AnicsiRoscoe

Thank you both your your comments. I'll think it over some more haha

I must say, I don't really agree with you on this one. Yes, sometimes chemistry can win over a well written script if everything else is on point, too. But there are also dramas where that just isn't the case at all. I know you love Strong Woman DBS but personally I really, really disliked it, even though the two mains were cute as cotton candy. There was not a teeny tiny bit of realism, not in the romance, nor in anything else, and I am not saying that because it's a Fantasy drama.
While I agree that there haven't been many dramas that made me SWOON as much as SOME older shows, I am seriously glad we get a dose of realism and ACTUAL relationships nowadays instead of endless misunderstandings, annoying second leads that don't know when to stop, horrible in-laws etc. etc. I feel like the K-drama world has matured in a way, and I think now they just need to find the balance between maturity and swoon-worthy moments.

My favorite drama in the past, let's say.... 3 years, has probably been 'Crash landing on you', and it's good to see that not all hope is lost if such a brilliant and beautiful and heartbreaking drama is being produced. Another really great and most of all enjoyable drama was 'Her private life', I could really feel the sparks here, and Doctor John was great as well, albeit lacking in the romance.

Anyway, I still think it has mostly to do with us getting older and the shows repetitive but old favorites will always be favorites that we link with our 'first drama times', so they just stay at the top of our lists.

I am very hesitant to watch this drama, because season 1 is among my top 5 dramas, I love it so much. So I was really disappointed to see they changed the leads. Is it ever explained in the drama why they're not at the hospital anymore? Do they get mentioned at all? Is it on par with season 1? I am really torn...

Also, I want to say that I am glad they chose not to portray North Korea in such a bad way. I don't think it is meant to shed a wrong light or excuse crimes that are certainly happening in NK, but it is a romantic comedy and melodrama, not a political thriller or documentary. They did touch on sensitive topics, yet made it clear that the people living there feel the same (or even a greater) sense of companionship and choose to return on their own free will for their families and friends and lives they built. I think it would have been difficult to enjoy the drama if it had touched on more of the humanitarian crimes they are certainly guilty of. However, it is also important not to forget the reality and romanticizing life there, for it is certainly not as peaceful as the drama made it look.

I just finished the drama and I don't think my heart will ever fully recover. It's been ages since a drama made me feel so much and love every single character and moment in the show. The setup, the character developments and comedy aspects were top-notch, yet again I was kept at the edge of my seat more often that not. While there are definitely too many coincidences, they are needed in the long run and I can forgive for the sake of dreaming of a better future. I am usually a realist and love slice-of-life dramas, but I choose to listen to the hopeless romantic and dreamer in me this time around. It's a wonderful drama and I know I will watch it for many years to come. 10/10 from me, because I love it so much.

When they first showed the flashback of them meeting in Switzerland (and the song) so many years ago, I was really disappointed and thought 'not again...' But later on as they piled up the 'coincidences', I understood why it was necessary for the conclusion. It wouldn't have been possible to have a happily ever after in SK or NK at this point, so they needed the Switzerland link .It just made it more special rather than a place unknown to both of them, it was like coming home. So I understand and support the writers decision in regards of the closure we wished for. I think other than the 'epic but forbidden romance' the plot was quite unique and I loved everything about it.

I am at episode 10 and there are no words to express how much I love this drama. It has been so long since I felt this way about a show. I really hope the quality stays the same until the very final moment!!

This drama was a really fun watch. The beginning was really intriguing and I loved the funny banter and hilarious moments. The middle part was a bit dragging and too much melodrama for my taste, the ending was more exciting again. If there's one thing I have to complain about, it's the odd pacing sometimes. Nan Do fell for her WAY too fast. It wasn't believable. And there were other incidents as well, that made me go like: What, really?
All in all, it was enjoyable but not perfect. 8/10 in my books.

Hm, I watched the drama several times and I've never seen him like that. He's calculating in a way, but she is as well, so they compliment each other in that respect. But anyway, to each their own, thanks for the reply!

What do you mean 'nobody seems to have a problem with his actions'? What exactly has he done that you would deem inappropriate? I am just really curious, because I thought he was one of the most interesting and real male leads in K-drama land. He's not a Prince Charming. He's not a hidden-identity gangster. He's not (really) a deeply wounded soul behind a jackass facade. Yes, he has fame, and he acts like it, but he's extremely honest. Everything for him is give and take. I loved Jae Yeol.

AH, and someone I really wish you had mentioned: Ji Hae Soo from It's okay that's love (2014). It's probably the first time I had a girl crush on a female in K-drama. I loved her 'no-bullshit' attitude. This is also my favorite K-drama ever, so I suppose I'm a bit biased, but she nailed it!

Nice article! There are really too many strong female leads to name (thankfully, I have had it with weak girls...) , I just want to add City Hunter, Live up to your name, Mistress, Tunnel, Wok of Love (she doesn't seem strong at first, but she has so much perseverance and never takes shit from others), I remember you and Fight for my way.

But I agree with all the dramas you mentioned here. I think 2018 and 2019 were quite weak for K-dramas in general but those were nice picks!

She used to be horrible but her performance in memories of the Alhambra was decent. Then they changed her character but that wasn't her fault.

I just watched the first episode and it was seriously bland. But it wasn't because of the plot or the acting, because that was good. It's the editing. I cannot put my finger on it, but it's so weird. The background music doesn't fit, the scenes are cut in a weird manner and the audio seems out of place, too. Does anyone know what I mean? Will it get better in the following episodes? I want to give this drama a chance, but it's just... it doesn't feel right.

The high rating of this drama is still beyond me after all those years.... Too sad how it is stealing one of the top spots of some really stellar dramas out there.

I am way past the age of 15 but I have to disagree. Yes, the romance aspect is pretty innocent and sweet, there are more mature romances out there. On the other hand, it's also not like there isn't a dose of realism in the relationships, especially on the adults' part. And all the 'emotional outbursts' or 'borderline abusive behaviors (?)' are there for a reason and the characters go through an intense character growth that is hard to see in other shows. The drama teaches self-reflection and patience and seeking help when you really have no way out, and I love how down to earth even the talks between JJH and his therapist are. The reason why I love this show, even though I am hitting the big three next year, is because it makes me think back on the time when I thought everything was possible. When I was so emotional about anything and everything, when I just FELT so freaking much. I am a bit wistful, because I have lost that much of my youthful innocence, but when I watch these characters battle through life, I feel like I am at the top of the world one more time - just like the final lines in this beautiful drama convey:
"Everyone spends their youthful years.
It’s a time more beautiful because we’re immature, and it’s a time that sparkles brightly.
We are not afraid because we have nothing to lose, and our hearts flutter because we can have anything."
In my opinion this drama is for everyone who wants to be swept away and bask in their youthful days once more!

please add a spoiler tag. Thanks!

I am about half-way through and I am starting to get bored. Like... the beginning was pretty cool, inventive, interesting. I know it's a running gag that the comic writer has no ideas and is super cliché, but that eventually also means that in the main plot the same tropes and plots are used over and over again. That makes it repetitive and boring. I'll take a break from watching for now.

I hope you enjoy, if you end up watching Empress Ki. Many people say it's one of the best Korean Historical dramas. I have yet to watch it, 50 episodes seems so much, but if you're used to Chinese dramas it shouldn't be an issue for you haha
Personally, my favorite is Queen In Hyun's man. It's a bit old, and it's a time-travel drama. In the beginning it takes time to get used to the older filming style. But from episode 4 or so on, you're hooked. It brought me to tears many times. It was absolutely beautiful!

Saying 'historical dramas', and 'Joseon/China' in itself is already contradictory. Korean and Chinese history is vast, and the splendor and abundance differs very much depending on the timeframe we're talking about. Be it 1000 years ago, 500 years ago, or, as in this case, just a little over 200 years ago already makes a big difference. During the Yuan period, when the peninsula was the Kingdom of Goryeo, I imagine it must have been quite splendid. There are some nice dramas about this period (Moon Lovers, albeit fictional, is set in that time period). If you're interested in the relations between Goryeo and Yuan dynasty, 'Empress Ki' is definitely recommended. I've heard good things about 'Queen for seven days' (early Joseon period). I would also say that the architecture and costumes not being as grand as in Chinese dramas isn't primarily because of poverty, but because of cultural differences. Even if you compare religious temples and such, they're much more humble as their chinese counterparts.