#CHAE JIN HWAN
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bl-bam-beyond · 2 months ago
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BAM (BEAUTIFUL ASIAN MEN)
SEONG SEUNG HA
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junkobato · 6 months ago
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BEST KDRAMA 2024 ✨ pt2
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We have been blessed with so many good stories!! Which one did you enjoy the most? ☺️☺️🌈
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irmakkockan · 2 months ago
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BUSINESS AS USUAL EP 5: MY HEART IS FULL
I absolutely, absolutely adore Business As Usual. I love how these two are SO extremely attracted to each other - like every single glance is charged, every kiss is an explosion, every pause feels like someone should hit the emergency button. I love how it shows that your feelings and your experiences shape your reality - how two people can live through the same story but carry it completely differently. It’s so quietly devastating and so real.
I love how Jin Hwan is trying to be less of a fuckboy (but come on - the flirting, the teasing, that dangerous smile that could bring nations to their knees - it’s in his DNA). I am so completely gone for him it’s honestly embarrassing. I love how Min Jun gives himself these tiny pep talks, trying to be braver, stronger, less scared, less insecure. That little “no need to be scared” moment? I melted. Baby boy you’re doing amazing.
Their smiles into kisses? Perfect. That little forehead kiss? Soul-healing. The way Jin Hwan looks like he’s about to devour Min Jun every time they get within six inches of each other? Honestly, good for him. Good for ME.
And those make out scenes? Blessed. Sacred. Steamy in a way that felt deeply personal.
Next week is the LAST EPISODE and I’m already grieving. Even if I hadn’t seen the preview, I would’ve guessed exactly what was coming: Min Jun pulling one last disappearing act by pushing Jin Hwan away, being emotionally constipated one final time before realizing, way too late, that he actually wants to be with him. Classic. But is it too late? It’s never too late in BL if you run fast enough. So yes - we’re manifesting an airport sprint. Get your sneakers on, Min Jun.
This show isn’t necessarily groundbreaking, but it’s been refreshing. It really leans into how differently people can experience love and pain - and how the same moment can live in two people’s memories in totally opposite ways. Even if it ends like most BLs, a little rushed, a little safe, I’ll still treasure it. I’ll always remember the ride.
And Jin Hwan.
I’ll always remember HIM.
And that GODDAMN smile.
UGH.
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stuff-diary · 3 months ago
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Undercover High School
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TV Shows/Dramas watched in 2025
Undercover High School (2025, South Korea)
Director: Choi Jung In
Writer: Im Young Bin
Mini-review:
This was exactly as fun as I hoped it would be. The writing did rely a bit too much on coincidences and small plot holes, but the characters and the story itself were entertaining as hell. I particularly enjoyed the whole thing about the urban legends and how they play into the mission, which is an original twist on the undercover spy trope. But really, the best thing about the show might be its cast. Seo Kang Joon is finally back and proving he's the perfect action hero, while Jin Ki Joo brings a lot of energy and spunk. Oh, and Kim Shin Rok makes for a delightful villain as well. So, even if Undercover High School isn't perfect, it will offer you a superfun experience filled to the brim with laughs and thrills.
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bioskoop · 7 months ago
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dreamingsushi · 2 years ago
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The King: Eternal Monarch - Episode 6
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I’m super tired, but there were some bugs in my hotel room, so I had to switch and now I can’t really seem to fall asleep anymore. I still have two episodes downloaded for my layover, but Netflix doesn’t want to cooperate anymore tonight… So might as well go for something else on the list… I’m really not thrilled about this one since I sincerely dislike the main actor but oh well. I started it, now I must finish it. And it’s about time. I don’t remember any of the names of the characters, this review might be a little messy.
So Lee Gon came to get Tae Eul in Seoul. Of course, in a private helicopter. Of course that the Prime Minister hears of its arrival. She doesn’t manage to get any information on Tae Eul, but she’s quite upset about the meeting. Now the king’s cooking for his girl like a pro chef. Cause head lady Noh showed him, since it’s the only food he can eat without having it tasted. He talks about his past. She says she needs her ID and to go home. He doesn’t want to let her go and will keep her in his world. He’s already a shitty person ugh. He still shows her. I forgot that it was the one he held onto since he was a child. Anyways. He only sends her back because the national security council has been called on by the Prime Minister.
Everything is happening all around and keeps skipping from one scene to another and I find it very hard to summarize the action without going in too much details. So I'm sorry if this recap seems a little scattered, I think I will need some more time also to get a little more into this story (especially since I wasn't so thrilled with it to begin with).
So basically, what's happening is that some Japanese military ships are about to enter Corea's water. So the Prime Minister doesn't want to stay idle about it. Lee Gon somewhat kind of agrees and says it's time for war. So he puts on his uniform and promises to come back to Tae Eul. She goes back home, with the ID from 25 years ago, because someone took the one from Head court lady Noh and they can't confirm who could have done that.
So, Lee Gon goes on his ship to defend the Kingdom of Corea's waters. The Japanese are like good, they won't attack since the king's there. Lee Gon is more in the mood "they dare come into my territory? Let's shoot some missiles at them so they have a fair warning." So far, it seems to work, because that means that they are reading to go at war if Japan was trying to push further in. Anyways, Japan backs up and it helps the Prime Minister to gain popularity. But she's upset because China wants to speak with the court about the visas instead of with her. She's never happy that lady.
Tae Eul is still waiting for Lee Gon to come back, but she has no news. She's listening to some tape and discovers something shocking to her. But I can't remember why it is so, because I was too lazy to go over my older reviews of this drama. Something about Lee Gon's grandfather or something. I don't know.
Lee Gon learns that there was something weird about the dead body of his uncle. It showed signs of a natal disease that he didn't have. So they don't know why it's like this. Because it's the one from the other world, but oh well. Lee Gon guesses that his uncle isn't dead and that he's going to get the other half of the magic ancestral stick.
I forgot that this drama is basically an everlasting add for the alley. Now I really want to get a bubble tea.
When Tae Eul sees Lee Gon in front of her home when she gets back, she runs towards him to embrace him. He thinks he's a danger for her. To be honest, I'm like... they've only known each other for 6 episodes. It's even too early for holding hands by accident, let alone purposely hug each other. I've never seen a drama rush the love story so fast. It loses all the best part which is reaching the end of the drama and being looking for that first kiss, that shouldn't be satisfying, but actually is. I don't know. They forgot to follow the recipe and instead of a cake, I'm being served pancake. Please, I need more fluffiness.
And that will be all for episode 6. Thanks for tuning in!
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The King : Eternal Monarch
Year : 2020 | Country : KR | Nb of episodes: 16
My rate: 4/10
Synopsis :
Lee Gon is the third Korean emperor of his generation. His citizens regard him as the perfect leader. But behind this flawless appearance, hides a deep wound. When he was eight years old, his father was murdered before his eyes following a coup. Today, instead of respecting his filial duty, he prefers to escape the palace to attend university conferences. During one of his escapades, he sees himself propelled into a parallel world where he meets Jeong Tae Eul, an inspector with whom he teams up with to defeat the criminals but also close the door between their two worlds.
Main cast :
Lee Min Ho as Lee Gon
Kim Go Eun as Jung Tae Eul/Luna
Woo Doo Hwan as Jo Eun Seob/Jo Young
Lee Jung Jin as Yi Rim/ Lee Sung Jae
Kim Kyung Nam as Kang Shin Jae
Jung Eun Chae as Goo Seo Ryung
My thoughts on this drama :
Boring, boring, boring: important things must be said thrice.
Lee Min Ho is on a downward slope. He did not convince me, and I just felt nothing watching this show.
A Favorite ?
NO
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bengiyo · 2 months ago
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Ben’s Big BL Blurb 7: BL Is Over Its Piners
It’s been quite a while since I wrote one of these. I’ve been watching a lot less, but I wanted to jump back in and meditate on the state of pining in BL, and also comment on how things haven’t felt this sparse in BL since maybe 2019 for me. 
I’ve noticed in some of the shows I’ll discuss below that piners are no longer universally lauded for the purity or sanctity of their one-sided crushes or obsessions, and instead have been confronted or challenged by the narrative. This is a fascinating (and honestly necessarily) evolution for the genre. Let’s get into it, in no particular order…starting with the worst.
Something’s Not Right is Appropriately Named
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Adapted from the same source material as Blueming (2022), this show follows stressed piner Do Ba Woo and his crush on his childhood friend Ji Hoon. Ba Woo is at his wit’s end with the vivacious Ji Hoon and wants to end their friendship. Ji Hoon, responding as any man would to their best friend suddenly wanting to sever ties, ignores this and wonders what might be wrong. 
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Meanwhile, interloper Jung Ha Min discovers Ba Woo’s diary and misunderstands it as a novel. He pesters Ba Woo into finishing the novel so he can use it for a webtoon, and encourages Ba Woo to ask Ji Hoon out for a week. When Ji Hoon surprisingly agrees, Ba Woo goes on to torment this confused man for a week with hot and cold behavior, rejecting Ji Hoon’s own confessions, and facing no realization about his own role in his misery before the story retcons the drama by saying Ji Hoon was withholding his own feelings the whole time.
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Final Verdict: 4, Not Recommended. Friends, this show is a mess that also apparently erased its original supporting cast (@lurkingshan and @ahxiang). It fails to understand that Ba Woo is the problem here in that he’s constantly confusing Ji Hoon and treating him cruelly. It fails as a romance for me because I didn’t even want the guys to be friends by the end, and spent most of the show baffled by the apparent determination to make Ba Woo vibe with Ha Min. I also deeply-resent the show retconning Ji Hoon in the final episode by having him have also been nursing an older crush. At no point does Ba Woo grow from any of the events he’s encountered to reckon with the fact that he’s the one causing all of their problems. This was an unusually frustrating viewing experience that I do not recommend. 
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While I do think this show wanted to tackle the intensity of unrequited feelings, I don’t think it did right by Ji Hoon at all. This show completely misses the mark on saying or doing anything interesting with one-sided pining and its impacts on both and related parties. Ba Woo was a rude, misanthropic friend, and this show was more concerned with Jung Ha Min developing his own unrequited crush than the believability of the romantic connection between its leads. ONE CHOP.
Business as Usual Should Have Remembered that Our Dating Sim Exists
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I’ve been thinking about how elegantly Our Dating Sim incorporated the game development work into the second chance romance after finishing Business as Usual. Business worsens the conflict by having the guys be actively dating and FUCKING as our mad piner, Kim Min Joon, severs ties with Jin Hwan over a misunderstanding. Min Joon essentially stagnates for  eight years before Jin Hwan joins the same company. Jin Hwan is clearly still interested in Min Joon, and we eventually learn that Min Joon badly misunderstood a call he overheard and ghosted his boyfriend for no valid reason. 
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My primary difficulty with this show is that it doesn’t want to spend time on the work Min Joon needs to do to earn its wedding epilogue. We recently finished the Theory of Love Romcom Rewatch, and this is something I’ve been thinking about a lot in the wake of dealing with Third again (probably helped by the uncanny resemblance between Chae Jong Hyeok and Gun Atthaphan). Compare this to Our Dating Sim, in which Lee Wan came face-to-face with the separation anxiety Shin Ki Tae developed after being ghosted, Min Joon mostly faces one tough conversation with a mutual friend that inspires Min Joon to do a dramatic run to the airport to say that, despite their differences, he wants to commit. I didn’t buy it.
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Final Verdict: 5, Rewatch Our Dating Sim instead. I will grant this show that it did seem to understand that Min Joon was the major problem here, but it doesn’t know what he needs to do to make things right between them. I also want to give this show credit for letting the men have sex even though they hadn’t solved all of the problems between them. However, they failed to use their dating advice book conceit to help with the arc of the relationship at all, nor did they address the way Min Joon’s avoidant behavior led to him also being a bad supervisor. I generally struggle with second chance romances like this where the wrong party doesn’t go on a growth arc and face the reality that they hurt the person they loved. TWO CHOPS.
Gelboys Finally Gave Me Another Thai BL Built Around Internal Drama
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I’ve been sitting on what I want to say about Gelboys for quite a while now due to my frustrations with the fast happy ending for both couples. While I don’t think that was wholly earned, I do want to praise this show for making the boys’ affection/obsession with each other the primary source of drama and driver of the narrative. Too often, I find that Thai BL relies on external sources of tension or romantic obstacles rather than face the fundamental personality issues that make the relationship difficult or impossible. 
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In Gelboys, we have a quartet of boys who like someone in the group in a way that the other can’t or refuses to reciprocate. Fou4Mod wants someone (notably Chian) to choose him fully. Chian wants to be with Bua, and wants to use Fou4Mod to make Bua jealous. Baabin wants to be with Fou4Mod, but won’t confess. Bua eventually wants to be with Baabin, but Baabin won’t let go of his crush on Fou4Mod. They all end up making each other miserable. 
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Friends, the misery of this show was delectable in a way that felt fresh after this creative team’s last major BL outing of I Told Sunset About You. It was interesting to see them completely avoid the conversation around sexuality in this show in favor of a focus on trains and youth freedom to play at malls to focus on how young people use internet tools to torment themselves and each other. I remember vividly the social moors of the MySpace top 8 friends feature, and I was obsessed with the way the kids used the Close Friends feature of Instagram to carefully show off information to their crushes. I was also deeply mortified by Chian asking ChatGPT for relationship advice, and Fou4Mod using a generative AI to make a fake makeout video. The digital landscape is dark!
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On the pining front, each of these boys is such an asshole about the boy they’re pining over. Chian wants Bua, and is cruel to Fou4Mod for it. Baabin essentially ends his own friendship with Fou4Mod rather than confess properly. Bua finally pursued Baabin properly, and is the only one to properly apologize for the pain he inflicted on another over the course of this. This show was plain about how withholding feelings and using people’s feelings against them led to such cruel outcomes. Unfortunately, it rushed a happy ending that soured my taste at the end. 
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Final Verdict: 9, Highly Recommended. This show is for those people who want to see what youth urban romance feels like in the modern era. There are so many ideas about how consumption plays into dating and flirting, particularly around the way the boys chose to have their nails painted (or not painted). It was really something special to have a show where what the characters wanted was the source of all of their issues, rather than an interloper inflicting contrived drama on the pair. In a year where I can’t seem to finish a Thai BL, this is a bright spot. 
Heesu in Class 2 Understood Unrequited Love
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Heesu in Class 2 explores the impacts of two queer boys having unrequited crushes, and why these boys have avoided confessing. Of all the shows about boys I watched in recent months, this one felt the most queer to me. This was such a visceral experience for many readers who were able to appreciate the role of Heesu’s sisters (@soypim), the way admissions like Heesu’s will forever change your dynamic (@nabi-unveiled), the ways this show grappled with one-sided love (@wanderlust-in-my-soul), and how shows like this remind us why we seek out queer media (@watchingblsnowandforever).
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While we had disagreement about whether this show’s divergence from the source material was worthy, I still think we got a great drama out of this AND I think viewers who want to see Heesu and Seungwon’s dating era should read the webtoon; I don’t think it’s a one or the other situation here. The webtoon is well-intentioned, and I think it’s a worthwhile read for people curious about how a simple narrative can be expanded into a full drama.
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Final Verdict: 10, Don’t Miss This One. More than anything, I want to praise everyone involved with making this show. I loved the way they navigated turning this webtoon into a gay kdrama, and I hope the delays in releasing this don’t spell an end for this type of approach from Korea. I especially want to praise Ahn Ji Ho for his stellar performance as Hee Su. I loved this show immensely, and it’s currently my favorite of the year. This show is going to feel different from what romance viewers of BL content are used to, but it’s a really special show that tells you what it’s about and then delivers on it.
Fragrance of the First Flower Season 2
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I am so glad we were able to return to these two after so many years. I’ve been struggling with the global state of GL, and this is the only bright spot I had this year. I loved seeing these two try again after their breakup. Yi Ming was able to divorce her husband, but she’s still working through so much to figure out if she can have a proper relationship with Ting Ting. I also loved the way this show used its second lead as a way to further Ting Ting’s steadfast devotion to her relationship while still respecting the feelings of a friend. Some of the boys above could have used that lesson. 
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Final Verdict: 9, Highly Recommended. Seriously, just go watch it. We don’t get enough good lesbian shows, and this one cares a lot about lesbian realities while still managing to be kind to the characters and the viewers. 
Fellow Travelers Has Me Back in America (6/8)
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I wasn’t kidding after Heesu when I said it might be time for me to stop identifying so much with BL and return to my roots. This show follows the lives of four queer characters and their families starting in the McCarthy era of government employment into the AIDS crisis of the 1980s. It explores the validity of queer love and the difficult realities about pursuing them across more than 30 years. Anchored by absolutely stellar performances from the entire cast, it is my biggest queer obsession right now. 
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I originally avoided Fellow Travelers because it was a Showtime exclusive and, while I love Matt Bomer and Jonathan Bailey, I wasn’t in the mood for white gays surviving the McCarthy era. Unfortunately for this show, the fans making fan content about this show failed to highlight that there’s an interesting Black couple in this show that are also exploring issues around race and gender in queer relationships. I also didn’t know that the series takes place in the 1980s as well.
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What I have found so compelling about this show is how much information we have about where everyone is. We know who is alive in the AIDS crisis of the 80s. We know who chooses to marry into heteronormativity and who doesn’t. We learn who knows about who. This makes our time in the past far more compelling because now you’re paying attention to how people end up where they are not if they’ll even survive. I just finished an episode involving the son of a gay man and I am compelled to continue.
2 Husbands 1 Wife is Actually a Poly Show (5/10)
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Featuring Asaka Kodai of Cherry Magic’s Tsuge, this show explores an attempt at a three-person marriage involving Yanaguchi Mia, Satomura Shinpei, and Mitsuda Takuzo. Mia, an office worker, wants to marry Shinpei, a dancer. However, Shinpei doesn’t think the two of them are big enough adults to make a marriage work, and so he proposes adding a third person to help them. After attending the funeral for Takuzo’s (and at one time Mia’s) rabbit, Shinpei proposes they approach Takuzo (who is Mia’s ex) to be part of their trio. Initially hesitant, the three are going closer during their trial period. 
What’s so compelling for me about this one is how seriously the show is taking the potential around sex, public appearances, affection and jealousy within the trio, and family management. As of episode 5 and the preview for 6, we’re even exploring Mia having to reckon with the fact that the two husbands will inevitably have a relationship with each other as well, following the fact that Shinpei was clear to Takuzo that they will be husbands as far as he’s concerned. This show has managed to accomplish so much in its 20-minute episodes, and I find myself eager to watch it on Thursday evenings on my nicest TV.
Top Form is as Sappy as Its Source Material (8/11)
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I haven’t written about this one, mostly because I remember watching Dakaiichi years ago. While I have my own qualms about the changes the Thai show has made, especially when it comes to the timeline, I honestly think I’m just not enjoying the sappiness of the project this time around. That is not the fault of this show, which is actually accurately capturing how sappy Dakaiichi was. I was also turned off by their decision to basically adapt the assault storyline exactly as the original. Mostly, I’ve struggled with the sex for love politics of the Thai version in a way that I think has weakened the original Japanese narrative. It’s a personal issue I’m having, and I think if you’re curious about the show, you should check it out.
Dropped Shows
Look, I just can’t do it anymore. If the show doesn’t hit, I’m letting it go. GMMTV is the biggest loser here. Since the last blurb I’ve dropped:
My Golden Blood (1/12) - It’s not sexy enough, and the chemistry is deeply lacking.
Ossan’s Love Thailand (8/12) - It started to offend me, so I dropped it.
Break Up Service (3/12) - Off is good. The show is not.
Sweet Tooth, Good Dentist (1/12) - How could they do this to Mark Pakin?
The Bangkok Boy (1/12) - I want an action BL. This isn’t hitting.
The Boy Next World (9/10) - Things went stupid, so it got dropped.
Boys In Love (1/12) - This kind of saccharine isn’t hitting for me right now.
The Age of Pining is Over. Now is the Time For Earnestness
The biggest thing I’m thinking about right now is how many shows engaged with the negative side of unrequited pining this year. As a Known Piner, I am all for this. All piners must understand that they must face the mortifying ordeal of being known if they want to experience the benefits of being loved. It’s also important that we grapple with how withholding our feelings from the people we love leads to confusion, resentment, and possessiveness. I’m thankful that in Heesu in Class 2 we got to see all the contexts of why queer people would withhold those feelings and how it hurts everyone, and I’m glad Gelboys was willing to be so visceral about the ways young people love and hurt each other in the digital age. I’m curious what comes out of the other side of this if we start to see something more earnest. Perhaps we’ll get something as heartfelt and beautiful as When Life Gives You Tangerines.
But also...seriously...where is Japan? It hasn't felt this dire in almost 6 years.
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ryoun · 7 months ago
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DAY 3: FAVORITE LEAD COUPLE
ta hwan x ki seung-nyang | empress ki
heo jun-jae x sim chung | legend of the blue sea
lee soo x kyung woo-yeon | more than friends
eun-som x tanya | arthdal chronicles
cha ju-hyeok x seo woo-jin | familiar wife
gong woo-jin x woo seo-ri | still 17
han jun-oh x kang young-hwa | moon in the day
han seon-woo x lee eunsu | soundtrack #1
jin i-soo x lee gang-hyeon | flex x cop
ha eung-yeol x on eunyu | twinkling watermelon
kim dan x lee yeon-seo | angel's last mission: love
yoon min-ju x chae young-ju | brewing love
kang cheol x oh yeon-joo | w
yoon jeongnyeon x hong jooran | jeongnyeon: the star is born
— @whenthegoldrays december k-drama challenge
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seouldramaspot · 1 year ago
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Parallel Worlds and Timeless Love: A Dive into 'The King: Eternal Monarch
Korean dramas, known for their unique storytelling and captivating characters, have taken the world by storm, and "The King: Eternal Monarch" is no exception. This fantasy romance series, starring the charismatic Lee Min-ho and the talented Kim Go-eun, has garnered a massive following and left a lasting impression on viewers.
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"The King: Eternal Monarch" weaves an intricate tale that spans parallel universes. The story begins with Emperor Lee Gon (Lee Min-ho), who rules the Kingdom of Corea. He discovers a mysterious portal that connects his world to a parallel universe resembling modern-day South Korea. In this alternate reality, he meets detective Jung Tae-eul (Kim Go-eun), a strong-willed and resourceful officer. Together, they embark on a journey to protect their worlds from an evil force threatening to disrupt the balance between them.
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The Cast
Lee Min-ho: Lee Min-ho, a household name in the world of Korean dramas, delivers a powerful performance as Emperor Lee Gon. Known for his roles in hit series like "Boys Over Flowers" and "The Heirs," Lee Min-ho brings depth and charisma to his character, captivating audiences with his portrayal of a noble and determined ruler. His on-screen presence and chemistry with co-star Kim Go-eun are undeniable, making their love story one of the highlights of the show.
Kim Go-eun: Kim Go-eun shines as Jung Tae-eul, a detective who becomes entangled in the mysteries of the parallel universes. Kim Go-eun, acclaimed for her roles in dramas like "Goblin" and films like "Coin Locker Girl," portrays Tae-eul with a perfect blend of strength and vulnerability. Her character's unwavering resolve and emotional journey add depth to the series, creating a compelling contrast to Lee Gon's regal demeanor.
Supporting Cast
Woo Do-hwan as Jo Young and Jo Eun-seob: Woo Do-Hwan takes on the dual role of Jo Young, Lee Gon's loyal bodyguard in the Kingdom of Corea, and Jo Eun-Seob, his counterpart in modern-day South Korea. Woo Do-Hwan's versatility shines through as he masterfully portrays the stoic and disciplined Jo Young, while also bringing humor and warmth to the character of Jo Eun-seob. His performance adds a dynamic layer to the series, highlighting the differences and similarities between the two worlds.
Kim Kyung-nam as Kang Shin-jae: Kim Kyung-nam plays Kang Shin-jae, a detective in South Korea who harbors feelings for Jung Tae-eul. His character adds complexity to the narrative as he grapples with his own secrets and loyalties. Kim Kyung-nam's portrayal of Shin-jae's inner turmoil and his eventual growth provides a poignant subplot that complements the main storyline.
Jung Eun-chae as Goo Seo-ryung: Jung Eun-chae stars as Goo Seo-ryung, the ambitious and cunning Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Corea. Her character is driven by power and ambition, often clashing with Lee Gon. Jung Eun-chae's performance captures the essence of a strong, determined woman who will stop at nothing to achieve her goals, adding an element of political intrigue to the series.
Lee Jung-jin as Lee Lim: Lee Jung-jin portrays the primary antagonist, Lee Lim, the half-brother of Lee Gon's father who seeks to overthrow the throne and rule both universes. His character's malevolent intentions and ruthless actions drive much of the conflict in the series. Lee Jung-jin's chilling performance as the villain creates a formidable adversary for the protagonists, heightening the stakes and tension throughout the show.
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The Themes
Parallel Universes: At the heart of "The King: Eternal Monarch" lies the concept of parallel universes. The series explores the idea of two coexisting realities, each with its own set of rules and dynamics. This theme adds a layer of complexity to the narrative, as characters navigate the challenges of moving between worlds and confronting their doppelgängers.
Destiny and Fate: The drama delves into themes of destiny and fate, questioning whether our lives are predetermined or shaped by our choices. Lee Gon and Jung Tae-eul's relationship exemplifies this, as their paths seem intertwined by forces beyond their control. Their journey is a testament to the power of love and destiny in overcoming obstacles.
Power and Responsibility: Emperor Lee Gon embodies the theme of power and responsibility. As a ruler, he must balance his duties to his kingdom with his personal desires. The series examines the sacrifices and challenges that come with leadership, highlighting the weight of making decisions that impact entire worlds.
Love and Sacrifice: At its core, "The King: Eternal Monarch" is a love story. The romance between Lee Gon and Jung Tae-eul transcends time and space, showcasing the lengths to which they will go to protect each other and their worlds. Their love is marked by sacrifices, as they navigate the dangers and uncertainties of their intertwined destinies.
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The Genre
"The King: Eternal Monarch" is a unique blend of several genres, making it a multifaceted viewing experience:
Fantasy: The series' fantasy elements are evident in its exploration of parallel universes, mythical creatures, and magical objects. The fantasy genre allows for creative storytelling, bringing to life a world where anything is possible.
Romance: The romance between Lee Gon and Jung Tae-eul is central to the series. Their love story, filled with heartfelt moments and emotional depth, appeals to fans of romance dramas. The chemistry between the leads adds authenticity and charm to their relationship.
Drama: The drama genre is present in the intense and emotional conflicts faced by the characters. From political intrigue to personal dilemmas, the series keeps viewers engaged with its dramatic twists and turns.
Mystery and Thriller: The mystery and thriller aspects of the series are woven into its plot, as characters unravel the secrets of the parallel universes and confront the malevolent forces at play. The suspense keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating the next revelation.
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The Magic of the Series
What sets "The King: Eternal Monarch" apart is its seamless blend of fantasy, romance, and political intrigue. The series, written by Kim Eun-sook, a renowned screenwriter known for works like "Descendants of the Sun" and "Mr. Sunshine," delivers a captivating narrative that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. The stunning cinematography and visual effects enhance the fantastical elements, creating a visually mesmerizing experience.
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Soundtrack and Music
The series boasts a remarkable soundtrack that complements its emotional and dramatic moments. Songs like "Gravity" by Kim Jong-wan of Nell and "Orbit" by Hwasa of Mamamoo add depth to the storytelling, enhancing the viewers' emotional connection to the characters and their journeys. The music, combined with the show's visual splendor, creates an immersive atmosphere that draws audiences into the enchanting world of "The King: Eternal Monarch."
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"The King: Eternal Monarch" is a must-watch for fans of fantasy romance dramas. With its stellar cast, gripping storyline, and breathtaking visuals, it offers a unique viewing experience that lingers long after the final episode. Lee Min-ho and Kim Go-eun's performances elevate the series, making it a memorable addition to the pantheon of Korean dramas.
So, if you're looking for a drama that combines love, mystery, and adventure across parallel universes, "The King: Eternal Monarch" should be at the top of your watchlist.
Honest Comment : This series was aired during the Covid-19 Pandemic and most people use Netflix that day up until now when I first heard that the leading man is Lee Min Ho I literally waited for it with my mom and when the first episode was aired we are like confuse about the story of how that happen but when the other episode was aired little by little we understand and we totally love it the chemistry they have is different the feeling of watching it for the first time there is a scene that we literally waited when Lee Min Ho protected Kim Go Eun is nostalgia I feel every emotions like wishing that it was me hahaha overall plot and story is a masterpiece and I will always recommend this you will feel in love.
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bl-bam-beyond · 3 months ago
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BUSINESS AS USUAL (2025, SOUTH KOREA)
Episode 1: The Dominating One Appears
Adapted From: Eul's Love by Moscareto
Post 2 of 2
Min Joon (CHAE JONG HYEOK) lies his head on Jin Hwan's (SUNG SEUNG HA) shoulder completely enamored with what he believes to be his boyfriend. But some overheard phone calls and cloak and dagger follow as Jin Hwan meets up with another guy.
Then 8 years pass. Min Joon has settled into a monotonous life of an office worker. But his mind can't let go of the man that destroyed his life.
But that very man appears in his life and his job 8 years later. Will things go differently for them this time? Will Jin Hwan's heinous actions be explained?
Can the confident, charming and charismatic Jin Hwan make Min Joon his? Again?
@pose4photoml @just-another-boyslove-blog @wanderlust-in-my-soul @absolutebl
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junkobato · 1 year ago
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Upcoming Kdrama June 2024 🧡
3/6: Player 2: Master of Swindlers with Song Seung Heon, Oh Yeon Seo, Lee Si On. 12 episodes; action, thriller, comedy.
7/6: Hierarchy with Roh Jeong Hui, Lee Chae Min, Kim Jae Won. 7 episodes; thriller, mystery, romance.
12/6: My Sweet Mobster with Uhm Tae Goo, Han Sun Hwa, Kwon Yool. 16 episodes; rom-com.
15/6: Miss Night and Day with Jung Eun Ji, Choi Jin Hyuk, Lee Jung Eun. 16 episodes; rom-com, fantasy.
22/6: DNA lover with Choi Si Won, Jung In Sun, Lee Tae Hwan. 16 episodes; rom-com, melodrama.
28/6: the Whirlwind with Kim Soo Ae, Sol Gyung Gu. 12 episodes; political.
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Uhm Tae Goo in a rom-com?! It was about time! 😍
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irmakkockan · 2 months ago
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BUSINESS AS USUAL EP4 - TAKE TWO: YOU KNOW WHAT? ACTUALLY I MIGHT BE WRONG
Ok, now that I’ve calmed down a little… I might have been a bit too taken with Jin Hwan’s dangerous smile and gorgeous everything, and completely forgotten (or knowingly ignored) the fact that I actually agreed with Min Jun’s doubts in the first place.
Because let’s be honest - Jin Hwan’s flirty attitude and extreme closeness with Woo Hyeok even made me a little uneasy. When we were watching from Min Jun’s perspective, it genuinely felt like there were no boundaries at all. And when a relationship is that new, it’s totally normal not to want to voice every concern out of fear of seeming possessive or needy. Add a good amount of insecurity and self-doubt, and boom: the perfect storm for miscommunication and misunderstandings.
But then we got Jin Hwan’s POV.
For us, it was suddenly so clear. They were just really good friends. What we thought were blurred lines were actually Jin Hwan being a flustered loser around Min Jun, and Woo Hyeok being the ultimate wingman - giving thoughtful advice, being there for his friend, and straight up blocking distractions (never forgetting that scene).
So yes, Min Jun did gaslight himself. He convinced himself of things that weren’t true. Jin Hwan wasn’t badmouthing him. He wasn’t playing the field.
BUT his feelings were still valid. The vibe between Jin Hwan and Woo Hyeok was questionable at times. And when nothing is being clearly discussed, those feelings don’t just disappear - they fester.
I did say in my first review, “Min Jun isn’t crazy. He’s uncommunicative, maybe a bit too insecure, sure—but he’s not pulling this out of thin air.” And then I turned around and contradicted myself like five minutes later.
The truth is: Yes, Min Jun is doubling down in ways he doesn’t have to. But even when you finally realize you were wrong about something, reconstructing your feelings? Processing that? That’s a whole separate mountain to climb. Sometimes going back is harder than moving forward.
And another thing - we saw everything from Jin Hwan’s eyes, but Min Jun? He only got a handful of words. Quick explanations that, let’s be real, could easily sound like well-rehearsed excuses. Even if he’s starting to realize Jin Hwan might be telling the truth, what’s the proof? How do you know?
Like, who’s to say Jin Hwan didn’t lie about that phone call with Woo Hyeok? Min Jun can choose to believe it, sure - but he’ll never get to go back and actually see that moment. He wasn’t there. He can’t read Jin Hwan’s mind. All he has is Jin Hwan’s word… and his own spiral of conflicting emotions.
It’s Jin Hwan’s calm confidence versus Min Jun’s unresolved trauma.
Belief versus memory.
A tough, tough spot to be in.
So maybe… I do actually get where Min Jun’s coming from.
UGH. FINE.
I’ll endure one more episode of Min Jun’s pouty indecisiveness.
Here is my first (a bit too angry) take lol:
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stuff-diary · 6 months ago
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Squid Game (Season 2)
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TV Shows/Dramas watched in 2024
Squid Game (Season 2, 2024, South Korea)
Director & Writer: Hwang Dong Hyuk
Mini-review:
I didn't quite see the need for more Squid Game; despite the somewhat open ending, the first season was a thoroughly satisfying watch. And now, after seeing the new one, my opinion hasn't really changed. The first half is basically a rehash of the concept and themes, with a slowed-down pace to drag the story out into two seasons. On top of that, more than a few of the new characters are ridiculously annoying (and it doesn't help that half of the cast is made up of awful people). That being said, the games remain thrilling and entertaining, easily the best part of this installment. I'm still curious to see how the story ends, and most of my favorite characters managed to survive, so I will be tuning into the final season next year.
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dramalove247 · 1 month ago
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At A Glance:
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Business As Usual (2025)
South Korea - Romance
Staring: Chae Jong Hyeok & Seong Seung Ha
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Min Jun's routine office job becomes complicated when the new hire turns out to be his first love that broke his heart 8 years ago. Min Jun wants nothing to do with Jin Hwan and their painful past, but Jin Hwan has other ideas.
This story explores perspectives, misunderstandings, and how the truth can't instantly wash away the pain. Both characters made mistakes and have regrets, but those regrets are different and the pain of those experiences influence their current choices in very different ways. It's highly frustrating. But they did a really good job of showing the different perspectives and making their individual experiences valid. It's also fun to see how different viewers react to these characters, often siding with one over the other, ourselves included. But in the end, they figure out how to give each other what they each need.
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Ending: 🥰 The bonus episode took this series from like to LOVE! The ending was perfect.
Tears: This one gave us feels, but it tended to gravitate towards frustration for us. We wanted to shake some sense into a specific person.
Couple: Queer
Romance Scenes: Some spicy fade to black and one of the most achingly sweet scenes we have ever seen. That one got an instant replay.
Flavor of Scenes: vanilla
Heads up: mutual alcohol consumption dub con
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thisqueerlove · 2 months ago
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Business As Usual (2025)
| Korean, BL, Drama, Romance | 8/10🌟
Watch on Viki.
1 Season, 6 Episodes, 26 minutes each.
Starring: Seong Seung Ha and Chae Jong Hyeok.
Synopsis: "Kim Min Jun, a 30-year-old office worker, is stuck in the repetitive cycle of his 9-to-5 job and can’t shake the feeling that something is missing from his life. As he grows older, he feels increasing pressure to accomplish more, but everything feels stagnant. Things take an unexpected turn when his ex-boyfriend Jin Hwan, whom he hasn’t seen in 8 years, suddenly reappears at his office as a new colleague. Jin Hwan is still as attractive and confident as ever, while Min Jun feels like he hasn’t progressed since their breakup. Determined not to let the past affect his professional life, Min Jun tries to stay focused on work. However, Jin Hwan seems to have other intentions..."
My Thoughts:
This was a nice, short series, I just wish kbls were longer because you don’t actually get them together until the end and then it’s over. Both of the actors are very cute and I love the chemistry.
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