Surprise-Lobotomy

Watching Lovers now, seems promising. Big fan of male leads like Kang Jae.

My big issue with the way Aishiteiru to Ittekure played out is that, on some level, I want to empathize with the male lead and feel for the female lead in a romance. Mizuno was so volatile that she came across as half her age (and she was already supposed to be young.) Having an argument and not giving your s/o a chance to explain and immediately running to the arms of another is childish and something I can't forgive. I loved the way the drama portrayed the disability and the communication barrier, but I couldn't fully enjoy the romance because I just wasn't attracted to Mizuno's behavior.

And Asian dramas are so notorious for unnecessary drama. You get a mixture of real-life conflicts with completely unrealistic ones. The ex always shows up after ten years and they always lie to each other about everything

Ji Sung was truly wonderful in Secret Love, probably the most positive thing I can say about the drama. I was slightly disappointed. The acting was wonderful, but that couldn't fix issues with the writing / story. It's one of those dramas that can keep you entertained, but I thought the romance was forced and it was too weighed down by cliches and plot-holes for me to enjoy wholly.

I got around to finishing Aishiteiru to Ittekure. I loved that the relationship had so many sweet moments and natural skinship. I won't lie, though, I had to choke through the last two episodes. I have a very hard time with infidelity on screen and after Mizuno slept with Ken I came close to dropping it outright. I appreciate real issues, but it hits close to home and it's very hard to watch. I stuck through and the ending was slightly unsatisfying, but I still think it was a very good drama. I really enjoy how some jdramas don't skirt the sexual tension in relationships - I've been really off-put by kdramas that treat holding hands like a marriage contract. I don't need characters to have sex on screen (or even off) but they should do natural things. When you love someone you want to be close to them, physically, you can't express that through long soap opera-esque eye contact alone.

Definitely enjoyable, but I was slightly underwhelmed. This show is full of some glaring plot holes and the romance seemed slightly forced. The drama is saved by some amazing performances, though, Ji Sung in particular.

I can really only do serious/melodramas that don't have tragic endings, but I enjoy them the most. There's something about overcoming tragedy and finding happiness/true love that I really enjoy.

I like dramas that have an element of comedy (Salaryman is a good example) but don't overdo it so that it comes across as silly. I also don't enjoy some of the humor in many of the romcoms I have started.

Nine Times Time Travel was a show that I had on hold for a while because I wasn't sure I could grow to like the female lead, but I ended up really loving her. It's one of the best I have watched in a while, I decided to complete it because it got picked up for an American remake and I was curious. Well worth it.

I'm not a huge fan of romcoms, but I was enjoying Protect the Boss. I haven't watched an episode in a while, though, because I have had it on-hold for more serious dramas. I should probably alter my list to reflect that.

I need to get around to finishing Lovers, it was highly recommended by PrettyCarEye as another drama with great chemistry and realistic love. I was actually tempted to start Secret Love soon since it's finished airing and I am content with what I read about the ending - it stars Ji Sung. I will let you know how I feel about them as I get around to finishing them. I'd also highly recommend Nine: Nine Times Time Travel as a great romance/absorbing story, I recently finished it and absolutely loved it.

I really enjoyed the soundtrack as well. I loved just about everything about the drama - especially what PrettyCarEye said about "love" scenes. I can only hope I can find other dramas that have as much chemistry and passion as MARS. Let me know how you feel about it when you finish!

Let me know what you think about Empress Ki! I really like Ha Ji Won, but a show that long is a serious commitment.

I enjoyed it more than I thought I would after reading the synopsis, but I still think it's somewhat over-hyped. It's not anywhere near the same league as A Gentleman's Dignity (personal opinion, of course) but it's definitely worth watching. I think of the two Ha Ji Won dramas I have watched (the other being King2Hearts) you are much more likely to enjoy Secret Garden. I would suggest giving it a shot if you have time.

I second everything you said. I feel the same way. I can't deal with sad endings and I haven't found a true "romantic comedy" that I can really enjoy.

I don't think you should be scared of it, it just takes dedication. I want to teach overseas - my father currently teaches English in South Korea, but I wouldn't be opposed to mainland China, Taiwan or even Japan. I love immersing myself in different cultures.

I wouldn't suggest watching it for the romance. It has a love story with some sweet moments, but it isn't very developed. I thought it was a great blend between serious and comedic, but it wasn't overly romantic.

http://i1.ytimg.com/vi/z1Lx9lfR7uY/maxresdefault.jpg

Real kisses and intimacy/chemistry that goes beyond a typical kdrama. I really enjoyed it. I think that Jo Yoon Hee is exceptionally cute, and Lee Jin Wook portrays the kind of cool, handsome lead that I prefer, so their dynamic was very enjoyable. I finished it because I heard the show was picked up for an American remake, and I thought I should watch the original before they butcher it.

I haven't read the manga so I can't confirm, but i've heard it follows it closely and I am sure it lives up to it. MARS is a wonderful drama, easily the best TW drama I have watched. I can't imagine you would be let down.

I am going to be learning both Mandarin and Korean soon - I have taken two years off of school, so I am about to go back in the spring.

Of course. It's nice to meet another young-old (I am 23) drama fan. I'm also a long-term student, although I only understand popular science and I am bad at math (Physics scares me.) I also like your favorite drama choices. I love 4 out of 5 of them, and that's only because I haven't watched Good Doctor yet. Nice to meet you! :)

Sae crying out Kai's name from across the street was one of the sweetest moments I have ever seen.

I haven't decided yet. If I could find a good TWromance or Jromance with a happy ending, that would fit my mood perfectly.

Yes. Shohei and Akane both grew on me - I found Keita slightly annoying and didn't think he served to much of a purpose, though. He was the least developed of the group. I also really hated Maho, but I don't think she was supposed to be liked.

I finished Orange Days. I think I saw a lot of myself in Kai, and a lot of what I wish I was. It's interesting how well-written characters can make you evaluate aspects of your own life. I consider myself kind and generous, and I have the same desire to protect the people around me, but I like the patience Kai had. I thought he was truly admirable.

I also think I fell in love with Sae. She represents the sort of "untamed beauty" that I find compelling. Her selfishness (or should I say stubbornness) was because her tragedy and fear had grown into an inability to face herself. She had a pure heart and was incredibly sweet, and I love seeing two people that can save each other in a realistic sense. I truly felt like Sae and Kai might have one of those "one-in-the-world" bonds - when true love is portrayed well, I fall in love along with them. Absolutely stunning drama!