#Min Hyo Gi

[gabrielokun]

[ppeonppeonhan]

Korean GLs I'd Watch...

Let's try to manifest a world where some of the biggest Korean actresses were cast in major full-length GL kdramas.

COP + CRIMINAL

Esom (Because This Is My First Life) and Lee Da-hee (Search: WWW) play partners and besties, who both fall for their respective suspects for a crime spree against the patriarchy. (Think: Evening the pay gap at a major company; exposing scandals of sexist politicians; and chemically castrating sex offenders). Esom's love interest is Park Eun-bin (Extraordinary Attorney Woo), and Da-hee's love interest is Seo Yea-ji (It's Okay to Not Be Okay). It's a romantic crime thriller.

FRIENDS to LOVERS

Seol In-ah (Business Proposal) plays a new-money rich girl who hires a former old-money rich girl, played by Yoo In-na (Touch Your Heart), to be her personal assistant out of pity, but pretends she doesn't know her backstory. And Yoo helps Seol navigate rich society. Their conflict is that Seol's family bankrupted Yoo's family, and is getting the life Yoo was supposed to have, including the fiancee, the job, and the house. It's a sweet romantic comedy.

BOSS + EMPLOYEE

Kim Ji-won (Fight My Way) starts a job at a family law firm and works hard to get one of the partners, played by Son Ye-jin (Crash Landing on You), to be her mentor, but only because she wants her job. She starts off as a frenemie before Ye-Jin's hard edges rub off, and Ji-won develops a crush. Their obstacles are that Ye-Jin is married and in the closet, and Ji-won might be too ambitious to let go of her goals. It's a slow-burn romantic legal drama.

COOL GIRL + DORK

Park Shin-hye (Heirs & Pinocchio) plays a cold fashion house designer who hires an unlikely candidate to be her muse, played by Moon Ga-young (True Beauty). And what starts off as a toxic relationship blooms into a supportive one. Park Bo-young (Strong Girl Bong-soon) plays her head of design, who befriends Ga-young's bestie-turned-manager, played by Kim Seul-gi (Oh My Ghostess). They're the softer side couple. It's a romantic workplace dramedy.

FRIENDS to ENEMIES to LOVERS

Seo Hyun-jin (Why Her?) and Gong Hyo-jin (When the Camellia Blooms) were friends in college, but they had a falling out after a misunderstanding about a guy. They have a tense reunion as adults when Hyo-jin is setting up her nuptials at the wedding hall Hyun-jin manages. It's a slowburn romantic drama.

ONE-SIDED OBSESSION

Shin Min-a (Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha) plays the wife of a very powerful and abusive man and Hwang Jung-eum (She Was Pretty) plays the maid who is secretly in love with her and helps her escape. They go to Jung-eum's hometown where everyone assumes she's bringing her girlfriend home for the first time, because she didn't have the heart to tell them she got dumped after running away to be with her. Min-a decides to pretend to be the woman to pay her back, and they fall in love. The conflict being when Jung-eum's ex, played by Park Min-young (What's Wrong with Secretary Kim), returns to get her back.

💜 Your move Kdrama world! 💜

[odanurr87]

Alchemy of Completed 2022 Kdramas - Part 1

Last year I watched a bunch of kdramas, too many for me to properly review at the rate I write about them. As a result, I'm gonna try something different and quickly review those dramas that released in 2022 that I watched, and maybe recommend a few alternatives here and there in those cases where the show didn't live up to the task. Considering it's been a while since I watched some of these dramas, I binged a couple of them again to better inform my commentary. If you're short on time, or just want to add kdramas to your ever-increasing watchlist, you'll find a ⭐ next to the titles I wholeheartedly recommend, and a 💀 next to those I feel should best be avoided, but you do you. If you still haven't watched some of these shows, this list will hopefully give you some idea of whether you'll enjoy watching them (or not).

A brief note on my rating system before we begin. I use bins for my 1-10 scale in the following way:

Anything between 5 and 6 is considered average

Shows between 7 and 8 are considered above average

Shows in the 9 to 10 range are the cream of the crop

Anything between 1 to 4 is considered below average, with the 1-2 range reserved for the worst offenders.

Thus, I have two possible scores for the average, above average, and cream of the crop categories, what I believe makes my life a little easier when rating shows. I have occasionally given half point ratings (e.g. 7.5) to certain shows when I feel they're halfway to a better grade, but that has been the exception rather than the rule.

So without further ado, welcome to my Alchemy of Completed 2022 Kdramas - Part 1!

A Business Proposal⭐

Episode count: 12

Where to watch: Netflix

Rating: 8/10

Verdict: "You know I'm good at a lot of different things, right?"

We start with one of my favourites and the best short romcom of 2022. Based on the manhwa of the same name by Haehwa (original story) and NARAK (art), Taemu Kang (Ahn Hyeo Seop) plays the 'perfect CEO' stereotype who ain't got no time for love so, after several hilarious events, he eventually hires Hari Shin (Kim Se Jeong) to play the part of his girlfriend to fool grandpa. Unbeknownst to him though, Hari is his employee. Will their fake relationship turn into a real one? You bet your ass!

The show ticks almost all of the required tropes, subverts some -what was a pleasant surprise- and entertains throughout, making perfect use of its runtime. The second lead couple, played by Kim Min Gue and Seol In Ah, also turned several heads, not to mention the latter had great BFF chemistry with Kim Se Jeong. Week after week, I was looking forward to every episode of this show, especially considering how disappointing another romcom that aired around the same time turned out to be, and that you may or may not find in this list. You could say this show aired just in time for Samantha and Rachel to cure my FLAWless disappointment.

Again My Life⭐

Episode count: 16

Where to watch: Viki

Rating: 8/10

Verdict: Lawful Lawyer is back!

The better Lawless Lawyer of 2022. Kim Hee Woo (Lee Joon Gi) is a prosecutor who travels back in time to put the people who murdered him behind bars while the audience wonders which female lead he should date. And between Kim Ji Eun, Hong Bi Ra, and Veronica Park Kim Jae Kyung, well, he's definitely not lacking in choices. Fortunately, time travel is merely used as a trigger to tell the story (similar to 365: Repeat the Year in this respect), so we don't have to worry about kdramas' rather abysmal track record with sci-fi. The show keeps you hooked episode after episode, finding a good balance between the scheming, putting people behind bars, throwing some punches (has those trademark LJG action sequences!), all the while going after the next big fish. Last, but not least, it does an incredibly good job at managing an ensemble cast of characters, and there are a lot of them! If you're a fan of Lawless Lawyer or Lee Joon Gi, you can't go wrong with this one.

Alchemy of Souls - Part 1

Episode count: 20

Where to watch: Netflix

Rating: 6/10

Verdict: Watch a fantasy cdrama instead

Alternatives: Fights Break Sphere, Fighter of the Destiny

When I watched the character promos for this show I thought this could be Korea's answer to some of China's fantasy dramas, possibly Xuanhuan dramas, and I was all for it! I liked the male actor, Lee Jae Wook, in other dramas I'd watched with him (he was great in When the Weather is Fine and Search: WWW), and Jung So Min playing a master assassin and mentor in a fantasy drama was quite appealing. Of course, I was a bit worried when the teaser dropped, with its emphasis on some weak comedy, but I decided to give the show the benefit of the doubt. Sadly, Part 1 didn't live up to the task. It meandered a lot, definitely under-using its 20-episode order, focusing on every romantic relationship under the sun and then some, ultimately delivering an unsatisfactory hero's journey for the ML, while the antagonists played ping-pong with the alchemy of souls. At times, I was reminded of Hwarang, a show I have reviewed very poorly and that seems to have relied on the idol factor to garner popular appeal.

I've previously compared Jang Uk's journey to that of Xiao Yan from the cdrama Fights Break Sphere, in that I expected the former, from the previews, to undergo a similar rise to power as the latter, rigorously training under his master, slowly climbing his way back to power, but with the additional appeal of developing that romantic relationship between Jung So Min's character and Lee Jae Wook's, what would've made for a more rewarding journey for both the character and the audience. This is a tried-and-true formula, also used by the popular anime The Rising of the Shield Hero, to mention but one other example. Unfortunately for us, Jang Uk can hardly be bothered to train (supposedly, he "trained" with twelve masters for years and didn't learn a damn), except at the very specific, and limited, times that the script dictates, instead relying on luck and plot contrivances to "skip ahead" his way to power, what makes for far less memorable scenes. Additionally, the cdrama nails the master-student relationship thanks to the great rapport between Baron Chen's Yao Chen and Leo Wu's Xiao Yan, but there's hardly such a bond between Mu Deok and Jang Uk.

In the end, Part 1 of Alchemy of Souls should've been about Jang Uk's rise to power under the guidance of his master, and later love interest, Mu Deok, but it's too unfocused, its attention constantly diverted by comedy, love polygons, or caricaturesque villains doing dumb things under everyone's noses. Perhaps its only saving grace was the character of the Crown Prince, brilliantly played by Shin Seung Ho, who was able to nail both the comedy and the drama when called for. However, if you're looking for a good fantasy drama with a more traditional (or any) hero's journey, watch Fights Break Sphere instead, with the caveat only the first season has been released, and it's doubtful there'll be a second. I'd also recommend Fighter of the Destiny, with Lu Han. It probably doesn't have as good CGI or sets, but it has a better grip on the hero's journey than Alchemy and nails the camaraderie aspects.

Alchemy of Souls - Part 2

Episode count: 10

Where to watch: Netflix

Rating: 7/10

Verdict: Works better as a standalone watch

I should've probably left Part 2 of the show for Part 2 of my list, but I'm going in alphabetical order so that's that. This is one of the shows I decided to rewatch to refresh my memory and, to my surprise, it fared much better the second time around. Why's that? Read on to find out!

Part 2 of Alchemy of Souls starts strong, much stronger than Part 1 did, something many were doubting when the news hit that Jung So Min wouldn't return for Part 2, instead being replaced by the original Naksu actress, Go Youn Jung. Fortunately, she does an excellent job throughout, but especially in the beginning of Part 2, which comes across as more of a fairy tale (Rapunzel's), and where the show decides to embrace some of the typical marriage contact tropes, as Young Jung's character fake-marries the now uber-powerful Jang Uk in order to escape from her mother's tight grasp. Honestly, I wish the show had started with Part 2, in media res, and used the material from Part 1 for flashback storytelling, in a similar vein to how The Untamed did it. God, that would've been so good! Precisely because Jang Uk has become sort of a demigod he can boss around all of the useless supporting characters from Part 1 (I'm looking at you, Pathetic Assembly of Evil), and pretty much do whatever he wants, so it's quite commendable to see him return smarter and more measured in his decision-making.

As someone who watched Part 2 live back then, it started to lose its initial glimmer when an inevitable reveal kept being delayed episode after episode, hinting that it would obviously occur the next one. Of course, this never happened, but what made matters worse was the fact that the ML was kept oblivious while everyone around him found out and chose not to tell him because... reasons? I can understand one person keeping the secret for his own agenda, maybe a couple, but I find it astonishing that even Jang Uk's friends and family shared this same agenda, as they also kept the truth from him. Additionally, the more this delay continued the further the narrative possibilities were constrained and, thusly, certain scenarios conjured up by fans never came to pass. However, this will not be much of an issue for people coming in blind to Part 2 (or with a healthy distance from Part 1). Perhaps even the fact that the noble idiocy card is played, or that the main antagonist is obstinately preserved by the writers until the very last episode to little effect (when he shouldn't have made it past Part 1), won't present much of an issue to newcomers.

Having said this, I still feel the final battle for the fate of the world remains rather underwhelming and anticlimactic, not helped by the fact that certain characters are resurrected right before said battle. After all, if the show outright establishes death is not permanent, minutes before "the end of the world," why should I fear for any of the characters? Even Jang Uk himself, during this final battle, doesn't show an ounce of worry that maybe this time he will not make it out alive, regardless of his powers, making the fight seem entirely mechanical and perfunctory. The writers even throw in some half-baked plot device about the King's Star being powered by seven other stars, and since it had never been explained throughout the show a character has to exposition-dump it on our laps (there's quite a lot of exposition dump going around in Part 2, what helps newcomers to the show). It's a plot device prominently featured in the cdrama Fighter of the Destiny, which I previously recommended, so maybe it was inspired by it?

In the end, if you still want to get a taste of the Alchemy experience, I wholeheartedly suggest you treat Part 2 as the original show, with Part 1 being the prequel made to cash in on the show's success that, ultimately, you may not even need. Thus, as a standalone, I'm revising my original rating for Part 2 from a 6/10 to a 7/10, bumping it into my above average bin.

Extraordinary Attorney Woo

Episode count: 16

Where to watch: Netflix

Rating: 6/10

Verdict: Better luck in S2

Alternatives: Good Doctor, Again My Life

Woo to the Young to the Woo started off with a bang and had me sold after binging its first four episodes (I had a bit of an offset), making me hopeful this could be one of my favourites from 2022. Sadly, it was thereabouts that the quality of the writing slowly started going downhill for me. Woo lost me on two fronts: the weak framing and execution of the legal cases, and the underdeveloped cast of supporting characters, who were mostly neglected in favour of Park Eun Bin's Young Woo. Don't get me wrong, Park Eun Bin nailed the character, and her conversation with her mom in Episode 8 was particularly poignant and well executed, but it wouldn't have hurt to give characters like Min Woo or Jun-ho a case that resonated with them, like "The Strife of the Three Brothers," which was relevant to Young Woo's BFF Geu Ra-mi.

I'll take Min Woo as an example because, out of the whole cast of supporting characters, he showed the most promise. The show mentions in passing that Min Woo is his family's sole breadwinner, what could explain why he's so competitive and regards Young Woo as a threat rather than a boon, but the show never tries to explore this when it has the perfect medium to do so in the form of the legal cases. So why not give him a case that echoes some of his struggles trying to support his family while making headway into the competitive legal world, thus allowing us and his teammates to get to know him a little better? In essence, show us, don't just tell us. How am I then supposed to buy his sudden change-of-heart in "The Blue Night of Jeju" when you've given me nothing to support the fact he's bonded with anyone in the team? (besides Jun-ho who was already his flatmate) Perhaps not surprisingly, this particular episode throws a bunch of arcs left and right for the supporting characters to try and grab hold of, but too little too late.

As a procedural, I feel Extraordinary Attorney Woo is pretty average. It either didn't know how or never intended to handle its supporting cast of characters and successfully integrate them into the narrative, similarly to how a show like Again My Life did. To draw a curious parallel, the final episode of Again My Life gathers all of "the good guys" at the restaurant of Hee Woo's parents. There are 14 of them in total, not counting Hee Woo and his parents, and I feel like they've truly become one big extended family by show's end. Extraordinary Attorney Woo has a similar scene, gathering everyone at Min Shik's place that is meant to convey the same feeling, but they don't quite feel like a team yet, let alone a family. Maybe in Season 2?

If you're looking for a show featuring another savant autistic lead, but with a better grasp on developing an ensemble cast of characters, as well as a romantic relationship between the leads, then Good Doctor is the show for you. On the other hand, if you're looking for a kickass lawyer, well, you probably already know who I'm talking about.

Fanletter, Please⭐

Episode count: 4

Where to watch: Viki

Rating: 8/10

Verdict: A lot of heart in a small package

The first among three shows in these lists that feature Choi Soo Young and Yoon Park as either main or supporting leads. I'd only previously watched Choi Soo Young in So I Married an Anti-Fan, a show not without its share of issues, but her as the female lead wasn't one. Indeed, she was one of the highlights and I was looking forward to seeing more of her work. As such, I was looking forward to this mini-series, more so when I realised Yoon Park would play the role of a father willing to move heaven and earth for his daughter, what is not a typical setup in kdramas (in my watching experience, mind you). Off the top of my head, I can only think of Marriage Contract and Lie After Lie as similar shows, in terms of how much of a protagonist the child actor is. Both are shows I would wholeheartedly recommend.

As for Fanletter, Please, I was positively pleased by how much content and social commentary this show was able to fit into its 4-hour runtime without harming the storytelling, something that even full-length kdramas struggle to achieve. Having said that, I would've welcomed one or two more episodes to let it breathe a little bit more and, of course, to watch some cute family moments! This is definitely a case of so good you want more of it. Still, Choi Soo Young and Yoon Park make it work within the available runtime, what's a credit to them and the script. CSY was on a roll last year (as you'll find out in Part 2!) so I'll have to keep an eye out for more of her dramas, and it was very welcome to see Yoon Park play this devoted father character after the disappointing Forecasting Love & Weather (though he was pretty good in it). Give me more short dramas!

Forecasting Love and Weather

Episode count: 16

Where to watch: Viki, Netflix

Rating: 6/10

Verdict: Couldn't forecast love and I have my doubts about the weather

Alternatives: She Would Never Know, The Rational Life

I have a soft spot for Park Min Young, having watched romcoms like What's Wrong With Secretary Kim? and Her Private Life, or even melodramas like When the Weather is Fine. And who can forget Healer, where she played the part of Lois Lane to Ji Chang Wook's Clark Kent (watch it, it's a classic). I couldn't remember a drama with her that I didn't enjoy watching, so it broke my heart a little to see what a disappointing mess Forecasting Love and Weather turned out to be. I should've heeded a friend's advice to steer clear of Song Kang dramas, even though the script was clearly the worse offender by far.

The show hooked us in with the initial romcom elements, and then decided to veer into slife/melo territory, as the relationships between the different couples started to fray, with conflict being driven at an accelerated pace by the issues that arose from poor communication, or an outright absence of it, and how the different couples handled (they often didn't) the results of their miscommunication. I didn't much mind at the time because I felt they were being somewhat mature about it without overplaying their hand, and because my weekly romcom fix was being delivered by A Business Proposal, but they were treading a fine line... that got utterly ground into dust in the last six episodes. At this point in the show, the nonsensical drama was amped considerably, to the point it could've given Young Lady & Gentleman a run for their money, setting us up for the inevitable breakup. Why? Because the kdrama gods have written that a breakup must inevitably occur in Episode 14 or thereabouts, and this show is not about to subvert that trope!

Like Extraordinary Attorney Woo, Forecasting Love and Weather failed at properly handling its ensemble cast of characters, trying to juggle five relationships to some very mixed results, when it would've been better off simply focusing on the main and secondary couples. As a result, by show's end I could've cared less what happened to the main couple, and was actually a bit more invested in the secondary one, played by Yoon Park and Yura, possibly because they at least tried to talk to each other and work things out. Honestly, Yoon Park's Ki Jun got the better deal out of all the characters in the show. How do you make Ki Jun, the guy who cheated on his fiancée with Si Woo's girlfriend, a more likable, or at least interesting, character than everyone else? You have him grow from an immature baby into a more or less responsible adult. You could argue that the main leads experience growth of their own, but it struck me as a bit aimless, a bit hollow. I mean, 16 episodes for Ha Kyung's boss to tell her you learn more from your mistakes than you do your successes? Seriously? Just go to r/GetMotivated for that.

Would I recommend this show? Unless you want to learn a little about what goes on behind the scenes of a weather forecast, not really, but maybe it's my fault for having high expectations due to PMY. It's not a bad show though, just average. If you want far better executed takes on this concept, check She Would Never Know on the kdrama side, and The Rational Life on the cdrama side.

Glitch💀

Episode count: 10

Where to watch: Netflix

Rating: 3/10

Verdict: Watching an episode of Ancient Aliens on the History Channel would've been more exciting and a lot shorter too

Alternatives: Circle

Can I get away simply by saying watching this show was a glitch? No? Dammit. I should've known better than to watch a Netflix-produced kdrama, even if it does star Nana, 'cause they've all been a bust for me, but Glitch was one of the privileged few shows I watched in 2022 that made me feel I had utterly wasted my time, with no redeeming qualities about it. 500 minutes to tell a story that lacks focus and is all over the place, perhaps stretched thin to meet a Netflix episode quota, with a FL that is not particularly interesting to follow, as she goes through a midlife crisis and teams up with Nana to investigate a UFO cult that may or may not have kidnapped her ex to sell his kidneys. Okay, maybe I made up that last bit about the kidneys.

The comedy doesn't land, the mystery doesn't land, the drama doesn't land, and the UFO doesn't land either. Undoubtedly, the finale is the better episode of the show, not least of why because it marked the ending, but also because the show didn't have any more time to dawdle as it had been doing for the past nine episodes, what gave it some much needed focus. To make matters worse, the surprises and twists at the end of each episode just weren't good enough to keep you hooked, nor, I'm afraid, were the leads. I was tempted at the time to give this show my first ever 1/10 for the way it wasted my time over the span of those 500 minutes, with a story that was infuriatingly inconsistent and lacked a lot of common sense, but it's probably not that bad. Still, I would only recommend watching it to my enemies, probably alongside something like Sisyphus.

Good Job

Episode count: 12

Where to watch: Viki

Rating: 7/10

Verdict: Good fun

Alternatives: Secret Royal Inspector

Another ENA network show, like Extraordinary Attorney Woo, but shorter and more entertaining, as we follow the crazy antics of Eun Soon Woo (Jung Il Woo), a chaebol CEO who doubles as a private detective (think Bruce Wayne/Batman), and Don Se Ra (Kwon Yu Ri), his newly-recruited superpowered assistant, as they aim to solve a 20-year-old cold case while uncovering other, smaller, cases, helping people and rectifying injustices along the way.

Good Job is just a fun ride overall, even if the comedy can be a little hit-or-miss sometimes, especially when it drags on for too long or tries the Marvel route of undermining certain scenes. The writing too could've benefited from another revision, as some events feel gratuitously delayed, like when a character refuses to reveal a certain name only to do so a few minutes later, while others are forced to a head, like Se Ra discovering Soon Woo's batcave. Oh, yeah, he has a batcave, of sorts, and even an Alfred, in the form of Lee Joon Hyuk's Director Hong, whom you may recall from Mystic Pop-Up Bar. He also has a talented sidekick and comedic support, Jin Mo (Eum Moon Suk), both a lawyer and a hacker, who also gets into a romantic entanglement of his own with Se Ra's best friend, Na Hee (Song Sang Eun). This is the mini-Justice League you'll see play dress-up (these scenes are so over-the-top fun!) from episode to episode, as they go undercover to solve cases and get one step closer to their goal. In this sense, this show could be compared to something like Taxi Driver, but, unlike the latter, Good Job doesn't take itself too seriously and neither should you for maximum enjoyment.

While the resolution of the final case felt a bit underwhelming, and perhaps a tad perfunctory (I did appreciate the brief redemption arc for one of the antagonists though), Good Job achieves in 12 episodes what Extraordinary Attorney Woo could not in 16, making its cast of characters grow into a team, one I would not mind accompanying in more adventures in future seasons. Will that happen? Probably not, so if you're looking for more fun adventures of the sort, and don't mind traveling to the past, I would not hesitate to recommend Secret Royal Inspector, with Kim Myung Soo and Kwon Na Ra.

Grid💀

Episode count: 10

Where to watch: Disney+

Rating: 4/10

Verdict: Another nail in the kdrama sci-fi coffin

Alternatives: 365: Repeat the Year, Reset, Circle

Sci-fi is one of my favourite genres, but kdramas have had a rather lousy track record at delivering good quality sci-fi and, sadly, Grid does nothing to change that. Our story starts in 1997, when a mysterious time traveler known as "the Ghost" laves a program for an energy grid to replace Earth's failing magnetic fields. This Grid is now managed by the Administration Bureau who intend to track down the Ghost and unlock the secrets of time travel... eventually. The show's comprised of only ten episodes, yet the pacing of the first half is slower than it has any right to be given the events depicted (hint: they aren't that exciting) and the dialogue isn't stimulating enough to sustain such a slow burner. This "season" could've been compressed into 5 or 6 episodes and it would've been stronger for it. Of course, then it would hardly qualify as a "season" (though Netflix seems to think it does).

The main plot line focuses around this serial killer and the fact that the Ghost is helping him evade capture. Why is this time traveler aiding and abetting a criminal? Honestly, this question was never interesting enough to fuel ten weeks of watching (the pain!) and it shows. Additionally, it is not answered conclusively, although there are some bread crumbs for the viewer to put the pieces together. In fact, this statement captures the show in a nutshell; it raises questions, but never provides any conclusive or satisfying answers, playing on the viewer's knowledge of other (better) time travel stories so they can come up with their own. Perhaps the worst example of this is the season finale, which is only meant to set up events for a possible S2 (in your dreams, or nightmares), thereby raising even more questions.

The writer behind this, Lee Soon Yeon, is apparently quite good, having written for Stranger and Stranger 2. I haven't watched either show so I can't comment on them, but time travel stories aren't for everyone. Having said that, the "mysteries" that are supposed to keep viewers hooked were also underwhelming. I remember reading an article that recommended Grid as a show that keeps you on the edge of your seat. I suppose it's possible to fall off your seat while asleep, right? If you want a show that uses time travel well, though in very limited fashion, merely as a trigger for the plot to unfold, watch 365: Repeat the Year. The cdrama Reset is a great exponent of using a time loop and one of my favourites from 2022. If you want kdrama's best exponent of sci-fi to date, watch Circle (review on the way).

If You Wish Upon Me⭐

Episode count: 16

Where to watch: Viki

Rating: 8/10

Verdict: The genie from Aladdin would be proud

First things first, there is a better version of this show if you take out the gangster storyline, which was entirely superfluous, and better integrate the sister storyline into the main plot. You can also drop the jealous doctor who added surprisingly little beyond being jealous at the required times (what a waste of a perfectly good character). Repackage it all into a shorter, 12-episode, season and this show could've reached 9-10 territory for me. Those are pretty much the weakest aspects of the show.

With that out of the way, it's a very good show. People have compared it to Chocolate given that it takes place in a hospice ward but, for my part, I dropped that show after 5 or 6 episodes, partly because of the ML. No such problem with Ji Chang Wook's character here, an orphan and ex-con with a heart of gold, and a cute dog he's named "Son." Despite all the abuse he's been subjected to throughout his life, he slowly starts to open up as he does community service at the hospice. Paired with Choi Soo Young's flirty Nurse Seo (love her!), these two alone make a powerful case for watching this show. Sung Dong Il also delivers a great performance and has some wonderful exchanges with Ji Chang Wook's character.

The show follows the "case of the week" formula for the most part, certainly during the first half of the drama, as Team Genie tries to fulfill the final wishes of the hospice's patients and often positively impact other people's lives in so doing. Be prepared and have tissues at hand. Beyond the gangster detour that wasted our time towards the end, and drew dangerously close to upending all the good will the show had garnered throughout its run, the final episode really brings it home, coming full circle and delivering a really satisfying conclusion to our story, one final surprise as Team Genie brings down the curtain on their show and bids us goodbye.

In short, yes, it could've been better with a tighter focus but, as it stands, it's one of the better shows to have come out in 2022, and perhaps Ji Chang Wook's best work since Healer (with the caveat that I have not yet watched Suspicious Partner nor Lovestruck in the City). And Choi Soo Young is now 2 for 2! (this girl's on 🔥🔥)

Jinxed at First💀

Episode count: 16

Where to watch: Viki

Rating: 4/10

Verdict: Oh, it's jinxed alright

Alternatives: My Girlfriend is a Gumiho, Goblin, Scripting Your Destiny

I had measured expectations for this drama. Na In Woo had previously worked with the same director in 2021's River Where the Moon Rises, a show I enjoyed a great deal, though mostly because it was the first time I delved deep into the history behind the drama, namely the tale of Princess Pyeonggang and On Dal the Fool, and the history of the Three Kingdoms' period. He was brought in late, with production underway, to replace Ji Soo; he barely slept, had to adlib a lot of his scenes, and still managed to have great chemistry with Kim So Hyun and, to my mind, had the better grasp on the character of On Dal. I'd hoped Jinxed at First would give him another opportunity to shine, but, alas, that was not the case.

The first episode alone is a hectic storytelling mess (and, incidentally, River Where the Moon Rises alumni reunion), rushing through a lot of backstory and setup for the rest of the season. We're introduced to Soo Gwang, a bright student with a promising future and powerful friends, whose life takes a turn for the worse when he meets Seul Bi (Seo Hyun), a woman imprisoned since birth by his best friend's dad because of her strange ability to see a person's future through a single touch. Cut to a year later, where we find Soo Gwang working as a fishmonger under a different name, only for Seul Bi to track him down again, determined to remain by his side.

Honestly, I'm not sure what genre this show wanted to be, but I'm pretty sure it failed at most of them. For the first 6 or 7 episodes it tried to resemble something like My Girlfriend is a Gumiho, as Seul Bi is just as innocent and naïve as Miho was (even if Miho sold it better than Seul Bi did, to my mind), and both male leads were resolved to get rid of her. This is perhaps the strongest portion of the show, as Seul Bi adapts to her new environment and neighbors, making new friends while at the same time helping Soo Gwang get rid of his (never explained) bad luck. I even enjoyed some of the comedy. However, unlike My Girlfriend is a Gumiho, there is not enough chemistry between the leads to have them fall in love with each other over the course of 6 or 7 episodes. Well, not in Soo Gwang's case at any rate, as Seul Bi has been infatuated with him for years. Upon falling in love, the trope that naturally follows is a break-up, after which point the show starts to resemble more of a makjang, turning to corporate and chaebol intrigue and infighting. This is also around the time Soo Gwang's best friend, Min Joon (played by Ki Do Hoon, from Scripting Your Destiny), decides he's in love with Seul Bi (what?), something even more out of left field, especially when he's already engaged to Lee Ho Jung's (Soljiwan!!!) charming character, Ja Kyung, who effortlessly stole every scene she was in. Min Joon, if you don't want her, I'll gladly take her off your hands!

Seemingly having exhausted the depth of its narrative well, the show dragged its feet for several episodes, eventually deciding the story was better served by turning a character into a psychopath, who also wanted Seul Bi for himself and was willing to kill anyone in the process, an eye-rolling set of circumstances eventually resolved thanks to Seul Bi's expansive (aka nonsensical) repertoire of supernatural powers. And, of course, in a show of this caliber, the amnesia trope could not be absent, a card that is dealt in the very last episode and resolved at the very last minute. What a payoff.

When I first learned of this drama I recall reading an outline that went something along the lines of, "Unlucky man meets a goddess of luck." Would it have been too much to ask for a show fitting that description, but in the vein of the excellent Goblin instead? Or maybe something like Scripting Your Destiny, which is certainly not as good as Goblin, but is still way better than this, and much shorter too. If you want to watch a show that features a romantic relationship between a god and a human, I encourage you to give those a try instead, as well as the aforementioned My Girlfriend is a Gumiho.

[kverything-official]

5 Time Travel K-Dramas To Watch If You Like Lovely Runner

5. King The Eternal Monarch

If you’re seeking time travel K-Dramas to watch with a unique twist, “The King: Eternal Monarch” should be your next binge-watch. It ditches the typical tropes of hopping through centuries and instead explores parallel universes. Lee Gon, a stoic emperor from a Korean monarchy, discovers a magical doorway that leads to a modern-day Republic of Korea. Here, he encounters Jung Tae-eul, a fierce detective who doesn’t believe his tales of two worlds. 

Their paths become intertwined as they fight to close the doorway and prevent a malicious force from wreaking havoc. The show blends romance, fantasy, and action, keeping you guessing about the true nature of time and fate. With stunning visuals, a captivating plot, and undeniable chemistry between the leads, “The King: Eternal Monarch” offers a fresh take on the time travel genre, leaving you wanting more. 

4. 18 Again

Craving time travel K-Dramas to watch with a heartwarming touch? Look no further than “18 Again.” Unlike journeys to distant eras, this drama focuses on a second chance. Hong Dae-young, a disillusioned husband and father, gets a magical do-over. He transforms back into his 18-year-old self while retaining his middle-aged memories. Now living as Ko Woo-young, he enrolls in the same high school as his twins.

“18 Again” offers a unique perspective as Dae-young experiences high school life through a different lens. He navigates teenage struggles while secretly observing his family from the sidelines. The drama explores themes of regret, family dynamics, and the power of communication. With a healthy dose of humor and romance, “18 Again” reminds us that it’s never too late to rewrite your story, even if it means starting from square one (and looking a decade younger!). 

3. Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo

In the mood for time travel K-Dramas watch that blends historical intrigue with epic romance? “Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo” will sweep you off your feet. Go Ha-jin, played by our favorite K-Pop soloist IU, a modern-day woman, finds herself transported back in time to the Goryeo Dynasty after a solar eclipse. Thrust into the heart of a royal court filled with scheming princes, she becomes entangled in their lives and power struggles. 

“Moon Lovers” isn’t your typical light-hearted time travel romp. It dives deep into the emotional turmoil of being a stranger in a dangerous past. The romance is both passionate and heartbreaking, as Ha-jin develops feelings for one of the princes against the backdrop of political turmoil. With stunning period costumes, a captivating plot, and a story that will stay with you long after the credits roll, “Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo” is a must-watch for fans of time travel K-Dramas that aren’t afraid to pack an emotional punch.

Hope you don’t cry in the end though. 

Read the full blog at: 5 Time Travel K-Dramas To Watch If You Like Lovely Runner

[gregor-samsung]

소설가의 영화 [The Novelist's Film] (Hong Sang-soo, 2022)

[thedetectivessay]

Controversial Take: Busted + OG Running Man Equivalents

Jaesuk → Jaesuk. There's really no need to explain this other than Jaesuk was Jaesuk whether he was in Busted or Running Man. He was the leader of both crews and constantly made sure things are kosher while still having fun with the kiddos.

The only difference, I guess, is that in season three of Busted, he became the oldest out of all of them, so he had that added responsibility.

Still, he made sure that he, the team, and the audience would have plenty of fun.

Minyoung → Sukjin. This is probably quite a controversial take, and maybe a stretch, but hear me out: both Minyoung and Sukjin are similar in that they're both comfortable working by themselves. They have their own approaches to things, their own styles that they prefer not to be cramped by others. They're gonna be who they are - come what may.

The only difference is that Sukjin's individuality comes out comedic (as intended), and Minyoung's is more sophisticated.

Kwangsoo → Jongkook. Okay. I know. Kwangsoo was Kwangsoo whether in RM or Busted, just like Jaesuk. And I agree! BUT, if you consider what they do for the group and the cases rather than just their personalities, maybe you can agree that Kwangsoo was, more times than not, Busted's Mr. Capable.

Consider it: whenever the team needed anything that involves heavy lifting (like the planets in Tartarus), Kwangsoo was assigned to it. If they needed to chase a bad guy, keep something safe, dive into deep waters, Kwangsoo was their guy. Also, like Jongkook, he has a good eye for people aka he knows when someone isn't acting right.

Despite being quite goofy, Kwangsoo's pretty strong and pretty observant - just like Jongkook.

That's why I thought the two of them equal each other as far as what they do for the group.

Seunggi → Haha. This is probably one of my favorite equivalents. Charming, funny, is committed to the bit. Can play so innocent and confused that people start believing he's the victim, the good guy rather than who he is, which is actually the bad guy.

Can't tell who I'm actually describing? That's because it's both of them. Seunggi fooled the team twice because he's just way too good at his game. At the same time, in Running Man, Haha has succeeded as a spy so many times because he's good at redirecting the attention and suspicion of the members.

Seunggi and Haha are the illusionists of their respective groups, with only a few ever catching the trick of their hands.

Sehun → Gary. Sehun and Gary can be so introverted that sometimes they blend into the background. However, their skills definitely don't. You can often catch both men thinking quietly of a solution in the background while the team discuss the problem out loud. Their physical skills are impressive, too! Just like how Gary's pretty much able to do what Jongkook could do, Sehun can also do a lot of the physical heavy lifting for the detective team just like Kwangsoo.

And: Sehun and Gary are just funny without trying. It's insane how brilliant they are in a variety show without having to try hard.

Jongmin → Jihyo. This could be another interesting take? But this idea came to me after watching the season two premiere for what must have been the billionth time.

These two cuties have one big thing in common: instinct, not so much with people, but with things. They will both pick the right number, right box, right door, right whatever without really knowing why they picked it, and actually win.

I guess the only difference is that whereas Jongmin finds and picks the right things because of curiosity, Jihyo's instinct is so fine tuned that she can just pull up to things without much thought and end up with the correct object that causes her to win.

They're still very different in their styles and stuff in other things, of course, but their similarity in this is pretty hard to ignore.

Sejeong → Kwangsoo. Barring Kwangsoo's penchant for mischief and betrayal, Sejeong's...pretty much like him to her team. Think about it: they're both the youngest of their respective groups, both cheeky at times, easily warms up and befriends the guests, and does their best to contribute to the task.

Sejeong was undeniably stellar as they dealt with the cases. She was so intelligent and fearless that the team was able to ace the season three casefiles without a hitch. Also, she was so cute! I absolutely loved her.

Like her, RM Kwangsoo, without question, had his own star quality in Running Man. It's hard to think of Running Man without thinking of Kwangsoo.

Their game attitude and superstar quality that added such a large value to their teams despite being the babies is why I think the two of them are equals.

[korelist]

The Universe's Star //Romance Full of Life//Queen of Ring // KDRAMA DİZİ YORUMU

UYARI : Yazılar genel olarak spoiler içerebilir. İçermeyedebilir.

Drama Series: The Universe's Star (literal title) Hangul: 우주의 별이

Director: Kim Ji-Hyun

Writer: Kim Ji-Hyun

Cast: Suho, Ji-Woo, Shin Hyun-Soo, Na Hae-Ryung, Ko Kyu-Pil, Ko Kyu-Pil

Drama: Romance Full of Life (literal title)

Hangul: 생동성 연애

Director: Park Sang-Hoon

Writer: Park Eun-Young, Park Hee-Kwon

Cast: Yoon Si-Yoon, Jo Soo-Hyang, Kang Ki-Young, Kim Min-Soo, Jang Hee-Ryung, Woo Hyeon

Drama: Queen of Ring (literal title)

Hangul: 반지의 여왕

Director: Kwon Sung-Chan

Writer: Kim A-Jung

Cast: Kim Seul-Gi, Ahn Hyo-Seop, Yoon So-Hee, Lee Tae-Sun

Date: 2017

Language: Korean

Country: South Korea

Dizi 10’ar dakikalık kısa bölümlerden oluşuyor. 3 farklı hikaye olarak seri yapılmış. Yine bir okul ödevi tadında kısacık eğlencelik minnak diziler. Her birinde tanıdığımız, sevdiğimiz oyuncuları görmemiz mümkün.

The Universe's Star;

Woo-Joo yetenekli bir şarkıcı-söz yazarıdır ve Byul-Yi ise bir ölüm meleğidir. Hayranı olduğu çocuğun hayatını alması için gönderilince aralarındaki romantizm dizinin konusu olur. Benim yorumum üçlemenin en pasif ve silik hikayesi buydu. Hikaye anlatmak istediği duyguları anlatabilecek kadar uzun olmadığı için izleyiciye pek bir şey geçmedi. Ama çok da ciddi bakmamak lazım tabi.

Romance Full of Life;

Çok uzun süredir polis memur sınavlarına hazırlanan So In-Sung  8 kez başarısız olmuştur. Buna rağmen hiç neşesini kaybetmemeye çalışır. Kız arkadaşı Wang So-Ra  ise artık onunda ayaklarının yere bastığını görmek ister. Aynı zamanda o da kendi içinde zor zamanlar geçirirken anlık bir kararla ilişkilerini bitirir. Dünyası yıkılan In-Sung  tesadüfen gördüğü  "Hayat Dolu Deney" isimli bir ilaç deneyine katılarak para kazanacağını düşünür.  

Bu hikayenin konusu ilginçti. Tamamen mükemmel insana dönüştüren bu hap ile yapay bir popülerlik kazanan karakterimizin aslında ne istediğini keşfetmesini anlatıyordu.

Queen of Ring;

Benim seriye başlama nedenim ve en eğlendiğim hikaye ise buydu. Aileden gelen genetik bir çirkinliğe sahip kısa boylu bir kız olan Mo Nan-Hee bir gün annesinin sırrını keşfeder. Ailesinde nesillerdir ailenin kadınlarına miras kalan bir yüzük vardır.  Yüzüğü sevdiğin kişinin sana takmasını sağladığında karşındaki kişi seni görmek istediği ideal güzellikte görmesini sağlıyordur. Babası gündüz işteyken yüzüğü annesinden ödünce alan kızımız okulda sevdiği erkeğe dünyanın en güzel kızı olarak görünür. Ancak yakışıklı çocuğumuz Park Se-Gun yüzüğün büyüsü ile yıllar önce karşılaşıp beğendiği bir kızın yüzünü görmektedir. İşte o kız bizim Nan-Hee’nin arkadaşıdır ve aynı okula kaydını yaptırınca işler karışır.

Hikayeler böyleydi. Üçü de yumuşak, kısa, keyifli zaman geçirten tatlı dizilerdi. Çok uzun konuşmaya gerek olduğunu düşünmüyorum. Sıkıldığınızda açıp 10dk bakıp kapatabileceğiniz, küçük bir kaçamak olarak düşünebilirsiniz.

Raven Melus

BAŞKA NELER VAR ?

FOTOĞRAFLAR

[yeniyeniseyler]

Kore dizileri TLC'de! (Özel Haber)

[bidokja]

Weak Hero Character Names

For those who don't know, the Weak Hero webtoon anglicized a bunch of the characters' first names from Korean to English. They don't do this for newly introduced characters anymore AFAIK, but all the names they anglicized initially have been kept that way.

Since I've gotten a few people asking about the names, so I decided to compile a list of their original Korean names. You can find amost of these on their character profiles on the Weak Hero fandom page, but I figured people would appreciate having a quick reference that is all in one place. Hopefully this helps people learn/connect their original names.

Remember, this is not a full character list, it's for finding the Korean names of the characters that had their names anglicized.

The format will be:

Anglicized Name -> Korean Name (common alternative romanizations will be in parenthesis)

Eunjang High

Alex Go -> Go Hyeontak (Hyun-tak)

Ben Park -> Park Humin (Hoo-min)

Colton Choi -> Choi Hyoman (Hyo-man)

Eugene Gale -> Seo Juntae (Jun-tae)

Gerard Jin -> Jin Gayul (Ga-yool)

Gray Yeon -> Yeon Sieun (Shi-eun)

Phillip Kim -> Kim Pilyoung (Pil-young)

Rowan Im -> Im Juyang (Ju-yang)

Teddy Jin -> Jin Taeoh (Tae-oh)

Daehyeon High

Dean Kwon -> Kwon Hyeokjin (Hyuk-jin)

Jake Ji -> Ji Hakho (Hak-ho | Hagho)

Timothy Park -> Park Taegi (Tae-gi)*

Ganghak High

Jared Sun -> Seon Jongwon (Sun Jong-Wan)

Toby Kim -> Kim Dosik (Do-sik)

Wolf Keum -> Keum Seongje (Sung-je)

Hyeongshin High

Forrest Lee -> Lee Sehan (Se-han)

Myles Joo -> Joo Seungjin (Seung-jin)

Robin Ha -> Ha Minjo (Min-jo)

Sam "Grape" Lee -> Lee Gongsam (Gong-sam)

Yeo-il High

Donald Na -> Na Baekjin (Baek-jin)

Kingsley Kwan -> Kwan Seokhyeon (Suk-hyun)

Yoosun High

Harper "Helmet" Ha -> Ha Huicheol (Hee-chul)

Hugo Yoon -> Yun Hoyeong (Yoon Ho-young)

Jack Kang -> Kang Jeongyeon (Jung-yun)

Jimmy Bae -> Bae Jihun (Ji-hun)

Other Recurring/Relevant Characters

Bryce Oh -> Oh Beomseok (Beom-sok)

Julia Chae -> Chae Yujin (Yoo-jin)

Kenny Ji -> Ji Gwangseok (Gwang-seok)

Lala Lee -> Lee Minji (Min-ji)

Lily Nam -> Nam Jeongah (Jung-ah)

Oswald Yang -> Yang Seonghun (Sung-hoon)*

Sean Shin -> Shin Jeongseob (Jung-sub)*

Stephen Ahn -> Ahn Suho (Su-ho)

Wesley Song -> Song Baekkyu (Beak-gyu)

(* These names weren't on the wiki, so I looked at raws.)

[youtifulkrp]

Most wanted?

Hello !

After polling our community, we were able to produce this list:

Loona... Cho Ha-seul , Wong Kahei ; Vivi , Jeong Jin-sol , Kim Jung-eun ; Kim Lip , Jeon Hee-jin , Kim Hyun-jin , Park Chae-won ; Go Won , Choi Ye-rim ; Choerry , Son Hye-ju , Im Yeo-jin

Vixx... Cha Hak Yeon ; N , Jung Taek Woon ; Leo , Lee Jae Hwan ; Ken , Han Sang Hyuk 

Dreamcatcher...  Kim Min Ji ; JiU , Kim Bo Ra ; SuA ,  Lee Si Yeon , Han Dong , Kim Yoo Hyeon ,  Lee Yu Bin ; Dami , Lee Ga Hyeon

BTS... Kim Nam Joon ; RM , Kim Seok Jin ; Jin , Min Yoon Gi ; Suga , Jung Ho Seok ; J-Hope , Park Ji Min

Mamamoo... Kim Yong Sun ; Solar , Moon Byul-Yi  ; Moonbyul , Jung Whee In ; Wheein , Ahn Hye Jin ; Hwasa

Girls’ Generation / SNSD... Kim Tae Yeon ,  Lee Soon Kyu ; Sunny , Stephanie Young Hwang  ;  Tiffany Young ,  Kim Hyo Yeon  , Kwon Yu Ri  , Choi Soo Young ,  Im Yoon-A ,  Seo Joo Hyun ; Seohyun

Soloists... Kim Hyo-jung ; Hyolyn , Lee Chae-rin ; CL , Kim Hanbin ; B.I. , Bang Yongguk , Jessica Ho ; Jessi

BTOB... Seo Eun Kwang , Lee Min Hyuk , Lee Chang Sub , Lim Hyun Sik , Peniel Dong Shin ; Peniel , Yook Sung Jae

iKon... Song Yunhyeong ; Song , Kim Donghyuk ; DK , Koo Junhoe  ; June , Jung Chanwoo

Winner... Kang Seung Yoon ; Yoon , Kim Jin Woo ; Jinu , Lee Seung Hoon  ; Hoony , Song Min Ho ; Mino

Kard...  Kim Tae Hyung ; J.Seph , Matthew Kim ; BM , Jeon So Min , Jeon Ji Woo 

GOT7... Lim Jae Beom ; Jay B , Mark Yi En Tuan ; Mark , Wang Jackson ,  Park Jin Young , Choi Young Jae , Kunpimook Bhuwakul Bambam ; BamBam , Kim Yu Gyeom

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ⤷ ⋆⭒˚.⋆ 𝑨𝑫𝑴𝑰𝑵 𝑵𝒀𝑿𝑿 & 𝑬𝑹𝑶𝑺

[gabrielokun]

[stay-tiny2021]

Dad!AU NCT Children

These are the children I will write about for each member when writing Dad!AU prompts!

moon taeil

Moon Baek Hyun (문백현)

Moon Eun Ji (문은지)

johnny suh

Seo Young Mi/Grace Suh (서영미)

Seo Min Jae/Daniel Suh (서민재)

lee taeyong

Lee Ji Young (이지영) & Lee Hana (이하나) (identical twins)

nakamoto yuta

Nakamoto Kiyomi (中本清美)

Nakamoto Haruto (中本ハルト)

qian kun

Qian Xiaoli (錢小麗)

Qian Chunhua (錢春華)

kim doyoung

Kim Eun Joo (김은주) & Kim Jun Seo (김준서) (fraternal twins)

chittaphon leechaiyapornkul

Brandon/Boon-Mee Leechaiyapornkul (บุญมี ลี้ชัยพรกุล)

Amelia/Amara Leechaiyapornkul (อมรา ลี้ชัยพรกุล)

jung jaehyun

Jung Jin Sang/Lucas Jung (정진상)

Jung Moon Byeol/Chastity Jung (정문별)

dong sicheng

Dong Mei (董梅)

Dong Chaoxiang (董朝祥)

kim jungwoo

Kim Chan Yeol (김찬열)

Kim Nara (김나라)

mark lee

Lee Hwa Seong/Caleb Lee (이화성)

Lee Sung Hyo/Charisma Lee (이성효)

xiao dejun

Xiao Jinghua (肖景華)

Xiao Bocheng (肖伯承)

wong kunhang

Wong Bojing (黃柏晶)

Wong Zihao (黃子豪)

huang renjun

Huang Meili (黃美麗)

Huang Lihua (黄丽华)

lee jeno

Lee Mi Sun (이미선)

Lee Tae Hoon (이태훈)

lee donghyuck

Lee Yong Sun (이용선)

Lee Ji Soo (이지수)

na jaemin

Na Seul Gi (나슬기)

Na Hye Jin (나혜진)

Na Sun Mi (나선미)

liu yangyang

Carter Liu/Liu Haoxuan (劉浩軒)

Kimberly Liu/Liu Meilian (劉美蓮)

zhong chenle

Zhong Yaozu (鐘耀祖)

Zhong Xiyang (鐘希揚)

Zhong Jiayi (鍾嘉義)

park jisung

Park Young Jae (박영재)

Park Ji Hyo (박지효)

[loveseriesnmovies]

Under the queen's umbrella

Cast

Kim Hye-soo as Queen Hwa Ryeong

Kim Hae-sook as Queen Dowager

Choi Won-young as King Yi Ho

Bae In-hyuk as Crown Prince

Moon Sang-min as Grand Prince Seongnam / Crown Prince

Yoo Seon-ho as Grand Prince Gyeseong

Yoon Sang-hyun as Grand Prince Muan

Park Ha-jun as Grand Prince Ilyeong

Kang Chan-hee as Prince Uiseong

Also:

Kim Min-gi as Prince Bogeom

Moon Sung-hyun as Prince Simso

Ok Ja-yeon as Royal Consort Gwi-in Hwang

Kim Ga-eun as Royal Consort So-yong Tae

Woo Jung-won as Royal Consort Gwi-in Go

Seo Yi-sook as Deposed Queen Yoon

Kim Eui-sung as Hwang Won-hyeong

Jang Hyun-sung as Yoon Soo-kwang

Han Dong-hee as Crown Princess Min

Park Jun-myun as Court Lady Shin

Kim Jae-bum as Physician Kwon / Yi Ik-hyeon

Kwon Hae-hyo as Master Toji / Yoo Sang-uk

Oh Ye-ju as Lady Yoon Cheong-ha / Crown Princess

---------------------------------------------------------------

Synopsis

This KDrama was aired on October 15 of 2022, going for 16 episodes.This drama is set on a fictional Joseon dynasty, with a strong queen who would give up all protocols as she struggles to make her trouble making sons into princes.

Opinion

This is a very good series, I binge watched it in a few days. I loved the queen! How strong, resourceful, and independent she was. I loved all the characters, especially the queen and prince Seongnam. I also loved how the king was very supportive of her. The series had a lot of different topics, from motherhood to sexuality. It's a drama series. There are no gore or sex scenes. I recommend this series to anyone who likes history dramas.

You can watch on Netflix

[ulkaralakbarova]

After a deadly earthquake turns Seoul into a lawless badland, a fearless huntsman springs into action to rescue a teenager abducted by a mad doctor. Credits: TheMovieDb. Film Cast: Nam-san: Ma Dong-seok Yang Gi-su: Lee Hee-jun Choi Ji-wan: Lee Jun-young Han Su-na: Roh Jeong-eui Lee Eun-ho: Ahn Ji-hye Kwon Sang-sa: Park Ji-hoon Teacher: Jang Young-nam Tiger: Park Hyo-joon Yeon-su: Seong Byeong-suk Madame: Jung Young-ju Ju-ye: Lee Han-joo Director Choi: Park Sang-hoon Director Oh: Ahn Seong-bong Ju-ye’s Father: Jeong Gi-seop Ju-ye’s Mother: Kim Young-sun Western Grandfather: Sin Sin-beom Western’s Mother: Hong Yi-joo Film Crew: Production Design: Jo Hwa-seong Sound Supervisor: Kim Suk-won Editor: Nam Na-young Special Effects Supervisor: Jung Do-ahn Adaptation: Ma Dong-seok Lighting Director: Song Hyun-suk Director of Photography: Byun Bong-sun Production Sound Mixer: Jung Gun Producer: Choi Won-ki Makeup & Hair: Nam Ji-soo Special Effects Makeup Artist: Pi Dae-seong Digital Intermediate: Lee Hye-min Production Design: Park Gyu-bin Original Music Composer: Kim Dong-wook Editor: Ha Mi-ra Martial Arts Choreographer: Heo Myeong-haeng Writer: Kim Bo-tong Executive Producer: Byun Seung-min Martial Arts Choreographer: Yoon Seong-min Original Story: Kim Dong-gyun Adaptation: Kim Chang-hoon Writer: Kwak Jae-min Executive Producer: Choi Byeong-hwan Special Effects Makeup Artist: Seol Ha-un Props: Kang Shin-hong Key Grip: Lee Hyun-gyu Special Effects Supervisor: Im Jong-hyeok Line Producer: Choi Su-im Visual Effects: Yuk Gwan-woo Movie Reviews: Chris Sawin: The film features some hard-hitting and explosive action sequences that will rightfully cater to fans of the genre. The battle in the basement of the apartment building, where we see Nam-san use a shotgun to blast his way through some of the doctor’s ‘enhanced’ individuals, is a total exhilarating blast. Ma Dong-seok has been a powerhouse for most of his career post Train to Busan, but he sends people flying whenever he throws his fist or pulls the trigger. _Badland Hunters_ also has to break a record for most decapitations in a film. **Full review:** https://bit.ly/bdlndhntr MovieGuys: Badland Hunters does something things well, others just passably. Action is wall to wall and well choreographed.Special effects are excellent. Characterisations are solid if predictable and the acting is not to be sniffed at. However, the story is unremarkable, with a climax that feels, well, anti climatic. In summary, an okay but hardly exceptional watch, that would have benefited from more creativity on the storytelling front. Ritesh Mohapatra: “Badland Hunters: A Visually Striking Action Spectacle with Narrative Shortcomings” In this post-apocalyptic action thriller, Badland Hunters, while suffering from a repetitive and clichéd plot and uninteresting characters, excels in stunning hand-to-hand choreography and scintillating action set pieces. The film benefits greatly from the expertise of its veteran stunt coordinator turned director, known for his work on Train to Busan. Commendable world-building, visionary concepts, and excellent VFX are hindered by conventional writing. The short, crisply edited runtime avoids unnecessary elements. Don Lee’s exceptional portrayal of Nam-san, with exhilarating action sequences, overshadows the film’s narrative weaknesses, making it a guiltily satisfying popcorn-worthy entertainer, particularly for adrenaline enthusiasts. Instagram & X @streamgenx.

[idolskpop]

‘Moving’ Episode 20: Han Hyo Joo, Ryu Seung Ryong, Zo In Sung’s Characters Find Their Happy Ending

The Disney+ original series ‘Moving’ has come to an end with its 20th episode, delivering a satisfying conclusion for the characters and the viewers. The superhero action drama, based on the webtoon by Kang Full, starred Han Hyo Joo, Ryu Seung Ryong, Zo In Sung, Cha Tae Hyun, and other talented actors as people with hidden superpowers who fight against dark forces.

‘Moving’ Episode 20: The Final Battle

(Photo : Disney+) The finale episode began with a tense showdown between Lee Mi Hyun (Han Hyo Joo) and Jung Joon Hwa (Yang Dong Geun), a North Korean soldier who also has the ability to fly. Mi Hyun was in danger of being killed by Joon Hwa, but her son Kim Bong Seok (Lee Jung Ha) came to her rescue and fought against him. However, Mi Hyun wanted Bong Seok to run away, knowing that the North Korean troop leader Kim Deok Yoon (Park Hee Soon) was aiming a gun at him. Fortunately, Bong Seok was saved by Jeon Gye Do (Cha Tae Hyun), who used his electromagnetic power to kill Joon Hwa. Deok Yoon then tried to escape with the files that contained the secrets of the superpowered people, but he was chased by Jang Joo Won (Ryu Seung Ryong) and Lee Jae Man (Kim Sung Kyun) to the rooftop.

(Photo : Disney+ Korea) Joo Won and Jae Man confronted Deok Yoon, who revealed that he had been working for Frank (Ryoo Seung Bum), a mysterious man who wanted to use the superpowers for his own agenda. Deok Yoon also confessed that he was the one who killed Jae Man’s father 50 years ago, when he was part of a secret mission to capture the superpowered people. Deok Yoon then tried to jump off the building with the files, but he was stopped by Joo Won, who grabbed his arm. Jae Man then shot Deok Yoon in the chest, causing him to fall. Joo Won managed to hold on to the files and pulled himself up.

The Aftermath

(Photo : Disney+ Korea) A year later, the superpowered people were living normal lives without being hunted by anyone. Jang Hee Soo (Go Youn Jung) and Lee Kang Hoon (Kim Do Hoon) graduated from high school with their parents’ attendance, except for Bong Seok and Mi Hyun, who had gone into hiding since the incident. Joo Won continued his chicken business with Kwon Young Deuk (Park Gwang Jae), a former North Korean soldier who became his assistant. Hee Soo entered the university’s physical education department and became friends with Shin Hye Won (Shim Dal Gi), a girl who had super speed. Kang Hoon visited Mr. Min (Moon Sung Geun), the head of the NIS, and expressed his desire to join the agency with one condition: to clear his father’s name from criminal records. Mr. Min agreed and revealed that Kang Hoon’s father was actually a hero who sacrificed himself to protect the superpowered people from Frank.

(Photo : Disney+ Korea) Kang Hoon also met the school guard and his classmate who disguised themselves as part of Jeonwon High School, but in reality they were high-ranking NIS officials who had been monitoring the superpowered people. Bong Seok and Mi Hyun left town and lived a peaceful life in a rural area. They occasionally received letters from Hee Soo and Kang Hoon, who updated them on their lives. Hee Soo also told them about a superhero wearing a yellow cape who appeared in Seoul and saved people from danger. In the last scene, it was revealed that the superhero was Kim Doo Shik (Zo In Sung), Bong Seok’s father and Mi Hyun’s husband, who had been held captive by Frank for 50 years. He managed to escape with the help of Park Il Chan (Jo Bok Rae), a North Korean soldier who sympathized with him. Doo Shik returned to South Korea and killed Frank, who had been hiding as an American businessman named Mark (Daniel C Kennedy). He then reunited with his family and hugged them tightly.

The Reviews

(Photo : Disney+ Korea) The final episode of ‘Moving’ received positive reviews from both critics and viewers, who praised the cast’s performances, the director’s skills, and the writer’s creativity. The series also achieved high ratings on Disney+, becoming one of the most-watched original shows on the platform. Some of the comments from netizens are: “I’m so happy that they all got their happy endings. Especially Doo Shik, he deserved it after suffering for so long.” “This was such a great series. The action scenes were amazing, the story was engaging, and the characters were lovable. I’m going to miss them so much.” “Han Hyo Joo, Ryu Seung Ryong, and Zo In Sung are such legends. They nailed their roles and made me feel all kinds of emotions. I hope they work together again in the future.” “Moving was one of the best adaptations I’ve ever seen. It stayed true to the webtoon but also added some twists and surprises. Kang Full is a genius and Park In Je is a master.” “I’m so glad that I watched this show. It was a roller coaster ride of action, drama, comedy, and romance. It had everything I wanted and more. Thank you to the cast and crew for this masterpiece.” What do you think of the final episode of ‘Moving’? Did you enjoy the series? Share your thoughts and leave a comment below. Subscribe to IDOLS KPOP for exclusive updates and captivating content. Read the full article

[youngfcs]

Could you help me find teen children for Han Hyo-joo? Thank you!

Of course, hope you like it!

F:

Danielle Marsh (14-18)

Jang Wonyoung (15-19)

Kim Doyeon (16-23)

Aubrey Frances Anderson-Emmons (12-16) [please, don't use underage fcs in mature content, ok?]

Lee Re (13-17)

M:

Jungwon (15-19)

Choi Soo-bin (16-22)

Beomgyu (16-22)

Kim Min-gi (15-20)

Choi Hyun-Wook (16-21)

(cib)