Recycled content alert: I am going to repost a thread about K-dramas that I originally made in December 2024.
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Characters often hold on to shame around money or family problems to an exaggerated extent, which again makes for good television. I appreciate the way that the plot unfolds in a more leisurely way than in American tv, which gives me emotional whiplash by the way it bombards me with terrifying or cringey situations rapid-fire. Anyway, that's the end of my TED talk. Let me know if I convinced you to drink the K-Drama Koolaid.
18/X
#kdramaMy next title was another attempt to pick a show that was cheesy and dumb. I literally picked the first title Netflix recommended, Backstreet Rookie. The show, which is based on a web comic, revolves around Saet-byul, a beautiful yet troubled teen in a working class Seoul neighborhood. Her father was a martial arts master, whose untimely death left Saet-byul to raise her unruly younger sister Eun-byul.
19/X
#kdrama
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My next title was another attempt to pick a show that was cheesy and dumb. I literally picked the first title Netflix recommended, Backstreet Rookie. The show, which is based on a web comic, revolves around Saet-byul, a beautiful yet troubled teen in a working class Seoul neighborhood. Her father was a martial arts master, whose untimely death left Saet-byul to raise her unruly younger sister Eun-byul.
19/X
#kdramaHer love interest is Dae-hyun, the cute and good-hearted operator of a convenience store. Dae-hyun is currently dating Yeon-ju, whose family owns a marjority stake in the entire convenience store chain. Yeon-ju loves Dae-hyun, but she is conflicted because of their differing social class. Yeon-ju's mother disapproves of the match, and she sets in motion a number of plots to sabotage their relationship.
20/X
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Her love interest is Dae-hyun, the cute and good-hearted operator of a convenience store. Dae-hyun is currently dating Yeon-ju, whose family owns a marjority stake in the entire convenience store chain. Yeon-ju loves Dae-hyun, but she is conflicted because of their differing social class. Yeon-ju's mother disapproves of the match, and she sets in motion a number of plots to sabotage their relationship.
20/X
#kdramaWhen the dazzling Saet-byul comes to work at the convenience store it sets off a series of unhinged and hilarious events. This comedy is indeed cheesy and soapy, but of course I got totally involved. I really enjoyed the exploration of class, and how the working class characters inevitably come across as much more genuine and likeable than the upper class ones.
21/X
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When the dazzling Saet-byul comes to work at the convenience store it sets off a series of unhinged and hilarious events. This comedy is indeed cheesy and soapy, but of course I got totally involved. I really enjoyed the exploration of class, and how the working class characters inevitably come across as much more genuine and likeable than the upper class ones.
21/X
#kdramaPredictably the convenience store is a nexus for a cadre of kookie and lovable characters and side stories. We see Eun-byul go behind her older sister's back to secretly debut as part of the K-pop group "Fancy Girls," causing numerous complications. And we see Saet-byul utilize the martial arts skills learned as a child to deliciously trounce legions of girl gangs, bullies, and delinquents trying to rip off Dae-hyun's store. A dorky and satisfying romp. Five stars.
22/X
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Predictably the convenience store is a nexus for a cadre of kookie and lovable characters and side stories. We see Eun-byul go behind her older sister's back to secretly debut as part of the K-pop group "Fancy Girls," causing numerous complications. And we see Saet-byul utilize the martial arts skills learned as a child to deliciously trounce legions of girl gangs, bullies, and delinquents trying to rip off Dae-hyun's store. A dorky and satisfying romp. Five stars.
22/X
#kdramaReply 1988 was my next title. This was the result of a search on some forums for highly regarded, or iconic dramas. The story follows the lives of 5 teenagers and their families in a close-knit neighborhood in Seoul, starting in 1988. It has a compelling nostalgic feel, and the central character Deok-Sun is so lovable, despite her awkward goofiness.
23/X
#kdrama
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Reply 1988 was my next title. This was the result of a search on some forums for highly regarded, or iconic dramas. The story follows the lives of 5 teenagers and their families in a close-knit neighborhood in Seoul, starting in 1988. It has a compelling nostalgic feel, and the central character Deok-Sun is so lovable, despite her awkward goofiness.
23/X
#kdramaIt's the most naturalistic series I watched so far, in the sense that characters, pacing, and everyday situations are the most unvarnished picture of working class Korean families in the 80's. The parents bicker a lot, the kids are mostly fuck-ups, and everybody is worried about money. Against this day-to-day struggling there are little moments of tenderness and caring that seem so poignant. This drama unfolds over 20 long episodes, spanning 6+ years.
24/X
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It's the most naturalistic series I watched so far, in the sense that characters, pacing, and everyday situations are the most unvarnished picture of working class Korean families in the 80's. The parents bicker a lot, the kids are mostly fuck-ups, and everybody is worried about money. Against this day-to-day struggling there are little moments of tenderness and caring that seem so poignant. This drama unfolds over 20 long episodes, spanning 6+ years.
24/X
#kdramaWe ultimately see how the kids turn out, find love, and start their journey into adulthood. I cannot tell you how involved I got in the lives of these 5 families, and how hard I balled at the end
Really beautifully done in my opinion, and a sweeping, epic work of storytelling. Five enthusiastic stars!
25/X
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We ultimately see how the kids turn out, find love, and start their journey into adulthood. I cannot tell you how involved I got in the lives of these 5 families, and how hard I balled at the end
Really beautifully done in my opinion, and a sweeping, epic work of storytelling. Five enthusiastic stars!
25/X
#kdramaMy wife, an avid television watcher, had not so far succumbed to the K-Drama spell, though she would occasionally be in the room during my sessions. She thought the teaser for It's Okay To Not Be Okay looked promising, so we embarked on this one together. It's a romance with some darker elements of fairy tales, mental illness and a sprinkling of homicide.
26/X
#kdrama
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My wife, an avid television watcher, had not so far succumbed to the K-Drama spell, though she would occasionally be in the room during my sessions. She thought the teaser for It's Okay To Not Be Okay looked promising, so we embarked on this one together. It's a romance with some darker elements of fairy tales, mental illness and a sprinkling of homicide.
26/X
#kdramaThe story revolves around Ko Moon-Young (played by Seo Yea-ji), an antisocial children's book author, and Gang Tae (Kim Soo-hyun), a caregiver who works in mental hospitals. Gang Tae also takes care of his autistic older brother Sang Tae (played by Oh Jung-se). Sang Tae likes art, and loves Moon-Young's fairytales. When Gang Tae takes his brother to Moon-Young's book signing event, their lives become entangled with the beautiful and unpredictable author.
27/X
#kdrama -
The story revolves around Ko Moon-Young (played by Seo Yea-ji), an antisocial children's book author, and Gang Tae (Kim Soo-hyun), a caregiver who works in mental hospitals. Gang Tae also takes care of his autistic older brother Sang Tae (played by Oh Jung-se). Sang Tae likes art, and loves Moon-Young's fairytales. When Gang Tae takes his brother to Moon-Young's book signing event, their lives become entangled with the beautiful and unpredictable author.
27/X
#kdramaMy wife and I were riveted for 16 long episodes as the plot unfolds. We discover that Moon-Young and the two brothers grew up in the same small town a couple hours from Seoul and, indeed, the 'kindergarten kismet' trope comes into play. Through flashbacks we learn that Moon-Young's mother was a writer of thrillers, and isolated the young Moon-Young from other children. They lived in an opulent but spooky mansion built by her father, who worships the mother until things go psycho.
28/X
#kdrama -
My wife and I were riveted for 16 long episodes as the plot unfolds. We discover that Moon-Young and the two brothers grew up in the same small town a couple hours from Seoul and, indeed, the 'kindergarten kismet' trope comes into play. Through flashbacks we learn that Moon-Young's mother was a writer of thrillers, and isolated the young Moon-Young from other children. They lived in an opulent but spooky mansion built by her father, who worships the mother until things go psycho.
28/X
#kdramaThere is a rich cast of secondary characters including Moon-Young's publisher, the staff of the psychiatric hospital, and the nurse Nam Ju-ri who works there and has carried a torch for Gang Tae since childhood. Ju-ri's mom Kang Soon-deok plays the role of the wise and warm woman who nurtures everyone who comes into her orbit, providing homespum wisdom and delicious food.
29/X
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There is a rich cast of secondary characters including Moon-Young's publisher, the staff of the psychiatric hospital, and the nurse Nam Ju-ri who works there and has carried a torch for Gang Tae since childhood. Ju-ri's mom Kang Soon-deok plays the role of the wise and warm woman who nurtures everyone who comes into her orbit, providing homespum wisdom and delicious food.
29/X
#kdramaI don't want to give away too much, but there is some genuine menace at play, and some surprise twists before things come to a conclusion. Ko Moon-Young is one of the more compelling characters that has been brought to screen, and one of the more dazzling beauties. Many excellent performances here, and overall a sophisticated and compelling drama. Five stars.
30/X
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I don't want to give away too much, but there is some genuine menace at play, and some surprise twists before things come to a conclusion. Ko Moon-Young is one of the more compelling characters that has been brought to screen, and one of the more dazzling beauties. Many excellent performances here, and overall a sophisticated and compelling drama. Five stars.
30/X
#kdramaIt’s Okay To Not Be Okay addenda. We loved the show so much that I made my wife a Mang Tae “Nightmare Catcher” doll as a gift (and another smaller one to hang from her rear view mirror (if you know, you know)
31/X
#kdrama -
It’s Okay To Not Be Okay addenda. We loved the show so much that I made my wife a Mang Tae “Nightmare Catcher” doll as a gift (and another smaller one to hang from her rear view mirror (if you know, you know)
31/X
#kdramaNow that my wife is caught in the K-drama spell, my project of finding 'important and influential' dramas will be set aside, as we cruise through a series of slick, recent dramas with mass-market appeal. If you cannot stomach 'Kindergarten Kismet' and related tropes, I advise you to stop reading
Love Next Door, a romcom from 2024 was our next watch. Some light spoilers follow.
32/N
#kdrama
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Now that my wife is caught in the K-drama spell, my project of finding 'important and influential' dramas will be set aside, as we cruise through a series of slick, recent dramas with mass-market appeal. If you cannot stomach 'Kindergarten Kismet' and related tropes, I advise you to stop reading
Love Next Door, a romcom from 2024 was our next watch. Some light spoilers follow.
32/N
#kdramaOur story begins when Bae Seok-ryu (played by Jung So-min) returns to Korea after her successful career with an American conglomerate called Greip suddenly (and at first mysteriously) implodes. The love interest is (duh) her next-door neighbor Choi Seung-hyo or Choisseung (played by Jung Hae-in), who she has known since they were small children.
33/N
#kdrama -
Our story begins when Bae Seok-ryu (played by Jung So-min) returns to Korea after her successful career with an American conglomerate called Greip suddenly (and at first mysteriously) implodes. The love interest is (duh) her next-door neighbor Choi Seung-hyo or Choisseung (played by Jung Hae-in), who she has known since they were small children.
33/N
#kdramaThrough flashbacks we gradually see how their relationship evolved from her bossing him around in a big sister-ly way, to becoming platonic besties through high-school, until she goes to the US to attend college on a scholarship. Choisseung stays in Korea, pursuing architecture when his dreams of competitive swimming are crushed after being hit by a vehicle. He's gained some recognition in the architecture world, but is struggling to get his newly opened firm off the ground.
34/N
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Through flashbacks we gradually see how their relationship evolved from her bossing him around in a big sister-ly way, to becoming platonic besties through high-school, until she goes to the US to attend college on a scholarship. Choisseung stays in Korea, pursuing architecture when his dreams of competitive swimming are crushed after being hit by a vehicle. He's gained some recognition in the architecture world, but is struggling to get his newly opened firm off the ground.
34/N
#kdramaSeok-ryu's parents, especially her mother Mi-sook, are furious that she has foolishly quit a successful career and broke off an engagement, both of which were considerable sources of pride to the Mom. Mi-sook is especially shamed because her best friend Young-nam, who happens to be Choisseung's mother, is a wealthy and somewhat superior acting diplomat. Mi-sook has bragged incessantly about her successful daughter, and hates to eat crow in front of her fancy friend.
35/N
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Seok-ryu's parents, especially her mother Mi-sook, are furious that she has foolishly quit a successful career and broke off an engagement, both of which were considerable sources of pride to the Mom. Mi-sook is especially shamed because her best friend Young-nam, who happens to be Choisseung's mother, is a wealthy and somewhat superior acting diplomat. Mi-sook has bragged incessantly about her successful daughter, and hates to eat crow in front of her fancy friend.
35/N
#kdramaChoisseung's parents Young-nam and her physician husband Seung-joon are wealthy, and their house is posh, though sterile, while Seok-ryu's family is struggling financially. The father Geun-sik runs a tteokbokki restaurant that seemingly attracts zero customers. Though their home is modest, as we see over time Seok-ryu's family is warm and expressive, while Choisseung's is frigid and unable to express their feelings.
36/N
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Choisseung's parents Young-nam and her physician husband Seung-joon are wealthy, and their house is posh, though sterile, while Seok-ryu's family is struggling financially. The father Geun-sik runs a tteokbokki restaurant that seemingly attracts zero customers. Though their home is modest, as we see over time Seok-ryu's family is warm and expressive, while Choisseung's is frigid and unable to express their feelings.
36/N
#kdramaWe come to realize that Choisseung has indeed harbored love for Seok-ryu since high school, but has not been able to say anything for all these years. This is one of the most common and infuriating kdrama tropes: dude who cannot say 'I love you' to save his life, and we have to endure episode after episode of him tying himself in knots to not say what has been evident from the first 15 minutes. But that's just how it works, folks.
37/N
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We come to realize that Choisseung has indeed harbored love for Seok-ryu since high school, but has not been able to say anything for all these years. This is one of the most common and infuriating kdrama tropes: dude who cannot say 'I love you' to save his life, and we have to endure episode after episode of him tying himself in knots to not say what has been evident from the first 15 minutes. But that's just how it works, folks.
37/N
#kdramaWe have a healthy buffet of cliché tropes and plot devices on offer here, but they are employed with enthusiasm and there are a plenty of great comedic moments. There are many well done characters here, and there is much to keep you hooked for 16 episodes. I found Seok-ryu to be a very compelling and vulnerable FL. Her best friend Mo-eum (played by Kim Ji-eun) is the cutest, along with Mo-eum's sometimes reluctant suitor Dan-ho (played by Yoon Ji-on). 4/5 totally entertaining.
38/N
#kdrama
