Kyubin

So, basically, it's just a drama that promotes euthanasia. Didn't know the death culture had reached Thailand like this too. That's unfortunate.

"Jumong" is indeed a very long sageuk but you should really give it a try, I think it's worth it. ;)

I gave "First Love: Hatsukoi" a 9.5 rating, so here are my recommendations for you, maybe you will like some :

Boku no Ita Jikan
Bokutachi no Konai Hoso
Chastity High
Code Blue
Drops of God
Gibo to Musume no Blues
Hotarugusa
House of Ninjas
Ishiko to Haneo: Sonna Koto de Uttaemasu?
Shogun
Silent
Sono Bisque Doll wa Koi wo Suru
Super Rich
Tenno no Ryoriban
Trillion Game
Umi no Hajimari

I agree that they should focus on a well written scenario, and also good direction and production, instead of just wanting to make the "buzz" to only gain more attention (for positive or negative reasons, publicity is always good in a way). With a good scenario and direction, even people who are uncomfortable with mature content could be convinced it worked well in the end. But I'm not sure a "well written scenario" is what comes to mind first when it's a Netflix production unfortunately. Nonetheless, I still hope for the best.

However, I don't think it's a lose/lose situation for the actors. At least for the ones that already have a solid fandom and reputation like Chang Wook. Of course there will be some fans that are unhappy (it's always the case anyway), and it was the case with "Queen Woo" for example (even me who is fine with mature content I think it was unnecessary and not well directed in this one, even though I was mostly disappointed by it for other reasons). But in the end it doesn't really change anything for the actors I think. Even if he goes as far as showing his butt in a scene (we can still dream ^^), it will benefit him in the end. I think a mature or more exposed role will not damage his career at this point, it will disappoint or anger some fans, but it will still work for him I'm sure, especially internationally. I truly believe that he has the acting potential to become very big, but if he breaks the smooth and a bit bland image that most Korean actors have, and I feel it's what he is doing with his latest roles. At least that's how I see it. ;)

It seems you didn't read well or didn't understand what I meant and just jumped to conclusions on your own.
I wrote "the historical part is already a big failure", not the drama itself. That's very different. And I never wrote that it can't be called a sageuk if it is not based on true events neither so I don't understand your reasoning.

When it comes to the realism of the drama based on the period the story is set in, yes, it is a big failure for me as it keeps integrating contemporary references in these historical settings. It doesn't matter that the story is based on true events or not. Same goes for "Kingdom" and "Mr. Queen", thus, that's why they are considered as fusion sageuk. And "Alchemy of Souls" is a fantasy drama so it's totally different.

But that's only my opinion, it's fine to think otherwise. We can disagree on this and still communicate normally you know. In the end you never answered my question from the start (thus my comment on your defensive answer). I don't see why you feel the need to act childishly by mocking other opinions if you are not on the defensive. Me I am simply explaining what I think when you keep assuming things about me. No I don't hate the drama and I'm fine with people praising it if they like it. Again, if you can't stand any comment that doesn't go in your sense and can't exchange views respectfully and in a mature way, I don't see the point to participate in a public comments section.

I'm glad they choose to set this story in a fictional environment. It's much better than using real historical figures or events but change or adapt them for the sake of a (bad) scenario. Most of the time it is (very) disappointing, at least for people that care for the original characters and events used as references. Here at least we can enjoy the characters and the story without any particular expectations.I'm looking forward to a funny romance set in an historical settings.

And Son Woo Hyun playing a crown prince is a dream come true. ^^

Love it. Really, only Japanese can pull off such a unique and totally crazy story.

Nobody. But thank you for your mature and very interesting insight in this exchange. Oh and writing "sageuk kdramas" is a pleonasm as a sageuk is already a Korean historical drama. ;)

Definitely not a fan of remakes (especially when there is already so many adaptations), but the original work, "Les Liaisons dangereuses", is a masterpiece, and watching Chang Wook, in a new sageuk, playing such a potentially interesting character, is enough for me. And even more if they really play the card of a mature story. This shouldn't be watered down to please hypocritical defenders of so-called virtue and chastity.

The plot looks weird to me (it's a web novel adaptation so it makes sense, in a way), but with Lee Chae Min playing a king and Seo Yi Sook, I'm seated for it.

I'm not a fan of Ahn Bo Hyun's acting, but the plot looks interesting enough, and Son Woo Hyun is part of the cast so I will probably give it a try.

This kind is called fusion sageuk to be exact, it's different.

You wrote "this might be one of the best sageuk kdramas ever". There is no "I think" or "in my opinion", for example, thus it can be read by others like a statement about a general truth. So my answer. Your sentence, using "ever", implies that amongst all sageuk ever made, this one is one of best. So yes, to think or state that something is one of the best ever, it's better to know at least most of them. Or it's better to write "For me, this one is one of the best sageuk I have ever watched.", the meaning is totally different from your original sentence.

It's your opinion, but you publicly expressed it here so others can respond to it. If you can't stand answers that can be different or contradict yours, you should avoid the comments honestly, no need to be on the defensive like that.

Considering that it seems you haven't watch any sageuk that is more than 7 or 8 years old, I think this might be an overstatement. ^^

But if we are serious, on what criteria ? Because as a historical TV series, the historical part is already a big failure for tis sageuk as it doesn't respect the historical settings at all, incorporating so many contemporary references (that are actually very necessary in the story).
It doesn't mean it cannot be good for people, but as a sageuk, it cannot be considered "one of the best sageuk kdramas ever" for this element already.

A bit young, but An Yujin, and also Jang Wonyoung, from IVE.

That's a very good point. Except Armani, most of the brands he is associated with are not global powerhouse luxury brands. And like you wrote, that's surprising considering is huge audience on social medias and his international fame.
My guess is that he doesn't need more money or exposure, because of his already insane actor's fees and overall popularity. Because there is no way that he hasn't been approached by major luxury brands to be an ambassador.

"Harbin" has almost 4,5 millions entries as of today, with a similar time on screen. So this have nothing to do with the political situation in Korea. The film just doesn't appeal to the general audience unfortunately.

Yes indeed. As Young Woo plays two different characters that are doppelgängers in "The Tale of Lady Ok", he played the other character along with his brother when the two characters had to be together in the same scene, to make it more realistic. They resemble each other so he could easily pass for his brother by being filmed from the back or the sides.

It has nothing to do with the current political situation in Korea or the pandemic, these are only bad reasons for explaining its commercial failure.
Some other movies, like "Harbin", are doing very good in Korean cinemas, so it's just a matter of tastes and the fact that this movie isn't for the masses. Not the first one, and not the last one either. It doesn't mean the movie is bad, it's just not for the general public.

The homoeroticism of this drama is insane. It beats so many BL dramas, even if there is no romantic relationships between the characters. ^^

Hasegawa Makoto already caught my eyes in "Koi wo Suru nara Nidome ga Joto", but here he makes me shiver. As for Okubo Nalu, well... *Drooling*

But the thing is that over the pleasure of watching physically beautiful men sparring and fighting, the drama is really good.

It's interesting, but so far it feels a little bit slow for me, considering the airing schedule. With this one, I feel like it will be better to rewatch it once every episodes are out.

But Muto Jun. Wouah ! I'm literally under this man's spell. Every time he appears on screen I can't take my eyes out of him, his face is so beautiful. He is perfectly handsome. It's been a while since I have been this star struck by someone beauty.