DramaHeroine

Love this article!

The original Taiwanese Fated to Love You was my first drama, and I devoured it. It was very much a crack drama for me. That was maybe 15 years ago now? I've tried to rewatch it a couple times since then, but I can't get through it again to save my life, lol. It will always have a special place in my heart though as my first Asian drama, the one that introduced me to Asian drama fandom, and I will always love and appreciate the female lead. When she cried, you cried.

This was silly nonsense from the beginning, but it was fun silly nonsense, and the leads were really cute together.

Unsurprisingly, those two things were kind of shoved to the side starting in ep 13, and the finale eps appear to be a disappointment, so I'm dropping. I've gotten all the enjoyment out of it that I can at this point, lol.

He is not. He may possibly be on the Autism spectrum, although I don't think the drama ever explicitly addresses this.

Oh, they end up together. It's a happy ending for the main couple. But the writers throw in a frustrating and unnecessary plot point before letting the leads get together.

Yeah. That scenes shows that they either already have one planned, or they were hopeful this movie would do well enough for them to be able to make more. Either way, they clearly are looking to make another movie if possible.

I feel this deep in my spirit. I need a sequel stat.

This is totally silly on every front, but the silly is working for me right now, lol.

I would love a season 2, but I don't know that there would be any story for them to tell.

Motivation to finally watch the first season. It's been on my watch-list for forever, lol.

I also wish there were more reply/answer me dramas. It's a story theme that could easily be done many more times, and there are multiple periods in Korea's history I would love to see such a series set in.

I watched 88 and 97 for the first time last year, and while I wouldn't count them among my favorite dramas, I completely understand why so many people love them. They're very unique in the Kdrama landscape, and the stories and characters are well-written and memorable. I've saved 94 for last, because for some reason, I'm the most eager to watch that one. Fingers crossed I'll like it!

I really hope Nan Joong makes a comeback soon. I love her storytelling style.

Amnesia was a well-trodden trope in Kdramas for a while. I think they've finally shifted away from the trope some, but for a while, you'd find it in almost every drama you watched, lol.

My recs for people looking to get unstuck:

~Jitenshaya-san no Takahasi-kun~
A sweet Jdrama romance with a slice-of-life feel. Just two people coming together against the backdrop of everyday life.

~She Was Pretty~
If you're looking for a more old-school Kdrama rom-com without all the angst, this is a tough one to beat. Lots of lovely messages about being the main character of your life, a great swoony romance, and a second male lead who will make you laugh your head off as he charms his way into your heart.

~Fight Song~
A beautiful Jdrama about perseverance, hope, and learning how to play the cards you've been dealt. The female lead navigates the possibility of losing her healing with grace and grit.

~Gibo to Musume no Blues~
This Jdrama is wacky in the most charming way. I dare you not to like it.

~Nigeru wa Haji da ga Yaku ni Tatsu ~
This is my favorite drama of all time (after Deka Wanko, lol). The romance is innocent and sweet, the leads are deeply likable, and the pacing is impeccable.

~Shizuka chan to Papa~
Be ready to cry. This Jdrama will bring you to tears multiple times, tears of sadness and tears of joy.

~Radiant Office~
The story is imperfect, but this Kdrama gave us a deeply sympathetic trio facing down their potential mortality while navigating the confusing and stressful realities of the workplace.

I actually watched My Mister as it aired. It definitely has a lot of human drama elements, but I don't think it's solely a human drama.

The kinds of dramas I'm talking about are dramas like Shizuka Chan to Papa, Neechan no Koibito, A Thousand Goodnights, Misaeng, Jitenshaya-san no Takahashi-kun, Because This is My First Life (not solely a human drama, but it's a strong element), Boku no Ita Jikan, Fight Song, the Reply/Answer Me series of dramas.

Rather than spoiling what potential romance may or may not be in the story, I'm going to recommend just not focusing on any potential romance, because while everything else in this drama is absolutely wonderful, it's all ultimately secondary to the heartwarming mother-daughter relationship.

Just finished the final special episode (2024 special), and my heart is aching. I'm going to miss these characters, this story, and this universe.

Why can't it just go on forever?

I hAVe So mAnY FEEliNgS NOw tHat I'Ve FiNALLy seeN iT!!!!!!!!

But couldn't the writers have let Akira and Akiko finally get togetherrrrr? I mean, I kind of figured it wasn't going to happen, but a girl can dream, right???

Also, there's no way we'll have flying cars in 2050, but I guess the writers of this drama can also dream, lolololol.

I'm calling it now and saying that this is going to be the best thing I will watch this year, hands down. I'm so sad to say goodbye to these characters and this story and this universe. It feels like there is a hole in my heart.