Dramas I Watched: 2025
I completed...
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1. Reply 1994
Korean Drama - 2013, 21 episodes
Started in 2024.
Well, I can finally say I've watched all of the Reply/Answer Me dramas. I think 1988 might be my favorite because I connected to that drama and its characters emotionally in a way I didn't the others, but while I overall like all of these dramas, none of them ever managed to cross over into 'I love/adore this drama and must add it to my favorites list' territory. What I can say is that they are extremely good, and I deeply appreciate them for their storytelling and characters. They are very much worth watching, and I wish I had watched all three when they originally came out.
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2. Gokushufudo
Japanese Drama - 2020, 10 episodes
This drama is a riot, lol. There were a couple episodes I didn't enjoy as much, but overall this is a lot of fun.
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3. Unlucky Ploy
Thai Drama - 2020, 16 episodes
Started in 2024. The script is very close to the original, almost identical, and part of me did think it would have been nice for this version to do things a little differently, but this is a very solid adaptation. One thing this version did better than the original? Gave the side romance between the male lead's friend and the male lead's sister more heart and romance, which made me very happy, lol.
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4. The Full-Time Wife Escapist
Japanese Drama - 2016, 11 episodes
Fourth rewatch. I can't help myself, lol. This drama is my happy place.
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5. Nigeru wa Haji da ga Yaku ni Tatsu: Ganbare Jinrui! Shinshun Special!!
Japanese Special - 2021, 1 episode
Fourth rewatch.
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6. Neechan no Koibito
Japanese Drama - 2020, 9 episodes
First rewatch. This is such a comforting drama.
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7. High School King of Savvy
Korean Drama - 2014, 17 episodes
Fourth rewatch.
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8. Mr. Queen
Korean Drama - 2020, 20 episodes
I'm dropping this for now. It wasn't quite what I expected, which affected my viewing experience, and that isn't fair to the drama. I'll try watching it at a later date.
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9. Age of Youth
Korean Drama - 2016, 12 episodes
First rewatch. I loved this drama the first time, but rewatching it made me realize I had completely missed some important details during my first watch that make me appreciate this drama even more now.
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10. Mischievous Kiss: Love in Tokyo
Japanese Drama - 2013, 16 episodes
Only rewatch. This drama is very much of its time, and I went into my rewatch with that in mind, so I was able to turn off my brain and enjoy it for what it was. Unlikely to watch it a third time.
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11. Princess Jellyfish
Japanese Drama - 2018, 10 episodes
Started in 2023. Finally found subs again so I could finish!
I've seen the anime (love it), read part way through the manga (been loving it), watched the movie version (it was meh), and now I've seen the drama. And whoever cast this version nailed it, because every single actor/actress is perfect for their role. This is a pretty over-the-top story that could easily become way too campy in live action, but this drama is a perfect blend of absurdist humor and a heart of gold. I love it!
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12. The Prince Who Turns into a Frog
Thai Drama - 2021, 26 episodes
All the real romance and most of the comedy happens while the male lead has amnesia. Then he gets his memory back, and the story focuses almost solely on his toxic behavior and a secondary character who wants to take over the company and who kills a bunch of people. Wasn't worth finishing, but once I invested so many hours in it, I wanted to see the end. The only reason I wasn't banging my head against the wall while watching is because I knew this wasn't the sort of drama to have expectations of. And my expectations were very low, lol.
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13. Wakakusa Monogatari: Koisuru Shimai to Koisenu Watashi
Japanese Drama - 2024, 10 episodes
This was a lovely, well done, modern interpretation of a literary classic. They kept the heart of the original while making each individual girl's story more in line with what women are feeling and experiencing and desiring today. Highly recommend!
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14. Signal
Korean Drama - 2016, 16 episodes
Holy cow is this good. I would say I should have watched it sooner, but then I would have been suffering alongside everyone else who watched it back then and made it to the finale and the final cliffhanger, lol.
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15. Oh My Ghost
Korean Drama - 2015, 16 episodes
First rewatch. This was a drama I loved in so many ways the first time I watched it, but I was disappointed by the romance. Rewatching has given me a new perspective that helps temper those feelings. This is Soon Ae's story, and it's definitely worth watching.
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16. Overprotected Kahoko
Japanese Drama - 2017, 10 episodes
First rewatch, and I still love this drama. I didn't like her grandma telling her at the end that the well-being of the entire family is now on her shoulders, because that's entirely unhealthy and unrealistic. One person cannot carry that weight. And I wish we had gotten at least one moment of real romantic physical affection between the leads. But I love everything else.
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17. Boys over Flowers
Japanese Drama - 2005, 9 episodes
Only slightly less silly than the Korean version, but it was easier to finish and more enjoyable. I don't think this story is good, but I am pretty committed to consuming every version of it for some reason, lol.
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18. Age of Youth Season 2
Korean Drama - 2017, 14 episodes
First rewatch. Still one of my favorite dramas (along with season 1). And it still kills me that we don't get to see Ji Won and Seong Min actually get together.
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19. Plus-Sized Misadventures in Love!
Japanese Drama - 2022, 8 episodes
This was a fun watch. It's a pretty quick story (I binged it in about a day, lol), and while there are definitely some heavy moments, the majority of the drama is lighthearted and upbeat. And the female lead is great. The actress' delivery is absolutely fabulous and keeps her character from coming across as weird or self-obsessed or obnoxious. Definitely recommend.
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20. Marriage, Not Dating
Korean Drama - 2014, 16 episodes
Currently watching. If I had watched this when it aired or at some point over the next few years after, I probably would have enjoyed it a lot more. But watching this in 2025 and after watching and loving several dramas that have done a lot of the same tropes but better, in my opinion, I find this drama to be kind of mid. No hate for the drama or for people who love it. I totally get why someone would. I enjoyed it well enough. I just don't think it is particularly impressive.
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21. Horimiya
Japanese Drama - 2021, 7 episodes
Currently watching.
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22. Summer Nude
Japanese Drama - 2013, 11 episodes
Currently watching.