Team Dramabeans: What we’re watching
by DB Staff
Oh my goodness, so many new shows to sample, so many old shows to keep up with, so many tired nights of binge-watching episodes lest I fall behind at the starting line. I’m in the throes of a happy but exhausting first-world problem, because I’m actually liking so many of the current and new shows (and am acutely aware of several more on the horizon) that I’m honestly not sure how I’m going to keep up with them all. It’s a happy conundrum, but still a conundrum. –javabeans
javabeans
Circle: Swoon. I’m in sci-fi nerd heaven. There’s so much here that gets me excited: the mystery connecting the two time periods, the whodunnit case, the false utopia with the sinister government putting “Care Chips” in people’s heads to keep them “safe,” the dystopian wasteland outside the Smart Earth, the brilliant performance by Yeo Jin-gu, rascally Kim Kang-woo… The show feels fresh and innovative—it’s not reinventing the wheel, but it’s bringing something new to dramaland, which excites me; what feelings of familiarity it did evoke were all positive ones. The future storyline reminds me of the Asimov stories I cut my science-fiction teeth on, with its vaguely Caves of Steel-like puzzle of how crime arises in a place where crime isn’t supposed to be possible. I am all in on this one.
Fight My Way: It’s refreshing to start off a drama with the eventual couple already completely at ease with each other, and Park Seo-joon and Kim Ji-won have a really lovely natural chemistry. Of course I’m looking forward to when they fall in love romantically, but I wouldn’t even mind taking a little time getting there, because I’m so touched by the way they love each other as friends and caretakers, and could watch that go on for a lot longer. I’m liking this one a lot.
Lookout: I’m digging the secret group of Lookouts, and I’m glad the show opened with that glimpse of Lee Shi-young as part of them because it was something to look forward to when they jumped back in time. It’s all necessary setup, of course, but since we know what’s to come, it felt like they were taking their sweet time with the backstory and I was antsy to get back to the present.
My Secret Romance: Wow, did this week suck or what? This show certainly went from sixty to zero quickly. (Or maybe more like thirty to zero.) I was prepared to deal with the show getting angstier since the needless separation is an inevitable development in romances like this, but the downturn was worse than I thought. The show has been cute and funny enough that I never minded the low-rent directing or the mediocre acting, but now it’s taking its melodrama too seriously and it’s cringes all around. The epilogues are getting bizarre, too, and the overly somber poetry recitations almost feel like SNL parodies, not emotional character moments. Normally I’d drop a show at this point, but we’ve only got one week left, so I may as well stick around to see the happy ending.
Ruler–Master of the Mask: Yoo Seung-ho is so good, but it’s starting to feel like he’s working on a different level from everyone else, and it can be a little jarring sometimes. On the whole I still enjoy the show, but I feel like this is a story full of convenient writing, and while I think the plot is interesting, I don’t find it exciting. Still watching for Yoo Seung-ho, though, because he’s just that good.
Suspicious Partner: I love this couple and all the ways in which they work together well. I also love the wistful touches that weave in and out of the show, in between and through moments of levity, sometimes catching me unawares with its unexpected droplets of insight. I love where the relationship is right now, with Ji-wook’s interest and caring for Bong-hee becoming more obvious, and him just on the verge of admitting it. Of course I’ll enjoy it when he finally does, but I want to bask in this stage, where every hint, every tiny gesture, elicits a little thrill of pleasure.
Man to Man: The mood lightened up again, and I was drawn back in accordingly. I don’t mean that I want this show to be flippant; it’s just that any attempt at earnestness tends to feel forced to me, so I much prefer it when it’s being fun. I do like how Do-ha’s now testing Seol-woo at every turn because she doesn’t trust him, and he quietly complies with everything she demands. It’s sweet in an understated way.
Father Is Strange: Can Dad please reveal the truth soon, so that I can enjoy Joong-hee getting a crush on his not-sister? I loved that he finally spoke up about how he felt to Dad, and how that led to his breakthrough acting moment, and how giddy-happy Mi-young was for him. I’d really like to appreciate their developing closeness without any misgivings—it doesn’t matter that I know, I need him to know!
girlfriday
Tunnel: Don’t leave me, Show. Why must you end? The internal conflict between wanting to know what happens and wanting it to go on forever is strong with this one. Damn my curiosity. Maybe if I lose the battle I’ll watch it again from the beginning just to live in denial a little longer.
Whisper: It ended. Justice was served. Karma prevailed. I just didn’t really care.
Mystery Queen: Wait, what? That’s how you’re going to end things? By NOT solving the one central overarching mystery that connects our two leads? They ended it like there’s already a Season 2 in the pipeline, except there isn’t (they’re obviously angling for a sequel, but what if they don’t get it??). What a weird and vague way to end an otherwise pleasant show. Blarg.
Fight My Way: I already love this couple. The heroine is so awesomely sassy, and the loyalty between the two friends melts my heart. Everything is so comfortable and mundane between them, and their petty, immature banter is the best—it feels real!
Circle: I’m still warming to this split-episode storytelling where the two timelines are told as separate parts. It’s jarring at first, and in the premiere I got mad that we weren’t with Yeo Jin-gu anymore and still had half an episode left to go. But now that the connecting threads are starting to show, I’m slowly becoming more invested in the two worlds; plus, the human experimentation in the future world is starting to creep me out in a good way.
Lookout: I think I’m going to like this a lot once Lee Shi-young joins the badass vigilante team. It feels like the story is still revving up, but until then, more Kim Seul-gi/Key bickering will keep me happy.
Suspicious Partner: I wish the killer were more interesting, but the romance is really what I’m here for, and these two are so surprisingly affectionate (yunno, for people in denial about their feelings). And now that jealousy has come into the picture, it’s going to be even funnier and swoonier.
Ruler–Master of the Mask: I’m disappointed in the measly amount of screentime our heroine is getting. Is it always going to be this difficult to get our leads in the same place at the same time? I object!
HeadsNo2
Ruler–Master of the Mask: I love this show. Yoo Seung-ho is putting in a masterful and emotional performance, but I’m actually surprised that I empathize with L’s character so well. We’ve seen the prince and pauper situation played out before, but the pauper has no earthly idea what he’s doing, and that pervasive fear that he feels at every moment feels so raw to me. Even in his hunched stature, his stuttering words, he embodies the idea of this poor boy thrust into a situation he can’t even begin to comprehend, but his love for the prince—his one true friend—is what brought him to this point. I actually find his story quite tragic, in a lovely sort of way.
Lookout: I’ve really made it a point to avoid Kim Young-kwang’s shows (excluding White Christmas), since he’s just never been the kind of actor I’m able to warm up to easily. None of that’s changed, since he’s basically playing a heightened version of the character he always tends to play (smarmy, kind of terrible), though I appreciate where the show is trying to go with him. But it was Suji who absolutely broke my heart this week, and I can’t wait for her to be inducted into the Cool Kids’ Surveillance Club.
Circle: I like it. Yeo Jin-gu is amazing in everything, and I really dig a show that’s trying to be something we’ve never quite seen before. It just so happens that Circle is a little bit of everything we’ve seen in sci-fi before (I’m getting Equilibrium vibes more than anything, but name any dystopian future movie and you won’t be too far off the mark), but it’s trying, and it just may pay off dividends. I’m all in either way, though I have no idea where it’s going just yet. And that’s probably the best part.
Whisper: I’m going to avoid the internet until I finish this.
Fight My Way: So cute and endearing. This has been a good year for charming little shows, hasn’t it?
dramallama
Fight My Way: It’s light and cute, with relatable moments about the struggles of youth. I like our main couple’s bickering relationship, and I find them adorably dim about their budding feelings for each other. But the close friendship portrayed by Kim Ji-won and Park Seo-joon feels a little forced, and I found them more convincing in their brief intimate moments of vulnerability. From the first impressions, it seems like a fun ride, so I think I’ll stick around.
Suspicious Partner: This show is great. Ji Chang-wook’s bottled up rom-com potential has been freed in this show, and it’s amusing to watch the details in his facial expressions as he reacts to the spontaneity around him. Nam Ji-hyun is an adorable puppy in love, and I really like her in this role. I love how Bong-hee is the ray of sunshine to Ji-wook’s gloomy storm cloud, who’s becoming a jealous storm cloud raining on his ex-friend to keep the sunshine all to himself. Hehe.
odilettante
Super Family 2017: I still love this show for all the reasons I’ve stated in weeks previously, but I want to give a special shout-out to Manager Choi, the most underrated character. He always seems to know what’s going on but doesn’t bother to make a big deal about it until it’s time to gently and subtly lay down some well-needed wisdom (that may or may not apply to something else entirely, too). He’s the sane center of our Doremi Sales Team, and a good mentor for Chun-il (even if Chun-il doesn’t always realize it).
Chicago Typewriter: I’m behind on everything and forcing myself to get caught up before I peek at any of the premieres (or I’ll never finish the shows I’ve started!), but it’s no hardship bingeing this one. Each episode gets better and better as we learn more about how the present connects to the past. I’ve loved Go Kyung-pyo since Flower Boy Next Door, and I’m thrilled he’s getting a chance to prove he’s good at more than just comedy. His sad-puppy ghost has made me tear up more than once, and the ending of Episode 12 made me clutch my heart. I’m desperate to see what happens next!
tineybeanie
Currently recapping: Circle
Man to Man: Dropped. I just couldn’t get into the characters enough to finish. I realized that my emotional investment in the drama was nearly 0 after three weeks of watching, so I decided to browse some of the newer alternatives instead. It’s so unfortunate because I so wanted to love Park Hae-jin in this drama, after his amazing performances in both Cheese in the Trap (despite that ending fiasco) and Bad Guys.
SailorJumun
Suspicious Partner: Crack drama, is that you? Have I finally found you? I was wary about starting another rom-com with a mysterious killer, but this show really knows how to balance out its tone. The couple is an absolute hoot together and I’m genuinely interested in seeing them catch this killer. I hate seeing poor Bong-hee still carrying all that blame. And Ji-wook… Oy. He is so unintentionally (unwillingly, even) swoony, it’s no wonder Bong-hee fell so hard for him.
Ruler–Master of the Mask: I wanted this to be my next crack drama, but after the first few episodes, I could feel that potential slipping through my fingers. It is good and the characters are good (loved that initial friendship between the prince, Lee Sun and Ga-eun), but I think my expectations were much too high and, unfortunately, weren’t met. I’ll keep watching to see where things go, though.
Drinking Solo: Finally decided to sit down and marathon this and I’m so happy I did. It was every bit as funny and poignant as everyone had described it, with an especially relatable performance from Park Ha-sun. As for her love interest, I think this was the first time in a long time that I completely loathed a male lead. I warmed up to him eventually, as I’d hoped I would, but he left a terrible impression in the first half of the drama. Every time he mentioned his aggravating obsession with “quality,” I just wanted to fast forward to the silly Noryangjin students. This was a fun watch overall, so I’d say my time was well spent.
Laica
Currently recapping: Mystery Queen
Man to Man: The dynamic between Seol-woo and Woon-kwang is seriously the bromance that keeps on giving, but the more serious aspects of the drama seem a bit confused. I appreciate Seol-woo’s subtle confessions, but I understand Do-ha’s frustration with him because he still hasn’t really given her a straight answer about anything. And I’m not sure what her plan is with this “lovers tactic” thing, because kisses are well and good, but at this point their relationship needs honesty, not more plots.
Father Is Strange: I was expecting Hye-young to give in to Jung-hwan, but was glad that she stayed firm on what she wanted. I’m also glad that he didn’t blame her for her decision, although I do think he was acting like a teenager by running away from his adult life (even if his mom totally deserved to stew in worry for a while). I’m happy to see Lee Yuri play such a strong, intelligent character who makes her own decisions and never lets anyone take advantage of her, even if she’s a total marshmallow on the inside. (Also, I covet everything in her wardrobe.) Now that Hye-young has proposed this new kind of contract marriage, I’m interested to see how it unfolds. As for Joong-hee, he broke my heart into little pieces with his monologue about how he grew up waiting for his father to show up. I’m glad to see the parents truly reflecting on the damage their actions caused, even if it’s a bit too little, too late. I really hope Dad does the right thing this time. Joong-hee needs to know the truth, and the earlier the better.
Fight My Way: The premiere was funny and moving, and our OTP gives me a Bottom of the 9th With 2 Outs vibe—a good sign, because that is my favorite friends-falling-in-love drama. Also, I’ve waited so long to see these two as leads in a rom-com, and their chemistry is perfect. Yay!
Suspicious Partner: While this week gave us many more moments to squee over between Ji-wook and Bong-hee, I’m kind of bummed that so much time was spent on the ex-girlfriend. Her ridiculous idea that she can waltz back into Ji-wook’s life and restart their relationship somehow makes the show feel less authentic to me—I feel like we’re being asked to feel bad for her. In my opinion, she deserves whatever pain she’s in right now, and I’m unhappy that her “I’m too distressed to walk properly” shtick affected Ji-wook so much. Bong-hee continues to be the best thing in this drama, and I love how brave she always is, especially in the face of that terrifying assault by the district attorney. (Somebody call the cops on this man. I’ve never felt such physical menace emanating from my computer screen before.) I love that Ji-wook pays such close attention to her that he picked up on what happened without being told, yet respected her wishes when she said she didn’t want to talk about it. Now I’m just waiting for him to admit his very obvious feelings for her. Come on, Wookie, don’t leave the girl hanging!
tipsymocha
Tunnel: Awww. I’ll miss this show so, so much. Given the premise, it was inevitable that the show would be compared to Signal, but while I think that the tvN drama put more thought into the time manipulation aspect, I was really invested in Tunnel’s characters and their relationships. I think my attachment to the team of lovable detectives and Jae-yi was strong enough that I wasn’t (too) bothered by the many unanswered questions I had at the end of the finale. Such as, did the present timeline cease to exist now that Kwang-ho’s gone back for good? Or will it carry on as a parallel universe? Did Kwang-ho ever catch young Mok Jin-woo in the past? Wait, but in the original present timeline, our Kwang-ho wouldn’t have been there to make sure 1988’s Kwang-ho was safely born… Eugh, now my head hurts.
Chicago Typewriter: So many revelations this week!! This show has definitely been more of a slow burn for me in that it didn’t really grip me in the beginning, but it’s gotten more addicting these past few weeks. If only it had been this compelling sooner. I do wonder, though, how many more mentally unstable people this show is gonna add to its list of antagonists. It’s like Se-joo is a magnet for these types, poor guy. But at least he now has a sharpshooter girlfriend to protect him, and a ghost bestie who conveniently has telekinetic powers. Speaking of whom, I felt so bad for Yul and his ghostly dilemma of getting too involved with (living) people, and when he finally got Seol to see him, I almost cried with him. It helps that those emotional beats are accompanied by one of the best drama soundtracks I’ve heard in awhile. The music director should get an award.
Circle: Yaaas. This is everything I wanted it to be. The mysteries are compelling, the pace is intense, and best of all, it’s completely unpredictable! This is the kind of sci-fi you don’t find often enough in dramaland, so I’m going to savor it as much as I can while it lasts.
RELATED POSTS
- Team Dramabeans: What we’re watching (May 20, 2017)
- Team Dramabeans: What we’re watching (May 13, 2017)
- Team Dramabeans: What we’re watching (May 6, 2017)
- Team Dramabeans: What we’re watching (April 29, 2017)
- Team Dramabeans: What we’re watching (April 22, 2017)
- Team Dramabeans: What we’re watching (April 15, 2017)
Tags: Chicago Typewriter, Circle, Dark Hole, Drinking Solo, Father Is Strange, Fight My Way, Lookout, Man to Man, My Secret Romance, Mystery Queen, Ruler–Master of the Mask, Suspicious Partner, Tunnel, What We're Watching, Whisper
Interview with Kim Yoo-jung
Hello Dramabeans series
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51 Hg
May 27, 2017 at 6:27 AM
Oh god its saturday - TUNNEL day ...miss you tunnel
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52 loveblossom
May 27, 2017 at 6:33 AM
I feel exactly the same as @javabeans about all the new shows and struggling to keep up with both new & old ones. Dx
Circle and Fight My Way are so good. Both are very different and both stories are compelling. Fantastic acting in both too. :D Looking forward to Mondays now, lol.
I’ve fallen behind on My Secret Romance, barely skimmed any comments here cuz of possible spoilers and it seemed like it has gotten worse. Ugh.
Mystery Queen I have always watched this show on the day it aired and looked forward to it every week, but I was just blank after the finale. I don’t know how it passed for the official finale. Felt like too many things were packed in and not enough time to react to the main mystery with HS. The ending was so vague. Arghhh. Loved Seol Ok and Wan Seung though! Probably one of my favorite drama pairs. But unfortunately, the finale lowered my rating of this drama. T.T
Chicago Typewriter EP 10-11 Gradually catching up with this show, but all the feels! A ton of great, emotional scenes and lines. I do feel like the show took its time with some scenes like drawing them out a little too much and had my mind wandering a bit.
Super behind on Man To Man, which is on my to-watch list for this weekend. And more of CT!~ Whisper is still far down on my list. xP
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allaroundfangirl
May 27, 2017 at 9:28 AM
the finale was not even a finale.
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bigmomma12345
May 27, 2017 at 1:27 PM
They've got to be looking for a 2nd season, right??? Such a weird way to end it otherwise.
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53 mmmmm
May 27, 2017 at 6:35 AM
Fight My Way is just great. I feel every character. The leads are cute together and they look just like real close friends.
What I particularly love about the show is that it's the show about ordinary people - the ones who got rejected, abandoned, discouraged by all sorts of event. But they chose to fight, and stand firm on their grounds. The female lead is particularly mentally strong. I hope the male lead is catching up soon. These mundane things send an encouraging message to all viewers. They cheer us up and that's precisely the thing I just love.
Hopefully this gets nigh ratings in Korea. It's a warming, little, lovely show indeed.
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54 Needaname
May 27, 2017 at 6:37 AM
Well, I told myself last November I'll just spend the next 4 years in dramaland...so far so good! It's been a while since I've watched that many dramas, not as many as you all (I still don't know how you do it!) but I am pretty satisfied. I am watching Man x Man, Fight My Way and Lookout! All so different, and all so good!
I understand how Man x Man may not be for everyone. When I first watched it, while watching I was like "ok....oh, ok...ok...yeah that's nice I guess...ok..." and really not sure if I really enjoyed it or not. But when the episode was done I would be like "wow, it was very good" and then a few minutes later "I love it! It was so good, I want more"! I guess it felt like a delayed reaction to register and appreciate it all... so I can see the opposite happening as well, viewers finding that they just didn't like or enjoy it. And now well, once I'm hooked I'm just hooked!
Loving Fight My Way for what it is/what it is supposed to be. Yes, the characters are so relatable and adorable, and vulnerable, you just can't help but feel for them. And yes, Park Seo Joon and Kim Ji Won are so natural together, I could just watch them all day!
Lookout really started with a bang, it was engaging from the very first scene! I am loving Lee Shi-young here! She is so good, whether she is the badass cop or the loving mom, she is perfect here! Also very impressed with Kim Young-kwang, he is very believable as Do-han. From the little snippets we had of serious, thoughtful, vengeful Do-han, Kim Young-kwan can be pretty intense with just his gaze. I can't wait to see the story/vigilante team really get going and show us how they are going to bring justice, their way! I guess "fight my way" applies here too! Fighting y'all!
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55 vardinihaeyo
May 27, 2017 at 6:38 AM
Suspicious partner is such a surprising delight! I was not expecting it to be soo delightfully charming but it has completely captivated me.. I just wish I had picked it up after it had completed airing all the episodes cos having to wait a week for the next episode ispure agony!
On the other hand I had such high expectations for Ruler that I am feeling quite disappointed after every episode. It feels like that spark is missing which reels you in like MDBC. It feels like a wasted opportunity! Sigh!!
Circle is like reading a sci final novel one chapter at a time. You are thrown smack middle in the two worlds and it has left you grasping for small clues that would help you unravel the mysteries of each world! Love it?
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vardinihaeyo
May 27, 2017 at 6:42 AM
Sci fi novel* stupid autocorrect ?
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weaselking
May 27, 2017 at 1:40 PM
I agree so much about how watching Circle feels like a novel. It gives the vibe of reading the two timelines through interchanging chapters and how the mystery would unfold as you go along. This drama would translate so well on a book.
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56 wakimary
May 27, 2017 at 6:38 AM
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57 d.
May 27, 2017 at 6:50 AM
There are so many interesting shows to watch, I wish I have more time but sadly I have only some time to focus on one show (which is Ruler, which I am waiting for the next recap for to post my thoughts) and several variety shows. Maybe I will watch everything else once I am more free and not in a danger of sending myself to a hospital again, haha.
I am still watching Man to Man, but I am not even sure if it can be really called watching since I mostly skipped to Woonkwang and Seolwoo scenes. I wish there are more of them!
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58 pickledplumtree
May 27, 2017 at 6:58 AM
I'm glad it seems we all agree that Suspicious Partner is IT right now. I love it!
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59 SojuSommelier
May 27, 2017 at 6:59 AM
I'm juggling finales, pilots, and real-life shennanigans that I had to prioritize which I was delayed with my usual schedule (a day after airing of the shows).
TUNNEL-- The most satisfying ending in recent memory.
MYSTERY QUEEN--With Tunnel ending, I was supposed to be able to keep up with MQ, but the finale reviews held me back. I'm still catching up the last two episodes. They should've gotten away with some minor plots to have more time for the main arch. The plot is not something that I look forward to having a second season.
CHICAGO TYPEWRITER--I stopped watching this show on ep6. I have so many shows to catch up, and since CT is slow burn, it didn't make me want to anticipate the next. I was honestly disappointed when the drama started to play on the romance angle. I know KDramas have either love story as the central theme or just the subplot (like Signal and Tunnel). But, I liked Yoo Ah In's character as a writer, and I thought his personality and past life is more interesting that the "loveline" both in the past and present. Maybe I expected too much. I'll marathon it soon after it's done.
FIGHT MY WAY--I'm not into typical love stories, but I'm a sucker for bestfriend-turned-lovers story. And while it's sort of given how the main couple will end up, I was more interested on their lives as quarterlifers, trying to prove to the world that they're ok but deep inside, they're dying. I hope it will continue to explore the struggle of young adults, and just let the love story unfold naturally without so much drama.
ON DECK: The Best Hit and Circle (I hope I'll still have time for these)
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60 pickledplumtree
May 27, 2017 at 7:00 AM
I so agree with JB about My Secret Romance. I was a little surprised/confused about the fact that I dropped it halfway through episode 11 when it only has 13 eps. :-/
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61 coralspells
May 27, 2017 at 7:21 AM
I'm so happy that I'm on board the 3 new dramas this round, because the previous (few) rounds weren't all that interesting. (Not-so-)patiently waiting for new eps!
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62 clure
May 27, 2017 at 7:24 AM
Yes Laica!! I am SO getting Bottom of the 9th vibes from Fight My Way!! It's the drama I'm most excited about these days.
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63 Zurdita
May 27, 2017 at 7:53 AM
Girlfriday: Re: Mystery Queen: yep!
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64 satsuki92
May 27, 2017 at 7:54 AM
Totally agree with you about Mystery Queen's ending. I found myself so confused because it felt like there was gonna be another episode after the 16th. So rushed and so mind boggling. Well, at least I enjoyed the chemistry between the leads and other characters. Still, ugh.
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65 YM
May 27, 2017 at 8:00 AM
I'm currently watching circle and master of the mask. Am I the only one who couldn't feel the chemistry between aera and dongman in fight my way? ?
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bigmomma12345
May 27, 2017 at 1:30 PM
Yes, I think you are. ;)
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zanearaki
May 28, 2017 at 12:08 AM
You're not the only one xD
But for me, it was more like I wasn't interested with the story and the world they live in.
I believe they have loads of chemistry, but since I'm not in the mood for some light funny slice of life romcom, I couldn't feel them. Or perhaps, I didn't pay enough attention to the chemistry. Haha.
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66 rayofsun
May 27, 2017 at 8:14 AM
Fight My Way: I adore adore adore. The chemistry is awesome and the bickering is hilarious and so true to life. It reminds me of all the petty arguments I've had with friends and siblings, but at the end of the day you're still there for each other for support. And food, of course. We all need that one friend who buys us food.
Suspicious Partner: Love the show, love the characters, love Ji Chang-wook's pouty face and pettyness. His outbursts are the best thing ever. Although, I don't really understand or care about the killer..I actually didn't even realize he had amnesia until I remembered that was the show's entire premise. Whatever, I don't care Just give me more fluffy cute moments.
Ruler: Master of the Mask: I think I'm going to have to drop this one due to my hectic schedule (exams and all :c) and this is the only show I'm not completely addicted to yet. I know it has barely started, but I'm going to have to leave it before I get too attached. Maybe when school lets out I'll marathon it all.
Chicago Typewriter: Surprisingly, I didn't impatiently wait for the episode this week. In fact, I didn't even watch it as soon as subtitles came out. I've just fallen behind I guess as a result of all the other awesome shows coming out. I feel kind of bad though, because I am 100% dedicated to Go Kyung-pyo and I feel like I'm abandoning a puppy..But it's Memorial Day weekend so I'll have plenty of time to catch up!
Happy Saturday everyone!
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67 panshel
May 27, 2017 at 8:15 AM
Why must every show be so good!? I caught all three premiered shows this week (Circle, Fight My Way, Lookout), and I love them all to drop any. With My Sassy Girl premiering next week, how can I watch four shows in one day!? I'm already watching two on Wednesday-Thursday (Ruler, Suspicious Partner). RIP, sleep. ?
Thank goodness Chicago Typewriter is almost over and Circle is only 10-12 episodes. I plan to watch The Best Hit, and I want to watch Duel, but I can't possibly fit it in. On top of that, I'm anxious I won't be able to watch the episodes in time to participate in the recaps. #firstworldproblems
I don't know about the others, but I really don't think Circle will drag because there's so much story to tell and it's shorter than 16 episodes. If anything, there may be a lot of unanswered questions at the end. Yeo Jin Gu on Monday-Tuesday and Yoo Seung Ho on Wednesday-Thursday -- the Nation must be so proud of her Little Brothers. They are beyond amazing. The future of the acting industry. ?
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68 asguardian
May 27, 2017 at 8:18 AM
@girlfriday : i am as frustrated as you are about Queen of Mystery, and they hinted for season 2, but what if they don't get???
The mystery will never end... i hate it!
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allaroundfangirl
May 27, 2017 at 9:27 AM
OMG! and i actually thought there was a next episode after ep 16 because of the teaser in the ending. I think there is a big chance for a season 2 considering the ratings.
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69 Islander north
May 27, 2017 at 8:24 AM
I halted finale of Mystery Queen at 2 minutes b4 ending...was sure they must have added an ep 17, but No! So, I resigned myself to finish last couple minutes. WTH? Writer should be horsewhipped for this ending!
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70 mango
May 27, 2017 at 8:26 AM
Circle : I like Beta Project and Brave New World but I didn't expect them to be separate in 2 parts in one episode. I guess it's simpler for editing and fot the plot.
Lookout : I love badass Lee Shi Young and can't wait to see the vigilante team working together.
Fight My Way : I'm so happy to see Kim Sung Oh again <3 The second lead have to have more screen time – maybe next week. I love Kim Jo Won's “sorryyo” it reminds me of Son Yi's “sawry” haha.
Father is Strange : I'm dying to know if Jung Hwan and Hye Young will marry under her conditions. I want Father to reveal the truth or else Actor Ahn will suffer more than before.
Chicago Typewriter : As if my heart didn't hurt enough for our puppy ghost, the last episodes broke it in pieces. I don't know how it will turn out but a bitter-sweet ending fits the drama.
Man to Man : This show made me a fan of Woon Kwang oppa ! A diva with a big heart !
Ruler - Master of the Mask : King Commandant T-T Ga Eun is not going to kick the baddies but help people and that's already a lot for a young woman. Hwang Gun – the character - is great and if it were another actress I could have second lead syndrome !
Suspicious Partner : I don't like cheaters but Eunhyuk's got me so bad. And everyone is so lonely it's breaking my heart.
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71 Kay Kim
May 27, 2017 at 8:35 AM
Yay more people on the DB team are watching Ruler! I don't really mind the criticisms at this point as long as people keep watching the drama. Especially considering how many new dramas started this week I'm super happy more people started watching it!
I never realised how most beanies were KSH fans since clearly people only ever got into Ruler for her and are now dropping out because she doesn't have enough screen time + a well written character.
As a fellow KSH fan I feel your criticisms but considering this is her 1st full saeguk as a lead I'm not going to let bad story telling or characterization get in the way of supporting my fav actress. I mean PSH fans never gave up on her in Heirs.
Having said that I do hope for things to get better in the future and people eventually find their way back to this drama.
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72 allaroundfangirl
May 27, 2017 at 9:22 AM
this has been such a great week for Mon-Tue Dramas :)
currently watching:
Fight My Way: Ae Ra is the epitome of class even under embarrassing situations. Dong Man is the guy you wanna be best friends forever with. Make that bestfriend turned to boyfriend.
Lookout: So far, so goodd. Loved the premise of this show, is it too much to ask for a shower scene for Kim Young-Kwang?
Circle: Lee Gi Kwang kinda reminds me of Rain.
Mystery Queen: Can we already get to the part on why Hyun Soo was kidnapped in the first place?
Chicago Typewriter: My heart is already breaking knowing this will end soon. ?
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73 sweetsour
May 27, 2017 at 10:14 AM
I am watching:
Suspicious Partner: I continue to enjoy this show so far.
Fight My Way: This is off to a cute start that has heart, and I am interested to see where this goes.
I agree with javabeans about "My Secret Romance", the show was cute but unfortunately it went downhill. Also thanks for the heads-up girlfriday about the ending of "Mystery Queen" (this means I won't pick this show up again, until a season 2 is confirmed, because there is nothing I dislike more than a show that leaves its story unfinished).
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74 Rara
May 27, 2017 at 10:25 AM
How I wish I'm less drama addict. It's exam time and obviously there are tons of new and current drama to watch. Oh well Master degree can wait but drama is life!
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75 taewon
May 27, 2017 at 10:48 AM
girlfriday, I'm with you about Mystery Queen. I had a major "what in the..." moment. I even hoped they had added more episodes until I saw the very ending of the episode with all those behind the scenes pictures. Drama people, this is not how you write a drama! It felt like somewhere around the final episode the writer realised it actually is a final episodes.
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76 dukseonnoona
May 27, 2017 at 11:10 AM
I remember a time last year when I just couldn't find a new good drama to watch that I ended up rewatching my favorites just to get my kdrama fix. But nowadays, wow! It's like we are in a very good buffet of delicious kdramas I can't even decide which one to devour first! ? Sad to say my appetite for Ruler: Master of Mask is now gone so that one's not on my plate anymore.
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77 banana
May 27, 2017 at 11:28 AM
Secret Romance: Very disappointing this week. I just can't stand Yoo Mi's mother.
Chicago Typewriter: I LOVE this show! Yoo Ah In looks like a pikachu.?
Waiting to watch Circle & Fight for My Way when finals end.
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78 hallyumint
May 27, 2017 at 12:55 PM
Mystery Queen: Wait, what? That’s how you’re going to end things? By NOT solving the one central overarching mystery that connects our two leads? They ended it like there’s already a Season 2 in the pipeline, except there isn’t (they’re obviously angling for a sequel, but what if they don’t get it??). What a weird and vague way to end an otherwise pleasant show. Blarg
Oh Thank God somebody shares my view. People at soompi have aldready accepted it philosophically. It's been bugging me. I just want to get into the writers head to know what's she's thinking.
There's not even a single article not a squeak. It's not an open ending but a blatant hint towards 2nd season as plain as day. Not even an apology /explanation.
Is the writer giving us the middle finger.
I mean I understood when missing noir did that but mystery Queen !!! What the hell !!
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79 lolita
May 27, 2017 at 1:02 PM
Loving / ?
↪ Chicago Typewriter
↪ Fight My Way
Liking / ?
↪ Mystery Queen
Letdowns / ?
↪ Man to Man
↪ Suspicious Partner
↪ Ruler–Master of the Mask
Stopped watching / ?
↪ Saimdang (huge disappointment; couldn't finish)
↪ My Secret Romance (didn't go past ep. 4)
Curious about / ❓
↪ Circle
↪ Whisper
Excited for / ?
↪ Seven Day Queen
↪ The Best Hit
↪ Forest of Secrets
↪ My Sassy Girl
↪ School 2017
↪ Strongest Deliveryman (because of the lead!)
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80 sw33tnshie
May 27, 2017 at 1:03 PM
haha, @javabeans, i have dropped dramas with 2 episodes left before. I just couldn't handle it anymore and didn't care for the finally. I just came here and read the ending instead.
I am currently watching 6 shows right now...I usually only watch 4!
In regards to MYSTERY QUEEN which just ended, I was watching the last episode and was like, "this is it"?? It's just a very odd ending. There better be a season 2. But I won't hold my breath because I'm still waiting for season 3 of VAMPIRE PROSECUTOR!
CIRCLE- i like it. I'm watching it for Highlight's gi-kwang! I do like the 2017/2037 aspect of the storyline but I don't like the dystopia life aspect of it. Separating people from good/ordinary earth. There is someone who always wants to break free for a better world and turns everything upside down.
LOOKOUT- i love Lee Si-young! she would be my girl crush! She went from happy to sad in one episode and you can feel her pain. She went from soft characters in 'boys over flowers' and 'playful kiss' to strong woman characters in 'my beautiful bride' and 'lookout'. i like her best when she plays strong characters. Is it bad that I wish she and Jun Jin will date again? he even said on 'happy together' that he likes a girl he can wrestle with.
MAN TO MAN- it's my least favorite right now. i do like the bromance and the comedy aspect of it tho.
FATHER IS STRANGE- oh joong hee!! i was excited when he nailed the scene! I just hope when he finds out the truth, he doesn't stay mad for too long! They did this for him too--so he can have a family!
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81 sorrynotsorry
May 27, 2017 at 1:45 PM
Tunnel: I credit the writer for keeping me so invested in the characters but - yes - time travel stuff never makes too much sense I think. My only complaint is I was never really surprised by anything so it was more me watching the detectives figure out what I already knew. It's just nice to be shocked once in a while.
Suspicious Partner: Sick of serial killers in what seems very much a romance drama so, for me, this is all about the relationship. Agree that it is ridiculous for the gal to waltz back in and basically say do over. And what's all this "thirsty" crap. I just can't... But the female lead...I have loved her in everything.
Mystery Queen: Because I'd heard the ending was a bit unsatisfactory and I adjusted my expectations, I was actually okay. I took it that part of the story is answered and now they are going to finish it off and since it seems to be an unseen foe, I guess we aren't supposed to care. I actually liked where they left the relationships...she's working things out and taking her own time about it. Good for her. I would love a part two but am actually ok if we don't get it (and we probably won't).
Ode to Joy 2: This one is spinning its wheels and seems repetitive and working hard to help us hate some of the gals. I hate that. Lazy writing. Possibly will drop or read comments and jump back in if it looks like it improves.
I'm holding off on new dramas because life is happening but, wow, there is a lot out there. I'm most interested in checking out Circle because it's fun to see a drama try something new.
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sorrynotsorry
May 27, 2017 at 1:57 PM
Oh, I forgot Secret Romance...which says everything. I am only continuing because I got this far though it was generally in the background while I was deep cleaning my kitchen.
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82 Kestrel
May 27, 2017 at 2:07 PM
Really good week for premiers! Haven't had two shows I'm so high on airing simultaneously in a LONG time. #Circle #Lookout both are amazing so far. Give me more mysteries and badass women.
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83 javinne
May 27, 2017 at 2:19 PM
Circle, lockout, father is strange... man to man, tunnel... all of them: i am not interested. Corruption, science fiction, time travelling are not my thing now.
Whisper, even having LBY in it, does not catch my attention. It would, if it had LJS, but that was too much expecting.
I was repeating some episodes of IHYV, i wish there would be a second part of it. Oh my god! We would watch it and then follow the trivia about it. Anyways! I am watching CT, SP and i think i will also watch FMW... the premiere week was ok for me. Not super super great, but just OK.
I find the girl in Man to Man ugly... i only saw her pictures in a couple of recaps...
And from the three i am watching now, only CT is for me of very good quality. But somehow very sad. It must be because of yul.
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84 whatis
May 27, 2017 at 3:46 PM
sigh... Blargh is right, girlfriday! Upon the release of Mystery Queen's Episode 16, I plopped my tush down to marathon the remaining 7 episodes I had.... and it was 4am, watching the last episode... my eyes clocking that advacement bar counting down to 00:00.
BLARGH! I thought I had missed something?? Did i fall asleep in the middle? Had a lapse of memory? What the what happened?!
Blargh.
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85 mhineey
May 27, 2017 at 4:51 PM
Suspicious partner is my first Ji Chang Wook drama,and I am totally falling in love with No ji Wook
Their chemistry brings me above the sky, they make me giggle alone on the bed like a teenager
Cannot wait for another Wednesday, I am counting down for Wednesday night very much
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86 jillian
May 27, 2017 at 5:45 PM
Tunnel: Wish there was an alternate universe shown for the future. I dont want YeonHo to grow up as an orphan and maybe a little scene of older KwangHo in the present time would assure me of that. Thay cute scene with young YH and SJ did give me hope though. The police aspects were not perfect but I am just being nitpicky on how they handle evidence, and other police stuffs. Overall, i love the characters and most specially KwangHo. This is one drama I would watch again despite knowing the outcome.
Ruler: Master of the Mask: Yoo SeungHo is just an amazing actor. He sucks you right in to feel what he is feeling. That moment when he is trying to control his feelings infront of Ga-Eun. I feel for you my dear and want to give you the world.
I am just wondering why Kim SoHyun is not being given much material to work with. They should've just given HwaGoon's role to her if they are going to ignore GaEun like this. Her character just feel like a prop at this time. Such a shame. I know she can do more if they just give her more to work with. Because of flatness of GaEun's character, I am silently shipping HwaGoon to change Sun's heart just because she has more going for her right now. I think I would like this drama more if HwaGoon is the heroine or atleast GaEun is more interesting than what is shown so far.
Circle: I like scifi and the fact that there is a whodunnit mystery makes it all the more interesting for me. I have only watched the first episode but its enough to pique my interest. I already have the second episode queued and will get to it soon.
ManxMan: I like the bromance and wished there were no romance to muddle the spy stuffs. There are times that I think that I didnt sign for the romance but then the romance parts can be cute. But I really want more of the spy stuffs. It makes me confused! I guess the show just has too much of everything that it deviates from my full enjoyment of the show. I will stick for Park HaeJin some more.
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87 makoto
May 27, 2017 at 6:01 PM
Finished with Tunnel and Whisper. Both are satisfying in their own way. I love that Tunnel paid more attention to small details on everyone's feeling. I rarely got that from other thriller dramas. As for Whisper, I love the cameos! More than the story, Whisper left me amazed with how polished everyone was. Clean, neat, gorgeous and uber charming eventhough their clothes were in basic colours. Even Su Yeon in jail's uniform looks pretty.
Still watching Man to Man.
Starting Circle this week.
Binge-watching Saimdang, Galileo and Hwarang.
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88 Ohlalaland
May 27, 2017 at 6:09 PM
Currently the dramas I am following are: Chicago Typewriter, Fight My Way, Father is Strange and Strong Family 2017.
Chicago Typewriter: This is my dessert for the week. Like others have mentioned, I always set time aside specially to watch this undisturbed because I don't to miss any nuances in the story. Love the 3 leads and damn yoo, for pulling my heartstrings with each episode.
Fight My Way: Dong Man and Ae Ra have such an easy relationship. They definitely care about each other a lot. Am loving every second of their friendship and can't wait to see how the romance begins.
Father is Strange: I usually avoid weekend dramas because the plot tends to not make sense after the initial episodes. I started watching this on whim but am so invested in the plots and subplots that I haven't had to use the ffwd button yet. The actress (Lee Yu Ri) playing the oldest daughter is so amazing, I love her character. Any recommendations on good dramas she is in?
Strong Family 2017: 30 minutes of pure bliss. So funny. I love how they incorporate topics on the news into the everyday life of the family with hilarious (sometimes serious) results. Park Hyuk Kwon is so convincing and hilarious as the father.
I miss Tunnel a lot but I just started circle - so far pretty intriguing. I am watching Suspicious Partner but I feel the story is lacking unfortunately. I adore the leads but it is focused too much on the love story and not enough intrigue to hold my attention. I will try to keep watching for the leads though.
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89 PilTa
May 27, 2017 at 7:24 PM
I am currently watching Fight My Way. I will start Ruler of the Mask while waiting for Big Hit and Seven Day Queen.
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90 ohmyaegyo
May 27, 2017 at 8:19 PM
dramallama's opinion of Suspicious Partner is my favorite thing to read this day! Couldn't have said it any better. ❤️
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91 prosecutorsunshine
May 27, 2017 at 9:16 PM
I love the two new dramas that premiered this week! Third Rate Fight My Way and Lookout were good -- I particularly am smitten by the badass and utterly gorgeous new heroines Ae Ra and Suji! Kim Ji Won and Lee Shi Young are my latest girl crushes! I'm so excited to see the next episodes!
I am still watching Ruler and Suspicious Partners but not as avidly as before but the last episode for Ruler drew me and excited me all over again! I like the timeskip and I'm curious to see how things would unfold. I'm not liking the distribution of screentime for KSH though -- honestly, the Hwa Gun character looks more compelling despite the actress' distracting acting. I hope we see more layers and development of Ga Eun but she feels strangely one-dimensional which I blame the writer for, as KSH has so much potential its killing me. Also, YSH is soooo goodlooking! He's practically carrying the whole show!
I'm behind on Chicago Typewriter but I'm thinking of waiting for the finale and then bingeing. I've completely dropped Whisper but since it ended, I'm curious about watching the last episode after reading the recap. I'm so sad my favorite villanous couple didn't make it through -- honestly, their loveline had me more invested than the main leads.
This coming week, I'm strongly looking forward to Third Rate Fight My Way, Lookout, and Ruler, in the exact same order.
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92 zanearaki
May 28, 2017 at 12:00 AM
I couldn't bring myself to ignite the enthusiasm for the shows, but I'm somehow already following the latest episode of Ruler and Circle.
I still think of Signal occasionally and it ruined me when I was into a new show. One thing that truly puzzled me is how consistent Signal was with the atmosphere building, supported by the perfect timing and choice of music.
I was watching Circle and the mystery was building up when suddenly it switched to the 2037 with all the funny detective atmosphere. And it made me cursed, lol. I was really bothered by this.
And Ruler.. *sighs*
I'm still watching it with with a small hope that Ga Eun would turn out to be a very interesting character whom would have interesting arc and interactions with The Prince. I'm also cringed with the dramatic slow motion scenes with sad music (either with the female lead/second lead).
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93 matcha and the beer
May 28, 2017 at 12:13 AM
My drama rank this week
1. Suspicious Partner -never thought that i would be so invested in this kind of genre and Noh Ji Wook is just... -
2. Circle -I want something new in dramaland and i get circle to fulfill my thirst. Peoples need to try this-
3. Whisper -it ended... I had fun. Thank you-
4. Man to Man -dont know why i keep watching, but that's better than have nothing to do in weekend. But I've never been this far watching drama with female lead that i don't like-
To drop this week
1. Fight my way -after watch the 2nd episode, i still didn't get where this show was going, maybe i will take it rest from it-
And i cant wait My Sassy girl premier this week!
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94 rochinipark
May 28, 2017 at 3:03 AM
Feeling the same in being overwhelmed by all the dramas. Only somehow managing by recording the shows on my cable provider, with all Big 3 airing on my cable channels.
Seen this week's Ruler of the Mask and Mystery Queen. Really do feel Kim So Hyun is underutilized to fill in all the stories for the other characters as it is usual in a sageuk.
Cannot believe too Mystery Queen ended like that. I somehow expected maybe an open ending to maybe Seo Lok taking the police examination but not on the back story part. It is so complicated and yet it feels fine to have ended like that because that was not the main reason I was watching this drama.
Only halfway thru the Thursday's episode of Suspicious Partner, and while I liked it mostly, somehow the show feel underwhelming. I keep expecting Lee DeokHwa to turn bad and it all due to his previous strong roles. Guess most of the actors in this drama playing against the type they used to do in previous dramas.
Fight My way with Park seojoon feels so much like a slice of life drama. But I am still confused if Choi WooShik's role is a cameo, extended cameo or he is part of the cast.
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95 javinne
May 28, 2017 at 9:35 AM
Random topic. Is it only me, or none of us receive notifications? Since they change the platform of dramabeans, we were able at the beginning to receive notifications, but very soon not anymore... why????? why???
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96 Klike234
May 28, 2017 at 5:42 PM
I haven't yet started watching suspicious partner because of school plus I'm saving it to marathon but I'm very sad that it's not hitting rating-wise....
I wanted that soooo much for Wookie but *sigh it's not over yet so my fingers are crossed ? (I can't find the fingers crossed emoji *grin)
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97 Abbie
May 28, 2017 at 5:49 PM
Loving Fight My Way and Mystery Queen as well as Lookout.
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98 meliyasha
May 29, 2017 at 12:40 AM
I love love love Suspicious Partner and Fight My Way! I love that we don't have to wait for long after Do Bong-soon to get another good rom-com. I mean, I haven't finished watching Bong-soon because I was watching it solely for MinBong couple but these two new dramas so far make me interested in their story too, not just because of main couple (okay who am I kidding, they are the biggest attraction of the shows for me). And I'm re-discovering Ji Chang-wook through SP. All this time I thought I only love him as Healer (or Jung-hoo, or BONGSOOK), but now whenever I see him I drool! It's hard to watch an episode in an hour because I end up focusing on his hair, his glasses, his shirts ?.
Lookout feels like those OCN made and I like it, I just want them all to meet soon. I hope Kim Tae-hoon will be on their side because I low-key ship him with Lee Si-young if there'll ever be loveline in this drama. Or they can go with Seul-gi and Key and I won't complaint at all.
Circle Yeo Jin-gu!!!!!! ♥ And I've missed Kim Kang-woo since Missing Noir M. I like his character too. Is he the older version of Woo-jin?
I'm kinda reluctant to continue Ruler but I will stick around for a few more episodes. I just need time to marathon the neglected episodes. Same goes to Man2Man.
It's been so long since I watch these many shows at once, I hope they stay good or even better. And in the midst of all that I'm still trying to find out if I can fit Rebel into my already packed schedule hahaha..
Oh btw, if Duel is airing next week then did we get special episode of Tunnel last Sat-Sun?
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99 Evelia
May 29, 2017 at 9:10 AM
Too many shows Circle, Lookout, Man to Man, Ruler of the Mask, and the Liar and his Lover plus the new shows that are premiering this week.? And I am behind on every show, except on Circle.
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100 whoopeeyoo
May 30, 2017 at 11:07 AM
So happy that a lot of people (DB minions! JB and GF!) are watching and loving Suspicious Partner!
And I agree with JB about My Secret Romance. I adored this one despite everything but last week was MEH. But then again, I didn't drop it because I'm still fond of it and there were only two more episodes left. Heh.
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