Tag: dramaland forecast

Dramaland Forecast: February 2018

odilettanteLeave a comment

Previously: Jan

Completed:

  • Prison Playbook/Wise Prison Life – this so far is going to the one to beat this year (well, technically half of it aired in 2017), which means all the other dramas I watch are gong to have some stiff competition to gain my trust and approval. I was surprised at how much the reaaaaaaallllly long episodes seemed to fly by (helped, perhaps, by me watching half an episode at a time). I loved spending a “year” with these inmates and guards, learning more about everyone and finding the humanity behind their prison numbers. I have a slight quibble* about the ending, but everything was perfect and for once I genuinely believe that another season could not only be justified, but just as enjoyable as the first. (*Shin PD, you’re killing me with not letting the gay characters have their happy endings.)

Currently Watching:

  • Just Between Lovers – I’m still watching this, I think. I stopped at ep 4 and then focused all my drama attention on Prison Playbook as I struggled to get over the Evil Cold From Hell, where my attention span was extra minute thanks to all the cold meds and general fatigue. Now I’m distracted by all the new shiny premieres. I want to finish it because I really loved the vibe (this is maybe my new favorite director) but I also wearied of all the hype, because I’m a simple, fickle soul, so there’s a chance I may not pick it up any time soon until the hype has been long forgotten and I can enjoy it in peace.
  • Cross – I watched the first two episodes (okay, one-and-a-half as of this posting, but it’ll be two soon!) and I’m withholding judgement so far, but it hasn’t grabbed me yet. The first couple of minutes of the first episode got me all excited but then it dropped into a standard medical drama that I feel like I’ve seen a zillon times before. I’m hoping the revenge aspect ramps up because I want to like it, but I also can’t stand it when medical dramas get super detailed in their goriness because I am a wimp.

Dropping/Skipping:

  • Radio Romance – I haven’t paid any attention to its premiere to know what the buzz is, but I just can’t get past the age difference. So, pass.
  • Return – I downloaded the first four episodes (the first week), but haven’t had a desire to give it a shot, despite my love for both Go Hyun Jng (queen!) and my desperate hope that Park Ki Woong finally has a role that’ll remind me why I love him so much in the first place. 
  • Mother – I’ve seen the original and enjoyed it, and I’m in no hurry to replace that memory.
  • Hwayugi – this’ll probably be saved for a rainy day when I’m looking for something mindless to binge.

Upcoming dramas of interest:

  • Misty – I’ll check out the premiere to see if it grabs me, but I’m not particularly expecting to keep it on my watch schedule.
  • Laughter in Waikiki/Eulachacha Waikiki – this looks like it could be cute, but I’m so picky and fickle about cute shows that all I can say is maybe I’ll check it out, maybe I won’t; maybe I’ll enjoy it, maybe it’ll annoy me. It just depends if I’m in the mood for something adorable and dumb (and I’m still getting a Three Men and a Baby vibe).
  • Should We Kiss First – my most anticipated premiere of the month! I’d probably die for Kim Sun Ah, and I’m eager to see her comeback in a drama that’s billed as “a story of the love lives of four middle-aged adults who have lost their faith in love.” Maybe I’m an old cynic, but this sounds exactly like my kind of romance.
  • Children of a Lesser God – by now you all should know that I’m a pretty huge fan of OCN shows in general, and this one has an intriguing concept (as well as an excellent cast), but this director has worked on previous dramas that just did not sit well with me, so my instinct is to pass because the production team usually makes or breaks a drama for me.

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. I only focused on upcoming Feb dramas because I totally spaced that today’s the first day of February and then there was a hasty scramble to throw this together so I could get it out ASAP.

Dramaland Forecast: January 2018

odilettanteLeave a comment

Previously: 2016 –2017

Well, here we are – another year over, and a new one filled with promising dramas… that I will probably not end up watching. Heh.

Thanks to these regular “forecasts” (even the ones that were thrown together in a last-minute “wait it’s the end of the month already???” panic), I’ve discovered that a lot of the dramas I look most forward to, I inevitably end up dropping. But maybe 2018 will mean more success for me drama-wise. Although I did, apparently, complete seventeen dramas last year, which is a pretty decent run.

Completed:

  • Black – I spent literally 100,000 words on this drama (although maybe only 85,000 were actually published) so I don’t want to spend too much more on it, but it was a fascinating journey and one I’m really glad I experienced. It was also one of the trickiest dramas I’ve ever recapped, thanks to the endless challenge of trying to sum up over an hour of plot crammed with important details while trying to not to exceed my word count (too much). I think I’ll remember this drama more for the experience than for the actual drama itself. I do recommend more people giving it a chance, though, because it gets more and more compelling (don’t just base your opinion of it on the first couple of episodes!). But I also want to warn everyone to stop watching before the last twenty minutes. Ugh. All that effort, and we get THAT ending.

Currently watching:

  • Wise Prison Life/Prison Playbook – I’m still crawling through each episode at my turtle pace (DON’T SPOIL ME), but I don’t regret my slow speed, because it’s a drama that requires my full attention – unfortunately my full attention can only last so long. I’m still amazed that I can love a show with so few women in it, but I adore these characters. Ensemble pieces will forever be my weakness. I’m also happy to be reminded how delightful Jung Kyung Ho is, since he’s been busying himself with projects these past few years that haven’t interested me until now.
  • Just Between Lovers – I love it so much. So much. I’m still a couple of episodes behind (DON’T SPOIL ME) but this is in the running to be my favorite of 2018, even if half of it aired in 2017.

Dropping/skipping:

  • Two Cops – I tried, but it just wasn’t working for me. Which means my track record for dropping Jo Jung Suk’s dramas (ever since King2Hearts) is still perfect. Although fair warning that you’ll eventually see some gifsets reblogged whenever they reach my daily Hoya queue.
  • Jugglers – the first ep didn’t do anything for me, even though I really wanted to like this show. I planned to give it a few more episodes but never got around to it.
  • Hwayugi – I was delayed in starting this show due to a very busy couple of weeks, but now I think it’s the kind of show that might be best skipped and more entertaining to follow the drama about the drama itself. I’m still hoping it turns out okay, though, since it has so many of my faves in it (Lee El deserves a good role!).

Upcoming dramas of interest (this will probably be the longest one of the year, since I’m looking at the entirety of 2018 as “upcoming”):

  • Radio Romance – I don’t know what more I can say about this than has already been said. I love the concept and I love Doojoon, but I’m not a fan of casting such a young actress as his love interest.
  • Return – the teasers for this look terrible, but I love the cast (my queen Go Hyun Jung! And maybe Park Ki Woong in a post-enlistment role I won’t hate!), so I’m tentatively hopeful, even if it is a legal drama.
  • Longing Heart – OCN has yet to prove to me it can do a decent rom-com. I don’t think this will prove it to me.
  • Mother – I liked the original Japanese drama, so I’m curious how they’ll handle a remake. I feel like I should be able to trust a drama with Lee Bo Young, but I also wasted countless hours recapping Whisper, so… yeah… At least I feel like this director (My Beautiful Bride, On the Way to the Airport, Chicago Typewriter) is up for the remake challenge, and hopefully he’ll keep the atmosphere of the original.
  • Cross – It’s no secret I love Go Kyung Pyo, but I’m kinda squinty-eyed at the thought of a medical drama, even one billed as a revenge drama. The production team is a relative unknown for me, so there’s a 50/50 shot I’ll give this one a chance.
  • Goddess of the Court – I only watched maybe 2/3 of the first season of Drop Dead Diva, but I remember generally enjoying it and I can see how this could be a fun kdrama adaptation.
  • Devilish Joy – a rom-com centered on a condition called “Cinderella amnesia.” Yeah, I dunno either. Choi Jin Hyuk is rumored to star, but not even Sexy Demon Daddy can convince me this won’t be anything but disaster (at least, for those of us who are uber picky about rom-coms).
  • Grand Prince – despite the intriguing cast (Joo Sang Wook, Yoon Shi Yoon, Kim Mi Kyung), my sageuk track record is officially terrible, so this will be a pass just by default.
  • Mystery Queen 2 – I never watched the first one so this will probably be the first and last time you see me mention it. Not that Korean sequels necessarily have anything to do with the original series, but yeah, it’s not on my radar and will probably stay that way.
  • Misty – the fact that this on JTBC makes me more interested than if it were airing on a non-cable channel, because just based on the premise alone, I think I’d give it a pass, especially with a production team that I don’t know much about. But since it’s on cable, I have hopes that it will defy expectations and be something to sink my teeth into, if only to see Kim Nam Joo’s long-awaited return to dramaland.
  • Should We Kiss First? – the plot is about four “ajusshi/ajumma” age adults who’ve lost their faith in love, and it stars two of my favorite goddesses: Kim Sun Ah and Park Si Yeon. Give it to me noooooooooow.
  • Children of a Lesser God – no, this apparently has nothing to do with the old movie/play of the same name, but it is the next OCN thriller so of course I’m going to watch it.
  • Eulachacha Waikiki – it sounds like a remake of Three Men and a Baby but I actually really hope that JTBC can do a decent sitcom. I’d love more goofy drama rom-coms that don’t make me want to tear out my hair.
  • Sketch – who cares what this is about, it stars Rain so of course I’m going to at least watch the first episode, maybe even two episodes.
  • Live – this is perhaps my most anticipated drama of the year since it’s from one of my favorite writers, Noh Hee Kyung, and it starts Lee Kwang Soo, who I’ve wanted to star in his own drama for ages. Apparently Noh Hee Kyung agrees, since he’s been a supporting character in two of her previous dramas. I also really like Jung Yu Mi, so even though the plot is utterly vague right now, I do know I will probably love it – provided it’s more Dear My Friends and less That Winter, The Wind Blows.
  • Suits – I watched the first two seasons of the original show, and I liked it, but have pretty much forgotten anything about it beyond the basic premise. The way dramas have been adapting US shows, this could be a brilliant success (The Good Wife) or utter disaster (Entourage, Criminal Minds). I’m pretty neutral on it over all, and only the whims of fancy (and free time) will decide if I make time for it.
  • Miracle That We Met – it’s being described as a body-swapping melodrama, which is a genre I never seem to watch (er the melodrama genre – I’ve definitely enjoyed a few body-swapping dramas before!), but it stars Choi Ji Woo, Kim Myung Min, and motherfreakin’ Ra Mi Ran. Like, hot damn, what a cast. I just hope it’s more drama than melo.
  • Mr. Sunshine – siiiiiiiiiiiiiiigh. On the one hand, there is so much about this that sounds awesome: a period drama (turn of the 20th century), it stars Kim Tae Ri, Yoo Yeon Seok, and Byun Yo Han (squeal!). Buuuuuuuut it also stars Lee Byung Hyun, who I’m still side-eying after he walked away scot-free from all his scandals, and (most importantly of all) it’s written by Kim Eun Sook. SIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIGH.
  • Yeonnamdong 539 – I’m always a sucker for an ensemble cast, although I’m not sure what to expect from this roommate sitcom yet.
  • Pretty Noona Who Buys Me Food – I literally know nothing about this drama except the title and that it’ll air on JTBC, but tbh that’s all I really need to know. What can I say? I’m weak for noona romances.
  • Let’s Hold Hands and Watch the Sunset – okay, so that’s a mouthful and let’s hope they find a better English title soon. But even though the plot sounds like it could be overly melodramatic (death is a catalyst for a married couple to rethink their lives), this is also from the same director of Radiant Office, so I feel like there could be some cute moments. Plus, I just want to support women directors, of which there are too few in dramaland (or the rest of the world, tbh).
  • Are You Human Too? – this drama sounds ridiculous enough to make me want to watch it (a woman makes an android that looks like her son to fool people into thinking he’s not in the coma that he really is), and I love Kim Sung Ryung and want to watch her play the mad scientist that came up with this idea. It also has Gong Seung Yeon, who I thought was fabulous in Circle, and of course, the always beloved Lee Joon Hyuk. BUT. It stars Seo Kang Joon. I don’t know what beef I have with him, but he falls into the Lee Jong Suk category of “pretty-boy actors that everyone else seems to love but who rub me the wrong way and I struggle to watch them play leading men in dramas, but find them tolerable when they play secondary or minor characters.”
  • My Ajusshi – do I want to see a twentysomething woman help a man in his 40s get over his mid-life crisis? No, I do not.
  • Fall From the Sky – don’t know much about this other than its based on the fantasy webcomic of the same name, the director also worked on Arang and the Magistrate, and Yoon Hyun Min is supposedly starring in it (but that’s really all I need to know, right?).
  • RUMORED SEQUELS: Signal 2, Voice 2, Neighborhood Lawyer Jo Deul Ho 2, Let’s Eat 3. All of which I will probably check out, but I’m not holding my breath that they will actually get made, or, if they make it to air, be as good as the original.

I did my best to make note of as many 2018 dramas as possible, but dramas that I have no interest in (i.e. weekend family dramas) or dramas that are still so vague on details that it would be just me putting the name of the drama and nothing else weren’t worth the effort to add. That said, I still probably missed some upcoming dramas. But I tried! And ran out of tagging space to prove it!

Dramaland Forecast: December 2017

odilettanteLeave a comment

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

Completed:

  • The Package – this is, hands down, my favorite drama of the year. I had hoped it would be enjoyable, a fun romp with pretty scenery – but I didn’t expect for me to fall in love with all the characters and care so much about their stories. It’s rare that I finish a drama and then immediately want to rewatch it, but I wish I could spend more time with this misfit tour group and become a part of their defacto family.

Currently watching:

  • Black – I’ve heard rumors that this should be coming to US Netflix in the next month or so. If so, I’m jealous of anyone who gets to binge and not agonize with me each week, trying to figure out what’s going on and guess what will happen next.
  • Two Cops – the premiere was okay, although I wasn’t immediately drawn in (although Hobaby’s love for his sunbae Jo Jung-suk is my new favorite thing). There’s a strong chance this will end up on the dropped list unless things pick up a little more, but for now, I’m willing to give it a chance.

Dropping/skipping:

  • Untouchable – I thought about checking this one out because it seemed like it could have potential, until I remembered how bitter I am about the mess that was Masked Prosecutor, so this writer is still banned and I refuse to watch his stuff.
  • Doubtful Victory – technically I haven’t dropped it, nor am I exactly skipping it. I just haven’t had a chance to watch the premiere yet, although knowing I can only watch a handful of live-airing shows at a time, there’s a strong chance this won’t make it to the “currently watching” list unless it’s binge-worthy (or I decide to drop Two Cops and the few December shows that interest me, making room in my viewing schedule).
  • Judge vs Judge – as legal dramas go, this sounds like it could be a relatively fresh take, since most legal dramas focus on the prosecutors and lawyers. Buuuuut it’s still a legal drama and I’m not particularly motivated to check it out.
  • Wise Prison Life – I really, really, really want to watch this drama. I also have discovered that the episodes are an hour-and-a-half long. Dammit, Shin PD, why are you making my life so difficult? If you want me to watch your shows, make them shorter! A girl only has so many hours in the day to watch dramas! I’m telling myself that I’ll binge it later, but then I’ve been saying that about Reply 1988 for almost two years, and I’m still balking at those episode lengths.

Upcoming dramas of interest:

  • Jugglers – Daniel Choi in a workplace drama, surrounded by a mess of awesome women. I AM ALL IN!
  • I’m Not a Robot – I love the cast, but I’m still iffy on the concept, and the teasers haven’t exactly won me over, either, so this will probably be a pass.
  • Bad Guys: City of Evil – the teasers got me all hyped up! I don’t know if I’ll watch it while airing or wait to binge, but it’s definitely on the “watch” list.
  • Hwayugi – the Hong sisters lost my trust years ago, but this looks pretty awesome, not the least because the cast is a collection of all their favorites from previous dramas. I hope they can deliver on this and remind me why I used to like their dramas in the first place.
  • Just Between Lovers – this could be a little more melodramatic than is my taste, but it also seems like it will be one of those “slice-of-life” dramas that JTBC does so well, so it’s definitely got my attention. I don’t know if I’ll make time for it while it’s airing, though.
  • Return – it’s a lawyer and detective show, which makes me go “ugh, not another one.” Buuuuuuut it stars queen Go Hyun Jung, along wth Lee Jin Wook, Shin Sung Rok, and my beloved Park Ki-woong, who I’ve been temporarily freezing out since I’ve been so disappointed with his post-army acting choices. But this will make up for it, right? At least I can hope!
  • Radio Romance – Doojoon as a top star who can’t speak unless it’s scripted who then has to suddenly become a DJ? Yes, please! A love interest potentially with an actress who is still in her teens? Hell, no! Sigh, dramaland, why do you have to be this way? There are plenty of twenty-something (and thirty-something!) actresses who would make a good pairing with Doojoon (don’t make me remind you of my love for Soo Kyung noona!). Whhyyyyyyyyyyyyy are you making a teenager pretend to be older? Ugh, ugh, ugh.

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: November 2017

odilettanteLeave a comment

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

Completed:

  • Woman of Dignity – considering how much I’ve hated this writer’s previous works, I went into this with negative expectations. I just wanted some background noise while I appreciated drama queens Kim Sun Ah and Kim Hee Sun. To my surprise, I got totally sucked into this saga about the “Desperate Housewives of Gangnam.” The gothic murder-mystery also definitely helped me to goggle at every cliff-hanger and queue up the next episode, and I ended up binging the series in a matter of days. Despite my low expectations, this has become one of my favorite drama-watching experiences of the year.

Currently watching:

  • The Package
  • Black

Dropping/skipping:

  • Mad Dog – the lack of Leverage style capers was definitely a disappointment, since based on the first couple of episodes I thought that this would be that kind of show. I also really hated Woo Do Hwan’s character and wanted to punch his smirky face whenever he was on screen. Considering I fell asleep in the middle of an episode and then decided it wasn’t worth my time to rewind, it’s clear this is not the show for me. Sorry, Yoo Ji Tae! Hopefully your next drama is more to my liking!

Upcoming dramas of interest:

  • I’m Not A Robot – a man who falls in love with a woman pretending to be robot because he has an allergy to other people is definitely an interesting concept, although I’m instinctively wary of any love interest that puts a woman in a category of “robot.” The cast is excellent, though, but that’s probably me thinking Uhm Ki Joon can do no wrong.
  • Meloholic – OCN has made its name with gritty thrillers and cerebral mysteries, so I’m very hesitant when they try to branch out into more comedic or romantic fodder. There’s also a lot about this show that puts a few strikes against it, such as a director who’s very hit or miss with the quality of his shows (mostly miss with me) and, y’know, it stars U-Know Yunho (who, to be fair, I actually really enjoyed in the mini-drama I Order You, but historically he hasn’t exactly been one of those idol-actors that command a strong thespian presence). I’m curious if it will be as… ah… mediocre… as I presume it will be, but doubt I’ll make time to actually watch it.
  • Nothing to Lose – considering the quagmire of legal shows that make me sigh if I have to deal with yet another prosecutor trying to save the day, the concept of a legal drama about two judges with completely different personalities somehow seems novel and refreshing, even though I’m sure it will be no different than anything else we’ve seen before.
  • Doubtful Victory – the premise is vaguely compelling in that “one sentence synopsis that may set up false expectations” way (a man escapes jail and becomes a fake cop), but I’m really liking the production team. The director previously worked on Tree With Deep Roots and Six Flying Dragons, which were both visually stunning, and 3 Days which, well, wasn’t terrible but I mostly remember being disappointed that it didn’t live up to my Kim Eun Hee fangirl expectations. The writer previously did School 2013 and Pride and Prejudice, which means I have faith that the script should be pretty decent. I also like the leads, Yoon Kyun Sang and Jung Hye Sung, although I haven’t heard about the supporting cast yet.
  • Untouchable – this could be a dark horse drama, because it’s JTBC, I like this director, and the cast is pretty decent (Eunji! I’ve missed you!). But this writer is… eh… hit or miss, to put it nicely (oh the RAGE I still feel about the hours I spent in vain hope that Masked Prosecutor would somehow live up to its potential), so this will probably be one I skip and binge later if it doesn’t sound as soap-opera frustrating as it could be.
  • Two Cops – I don’t think I have anything new to add so I’ll just say: Jo Jung Suk! Kim Sun Ho! Lee Shi Un! HOYAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!
  • Bad Guys: City of Evil – I don’t care about the complaints that it’s not a true sequel, it looks awesome and that caaaaaaaaaaaaast.
  • Jugglers – Daniel Choi is coming back! And he’ll be starring with Kang Hye Jung (aka Tablo’s wife) who usually seems to prefer playing quirky/offbeat characters. Even though I’m still unsure about the premise, this cast definitely has my attention (and how shallow am I to hope for some lame excuse to show-off the post-army abs?).
  • Wise Prison Life – the latest drama from Reply series PD Shin Won Ho, which means of course everyone’s favorite papa Sung Dong Il is in it. Also starring is Yoon Kyung Ho (and cutie-patootie Jung Hae In, who I’m happy to hear is getting lots of attention from his role in While You Were Sleeping, which I didn’t watch but I’m always pleased for my pet actors to gain the glory they deserve). The premise is vague so far (prison life), but the strength of the production team and cast means I’ll be tuning in.
  • Just Between Lovers – my instinct is that this will be a low-key real-life character-based drama that JTBC does so well, so fingers crossed it lives up to those expectations.
  • The Most Beautiful Goodbye in the World – I never saw the original, but it’s Noh Hee Kyung’s remake of her 1996 drama of the same name, which starred (and will once again star) everyone’s favorite granny, Kim Young Ok. I’m not sure if I’m ready for a gut-wrenching story about family and Alzheimer’s, but for Noh Hee Kyung, I’ll endure it.
  • Return – I adore Go Hyun Jung so I was already vaguely interested in this legal-mystery-thriller, but now that there’s a rumor Park Ki Woong will join the cast, I’m definitely adding it to my watchlist. I adore Park Ki Woong but have not been impressed with his choices post-enlistment (in fact, I’ve been actively ignoring them), so hopefully this will be the drama to remind me why I’ve been his fan for so long.
  • Let’s Eat 3 – really? REALLY??? I love foodie Goo Dae Young to bits but after season 2 completely writing out Soo Kyung noona as though she never existed, and the fact that the foodie scenes weren’t even all that appetizing, I’m going to be watching this with a very negative “prove me that this is all worthwhile” attitude (but of course I’m still going to watch, because dammit Dae Young, I can’t quit you).

Dramaland Forecast: October 2017

odilettanteLeave a comment

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: September 2017

odilettanteLeave a comment

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

Completed:

  • Super Family 2017 – I finally got around to watching the last two episodes! I loved this little show, and think that if the networks want to get back into sitcoms, this is the way to do it. I’ve notoriously been unable to finish nearly every sitcom I’ve started just because my attention flags and my commitment to 100+ episodes (no matter how short they are) completely vanishes. I also usually only get invested in one storyline or couple in a sitcom, but this one had me cheering for the whole family and everyone they encountered. Also, I’m not going to admit how I literally squeed in delight when Hobaby showed up on my screen at the end, having temporarily forgotten he was in this because he wasn’t in ep 39 and it’d been months since I’d last watched eps 37-38. Nope, didn’t sound like a deranged fangirl who hasn’t seen her bias in months, not at all.

Currently watching:

  • Strongest Deliveryman
  • Manhole

Dropping/skipping:

  • School 2017 – it looks cute but I just don’t have time for another show right now, but it’s definitely going on the “binge at my leisure” list
  • Save Me – I don’t do creepy very well. And I’m still biased against Taecyeon. I might give it a shot sometime, but there are too many other shows that interest me that I still need to get caught up on.
  • Deserving of the Name – I think I still want to check this one out eventually, but, y’know, time and all that. I’ll probably wait to hear more buzz and see if it’ll be worth binging one day.
  • Age of Youth 2 – I liked the first one (not as much as most of my dash did, apparently, since I was dissatisfied with a lot of the bizarre plot holes), and fully plan to check it out. But I won’t have much time next month so I’m not even bothering to keep up with it live and instead happy to wait until its over and, y’know, binge. (Yeah, “binge” is a word you’ll probably see a lot from me in the next few months, since that’s gonna be the only way I’ll finish a drama!)
  • Hospital Ship – I’m more curious than anticipatory, mostly because I still can’t shake the idea that this is just a remake of Umi no Ue no Shinryoujo. At least, I hope it is, because I loved that quirky drama, and not just for Shota Matsuda. I’m also excited to see my fave baby-faced cutie Minhyuk play something other than a student.

Upcoming dramas of interest:

  • Temperature of Love – honestly I don’t know what else to add that I haven’t said already but it has my new drama crush Yang Se Jong and my forever beloved Handsome Oppa so I’ll watch it no matter what. Hey, sometimes I’m weak for the pretty.
  • Girls Generation 1979 – a coming of age story about a bunch of girls who live somewhere other than Seoul? Sign me the heck up! I may not have been alive in the 70′s, but I’m anticipating some vicarious nostalgia nonetheless. I’m also excited to see Dohee again, after loving her in Reply 1994!
  • 20th Century Boy and Girl – I was already intrigued by this drama when it was tentatively called “No Sex in the City,” but this is probably my most anticipated show of the month just because it sounds like everything I’d enjoy – a slice-of-life drama centered around three good female friends who meet their childhood crush years later. My expectations might be a little elevated since its coming from one of the writers of Reply 1997, but hopefully the show lives up to my hopes and dreams.
  • Two Cops – I adore Jo Jung Suk and am always excited to see him get a lead role (even when I never, uh, actually finish the dramas he’s in). This one sounds like it’ll be excellent comedic fodder for him. I’m just side-eying the potential romance, especially if Hyeri is cast as the female lead. Whyyyyyyy dramaland must you have ridiculous age-gaps? There are plenty of thirty-something comedic actresses who I think would be able to match Jo Jung Suk’s skills. Can’t we give them a chance? *pout*

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: August 2017

odilettanteLeave a comment

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

odilettanteLeave a comment

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

odilettanteLeave a comment

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: May 2017

odilettanteLeave a comment

Previously: 2016 – Jan – Feb – Mar – Apr

Completed:

  • None yet – all the dramas I’m watching are still currently airing!

Currently watching:

  • Super Family 2017 – ahh, I can’t believe we’re halfway through!
  • Radiant Office – if this show doesn’t give me at least one teeny-tiny scene where Hoya and Feeldog’s characters meet, I’mma cry.
  • Whisper – definitely not what it could have been but still entertaining enough to keep me focused on it, although maybe not my favorite choice to recap because there’s so much plot in each episode that it makes my brain hurt.
  • Tunnel – I’m not really invested in the main mystery, but I’m still planning to finish it, at least for Yoon Hyun Min’s sake and to see how the past will be rewritten whenever Choi Jin Hyuk finally returns to it (because he totally will… won’t he?).
  • Chicago Typewriter – ep 6 saved this from the drop list, and once again I get to experience “second-lead syndrome” for a ghost. Yeah, this will end well.

Dropping/skipping:

  • Tbh I’m genuinely surprised that I haven’t dropped anything. Just look at that list of what I’m watching! I’m still unsure how I’ve managed to keep up with it all (or mostly keep up with it). Chicago Typewriter came close, though, and there’s still a chance it will make this list. But as long as it gives me ghost shenanigans and lots of 1930′s flashbacks, it will still tentatively stay on the list.
  • Man to Man – I’m not consciously skipping this one, but the episodes I’ve downloaded have remained untouched (sorry, Park Sung Woong!). There’s just so much I want to watch right now and not enough time to do it. *cries*

Upcoming dramas of interest:

  • I don’t really have much to add from last month, actually. The dramas that I was eager and curious about last month are the still the dramas I’m hoping will do well once they air. I don’t think there’s been much new buzz to add, or at least any buzz that interests me. Then again, I’ve been so busy that I haven’t really paid attention to anything other than what’s directly in front of me.
  • I’m not ready for the May premieres! I’m still watching too many things!

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.