PonderinGal220

I couldn't bring myself to finish any of these dramas. They were all written very poorly. But 2023 and the year preceding it presented such a wasteland of dramas, I suppose these must represent the best in a dearth of quality productions.

I have found that these period pieces, particularly ones set in the 1930-1960's, rely too much on the sets and costuming and not enough on good writing, plot, character development, or performances. Perhaps this one will break the mold.

I truly mean this respectfully, but it is a very sad reflection on our culture that what you have described is not considered "terribly gruesome".

Within the first two minutes, a woman is shot multiple times from multiple ranges, including close range; blood spatters everywhere and covers the floor and clothing. I stopped watching at 2 minutes and 3 seconds, and will not watch anymore. This violence in dramas has to stop!

While I haven't seen a few of these, I absolutely agree for all but two: 7 and 43 (Mouse and Attorney Woo). I thought that for those dramas, the characters's relationships and their development were what made them quite good. I also sort of enjoyed Through the Darkness, and don't believe that it was particularly highly rated. I haven't seen Mr. Sunshine, but I am hoping to give it a try. All of the others (that I've tried), particularly ones starring the Joon Ki's, stink!

I fail to see the logic behind your statement. A bad actor is bad regardless of. their physical appearance. There are many profoundly talented actors out there of varying physical attractiveness; the expectation that they be competent in their craft is not based on their looks, but on the fact that they are professional performers. I believe that Mr. Song is popular primarily because he is handsome, not because he is talented. There are many actors who are treated similarly, and I don't watch the dramas they're in, either (unless the supporting cast and writing are compelling). You may be right that much of this may be a failure to pick good projects on his part, but he consistently plays stiff, emotionally shallow parts. Can he improve? Certainly.

Where is Jung Kyung Ho?

If this is based on the book by Shin Kyung Sook, I anticipate a beautiful drama, particularly given Kim Young Ok's brilliant presence.

Oh, just wait: there's MUCH more blood and gore to come. I enjoy thrillers that are well-written, but the writers of this one seem to use violence as a replacement for a decent and/or compelling plot.

After having waited for quite a while for this particular drama, I must say that I am very disappointed and for various reasons. Not only are the characters both superficially presented and mundane, but the overblown violence (yes, I am aware that K-films are more violent, which is one of the many reasons why I do not watch them. Even thrillers made for TV have not been this violent) and obscene language (perhaps a translator issue?) detract from the enjoyment. I don't need to see knives penetrating victims' throats, decapitations, hatchets in skulls, and blood gushing everywhere to be "entertained". God forbid! The plot is formulaic and discontinuous, the performances forgettable, and (again) the violence really taints what was a promising production. Please, Korean directors/producers/writers, tone down the violence and return to what made your productions great! Popularity does not mean that something is edifying or good, let alone great or entertaining.

I completely agree! Yoon Kye Sang is an excellent actor, but this drama, so far, is neither compelling nor very well written.

I agree with your assessment. Thus far, I'm a bit disappointed, as I expect a lot from these particular actors. The writing has not been great, but that seems to have become a characteristic of most productions across the board/globe.

Which is exactly why I don't watch Korean films. I've been watching k-dramas for nearly ten years because they were "safe". It's only been within the last year that they've become extremely violent. I don't like it.

I absolutely agree. I'm on episode 3, and am already cringing. I'm not sure what this new trend in gratuitous violence in kdramas is all about, but I really hope it stops.