wuwei

I think one of the best examples of what you're looking for would be the Korean drama 'Giant' (2010). Very high quality, and did super well in Korea with the last episode averaging 40%! It's epic in the truest sense, chess-like power struggles all the way
through—and anyone who has watched the show will tell you it has the best k-drama villain of all time (Jo Pil Yeon).

Other than that I think you can't go wrong with the previous works of Whisper's writer. The Chaser is my personal favorite (you'll be hooked form the first episode) but 'Punch' and 'Empire of Gold' are really good as well.

As for Jdramas, I haven't watched many but I hear good things about 'Karei Naru Ichizoku' starring Kimura Takuya.

But I much preferred the director's choice of background music in Punch. It was powerful, thrilling and blended perfectly with the show's many suspenseful moments. Music isn't bad here (And I get the director's reasoning for going the ambient route, given the show's title), but looking back at Punch—one could wish Whisper had more captivating instrumentals.

i had the same experience as you, but thankfully his portrayal as a weak and indecisive character only persisted in episode 2-3.

This drama is all quality but I'm not surprised—writer Park Gyeong Su never disappoints! I've adored all of his previous works as well; The Chaser, Empire of Gold and Punch. I love how he uncompromisingly explores the darker sides of human nature; and that he does it with wit, intelligence, and excellent world building.

Actually I briefly read on the Soompi forums that Viki was unable to get licensing and that instead Netflix Korea procured licensing for Night Light—but won't have the show available until January. Don't know how credible the information is, but I hope it isn't because I'm really looking forward to the show ~

So far, merely 7 people have rated Night Light, so the low rating is largely irrelevant.

Overall The K2 is an impressive show bar letdowns in writing. The directing is stellar, and acting all around impressive (song yoon ah steals the show here, she's fantastic). However—the romance between Yoon ah and Ji Chang Wook is badly written, and it detracts from what could've been a show with much higher quality. This was most visible in the middle half, and toned down somewhat towards the end. It's a show I admire and would recommend, but not without mentioning its undeniable flaws.

@JulySnow2 Really? I provide a thoughtful response to contrast your sentiments and you bring.. a Doggie analogy? You seem to be more concerned with proving to people that they are "ridiculous" (for cheering on a character you find morally reprehensible) rather than trying to understand why opinions differ so much in the first place..

Alas, hope you enjoy the last segment of theK2; despite all the #YooJinApologists ;)

Haha this had me laughing like crazy, you nailed it xD #MakeKdramaGreatAgain #YoojinApologists #WithYoojin

@JulySnow2 "The Yoojin apologists are ridiculous" — Don't judge others merely because they see things through different lenses. Conformity of opinion is pointless and harmful, and it is not the type of community we should strive for here.

Onto why I think many still *root* for Yoo Jin:
Choosing sides based on the moral points one assigns to the characters of a television show isn't in the slightest interest of a lot of viewers (its fiction lol). Many (like myself) simply crave a great experience; and Song Yoon Ah's excellent portrayal of Yoo Jin satisfies that craving. For those of us that fit that category of viewers—wanting things to go "her way" is completely rational.

Episode 13 was thrilling! This show has been great throughout—but when the narrative picks up as it did here, boy does it make all the difference. This is the show I liked.

Btw, Yoo Jin's scene with Anna at the graveyard was simply intriguing. I could watch her act for hours and not get bored.

"I think most people were waiting to an ending similar to the Chinese version"
Well the numbers don't agree with you: Korean version has ~4000 listed users; Chinese version only ~1500..

I believe that viewers who disliked how the drama wrapped up are as open minded as anyone else. The disappointment lies in failure of execution. The incompleteness, the lack of a coherent narrative, badly written character development (all of which has been mostly visible in the last few episodes IMO).

When a drama has solid writing and direction it's easier to forgive an ending that doesn't align with ones preferences. Innocent Man is a perfect example of this: Loved the show, and while I disagreed with the ending entirely, I can't say it was bad. The same can't be said for Moon Lovers sadly..

@Major Agreed! Removing Anna (or having her as a child as some other user suggested) would render a tremendous amount of room for fleshing out Jeha's character, making for a more compelling show. Especially given how Jeha was such an intriguing character in the beginning! A man on the run, a former soldier with excellent combating skills, a mysterious past that viewers knew nothing of—he had all necessary build up, but what followed? A weak unconvincing revenge matched with an even more unconvincing romance. This is still an excellent show in my book though. The director is working with what he's got and he's doing an awesome job.

Lol the mirror thingy is cute. Siri on steroids.

Awesome! Hopefully it'll be the perfect remedy :)

That ending.. Distasteful, unfulfilling, just ugh.. I want a drama with feel good vibes and some romance or what-not (think Marriage not Dating, Oh My Ghost, Cheese in the Trap etc.) to wash away all the disappointment lol. Any recs? Is 'Another Miss Oh' worth watching?

Great observation, it's spot on. Indeed it's a show with false promises.. I can take the occasional plot hole, or even inconsistent acting by part of the cast—but when a show has an identity crisis, its always a bad experience.

There effectively isn't a story here anymore—just milking out of "romance", and it's becoming unbearable to watch. It's not that the romance is unbefitting in and of itself, but when a historical drama has such perfunctory world-building matched with inconsistent character development—it's hard as a viewer to have any concern for whatever romance is left. If I don't find the characters believable why would I care for how they feel? Note that this is criticism of production, not acting.

Exactly. Events feel less natural, and occur out of plot convenience. And yes she has that charm. Interesting that its sometimes the most amoral characters, that are the most fascinating.

Oh man, the writing has been a huge letdown with this one. The impressive world building and rich characterization the first half of the show offered—is now exchanged with a flawed narrative, where characters act, and events occur, simply because the plot requires it. I'm still engaged with the show, and the directing is still the best I've seen in recent times, but the writing here is just plainly disappointing. And it's sad because the writer obviously has talent.

On another note: Props to Song Yoon Ah! What an impressive actress, she's been amazing here.