Lifeweaver

So interesting to learn about the background and understand how its excellentness was created. When you choose the right people for the job and give them the direction and freedom/resources they need, focusing on the things that matter for that project, something wonderful is created. I love that this has happened for such a show, and that we are the beneficiaries. It makes it a real treat to watch.

It's 9.8 currently. That's the highest rating possible on Viki when you pass a few hundred votes. It'll go down over time, with more votes, but 9.8 for a thousand plus at this point is excellent.

Were they snubbing 'Lovely Runner'? Queen of Tears won way too many awards, and Lovely Runner only got a 'scene stealer' - what on earth? - and a 'hot star'.... Is it Netflix power? Did they sponsor the awards or something? 🤔

The shyness isn't his personality - what you see in something like 'My Sweet Mobster' is also potentially part of who he is; it's just that it won't come out in a TV show where he's in the spotlight and uncertain. If you were his close friend, though, say, then you'd get to see it. His sensitivity is what lets him portray such a range so well, and also what makes that TV variety show situation what it is.

True! Shyness is situational. It seems to me like he has a Highly Sensitive/Responsive temperament, plus a fair amount of introversion, and this is what makes him experience shyness in certain situations. It's also what would make him an excellent actor. The reason he felt so uncertain about his skills isn't that he didn't have them, or couldn't develop them, but because it's so hard to perform in front of others. But he would have deep creativity and insight, which would make him a great actor. It's just getting through that extreme nervousness with being observed while working/performing. So, so glad he does that, for his and our sake.

He doesn't need to have social anxiety in order to be very nervous when being filmed and interviewed as himself, not as a character he's playing. This is normal for people with a Highly Sensitive temperament - when you're being watched, performing, judged, etc., it's very difficult, if not impossible, to act natural. Your nervous system just goes a bit crazy with it - even if you're usually fine, otherwise. This is what makes it so hard to do the things we really want to, like perform music for others, or act, if that's what you do. Not because of an anxiety disorder, but because that being-observed thing makes us so self-conscious and worried about doing well. We can be very creative and really want to share our gifts, but this makes that process always a challenge. It's the price of having this temperament - lots to share, but so much stress in sharing it.

He is clearly an excellent, and sensitive, actor. I love his work in 'My Sweet Mobster'. He seems to be both introverted and Highly Sensitive/Responsive, which would make him a very perceptive actor and a deeply thoughtful person with high creativity. I hope he comes to understand how those things work to make what he does so useful and wonderful for others.

You've given some good reasons for still watching these shows, so although I was skeptical to begin with, I'm persuaded now - at least to consider it more. Thank you.

The public baths thing is very strange, isn't it? You'd really have to grow up with it to be comfortable! A nice idea, though, for those who didn't have their own, as you say. European cultures, Rome, etc., all had them, too.

One thing I notice so much in the Korean shows is that Koreans *looove* their food! It doesn't matter what they're eating; it's always eaten with gusto and 'oh, it's delicious', etc. Obviously, it's all acting; but it's in every show I watch, so either it's representative of an actual cultural fact, or aspirational - as in, you're supposed to be enthusiastic about your food, because we're all grateful to have it (perhaps). I don't think of it as good or bad, but am always intrigued by it. And the really large spoonfuls of rice they take... how do they fit it in to their mouths so well? That would be considered rude here (in Australia); but there, it seems expected and normal. It reminds me of my experiences in French Polynesia - always at least 2 helpings of a meal; anything less means you're either sick, trying to lose weight, or rude. I had a lot of trouble navigating that. "No, I'm not trying to lose weight; I just can't eat any more...". But I got into the habit of it, because you have to, and then forgot when I returned home that we don't do that here. I automatically reached for another serving, and then got some strange looks. Oops.

The 'chaebol' situation is really interesting, isn't it? I read it described as the modern equivalent of the traditional aristocratic families - position, importance, wealth, and treatment.

Another strange thing that I keep seeing, in both Korean and Chinese series, is the portrayal of weddings. People can just promise something to each other at home, with no witnesses, and it's a wedding. I'm sure this isn't how it actually happens, because you have to have something official to have it recognised legally, but it's really strange. Or there's a big event, at a grand venue, with all the trappings... and the bride and groom walk down the aisle together, with everyone clapping and cheering like they're celebrities. Then they stand at the front, say a few words, kiss, and that's it. Or exchange rings. There's rarely a priest or officiator involved. I wonder how it got from the highly ceremonial traditional weddings you see portrayed in historical shows to that? Like they took the Western concept, and removed the core, and also left behind their own traditions. I think it must be a drama affectation, but it must also have some real-life equivalence.

He was excellent in it - captivating.

Bossam and Ghost Doctor are the only ones here I've watched, and they're both really good.

To explain (a bit hesitant on an article about hyped shows...), the first 3 episodes are a set-up for all the rest; not too intense, light and bright and funny/teasing, but with overtones of danger. To create a contrast with what comes later. The reason people point out 4 is because that's when the invasion really starts, and they show the women's experience of that. Characters show depth and strength, or weakness, and you feel the raw difficulty of such a situation. This gives the tone for most of the rest of the story, which remains in mostly quite difficult emotional circumstances, with brief periods that remind you of the earlier light. I'd say more, but... 😄
As I said, I'm also not a fan of hyped shows, and often avoid them, or just ignore the hype. This is one of those that deserves it, so I would recommend trying it out later, and judging it on your own. Not sure the ending will be happy; it's too complex a story for that to happen. But I think it will reflect the nature of the show: wise learning/development, deep love, sacrifice, and acceptance. I think it will be satisfying.

The difference is 0.44%; 0.44 x 3 is 1.32, so it's quite a bit less than one-third, isn't it?

Agree with all this, and well-written.

One of the difficulties about 'hype' is that it also kills the vibe for actually-good things. Because sometimes (or often) it's purely because it becomes popular, not because it's good. These are the ones you later watch, and wonder what 'everyone' was talking about. They can be actually really bad shows. But sometimes, hype develops because it really is excellent, and a lot of people are recognising that. The hype will then also attract people who are just there for that reason, but it overshadows, or represents, something truly good. So avoiding something due to hype can mean missing out on something you would have actually loved, which has real value. We have to make that choice, I guess.
I appreciate when I've been liking or loving something for a while before it becomes widely popular - I'm glad that others have recognised how good it is, and are benefiting from it too; I also feel a little justified. Other times, it's annoying, because it feels like it doesn't belong to me anymore, and might be ruined or cheapened by being opened up to so many - because the support might be for not even the best elements, or people misunderstand it, etc. Or it just feels less special.
It can also be good to try something after the hype - a year or two later, or more. You can watch it on your own terms, and appreciate what you like, not what 'everyone' is talking about. It can take away the frustration of the hype, so it's again just a show, and you can judge for yourself.

It's perhaps best to come to something before it's hyped. I started 'My Dearest' without much expectation, to test it, and kept doing that for a few episodes. Then a really strong episode, no. 4, came out, and it was excellent. It clinched it for me - along with the next one. So I am in the hype at the moment, because of my experience, not because of the hype - but also enjoying that. It's nice to have something that you're recognising as excellent also recognised as that by others; it seems to say that your assessment is well-based, and general, not just unique to you - that the show really is that objectively good. I generally dislike hype, as well, like the authors - and also avoid things that are especially popular, for that reason itself; sometimes, though, the hype is real 😎. It would be a shame to have to miss out on something excellent like 'My Dearest' for that reason.

Sometimes, coming to a show after the hype has passed works, too. I remember 'Doom At Your Service' being talked about a lot when it was showing, but I was watching things a bit too similar, and heard some disparaging comments about it which touched on things I don't like. So I wasn't interested, and then found the show again this year, when I was in a different place with outlook and what else I was watching, and loved it. So watching it without the hype can be helpful. Perhaps try this with 'My Dearest', and make your own assessment?

The comment above gives a good answer; but I also wouldn't say that 1.53 is 'a sharp drop' from 1.97. And in any case, these are extrapolations from a few people who've been asked/tracked for their viewing choices that day.

Moon in the Day is very good, so I hope it gets better viewership over there to encourage the team. I'm enjoying it on Viki, and I think a lot of others are, too.

👏👏👏🎉🤗

Disappointed it has gone to Netflix, which means no-one else will get it 😞.