Kathryn_51

Sometimes, it's clear that the costume designer has specific intention (TK and JH similar clothing) and other times I wonder if they switch back-and-forth every month or so.

YD? No words for how awful she looks. She previously dressed with professional chic balance and now - housewife on steroids. At one point, she began to wear loose-fitting clothes and then back to tight-fitting dresses which - at this point - should at least be difficult to zip up. Meanwhile, young Gong sister wears a dress/jumper that she should loan to YD - sis looked like she was pregnant with triplets.

Early in drama, SeJin wore black, classic and chic - with long, soft hair. Then all of a sudden, garish, puffy outfits and curly, pulled back hair. Recently - back to black/white soft dresses with soft hairstyle.

Question? How much wardrobe is "donated" by various designers? SeJin's puffy/garish clothes all seemed to be from one designer.

One bright spot: in Ok always looks classically elegant.

I have no idea who she is, lol. However, it's been on mywatchlist because: (1) Min Hyun (who made major improvement during Alchemy of Souls) ; (2 another favorite Ji hoon (altho I fear that once again, he is stuck in the moody, SML role). 😢😢😢 and (3) it's a rom-com and tho I enjoy those two guys, I wouldn't watch if it was revenge or thriller/horror.

That was fun to watch. Thanks for sharing.🥰

This drama hits close to home personally because whether it addresses infertility, miscarriage, crisis pregnancy (twins in my case), even losing one (triplet) in-utero, I’ve experienced it all. However, I live in the US and the societal dynamics in Korea regarding pregnancy/childbirth are clearly different.

“It’s definitely a fun show, but we do want to delve into the societal issues that are reflected through the characters.” (Director Han Joon Seo at March 22, 2023 Press Conference)

Infertility: Chun Myung/Soo Jeong, an older couple investigating sperm donorship. I was impressed by the script when Kim Joon Ha indicated that sperm donors are commonplace in the US but apparently difficult to arrange anonymously in Korea. By highlighting this issue, the drama is doing its part to change societal attitudes regarding “blood lines” as well as the matter of “selling” sperm which is illegal in Korea. My prediction: After touching on the societal issue, CM/SJ finally get pregnant on their own –it has happened to several other couples I know who had given up hope for a baby.

Miscarriage: Most miscarriages occur in the 1st trimester due to issues with the baby that does not survive. During 2nd trimester, miscarriage is less common and more likely due to maternal issues (hormonal imbalance, diabetes, infection – the list is long). There is no scientific evidence that stress, strenuous exercise, or working long hours causes a miscarriage.

Pressure is building on Ji Myeong to quit work. I hope the drama recognizes science and reassures Korean viewers that working during pregnancy will not harm her baby.

Since Baby Real is the true star of this drama (and therefor will survive the current trauma), there is probably a physical reason for Yeon-do’s condition. Since she is walking on a beach in a few episodes, it doesn’t sound like bed rest (Personal Note: I was on strict bed rest for FOUR months!!!) will be ordered but I wouldn’t be surprised if they told her “No Sex” (because this show definitely avoids talking about or showing THAT subject).

Crisis Pregnancy: Due to the timeline, plus the promise that the drama will deal with actual “childbirth”, and indications that Yeon Do’s pregnancy may pose a higher risk, chances are good that Yeon-do will go into labor early and Baby Real will be a preemie. Numerous cliffhangers are guaranteed.

“Cryptic” Pregnancy: A cryptic pregnancy is one that isn’t discovered until at least 20 weeks gestation. 1 in 475 pregnancies can classify as a cryptic pregnancy. [Trigger warning!!: I think Se Ji is pregnant but it will be a few more episodes before she (and the viewer) realizes it.]

As someone who has seen/experienced it all, I am enjoying the way this drama weaves together the various pregnancy scenarios and their place in Korean society/culture. Next to watching my favorite couple, this is probably the #1 reason I enjoy this drama and look forward to it every weekend.

Are you in Korea? If so, the show airs on tvN at 9:20 pm (KST)😎 Meanwhile, I will be getting up early Sat/Sun to watch at 7: 00 am (my guess) on Netflix.

Thanks - good to know there are no fast rules - Asian broadcast and cable dramas are going through a major overhaul as licensing deals are negotiated and channels are creating their own streaming platforms.

I hope "My Lovely Liar" doesn't suffer the same fate as "Heavenly Idol" - I gave up on that one 1/2 way through.

As another commenter (bloomingtide) stated a couple of days ago - this chaebol is a "doofus" - instead of the young heir that does everything w/perfection, the ML here reacts w/out thinking - with humorous consequences.

Eventually, his true chaebolness will emerge as the inheritance battle revs up.

The real story is that AoS was originally approved/planned as a 20 episode drama (which is still rather long for a k-drama). But after approval by tvN and Netflix, during pre-production (casting, location scouting, etc.) the writers and/or directors or Studio Dragon corporate decided they wanted to add another 10 episodes. Budget? Contract negotiations? Greed? I dunno, but another 10 episodes were approved.

This drama should have ended at Ep. 19/20 - the epic downfall of Jin Mu, the recovery of the ice stone, heartfelt proposal and a beautiful wedding.

Thanks for the info re: Viki. I may be wrong, but this may be the 1st tvN drama on Viki - I read somewhere that tvN limits streaming to Netflix and their own TVing. So happy this will be more widely available.

Be still my heart, but tvN has released teasers for all of the counters. I may link them all later, but right now I am in high expectation overdrive for the adorable YOO IN SOO as Na Jeok Bong, "a foolish rookie counter who finds evil spirits by smell."

SET YOUR ALARMS: Saturday, July 29 - 11:00 pm KST (my guess) for release on Netflix.

https://twitter.com/kdramadaisy/status/1676775164384808960

Long holiday weekend here in the US and I didn't have time to write anything lengthy. But enjoyed reading your comments and doing some research and also think about how this show is beginning to mirror my own life - miscarriage, infertility and crisis pregnancy (w/twins). It is ALL happening in this drama, albeit spread around amongst several couples instead of me and my dear hubby. The director said at the initial press conference that although it was a family show, it would also touch on certain social issues in Korea. Now that I'm back home, I'll write something tomorrow.

Based on my experience, I have lots of predictions but the most significant one is that Preemie Baby Real is my nomination for likely Ep. 40 cliffhanger.

tvN released character descriptions of the 6 Counters, including new Counter Na Jeok Bong. Although his back-story is a bit different from the webtoon, his special talent (the ability to smell evil) is the same.

https://tvn.cjenm.com/ko/The-Uncanny-Counter-2/#pgmPersonDetailPopup/15382/2801/14146

she dumps him in Ep 4, but he won't necessarily disappear forever.

This drama is like a 5 book novel.

Book # 1 - the set-up and first Major Cliffhanger at Ep 8 (YD crashes the wedding)
Book 2 - a family gradually forms and Major Cliffhanger at Ep. 20 - TK tells YTD he "likes her"
Book 3 - Romance. Major Cliffhanger at Ep. 30 - 1st medical trauma (YD)

Speculation:
Book 4 - all dragons are slayed, life is good but old, forgotten mysteries begin to appear and Major Cliffhanger at ep 40 (I'm guessing Baby Real medical trauma, but it might be sudden appearance of ??????)

Book 5 - clean up on Aisle 9 as all problems are resolved, all secrets are revealed, and every major character gradually finds happiness. I still expect a final "one year later photo" with lots of parents and babies - including CM/SJ who will get pregnant after finally giving up - I know several couples where this happened.

THE END

With great pleasure, I stand corrected. 😀

And yet so many viewers believe this show is "nothing new to see here."

However, I am looking forward to the moment when he abandons his dorkiness because he can no longer ignore the rot beneath the surface in King land.

I'm not ashamed that I enjoy this show. I look forward to watching "King The Land" every single weekend. I feel kinda sorry for all of the MDL viewers who are compelled to apologize for watching. "I know it's cheesy, but. . . . " OR "I know the story is a silly rom-com but. . . ."

If you are enjoying it, no need to apologize for anything. You are in Very Good Company because "King The Land" is No. 2 on the Netflix Top 10 Global (Non-English). And it's not because it features Junho or Yoona (whoever they are??) . It's because this drama is amusing with likeable characters, a simmering inheritance battle, interesting sub-stories and supporting cast, beautiful cinematography and CGI.

There's nothing wrong with enjoying a classic tale. It's why "Pride and Prejudice (the forerunner of ALL rom-coms) remains a classic throughout the world.

Never heard of Junho or Yoona before this drama. This drama is #2 on Netflix Global 10 (non-English) which means that most viewers are from outside the Korean k-pop universe.

Thanks for info- I've been researching on internet, but don't have the patience to re-watch every minute of every episode.

IMy pet theory: JH abducted from hospital - "fake" mom registered him a month later. Very, very possible in Korea where the mom - and ONLY the mother - can register a birth.

This is now embedded in my mind and I can't give it up until we are told otherwise. Which is probable, but not definite.

Excellent post/comment.

“Oh what a tangled web we weave/When first we practice to deceive.” (Sir Walter Scott and yes, I had to look it up). From the beginning, YD and TK have deceived not only friends, but beloved family as well. And now we are at the Let The S**t Hit The Proverbial Fan episodes. It was inevitable that their lies and deception would catch up with them – especially when we are dealing with a 50 episode drama.

"And ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free" [John 8:32, King James Version]. TK/YD – set yourselves free! Get your marriage registered stat 😀Tell the truth and accept the consequences of your prior lies. 😀Otherwise - stay miserable, living in fear and guilt-ridden. 😥😥