burhaa aadmi

"unrealistic fluffy" - exactly what I love too, thanks 😀

I'm glad you enjoyed the article, thanks. I too like Japan's "staying Japanese" :)

Thanks for your kind words, and yes it is true that some change is definitely a good thing

YES to the short episode count - one of my favourite things about J doramas. THank you for moeenting :)

Thanks for reading and sharing your reaction - it's nice to know that some of the issues I raised have resonated with many here at MDL

Thanks for your reply, I know how you feel. "Dae Jang Geum" was VERY, VERY Korean for sure, and still the ONLY Korean Drama I've watched that was built around a FEMALE genius. As you say, quite different from modern K Dramas.

I'm glad you enjoyed the article, thank you. I hope you find many more dramas from both J and K to enjoy :)

Thanks for your insightful comments, a nice summary.

That's VERY kind, thank you!

Thank you for your comments, nice to find someone else who was drawn to K Dramas by "one and done" :)

Thanks for taking the time to read and reply. In terms of K Dramas aimed at the domestic market, weekenders would definitely fit that description, and I have several lined up on my PTW :)

Why indeed? I share your pain, thanks for reading.

Thanks for reading! I have an article awaiting a second edit that does discuss this accessibility issue, and its effects in a bit more depth :)

Excellent coverage, thank you! So many of the many tropes well covered, a very enjoyable read. Were I to add one it would be the "everyday marriage" that features in really good slice of life Dramas like "Yeah That's How It Is" - couple who've been married for decades and leading ordinary married lives. As someone in that position, seeing it well depicted on screen is an added bonus :)

IMO no one pulls off quirky concepts as well as Japan. I think it might be a nice gateway drug for your vict-, I mean, friend 😉

Thanks for the heads up about S2 - I haven't seen it yey, will lower my expectations :)

Yes, I thought so - it wasn't a gripping mystery series, it was cute and fun

I'm sure you're right. That's one of the reasons I didn't describe any of these Dramas as "less popular" or "underrated", simply "less watched" :)

The phrase "situational ethics" seems appropriate here 😱🙂

Interesting article, thanks! I definitely agree that one doesn't have to sporty to enjoy sports Dramas. I am slightly less athletic than a dead fish, but have enjoyed several of the Dramas you mention.
I really liked Run On, one of my highest rated K Dramas in a while, but I agree with those who say it's not really a sports Drama. Hot Stove League stands out for being all about sports, with no major romantic element for me. Another "forgotten gem" was Dr Champ - a romance Drama but very much focused on sports and sports medicine