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

290 May 6, 2017May 5, 2017

Team Dramabeans: What we’re watching

by DB Staff

Did you make it through the pre-emptions this week? With the election looming, will you be able to make it through even more of them next week? I’m choosing to think positively and take this time to catch up to things that had been put on hold; maybe I’ll even pick up something entirely old, or entirely new. Nothing blue, though, since I’ve been gravitating toward dramas that pick up my mood and make me happy. There’ll always be time to cry later! –javabeans

javabeans

Chicago Typewriter: I feel like this show took a little while to get to the point, but I do now find the story intriguing—and even better, unpredictable in an enjoyable way; I have no idea where it’s going or what kind of ending to expect, but I don’t mind going along for the ride. I don’t feel emotionally connected to most of the characters, which is a slight disappointment (though I do feel sympathy for Go Kyung-pyo—there’s always something so sweet, pathetic, and wistful about a ghost who wants more than his noncorporeal form can provide), but the plot is compelling enough to keep my interest.

Man to Man: This show is fluffier than I was expecting, but I in no way find this to be a detriment; most spy-action dramas have a tendency to take themselves too seriously, and often turn unintentionally cheesy. Man to Man has its cheesy tendencies too, but the difference is that it’s entirely intentional, and the humor, while a little broader than I’d prefer, is definitely its best asset. That and Park Hae-jin’s deadpan acting, though I’d argue that that’s just another facet of the humor, where his character is entirely humorless but the actor is working that entirely for comedic effect. The plot is kinda B-list and the story pretexts somewhat flimsy, but the show has a feel-good, silly-funny vibe that I’m enjoying.

Father, I’ll Take Care of You: As we head into the final week, I’m expecting some hastily tied ends, and while I’m not sure I’ll be completely content with the way things wrap up, I’m hoping for some satisfying resolutions. I do really appreciate that the story once again is closing around the concept that family is as much (if not more) about nurture than nature, and that pure blood ties don’t always win out over emotional bonds. It’s refreshing that Hyun-woo is acknowledging now that there’s value to the time his blood brother spent with his non-blood family, which is mirrored in Dong-hee wanting to stay with the dirt-poor grandma who raised her with love rather than the uber-rich grandma she never knew. This idea that family is something you make, not just something you’re born into, isn’t necessarily revolutionary, but it is a stance that we don’t often explore in dramas, which are often much more about the power of the blood kinship.

Father Is Strange: Badass Unni is badass! I both want Hye-young to be my sister, and me to be Hye-young when I grow up. I’m so glad that Jung So-min got her chance to stand up for herself and demand that apology, and I’m glad that she did it on her own terms (even though Unni had a hand in ensuring that it happened). I also loved when Lee Joon took her side in the family debate, totally unprompted, just because he understood her position when the rest of her family didn’t. I can’t wait for these two to bond more.

The Liar and His Lover: There’s something special about this drama in the way these characters feel real to me—it’s not the acting, which is fine but not phenomenal, and it’s not the story itself. It’s more that the show as a whole, on a big-picture scale, feels tight and cohesive, and thus the story enables a kind of full immersion into this world. I feel like Lee Hyun-woo is a musical genius with father issues, and that he really did write all these songs on the show. I’m keeping an eye on this rookie writer, because I’m pleased and amazed that we’ve made it 14 episodes and I’ve never once gotten bored or lost interest, or felt that the plot was running out of steam. Even if it’s a remake, it takes skill to plan, pace, and build a story so that it’s always developing and avoids that near-inevitable late-game dip in energy. Storywise, I was moved by the way each character wanted to take responsibility for everyone else, and how it felt actually noble without being idiotic. But since they’re young and unskilled, they can only attempt to fix their problem with insufficient methods, and it’s poignant because they try anyway, driven by their loyalty and care for each other.

girlfriday

Rebel: Thief Who Stole the People: What a week to pre-empt the second episode!! The show sure did take its time getting here, but man, when everything came together in just the right way, I was on the edge of my seat and giving up all of my tears. Chae Soo-bin’s emotional roller coaster ride over the course of one episode was stunning, and I can’t believe she made me cry with a blindfold over her eyes. And don’t even get me started on the downtrodden people bursting into song to rally their hero and fight for their freedom. *whimper*

Whisper: I can’t help but think that if the heroine had been returned to her rightful place as a police detective about half a series ago, I could’ve been made to care more. I’m not even positive that it would’ve been the perfect fix, but I’m constantly watching this show and trying to figure out why it doesn’t grip my insides and twist them into knots the way this writer’s previous works did.

Mystery Queen: I was surprisingly moved by the case this week, which I credit to the actress who played the young single woman who’d just moved to the big city and hadn’t even gone on her first date. She was so warm and sweet, and despite being such a minor character, she’d managed to touch all of the characters’ lives in some way, making her death especially sad.

Man to Man: I really enjoy this current setup where Park Hae-jin is the smooth operator who needs to fool Kim Min-jung into thinking that he’s in love with her. It’s like a one-sided contract romance, but with guns! I appreciate that the plot moves so quickly in this show, because I think the writer is fully aware that it’s all just a delivery device for more Park Hae-jin hijinks, and I’m fully onboard with that. Plus, Oppa-as-Cupid is an unexpected but adorable turn.

The Liar and His Lover: I ran out of shows to watch this week because of all the pre-emptions, so I figured it was a good time to pick up The Liar and His Lover, since it seems to be a favorite among Beanies at the moment. I’m just a few episodes in, but it’s a nice breath of fresh air among all the darker shows I’m currently watching. The music is actually used to tell the story, and the hero is a likable prickly geeeenius, which is a rare species in dramaland. I’m less interested in Crude Play, but the heroine’s journey seems lovely and worth getting invested in.

HeadsNo2

Perfect Wife: Crazy lady wants heroine’s worthless husband. Worthless husband has no personality, wants, or desires. Crazy lady gets away with way too much over the course of one series. There, I’ve summarized the entire show.

odilettante

Currently recapping: Whisper

Super Family 2017: I’m loving the spring fever and blossoming romances (Gwi-nam and Ms. Ahn! Mom and the cranky upstairs neighbor! Ik-hee and her complete unawareness that there’s a messy love quadrilateral brewing with her boyfriend, friend, and neighbor!). But I also deeply appreciate how comfortable and satisfying the relationship is between Chun-il and Ra-yeon.

Radiant Office: I may be a few episodes behind but I’m still sad that the show has ended. I’d like to say it’s just because of how much these characters have wormed their way into my heart and soul — I would do anything to make sure the Suicide Squad got their well-deserved happy ending. Buuuuuuuuut there’s also a little part of me that’s crying because now I will only get two episodes of my beloved Hoya a week instead of four. I’ve been spoiled for too long!

Chicago Typewriter: I was getting all set to drop this but now I’m here for the contract bromance and finding out more about what happened in the past (why can’t most of each episode be set in the ’30s?). I am also, once again, suffering from second-lead syndrome for a ghost. Yeah. No one ever warned me that dramaland would be filled with so many attractive and charming ghosts.

Tunnel: I’m finally caught up through Episode 10, and even though I love Yoon Hyun-min and am curious about how Kwang-ho will return to the past and make everything right again (or at least live happily ever after with his wife and daughter), I’m struggling to care about the main mystery. It’s not really drawing me in, especially since the viewers already know so much and it’s a matter of waiting until the characters finally figure it out. It’s not that I don’t dislike the drama, but I feel like Jae-yi — disassociated from the pain of our characters and only invested to see if it will end like the way I deduce that it will.

chickachunga

Radiant Office: I still haven’t seen the last two episodes, but that may be because the finality of the series hasn’t hit me yet, and I’m not ready to say goodbye! This isn’t a splashy show by any means, but that’s why it’s so great; the characters are real and relatable and their struggles are, too. Go Ah-sung and Lee Dong-hwi shine in their respective roles as underdogs in this underrated, small yet heartfelt show that always brings a smile to my face.

Whisper: Following the death of Young-joo’s dad, I thought I detected a switch flipped in Dong-joon, and I expected to see a bolder, more aggressive, and brazen lawyer… but Dong-joon is still the same ol’ Dong-joon. I get that he has a corporate job and therefore has to stay at the office for most of the day, but it’d be nice to see him venture out more and join Young-joo on her baddie butt-kicking adventures. Anyway, I’m loving the tiny glimmers of intimacy between the two leads. Dong-joon snagging some of Young-joo’s salad was super cute. But what could possibly be in a Subway salad that was worth taking? Hopefully, they’ll transition to fancier fare than foot-longs and leaves.

tineybeanie

Currently recapping: Rebel: Thief Who Stole the People

Man to Man: I’ve only watched Park Sung-woong in serious roles, so I was completely unprepared for this version of him, but he’s comedy gold. He plays his character so well—finely treading the line where we can see the juxtaposition between the diva man-child, and the deeper inner Yeo Woon-kwang that we catch glimpses of when he’s contemplating his first love. Speaking of which, Chae Jung-ahn is fierce, although I may have liked her empty-headed bubble-brain act in Yong-pal a smidge better; she’s a similar character here except more grown-up. I’m half-expecting the kid to be Woon-kwang’s because we’re in dramaland, and that’s what tends to happens when “good” secondary characters get stuck in bad situations: They marry the villain. And I love me some makjang, so I won’t mind if the story ends up going in that direction. As for the main couple, honestly, I’m meh at this point, but hopefully things will pick up soon.

SailorJumun

Currently recapping: The Liar and His Lover

Persevere, Gu Hae-ra: I had a lot of fun watching this, though I will admit that I was strictly in it for the sick music covers and not so much the characters. While I liked Team Persevere as a group, individually, they were hard to get attached to. And to make matters worse, the show tried to get me attached to a love triangle that I just wasn’t having. It lost its emotional pull far too soon (I’m still not over that terrible loss in Episode 2). At least the actors moved on to better projects after this? #brightside

Hwarang: I’d dropped this when it was still airing but figured I’d gotten too far not to finish it. I really loved the first half, but at a certain point, the story seemed to be spinning its wheels. The romance I liked wasn’t going anywhere and the bromance I loved wasn’t going anywhere, so there was almost nothing to look forward to except the charming side stories. Our main storylines did come back together for the finale, but instead of feeling satisfied, I just felt angry over the wasted potential. I’m crossing my fingers that Fight My Way is good, because my thirst for Park Seo-joon still demands to be quenched.

Laica

Currently recapping: Mystery Queen

Strong Woman Do Bong-soon: I got behind on this show, but I watched the last four episodes last week, more to complete it than because I wanted to find out what happened. This drama gave us some incredibly squee-inducing moments, but now that it’s over, my primary emotion about it is regret for its wasted potential. This could have been an amazing story about female empowerment and fighting for those who get left behind by the justice system—and all the elements were there in the beginning—but the awful writing took us on strange and unfunny tangents, with a lack of development in almost every plot and character storyline. Ahn Min-hyuk was the only truly fleshed out person in this story, which is a shame because this was supposed to be Bong-soon’s story, and that makes me sad despite how tooth-achingly sweet they were as a couple. In the last few episodes, the only emotional beat that worked for me was surprisingly Ji-soo’s conversation with Bong-soon about their missed timing, and his manly tears in the car afterwards (I definitely cried). Maybe one day this cast will be reunited in a better show, but for now I can’t forgive the excitement this one made me feel with its posters, and I just want them to move on to better things.

Father Is Strange: Lee Joon is simultaneously so pathetically adorable and so oblivious, I don’t know whether he deserves to be smacked or given a bear hug. I am loving him with the Byuns, in every combination. I’m also really glad Lee Yuri found out the truth and confronted both her sister and the bully with her knowledge. I wish Jung So-min had decided to tell her family the truth, but I am glad that she’s growing a spine and learning to stand up for herself. I only wish she and Lee Joon could go back to being buds—that was so cute!

Radiant Office: What will I do next week without this beautiful show? I can’t even express all the things I love about it, but I’ll list a few: the totally heartwarming, squad goals friendship between our suicide squad; the completely perfect friends-to-lovers romance between our OTP (Has Ha Suk-jin ever been this perfect? No. No he has not.); the life-affirming messages of the show that are uplifting without being sappy or unrealistic. I think what I loved most about this show was that it acknowledged that life is hard, sometimes brutally, desperately so, but there will still be good days along with the bad, and all we can do is hope for spring to last longer than winter, even if it’s a fool’s hope. I’ve thrown my lot in with these lovable fools.

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51 redfox

May 6, 2017 at 7:34 AM

difficult without Chicago Typewriter, but I did housework.

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redfox

May 6, 2017 at 7:35 AM

Instead, I mean. not thast housework is difficult without CT...

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lovestodream

May 8, 2017 at 10:44 AM

I wish I had been that productive! I just pined and moped . . .

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52 lenrasoon

May 6, 2017 at 7:43 AM

Wow so many love for "The Liar and His Lover", i feel like watching it too.

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urnaa

May 7, 2017 at 8:00 AM

You should, every episode is good.

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53 cozybooks

May 6, 2017 at 8:26 AM

So... biggest moral of the story is I need to watch Radiant Office, stat. I saw the final recap the other day and peeked at the final thoughts, that perked my interest in a way none of the promo material had. And with Lacia's review, I think I need to try it. Good thing it just finished, since I don't think I could fit another currently airing show into my schedule, heh, and it's... almost a good thing my shows got preempted so I can start it today. Almost a good thing. Almost.

Also, I absolutely loved JB thoughts about LaHL, she said everything so concisely about how I feel about this show--but particularly about the writer, who I've been similarly impressed by for getting me through my "epsiodes 10-14" regular slump without me losing investment in our characters. And even making those episodes some of my favorites. I'll be excited to see what they do next. ^^

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junny

May 6, 2017 at 2:51 PM

I was a late arrival to Radiant Office, but it has been a solid watch. Definitely give it a go if you have time. Go Ah-sung and Ha Suk-jin were lovely together and individually, and the secondary characters were well fleshed out.

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54 sorrynotsorry

May 6, 2017 at 8:44 AM

Perfect Wife: I think Heads#2 was a little hard on it. It was a fun roller coaster ride for me, especially the first half. I love how they production put Eun Hee in an innocent little girl pony tail through most of the drama. Even her hairstyle is manipulative.

Radiant Office: Really enjoyed it. Had no expectations but looked forward to it every week.

Tunnel: I am in it for the characters not the mystery and that's a problem. It should be both.

Mystery Queen: Very uneven. I like some episodes, others are total misses but I'm sticking with it to the end because I want to get a grip on what exactly does her marriage mean to her. I do NOT want a romance with the detective, but feel like I still don't get her home life situation. The production has issues...for example when the Chief is questioning a neighbor about a murder, there is the upbeat music playing in the background. I mean the gal is close to tears because she recommended the apartment to the gal who died and there's jazzy music in the background. Weird.

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whatis

May 6, 2017 at 9:07 AM

Regarding Mystery Queen: Yes! Music was odd when they found the girl dead. It wasn't totally happy music, but yea, upbeat, almost like "OoooOo what's going on here, let's have a look seeee!"

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windsun33

May 6, 2017 at 10:26 AM

Agree on Mystery Queen. Though I like it a lot, some of the inconsistencies are a bit head scratching. Several have remarked on the bad music choices. And what happened with all the money that sister in law stole? Why hasn't Seol Ok even tried to talk to the sister in law about what happened? It is almost as if SO is just treating it like sister in law had nothing worse happen than a bad hair day.

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55 whatis

May 6, 2017 at 9:03 AM

Guys, I watched ep 1 of Liar and his Lover, and did not like it much. But seeing how alot of beanies are on this train, I want to see what's all the hype about. Hopefully there's a beanie who didn't like it at first, but continued on for whatever reason and found it improving in latter episodes can tell me that it gets better. Are you out there?

My problems with Ep 1:
Primarily, acting felt off - on both leads, and writing feels superficial. Annoyed at the girl for not feeling too bad about screwing up her friends' chances, froze on stage for a 2nd time during 1 episode - like... I don't have much emotional attachment to female lead yet, so when it happened again for the 2nd time, it was more like "oh god, AGAIN? What now?!" instead of "oh, poor thing, I really hope she can overcome this time. Female Lead, think of all the hard work and effort you've been through to overcome this for the past few episodes, you can do it!" (As an aside, seriously? She busks at the river with her friends, why is she even thrown off during her audition at the top of the episode? So her guitar string snapped, just do accapella or something? If she has had experience busking in public, outdoors, she probably had crazier things happen) Then for her to magically over come her trauma 'cause she saw her dream guy makes me think of her as ... fickle/shallow/stupid? Not sure what the right word is.

Tell me her character gets better. If she's the type of heroine who's more reactive than ... active, then, pass.

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V-min <3

May 6, 2017 at 9:07 AM

Just so you know, it's not that she has a problem performing in public, she has a problem performing in a situation where people judge her (like a competition or an audition). If you read the comments in recaps, there will be Beanies who explain it and address many issues you mentioned. But if you didn't like the drama, that's ok. There's plenty of other dramas out there to watch, no need to waste your time on something you can't like. :)

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allaroundfangirl

May 6, 2017 at 9:38 AM

At first I had the same hesitations with SR but I tried to see it from a perspective of a teenager who is experiencing first love. Joy's acting may not be the best for me but the overall story and all the other characters trumps that.

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Loris

May 6, 2017 at 9:50 AM

SR is actually one of the best parts of the drama, so if you can't connect with her, I don't think the drama would fit you. Not every drama that is hyped is worth checking out for everybody. Personally, I like different genre of shows as you can tell from my shows, so maybe that's why I can love TLAHL, but if it's not for you, there's no need to force yourself. If the drama stresses you out, I'd say it's not worth your time.

That said, if I can offer an explanation for Sorim, what she has is anxiety, triggered by the trauma of finding out the news of her parents' death during a competition when she was young. Over the years, she has more or less learn to deal with it and manage it. There are situations where it can trigger her anxiety. It's like falling down the rabbit hole. Negative situations like auditions will remind her of her childhood so that gets her at the precipice. Anything negative will introduce the unstoppable train of negative thoughts and trigger the anxiety: for example, the guitar cord getting cut off, or the loss of her mothers' birdie doll, or seeing the female lead.

Once you're in a state of anxiety, your perspective because very tunnel, and all you can focus on are the dark traumatic thoughts. Once you're in the dark hole, it's difficult to bring your mind out of it. The reason she was able to overcome it was because she likes the hero so much, seeing him shone a light on her dark thoughts. Once she saw him, the thought of it is strong enough to distract her from her dark thoughts, and pull her out of her "dark hole." How can it be strong enough? Because she has been desperately searching for him for days, it was a sight she yearned, an extremely positive sight and thought that is enough to push away the dark thoughts. Hopes it clears that up. And again, don't worry about missing out. If it's not for you, it's not for you.

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whatis

May 6, 2017 at 6:43 PM

Don't write me off just yet! I like a variety of genre as well. We're not characters in a drama where we must be pigeonholed into a trope. I don't think first impressions is the end of everything - which is why I reached out to the DB community for some feedback to decide whether I should continue or not.

It sound like alot of the explanation comes from information gathered in latter episodes... 'cause I definitely did not get all that from Ep 1. I guess I could imagine all of it if I cared enough for So Rim, but I just did not care for her at the end of Hour 1. And that's where I needed some... convincing? No doubt there's alot of love for this show. I was just looking for someone who didn't like it at first, but changed their mind down the line who'll say "Hey, same here. Didn't like the show either... but you know what? It got really friggin' good after Episode 3".

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panshel

May 6, 2017 at 6:55 PM

I didn't read your comment before I posted mine, but "Hey, same here. Didn't like the show either... but you know what? It got really friggin' good after Episode 3" was exactly was I wrote. Goose bumps!

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vs

May 7, 2017 at 12:40 PM

If you're looking for someone who changed their mind, I can connect you to this Beanie. I'm sure you'll be able to bond and talk with them.
http://www.dramabeans.com/2017/05/open-thread-498/#comment-2813595

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vs

May 7, 2017 at 1:21 PM

Comment #27 in case it doesn't redirect to the right comment @etrenelle

hiskee

May 7, 2017 at 5:55 PM

This Beanie too:
http://www.dramabeans.com/2017/05/the-liar-and-his-lover-episode-14/#comment-2814569

Comment no. 43 from @dancingcloud

drawde2000

May 6, 2017 at 11:59 AM

I will be frank with my response, just because I don't know how to write it differently. I'm sure others will contradict my opinion, but this is what I have to say.

You will have a difficult time with this drama, if you will continue to nitpick every little thing the heroine does. There are things that happened in the first few episodes where you will be scratching your head. Nothing major, but you'll be saying "Huh? Ok." So, I say stay away, if that's what you plan to do. Stay away, if you are looking for some cheesy teenage youth drama. This will not be for you. If you are looking for fluff and lite, oohh then watch something else.

With that out of the way, I will say do marathon this before it ends this Tuesday if you are looking for a drama with substance. Do you want to know a little more about music industry in South Korea? Then do watch it. If you want to see a drama that knows how to pace the story in 16 episodes, then this is the right one for you. If you want to invest in ALL the characters, large and small, then this is for you. If you want to fall in love, if you want to feel pain, if you want to dream, if you want to feel all the emotions in between, then this is the drama for you. This is what The Liar and His Lover will offer you. Now, it's up to you if you're willing to embrace it with open heart.

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drawde2000

May 6, 2017 at 12:25 PM

Ohh my gosh. After reading my reply, it sounds so harsh. I apologize. Your question is in fact legit. My response was just harsh for no particular reason.

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Audreana K

May 6, 2017 at 12:42 PM

Sometimes, what sounds okay in your head doesn't come out the way you imagine it :) I think I can guess what the message you intended to convey was, because I share the same love for the drama.

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Audreana K

May 6, 2017 at 12:43 PM

Also, you know you can always delete the comment and re-word it right?

whatis

May 6, 2017 at 6:32 PM

Haha, no worries! I know how it feels when you really love something, but people just don't share your views!

I'm not trying to nitpick everything the girl does. I didn't even try hard to think about it honestly. I just finished the drama thinking, "That was no bueno at all!" Without thinking any specific thing. And I'm not writing on here to crap on the drama... I'm really just looking for someone who shared my very reaction in Episode 1, but stuck it through anyway (for whatever reason - pure boredom? just needing to finish something one started?) and came out on Episode 3, or 4 thinking "whoa, this is good!"

But by your response, it DOES sound like people got a feel of "wha..." for Episode 1, but evidently, people love it now!

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Barbrey

May 7, 2017 at 4:48 AM

I'm not sure episode one is a good indicator. I didn't like it myself, and wasn't keen on the main female lead. She definitely will grow on you, and the show itself gets better but for me it was just average. If there were more shows on I was interested in, I could have given this one a miss.

outofthisworld

May 7, 2017 at 3:04 AM

Strangely, my interest perks up after reading your comment. I know that the drama is well loved here and almost everyone is gushing over it. I just couldn't see what's so interesting about it.

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panshel

May 6, 2017 at 6:37 PM

I didn't like Episode 1 neither and maybe even Episode 2, but everything magically comes together in Episode 3, and the show becomes full-on addicting by Episode 4.

In the beginning, acting does feel off from everyone in the cast, but thankfully, Joy becomes a delight to watch as the show goes on. I was so, so annoyed by So Rim screwing over her friends twice in one episode.

Basically, my expectations were zero going in, and The Liar and His Lover exceeded all my expectations.

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cimmie

May 6, 2017 at 9:05 PM

And it still continue to exceed in every following episode.

@whatis My advice would be, if you are the kind of person who appreciates characters in a drama, appreciates perfect story pacing (yes i dare say TLAHL's pace is perfect especially after the first few episode), appreciates details of conflicts layered, can tolerate some green acting, and some choppy editing (no longer happening in recent episodes), do not miss out this gem.

I begin watching because I love the Japanese movie version, and for the love of LHW and Joy. I didn't find it 'meh', but I do find it so-so when watching epi 1 and 2. I didn't even really look forward to epi 3. Then magic happened where before I knew, I cared for all of the characters one by one. I think by epi 10 or earlier, I loved all the char. Some it manages to make me hate them and love them in the same episode. The reason I hate and love them at the same time, is not due to character inconsistency or I'm fickle minded. It's because that's how complicated and layered those characters are. I like that for once, the drama isn't about life and death stake, or just one main villain who causes all the issues. They are in the end just human beings who makes wrong decision (but decisions that even I might make if I'm them) and faces the consequences or their doing and lies.

While I think the writer is really great (after watching the latest episodes), I do think he/she needs to brush up a little on hooking viewers in the first few episode as well. That said, do not fast forward the earlier episodes because many details are being layered.

I hope my input about the drama will tempt you to give it a second chance. It might sound bias because I love the drama, which I do, but I really think that it is a waste if a drama lover let this passed. It is very rare to have a drama where all the characters be it main or supporting are all so layered and well written.

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ChaimaaF

May 7, 2017 at 4:22 AM

Yes about the fast-forwarding comment. If you watch this drama in fast-forward mode, you're basically missing out on all the details that will be building up the characters and what you will love about this drama. I see often comments being confusing about what happened later, because they missed out on all the seemingly mundane hints that have been given several times previously.

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Syeida igot7

May 7, 2017 at 5:45 AM

why would you want to ff the this drama when it's all the small little moments that makes it special and lovable?

urnaa

May 7, 2017 at 8:11 AM

aww. My fellow The liar and his lover friend have said amazing things about this drama. yes give it go. It wont disappoint.

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whatis

May 7, 2017 at 10:45 AM

I think (just me, personally) while it's important to have interesting and layered characters, the part that would ultimately hold me are well paced story telling and good editing... which is what felt off (And also, didn't feel like they were too layered in Episode 1... lol!)

But now that I've heard from a few who didn't like the beginning episodes, but end up raving about it, I'm definitely going to give it another go! Especially if you say the pacing is PERFECT after the first few!

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Audreana K

May 7, 2017 at 2:50 PM

My felicitations for giving it another chance! If it doesn't work out, at least your curiosity would no longer be bothered for always wondering. Hopefully, it will be worth it. :)

If I may, I would like to hopefully improve your drama watching journey with a few recommendations I previously gave to another Beanie:

I agree with you on the mindset. If I could add my own earnest recommendation, I would say: Be patient and you'll be rewarded. Don't demand the characters to do what you want them to do, sit back and allow them to go on their journey, to make mistakes, and to stumble. They will eventually come up to measure -- most likely beyond, and the journey will be all the more satisfying for it.
See their pain. If possible, strive to understand it. Try to put yourself in their mind and shoes (comments from people with different perspectives would help there, as others have stated). If you can't, wait for them to explain themselves, because they will.
If it sounds like an exercise of empathy and sympathy, I can tell you the exercise will bear fruits in the best way possible. After all, isn't the best feeling on earth being able to feel connected to other people? Through this drama, you will feel connected to many wonderful characters who will feel, if you open your mind to it, just as complex and real as people.

whatis

May 7, 2017 at 10:24 AM

You've given me hope! I shall charge on.

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urnaa

May 7, 2017 at 8:04 AM

Give it time. first 2 episodes, acting was little green and editing was choppy. it will get better and try to understand when friends arent in hurry to debut or their life isnt depending on the performance.

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56 makoto

May 6, 2017 at 9:07 AM

Currently watching:
-ManxMan
-Tunnel
-Whisper
-Father, I'll Take Care of You (Donghui - Seongjoon's part only)

They are not perfect drama but they have their fair share to make me invested my interest over them. People have stated their reason why they love them and those statements pretty much represent mine.
-Abnormal Summit

I also rewatching some older shows like Reply 1988 (and getting more emotionally invested to each characters) and The Three Musketeers (which reminds me that the show was initially planned to be 3 installments but then it got cancelled, and it breaks my heart).

For waiting list I have Saimdang and Hwarang.

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Barbrey

May 7, 2017 at 4:50 AM

Why not Rebel for your waiting list? It's much much better than Saimdang or Hwarang. More fun, well-paced and well-produced.

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makoto

May 10, 2017 at 6:49 PM

No particular reason, I just need lighter drama which I can watch while doing chores.
Rebel is on my plan as well but I'd rather marathon it later when it had already finished.

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urnaa

May 7, 2017 at 8:13 AM

I am also checking -Father, I'll Take Care of You (Donghui - Seongjoon's part only) too.

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57 sweetsour

May 6, 2017 at 9:23 AM

I am watching:

My Secret Romance: My weekly dose of feel-good fluff and cute cheesiness (and it is refreshing to see more sensuality in a kdrama, but I like how tasteful it is). I find I like it more with every episode.

Queen of Mystery: I am behind on this week's eps. This is still a good show, but the pacing just feels off, and there is also something about the execution of the story that feels off. I think the writer doesn't have a lot of experience yet, but he/she does have potential.

I am looking forward to "Suspicious Partner" and "Ruler Master of the Mask", and I might checkout "Lookout".

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junny

May 6, 2017 at 2:56 PM

I'm liking My Secret Romance too. I think it helps that the sensuality stuff started on a good note (aka, he waited for her to give the go-ahead for the one night stand). It's not the best written drama out there, and is a touch dated, but like you said, it's feel-good fluff and fun. It helps having Sung Hoon as eye candy. Though... is it me or does he puff his chest out every so often?

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sweetsour

May 6, 2017 at 5:07 PM

*grins* well I don't blame him for puffing his chest out every now and then, he's sexy and he knows it!

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junny

May 7, 2017 at 2:54 AM

Haha, but then it just makes him look a touch bloated...

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PakalanaPikake

May 7, 2017 at 4:22 PM

@junny May 6, 2017 at 2:56 PM,

I'm enjoying MY SECRET ROMANCE for the same reasons you are. Despite all the Korean Wrist Grabs(TM), I appreciate Jin-wook's waiting for Yoo-mi's permission to proceed. Even though he comes across as a jerk in the beginning, we're gradually learning his back story, and I'm feeling a bit more empathy for him. His father seems to be a piece of work.

I like low-key, loyal Hyun-tae oppa very much. Sometimes I feel like shaking Yoo-mi and saying "Earth to Yoo-mi! Earth to Yoo-mi! Pay attention to Hyun-tae, doggone it!"

Fashionista Jang Woo-Jin cracks me up with his loud suits. His officious manner is so pompous, I can only surmise that he starches his underwear. It would be hilarious if he lounges around in sweats and acts like a good ole boy when he's off duty.

It's also fun to see Nam Gi-ae (Park Do-kyung's harridan of a mother in OH HAE-YOUNG AGAIN) as Yoo-mi's delusional Blue Movie Queen of a mom.

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junny

May 7, 2017 at 5:22 PM

Heh, Jin-wook is still a bit too immature and kinda asshole in some ways. I mean, making her repeatedly fix him dinner and tiring her out? Eh. Pulling pigtails has its limits. I'm just glad I don't over-think this drama.

Hyun-tae is okay, but he's rather bland and not a serious threat. Secretary Jang is hilarious, and I wish he and Jin-wook were a bit chummier. Yoo-mi's mom is nuts, but she seems harmless for now. I kinda want Yoo-mi to relax a bit about her mom.

Someone needs to kick Hye-ri to Timbuctoo, she's annoying.

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58 loa82

May 6, 2017 at 9:27 AM

Both Girlfriday and Javabeans on the Liar and Lover train made my week-end. Much love <3

Yes to Javabeans' description of it, it's so much of what I feel too.

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oung

May 6, 2017 at 10:46 AM

I wonder if HeadsNo2 is still watching it too? I haven't heard from her in these posts in several weeks.

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urnaa

May 7, 2017 at 8:14 AM

made my weekend too. Happy. Tomorrow is episode 15.

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59 Chris

May 6, 2017 at 10:24 AM

I'm just so glad to see people liking Man to Man.

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60 cheliwel

May 6, 2017 at 11:40 AM

Radiant Office - I know there were those who wanted more romance between the two leads. Oddly enough I didn't think it was needed for this series. I like where they ended. The series was really was about the workers . Ha Suk Jin didn't really do much though here.

Rebel: I've been waiting since episode 1 to find out what happens to Ga Ryung but of course it gets pre empted to next week!!! I'm expecting for a bittersweet ending. I just hope Mori finds his way before the series ends. Gil Dong and his brothers are destined for bloody glory.

The Legend of the Blue Sea - I've been trying to watch this since it premiered and have managed to watch up to episode 3. Episode 2 took me a while to finish. I don't know why I can't get myself to invest myself to this drama. Episode 3 was better but I'm still lagging on watching episode 4.

My Secret Romance - Predictable, fluff but so easy to watch. Sometimes I feel like we need a drama like this. No stress, no anxiety and just fun.

Chicago Typewriter - I love the 1930s part of the drama. I wish more dramas were set during this time or even other time periods besides Joseon or Goryeo. The moment plot sometimes drag during the present so I find myself being checked out from the characters. I hope it finds its momentum soon.

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61 anglvue

May 6, 2017 at 2:10 PM

@laica, thank you so much for your insight into strong woman do bong-soon. i was starting to wonder if i was just missing out on something. what was it that i couldn't see that everyone else could?

in the beginning i still had high hopes. as laica mentioned, it seemed like it had all the right ingredients when it began. however, i dropped it about half-way through. my expectations were different. i was also looking for some female empowerment and found it to be lacking. i can't complain too much about the cast because i think they did what they could with what they were given. the writing was lacking in many ways and there were just some decisions made by characters that i didn't quite understand.

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javinne

May 6, 2017 at 2:36 PM

True, true, true... but most of us watched the show because of the most lovely, cute and perfect OTP...
I have been rewatching some scenes and i cant stop loving them.
The show could have been way better... it is True. In comedy, in depths, in its plot. But sadly that did not happened.
At least, we had our Bong bong and Min Min.... ?

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jozie

May 6, 2017 at 3:19 PM

Yup, after episode 6 or so I was just fast forwarding to OTP scenes and reading recaps.

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RamyunIsTheName

May 6, 2017 at 7:50 PM

I think for me I watched it with too much expectation. I expected the drama to have a comic book mindset about things but instead it was very slapstick. I wanted there to be a moment , much like with spiderman, in which they had a 'with great power comes great responsibilities' moment but instead it kind of seemed as if it didn't really happen. She started doing good and helping but I don't think I really got the fullness of her coming to understand and respect her powers.

The OTP was cute but ,to me, unbelievable. She'd spent years going gaga over Jisoo's character and then pretty much dropped him like a hot potato with no real reasoning behind it. He wanted to marry her after only a bit of knowing her and that made sense of his character but not of hers. I still , after rewatching the last few episodes, don't understand where it was that she started fully liking him. I could understand where her crush started to develop but not when she was like 'okay this man is what I want'. Maybe I just missed it. I think it all boils down to the writing. It was very choppy and unplanned. I feel as if the characters had been written with a more 3D depth there would have been a more satisfying ending. Other dramas have done more unbelievable/silly plots and made them work so it makes no sense to me why this one couldn't work also

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anglvue

June 10, 2017 at 11:19 PM

yes! the spiderman moment!!! i kept thinking, "i think this is it! wait, no..." at different points in time before I gave up.

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62 pickledplumtree

May 6, 2017 at 2:20 PM

I somehow fell off of live-watching every drama (even the ones I adored) except My Secret Romance. I could not tell you why, it makes no sense. Interesting about everyone's love for The Liar and His Lover. It is sweet, breezy, and refreshing...but I don't find it as "real" feeling as JB and others describe. It feels very candy to me, almost like something that could be on TeenNick. This is not necessarily a bad thing!

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jozie

May 6, 2017 at 3:22 PM

TLAHL is a drama I like but don't love and I think it's because of what you just said.

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63 javinne

May 6, 2017 at 2:32 PM

"Crazy lady wants heroine’s worthless husband. Worthless husband has no personality, wants, or desires. Crazy lady gets away with way too much over the course of one series. There, I’ve summarized the entire show!" LOL
I laughed soooi much with your summary, @headsno2... so funny. Thanks.
I was curious about this show, and because i read some comments in the last recap, i thought i wanted to watch a little bit or at least read all the recaps, but now i decided not to. The plot is silly..
With your summary i have enough.
Thanks again.

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64 RamyunIsTheName

May 6, 2017 at 7:39 PM

Chickachunga is me and I am chickachunga ctfuuu the whole time they were sharing their salad I was side eyeing the hell out of them. Like have we gotten so tired of subway's sandwiches that we've moved to salads and also why? Y'all couldn't have this intimate meal sharing expedition at any other food place? Didn't they already meet their subway quota for this drama? He's supposedly this rich man yet he couldn't take her to a 4 star restaurant? Hell I'd take a 4 star on yelp restaurant tbh

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65 ys

May 6, 2017 at 7:43 PM

This scene in Father is Strange last week of Hyeyoung taking down Yoojoo was magnificent
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TjPrGOOMRMg
though it cuts off the best part, her response to Yoojoo's reason for bullying Miyoung: just because you were hurt doesn't justify hurting someone else. Oh and the eyeroll at Mijoo's whimpering and crying, then getting up and swinging her designer bag as she was leaving. Just mag-nificent.

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66 Wenu

May 6, 2017 at 8:49 PM

Anyone's watching my secret romance?
The plot is so so..Just curios how it d end'..

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67 jillian

May 6, 2017 at 9:20 PM

I only have time to watch two shows but I love both so much.

TLAHL: this show just moved up the feels a notch this week. The friendship in this show is something to strive for. Bros before anything else. I particularly like the friendship between Gyusun and Jinwoo. The higlight would have to be Sooyeon and Shihyun. I am glad the writer didnt just tease their attraction to each other.
Now unto the last two episodes, I am most excited to find out the fallout next week.

ManxMan: Park HaeJin makes the show for me. He has the funniest reactions and great timing as well. I am sad not to see much bromance between WoonKwang and Seolwoo. I miss their interactions hopefully the show will bring more of it next week. Also hopefully we see more of WoonKwang's backstory.

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javinne

May 10, 2017 at 3:16 PM

What show is TLAHL? saw it several times, and i cannot cypher it. Please, let me know.
Also.... is it my User or none of us are getting notifications????

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javinne

May 10, 2017 at 3:18 PM

Never mind. I got it. The liar and his lover. I will watch that one soon. I didnt have time before.
Now again to our new Website...
Are you guys getting your notifications? ??? ?

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68 mintful

May 7, 2017 at 12:07 AM

Currently watching Father is Strange and One More Happy Ending.
Father is Strange had been really nice for me, even though I only care for some of the characters and skipped some others (the PD's family being one I skipped most). I grew to love Hyeyoung and the PD as the story goes. Same goes to Ra Young and the guy, though not so much, but since she declare him as his friends and didn't actively pursue him, I could stand them more. I do watch this show mostly for my girl Miyoung, Joong Hee (whom I agree yes, should I give him a bear hug or smack him with a bear? LOL) and Al xD I also love the Byun Parents.

One More Happy Ending was a pleasant surprise for me since I didn't expect so much from it. I just watched it so I don't rewatch Chief Kim for the nth time. BUT NOW I. LOVE. JUNG. KYUNG. HO.
When he cried I cried AAAAa. where have I been?
So yeah, I just recently put him into my actor crush list.

There are so many dramas I wanted to start (and I did start a lot just to drop them midways. That happened recently with Can You Hear My Heart. The characters were nice but the storyline... or the "whose kid is this" stuffs were too complicated for me + too long. So after ep 12 I skipped all the way to 20 and skimmed through). I think I might start Man x Man because it's fluffy... hahahaha ahhh so many dramas to watch :(

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junny

May 7, 2017 at 4:06 AM

Have you seen Jung Kyung-ho in Heartless City? If not, give it a go. He was excellent in it.

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urnaa

May 7, 2017 at 8:19 AM

Wow. Heartless city is a great drama. Loved characters especially Jung Kyung Ho, and Kim Yoo Mi.

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Didi

May 9, 2017 at 2:46 AM

How about watching Smile You, I am sure Jung Kyung ho was much younger, and adorkbale there.

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69 Syeida igot7

May 7, 2017 at 5:43 AM

Javabeans is right, there is something special about TLAHL. It's very light and breezy to watch, while still being surprisingly touching. The emotions hit you when you don't expect it. It's not an easy balance to make. The comments also have made the experience fun so that's even better.

I'm so sad it's ending, and can only be glad there's still Chicago left to console me. It's only just, since TLAHL consoled me after Chicago got pre-empted this week.

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70 amisyka77

May 7, 2017 at 6:39 AM

Anybody's watching My Secret Romance? The chemistry between the OTP is making the fans going ga-ga!

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71 A Frog

May 7, 2017 at 7:11 AM

@javabeans said much of what I wanted to say about all the shows I'm watching. Though I seem to like Chicago Typewriter more than she does. I don't really feel disconnected emotionally from the characters, except maybe, in the earlier episodes. But if we're talking about connecting to emotions, then it has to be The Liar and His Lover that does it best. It reminds me of some of my favorite shows in its easiness to watch, like Weightlifting Fairy, Sassy Go Go, Shopping King Louis, so I understand the comparisons I often see. But frankly, it reminds me much more of Answer me, specifically Answer Me 1997. They're quite different dramas. But they both have that simple sophistication and sensitivity that's very hard to describe. They both capture those turbulent feelings and uncertainty of youth in a realistic and moving manner, although what drives the feelings in Answer Me 1997 is more general, while what drives The Liar and His Lover is music specifically. They also both have the knack of using minor characters, in very brief scenes, very effectively. For example, in Answer Me 1997, you have the grandmother with the light bulb, and the uncle. In The Liar and His Lover, you had the small scene with the heartbroken Jin Woo confronting So Rim. Or that scene with So Rim running back and apologizing to her grandmother. As The Liar and His Lover has more episodes, it has even more minor characters like the father, the CEO, the director, the bands and managers. I know they're different dramas, but yet, I can't help feeling they're also similar.
I categorize the dramas like Weightlifting Fairy, Sassy Go Go and Shopping King as "rom-com." But I wouldn't categorize Answer me or The Liar and His Lover as rom-com.

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A Frog

May 7, 2017 at 7:15 AM

How did what was supposed to be one sentence turn into this?

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Sakin

May 7, 2017 at 10:29 AM

lol

that happens

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72 Mia

May 7, 2017 at 7:57 AM

Hi,
my names Mia and I recently started watching K-drama(completed my 50th one today). Anyway, I wanted to start blog myself but I found that there was an endless sea of them out there. So, I was wondering about how does one become a beanie? Do reply.

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outofthisworld

May 7, 2017 at 8:06 AM

It's not 50 Shades of Grey, you just need to turn black!

Register yourself and viola! You become a beanie and start off as Candy girl as many kdrama female characters do. Some hardworking ones are already in seventh heaven somewhere in their oppa's ....

Hope to see you around, have fun!

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73 yoeslee

May 7, 2017 at 9:23 AM

I'm try to continue watching TLAHL, but just can't bring myself to it, keep dropping and pick it up, still stuck at episode 3. I took a week to finish episode 1, episode 2 take 3 lunch hours. Episode 3 is the only episode I finish with one go. I just can't get hooked, maybe because it's about schoolgirl romance an adult? Or maybe the trauma stuff? I want to love the drama but I just can't, maybe I'll marathon it later.

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nacru

May 7, 2017 at 9:44 AM

That's ok. I mean not everybody loves it, even if I do. If it takes you too long to watch an episode, that means you can't pay attention anyway and will just be confused as it goes on, why waste your time? There are lots of new dramas coming up soon! I'm so excited for them. Or if you're looking for current dramas, how about CT or Man2man or Rebel? Rebel is even about to finish so you can marathon it instead.

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yoeslee

May 12, 2017 at 9:59 PM

Hello nacre,
'Why waste my time'? Maybe it is because when you're a kdrama addict, there isn't a thing called waste your time ?
I am watching And loving Rebel and Man2Man ?
CT, I did tried watching ep 1&2, but put it on hold too, I love every thing about the drama except the English BGM, it's just giving me a strong Goblin vibe ?, but still I'll try to find a time to marathon it later ?

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74 vs

May 7, 2017 at 1:21 PM

Comment #27 in case it doesn't redirect to the right comment @etrenelle

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vs

May 7, 2017 at 1:22 PM

wrong reply

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75 nim

May 7, 2017 at 1:34 PM

Where are people watching man to man? I have both the dramafever pass and the Viki pass but Viki says it's not available in my region?? and it doesn't show up on dramafever blah :/

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Audreana K

May 7, 2017 at 2:56 PM

Do you have Netflix? Otherwise, there are unofficial streaming sites, I'm sure.

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76 Evelia

May 7, 2017 at 2:53 PM

Hahaha might try to see Perfect Wife just because of that summary.
Watching:
Tunnel: I am on episode 10, pretty good story line, nothing new but I like the performances.
Man to Man: My favorite show right now. My favorite characters are Do-Ha, Yeo and Agent K. The perfect team.
Will try to catch up on Chicago Typewriter and on some of the current dramas.

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77 TrinPie

May 8, 2017 at 9:28 AM

@laica You said exactly how I feel about Strong Woman Do Bong-Soon.

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78 lovestodream

May 8, 2017 at 10:40 AM

Really liking Father is Strange. Unni Hye-young is so awesome (the hair flip!), and I love that while she didn't agree with how Mi-young resolved the Yi-joo (Yoo-joo? I feel like I've seen both) issue, she realized that it was Mi-young's choice. Maknae Ra-young is so much more interesting when she's trying to be supportive and understanding of her crush's (perceived) homosexuality than when she was trying to hook up with him. Oppa Joon-young is by far the least appealing so far. It really rankled me how he felt that he had a right to ask his parents to TAKE OUT a loan for $40,000-$50,000 (i.e. not just get a loan from their savings for that amount) for a TWO bedroom apartment after being unemployed for five years. That's just ridiculous, and ridiculously selfish.

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79 lovestodream

May 8, 2017 at 10:44 AM

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80 Didi

May 9, 2017 at 2:40 AM

@headsno2 Thank you for the summary, now I can really move on from this drama. I watched it out of curiosity, just wanna know about Ko So-young's drama but the story is beyond silly and had to stop watching it after eps #5 or #4, geez, I can't even remember...