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An Entertaining Watch if you know the Nuances of Stock Trading!
If you are into stock trading, then you could learn a lot from this show; it isn’t just about saving a company from bankruptcy!I admit that I wasn’t exactly enamored by this show after watching the pilot episodes; I failed to understand its charm. The slow pacing does take a lot away from the storytelling but gradually the characters grown on you: especially Yun Ju No. Infamous as the “White Snake”, everyone in the company is awry of him. The company directors believe that he is here to get him fired while the Group Chairman doesn’t take him seriously. Caught in the midst of these almost comical characters, Yun Ju No is tasked with the impossible task of saving Sanin Group from bankruptcy. He tries his best while secretly investigating the reasons that pushed his brother to suicide. “The Art of Negotiation” just doesn’t focus on his negotiation skills, it is more than that. Yun Ju No has a humane touch in most negotiations, unlike the cutthroat persona that his peers have build for him. He is competent but sadly misunderstood and misjudged.
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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2025/04/17/the-art-of-negotiation-series-review/#more-1747
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A Fantasy Romance Between a Demon & a Heiress
A dangerous yet spicy romance between a devilishly handsome demon & a strong minded chaebol heiress!The tagline definitely fits the bill as we talk about SBS’s latest fantastical offering, “My Demon”. Starring Kim Yoo Jung and Song Kang in the lead roles, this was one of the most anticipated romances of the year and rightly so. While the concept of contract marriages is nothing new in Korean dramas, this show strongly hinges on the “Opposite Poles Attract” premise. The settings are beautiful, cinematography is lush while the CGI effects are mindblowing. It has been a long time since I watched a drama that instantly grabs your attention. Being a huge fan of Song Kang, this drama was on my “Must Watchlist” and I’m glad that it lived up to the expectations. There is something exciting about watching an immortal demon butt heads with a cold hearted heiress. They both have unique personalities which merge well and I’m totally enjoying the joyride. Without further ado, let’s dig deeper into the pilot episodes!
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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2023/11/26/my-demon-first-impressions/
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A Time Slip Romance- A Hit or Miss
Time travel romances seem to be in vogue these days. Starting with “Perfect Marriage Revenge” and “Story of Kunning Palace”, time slip love stories are creating a lot of buzz in both South Korea and China. They are setting a new trend in the fantasy genre and rightly so. MBC’s latest historical “The Story of Park’s Marriage Contract” joins the ranks, portraying a somber yet heartening tale of lost love and reconciliation. Adapted from the web novel “The Story of Park’s Marriage Contract” (열녀박씨 계약결혼뎐) written by Kim Neo Ul (김너울) and illustrated by B, the show stars Lee Se Young & Bae In Hyuk in lead roles. The show paints a not-so pretty picture of a strong minded woman striving to achieve her goals, while going against the Confucian ideals in the Josean society. Pilot episodes do a decent job of setting the premise and introducing the characters while keeping their personal agenda hidden. The melodrama will most likely proceed with lots of confrontations in the upcoming episodes as we learn about the protagonists and the ensuing battles they will be embroiled in.Read the complete article here-
https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2023/11/27/the-story-of-parks-marriage-contract-first-impressions/
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A Fantasty Thriller with abundant Bromance
Two things seem to be trending these days on the IQIYI platform- wuxia dramas & Zhang Linghe. Following the huge success of his recently ended romance “My Journey to You”, Zhang Linghe is back in the forte with his new mystery thriller “Tiger and Crane”. Definitely another anticipated release this year, fans have been eagerly awaiting the premiere of this show for almost a year. Starring a ginormous cast that includes Jiang Long, Zhang Ling He, Wang Yu Wen, Chen You Wei, Ye Qing, He Lan Dou in lead roles, the drama hinges on the strong bromance between Jiang Long & Zhang Ling He. For those who are still waiting for updates on Zhang Ling He’s BL adaptation “Eternal Faith”, this show can be a consolation of sorts. Set in a fantastical universe where demonologists exist, the show paints a dainty image of the ongoing war between sorcerers and demons. Adapted from Huang Xiaoda’s novel of the same and helmed by popular director, Guo Hu; the drama promises an intriguing battle of wits, power struggles and sorcery.Read the complete article here-
https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2023/10/05/tiger-and-crane-first-impressions/#more-185
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Not Exactly The Strongest Comeback
The 2017 classic “Strong Woman Do Bong Soon” was a sleeper hit simply because of the fantastic chemistry between the main leads Park Bo Young & Park Hyung Sik. It’s quite difficult to come across stories where a female lead and her superpowers are glorified. This edgy fantasy element became the reason for the show’s success. As such, I wasn’t admittedly excited about the new reboot. It may be attributed to the entirely new cast that has no connections to the characters in the prequel. “Strong Girl Namsoon” finally premiered last week. The million dollar question that piques our attention is this- Is the spin-off as well as the prequel? I will answer this question as we analyze the first two episodes and dig deeper into the storyline.Read the complete article here-
https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2023/10/09/strong-girl-namsoon-first-impressions/
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One of Favorite Watch This Year!!
There are very few shows that I get enamored with, this was one such show!While focusing on the Master-Disciple dynamics between the lead protagonists, the show goes through various twists and turns- our female lead sacrifices herself to save the male lead, he sacrifices one half of his Golden core to resurrect, she is reincarnated albeit without her past memories, the bickering couple go through heaven & hell to send the blasted Spirit Spring back to netherworld, only for the male lead to lose his memories. Are you feeling dizzy yet? There were quite a few moments when I questioned their sanity, I mean who could remain sane after going through so many struggles. And in the end, it led me to the answer- they survived because Mu Qingqe refused to give up on Su Yi Shui. She stood by him despite losing her memories and powers, trusted him, believed in him when no one else, she was his savior and better half!
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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2025/02/26/love-of-the-divine-tree-series-review/#more-1618
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I Am Nobody: The Showdown Between Yin & Yang
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The Comic Relief that You Never Knew You Needed!
Somethings never change, especially the quirkiness of the Outsider world!The second season of Youku’s uber popular adaptation “I Am Nobody: The Showdown Between Yin & Yang” was albeit short. Quite a few dominant names from Season One returned with an uncharacteristic actor change. The sequel was as fast paced as the prequel, evidently playing into the emotions and team work of the so-called temporary workers (or elite assassin forces) of NDT Express. What happens when one of them murders her superior and goes on the run? The others have to face severe repercussions or catch their own to save their skin. Chen Duo, the special operative remains at the centerfold as we introduced to the new antagonist, Ma Xian Hong, who might not be a villain at all. Zhang Chulan is as cunning as ever, being adept at manipulating people; but this time, he spends his time judging allies and forging ties, so they could help him safeguard Feng Baobao. Though short, the show lives upto its reputation and delivers a fast paced, comic thriller that will keep you on your toes!
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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2025/01/28/i-am-nobody-the-showdown-between-yin-yang-series-review/#more-1526
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A Small Town Romance With Quirky Characters
JTBC’s latest offering “Welcome to Samdalri” is a decades long saga of friendship, lost love and reconciliation. Starring Ji Chang Wook and Shin Hye Sun in the lead roles of Cho Yong Pil & Cho Sam Dal/Cho Eun Hye, the show transverses their journey as they reconnect after eight years of separation. The first thing that I noticed about this show is the scenic beauty. Shot in the backdrop of the beautiful Jeju island, the show banks on the small town life and its busy yet nosy neighborhood. Set in Samdalri (which is native to both Cho Yong Pil & Cho Sam Dal), the drama focuses on their reconciliation as Sam-dal returns to her hometown when her career plummets and she is at her wit’s end. The pilot episodes were pretty decent at introducing the individual characters and their current lives while keeping their past shredded in mystery. There is a lot going on in the backdrop that we are unaware of and these invisible issues have been adversely affecting their relationship for almost a decade. Let’s sit down and dissect the finer details relative to this small town romance!Read the complete article here-
https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2023/12/05/welcome-to-samdalri-first-impressions/
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A Breezy Time Travel Romance
Time travel romances seem to be in trend and joining the foray is tvN’s latest offering “Twinkling Watermelon”. If you are wondering about the title (as I’m), maybe it is a mere connotation to the storyline which sparkles with youthfulness and has varied tones of friendship/love. Starring Ryeoun, Choi Hyun Wook, Seol In Ah, Shin Eun Soo in the lead roles, the drama premiered to high expectations and certainly it was worth the hype. The first two episodes set up the premise decently while introducing intriguing characters as well as the time travel element which pops up randomly. The storytelling is little out of place and at times without context (when they randomly switch between two timeframes), but the chemistry between the characters is reckoning and it manages to tide over those discrepancies. For now, I’m invested in this drama simply because the storyline is interesting and I’m hoping for some solid character development in the future episodes.Read the complete article here-
https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2023/09/27/twinkling-watermelon-first-impressions/
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A Historical With A Funny Tone
Rowoon (“Destined with You”) is back onscreen with his next romcom, which happens to be a historical. Starring alongside Cho Yi Hyun, “The Matchmakers” is about two widowers, Shim Jung Woo & Jung Soon Deok, who are pressured by the royal family into marrying three maidens representing the spinster problem in the Joseon dynasty. Both of them have varied personalities, with Jung Soon Deok leading a double life that is closely guarded. The drama relies a lot on the customs and traditions that tied down widows in ancient Joseon. Now, widowers weren’t specifically affected, but Shim Jung Woo suffers because he has a special identity. You can’t question the absurdity of their situations because we are talking about times that were orthodox and fanatical. The first two episodes do a good job of introducing the main characters, as we get a glimpse into their lives. Soon Deok leads an exciting, satisfying one while Jung Wook’s is dull and unfulfilling.Read the complete article here-
https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2023/11/01/the-matchmakers-first-impressions/
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Impressionable With Mystique & Intrigue
The latest entrant on JTBC’s mid-week block, Destined With You, has a lot to offer. With a stellar casting that includes big names like Jo Bo Ah, Rowoon, Ha Joon, Yura; the drama premiered to high ratings on Netflix. I have been closely keep a tab on JTBC’s official accounts, since the day this drama was announced. It has got nothing to do with my thirst for fantasy dramas, and everything to do with the fact that this show has both of my favorite stars. I’m a huge, huge fan of Jo Bo Ah and she is nothing short of adorable here. Following close on her heels is our handsome hunk, Rowoon, whose character has streaks of mystique and intrigue. The first two episodes do a decent job of setting the storyline, which is gripping and exciting. There is a lot happening in the pilot episodes; shamanism plays a pivotal role in this fantasy and the show is as riveting as the trailer that promises a love story that spans over 300 years.Read the complete article here-
https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2023/08/26/destined-with-you-first-impressions/#more-91
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A Reincarnation Saga with Fantasy Element
Adapted from the webtoon “The Moon that Rises in the Day” (낮에 뜨는 달) by Hye Yoom (헤윰), ENA’s new drama “Moon in the Day” is a heartbreaking, remorseful romance that transcends over centuries. Starring Pyo Ye Jin and Kim Young Dae in lead roles, the storyline depicts the story of a vengeful spirit seeking retribution for his wrongful death. The main actors portray two different characters, from variant timelines. It has been an eventful week with quite a few new premieres like “Castaway Diva”, “Perfect Revenge Marriage” and “The Matchmakers”. Certainly, the show has a tall order to compete with when compared to those recent releases. What works in its favor is the rustic chemistry between the main actors. The script is slightly odd paced, but that doesn’t take away the fact that the characters are intriguing and their backstory is equally riveting. We are given glimpses of their past lives as the first two episodes concentrate on the character’s present lives. As unlike as they are, Kang Young Hwa and Han Jun Oh aren’t peas in the same pod. Let’s dive into this narrative and learn more about them!Read the complete article here-
https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2023/11/03/moon-in-the-day-first-impressions/
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An Entertaining Couple Who Bicker Endlessly
Give me a historical romance with lots of political maneuvering and I’m seated for the drama!Starring Zhao Jin Mai & Zhang Ling He in lead roles, the first thing that catches your attention is the domesticated vibes between the main couple. “The Princess Royal” though a political melodrama is essentially a recurring love story between a couple, who died, were revived in their young selves and still choose to marry each other again; no matter the consequences. Their choices might seem questionable because they spend 20 years outwitting each other; but they are allies first, enemies later. There is comfort in their relationship which stems from spending decades together, even if they were in an antagonistic relationship. Both actors excel in their portrayals, the storyline does seem to drag in some places, but they quickly pull through by inserting a new ploy and chaos ensues. Our married couple are tasked with the job of maintaining peace with minimal damage possible. Let’s get to know them better before we form our opinions!
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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2024/07/16/the-princess-royal-first-impressions/#more-1037
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I kept wondering how a woman could unwaveringly support a man who continuously kept demeaning her and ruthlessly massacred her siblings?“The Queen Who Crowns” depicts the delicate balance between a husband and wife who are at the pinnacle of success. Historically, the show doesn’t offer much information about Yi Bang Won’s (Prince Jeong An) rebellion with him usurping the throne and becoming King Tae Jong, the founder of the Joseon dynasty. The show starts with discord, goes through major turbulence and ends in upheaval. The show focuses on Queen Won Gyeong (born Min Je), a brave, smart and sharp tongued noblewoman born in a prestigious family of high-ranking officials. Her intellect is incomparable, and she proves her worth when she is married to Yi Bang Won, the fourth son of King Tae Jo. Things get sour when King Tae Jo names his second son, Yi Bang Gwa, as crown prince instead of Yi Bang Won. Min Je and Yi Bang Won lead a rebellion which ends in the Crown Prince’s death and Yi Bang Won ascends the throne. What follows is a series of ego clashes between the once peaceful couple, as they grapple between court politics and family dynamics. Because of his rampant insecurities, King Tae Jong spends a lot of time outmaneuvering his brilliant wife who would definitely make a better monarch than him, if she was born a man. To consolidate his power and hurt her, he forms alliances and randomly takes concubines, forces her brothers into exile followed by ordering their execution. Throughout his angry tirades and outbursts, Queen Won Gyeong maintains her demeanor as an outright monarch who cares more about her people than anything else.
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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2025/02/12/the-queen-who-crowns-series-review/#more-1556
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Gangnam Style Crime Thriller
Set in the crime-ridden streets of Gangnam in the 1990s, “The Worst of Evil” promised power packed performances by its stellar casting which includes popular names like Ji Chang Wook, Wi Ha Joon, Im Se Mi. Probably one of the most anticipated releases this year, the show premiered to high expectations and the succinct storytelling is definitely worth the wait. With a three episode premiere and three episodes finale, the show will release two episodes henceforth. Starring Ji Chang Wook as local policeman Park Junmo, Wi Ha Joon as gang leader Jung Gicheul and I’m Se Mi as security officer Yu Euijeong, “The Worst of Evil” is a complicated love triangle set in the midst of a sprawling crime syndicate. Directed by Han Dong Wook, Park Geun Beom and written by Jang Min Seok, the compelling cinematography is resplendent of the 1990s era, which renders a melancholic feel to the melodrama transpiring on screen. The first three episodes do a decent job of introducing the characters and setting the stage for future confrontations. This show isn’t for the fainthearted and it depicts explicit violent scenes (so, drop it if you can’t stand watching fight scenes every 10 minutes, because that seems to be the norm for this show).Read the complete article here-
https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2023/09/29/the-worst-of-evil-first-impressions/
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