Watched in 2023
DRAMA RATING SYSTEM (SORT OF)
- 1 - 4.5 - Garbage
- 5 - 5.5 - Watchable, but bad, very bad
- 6 - 7 - Okay
- 7.5 - Not a favorite, but close
- 8 - 9.5 - Favs
- 10 - the rare unicorn masterpiece
*obviously everything is pretty subjective because I'm not a critic, and I like what I like
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1. Bride of the Century
Korean Drama - 2014, 16 episodes
It started off with a interesting premise, but got kind of draggy towards the end, mainly because it seemed to take some characters a long ass time to get their heads on straight, lol. Also some truly awful parents (but they admitted it), although the ML's dad was just awesome. The FL did a pretty good job of portraying both characters, you could tell who was who once they started speaking, although I wasn't always convinced of the ML.
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2. Island
Korean Drama - 2022, 6 episodes
Could have been good but fell flat. This seemed more like the first half of the drama, and not a full completed season, since there is so much left unexplained (and flow doesn't lend to it). The FL was just bland, and set up as 'strong woman' but most of the time she was acting like a damsel. The other character could have been expanded as well. Sung Joon's character is interesting but he doesn't have much screen time yet. The CGI also isn't doing this any flavors, lol.
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3. Casting a Spell to You
Korean Drama - 2021, 16 episodes
This was a lesson in frustration. The leads were good, and had bickering married couple vibes, but they were barely together – and spent most of the time staring at pictures of each other on their phones, lol. While I understood why the SFL was acting the way she was – it was still frustrating watching her (and the male lead) make themselves miserable out of their grief and loneness, especially since she clung to him till the very end when she should have let him go much earlier. The second SML was typically SML who could at times push the line. But the worse part was the SFL’s mom who made a tragic event even worse by causing the ML an immense amount of pain and guilt he was still carrying into his adulthood, nor did she help the trauma her daughter was carrying. The Cactus couple was cutie – I wish they were in there more.
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4. The Forbidden Marriage
Korean Drama - 2022, 12 episodes
I found myself grinning like a manic watching this - either from the pure silliness or the sweetness. I enjoyed the dynamics of the leads, clearly they were made for each other, having some of the same crazy energy. I haven't seen Kim Young Dae in anything before but he managed the comedic bits so well with the emotional moments. The SML didn't get really exciting until the end, since he spent the beginning getting rejected and getting in trouble with the King for not doing his job. Some side characters could have been replaced by Sung Hwa Yoon (utterly misused in only three episodes), or the dorky bandits. While one villain was generally awful and despicable, the other was not as effective (made by a weird decision to play him as if he was asleep or high the whole time).
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5. Alchemy of Souls Season 2: Light and Shadow
Korean Drama - 2022, 10 episodes
Not sure why I was thinking this season wold be any better than the last, lol. The writing was worse, the only thing it wasn't nearly as entertaining. I found myself not really caring about what was going on. If your looking for the badass ladies the keep teasing - they aren't here. Bad ass Naksu? You'll only see her in the first episode of the first season. The only people allowed to fight are the men, apparently. The villain was also still dumb, and Mama Jin, why, why are you doing anything, really. The side characters are still charming (well minus Lady Heo, girl, its been three years, and he still don't like you, you have zero rights to be such a bitch), but they aren't enough to make up for the lack of plot. Also, was it me or did they repeat each other all the time. "Yul is ...." "Oh is Yul....'" "Why is Yul doing that?" Do we need three scenes of the same dialogue? But to be fair some pros: Go Youn Jung fit in perfectly, it's pretty, and there is a turtle.
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6. The New Employee
Korean Drama - 2022, 7 episodes
Could have down with a little more plot, but what can you expect from a fluffy PG version of a smut novel? lol. The leads were great - I thought Kim Jong Chan was going to be the cold boss - but outside he's the sweetest, and Woo Seung Hyun isn't a typical ML, soft spoken, awkward, but lights up when it comes to the things he loves (some would call him 'childish' but that's not what I was getting out of. It was also nice seeing Ye Ji Won as a recurring character - hopefully we'll see some more mainstream actors in BL's/LGBT content.
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7. Pride
Japanese Drama - 2004, 11 episodes
I really wasn't vibing with this, and then the FL lead's behavior towards the end was just the icing on the dislike cake. Seriously, all that over a POS that left you? Also whenever I hear 'I Was Born to Love You' I'm going to think about how annoyed I was when I watched it.
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8. Love to Hate You
Korean Drama - 2023, 10 episodes
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9. It's Okay, That's Love
Korean Drama - 2014, 16 episodes
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10. Work Later, Drink Now Season 2
Korean Drama - 2022, 12 episodes
Not as strong as the first season (not as much drink either, lol)- I think the format might be a bit to blame, but still pretty enjoyable, and I would watch another season of this.
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11. Crash Course in Romance
Korean Drama - 2023, 16 episodes
When it came to the romance between the Leads, Haeng Seon and Hae Yi's bond, and the Nam family in general, the commentary on Korea's obsession with education, this drama delivered, but so many things were just not handled well towards the last bit of the series, mainly the 'Metal Ball Killer'. First everyone guessed who they were pretty quickly, so I wish they had done more to really have us question who it was till the end and then I felt like there wasn't really proper closure to this storyline because it just kind of end abruptly and the parents who literally drove their children crazy really got off pretty easily. I also wasn't quiet sure what the writers were doing with Hae Yi in the beginning of episode 16, but Roh Yoon Seo was killing it.
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12. Yamato Nadeshiko Shichi Henge
Japanese Drama - 2010, 10 episodes
This is kind of mix blend of different genres's with a little bit of absurdness on the side that doesn't always make sense (probably works better as a anime). I don't know I'd say it was more for children, but some of the stupid matter does lend to that. At least the lesson was about being yourself even when others try to challenge you, and the FL was definitely herself, lol.
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13. Young Actors' Retreat
Korean TV Show - 2022, 8 episodes
This was so much fun, I can understand why people love these sort of shows so much. I found myself laughing out loud and smiling like an idiot.
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14. Island Part 2
Korean Drama - 2023, 6 episodes
I have no idea where this went wrong, and honestly I don't care enough to think about it. Lets just mark it as disappointing, and move on with my life.
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15. The Heavenly Idol
Korean Drama - 2023, 12 episodes
I think it's funny those complaining that the romance was ruining this one - I disagree the romance was one of the better things about this drama. They had the two develop a strong emotional, trusting bond so the rest fell naturally into it, but the rest of the story elements weren't as strong.
The "Evil One" was just too flat. He was neither charming or vile. He was just boring. I can't tell if it was the script or an acting decision. Along with the 'deity/religion aspects of the drama were definitely not this dramas strong points. They also could have play off the idol/entertainment industry angle a bit more.
But Kim Min Gue must have been having fun with this one, he has pretty good comedic timing, along with Park Sang Nam as a reaper. Kim Dal seemed like a real person, who had her old demons to battle, and never let her fears keep her from protecting Rembrary, because why can't the female lead be the one too? She's type of person who would go to the underworld with a second thought. The three together were pretty fun - a whole comedy-drama of them around around fighting evil would have been pretty fun.
Was it the best drama ever, no. But it was stress free fun ride. -
16. Something about 1 Percent
Korean Drama - 2016, 16 episodes
This was a pretty quick watch. It was also a bit of a twist on 'contract relationship' they were actually dating seriously. While comments seem to be about the ML being full on toxic, I don't think he's that bad and the FL seems to no have no problem telling him off if he does something she doesn't like and he does seem to change a little towards the end. I also enjoyed the lack of chaebol nonsense (minus the stupid aunt and uncle), I actually liked both his grandfather who liked messing with his grandson, and his mom who really carried more about her son then anyone and he master talent of shutting anyone down that messes with him. However when it comes to the 'ex-that-comes-back' she was just pathetic. I don't know if it was the writing or the acting but I just felt like laughing whenever she whined or tried to do something, it was just so bad.
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17. Thumping Spike
Korean Drama - 2016, 20 episodes
I think I might have enjoyed this more if I wasn't thinking about how problematic their relationship would be in real life. I know they very clearly emphasized that he wasn't a minor and mentioned how age gaps aren't bad, but he was still a high school student and her a teacher of sorts at the school. other than the ML was kind of annoying most of the time, and I don't know why the management team was making the coaching a bigger deal then it had to be. And I'm not sure what was up with Lee Tae Hwan's acting here but it was just off or something.
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18. Hanayome wa Yakudoshi!
Japanese Drama - 2006, 12 episodes
While the whole premise was kind of dumb (what person thinks a 32 year old is somehow too old to be an announcer and can only keep her job if she does the bride in training thing) the relationship between the FL lead and her would be "mother-in-law" is at the center. She's described as a tyrant but is mostly understood mainly due to the fact she's just a very blunt person and the female lead is a very chaotic person - but the common ground is that she's not afraid to speak out and generally comes to love this family. While her actually falling in love with her 'fiance' was always going to happen, I don't think that was really the strong part of this drama.
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19. Unintentional Love Story
Korean Drama - 2023, 10 episodes
While the first episodes weren't as exciting - I got sucked in pretty quickly enough that I had to seek out the original media and binge it in one day, lol. It mostly followed it pretty well up into about the seventh episode. They weren't bad but it meant missing some scenes I liked - but it won't effect anyone who hasn't read it. It's not a complicated plot line but it's enough to cause drama and the pacing was alright.
Gongchan's acting didn't seem to bother me as much as some - but as someone pointed out he doesn't really emote physically as much as he could? I can hear the emotion in his voice and the tension is clearly there. Cha Seo Won definitely stands out and Won Tae Min and Han Do Woo stand out as well. I'm also not as annoyed at the unresolved nature of their relationship it just seems to be their thing.
I think I would have given this a higher rating if it wasn't for the directors decision to keep this 'family friend' with it's dead fish kisses (some people seem to think this is the actors fault but it didn't make to me, it almost felt like they had to stop themselves). It just didn't make sense with the tension. But Cha Seo Won really did convince me that Tae Joon just really loved his hugs, lol. -
20. Divorce Lawyer in Love
Korean Drama - 2015, 18 episodes
I honestly don't know how much of this I'll remember in a year or two. Out of the subplots the one involving the leads traumas wasn't need and didn't really change anything in the story. It's almost as if the writers felt like they had to add a typical drama plot. The other plot (involving the divorce of the famous actress) was much more heartbreaking and could have been explored more.
Also the ML's mom, like I get that you love the SFL but your son shouldn't be with her out of obligation, and that's a stupid ass reason to hate on the FL. I think she loved the SFL more then her own son. But I was glad the ML never crumbled under his mom's nonsense and held his ground the whole time.
Yes, the FL was pretty awful in the first episode but I think the incident soften her because she seems more like a bratty child in the earlier episode, but the SFL spent more the show bordering the line on wether or not she was going to be nasty. I really didn't have second lead syndome with this show because he was mostly annoying. Oh and the female leads sister can suck it. She's a grown ass woman and can't keep playing the dead mom card and blaming her sister for it. -
21. Jimi ni Sugoi! Koetsu Garu Kono Etsuko
Japanese Drama - 2016, 10 episodes
There were so many things about this drama that I enjoyed but I'm not sure if it'll be something I'll remember. While I got nothing against her love interest the bickering dynamic she had with 'octopus' was much more fun. I enjoyed the found family element that she brought to proofreaders. I liked the writer trying to find his son through his writing but they could have expanded on it. Maybe the problem was that there wasn't enough emotional impact?
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22. Stealer: The Treasure Keeper
Korean Drama - 2023, 12 episodes
This was a bit of blend of superhero 's (Joo Won had a annoying charming element that reminded me of Ryan Reynold's role as Deadpool) treasure hunting, and crime heist movies, but it somehow worked. Even if the suit was a bit cheesy at times, lol. Nothing award winning but still a fun ride.
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23. True to Love
Korean Drama - 2023, 14 episodes
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24. Love Tractor
Korean Drama - 2023, 8 episodes
A fairly uncomplicated watch that will make you smile. I know some people didn't understand Ye Chan, but I thought Yoon Do Jin did an excellent job of taking an over the top 'comic' character (which would work well in a manhwa setting - not so much in a drama) to a more realistic (yet still keeping that character feel to him) place. I didn't see him as stupid or dumb as most people did, he's just Ye Chan And it's nice to see foreigner who can act (I still have bitterness from the older dramas lol) and in a positive light. I think one of the major problems is the pacing - a lot was left with them trying to squeeze everything in those few episodes (and they still have enough for a whole another season).
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25. Goblin
Korean Drama - 2016, 16 episodes
The beginning was entertaining, but I found myself loosing interest by the end (it took me two weeks to finish the last episode). I guess it wasn't my vibe. The bromance between the Goblin and Grim Reaper were definitely the best part of this drama. (Gong Yoo and Lee Dong Wook should play bickering partners or something in another drama). The FL was just too native and childish at times (again, her baby voice, ugh). When it comes to the tragedies and whatever, I just didn't find myself feeling anything. I don't know. I don't get the hype.
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26. Loneliness Society
Thai Drama - 2023, 14 episodes
This was very clearly inspired by While You Were Sleeping, and it started out pretty similar to the movie.... however, the tone they were trying to direct us to (two lonely people finding each other) wasn't nearly as played up as they could have, and it took a sharp corner into something else (not necessary good and leaves you wondering if this was supposed to be a light drama or revenge story, lol) towards the end, which a very quick resolution. Than, while charming, comes across as Cinderella. Meena is pretty wishwashy at times, and I have no idea why she dragged things on for so long (it didn't seem like the family connection While You Were Sleeping had). While not problematic the storyline with the youngest brother, adds nothing to story and is a whole different vibe.
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27. See You in My 19th Life
Korean Drama - 2023, 12 episodes
This drama felt like a overipe fruit. It looks beautiful on the outside, but the inside is just super mushy. One of the main problems I had was with the FL's obsession with the ML. He just felt bland, especially next to Shin Hye Sun who was a complete force of nature here. Also only a few of her past lives had anything to do with the narrative (the last two, I guess I understood the connection to the first life but I really didn't care). Some background characters had nothing to the story (like the hotel lady - I have no idea who she was and why even waste time on her, or the random rich dude). The tone, or rather overall vibe of the drama felt draggy, and I had a hard time playing attention, because they failed to make me feel invested.
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28. Down With Love
Taiwanese Drama - 2010, 16 episodes
Dropped: What happened to the kids? It's like false advertising. I didn't sign up for this nonsense..
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29. Heartbeat
Korean Drama - 2023, 16 episodes
I was enjoying this for the most part. It had a interesting premise, but I think it lost itself towards the end. I didn't hate the ending per say, it's just it was a huge tone shift from the beginning of the drama so it kind of hit you at the end. The 'villain' wasn't really fleshed out, and he left so abruptly. The second leads just sucked in general, one was consistently toeing the line between good guy and bad guy, and the other was just a narcissist, There were plot holes, a character who kept changing the rules as he went, and they really could have used like five minutes to explain how vampire lore works in this universe. But I did enjoy Won Ji An's acting.
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30. King the Land
Korean Drama - 2023, 16 episodes
Okay, sure. There really isn't that much plot.... but you know what? I don't care. I still enjoy it. Plus, I can tell someone who worked in the service industry wrote the script, because I can relate so well to the struggles the three friends are going through despite having different jobs (one in a hotel, one in a retail store, and the other a fight attendant).
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31. The Real Has Come!
Korean Drama - 2023, 50 episodes
I got to call this. I really REALLy hate dropping things. Between the fact I really haven't watched the last ten episodes and what I've read in the comments I have zero intention of ever watching this again. It's just a completely different drama then the one they started with. I just hope Ahn Jae Hyun finds himself a better project after this, because I feel like his character was probably the only thing I like about this, and it sucks this was his comeback drama.
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32. Behind Your Touch
Korean Drama - 2023, 16 episodes
While the comedy was what really shined along with Lee Min Ki's subtle acting, other parts of the plot got a little lost. They made the FL come across as dumb, the SL's only personality trait was being sus, and while I like how they were able to keep us on our toes with who the murder was till the very end,
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33. My Lovely Boxer
Korean Drama - 2023, 12 episodes
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34. Destined with You
Korean Drama - 2023, 16 episodes
I have some conflicting thoughts about this drama. On one hand, the things they did well they did really well, like the comedy, romcom bits, Rowoon's acting and the general chemistry between the leads. But the way they choose to tell the story, well, I can understand why it left people frustrated. I would have wished that the past lives played into the story more, and I really hated how they made her a bad ass one minute (with how she dealt with the SFL, but then also had her acting like a damsel just to suit the storyline.
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35. Halfworlds Season 2
Thai Drama - 2017, 8 episodes
I think the first problem with this is that is it lacking any sort of emotions. I don't care about these characters at all, and some of the acting is weak.
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36. Death Note
Japanese Drama - 2015, 11 episodes
I guess I'm missing something , because I had to force myself to finish this (I know nothing about any other adaptions nor have I read the manga) and it took me like three weeks to get though the last episodes. The minute he started killing innocent people that got in his way, I knew he was a hypocrite, and became the thing he was fighting against, and I'm not sure why no one pointed this out to him. The acting was a highlight, but I couldn't get into the story.
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37. Ugly Alert
Korean Drama - 2013, 133 episodes
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38. Strong Girl Namsoon
Korean Drama - 2023, 16 episodes
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39. Perfect Marriage Revenge
Korean Drama - 2023, 12 episodes
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40. Castaway Diva
Korean Drama - 2023, 12 episodes
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41. Yu Yu Hakusho
Japanese Drama - 2023, 5 episodes