Pekalla

Thanks for the article and wrapping up the year for us. I wished you would have included sources of help and information surrounding suicide. There are so many suicides in the article. It is sad and could be triggering for others who might feel hopeless right now. Also a trigger-warning might not be unreasonable since it includes topics like this and domestic violence.

In terms of over-hyped I have to agree with you. For me the connection is just an important aspect why I show is worth watching - well end the cinematography.

Mhhh... History of a Salaryman sounds interesting. But I dont get why Nicy Guy is on your list if you felt no connection to the characters, isnt that the whole point in watching or continuing? I'd rank King2Hearts a bit higher just because it had many dimensions,e.g. the north-south-conflict, which compaired to such lovey-dovey-stuff as Goog/Princess Hours was soooo refreshing.
My list would look like that - and I think we'll see at least one of them in your Top5:

9. Nice Guy
8. Ghost
7. The King of Dramas
6. King2Hearts
5. Queen Inhyuns Man
4. Bridal Mask
3. A Gentlemans Dignity
2. Reply 1997
1. Shut up Flower Boy Band

This would make an awesome full length drama. Something between My Girlfriend is a Gumiho and 49 Days. They should consider a remake with 20-ish Episodes. That'll be easily filled with such a plot.

The problem with taiwanese dramas is the really bad audio and the way some of the actors are dubbed. But back in 2006 when K-Dramas still revolved around dying on beaches and pressing lips together in the most awkward ways possible, taiwanese dramas were very refreshing for me. Devil beside you was my first T-Drama, too, so I totally get where you are coming from. My Top 5 is slightly different, though. 1. Mars - the story and the acting got me hooked asap. 2. Devil beside you - because firsts always stick with you. 3. Alice in Wonder City - unorthodox but undeniably good turn in storytelling and relationships. 4. In time with you - after watching ISWAK I wasnt sure if Ariel Lin is a good actress or if she is just cute, this drama prooved, she indeed is good. 5. Gloomy Salad Days - just wow, that drama really had balls!

All versions have something appealing about them. But I have to say for me the first spot is reserved for the japanese version. The cast had an amazing chemistry. Even though the acting in Meteor Garden felt more natural, I guess. The best thing about the korean version is deffinitly Ga Eul/Yi Jung aka Yuuki/Sojirou in the original. This couple made me really fuzzy and happy and I routed even more for them than for the main couple. But lets not forget the chinese version. Lets start watching the Meteor Shower. It made a few adaptions - some for the better, some for the worse - so the plot differs a bit, but the main idea is the same.

totally agree.