So far I'm enjoying the drama, especially its focus on Korean folk arts. It's also very successful in conveying the highs of performing on stage as well as the lows of hard graft behind the scenes. That said, I am slightly disappointed by the production values. I read that this was originally meant to be co-produced and broadcast on MBC until tvN offered more money per episode. I reckon MBC might have done a better job in that respect given their track record with historical dramas. I also would like to see greater development of the secondary characters so I do hope that is coming.
I haven't read the webtoon and was excited by initial suggestions that this drama would feature a central lesbian relationship. Disappointed (but not surprised) that this now might not be the case. Progress on this in Asia really is positively GLACIAL. Having said that, I am willing to go ahead and give it a go just to see how things pan out and what the representation is like (if any).
Fluffy BL has its place but from the sounds of things this will have a healthy dose of realism. Here's hoping for something like a Korean version of It's A Sin!
I see a future where k-content companies increasingly use AI to cut costs. I do hope writers, actors and other creatives in the industry protect themselves and unionise if they haven't done so already.
Lovely bittersweet coming-of-age tale elevated by a magnificent turn by Kim Taeri in the leading role. Very impressed by the restrained yet completely heartfelt writing that was full of insight and compassion for the vitality and foolishness of youth. I'm definitely gonna keep an eye out for this writer's work in future!
Interesting ideas, so-so execution. Part of why I couldn't get to grips with it is probably due to aspects being lost in translation and in a show like this the screenplay is so important. Still, I applaud the show's ambition in confronting the ugly and sad sides of human existence even if the scope was possibly too wide for its own good. Life, death, purpose, happiness, fulfilment, belonging were just some of the big themes this drama tackled.
Dense and knotty political intrigue with allegiances ebbing and flowing like water. Even though this is fictional, I reckon you need to have some patience and familiarity with Joseon court conventions and Confucian principles otherwise you might be frustrated. On the whole, I was engrossed throughout by all the twists. There's a bit of overacting but it goes with the territory especially since the plot is so centred on the three or four main characters. I also enjoyed the fact that the female characters had their own agency and distinct motivations. A bit disappointed by the rushed ending where Jeong's forgiveness of the King didn't seem earned and her character took on a bit of a Mary Sue sheen.
Nicely choreographed action and good directing in early episodes but then gets a little repetitive and progressively sillier as the kids become more and more TSTL and the sequence of events leading to the conclusion requires ever-greater leaps of logic. Still, the fun parts are fun.
Must be scary to be thrown right into the deep end as a lead. Wasn't expecting her to be the first Twice member to venture into acting but good for her.
I get why teachers might be particularly sensitive given the string of teacher suicides in SK and government inaction in response to their recent strikes. And there are so many ties between government and entertainment, it's understandable that negative portrayals of their profession would raise suspicions about who/what's behind them. Ultimately, though, you can't police art and surely viewers are smart enough to know that depictions of teachers in dramas are not representative of reality. Teachers in SK have bigger things to worry about and an effective union should be able to get the public onside regardless.
Also, I'm tickled that the director brought back some of the actors from The Red Sleeve for cameos.