Advanced Ranked Watchlist

Mostly for self so that I can map out my ratings and give them out fairly.  I have a particular range for each rating and will rate future shows based on where they land.

Starting to write my thoughts because I've forgotten a lot of the older dramas.  

7 has become a large dumping ground for standard rom-coms that are of average quality.  
*  It seems like a fair system considering if Coffee Prince, with its flaws, is a 9...
*  and A Business Proposal, which I thought was pretty good, is an 8...
*  then some of the more ordinary ones, with very little plot but good romance, would land around 7.

It is also the cutoff point for a show in any genre before it goes into dislike territory.  That said, I still enjoyed any 7, at the very least, 70% of it.

3 things I love in my dramas
1.  exploration of philosophy and abstract concepts.
2.  politics and lengthy scenes of characters trying to outwit each other.  clever dialogue/interactions.
3.  well-developed villains and anti-heroes.

Things I hate in my dramas
1.  lazy writing that spells everything out for you because it can't show through build-up, nuance, or implication.
2.  black and white thinking/characters, particularly in shows that purport to be realistic.
3.  using dramas to force an ideology, prioritizing it over natural storytelling.
4.  filler scenes that make my brain go numb from boredom.  

what is this Jul 29, 2023
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  • Six Flying Dragons

    1. Six Flying Dragons

    Korean Drama - 2015, 50 episodes

    10
  • Life

    2. Life

    Korean Drama - 2018, 16 episodes

    10

    Enjoyment will depend on how you watch any show.  I prefer shows that allow me to take apart its ideas and examine them from different angles.  That's exactly what Lee Soo-yeon has created with this drama.  You will need to reassess how you understand dramas or you may miss it.  Not saying I'm special but I'm the weird person that is constantly trying to reassess the underlying principle of a show, IF, it allows for that sort of analysis.  And I'm okay with a conclusion that is more on the abstract end.

  • Lucifer

    3. Lucifer

    Korean Drama - 2007, 20 episodes

    10
  • Stranger

    4. Stranger

    Korean Drama - 2017, 16 episodes

    10
  • Misaeng: Incomplete Life

    5. Misaeng: Incomplete Life

    Korean Drama - 2014, 20 episodes

    10
  • My Mister

    6. My Mister

    Korean Drama - 2018, 16 episodes

    10
  • Healer

    7. Healer

    Korean Drama - 2014, 20 episodes

    10

    This one is interesting because you could watch it strictly as a romance and still be entertained.  There is no need to think beyond what you see but the reason I gave this a 10 instead of a 9.5 is because the drama has value that goes beyond the main couple or even the story.  I'm also a huge sucker for dramas that delve into the abstract.

    It's a critique of a society in a world where politics, media, and entertainment have all gone corrupt and the people are either part of the problem, too apathetic to care, or whatever variation in between.  Basically, modern society.  Regardless of their harsh circumstances, each character is given the opportunity to make a choice.  I also appreciate the details the writer put into the visuals, even down to the color of the bed sheets.  Or how every dialogue was actually important, even if it was for something in future episodes.  This show had a clear vision and it showed.

  • Chicago Typewriter

    8. Chicago Typewriter

    Korean Drama - 2017, 16 episodes

    9.5

    A bit of a quirky start and not in a good way.  Eventually finds its groove.

  • Life on Mars

    9. Life on Mars

    Korean Drama - 2018, 16 episodes

    9.5

    For some reason, there is a giant black hole in my memory aside from being sure that this is one of my favorites (below 6FD, Lucifer, Misaeng, Healer, Chicago Typewriter), at least at the time that it aired.  Giving it a 9.5 and keeping it that way.

  • Reply 1988

    10. Reply 1988

    Korean Drama - 2015, 20 episodes

    9.5

    Biggest complaint is that many of the episodes were way too long.  

    One might say:

    But isn't more of a good thing better?

    No.

  • Crash Landing on You

    11. Crash Landing on You

    Korean Drama - 2019, 16 episodes

    9.5

    I think that out of the major hit dramas (Goblin, Descendants of the Sun, My Love from the Star), this is the best by far.  

    Unfortunately, the soundtrack was fairly lackluster compared to Goblin, but still better than the other two.

  • Melancholia

    12. Melancholia

    Korean Drama - 2021, 16 episodes

    9.5

    I find that a Romance label would be misleading considering what most Romance dramas are perceived as.  I'd say this is more about the philosophy of love.  Not just in a relationship but also in the rediscovery and the pursuit of and the rekindling of a passion.  11 for that.  9.5 for the other character stories and their development.  8.5 for revenge.

  • Reply 1997

    13. Reply 1997

    Korean Drama - 2012, 16 episodes

    9.5

    This perfectly captures the heart of being young and growing up in the late-90s.  But that's the point in the Reply series as they are stories about normal life.  The world would change rapidly after this point because of the wide availability of the Internet.

  • Moving

    14. Moving

    Korean Drama - 2023, 20 episodes

    9.5

    This was unexpected.  The team managed to take a genre I dislike (super heroes) and turn it into a balanced blend of action, life, supernatural, comedy, drama, mystery, romance (and on and on).  One would think that a show with so many polar opposites would have some tonal whiplash but the director/editor has done an excellent job managing all of the varying genres and arranging them in a way that feels balanced.  Each character has been developed with just enough complexity and while other details are left to be figured out through context and paying attention.

    I don't have a problem with the extreme graphic nature of the action scenes and as someone who can enjoy almost every genre (except campy super hero movies), it's possible that I am more easily able to adjust through the different genres, assuming it's done right.  Face-smashing?  A normal person might be horrified but I was fascinated by how it kept caving in.

    Some may dislike that it doesn't focus on specific characters, making the drama seem as if it's scattered.  Two sides seem to be arguing about the adults/children but I think all of the stories are equally important and cannot be split into halves.  The unique structure is what makes this drama special as it breaks from the typical, linear formula to instead tell multiple stories in patches that eventually connect.  Imagine that structure instead as a map with many biomes.  I love that each patch has its own genre that fits the character.  

  • Move to Heaven

    15. Move to Heaven

    Korean Drama - 2021, 10 episodes

    9.5
  • The King of Pigs

    16. The King of Pigs

    Korean Drama - 2022, 12 episodes

    9.5

    Still thinking if 9 or 9.5.

    Everything about this was superb, particularly the acting.  Except for the FL.  I liked her character in Coffee Prince but wow, was she a miscast.

  • The Bridal Mask

    17. The Bridal Mask

    Korean Drama - 2012, 28 episodes

    9.0

    9-9.5.  I can't settle on a rating because although it was a hell of a ride at the time that I watched this, I don't think it can fit into what I would classify as a 9.5.

  • A Man's Story

    18. A Man's Story

    Korean Drama - 2009, 20 episodes

    9.0
  • Cruel City

    19. Cruel City

    Korean Drama - 2013, 20 episodes

    9.0

    Absolutely loved it back then but this is one of those cases where I no longer remember it well enough to know how it actually compares.  It may have gotten a boost for being unique for its time (and The Man from Nowhere) but with shows like Stranger, my standard for a 10 is now much higher.

  • The Smile Has Left Your Eyes

    20. The Smile Has Left Your Eyes

    Korean Drama - 2018, 16 episodes

    9.0

    Those who hate the show will hate it because of the characters.  Rather than say the characters were likable, I would say I found them to be intriguing as the show was written and directed in such a way that there is much to be gleaned from every interaction.  Also, I am not someone who gets frustrated by bad behavior, unless it's the result of sloppy writing, so I can watch as an observer rather than someone who needs moral characters.  After all, it's just a drama.  The story itself is okay but it captured my attention due to great directing and acting.  As a psychological, there's plenty to analyze, assuming you are not distracted while watching.  I wasn't a particular fan of Seo In-guk before but can't praise him enough for this role and look forward to more from him in the future.

  • Punch

    21. Punch

    Korean Drama - 2014, 19 episodes

    9.0
  • Flower of Evil

    22. Flower of Evil

    Korean Drama - 2020, 16 episodes

    9.0
  • Bad Guys

    23. Bad Guys

    Korean Drama - 2014, 11 episodes

    9.0
  • Squid Game

    24. Squid Game

    Korean Drama - 2021, 9 episodes

    9.0
  • La Dolce Vita

    25. La Dolce Vita

    Korean Drama - 2008, 24 episodes

    9.0
  • Coffee Prince

    26. Coffee Prince

    Korean Drama - 2007, 17 episodes

    9.0

    The more I think about this drama, the more I realize how difficult it must be to create a near-perfect rom-com such as this one.  The natural developments in the relationships make Coffee Prince one of the few shows that hasn't become dated.  Is it weird to have a rom-com this high?  I guess not.

  • Liar Game

    27. Liar Game

    Korean Drama - 2014, 12 episodes

    9.0
  • D.P.

    28. D.P.

    Korean Drama - 2021, 6 episodes

    8.5

    I somewhat enjoyed the individual stories but the last episode had more value than all of them added together.  Possibly will become one of my favorite endings in that it was brilliantly written and filmed.  I was rendered speechless.

    An 8 for the first 4 episodes.  Went up to an 8.5 with ep 5, and finally, a 9.  If a trash ending can kill a rating, a great one should allow for bonus points?

    Also a webtoon adaptation.

  • Que Sera Sera

    29. Que Sera Sera

    Korean Drama - 2007, 17 episodes

    8.5
  • Children of Nobody

    30. Children of Nobody

    Korean Drama - 2018, 32 episodes

    8.5
  • Hellbound

    31. Hellbound

    Korean Drama - 2021, 6 episodes

    8.5

    I found the philosophical aspects to be the most interesting part of this drama.  That may explain why I disagree with a good majority of viewers who watched this as an ordinary action drama and disliked it.  The drama is a depiction of today's society and I actually would say it's NOT limited to established religion.

  • Narco-Saints

    32. Narco-Saints

    Korean Drama - 2022, 6 episodes

    8.5
  • Weak Hero Class 1

    33. Weak Hero Class 1

    Korean Drama - 2022, 8 episodes

    8.5

    Straightforward but thrilling throughout.  Sure you could make that it depicts the cycle of violence but I appreciate it far more for not preaching at its audience.

    Pet Peeve.  People really need to stop whining about how shows that depict classroom violence are unrealistic.  Thanks for pointing out the obvious.  These are webtoon adaptations and in webtoons, teenagers are often getting into grand fights.  It is common for teenagers, who are the target audience, to fantasize about fighting back against their bullies and that is why the protagonists are often school-age.  Yes, the teacher is mysteriously absent.  Yes, the legal system needs to be overlooked for the story to work.  Being overly pedantic with a show like is...ironically...stupid.

  • Vincenzo

    34. Vincenzo

    Korean Drama - 2021, 20 episodes

    8.5

    I understood much of it to be exaggerated on purpose, for comedy.  And the style worked.  It tops many dramas in numbers of enjoyable characters.  This is an example that you don't need to make a whole lot of sense, as long as you can convince the viewers of your story.

  • Just Between Lovers

    35. Just Between Lovers

    Korean Drama - 2017, 16 episodes

    8.5
  • Racket Boys

    36. Racket Boys

    Korean Drama - 2021, 16 episodes

    8.5

    THE Racket Boys are the highlight of the show.  In fact, there may be some personal bias here with the ranking.  This is fun and heartwarming.

  • It's Okay, That's Love

    37. It's Okay, That's Love

    Korean Drama - 2014, 16 episodes

    8.5
  • Our Beloved Summer

    38. Our Beloved Summer

    Korean Drama - 2021, 16 episodes

    8.5

    I hesitated trusting the writer because kdramas often neglect having nuance when it comes to relationships.  With it wanting to be more realistic, I had specific expectations.  That hesitancy may have affected my early experience. 

    Solid soundtrack.  I think a show like this could be better with a second watch because of the details.  It seems that the writer put a lot of thought into her script.

  • Dr. Brain

    39. Dr. Brain

    Korean Drama - 2021, 6 episodes

    8.5

    Webtoon adaptation.  Most of its strengths lie in the acting, directing, and the cinematography.   There is also a decent amount of thrill but expect the Sci-Fi parts to require a bit of a stretch.  Regardless, the peculiar way the mystery is told makes this a fascinating experience.  Extra points for style and originality.

  • Drama Special Series Season 1: White Christmas

    40. Drama Special Series Season 1: White Christmas

    Korean Special - 2011, 8 episodes

    8.5

    I don't remember this much anymore.  It was somewhat unique for it's time and my score is from that time.

  • The Princess's Man

    41. The Princess's Man

    Korean Drama - 2011, 24 episodes

    8.5
  • Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo

    42. Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo

    Korean Drama - 2016, 16 episodes

    8.5
  • Mother

    43. Mother

    Korean Drama - 2018, 16 episodes

    8.5
  • Signal

    44. Signal

    Korean Drama - 2016, 16 episodes

    8.5
  • I Hear Your Voice

    45. I Hear Your Voice

    Korean Drama - 2013, 18 episodes

    8.5
  • Nine: Nine Times Time Travel

    46. Nine: Nine Times Time Travel

    Korean Drama - 2013, 20 episodes

    8.5
  • Because This Is My First Life

    47. Because This Is My First Life

    Korean Drama - 2017, 16 episodes

    8.5
  • Fight for My Way

    48. Fight for My Way

    Korean Drama - 2017, 16 episodes

    8.5

    What's with the awful cover, Korea?

  • Goblin

    49. Goblin

    Korean Drama - 2016, 16 episodes

    8.5

    Honestly, not my kind of show.  Gave it an 8.5, which is pretty good, because I can still appreciate everything aside from the writing.  Plus, the soundtrack is one of the best.

  • Revenant

    50. Revenant

    Korean Drama - 2023, 12 episodes

    Temporary position while still watching.

  • Missing Noir M

    51. Missing Noir M

    Korean Drama - 2015, 10 episodes

    8.0

    The show being episodic makes it more difficult to rate as it depends on the episode.  Also, I think it's easier to write in 1 hour chunks.

  • Secret Love Affair

    52. Secret Love Affair

    Korean Drama - 2014, 16 episodes

    8.0
  • Two Weeks

    53. Two Weeks

    Korean Drama - 2013, 16 episodes

    8.0
  • I'm Sorry, I Love You

    54. I'm Sorry, I Love You

    Korean Drama - 2004, 16 episodes

    8.0

    May be dated but was a gem in its time. 

  • A Beautiful Mind

    55. A Beautiful Mind

    Korean Drama - 2016, 14 episodes

    8.0

    This is the rating I gave at the time I watched it.  I do not remember it anymore aside from enjoying it more than the other medical drama.  

  • Queen for Seven Days

    56. Queen for Seven Days

    Korean Drama - 2017, 20 episodes

    8.0
  • I'm Not a Robot

    57. I'm Not a Robot

    Korean Drama - 2017, 32 episodes

    8.0

    Entertaining despite the silly plot.  That's a compliment.

  • Business Proposal

    58. Business Proposal

    Korean Drama - 2022, 12 episodes

    8.0

    Kim Se-jeong shines.  Plus, it helps that it's only 12 episodes.

  • Shut Up: Flower Boy Band

    59. Shut Up: Flower Boy Band

    Korean Drama - 2012, 16 episodes

    8.0
  • Her Private Life

    60. Her Private Life

    Korean Drama - 2019, 16 episodes

    8.0
  • The Glory

    61. The Glory

    Korean Drama - 2022, 8 episodes

    8.0

    Temporary position while still deciding.

  • Special Affairs Team TEN

    62. Special Affairs Team TEN

    Korean Drama - 2011, 9 episodes

    8.0

    The show being episodic makes it more difficult to rate as it depends on the episode.  Also, I think it's easier to write in 1 hour chunks.

  • Queen In Hyun's Man

    63. Queen In Hyun's Man

    Korean Drama - 2012, 16 episodes

    8.0
  • Awl

    64. Awl

    Korean Drama - 2015, 12 episodes

    8.0
  • Matrimonial Chaos

    65. Matrimonial Chaos

    Korean Drama - 2018, 32 episodes

    8.0

    This is a remake of a Japanese drama.  It is a show about relationships.

  • Strangers from Hell

    66. Strangers from Hell

    Korean Drama - 2019, 10 episodes

    8.0
  • Memory

    67. Memory

    Korean Drama - 2016, 16 episodes

    8.0
  • My Love from the Star

    68. My Love from the Star

    Korean Drama - 2013, 21 episodes

    8.0

    Not my type of show but it I can't deny it managed to create something.

  • Arthdal Chronicles Part 1: The Children of Prophecy

    69. Arthdal Chronicles Part 1: The Children of Prophecy

    Korean Drama - 2019, 6 episodes

    8.0

    A separate rating for entire show will be in the comment section of Part 3.

  • Death's Game

    70. Death's Game

    Korean Drama - 2023, 4 episodes

    8.0
  • My Girlfriend Is a Gumiho

    71. My Girlfriend Is a Gumiho

    Korean Drama - 2010, 16 episodes

    7.5
  • The King of Dramas

    72. The King of Dramas

    Korean Drama - 2012, 18 episodes

    7.5
  • Hello, Me!

    73. Hello, Me!

    Korean Drama - 2021, 16 episodes

    7.5

    It was great when it was focused.

  • Fated to Love You

    74. Fated to Love You

    Korean Drama - 2014, 20 episodes

    7.5

    I prefer it a tiny bit over the Taiwanese version.

  • Sungkyunkwan Scandal

    75. Sungkyunkwan Scandal

    Korean Drama - 2010, 20 episodes

    7.5

    This is the rating I gave at the time I watched it.  I do not remember it anymore.

  • The Good Wife

    76. The Good Wife

    Korean Drama - 2016, 16 episodes

    7.5

    This is the rating I gave at the time I watched it.  I do not remember it anymore.

  • Crash Course in Romance

    77. Crash Course in Romance

    Korean Drama - 2023, 16 episodes

    7.5
  • Love in the Moonlight

    78. Love in the Moonlight

    Korean Drama - 2016, 18 episodes

    7.5

    This is the rating I gave at the time I watched it.  I do not remember it anymore.

  • Lies Hidden in My Garden

    79. Lies Hidden in My Garden

    Korean Drama - 2023, 8 episodes

    7.5
  • Circle

    80. Circle

    Korean Drama - 2017, 12 episodes

    7.5

    Original.  It tried.  Gave me the feeling of watching LOST for the first time.

  • Let's Eat Season 2

    81. Let's Eat Season 2

    Korean Drama - 2015, 18 episodes

    7.5

    This is the rating I gave at the time I watched it.  I do not remember it anymore.

  • Let's Eat

    82. Let's Eat

    Korean Drama - 2013, 16 episodes

    7.5

    This is the rating I gave at the time I watched it.  I do not remember it anymore.

  • Twenty Again

    83. Twenty Again

    Korean Drama - 2015, 16 episodes

    7.5

    This is the rating I gave at the time I watched it.  I do not remember it anymore.

  • Good Doctor

    84. Good Doctor

    Korean Drama - 2013, 20 episodes

    7.5

    Cute moments.  But you know when that music starts to play and you turn your head to watch paint dry.

  • Marriage, Not Dating

    85. Marriage, Not Dating

    Korean Drama - 2014, 16 episodes

    7.5
    This is the rating I gave at the time I watched it.  I do not remember it anymore aside from enjoying the start.
  • Oh My Ghost

    86. Oh My Ghost

    Korean Drama - 2015, 16 episodes

    7.5

    This is the rating I gave at the time I watched it.  I do not remember it anymore aside from enjoying the start.

  • Drinking Solo

    87. Drinking Solo

    Korean Drama - 2016, 16 episodes

    7.5

    This is the rating I gave at the time I watched it.  I do not remember it anymore.

  • Another Miss Oh

    88. Another Miss Oh

    Korean Drama - 2016, 18 episodes

    7.0

    Mixed feelings because it was great until it went crazy.  I'm probably too harsh on it because I only remember the crazy.

  • Padam Padam

    89. Padam Padam

    Korean Drama - 2011, 20 episodes

    7.0

    This is the rating I gave at the time I watched it.  I do not remember it anymore.

  • Arang and the Magistrate

    90. Arang and the Magistrate

    Korean Drama - 2012, 20 episodes

    7.0

    This is the rating I gave at the time I watched it.  I do not remember it anymore.

  • Operation Proposal

    91. Operation Proposal

    Korean Drama - 2012, 16 episodes

    7.0

    This is the rating I gave at the time I watched it.  I do not remember it anymore.

  • Iljimae

    92. Iljimae

    Korean Drama - 2008, 20 episodes

    7.0

    Second drama.  It's been almost 15 years and I barely remember.

  • Man to Man

    93. Man to Man

    Korean Drama - 2017, 16 episodes

    7.0

    This is the rating I gave at the time I watched it.  I do not remember it anymore.

  • Suspicious Partner

    94. Suspicious Partner

    Korean Drama - 2017, 40 episodes

    7.0

    This is the rating I gave at the time I watched it.  I do not remember it anymore.

  • Flower Boy Next Door

    95. Flower Boy Next Door

    Korean Drama - 2013, 16 episodes

    7.0

    This is the rating I gave at the time I watched it.  I do not remember it anymore.

  • Rooftop Prince

    96. Rooftop Prince

    Korean Drama - 2012, 20 episodes

    7.0
  • Naeil's Cantabile

    97. Naeil's Cantabile

    Korean Drama - 2014, 16 episodes

    7.0
  • Hit the Top

    98. Hit the Top

    Korean Drama - 2017, 32 episodes

    7.0

    This is the rating I gave at the time I watched it.  I do not remember it anymore.

  • What's Wrong with Secretary Kim

    99. What's Wrong with Secretary Kim

    Korean Drama - 2018, 16 episodes

    7.0
  • The Sound of Magic

    100. The Sound of Magic

    Korean Drama - 2022, 6 episodes

    7.0

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