Editorials
On Don't Dare to Dream • Dec 9, 2021
Title Don't Dare to Dream
This was actually quite entertaining until episode 20. It's more liberal than most would be ready to accept, exploring the possibility to love more than one person and other less discussed topics (asexuality). JJS makes his best role, he's in fire here. Whatever clear or implicit interesting themes there were, are sort of completely lost in the 4 final episodes. I guess they lost courage. For more open-minded viewers, this drama still manages to invite thoughts on what are the best foundations for a successful marriage. I just wish the whole crew, especially writer & director, would have been more on board with their idea of what the key themes are and not watered it down.
1 0
JulySnow2 • Dec 6, 2021
List Most VERSATILE/UNSETTLING CHAMELEON ACTORS & ACTRESSES
Amazing double roles are also worth mentioning: Lee Junho in the Rose and the Tulip, Song Joong Ki in Arthdal Chronicles, Yeo Jin Goo in Crowned Clown.
3 0
On Rain or Shine • Dec 6, 2021
Title Rain or Shine
Such a beautiful drama. Sad but healing. The background research about catastrophe survivors impeccable. The overall atmosphere and theme was so solid all through, extremely good pacing. Kudos to both the writer and director. This drama wouldn't have been what it is without Lee Junho, we really feel what he is feeling. Unique achievement in a unique role. All other actors give impressive performances too. This is only the 4th k-drama that got full 10 points from me (the others being Mr. Sunshine, IOTNBO, CLOY) and I've watched 130+ k-dramas so far. I'm so happy Netflix showed this.
9 1
On Tae In Ho • Dec 3, 2021
Person Tae In Ho
I wonder why he's always cast as a villain. Such a good actor. Hope that a more multidimensional role will come his way soon. Was particularly memorable in Man to Man, and Life.
3 0
On Rooftop Prince • Nov 19, 2021
Title Rooftop Prince
If only I could learn to drop dramas after 10 episodes when it becomes clear that the show has used up its ideas. This one became particularly dreary on the second half. The first episodes very really and truly funny.
3 1
Meela • Nov 19, 2021
List K-dramas U/I like that most people don't!
anything with higher than 8.3 rating should be taken off for this list to reflect what it was meant to reflect. Everybody likes Good Manager/Chief Kim (8.6.) - it's iconic - and if a drama has achieved a rating as high as Arthdal Chronicles (8.7) it's very high on the all time the highest rated list of MDL ("Top shows"). I do understand that people aren't fluent in English, but.
4 0
Enny • Nov 1, 2021
List Being a fan ain't easy
Mostly venting anger about the messiness. I don't choose dramas mainly bc of actors. But didn't drop Secret Garden bc of Oska being so legendary there so that supports the rationale of the list. Also I don't think Bride of Habaek is actually messy but rather good (it's on the "underrated dramas" list like Cheese In the Trap which I found great). And yep, great acting in Habaek as well as Cheese in the Trap from all main leads.
0 1
On W • Oct 31, 2021
Title W
The drama was funny and imaginative at the start, but after some 6-7 episodes, it turned a to be a vast disappointment. The plot turns got loopy and repetitive and messy. I completed the series (I have a hard time dropping dramas halfway) and ended up really hating it. There was no way to keep up with the characters being dead and dying one minute and carelessly driving in a car the next. In the end I didn't even care what happened to the characters, just fast forwarded it to the finish. It wasn't worthwhile to try watching since there were no deeper themes. It was sad to watch the FL slowly loose faith and just go through the motions. I'll make sure I'll never watch anything by these scriptwriters again, this could be used as a lesson for how a drama should not be written.
5 0
On A Rose and a Tulip • Oct 25, 2021
Title A Rose and a Tulip
This is a small and lighthearted indie (?) film. It's an easy and nice watch. (I've always preferred this type of smaller films rather than big productions). Junho is great in the double role as the world weary disillusioned artist Nero and the boyish naive student. There's criticism, even satire, of the artworld. The characters all face major challenges which makes this work well as a drama but luckily the way the stories are told is not too depressing and the ending is optimistic. The female characters are left rather shallow but since this is not primarily about romance, that's fitting.
4 0
Replying to SARIDR • Oct 25, 2021
Title A Rose and a Tulip
hi, were can i find the movie? it's JUNHO in 2 roles!!! I love him!!!
on youtube with eng subs
1 0
On Something in the Rain • Oct 24, 2021
Title Something in the Rain
Extremely fine-tuned low-key drama. Romance, family issues, workplace (women's) reality in a perfect blend. This is probably for adults, since appreciating the slow pace and nuanced acting takes patience but is very rewarding. Watched twice already. Jung Hae In and Son Ye Jin are so extremely good in their roles, they can express what the characters are thinking and feeling even without words. Kudos to the director and writer, what a great work this is. Really, a gem of a drama. But, if you've watched this first, you'll probably not be able to like One Spring Night, because the two dramas are too similar and the FL is much weaker in the latter one.
7 0
On Sisyphus: The Myth • Oct 24, 2021
Title Sisyphus: The Myth
Couldn't finish, the plot got too messy. Dropped it after some 11 episodes. So I really gave it my best try and am not in the habit of dropping anything and even less in the habit of rating anything I didn't finish. The mess is not a fault of the actors, both leads were great. Park Shin Hye especially shone here.
4 1
On Secret Garden • Oct 24, 2021
Title Secret Garden
This drama started out as funny and entertaining, but got really frustrating toward the end. There was no explanation for the gender switching, causes and why, what the characters learned. FL was so submissive toward the mother-in-law character it was unbearable to watch. Finished this because of Oska - one definitely unforgettable k-drama character :)
2 0
On Save Me • Oct 24, 2021
Title Save Me
This drama is raw and realistic and - one of the very best k-dramas imo. The intensity may be too much for many but the weightiness of the topic makes it very worthwhile. Not for binge watching though. The local colour, dialect, ensemble, everything is masterfully carried out. Ok Taecyeon is the bedrock here but this is basically an ensemble drama. Some of the creepiest and most ambivalent baddie characters for sure. Will def rewatch some scenes that seem to be there merely for their visual and artistic merit (that's commendable imo).
3 0
On Memories of the Alhambra • Oct 24, 2021
Title Memories of the Alhambra
This was my very first k-drama and immediately a point of no return. Have never watched anything but k-dramas since :) Fantastic visuals, great plot that makes you also think a few serious thoughts about gaming... not in a pedantic way but the elements for reflection are there for those who want to pick them up. Great acting, excellent production overall. Twice watched.
1 0
On Man to Man • Oct 24, 2021
Title Man to Man
This is *so* funny. Watched twice. One of the very best spy k-dramas if not the best. It's entertaining and also liked the high quality production with different fliming locations. Maybe this is a hidden gem - a great mix of action scenes, romance, politics and one the best k-drama bromances.
6 0
On Romance Is a Bonus Book • Oct 24, 2021
Title Romance Is a Bonus Book
A must watch for book lovers. Light and entertaining and lovely. Publishing industry as the backdrop, the overall love of books portrayed, is heartwarming. Lee Jong Suk shines in this role, as does the whole ensemble - all characters are given their space and we get to understand them and sympathize with them (this is after all why we watch K-dramas). Struggles of finding a job and getting appreciation as an older woman also realistically portrayed. Watched twice.
1 0
On Love (ft. Marriage and Divorce) Season 2 • Oct 24, 2021
Title Love (ft. Marriage and Divorce) Season 2
I almost wish there'd be no season 3, bc this is obviously going in the cheaper melo direction. Season 1 was excellent in its realism and prism-like approach to its topic, but Season 2 was much more disappointing.
0 0
On Love (ft. Marriage and Divorce) • Oct 24, 2021
Title Love (ft. Marriage and Divorce)
TBH, I think you have to be 30+ to appreciate this series. What is stunning here is that really approaches its topic from many different viewpoints. A well-researched treatise, almost. And it's very liberal btw. What's different from other k-dramas are the extended dialogues - heart-wrenchingly honest. Never seen a full discussion of some 20-30 minutes directly portrayed, with twists and turns as in any real-life argument/discussion. The old couple scenes came across as somewhat boring, but the reasons for including them become clear in Season 2.
14 4
On Hymn of Death • Oct 24, 2021
Title Hymn of Death
This drama is so beautiful in every aspect - filming, ambiance, acting (a masterpiece of Shin Hae Sun expecially), historical realism. It's painfully sad but in a good way, because of the honest portrayal of difficult times in history. This drama doesn't manipulate the audience, it's sincerely a work of art.
9 0

12
1