sulkytofu

So I'm going to do a review of this drama first, before providing some more details about exactly why what was said is racist and some of the issues with the sentence.

Overall, this is a really fluffy and sweet drama. It's quite cliched and has the usual "hardworking and optimistic FL" and the "cold ML," except the ML is actually very doting and falls for the FL first, while the FL remains oblivious for some time. There's a lot of common tropes in this too, including enemies to lovers, an ML who is slightly possessive, and cohabitation in the middle of the series. It's a solid mindless watch, and it has a lot of the same light feelings as some recent dramas as Well Intended Love, Perfect and Causal, The Sweet Girl, where really the whole drama is about the romance. It is a very fluffy and adorable show, and it's something that it easy to sink into especially when you're in the middle of watching other dramas. That being said, I 100% understand if you cannot support or watch the show because of the controversy, and think that having this discussion is important.

There are a lot of comments about the show being racist, and to talk about what exactly was racist, the ML uses the term 费用 fei yong. He says this to describe the girl to show his displeasure, when she had changed into a dress and he didn't feel like it suited her. Fei yong literally means Filipino maid, it is meant to be a literal defintion. I also want to acknowledge there are other terms that are used similarly, i.e. in Hong Kong the Cantonese word which is considered more derogatory is bun mui 賓妹, with the "bun" from fei lei bun or Filipino, and "mui" as little sister. These words are used very commonly and in daily conversation. They are as common as things like "gwai lo" which is used for white foreigners.

Here is the problem: Even if fei yong is a literal definition, its usage often speaks to broader anxieties and tensions. Such terms are often evocative of, and unconsciously or subconsciously loaded with intentions and connotations, which CAN be colourist, sexist, and racist. Many Filipino domestic workers work in environments where there is precarity, where they are obviously not given social benefits or unions, where often their treatment varies (often can involve verbal and physical abuse) and is dependent on their employer. There is a lot of xenophobia towards Filipino domestic workers (and other marginalized populations, like ethnic minorities, labour migrants, etc.) as well. It is very easy for such workers to have to pay unregulated broker fees to agencies, take on lots of debt in the hopes of sending remittances back to their country, and face exploitation as they are legally required to live with their employer (again, which causes issues with how exactly working hours are defined). No matter how long they have lived in Hong Kong for, they will obviously never be considered citizens or regarded as "equal."

Much of this has to do with broader issues of global capitalism, lack of labour protections, predatory regulations, and other similar issues. I think the common use of the term itself reveals just how embedded and systemic these kinds of behaviours are - even though in this time it was in the drama and can be "edited out" by IQIYI, I can't stress enough how this type of wording is normalized and embedded within the daily practises of people. I think having this discussion is important, and reveals a lot about some of the ways in which such scriptwriting and lines resonate with broader social and political problems.

I'm kind of surprised MBFB let them adapt this? She's been so adamant about not letting anyone else adapt her scripts, which was why it took forever for her first novel to be turned into a drama. But it could also be because she's working on Beautiful Bones at the moment as well.

She did write the script for GGS, so perhaps that's why I found some of the quotes there a lot more reflective of her generally poetic and careful writing style (even though Honey Stewed Squid was much more fluffier and easier to read).

For those who are curious about the actual timeline of the series, or are wondering whether you need to watch Go Go Squid first, here's some (heavily summarized) information:

Go Go Squid (the drama) combined three of Mo Bao Fei Bao's novels together. The first novel is God's Left Hand. The main storyline here is that the original gaming team that Appledog, Han Shangyan, Solo, and some other members belonged to eventually broke up because of issues between Appledog and Solo's relationship. Han Shangyan retires without being able to achieve his dream of representing his country and entering the international stage. Appledog and DT's story is actually part of the second novel, Fish Playing While Trapped in a Secret Room. Both of these novels focus a lot on themes of youth and is more introspective, specifically about how complicated relationships are.

After completing these two novels, Mo Bao Fei Bao noted how Han Shangyan's storyline was rather gloomy and tragic, which was why she wrote the fluffy and much more light, "pink-tinged" novel Honey Stewed Squid (which Go Go Squid is based off of). In other words, Honey Stewed Squid is actually the last novel in the series, which is why it feels like a bit of a departure from the reflective novels that preceded it.

However, it was clear that MBFB likely didn't expect that Appledog's Time would be made, which was why she kind of packed all three novels into the drama Go Go Squid instead. In the drama, we see all the flashbacks that narrate the events of the first two novels, and it kind of makes Han Shangyan as a main character and the narrator of the series (instead of a side character as he was in the first two novels). Personally I can see why Honey Stewed Squid was chosen to be adapted, because it fits in with the light and fluffy romances that often do really well as a web series. Because the show was so popular, the sequel was greenlit, and I think that's why there's a bit of a struggle now with working out some of the storylines (since technically all of the meaty parts of the story have been covered in Go Go Squid already).

To summarize, I think Go Go Squid actually streamlined the content of the novels a lot better. I personally liked Han Shangyan as a character much more than Solo, DT, and Appledog, and I think the drama was one of the rare ones that was a better adaptation than the source. BUT I think had DT and Appledog's storyline been adapted first, many people would like them as characters more. I think this is why there are some difficulties with working out the plots and the storylines, and why the timeline of the drama is a little hard to understand.

I'm wondering if anyone here who has read the books has any comments on the adaptation's loyalty or difference from the original story?

Photos of the scenes have been leaked a while ago and you can find them online!

The flashbacks themselves are really keeping me from liking this one. For some reason, it wasn't as if Go Go Squid didn't use a lot of flashbacks either, but in this story itself it just doesn't work as well. I'm also surprised because I think the story would have been a lot better if they focused on post GGS instead of splicing the timeline in between, but given that Mo Bao Fei Bao wrote both scripts and the original novels, I trust her insight.

I will be honest that I don't feel much chemistry between Li Yitong and Hu Yitian, and that I'm finding it hard to keep watching mostly because of that (although it's great seeing the other cast members, and I think Wang Anyu is an absolute perfect casting!). I admit however that I think it's because I went in with really high expectations and I'm not a fan of Hu Yitian himself. That being said, I definitely appreciate how you can watch this without Go Go Squid.

I remember from the tone of the novels, Appledog's story was much more mature feeling, while Honey Stewed Squid was light, fluffy, and had a very "rosy" and "pink" tint. In a way I liked this contrast because I felt so terrible for Han Shangyan in the novel and his story was quite saddening (I really wanted him to find his happiness). In that sense, one thing I think the two dramas did really well is that they feel like a cohesive series while also maintaining the different "tones" of the original story, and I think they did a good job with this.

I'm disappointed, I'd honestly just rather they go straight out the fluffy-rom com route instead of throwing in plot issues for the sake of stretching out the drama. It's even more disappointing since this is one of the rare times Shawn Wei finally gets an ML role, so I'm going to be wary about going into this one.

Honestly, if this is going to be a fluffy, light watch with characters that have really good chemistry, I think I'm going to be looking forward to this one. The posters look really nice and I like the military design, and I'm always down for something that can easily take one's mind off of the day.

I did a rewatch of this, and honestly this is one of my favourite dramas that shows Hwang Jungeum's versatility as an actress (the sheer number of crying scenes alone was absolutely exhausting!) and her incredibly chemistry with Ji Sung. I've been really missing this kind of darker-toned melodrama with elements of makjang, and it was a treat that when I did a re-watch I liked the series just as much as I did during the first watch (although it's really the twists that makes one keep watching).

I'm really surprised at how I've been enjoying Run On a lot so far, even though it doesn't fit my usual tastes. I generally like something very light, fluffy, and where the plot is more snappy, while Run On is very dialogue-heavy. It's really surprising to me, for example, how Seon Gyeom and Mi Joo don't have the same interests or hobbies, yet are able to easily talk to each other about their work, and how their conversations all may seem meandering at first yet at the end come together very harmoniously. Even if you're not someone who likes dialogue-heavy dramas or dramas that are not heavily plot-focused, this is a very realistic, warm, and healing drama that subverts a lot of tropes which you may find fresh to watch.

Im Siwan's acting is incredibly impressive and memorable, while Shin Se Kyung is nailing her role in this one. Both of them are such colourful characters with very well-fleshed out personality traits and "oddities" that give them a very lifelike presence. Seon Gyeom at times seems like a character that is neurodivergent (and this isn't pushed around to the forefront of the drama or used for sympathy, but instead is considered part of his personality and identity). In way it's really interesting that while he can be cute and that the way in which he speaks can be adorable and even innocent at time, he's also very mentally strong and solidly grounded in his own moral perspective. He's a very unique ML, and I really think Siwan himself brought his character to life and cannot imagine someone else being casted for the role.

Truthfully, at first I almost avoided this drama because the plot sounded boring and because it didn't seem like a drama where anything was happening. I will warn that it takes a certain mindset; there are problematic and flawed people in this drama (such as Seon Gyeom's father and some of his track teammates), but this is a drama that reflects and focuses on the ways in which characters come together and learn and grow from each other. Moreover, the dialogue to me is also not life-changing or especially flowery/beautiful, but instead much of the conversations are situated at the right place and the right time which makes the words themselves meaningful. Siwan and Shin Se Kyung also have such great chemistry together that this has surprisingly been my hidden drama gem of the week. Looking forward to continuing this watch!

Honestly, I didn't like this one as much as I thought I would. I agree with the comments on this being a wholesome and fluffy drama, where the main couple communicate together and have a very healthy relationship. Perhaps it's because I wasn't really convinced of the chemistry/I truly didn't really see them having big sparks together even though I think both Wang Anyu and Xiang Hanni did an overall great job portraying their characters. I was also watching Missing You around the same time, and I think I liked that relationship dynamic more, so this really may be a matter of preference.

Also, for once... I'm shocked but Yuan Hao's character and who he was (as kindhearted as it seemed like he wanted to be) was unconvincing and I found him to be more greasy than romantic at times. Perhaps this is because of his amazing chemistry with Zhao Zhao Yi in his previous drama, but I was surprised by how much I LOVED him in that drama and then felt absolutely nothing for him in this one.

This may be a super unpopular opinion, and I admit I've really only watched the first episode. However, given how Priest's works have often been consistently plot-heavy and been famously turned into "brotherhood" and "bromance," I'm curious to know why they had to make Yibo and Zhao Liying into a couple. I actually think they have good chemistry honestly as siblings or platonic friends, but once the drama pushes them to be an actual CP it's a little bit of a stretch for me. Even though I know that this is one of Priest's BG works, considering how frequently drama adaptations of her works feature platonic relationships, for once I'm disappointed that didn't happen with this drama.

I will admit, however, I'm so excited to see Chen Ruo Xuan again on screen! Not sure how I feel about this drama yet, but I am glad that Yibo has the opportunity to play another type of character and to further demonstrate his acting skills.

Good to know! I feel as if visually Chen Zhe Yuan and Tan Jianci gave off a very similar appearance, and personally prefer a great contrast between the male leads. Although, maybe this is my partiality and my favouritism towards Li Hongyi showing! In any case, I'm super excited and really can't wait for this to air.

Agree, it's the 40 episodes here which makes me very, very nervous, because usually the drama begins to lose steam in the 20 episode mark.

The casting in this one.... is interesting. Honestly, I think Li Hongyi would have made an amazing Chang Geng. Given the impressive body of work he's already done he was a lot more of what I envisioned to play the character, both in terms of looks and his ability to really embody his personality. Tan Jianci was also not who I expected to be casted as Gu Yun, but the more I see him and some of his other works, I'm kind of excited about it!

Not really sure how I feel about Chen Zhe Yuan yet because I haven't seen many of his works. I'm hoping this is going to be a good one, and I think the worldbuilding will adapt beautifully into drama form.

Mhmm, I am honestly sympathetic and understand. Not to mention sometimes the drama might really not be to your taste; honestly speaking my disappointment at this drama was really because of the potential that I saw that it had.

Have you tried the romcom Begin Again (it's the drama with Simon Gong?) The FL is apparently a very boss CEO while he's a doctor, and they have an arranged marriage together. I wasn't really a fan of the series, but you might like that FL a lot more.

Meeting You (with Fiction Guo and Wan Peng) is also one of my favourites; while it's still being subbed the FL has a very chill, "boss of the class" personality and ML deals with social anxiety. Another one too is My Love Enlighten Me, which has one of the worst MLs I've seen in my life, but one of my favourite all time FLs.

There's also some dramas which really aren't romcoms, but have strong FLs (i.e. Arsenal Military Academy, The Song of Glory). Hope you find a drama that works better for you!

Honestly, my personal tolerance towards FLs is very high, so I genuinely did not really have many problems with her as a character. I do think some of the writing of the plot itself however may exacerbate some of the issues with the drama (and therefore the inability for the FL to take more initiative in certain instances, or for us to really get a sense of her true personality). Again, that being said, I don't really ever consider FL's stupid or dumb, and I generally like of all of them, so I admit that perhaps my tastes veer on the more forgiving side.

Oh boy, I honestly don't know how to feel about this one. I'm definitely excited about Wang Runzhe, but I just watched the trailer and I'm not sure whether this is going to be a heavy, tragic watch or a fluffy romcom. I admit I'm also not feeling the chemistry between FL and ML, but hopefully when I give it a watch it will be better than I expect!

Honestly speaking, this is an interesting drama. I think it tried to do a lot of really cool and subversive things, and while the execution wasn't great, I think it's actually quite fresh and I'd love to see another take on this.

The whole transmigrating into the villainess, mysterious second lead gets the main girl, and the dash of thriller/psychological manipulation I think are very fresh. I loved how truthfully I could see her with Ouyang Chen in a "typical CEO rom-com fluff drama," and then how the show just broke that down completely through the relationship Zhen Zhen had with Lu Li. The fluff scenes are so adorable, while the plot keeps me wanting to know what happens next so that I don't get bored of the drama.

Unfortunately, there were some elements that didn't really work and/or made the show convoluted. I really think the main problem is that #1) the story would have been better if the "novel" Qian Zhen Zhen simply disappeared/was replaced, and we focused instead on "transmigrated" Zhen Zhen (aka Chunxi). It started getting much too confusing constantly switching between the both of them, and this also made Zhen Zhen as a character suffer in development (not to mention giving the role two actresses just gave me a headache being able to tell the difference between them). The second problem is that #2) there is a complete loss of the genre of the novel in the drama. By that I mean when Zhen Zhen transmigrates, she doesn't think about how her knowledge about the novel's characters and people can help her to make strategic decisions or choices. In other words, once Zhen Zhen transmigrates, we don't really hear about the fact that this world she went into is the "novel world," and how she can use her "foresight" and "existing knowledge" to influence the novel's trajectory.

That being said, I still think it was a decent watch even with all of the issues. I did get confused sometimes (I entered this drama thinking it was light fluff, but sometimes you need to carefully watch to understand the plot). While I wasn't entirely satisfied, I definitely think it brought something a little unique to the table and mixed in a lot of genres which were quite fresh.