Tag: circle

Dramaland Forecast: October 2017

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Previously: 2016 – Jan – Feb – Mar – Apr – May – June – July – Aug – Sept

Completed:

  • Circle – after assiduously avoiding spoilers for months, I finally watched it! Thanks to a long plane ride, I pretty much binged it in one go, which I’m thinking is the best way to watch because I don’t know how I would have handled those cliffhangers. And I loved the show! It definitely lived up to my expectations and more, and I wish we could have more such sci-fi shows in the future (maybe a second season? Because I was wondering why we hadn’t focused on the fact that this is alien technology but that final scene made me go “yesssssss let’s do this!”).
  • Secret Forest – I don’t know if I wasn’t in the right frame of mind when I was watching, but after all the hype this show got I was actually mildly disappointed that I didn’t love it as much as I thought I would. It was a well done show and everyone involved should be proud, but like Shi-mok, I just couldn’t seem to connect to it emotionally.
  • Strongest Deliveryman – what a wonderful and endearing drama this turned out to be! While it didn’t give us anything particularly new, it did manage to switch up some standard tropes and provide a cast of characters that I fell completely in love with – from the leads to the smaller, minor roles. I’m usually the last one who wishes drama to have extensions, but I think this drama could have comfortably gone for 20 episodes. There’s an element of the family weekend drama that made me wish I could spend more time with everyone and linger in the small, happy moments of their lives.
  • Manhole – my expectations were sub-zero and I was happy watching pretty people acting ridiculously (well, mostly Jaejoong running), but the drama decided to forget the one fun thing (magic manhole time travel!) and instead focused on a very boring and unnecessary psychopath stalker storyline that did this pitiful show no favors. Also, you’d think the main character would have had some sort of growth zipping around time and realizing his actions have consequences, but no. Apparently if you screw around in time enough you can win the girl without any self-reflection or, y’know, actually working on your own life. Jaejoong’s still hella pretty, though.

Currently watching:

  • Temperature of Love
  • Lingerie Generation/Girls Generation 1979 – technically this is a “plan to watch,” but I’m looking forward to binging this short drama (hopefully soon!).

Dropping/skipping:

  • While You Were Sleeping – yep, I’m the weirdo who’s not really a fan of Lee Jong Suk (and this writer isn’t one of my faves), so while I was originally interested after discovering cutie Hae In would be in it, I think I’ll give it pass.
  • Go Back Couple – I really like Jung Nara and Son Ho Joon, but nothing about this immediately appeals, although there’s a chance it will be added to the “watch” pile eventually.

Upcoming dramas of interest:

  • 20th Century Boy and Girl – I’m most excited about this one because of the cast, premise, and production team, although I’m not exactly sure if it’s a drama I’ll stick with since my track record for rom-coms is pretty terrible.
  • Witch’s Courtroom – the premise isn’t exactly enticing (I am So. Dang. Tired. of prosecutors), and a show dealing with sex crimes will probably make me So Angry, but I adore Jung Ryeo Won and Yoon Hyun Min, which is a combination so tempting that I’ll at least keep it on my radar.
  • Avengers Social Club – I don’t know anything about the original webtoon, but the cast (my queen Lee Yo Won! Ra Mi Ran!) and premise (women getting together for revenge but finding friendship!) are appealing. 
  • Mad Dog – I don’t know much about this drama other than it stars Yoo Ji Tae (y’all) looking badass, which is enough to get my attention.
  • The Package – as someone who adores France and who once (and still sometimes does) considered a career as a tour director, I’m definitely looking forward to this travel porn.
  • Revolutionary Love – Choi Siwon and Kang Sora starring in a rom-com! This sounds delightful (the teasers totally cracked me up) and it could be a perfect kind of drama brain-candy that is fun without being too stupid or annoying.
  • Black – OCN has been doing an incredible job this year with their Sat/Sun original line-up, so I’m going into this with the expectation that it will be slick and full of intrigue. It also stars goddess Lee El (well, in a supporting role, but still). The premise has me scratching my head, but I’m sure it will be gripping no matter what. (Unless, y’know, it’s the one OCN dud of the year.)
  • Two Cops – I was already vaguely interested because it’s Jo Jung Suk’s latest drama, but then Hoya signed on and I was like OMG YES BEST DRAMA EVER (and his role sounds like there will be SO MUCH BROMANCE with JJS – my heart won’t be able to take it!). Also Kim Sun Ho, he of the magnificent dimples, has also been cast, so I am ALL IN with whatever shenanigans this show tries to send my way. My only complaint is that Hyeri is cast as the female lead, which is annoying because there are plenty of amazing and funny actresses in their thirties who would be a wonderful match for JJS, but it HAS HOYA SO WHAT ELSE MATTERS.

Dramaland Forecast: August 2017

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Previously: 2016 – Jan – Feb – Mar – Apr – May – June – July

Completed:

  • At the time of queuing I haven’t finished a single drama that I wasn’t working on, even though I’m only two episodes away from completing Super Family 2017, halfway through The Best Hit, and have downloaded the entirety of Circle to watch at my leisure (ha, what leisure?).
  • Duel – I completed this one because, well, I had to. Not that I didn’t enjoy it, because I really did! Even though there were a lot of loose ends, I didn’t mind because it lived up to my twisty-turny plot expectations. I also loved experiencing Yang Se-jong as an actor  – he’s seriously a rookie to keep an eye on!

Currently watching:

  • Everything. At least in theory. In reality, I’m going to have to suck it up and decide what it is I’ll binge to the finish line and what will be pushed into the dusty pile of “to watch and finish, someday, maybe, hopefully.”

Dropping/skipping:

  • Everything. Probably. See above. Hey, sometimes I can be a realist!

Upcoming dramas of interest:

  • Strongest Deliveryman – I don’t have much to add to this since last month, because my reasons for watching are still the same (although the hilarious teasers that have been released in the meantime definitely have made me even more interested!). I also know I’ll be watching it no matter what, so hopefully it lives up to my expectations!
  • Manhole – this makes me the shallowest person ever, I’m sure, but honestly I’m mostly curious about this drama because it’s Jaejoong’s comeback. The premise could be interesting, too, although time-slip dramas seem to be the new-standard so the plot isn’t quite as appealing as it could be if there wasn’t a time-traveling show every week. I don’t know if I’ll stick with it, but I’ll least check it out for the pretty.
  • Temperature of Love – while I’m excited that my new actor-crush Yang Se-jong is getting a lead role so soon after his debut (this will be his fourth drama ever) and in something that will hopefully be easier on him than the intense portrayal of three different characters in Duel, I’m also like WHYYYYYYYYYYYYY IS HANDSOME OPPA AGAIN THE SECOND LEAD????? At least it’s a rom-com, so hopefully Handsome Oppa can show off his fluffy comedic side so people won’t always associate him with the psycho-killer from Voice. I also love that Jo Bo Ah has been added to the line up, although I’m wary about the description of her character and hope she’s more than just a standard jealous second-lead. I’m not the biggest fan of this writer’s previous work – in fact, I’ve never been able to finish her other dramas – but this cast feels almost tailor-made for my interests so I’m willing to endure anything for them. (But seriously, when is Handsome Oppa gonna get a leading role? WHEN?)

As always, any drama not listed means I have nothing new to add since the last mention and/or it’s not something I care about enough to add to the list.

Dramaland Forecast: July 2017

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Previously: 2016 – Jan – Feb – Mar – Apr – May – June

Completed:

  • Chicago Typewriter – it started out slow and I was *thisclose* to dropping it around ep 5 because I didn’t care about the modern timeline dynamics, but ep 6 was good and then it just got better and better until the ending crushed my heart in all the best ways.
  • Man to Man – a fun, idle binge! Even though I wasn’t super invested, I loved every moment Park Sung Woong was on my screen (he can do no wrong!). I preferred the goofier side of the drama than the srs bzns spy stuff, but the action scenes were pretty slick and I liked the production values. I don’t regret wasting my time on this show although I will probably forget it ever existed.

Currently watching:

  • Super Family 2017
  • The Best Hit
  • Duel

Dropping/skipping:

  • I purposefully didn’t start many dramas this month knowing that I wouldn’t have time for them. I’m waiting for Lookout, Circle, Secret Forest, and Fight My Way to end so I can binge at my leisure (and no one had better spoil me on Circle until I do because that’s the one I’m most looking forward to – I’ve worked incredibly hard to avoid spoilers so far and you don’t want to make me cry, do you? Do you?)
  • Oh and I also plan to look into Woman of Dignity but my hopes are sub-basement level and I’m only doing it for my love of Kim Sun Ah.

Upcoming dramas of interest:

  • School 2017 – I never watched the 2015 version but I really enjoyed the 2013 version (all my beloved students with their various problems, and the reunion of the Baby-faced duo Jang Na Ra and Daniel Choi). Although, based on this writer, I have a feeling there will be loads more humor than tears.
  • Strongest Deliveryman – I know nothing about this except it has Go Kyung Pyo in his first leading role, so of course it has my attention.
  • Reunited Worlds – “A love story between an 18-year-old man and 31-year-old woman, born in the same year and were childhood friends.” Well, this is certainly a new take on the noona romance. The writer is dependably okay and I like the cast even though no one particularly excites. I’m curious but not to the point where I’ll make a point to clear my schedule for the premiere.
  • Save Me – I love OCN thrillers (esp. in the Sat/Sun timeslot) as much as anyone, maybe even more than most, but… but… Taecyeon.  I dunno if I can last a whole drama with him as the lead.
  • Man Who Dies To Live – the plot is vague but the cast is decent. There’s potential here but I’m gonna need more info.
  • Manhole – “Bong Pil and his five friends travel between the past and present through a manhole in order to stop a wedding scheduled a week later.” Starring Jaejoong and UEE and Baro. Heck, let’s get all the idol and ex-idol actors and make it a thing. From the writer of TEN and TEN 2 so it shouldn’t be quite as ridiculous as it sounds (but it better be just a little bit ridiculous. Just a little).
  • Hospital Ship – the plot makes me think of a gender flipped version of my beloved Matsuda Shota’s A Clinic on the Sea, so I’m tentatively willing to give it a chance if it promises me a quirky mix of characters.
  • Mojito – the plot sounds like a standard chaebol-candy rom-com buuuuuuuuuut Sung Joon and Baek Sung Hyun reunited? Yes, please!
  • Live – Noh Hee Kyung’s newest offering that potentially could star Lee Kwang Soo in a role that I’m hoping reflects more than just his comedic abilities. There’s no airdate set (some time next year, probably) and only a vague plot but MY BODY IS READY.

As always, any drama not listed means I have nothing new to add since the last mention and/or it’s not something I care about enough to add to the list.

Dramaland Forecast: June 2017

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Previously: 2016 – Jan – Feb – Mar – Apr – May

Completed:

  • Radiant Office – the little underdog that could! This show has nothing new to offer, but it was packaged with such warmth and heart and agonizing relatability that I fell for the Suicide Squad as they tried to prove they were worth being given a chance. This is currently my favorite show of the year – at least for now.
  • Whisper – what a wild and crazy ride. This is a show that, if left to my own devices, I probably would have dropped. Lee Bo Young and Kwon Yul kept my attention (poor Lee Sang Yoon and his eyebrows did their best, but I’m not sure if he’s really cut out for this kind of intensely dramatic role), and the show was utterly stolen by Kim Hyung Mook as Secretary Song. While I enjoyed the constant allusions to real-life corruption, this wasn’t what I’d consider to be one of Park Kyung Soo’s better dramas.
  • Tunnel – I can appreciate it intellectually for what it was trying to do and what it accomplished, the concept was interesting, the cast was pretty great (Yoon Hyun Min was perfect as ever, but as much as I love Sexy Demon Daddy, he really needed to dial down the shouting). But for whatever reason, it didn’t grab me as it should have. On paper it has everything I’d want in a mystery/thriller, but in reality it was difficult giving it my full attention and my heart just couldn’t connect with any of the characters. I enjoyed it for the most part, but it’s going to be one of those dramas that I’ll immediately forget I ever watched.
  • Individualist Ms. Ji Young – this drama special hit some very painful nerves but in the best way. There are shadows of Flower Boy Next Door with the bubbly neighbor that barges his way into the life of the loner-next-door. But there’s also a darker sadness and realness here that one doesn’t always find in dramas. Perhaps that’s why, even beyond the fact it’s only two 1-hour episodes, this felt more like a movie than a drama. This is by far my favorite romance I’ve watched this year, which probably tells you too much about my tastes (or at least my inner world).

Currently watching:

  • Super Family 2017
  • Chicago Typewriter

Recent premieres I plan to check out when I have a chance:

  • Fight My Way
  • Lookout
  • Circle

Dropping/skipping:

  • My Sassy Girl – despite loving Joo Won in Gaksital, I just haven’t been able to get into his other dramas. I also have a terrible track record for sageuks, be they fusion or not. This means it’s on the “skip” list even if I have hopes for the fantastic Oh Yeon Seo in the titular role.
  • Suspicious Partner – I loved this writer’s previous work (All About My Romance; Protect the Boss) so this may go into the watch list eventually, but nothing I’ve heard so far has made me want to immediately pick it up.

Upcoming dramas of interest:

  • The Best Hit – I am really excited about this one, because I loved the docu-style from Producer until it turned into a standard drama. I also love Yu PD, and Cha Tae Hyun has been my favorite of the 1N2D members ever since the original crew moved on to other things, so I’m curious to see how they’ll handle directing their first-ever drama together. Also, as a fan of the slice-of-life genre, I’m hoping it will be along those lines just based on the premise. Last but not least, this cast is incredible, and I’m already anticipating a slew of cameos.
  • Duel – I was only vaguely interested in this because it’s from the writer of Nine: Nine Times Time Travel and Queen In Hyun’s Man (and I’m assuming this is the writer who focused on the more sci-fi mind-bendy aspects of those dramas ‘cause this one has clones) but given a choice to recap this one, I took it, because I have a feeling this will be fun to write about.
  • Forest of Secrets – I’m hoping giving this one up for Duel won’t haunt me because omg this caaaaaaaaaaast.
  • Woman of Dignity – I’m so nervous and conflicted. I adore Kim Sun Ah and Kim Hee Sun, and having them work together in a show is like a dream come true. But I really hated the writing of SWDBS and don’t trust this writer to do these incredible women justice. *fingers crossed for a miracle*
  • Bad Guys: Age of Evil – everyone’s gnashing their teeth that the original crew aren’t coming back but I’m over here already anticipating Park Sung Woong and (possibly) Kang Ha Neul.

As always, any drama not listed means I have nothing new to add since the last mention and/or it’s not something I care about enough to add to the list.

Dramaland Forecast: April 2017

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 Previously: 2016 – Jan – Feb – Mar

Completed:

  • Voice – not quite a perfect drama (so many logical fails, questionable police work, and a waste of potential character development), but gripping throughout its entire run, which is pretty impressive for a crime drama. Plus, y’know, Handsome Oppa makes everything better.

Currently watching:

  • Super Family 2017 – my darling show that has yet to disappoint. <3<3<3<3
  • Radiant Office – I’m insisting I’m just here for the Suicide Squad and the wonderful Go Ah Sung, but Hobaby’s noona romance has suddenly taken over my life with an OTP I never expected but now is everything I want.
  • Tunnel – I don’t know if I’ll stick with this one, but if I do, it’ll be because of the bickering “Odd Couple” begrudging partnership of Yoon Hyun Min and Choi Jin Hyuk. At least, that’s what I’m hoping they’ll become.

Skipping/dropping:

  • Strong Woman Bong Do Soon – noped out of this one in ep 4 and haven’t looked back.
  • Perfect Wife – I didn’t intentionally drop this one, I just forgot I watched the first episode (which I really enjoyed!) and that this show even exists. I’d like to go back to it one day, since I think it had great potential. It’ll be added to my never-ending “marathon on a rainy day” list.

Upcoming dramas of interest:

  • Mystery Queen – I’ve had a vague eye on this one based on the concept of a mystery-loving ahjumma housewife finally getting a chance to solve cases. Even though my drama plate is full right now, I think I’ll still make time to at least check out the premiere, although I don’t really have space to add anything to the live-watch list.
  • Third Rate My Way – there isn’t enough on this show yet for me to decide how close attention I’ll pay to it, but the cast is promising (Kim Ji Won in her first leading role! Kim Sung Oh on my screen again!) and it’s from the writer of Baek Hee Has Returned, so my hopes for it are continually rising.
  • The Best Hit – this is another attempt at that “variety drama” format as seen in the initial few episodes of Producer, which I personally loved and wished had been extended throughout the entire show. That’s the main reason I plan to check it out, although I’m also excited that this will be Cha Tae Hyun’s first directorial challenge and he’ll be working alongside my fave 1N2D PD, Yoo Ho Jin. It’s still a drama, I swear! But this holds promise that the show will actually keep to a more “variety” feel. Even though I’m not in the “cult,” I’m sure there are those who are also excited that Yoon Si Yoon will be in another leading role.
  • My Secret Romance – there’s nothing so far that makes this seem any different from the zillions of rom-coms that have gone before, but it is OCN’s first attempt to crack the rom-com market, and so I think I’m interested due to pure curiosity since OCN is more known for their excellent crime/thriller/mystery programming.
  • Lookout – the cast is what caught my attention on this one: Lee Si Young! Kim Seul Gi! Kim Tae Hoon! My SHINee bias Key! Shin Dong Wook! I’m not the hugest fan of Kim Young Kwang, though, even if I’m suddenly wondering if Lee Si Young is attempting to work with all the model-actors.
  • Bad Thief, Good Thief – I’m not one to watch 50-episode weekend dramas, but knowing my girl Im Joo Eun means I’m keeping an eye on it. I still probably won’t watch just because I know my attention span limits, but I hope it’s a good role for her.
  • Circle – Kim Kang Woo and aliens. I’m already sold.
  • Woman of Dignity – finally has a channel (JTBC) and an airdate (June, after Man to Man). Buuuuuuuuut knowing it’s written by the same person as Strong Woman Bong Do Soon (see above), I’m super wary, even though I adore Kim Sun Ah and was really hoping for redemption after the disaster of Masked Prosecutor. I’ll probably still check it out just for her, but I’ll be cautious about any expectations for the actual script.

As always, any drama not listed means I have nothing new to add since the last mention and/or it’s not something I care about enough to add to the list.