O-Ring

I think it is a more recent thing, but I think it is also a bit random. I always see people comparing the same three names. For females, it is always KYJ, KSH and KSR and for males, LMH, KSH and JCW. I especially do not understand why people are comparing the last three. I sort of get LMH vs KSH (both rating machines), but why is JCW always dragged in this battle and not for example peers such as Park Seo Joon or even Lee Seung Gi. The older generation is also never compared. I have never seen anyone pitting Hyun Bin against Jo In Sung or Gang Dong Won for example.

Please read carefully, I have never said that there is bad blood between them. It is commonly known they are good friends. I think KYJ even talked about it in Knowing Bros.

However, many KSH-fans (with emphasis on "fans") said that KSH was getting neglected by SidusHQ, because the agency likes KYJ more (preferential treatment). KSH left SidusHQ for another agency, because she received more opportunities at another agency. This does not mean that there is bad blood between them. But it does give the fans a reason to hate KYJ, because according to them KYJ is taking the spotlight of KSH. Without KYJ, KSH would be the number 1 young actress at SidusHQ.

Anyways, the fandom of both actresses can be quite toxic. I believe that KYJ's fans are hating on Kim Hye-yoon nowadays, because SidusHQ has been trying to push her after she signed with them after her breakout role in Sky Castle

DS does have a problem getting accepted for his looks. Perhaps not by SB and DH's family, but SB's friends make snarky comments the whole time.

It is difficult to see the discrimination that DH, SB and DS face, because they are surrounded in a bubble of good friends and family. But outside that bubble, it becomes obvious that they are treated as second-tier citizens. By YJ and her family for example.

The reason I hope that YJ and DH remain together and get accepted by YJ's family is because that would mean that people outside the bubble would also embrace them. The people on this section always talk about equality. I think this is the best example of getting "equality". Also, episode 6 made it clear to me that DH and SB can also thrive as good friends such as IU and her boss in My Ahjussi.

In a country of 50 million people there will always be some people that do not like KYJ. People supporting Kim So Hyun comes in mind (the other child actress). Both used to be part of the same agency - SidusHQ - but according to KSH-fans KYJ was the darling of the agency and received the better roles, which caused KSH to leave. Do not know whether it is actually true, but I can imagine if there is an opportunity to complain about KYJ's drama, people definitely will.

JCW is a rival of Kim Soo Hyun (the actor of It is Okay not to be Okay) and Lee Min Ho as they are all born in the year of the Rabbit. Although JCW is definitely the least popular among the three.

Ok no worries, by the way... I am happy to give you the impression that you know me, but frankly you do not know much about me. It is true that I am currently in the UK because of my studies, but I have lived in various countries across various continents because my family is employed by an intergovernmental organization. I have also attended international schools prior to uni.

Anyways, I think you are doing the right thing by speaking up for disadvantaged groups. However, sometimes the situation is more complicated - that is all I want to say. But it was nice talking to you Shonali

Yeah, quite a lot of complaints, but to be fair... Over 1.7 million viewers per episode and there are six of them, 6000 complaints are a record, but it is not that bad if you put it in perspective. Put this on a Western TV-channel and you have at least 10,000 complaints per episode from the BLM-movement. Another 10,000 for the censored scene of Dal Shik showering and probably another 5,000 for the beeped out ship-pal's of the cast. Also, it is hardly trending on all the online portals. Might be some wallflowers or some antis (both main leads have quite a few) complaining. Psycho also had a bunch of complaints for sexual harassment etc., which is a big stretch for anyone who has watched that show.

Yes, that is why he can level with SB but also DS. He sees his own reflection with SB and DS. SB experienced the same discrimination and hardships as him, as she did not graduate high school to take care of her sister. DS, on the other hand, is not accepted because of his non-Korean appearance. The drama actually tries to tell a story of social misfits trying to make it in the real world in a comedic way, but many non-Korean people do not understand this.

That is also the reason why I do not want SB to end up with DH, because that would mean that he is dating himself. I would like the story more if DH would make the relationship with YJ work. It would be more powerful if YJ learns to appreciate DH. I hope she learns to understand that there is more than only prestige and credentials and that DH is a good guy.

Again, you do not look at my wording... I said INDIA (as in the country, the government), not the individual Indians. Same with PAKISTAN (as in the country, the government). I then followed it up with that you can find circumstantial evidence of Indian individuals that love Pakistanis, but the general sentiment dictated by the government is definitely not like that. The Kashmir conflict is an example/remnant of this attitude.

Jamaica is also like that. The government certainly does not like Rastafaris. This sentiment is also shared by a main part of the people who have a systemic bias against Rastafaris. It okay if you say SOME Jamaicans do not like it and we should consider their feelings. But you phrase it in a way that makes me believe that ALL Jamaicans feel like this. Which I try to debunk by mentioning that a larger part of Jamaica share the same opinion on Rasta as the Koreans: dirty, lazy, weed-smoking people.

Anyways, I agree that I should stop arguing with you. Who am I trying to kid. I am trying to create awareness on some kdrama forum with people from India... I am already fascinated that people from India would even watch kdramas as they are very different in everything.

It is actually the opposite, DH got into the company but graduated from a low tier university. Probably through a blind recruitment. This is the same reason why YJ's mother treats him like shit. If he was a Seoul National University grad, YJ's mother would undoubtedly have accepted him. Sure, he runs a convenience store for now, but she can place him in an executive role at her own company. He would be a figurehead/puppet anyways. Professional managers would do all the work. But his credentials are so low, she does not think he is worthy to date her daughter

In the latest episode, when SB went to the hospital because of her appendix. The doctor talked exactly the same as Han Seok Kyu...

Nothing too special. There is equally as much controversy surrounding this drama as Psycho regarding sexual harassment etc. Rating wise BR shows some growth, but the ratings are still low for public channel. Psycho is definitely not showing improvement, they are at a point that TVN is splitting the episode in two clear halves, so that they can incorporate more commercials. Even with the Netflix-viewers included, Nielsen estimated a viewership ratings of below 6%. In the core age group, it is also doing worse than expected.

The reason I think that Koreans are less critical of BR than i-netizens is that Korea really do not understand the fuzz about the Dal Shik (a Rastafari character portrayed by a full-blooded Korean). Also, there are many inside jokes that mainly Koreans understand. Almost every episodes has some parodies of old kdramas and movies. Examples include dramas such as Romantic Dr Kim, The Fiery Priest, Sky Castle and movies such as Kung Fu Hustle, Pulp Fiction and Chingu. So to Koreans, it might be funnier than to a non-Korean viewer.

Both dramas are mid-tier performers. But overall there is still more buzz around Psycho than BR in Korea, but for KSH's standards the amount of hype is definitely less than his previous dramas.

No, you are the entitled one. I do not care what people find of this drama. My goal is to create some understanding between different cultures. That is why I mainly reply on the comments regarding the "origin of East-Asian superiority feelings" or other untruths regarding any racial issues.

It is fine to me if you say that black people or that there are SOME Jamaicans that do not like the portrayal. But to claim that there is a common shared belief among all the Jamaicans about how they feel about this drama is ignorant. You know what is ignorant (but also ironic)? You cite Instagram as a source, but call me Google... You are also the one that use untruths to dictate your opinion. I use at least facts.

You know at what level you are arguing? Let me give you an example. I guess you are from India, right? How would you feel if I would tell you that India dearly loves Pakistan and the other way around, because they were formerly part of one country? You would slap me in the face for spitting so much bull. Sure I can find examples on Twitter or Instagram claiming that Indians really love Pakistanis, but the problems in Kashmir are a daily reminder that this is not true... So spare us your pseudo-factual research and instead spent more time meeting people or reading books about Jamaican/Rasta/Black history before claiming so much nonsense.

Try to read this article to educate yourself. It is old (from 2003) and Rastas are getting more and more accepted in Jamaica, but there is still severe discrimination. The last paragraph is also an eye-opener: "America, England, Japan, that's where we get respect, not Jamaica," said Boyd, grinding bits of the lime-green herb. "Jamaicans don't want to know about their culture." I think Rastas would actually like the portrayal of Dal Shik, because he is being accepted by DH's family. The only thing they will not like is the unhygienic image of Dal Shik, because that is also the discrimination they face in the Caribbean. Anyways, the article can be found here: https://wwrn.org/articles/5335/

Again, fine if you say that you do not like the portrayal. It is also fine to say that it gives a bad impression of Black people. It is also fine to say that Black people do not like this kind of mockery. But do not bring in Jamaica in your equation if you do not know how oppressed the Rastas are in Jamaica.

STOP BEING SO IGNORANT BY SAYING SHIT AS "JAMAICANS FIND THIS PORTRAYAL RACIST". In Jamaica, Rastas are heavily discriminated by Jamaicans themselves. I quote from the Guardian (UK newspaper): "Jamaica has a history of discrimination and prejudice against Rastafarians, with whom dreadlocked hair is usually associated."

There is even a court case about a school in Kingston, Jamaica that refused a girl with dreads. See the article here: https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2018/aug/28/kingston-jamaica-girl-banned-from-school-for-dreadlocks-will-return-to-class-court-rules

Stop pretending to be "woke", if you have no clue what the shit you are talking about... Plenty of Jamaicans will agree with the Korean director and find Rastas dirty, disgusting and lazy people... I doubt that there is a large group of Jamaicans who will find him offensive...

Did you know that the scene of the flashback of the female singer is actually a parody on Chingu - a 2001 gangster movie with Jang Dong Gun?

This drama is paced like a movie, not like a kdrama. Movies have slow beginnings and epic endings. Kdramas have stellar starts and a weak finale.

The initial episodes of this drama are kinda boring, but then halfway the pace picks up quickly. The leads will turn out very strong. There is massive character development. There is a reason that this drama was picked as one of the best dramas between 2010-2019 by a big Korean newspaper.

No worries! I do want to add that I have sympathy for people that say that Dal Shik can give a bad impression of black people regarding hygiene (caused by having dreadlocks), but that argument has nothing to do with Rastafarianism or Jamaica... Haha

We are far from agreeing, because I do not find Dal Shik offensive according to the modern interpretation of Rastafarianism. Modern Rastas will accept any person of color wanting to become Rastafari. That means also Dal Shik.

The only Rastafari (or in you words, Jamaicans) that would find Dal Shik racist or offensive are the ones that believe in the old interpretation of the Rastafari: Whites are inferior and should be enslaved to serve the Blacks. But I think these lads deserve the big finger, because they are extremists and dangerous.

I only agree with your statement that the character does not add value. I think that Dal Shik should not be Rastafari, because it creates misunderstanding from people that are ignorant for what Rastafarianism really stands for and therefore unfairly shout racism (like you!). This show should not have to excuse themselves to the so-called offended extremists that are followers of a racist ideology. In conclusion, the modern interpretation of Rastafarianism that anyone can become one is good. The old interpretation that Rastafarianism is only allowed for Black people (that also hold the belief that White people are inferior and should be enslaved) is a big no-no...

Bruv, the Rastafaris I hanged out with in Brixton (UK) are chill. They are living in a world with no worries. Probably they will laugh at this character and call him a lion...

Anyways, there are good reasons not to portray yourself as a Rasta, when you are not one. First, you might insult people, not necessarily the Rastas themselves, but people of color. Second, there is just no way a non-Black person would support the original ideas of the Rastafari. One of the main theories of Marvin Garvey (one of the pioneers of the Rastafari movement) is that a white person is inferior to a black person. I kid you not.

IMO, the director of BR should not have made Dal Shik a Rasta. However, since he already has done so, it is actually the best way to go. Make him a bit of a caricature. If he wanted to mimic a Rasta in its purest form, then you have to also incorporate the more questionable stuff... Which includes beliefs such as "Revenge on Whites for their wickedness; White people will become the servants of the Black" and "In the near future Blacks shall rule the world". Also, Jamaicans are not automatically Rasta. It is actually quite the opposite, Rastas believe in the fact that "Jamaica is hell; Ethiopia is heaven".

Do you know why we never hear these extreme teachings anymore? Because most Rastas do not believe in these things anymore. A big important part for this switch in mindset is because many of the new Rastafari brothers are White. In other words, a big part of the Rasta community has accepted non-black people and have thrown away their original beliefs... The ones that do not accept non-black people are extremists and deserve to be ridiculed.

Tl;dr: Although I have no conclusive evidence, the average Rastas will likely accept Dal Shik as one of their own. The extreme ones will not, but their beliefs are so controversial that I believe that we should not care too much for their feelings. But I do agree that it is best to avoid portraying Dal Shik as a Rasta, because it only causes unnecessary misunderstandings and problems

I need to correct you on two things.

It is not true that foreigners cannot get a job other than being an English teacher. They cannot get to the top (director-level executive). But it is not uncommon to have students that do not speak the local languages getting very good offers in Japan after visiting the Boston Career Forum. These are mainly jobs that require English, but not fluency in the native languages. Since the locals hardly manage to speak English, there is demand for English-speakers. For example, students receive offers working in sales and trading in Tokyo. Jobs that require native fluency such as investment banking or law are indeed difficult to obtain. But if you speak both languages (for example you are a Japanese studies major), then you get these jobs without problem (even if you have zero math skills). In other words, you need to meticulously plan out a career path if you want to work in East-Asia (study abroad to a top university in Asia, study at a top university in the UK/US/Canada where Asian companies recruit or attend the right career fairs).

It is untrue that East-Asian will lose their identity after 1 or 2 generations. I know people that are at least fourth or fifth generations in Europe that can still speak the language and know the customs. In fact, they all pretend that they do not speak the language in public(to avoid discrimination), but they definitely speak it with the elderly. Even in Thailand, the Chinese community have still close ties with China. The largest private company of Thailand - C.P. Group - is owned by Chinese people (like many other companies in Thailand). The owner - Dhanin Chearavanont - is 81 years and born in Bangkok. Guess where he spent a big part of his education? He specifically went to China and Hong Kong for high school. Even his son went to Taiwan to study Mandarin. Thaksin Shinawatra - Thailand's former and now exiled prime-minister and of Chinese descent - has made extensive investments and owns apartments in Hong Kong. You only lose ties to the motherland whenever you do not belong to the East-Asian elite, because you cannot spend money teaching your kids the language and customs or send them to China/Taiwan/Hong Kong for a gap year.

No, I am not an Asian studies major. Let's say it is family history ;-)

Korea's rise to the top is like any country in East-Asia or even Germany, with long-term plans steered from the top. When South-Korea was in shatters in the mid-20th centuries, President Park Chung Hee (yes, the father of the impeached President Park Geun-Hye) allowed a few families (in particular Hyundai's) to fully control certain business areas. These families (chaebols) would receive cheap government and foreign loans and tax cuts, which allowed them to become competitive. In return. they had to help build up/industrialize the economy by building infrastructure (new roads, bridges) etc. Also, Korea benefited immensely by riding the coat tails of Japan's explosive growth (which in the eighties was expected to dethrone the USA as the largest economy).

So actually I do not think that East-Asia is so powerful because they embraced the market economy model. It is because they used a hybrid between a planned and market model. There is some competition, but only between a small number of conglomerates (who were created with the help of the governments).

Having said that, the current Korean and Japanese economies are both in dire situations with very high unemployment rates. Also, they are currently fighting a trade war with each other, which benefits China immensely because the US relies on the united efforts of both countries to counter China. South-East Asia's economy was also poised to become larger than China, but due to Covid-19 and China's aggressive stance, they will have troubles overtaking them... Anyways, that is a topic for another day and not the BR-comment section that has been ruined by comments not related to the drama at all hahaha