I find it kind of funny that this week I was debating if I should watch The Empress of China after I saw a YouTube video that explained her history and who she was. I thought her story was interesting but I admit the number of episodes kind of scares me.

Looks like I'm going to start watching Rebel. Thanks!

For once I am watching the same shows as javabeans, woohoo! lol
Agree that the two sister in laws found a common ground is great because having the two of them bickering for so long can be frustrating.
Hope Lee Tae Hwan continues to improve. At least there's Park Eun Bin shining through ;D
Rebel: Thief Who Stole the People - the kid version is soooo cute! I want to pinch his puffy cheeks! Also his funny expressions when attempting to break that piece of wood are hilarious in an adorable way ^.^

I started Rebel, watched around 20 minutes but didnt have time and put it on hold for now.

also, seriously trying to fit in Dear My Friends, I am still on ep 4 with this.

but re-watching Reply 1988 gives me new insight into the parents´ stories. especially the dads. I guess we all skipped a little of that, but really, if you take it slow, they are a bunch of very curious human beings. sorry I skipped you, guys.

Just finished Goblin which was just OK for me and I'm sad cos I loved the premise, and Gong Yoo! I've read a lot of comments praising it and the writer, but I don't seem to get it. And I really really wanted to love the drama :(

The only thing extra-ordinary were the 4 actors. I found the editing choppy so before I could immerse into the scene it had already moved on to something else. And I felt that the characters weren't fleshed out. They were just there to move along as the plots went on: to laugh, to cry or be silly as needed. The writer could have done much better with the characterisation. The last ep seemed rushed through and the whole plot in general wasn't developed well. I mean there has to be a story tangent to follow from beginning to end, right? However, the main plot of the sword had to wait until ep 11 or something and was over in 3 eps. And there were so many answers to the whys that were solved by inserting a dialogue or 2 instead of using them as plot movement when they could have filled whole episodes with them (like the King's adviser actually being a big deal, or why the Goblin came back or why the Reaper and Sunny couldn't be in that lifetime.. ) Maybe it was just me.

At least, I have Weightlifting to make up for it. Finally started watching and am squeeing so much! So cute and so full of heart! I'm loving LSK and looking at NJH differently now as I watch. The role seems perfect for him. Definitely a gem and since the reviews have been great am excited it wont let me down til the end :)

Then am gonna start This Week My Wife right after. I'm contemplating on whether to live-watch Tomorrow With You or wait to marathon it.

I've been in a drama slump myself, but Rebel and Tomorrow with You are pulling me out of it finally! I'll still be tuning in to Introverted Boss for Yeon Woo-jin, but these are the ones making me feel giddy and excited right from the start! Now, if Park Bo Young's drama meets my expectations, I think I'll begin to feel like a very spoiled drama-watcher again.

I actually ship the Mom and Dad in Rebel harder than I have most leading couples of 2017 so far. I was surprised I allowed myself to get so invested in their happiness, but they were so sweet and so earnestly worked for a better life for their family that it hurt a lot more than I expected when the tragedy hit.

Ahh so many shows I want to watch but school is standing in the way :(

So what do you guys think of Hwarang? Should I watch it.

I like Park Seo Joon and Go Ara well enough, but I'm hesitant due to some of the descriptions of it. It seems like something of an ensemble piece, at least by the descriptions.

I despise ensembles (I know, weird.). I try to watch them and I just find myself infuriated and yelling at the screen for them to pick a character or two and FOCUS lol..

And based on the description it seems like this is about a whole group or something (hwarang?) going around adventuring or something.

So what do you all think?

Hwarang: I feel like we are just going in circles these past two weeks. I still love you, show, but some progress please.

Solomon's Perjury: It was such a hopeful and satisfying ending. The last shot of those two boys standing together gave me a pang of sadness and made me imagining all the what-if scenario. I need Seo Young-joo to act in another drama soon. And definitely not in a flashback sequence.

Missing Nine: I really love the first 3 eps, but now I felt like losing interest. The drama is getting intense, but I just couldn't feel it. I think I'll just read recaps to find out what actually happened in that island and who'll survive till the end.

Tomorrow with You: A bit melancholic with sprinkle of humour and suspense. I think I'll like it.

Are you recapping Father I'll Take Care of You, javabeans? The only time my attention is drawn to this drama is when I see it under your "what we're watching" section. I might check it out but I don't like soap operas. I know most kdramas can be considered soaps too, but the great thing about them is they END, the pacing is generally faster and there's an adventure element to them missing in soaps. Is Father I'll Take Care of You like a soap opera since it is so long?

The two shows I'm enjoying the most are

Saimdang: Light's Diary (it really took off the last two episodes) and

Rebel: Thief Who Stole the People, which is off to a good start.

I have decided to avoid reading recaps or discussion of Introverted Boss. The heroine-bashing is extreme and taking away my enjoyment of the series, which I've found quite clever to this point. I was looking forward to seeing how these two extreme cases of extroversion and introversion were going to change and meet in the middle, but now that the writing is changing I fear I won't get to see that story premise fulfilled. There is something to be said for "viewer beware" if it gets to the point when the drama isn't ruining itself for you, the comments on the drama are ruining it for you.

Hwarang -mediocre. Poor pacing. Drags and then you get a blip of excitement that doesn't last. Someone said it should have been made into a musical and I couldn't agree more. But I still like it enough to watch to the end.

Rakuen - this is a 6 part Japanese drama that's just had the 3rd episode subbed, and I am hooked! No romance, not even a male lead, it's all about the main female lead, who is a fine actress. Hint of the supernatural, chilling, and good accompanying score as she investigates a girl's murder by her parents and her corpse under the floor of their house for sixteen years.

Voice and Missing 9 - I like them both but somehow I'm not invested. I don't look forward to seeing the show the following week but when it's subbed, it's like oh yeah, I should check in. Voice did have me on the edge of my seat during one episode so it still has promise if it develops some of its characters and their relationship. Missing 9, I've been guessing right as to what is happening and why so far, so it's just becoming a little too predictable. But with so much left in Missing 9, perhaps there are actual surprises to come.

Tomorrow With You is off to a good start for me.

From the current shows I'm enjoying the most "Chief Kim". I like that nearly every character is interesting... or is it quirky/funny? :--) It is definitely not only Namgoong Min's show.

I'm also still watching "Golden Pouch".

And I checked the first episode of "Totsuzen desu ga, Ashita Kekkon Shimasu" (It's Sudden, But Tomorrow We're Getting Married) and liked it. The attraction between the leads is palable and I'm curious how they are going to overcome their opposite opinions...

Hwarang: Fell out of love with this one. I have been waiting to know Sun Woo's origins for the last 10 episodes. If I don't get breadcrumbs I will starve, show, and look elsewhere for food.

Rebel: The Thief Who Stole the People: Ah yes, this is the kind of historical drama I like. It looks beautiful, nice music, casting is spot on until now, and I got invested in the struggles of the poor slaves trying to buy their freedom.

Chief Kim: I came for Namgoong Min and the wackiness, and though I'm really rooting for this anti-hero, Jun Ho is giving the more compelling performance for me. When these two are together on screen sparks fly.

The Legend: Taking a cue from the 'top writers list', I checked this out since I loved Faith and Healer (by Song Ji Na). Now I know where the writer got her propensity for ridiculous villains with supernatural powers in Faith, and the pace is good if slightly meandering as in Healer. Little Yoo Seung Ho was so cute! And still is.

I absolutely LUFF Fan Bing Bing but honestly The Empress of China was such a drag. I mean I'm all up for dramatic reinterpretations, but Wu Ze Tian in the drama was a complete spineless candy who was supposedly "forced" to become ambitious and manipulative because of people who betrayed her. (What irritates me the most is how often she reiterates that she would rather have a simple life blahblahblah...I'm sorry drama writers but what's so wrong with portraying a woman who just wants to rule because idk, she's capable and she knows it???!!!) A drama that's ostensibly about female power and resilience, and mind bending court machinations ultimately boiled down to petty jealousy cat fights and inexplicable romances. I don't know if it's just me who feels this way, but by depicting Wu Ze Tian as this sweet-natured naive heroine who eventually transformed into a "ruthless" ruler due to circumstances (against her innermost wishes, as the writers never fail to remind the audience) just undermines women's capabilities and their professional aspirations. God I don't know. I just feel like the whole drama could be so much better but it really just became this endless parade of boobs (before censorship wiped them out because they "distract" impressionable young minds what tf does that even mean) and high fashion fabulous wigs and couture period gowns. It was a very self indulgent venture for Bing Bing, is all I can say. --end of rant-- still love you Bing Bing, maybe next time lol.

FINALLY! Finally I watched WFKB and I absolutely fell head over heels in love with this little gem. It snuck up on me and stole my heart. Bokjoo and Joonhyung made me love them as individuals and as a pair. I love how their journey from friendship to love unfolded in such a wonderful way. I'm glad I was there during their ups and downs and moments of growth.

This drama is near perfect in my book. Writing, acting, directing, and even the low-key OST ("WHAT?!" is now my phone ringtone! Hehe) are all spot-on. The story is simple, but there's so much beauty in its simplicity and in the way the story was told. For me, a drama does not have to be relatable in order to like it. However, if a drama has all the makings of a good watch and on top of those is truly relatable to the point that I will feel like I'm watching the story of my young self, then it becomes a truly special drama. That's what WFKB is for me.

I need to highlight the wonderful job that LSK and NJH did in their respective roles. They're okay actors in my book, but here they've shown a much wider range of acting skills and emotions. They showed nuanced acting that I found myself feeling for their characters and what they went through. More than the wonderful dialogues, I felt their emotions through their eyes and little actions. Now I cannot wait to see their next projects.

And just like that Swag OTP took over the no. 1 spot in my heart as my favorite OTP out of all the drama pairs I have seen. Now I get all the rave and love for this drama and this pair. I cried when episode 16 ended. It's my first time to actually scream "give me moreee episodes stat!!!" I do not mind watching Swag OTP for another 30 or so episodes. LOL

That being said, I was left with this warm and fuzzy feeling when the final ending credits rolled in. It's been a long time since I watched a drama wherein I truly felt satisfied with the ending. No what ifs, what could have beens, and whys. Just perfect ending for a perfect drama.

Can You Hear My Heart is one of my favorite dramas! Some of the characters there are really unforgettable. From Jeong Bo Seok who gave such a moving performance as a mentally handicapped father, to the tormented Maru played by Nam Goong Min...it was such a great drama. You're making me want to rewatch again

In order, most liked first:

Voice: thank goodness we get some this week.

Chief Kim & Missing 9: liking quite a bit

Rebel & Tomorrow With You: both promising

Hwarang: since I've gotten this far, I'll stick with it

Introverted Boss: reboot better be good, or else.

among the currently airing dramas I only watch hwarang. the others can't make me intrigued to watch, though i still read some of the drama recaps.

are there any dramas that give you similar feeling
with I Hear Your Voice? it's my favorite because it gave the right doze of everything (romance, comedy, sadness, and suspense) and most satisfying ending for me. if there's a show similar to IHYV, I would like to watch it.

General and I: Still enjoying though it is spinning its wheels a bit. The reason for what is going on this past week is much better fleshed out in the book. I wonder why drama writers (specifically ones dealing with historicals) have their female characters do things that make the often largely female audience go crazy. Whether it is HaeSoo's ridiculous reaction to the maid scenario in SH:R or Ping Ting's ridiculous decision making process in G & I, I just don't understand it. In the book, both lead characters in G & I had insecurities and some trust issues....was that too hard to do in the drama? It's friggin 62 episodes long. At least in SH:R, I knew the drama writer was, "OMG, I need 8 episodes and I have 3 to finish this up". SIXTY TWO episodes... Okay, I'll stop here.

Oh, and I am still basically enjoying the drama though perhaps from my rant, you wouldn't know it ;)

No Voice this week. Am checking out T-Drama Behind Your Smile. Why do they always have to make these dramas too long for the story they want to tell? Do like the OTP but kind of wish they'd done something with the roommate character.

Just finished watching the second Goblin Special. I think I can finally get over it now... maybe. The specials were definitely a treat, though. So many goodies!

I'm currently only actively watching Signal, but there are so many dramas I started, but haven't picked back up again... I'm definitely in a slump and I always see you guys raving about Weightlifting Fairy on here, so I should really pick it back up again. There's so many shows to watch, but idk why it's so hard for me to focus on watching dramas now...

Tomorrow with you, anybody?

Saimdang is getting better, the modern day portion of the show is a bit lackluster though.

Next week will be the transition to the adult actors for the historical portion.

Watching
Chief Kim- although another office drama it is very enjoyable- ngm can do comedy well. Junho is very good as the villain.

Saimdang- a bit disappointing and slow moving- the actress who acted in age of youth acted as the younger lee young Ae, she seems too young to romance the hero.

Voice- jang hyuk is still an excellent actor plus we get to see him fight. Lots of action, very thrilling- reminds me of signal. The older actress matches him more than psd in BM

Ghost- storyline also interesting and so Ji sub is in it.

Currently watching Sound Of Your Heart with Lee Kwang Soo - it's hilarious and only 10 minutes per episode!

Also casually watching School 2015 but finally decided to drop it after episode 13 when I finally had enough of being in the sinking SSL ship. I continued to read the last 3 episodes' recaps and glad that I don't watch it to witness the plot went even weirder.

As a new fangirl of Yook Sung Jae, can anyone recommend me his other good dramas?

The whole world is telling me to watch Rebel but I just don't feel like it for some reason. I might pick it up once it's done, when I'm completely sure it's worth the watch.

I currently have withdrawals because of Solomon's Perjury and this really bad snow is not helping at all. I feel like Sowoo is under every bunch of snow I see. Yikes! Treating my withdrawal by rewatching Dragons. I know, I'm Dragons trash. OTL

Defendant is a bit slow for my liking but it's interesting enough to keep me watching. Jisung and Eom Kijoon are just amazing and Yuri's quite good for the role. Still piling Voice episodes coz we all know how bad the cliffhangers are.

I'm surprised at how many shows I'm watching right now including variety shows (NJTW and Newlywed Diary). Thinking of checking Tomorrow With You and Manager Kim. To those who are watching the two dramas, how are they?

After 3 months, I'm finally back in the kdrama saddle with Rebel, and I really, really hope it's as good as it's set itself up to be (and as it promises to be, based off ep 1 and 2). Kim Sang-joong broke my heart and I don't want his part to end, but I'm looking forward to seeing Yoon Kyun-sang too - I know everyone knows him as Moo-hyul and cat-owner but to me, he'll always be murderous, heartbroken hyung.

It's an encouraging sign that the production values look so good despite the leads being rookies, MBC really does seem to believe in this one.

I finally have started to watch a drama I've been meaning to watch since forever: Hwang Ji-ni.

I remember watching this show in one of tv channel in my country, yet I could only watch about 5-7 episodes randomly since high school life kept me busy at that time. But oh... Ha Ji-won's portrayal of Hwang Ji-ni really left a deep impression in my mind, left me wanting to see more of her.

Hwang Jini was one of the rare case in K-Dramaland where female characters were so well written, yet the male characters were just meh. I haven't found any single male character in this show that makes me care about him. The lead male seems so pale compared to Ji-ni. It also didn't help that the actor was lack of presence. The second lead male was like our kdrama usual second female lead, scheming and bitchy. Not that It mattered, since Ji-ni didn't need a man and would choose art over them anyway. Puwahahaa.

One of my favorite scene so far is when Ji-ni asked the second lead male to spend a night with her (and oh... he's so over the moon when the Goddess asked him to sleep with her herself), but then she said she'd be the one who paid for his accompany instead of him paying her. She's like "here 100 nyang for your hat, another 100 to take off your outer robe," and so on until she said "Oops, I run out of money. Why? Don't tell me, you'll give yourself up for a mere 400 nyang, Naeri."... His expression was so priceless! It's so satisfying to see that snob nobleman's pride being crushed to pieces just like that. The next day he bragged to the male lead that he had an amazing night, only to order his servant the next minute to find out whether Ji-ni spread any word about what actually happened that night. Lol.

I love this show so far and hasn't regret my decision to drop the ongoing show I was watching for a while to catch up with this one.

Oh, how I loved "Can You Hear My Heart?". It's been years but I still hold fond memories of that drama. It was ao refreshing to have the OTP confident and unyielding in their commitment towards each other. Perhaps my memory is rusty but I do not recall any noble idiocy or unnecessary relationship angst between the 2. Also, Kim Jae Won's million dollar smile!

For all those who feel betrayed by the promise of a strong OTP in other dramas, you must watch this drama! It's like Weightlifting Fairy with makjang elements.

{Chief Kim} This week's episodes toned down the funny and emphasizes more on the scary. I found Junho both scary when he's threatening Namgoong Min and cute when he tries to talk to Nam Sangmi whom he's smitten with at the first sight, ha! One of the more interesting kdrama villain for me. I hope Namgoong Min can escape from Junho's claws fast though cuz poor boy just want to go to Denmark. (I want to add that everyone is doing a great job so far, no acting holes yet)

{Saimdang, Light's Diary} I wasn't going to watch this at first, because of the bad reviews by knetz. However, my love for Lee YoungAe got the best of me and I started it with clenched teeth. I am so happy that I found the first 4 episodes enjoyable. Yes, the young Saimdang is still green and her sageuk speech needs more practice, but other than that, I find myself invested in the story, both the sageuk part and the modern part. The guy who played young Lee Gyeom blew me away. He is excellent in the sageuk part and somehow I am starting to ship him with Lee YoungAe in the modern part of the story? Please, someone tell me that there will be no noona romance in this, because I am about to ride this ship real fast!

{Voice} I can't help but compare this to Signal. Clearly, Signal trumps this show in many ways. However, I am still enjoying this until Lee Hana said with confidence that she knows that the criminal is back in town. I went ???? at once. I can forgive plotholes but this is kinda a major one in my eyes so I am not looking forward as much to this drama anymore. I am still watching, but this show is not a priority anymore.

{Rebel, The Thief Who Stole The People} I have yet to see Kim Jisuk as a villain so I am kinda worried for him. I like him so I hope he can carry this role. I love everything about the first 2 episodes. Kim Sangjoong has all my respect and I hope he'll stay until the end of the drama. The lady playing his wife is still gorgeous after all these time (I last saw her in Misaeng) and she has crystal clear skin (so jealous!). I am heartbroken when she died in episode 2. I cried in the last 1/4 part of the first episode and in the last half of the second episode. I am looking forward to the adults part of the drama as well, hopefully soon!