Favorite Dramas
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1. Coffee Prince
Korean Drama - 2007, 17 episodes
I've re-watched this show three to four times, super down to earth atmosphere - the on screen chemistry is fantastic, great performances from actors creating incredibly likeable characters to root for.
Surprising plot as it dares to go and discuss topics such as homosexual love that kdramas rarely touch upon. -
2. Goblin
Korean Drama - 2016, 16 episodes
Fantastic chemistry between all members of the cast - every scene was hilarious - which is unusual for a kdrama. In that there seemed to be an equal emphasis on developing the bromances and friendships as there was on the romance.
Both couples - primary and secondary easily captured my hearts - besides the fact that both look great together and bounce off each other easily - I really loved each and every character.
Deok Hwa the loveable if sometimes a little self centred nephew made me want to see Sungjae in more kdramas, Gong Yoo (i've loved him since Coffee Prince and plan on watching more of his shows) easily slayed this roleThe Grim Reaper is so cute! His awkward dorky ways easily made me a fan of him. Sunny's bluntness, beauty made me love this actress - will defo be checking into more of her stuff.
The main female lead was charming - spunky but also feminine and delicate - she was one of the best heroines I've seen in a while - a little bit Cinderella esque at times - but the characters seem to be self aware of this often commenting she's always got a sad story about everything - it helps turn this into a point of comedy as opposed to annoying me.
Plot was great! Flowed naturally, at points it did feel like the show went on maybe one or two episodes too long - however it was charming to see everyone's plots tied up nicely.High rewatch value (at least of the funny scenes)
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3. Angry Mom
Korean Drama - 2015, 16 episodes
Really great non - romantic drama, romantic undertones are present but it's an interesting and topical subject they tackle in a masterful way + favourite actress really rocks it in this series; NOONA FIGHTING!!
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4. Age of Youth
Korean Drama - 2016, 12 episodes
This show besides having a great OST, was a refreshing kdrama! Whilst there was some plots about romance, I loved the scenes with just the girls just as much! I loved the idea that was initially introduced in the first episode about each girl having "their position" in the household, and true to this idea - each girl added a little something different.
I wouldn't say the girls per se had the typical sarcastic quick wit chemistry that I so love, but it seemed to be reflective of a realistic housemate situation, whilst you don't always spend ALL your time together, and even when you do - you don't always get along - but at the heart of it, you do form bonds and you will look out for each other - especially if you've been living together for 2 years!
I liked the relatively slow development for each character, and I appreciate that each girl got their own moments to shine (bar maybe Ji-Won although I'm hoping this is different in the 2nd season, in particular cause it's been revealed later that there was some trauma she did some experience - but cause each of the other girl's plot lines were given so much screen time it makes sense they would reduce hers )Overall the multiple story lines reminded me of a soap story, more akin to the daily dramas that we got with the likes of "my father is strange" or "all about my mom" - I felt they were nicely packed despite the considerably shorter show run time though!
The only issue would have the cliff hanger at the end of the show with Ye-Eun's storyline, which was arguably one of the most dramatic! It happened in the present and I guess it'll be up to the second season to resolve how she gets over this trauma. -
5. Mr. Sunshine
Korean Drama - 2018, 24 episodes
Strong cinematography, and a beautiful series overall, this show is eyecandy for a number of reasons besides it's cast!
Whilst I never felt butterflies from the leading couple - their poise and elegance as individuals is only elevated further when they're together. Furthermore, the brotherly friendship that emerged from the trio of love interests kept the show light-hearted enough that it wasn't too serious.
The ending was terribly bittersweet but delivers an optimistic message about the part of history this show focuses on, and it is furthermore very realistic.
Would recommend this show to newbies to see that kdramas can be more than cliches, gimmicks and can tell some very heartfelt story telling. -
6. Be Melodramatic
Korean Drama - 2019, 16 episodes
This show was a pleasant surprise as whilst I went in with positive expectations having read the ratings and reviews, the show was excellent in many if not all aspects.
Firstly the OST is fantastic, whilst it has it's refreshing party tune "Far from Melo" which is actually perfect currently with the resurgence of synth and 90s themes melodies - it's sweeter ballads such as Moonlight and Consolation hit differently with delicate riffs but endearing vocals.
The storylines all resonated with me. As a slice of life, the tales they tell are designed to be relatable, but this show does an exceptional job of staying within the realm of interesting but also thoroughly grounded. Love and rather relationships are portrayed realistically in this show. This show highlights all the whimsy, joy and sentiment that can and does accompany a modern relationship, especially one that is at a maturer age than the 20s.
If we got to see the Age of Youth girls grow up, I have a feeling that the Be Melodramatic trio of girls would be what they would have transformed to. All of them are smart and witty, but they each have depth and interesting and fascinating to watch. Their interactions are funny and are utterly rewatchable. If I had to say one drawback, it would be that if you're not into quirky characters, this may not be the show for you, but a more nuanced understanding of the characters may be that they are sarcastic and very aware of the satirical situation they end up in.
Finally, the show has heart, as aforementioned the stories are relatable in a number of ways, not only cause they're funny but because at the end of the day it really feels like the lives that these characters have will live on (in dramaworld) and in the future, I will rewatch this show with affection and be delighted by new life lessons to be derived from each episode.
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7. Marriage, Not Dating
Korean Drama - 2014, 16 episodes
Funny lead couple, entertaining premise, and a fantastic end to a pure fun story - is the epitome of kdrama cliches but also has a few tricks up it's sleeves.
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8. Good Manager
Korean Drama - 2017, 20 episodes
For a non-romantic show (when I mainly watch k dramas for the romance) this show excelled at being a prime example why preference is not always the way to go.
The banter between the main protagonist and his antagonist is enjoyable - in the end I found myself falling for both Seo Yool and Kim Sung Ryong's chemistry. No ship, but a really enjoyable encounter between the two, makes for some class entertainment.
Rather I enjoyed the little romance I felt started to blossom within Seo Yool's cold heart for Yoon Ha Kyung.
I really enjoyed the OST in this, in particular, Chief Kim's main theme song is both rousing as it is as jolly and jovial as his character.
Chief Kim is witty, funny and intelligent, with plenty of drama to boot even if it's of the non-romantic kind. I will say I did have to pause throughout the show to make sure I kept up with the plot, and in certain points, I may say it felt a bit dragged, but that's mainly due to my preference as a predominantly romance watched. It is still an incredible show that I would recommend to others.
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9. Twenty Again
Korean Drama - 2015, 16 episodes
I love revenge stories, especially revenge stories that don't intend to come out the way
(this show is basically the Karma challenge but over a series). Great lead actress, who plays an endearing and charming character - one of my favourite characters to date - helps that towards the end she's a real savage - reasonable on screen chemistry. -
10. Crash Landing on You
Korean Drama - 2019, 16 episodes
I really enjoyed this show, and it felt like an almost sequel in terms of mood, affection and general after feelings to Goblin. Whilst there are elements that are cliche, the individual actors' strong performances meant I found myself falling in love with this story.
I have been a big fan of Kim Jung Hyun since his School 2017 days, so it's nice to see him get a chance to show off his charm. I even found myself seriously enjoying the 2nd couple just as much as the first, if not in places more.
Hyun Bin shines as a kind, sweet but tenacious male lead, this character was all levels of charming. And whilst I didn't particularly feel gravity towards Yoon Se Ri as a character, Son Ye Jin shows off her veteran acting skills as she really shows how in love and desperate she is for Ri Jung Hyuk. They make a cute, if somewhat cliche couple, I appreciate that Son Ye Jin's character was never overacted, where she was strong-willed but not necessarily feisty, which is a troupe that has grown on me but also is it a bit worn out.
As for the pacing of the story, whilst the ultimate conclusion felt quite convenient (the CIA I'm certain, don't work like that), and the final "chase" scenes could to some feel a bit tacked on. Though for me, I feel that this drama never dragged in any areas, and overall did a great job with maintaining a steady pace between exciting revelations and action scenes, to more heartfelt romantic moments. Besides its main leads, the show also shone with its secondary characters. The 5th company men + Jung Man Bok added some much-needed humour to the show, and their chemistry really made me love their brotherly, friendship.
Would recommend to newbies to watch (despite the admittedly terrible CGI at the beginning and in some parts of the series) it scores high points in terms of acting, directing and storytelling. -
11. Fight for My Way
Korean Drama - 2017, 16 episodes
Psycho x Psycho
Great chemistry, love the main lead (that body and humour!) super funny and also tells a very relatable story about growing up and the difficulties in chasing your dreams without leg ups.
When you're working to get average, but even average is hard.