiting to see if it stayed good and I am hooked! Not what I expected from the trailers! A lot more heart.

Mirror of the Witch
Loving it! I admit I do love those supernatural storyline but this one is definitely darker that I thought it would be. And of course who doesn't love yoon shi-yoon

Five Children
I am not a big weekend drama person, they're of to slow and too long for me. But here I am 30 episodes in and still loving this drama!

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41 Yoon

June 4, 2016 at 5:41 PM

The only drama I'm watching is Oh Hae Young Again. Everything is perfect. And Eric is such a HOT human species. The chemistry, the kisses, the story, everything I love to the bits.

Tried watch Beautiful Gong Shim, but the story can't convince me. Somehow I feel the actors a bit overact. Well, maybe it just not my taste.

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42 Sancheezy

June 5, 2016 at 1:41 AM

OHY and Gong Shim make me feel weird, both is enjoyable but bugged me

OHY : there's a lot of stories but honestly I don't agree with their choices and I don't care much about them, I care about how the stories turn out but in fact I really want to know how the problem will solve. It just I can't like any of the characters, maybe because the tone of the drama that for me feels like painting OHY and DK as the hero and while the action feels different.
I really can't describe this feeling, it feels like when I read some of the middle parts of Death note manga. I get this is how you played this game, I can't like it and I am now too involve to not know how this will end.

GS : there such a little plot development but I like the character, I just like them so much, it feels like they knew what going on to them and they tried their best. It's like watching Nicjihou or Danshi kokousei no nichijou.
Then I want it to have something going on despite re-watch it.

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Grapes

June 5, 2016 at 6:28 PM

Couldn't agree more about OHY, i am on the same boat as you

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43 JT

June 5, 2016 at 5:52 AM

Mirror of the Witch - apart from the fabulous costumes and sets and a wonderful ensemble of actors, i love that the storyline is fresh and unpredictable.