Marshmallow-Chocoholic

@ All_In I think one of the biggest issues that dating causes so much controversy respectfully in different Asian industries links back to image. If an idol/actor is “single and innocent”, then they are sadly a lot more desirable for fans because they are not " committed". In the west, it doesn’t really have the same effect . Yes, it may cause some news scandals or gossip, but, it will most likely blow over. For, idols/ actors in a lot of these different industries, this can be very damaging for their career. Evidently, this doesn’t stop idols/ actors from dating in secret, but, it’s certainly sad that a lot of idols cannot express themselves because of these expectations…

@Hello I have always held the ideology that the South-Korean idol industry is uncannily similar to the old system of Hollywood during the early golden age of cinema. This isn’t taking an ignorant stance of trying to " westernise" the industry. Respectfully as @Nauriya has commented, mainstream South-Korean society is fairly reserved and conformist; the way we treat celebrities in the west would shock a lot of Koreans by intimacy ( etc) and that’s understandable because cultural norms will always differ. On the other hand, idol culture draws back to the previously mentioned point of Hollywood like with the old movie stars. (I always think of the biopic on Judy Garland, " Judy” where there are so many oppressive elements from her days in 1930s and 40s Hollywood which reflects this industry in South-Korea nowadays.) Whilst I do believe that the situation is certainly raising more awareness than even a decade ago, it’s terrifying when you think how many idols are still being implicated with every aspect of their lives by contracts , pay ( an issue which a lot of bands have come forward about), who they must wear ( designers or sponsors), dieting, facades ( the ” squeaky clean” image) and evidently who they can associate themselves with ( as well as dating). It’s no wonder that a lot of idols continue struggling with mental health issues as it becomes a vicious cycle where obsessed fans only see the persona in public and a social stigma is soon raised . Let’s just hope that gradually South-Korea will adapt this system into allowing these idols to have more freedom and respect. As you said, they are hardworking people who deserve to be treated like human beings. ❤️

@ Crysalide Ah, that makes sense. No, I don’t agree with that logic either. I can understand maybe giving it to a halfway point then rating it ( as you may change your mind after the second half in reviews etc), but it’s too early on to do that. ( Thank you for explaining.)

Can anyone explain why MDL ratings are giving it 4.0 ( is it the system acting up again, or is it just that bad 😅) ?

Sure, I am happy to give you some recommendations . A lot of the dramas do fall into more than one category ( so are not reincarnation alone). Evidently there are more dramas out there,’but please feel free to take a photo or screenshot if any take your fancy :). (Hope it helps!);
Korean Mythology Dramas
Grim reapers;
- Black ( series)
- 49 Days
- Along With The Gods ( movie)
Reincarnation/ modern Korean fantasy links with fate ;
Chicago Typewriter
Angel’s Last Mission: Love
Gods;
Bride of Habaek
Vampires ( more western, but exist in variations);
Scholar Who Walks The Night
Hero (2010- movie)
Orange Marmalade
Vampire Prosecutor
Thirst ( movie)
Vampire Detective
Freeze
Blood

Time travel( not traditional mythology but are often linked in modern or infamous Korean urban legends, Joseon period or real life events);
Signal ( based on real life events)
Tunnel ( based on real life events)
Queen In Hyun’s Man
Rooftop Prince
Live Up To Your Name
Nine: Nine Times Time Travel
Hit The Top
Zombies( more western, but exist in variations);
Zombie Detective
Train To Busan ( movie)
Kingdom
Demons/ Ghosts/Evil Spirits;
- The Guest
- The Wailing ( movie)
- Master’s Sun
- Hi, Bye Mama!
- Hotel Del Luna
- Sell Your Haunted House
- A Korean Odyssey
- Mystic Pop-Up Bar
- Oh My Ghost
- Bring It On Ghost
- The Uncanny Counter
Mermaids;
Legend Of The Blue Sea
Surplus Princess
Nine-Tailed Foxes;
- My Girlfriend Is A Gumiho
- Tale of Gumiho
- Gu; The Family Book

@ FC Chelsea I know what you meant , but, this still doesn’t excuse JJ’s actions really.

@ ReadyPlayerOne Have you ever tried/ watched Goblin before? You may also enjoy it if you’re a fan of mythology as it incorporates a lot of traditional Korean aspects ( goblins, grim reapers, deities, fate, reincarnation etc).

@ FC Chelsea This still does not excuse his actions though. Regardless of whether he loves her or not, there are expectations in any industry to hold professional respect to your clients. JJ has done nothing but breach them, on constant occasions and even outside of these expectations with personal feelings , he is constantly gaslighting and manipulating In Hyung.

Your welcome! ( Glad I can help :))!

I can see where you’re coming from. A lot of recent productions enjoy playing around with the tropes, they just lack coherent writing properties which make us feel as though it is a genuine pairing, not just enforced for plot. For me, it just depends on the extent of the trope. I don’t have a problem per say with it appearing, however, I do think they can become overused and contribute to poor writing if the writer lazily relies upon it as a quick fix to a relationship or pairing.

I think it might from two possible featured interviews, one on the reality show “ Twogether” ( alongside Korean actor Lee Seung Gi where they travel to six Asian cities to meet super fans) or upon an interview for the Taiwanese drama “ Triad Princess” ( although idk either why " The Swoon" featured it, apart from Jasper Liu having a fairly well known reputation in Korea and being on Netflix).

@ xinya Agreed. I fell in love with the romance genre thanks to K-dramas , J-dramas and C-dramas and I am still a guilty lover to the ideology of “ meeting your significant other”. However, as you said beforehand , it starts becoming tiresome when you see modern romance dramas regurgitating the same tropes. Don’t get me wrong. There are so many modern hidden gems out there which are beautifully written with pairings and characters. It’s just a shame that we don’t see more originality with certain dramas nowadays.

😄👍

Ah, sorry for the misunderstanding .

@ jojo Is your point directed at my previous comment ?

@ Jane I have really enjoyed this discussion also. It is nice to talk to someone who validate differing views! : D

@Jane Fair enough. I’ll be honest in saying I’m on the fence with this one and feel neither strong love or hate for it. Seeing on this side, I know where you’re coming from with trying not to be too biased ( and I’ll admit I’m guilty of it at times). I can see where a lot of negative comments are generated as @Spukhafte Fernwirkungen mentioned by lacking objectivity and I think a lot of it is probably generated from past experiences with supernatural dramas which are held high against DAYS such as Goblin, Hotel Del Luna, etc.

@ Soundaraya I think what @Lili means it that that the plot just feels too disconnected. I know where you’re coming from with side plots having different storylines, however, ultimately most dramas tend to bring this in or link it to the main couple/plot ( think Goblin or Hotel Del Luna, for example) to make the story feel complete. Sadly. DAYS seems to be struggling with coherency.

@ Jane I do understand where you’re coming from, however, just as you claim that criticisms can make it feel as though anything positive is “ removed from” people’s own thoughts, people do have a right to share what they don’t like or do like about a drama. Whilst you’re always going to get toxic haters, it doesn’t necessarily mean people hate it or are looking to ruin other people’s parades. They’re just sharing their personal and free thoughts. Ultimately, it’s up to the viewer what they want to take from this. Yes, writing a script it hard, however, a lot of people at a later date who may have not yet watched the show will probably check on MDL and will not probably appreciate everyone writing reviews with rose-tinted glasses either. ( When they may notice there are evident flaws.) This isn’t saying that every review should be negative and bringing the show down, however, it is ultimately just as biased to give a rating 10/10 and not accept there are flaws either. Sorry to sound like this is a rant and I can see where you’re coming from to an extent , but, just as you’re entitled to defending your opinion on the show, others are allowed to share their own thoughts and feelings also. :)

Who else believes that the “ white truck of doom” should have a starring place in the credits 😂?