darkmaggus

Thanks for your analysis. Yes, because this show has an absurdly high rating I really wanted to watch it. Some kind of describe it as a gay Asian Lord of the Rings, which would be a near perfect show in my mind. I'm going to try to stay with it. Also, I love your rating system!

Thanks for sharing! I started it months ago, but stalled out. So maybe it's just not my thing.

I really want to love this, but I'm 10 episodes in and struggling not to drop it. I'm not really into all the side characters and it drags for me.

For those who watched it, did you love it from the beginning or did it take awhile? I'm trying to figure out if it's just not my cup of tea or if others felt that the drama picked up and improved over time. Thanks!

I was laughing and clapping like a fool within the first 10 minutes. The goofy soundtrack really adds to the comedy and I love the cheesy editing, like the slowmo coffee scene in the first episode. I had this on my list since I first heard of it, but it is really surpassing my expectations.

I started this thinking it would be a shallow diversion with some nice eye candy. Just finished this drama and I'm so glad I watched it all. It is maligned by some, but it actually has some great character arcs and thoughtful messages about the struggles of growing up.

Best drama of 2019.

I am loving soft Hyun Bin in this drama. I've only seen him as a louder, more confident, more badass character. I love him all sweet, quiet, sensitive, almost innocent in some ways. Of course he is still a badass here, but in an understated way. I've never really understood why he is such a popular actor, but in this role, I see it. Ri Jung Hyuk is really appealing to me.

I think Marriage, Not Dating is a hilarious and adorable drama that flies under a lot of people's radar. It is fun, the female lead is unconventional in the best way, and the side characters are not throwaways like on some shows. I've watched it multiple times.

Fun feature. Thanks! The only suggestion I have is to consider changing the y-axis to the average rating for that age group. I think the number of people is of less importance and is pretty much always going to skew young anyway. It takes time to look through the numbers to see how each age group rated a drama, but if the ratings were put on the y-axis, it could provide a quicker visual indication.

This show is exactly what I needed in my life.

What the hell did I just watch? The fact that I even finished this makes me question my life.

I know, Tia. I was surprised to see so many people rooting for him. I do love me a bad boy sometimes, but this guy was way beyond that. He was evil.

I enjoyed reading your thoughts!

I will miss the king, but only because he was a fascinating character, not because I found anything to like to about him.

The king was a sadistic, insane man. I guess I pitied him a little, but it didn't change the fact that he was a miserable excuse for a human being. He seemingly had no desire to care for his people, only to hold his throne. He tortured people, murdered a child who loved him and looked up to him, tried to kill his wife, and threatened to kill the person he considered a father figure.

For me, there was no redemption after all that. I never imagined him capable of changing and deciding to work with Ha Seon and the secretary. He was severely damaged.

I did cry though. That sequence on the beach was so powerful. I cried for both of them. I think Chief Royal Secretary showed enormous strength in doing what needed to be done. My heart broke too, but mostly for the secretary.

Wow. This show. I haven't been this emotionally invested in something since my husband.

This show is going to be the death of me. I am already close to emotional breakdown and we are only 6 episodes in. Can't form coherent thoughts. This drama is too good for my poor soul. Going into fetal position now. Wake me up next Monday so my heart can be ripped out.

I am now 4 episodes in. I hear you. I know there are cultural differences and I get the impression that the abuse of men is meant to be funny and to challenge traditional Japanese gender roles, but it is really hard for me to watch. Coming from my own (Western) culture, I feel ill when I see the male lead physically abused. And we are not talking mild abuse -- not a light shove, but a punch to the face. I like aspects of this drama, but I'm not sure I'll be able to finish it.

Warning: Do not begin this drama and expect not to finish it the same day. I binged this thing like a crackhead. Now I'm off to work on 2 hours of sleep. #healthychoices

Totally agree! I am so close to dropping this. I suppose I'll give it a couple more eps just because the ex is hot and interesting.

Shameless is one of the few English shows I watch these days, so I immediately clicked on this. I really like your casting! There were a couple where at first I was like, "Hm. I don't know." But then after thinking about it more, I was always like, "Yeah. They could totally pull the character off and make it their own!"

I don't understand some of the comments below. Of course Korea won't remake Shameless. That's not the point. There have been articles on a Korean casting of Harry Potter on MDL and I seriously doubt that Korea would remake that either. It's simply about trying to compare character types with actors who would fit. Just fun to think about the juxtaposition. Fun article and well written! Thanks!

Great article on one of my favorite actors! Thanks for writing this.

I also loved the introduction referencing Spike. Oh, Spike...memories of amusing obsessions past. :)