JenL

Guyyyyssss I miss y'all  Been working hard on stuff for a pay rise, so haven't had time to be here...and also I'm so behind on my dramas. But should be able to catch up on the long weekend!!! 

Anyway, just popping in to say hi! Now I need to watch the latest eps of Queen of Tears! 

On 3/20/2024 at 12:57 AM, Chocolate said:

I see so many of you raving about how good looking Kim Soo Hyun is. But I don't see it 😭😅

 

Hahaha, I kinda see it and sometimes I think he looks pretty good, but it's not my taste personally. It's like Brad Pitt. I always knew he was good looking, and sometimes there was swoony picture here and there, but otherwise he was not my personal brannd of good looking. 

On 3/20/2024 at 1:46 AM, SilverMoonTea said:

@JenL just know me so well, even better than my own self sometimes lols. I want to like this drama, seems everyone is here 😂 I feel lonely 😅 

 

Hahahaha don't worry @SilverMoonTea I'm not a diehard for this drama either and I know what you mean. I like that everyone has a new crack drama, but I wish I was on that level of excitement too! Are you only watching one dating show??? 

Episodes 3-4

I actually feel like this drama has grown more on me this week even though it's not a crack drama for me. I think what I really like is how it shows the dynamics of how a relationship can grow apart but also how a relationship can repair. Hae In's character never shows any weakness or vulnerability, probably as a defence mechanism from her mother being so cruel to her. But you can't truly get close to another person, particularly your partner, if all you do is close up, stonewall or keep a fence around you. Showing weakness or sadness, espeically when there's been a sad event like losing a child, makes people bond closer together. It's kind of like when you become friends with people - it's not because they were always the coolest, smartest etc person you knew. It's because you went on a school trip together and got lost. Or they told you a secret, or their hopes and dreams - things that were vulnerable, and you felt like you were close because they trusted you and vice versa. So I like how this drama explores all of that as the key to repairing their relationship 

While I think I'm still a little meh about Hyun Woo's flipping between hoping she'll die for his freedom and feeling protective over her, I did really like the montage of his imagination of a life where he'd be forced to be at family arguments, bossed around by his wife and wearing an apron crying while oil sprays on his hands as he's forced to fry food 

I also really liked how Hae In turned up for his family when the sister texted her asking for her help in showing support and saving face. It's so imposible/ riddiculous in someways, but I think I like seeing this grand gesture of Hae In's warmth when she was such a frosty person at the start. I also think her character definitely has some of the traditionally 'masucline' traits - as in, she has been to told or asked to show her affection, whereas Hyun Woo expects her to read his mind and just be empathetic. Hae In is always asking Hyun Woo to be more direct and tell her what he wants. But he always feels like he can never say it outright (which makes him part of the problem too since he's trying to people please or doesn't want to rock the boat )

On 3/17/2024 at 10:46 PM, abs-oluteM said:

Yet to back read but just wanna say I enjoyed the first episode. Everything is kind of over the top but it is the charm of such chaebol dramas. 

I feel like this is to be expected of all the big budget Kdramas with lead actors to be honest. It just gives me the same feels as things like Crash Landing or It's Ok to Not Be Ok . But you're right, it's fun to be reminded you are watching a Kdrama 

On 3/18/2024 at 2:31 AM, abs-oluteM said:

Cause my favourite Doc Slump is ending tonight, glad that I have this drama as it is an excellent replacement.

 

Mannn, I looooved Dr Slump and I'll miss it now that it's over. But the wedding photos were adorable!!! 

On 3/18/2024 at 10:11 AM, mademoiselle said:

Hyun Woo is now sleeping in the supposedly baby room and it hurts to know how both never really forgot "Soo Bin" and hid this through a passcode (Hae In) and a fluorescent sticker on the ceiling (Hyun Woo).

I liked learning bout these things - I totally missed these tidbits. On a related but unrelated note, I am super creeped out by that picture of a girl's face Hae In has in her room?! What even is that??? 

On 3/18/2024 at 9:41 PM, 40somethingahjumma said:

For me the highlight is that this is beautifully written story about marriage. It's highly relatable and the psychology is right on the money. Marriage is far more than feelings. It is commitment to a set of vows with trust at the heart of it because feelings come and go. Even when Hyun-woo pretends to be an attentive husband, by the very act itself he is changing the dynamic. Sure he wants out because he feels stifled by his demanding selfish in-laws but by his recent actions, he is recreating the marriage that they both had anticipated but went by the wayside. Not all of Hyun-woo's goodwill has ended up in the ash heap. Deep down inside he still cares and he was already a compassionate and decent person to begin with. But marriage is work... hard work at times so when the two people in it stop working at it... they stop caring. It's really that simple. Considering that they both come from very different family backgrounds, they definitely had their work cut out for them.

Yes, I think this paragraph is beautifully written and probably one of things I find that draws me to this drama.

On 3/19/2024 at 2:37 AM, gilaswan said:

And then there’s the eldest uncle. I wonder if granddad’s girlfriend was the one who did him in and what actually happened there. Granddad’s books aren’t clean but it doesn’t seem like Granddad is at fault. More like he’s trusting the wrong people and not keeping things in check. I’m waiting for Hyunwoo to work with this uncle and aunt to uncover questionable corporate shenanigans that could harm the empire.

Grandpa's girlfriend is not in the scheming meeting with the gossipy lady or the evil second lead, but she's definitely planning something with the evil guy. I feel sorry for grandpa. He's not the best person, but his family is messed up because of the wealth he accumulated and he's lonely (which is how he's being preyed on by the girlfriend)...but isn't this the story of every old rich guy? 

Episodes 5-8

Finally caught up on this last night. I haved started to enjoy this drama a bit more from episode 6 because there was less jargon! Episode 5 by contrast felt like I'd been at a work meeting in a corporate place (my work meetings are not even half as corporate!!! ) But the murder and then the twist have been fun because the pacing is faster and now all the characters are on crack. With that said, I defnitely still started falling asleep at the end of last episode because this drama is not totally my style (sorry LJW!)

I agree with @abs-oluteM that TaeOh's biiggest mistake wasn't even falling for HyeWon (though that was not the greatest move either ). It was assuming In Ha was a good person. Although I feel like there was always signs - when they met In Ha was the prime bully at school. I also thought it was so quick from him to transition from bully to friend, but he played dumb and friendly knowing he could use Tae Oh's skills to get into the family, so I can see why Tae Oh believe him (I also forgot he started out as a bully so was genuinely confused when the dark side came out ) And then the other sign was that he immediately said that he liked the same girl as TaeOh as soon as he had connfirmed TaeOh was checking her out. I mean, I'm sure that happens sometimes, but from what I know of my guy friends who are close to each other, isn't there generally a bit of a code where people try to help their friends or avoid crushing on their friend's crushes even if they catch feelings?! 

On 3/20/2024 at 10:50 PM, mademoiselle said:

 And now it is clear why he went after Hye Won. There was no love. He just wanted to control Tae Oh.

Hmm, I don't know if there's love per say but there's something else going on there too. But I think aside from Tae Oh, he also wanted to 'win' her. I still feel like he was jealous when he pictured Tae Oh and Hyewon getting it on. Hyewon is a prize that he feels like he dooesn't quite own, no matter how much money he throws at her or how much branding he's done via engagement and  marriage certificate etc   He just seems like a narciscist

22 hours ago, abs-oluteM said:

 One thing though, I believe Chairman is the key to helping TaeOh . He senses something is not right with the death of his oldest son. He’ll want to get to the bottom of that . 

Yeah I hope he can help, though to be honest, he is also pretty fragile and I feel like he could die in the process. I believe that's likely  to happen since an heir is part of the title 

22 hours ago, abs-oluteM said:

 The truth is I feel little for Tae Oh or Hye Won. I understand InHa is the villain, so I won’t have any hopes for him . But even for TO & HW , I can’t sympathise with them as they both knew full well what they are getting themselves into by trying to take over LJ Group & using InHa. It sucked that the drama gives very little development to their characters & their motivations. 

16 hours ago, mademoiselle said:

 

This is so true. I don't feel emotionally invested or attached to any of the characters in here. They are all annoying to me. Nobody is likeable! It puzzles me in the first place why Tae Oh wants to make In Ha the heir. He hasn't revealed what he truly wants from all of this either, and now he tells Hye Won he has changed what he wants.

I agree with you both! I feel like this might be LJW's weakest pick of projcts yet. I can deal with dislikeable characters, but it's hard when everyone is dislikeable and it's because they are all in it for themselves. This K-drama world feels so cold and cruel.

I suppose with Tae Oh and Hywon it's a case of the users being used. In defence of Tae Oh -  While I won't say I cared much for Tae Oh as a character (though he is a fine looking LJW character ) Tae Oh never harmed In Ha in how he used him. It was like a business transaction in which both benefited from the deal. Whereas In Ha wants Tae Oh dead, which is pure evil 

15 hours ago, abs-oluteM said:

I will be so mad if there is a S2 ....I was hoping this ends at eps 8 or even 10. To think I still have 4 more to go.......okay I know I could drop it but this is rarely my style especially when I have already passed the half-way mark. 

Yeah...no to a season 2 

I want my boy to pick a project with a more interesting storyline. Though I don't mind if they style him like how they styled him here 

On 3/13/2024 at 5:17 PM, mademoiselle said:

@JenL I read your posts, but forgot to reply 😅

Hahaha am I so forgetable? I've been around more consistently lately! 

On 3/13/2024 at 5:17 PM, mademoiselle said:

Moving - wait, you haven't gone past episode 7? Episode 7 is when the kids' stories end, if I remember correctly. And that's when the story-telling became choppy for me. Everything ties back together at the end if you watch on, even for Frank.

Haha I'm still on episode 7. Now I'm trying to balance Queen of Tears / The Impossible Heir / Doctor Slump etc It's going to be on indefinite hiatus for awhile 

On 3/13/2024 at 5:17 PM, mademoiselle said:

The Impossible Heir - LJW is slaying with that hairstyle and suit, but the story and his character aren't. Haha. Why can't they all just be perfect?

He's so beautiful! This drama has been hard work though- too much business jargon and dislikeable characters. BUT episode 6 was not bad - the pacing picked up and it was more iinteresting. It's starting to get more exciting. I just want to know what happens with the murder of the annoying first brother!

Speaking of Lee Jae Wook, I think you once asked me once on a thread how the film Kill Bok Soon was (film that LJW cameo'ed in) since you said you don't often watch Korean films compared to dramas. I always wanted to reply, but I don't think I did. I'm not sure if you ended up watchiing it. I liked the premise of a world with assain guilds etc and the main character being an assasin that found killing people easier than raising a teenage daughter. The film turned out to be a bit too overdramatic to me, but I really llike LJW's cameo. He plays the younger version of a character (head of assasins) who falls in love with Bok Soon when they're teenagers. It happens when he is going to kill her dad, but then she agrees he should do it nonchalantly. He looks so floored when she agrees to it and they play this happy old school song and it's just clear that he's in love ('This guy's in love with you' by Herb Alpert). It was such a strange scene but really worked in this drama. 

On 3/13/2024 at 5:17 PM, mademoiselle said:

Rowoon's FM - Yeah, I'll let you know. I'm putting this boy on the side until he gets a haircut and goes back to the neat boy I preferred. God knows that'll probably be latter half of the year since I think he's keeping the long hair for the new drama as well.

Wait. What's wrong with his hair?! 

More responses later. Gotta do some stuff 

On 3/8/2024 at 4:10 PM, abs-oluteM said:

Tofu is on vacation so I will chime in here. Jun has played a myriad of characters. But plenty which are lonely and angsty. Even as a romantic ML, he's always misunderstood .  I like him and started following his career since I saw him in Good Casting (2020). Managed to watch quite a bit of his filmography and find him a talented actor. 

Oooh maybe I should catch up on his dramas, he seems quite the eye candy. I think if I wasn't busy watching LJW in the current drama, I would totally be like this guy is something  Lonely and angsty characters = probably how he pulls the heartstrings of his fans 

Episodes 12-15

I really LOVE this drama the most out of everything I've been watching, so I feel a little bad that I haven't written as much here! I have noticed that I tend to write a lot for dramas where I'm less satisifed than satisfied post-pandemic probably because I have limited time now and need to analyse and process the things I have troubles with 

I haven't watched the last episode yet, but I just wanted to say episodes 12-15 were done pretty well in my opinion. The warmth and humour of the episodes really made me laugh out loud particularly the friiendship scenes between the main 4 characters, most particularly between Jeong Woo and Dr. Bin. There's something heartwarming about the way those guys are like competitive and fight like giirls with the hair pulling, but also really have a strong brotherly bond. As much as I love the super extra and pretty Jeong woo version of Park Hyung Sik, I also really like the daggy dad version of Yoon Park. Hahaha, I feel like Dr Bin's cringey character could have been too much if played by someone else, but Yoon Park has a way of being just daggy enough to be laughable, but just charming enough for you to accept the dagginess. I honestly think it's been a good role for him!  Also I'm so happy he's getting the girl in this drama @abs-oluteM though I expected this would be the way from the start (I think it was abs I was complaining to a long time ago but Yoon Park being made to play a villain and not get the girl in a few dramas )

I really like the pacing of this show because while depressing things happen, I don't feel like there's been a lot of drag. It's been really fast to resolve misunderstandings. And the reactions to events are just right. When Kyung Min died, I liked that Jeong Woo had trouble processing everything and they showed his depression in a balanced way. He didn't speedily forgive Kyung Min and be an unrealistically bigger person when it would have been hard to have been, he didn't throw a tantrum and blame his parents (even though they're really cold and horrible people), he didn't take out his annger on the female lead (which seemed to be the normal way in old dramas) - he actually cried and talked through his feelings and was conflicted with missing the good parts of his friend while feeling hurt annd resentful for the betrayal. I thought that was so well done. And like @mademoiselle was tearing up a little at the talk with Ha Neul's mum.

The romance between the 2 leads is cute. Sometimes they're so silly, but this is still in the territory of humour I enjoy where the leads have slightly exaggerated play flights, but not too dramatic. I like the way they suupport each other and fight to make time for each other. And also Park Hyung Sik totally has the best gaze out of all the male leads...the way he looks at Ha Neul  At the end of Episode 15 when he asks Ha Neul to pretend she has night shift, that was a total swoon  I thought they were going to let Park Shin Hye off from doing these kinds of scenes since there wasn't a lot of kissing to begin with, but I guess not 

On 3/15/2024 at 2:32 PM, mademoiselle said:

It is a thriller. They always make thriller look like horror in trailers. I might watch it tomorrow if I can muster the motivation to get out of the house 😂

 

Kim Soo Hyun said in You Quiz on the Block that his role has a lot of Chun Song Yi (My Love From the Star) in it and he thought it was hard - so he is amazed even more JJH pulled it off with her comedic scenes. It does seem like now he's Chun Song Yi and Ji Won is Do Ming Joon (the cold one) in this context.

Did you end up watching Exhuma @mademoiselle and was it good?

Hahaha, I think Chun Song Yi was still cold in My Love From the Stars, but like diva-cold (ie. the kind to act emotional whhen it comes to tantrums, but not when it comes to being friendly.) Do Ming Joon was more stoic cold. I don't know if I feel like he's completely like CSY, but I can see where he's coming from 

On 3/15/2024 at 10:58 PM, SilverMoonTea said:

@JenLThat's so well said. I think you have mentioned exactly almost all that I had in my mind, why I had not warmed up to the couple since beginning. Both so far a bit too dramatic for my liking and the attraction between them was not well depicted, so it's hard to get into their story. 

 

The incoming of the 2nd lead did make it more interesting for me. I probably will try few more episodes if I'm in the mood or when I have too much time on my hand lols. Anyway the outlook is not too good 😅 If I already not so excited for first few episodes, do you think it will be possible for me to stay until 16 episodes ? 😂

Hahaha, sometimes I think my tastes in dramas are a bit more like yours and Tofu's when it comes to dramas like this. Like you though, I'll probably still watch. Even though it's not fully my kind of drama, there's something alluring about big romance dramas that star big actors. Kim Soo Hyun dramas always give me this kind of feeling - it's like I know I'm not going to be hardcore swept up in the fandom completely, but I enjoy going for the ride. Besides all the dreamy romance scenes are nice.

Second lead is innteresting not because I like him, but because he brings out the protective instinct in Hyun Woo. Hahaha I feel like you're not going to last @SilverMoonTea - even when you're excited, I'm not sure when you'll get bored and change your mind. So when you're not excited to begin with, I could allmost bet money on the outcome 

On 2/13/2024 at 2:03 AM, Chocolate said:

 

The way they showed some of the scenes is interesting - from different angles/time period - so you don’t see the actual killing (you can watch alone @JenL).

Hahaha Thanks for letting me know I could watch this by myself @Chocolate ...And I did too! I finished this a few weeks ago and enjoyed it. I thought it was a fun watch. I think it was a bit silly with the superhero side of it, but I think I enjoyed the weird coincidences of everyone CWS killing being evil themselves. I suppose it was a bit like that American drama Dexter except that CWS was a bit like a superhero? He had spidey senses.

On 2/13/2024 at 2:17 AM, abs-oluteM said:

  I just completed Big Bet S2 which was pretty good. So now I can start this. I can't say I am a big CWS fan ( though I loved Our Beloved Summer) - am definitely watching this for SSK. 

Ooooh how come you don't like CWS? I think he picks decent projects though he's not adopted by me. I think he tends to have a typecast/ fallback character of being a deadbeat/ slacker type of guy 

On 2/19/2024 at 10:58 PM, Chocolate said:

From the start, I found it hard to reconcile CWS as a hero figure. Before he started his killing spree, his character was average - he cheated on his girlfriend and did he steal from someone? I can't remember now. Anyway, his is not the kill and save the world kind of mentality. He stumbled into it, and it so happened that the 2 he killed were evil. I thought that was the point of the drama - that he has a "talent" and will spontaneously come across those who deserve to die.

Hahaha I don't think CWS was meant to be a hero - more like an anti-hero. Heroes are people who do things that involve sacrifice and not for their own benefit. CWS's character in this did stuff to make himself have a life purpose and those things were questionable even though the people kinda deserved their karma points 

Episode 1-2

Once in awhile I'll watch one of the big dramas and this one has made it on my radar. I tend to watch most Kim Soo Hyun projects because he's a good actor and is nice eye candy. However, I do feel like he's oddly type cast in the romance dramas he stars in - the formula for his main romances have him as a gentle, warm and slightly stoic-on-the-outside guy with a very cold and often rich love interest (It's Okay to Not Be Okay, My Love from Another Star). I think it'd be nice to see him in a project where his love interest was a bit more realistic? A bit more unique? But this one is sticking to the same pattern  I will say that Kim Soo Hyun is a good actor and so watching him is always a treat (I really liked him in his movie roles like Secrety Greatly and I think he did comedy really well there). He's not even a main Oppa for me (I like him, just not as big a fan as others), but I can see what all the fuss is about.

As for this drama, I think I'll go on watching so far because it's an interesting dynamic and I want to know if she'll end up living or dying. And it's nice to see them rekindle their romance and realise how important they are to each other. But if I'm honest, I've not warmed to the story yet. I think it might be because they had a very condensed explaination about their relationship in the opening that I don't really feel anything. Like I couldn't really tell you why they liked each other aside from the fact they both thought the other was pretty. There's not a real build up to their relationship - I didn't see them acting nicely to each other aside from a kissing montage and so I don't feel like there's been a change. I suspect they'll show this while the series goes on, but so far I don't empathise with either character just yet (I think  @SilverMoonTea or @Tofu may have said this and I kinda agree). This feeling goes further since both characters aren't particularly likeable yet - as discussed Hyun Woo's behaviour in over-compensating to be nice to his wife while secretly happy that she's dying so he can be free and maybe inherit something is not the greatest, though I look forward to seeing how it'll backfire on him. As for Hae In, I get that she's had a cold, rich-person upbringing and has her defences up all the time...but it's difficult watching such a frosty character. I like warm people, so I need her to thraw out and not be so frosty  The disease she's suffering from also seems very fantastical. In a way, it gives me the same vibes It's Okay to Not Be Okay had dealing with mental health. But perhaps it makes it more exciting and less morbid given that disease/fatal illness dramas can be very depressing when made to look realistic.

15 minutes ago, mademoiselle said:

@JenL Do you still go to cinema to watch Asian movies? Exhuma is playing in the cinema now. I'm contemplating of going. You probably won't go coz of KGE. Haha. Yeah? But I'm curious because it's doing very well in Korea.

Hahaha, yes, I often have free tickets to watch Korean films through work etc. I've seen the trailers for Exhuma, but it looks scary!! It's horror right? I avoid horror if I can unless it's a zombie movie  Are you going to watch it?

On 3/8/2024 at 4:20 PM, abs-oluteM said:

@mademoiselle your oppa will be crying alot . 

What cruel fans. But it is true that in the first 2 episodes there were a lot of drunken tears 

On 3/11/2024 at 10:43 AM, mademoiselle said:

The gender reversal of all the son-in-laws is such a great take on how all the daughter-in-laws had to do during memorial service and public holidays. There's a sense of great satisfactory seeing all the men in the kitchen, and likewise makes my blood boils when Soo Cheol, being the son, does absolutely nothing. 

Hahaha this was my favourite part - the male in laws being treated the way that most women are treated in Korea. Finally, seeing men getting a taste of their own medicine in partaking in the in-law traditions 

On 3/12/2024 at 12:59 AM, Chocolate said:

Agreed that Hyun Woo is not likeable for now. Seems heartless that he was happy that his wife, a woman he used to love, was suddenly dying in 3 months. I'm not sure a decent person can do that, no matter how miserable he was. Plus, his misery is a little self-made - it looks like he was a pushover in the 3 years of marriage. Did he attempt to discuss his difficulties with Hae In? There were moments between the 2 of them where it felt they could have been a power-couple if only they worked together. I hope the show is not going to go the usual route of the wife finding out that he was faking (initially) to create the angst later.

I definitely felt that Hyun Woo was not that likeable. I mean while he's not entirely evil and some of his misery about his cold and demanding in laws is completely fair, he's also not a good person in that I feel like he's taken the coward's way out. Also, he's being slightly opportunistic in the the fact he does sort of think about her will as well 

I definitely feel like she's going to find out about these hurtful things later (given that he had prepared the divorce papers with dates and told his friends and family that he was going to divorce her...someone is going to let something slip!) 

14 hours ago, ktcjdrama said:

Coming, coming....!! I promise I will start tonight.

I've been soooo busy lately. Can you believe I'm only watching one drama now?!? Really miss hanging out in JH and being lost in dramaland....   

I'm shocked!!!  Hahaha I thought I was the only busy one. 

Hello! So quiet lately! Where is everyone? Are you adopting anyone @SilverMoonTea? 

I know @Tofu is on holidays. I have still tagged though because I've caught up on all the episodes of Eye Love You that has been shown on Netflix and I have to say Dammmn, Chae Jong Hyeop has such killer charm in that series. Also like topless scene in episode 2 (which turned out to be a dream) was v. expected! I'm suprisingly enjoying though I feel like the female lead'ss resistence to getting into the actual relationship gets a little exasperating. But Chae Jong Hyeop is slaying meeee. I wish they gave him these sorts of roles in Kdramas because the boy can pull both puppy dog and protective guy pretty well  Any way I don't think I saw a thread on this drama, so I've just written it here since it's about one of my favourite Oppas. Did you end up watching this drama @mademoiselle?

But I think I've been falling back for old Oppas. I'm dying from Dr Slump because it both Park Hyung Sik and Yoon Park being so endearing. I actually don't know which one I like more. Clearly I'm having no ttrouble loving 4 Oppas at once  (4th Oppa refers to LJW who is looking pretty in The Impossible Heir though I'm not loving the drama as much as I wanted to)

Episodes 3 & 4

I agree with you @mademoiselle - kind of a shame because till now, I felt really drawn to all of LJW's projects. I always felt like he picked really great storylines. Even in the dramas where even if he played a dislikeable character like a bully, the characters had great depth and nuance and there were warm friendships and good pacing. So far, with this drama, it feels very cold? I know it's in part because it's a genre I don't particularly like (ie. the gold-digger, cut-throat work politics, ambition climbing type drama). But also all the characters seem very dislikeable, but the story itself is quite complicated and involves a lot of focusing on schemes. I feel like I'm actually working sometimes when watching drama because if I don't pay attention for a bit, I don't know who's backstabbing who  So I guess I feel like this has probably been the weakest of LJW's projects that I've seen. Visually he looks very cool, but I'm hoping the story and drama gets better.

I didn't mind that it was a Tae Ho centric episode, since it's LJW and also since his character seems to be the only one doing most of the scheming. I can see the powerplay with the relationships, but I don't feel like Inha or Hyewon do much even though they want stakes in Kangoh. It's like they're all riding on Taeoh's genius? But it doesn't feel like they're working as a team in any way and that's kind of hard to include things like humour or inspiration in this Kdrama because the characters are not exactly 'fun' to observe. 

@mademoiselle it seems kind of strange that InHa's father would accept a plot under his nose, but then again, I suppose all his sons are dispicable that maybe he would accept Tae Oh and Inha who he secretly sees as more talented and more worthy of being his succesors than his first 2 sons? I also think this type of scary rich business man is the type to keep his friends close, but his enemies closer, so if he thought Taeoh was a thread he would definitely keep an eye on him at close range. However in doing that I think he's making the mistake of relying on him too much (since he has no one else) as first son pointed out. 

On 3/5/2024 at 12:41 AM, rocher22 said:

I watched the first two episodes...

So, the screenwriter thinks that Taeo and Huiju dont have chemistry and that they cant be a couple...

I really liked all the Taeo & Inha scenes...but Im a little disappointed because Inha is interested in Hyewon.

He is smart and he saw that Taeo likes the girl. 

It's interesting because the internet seems to really want Taeh Ho and Hui Ju o be a couple - I see a lot of fans rooting for Huiju. I think because she obviously goes crazy for him and no one wants Lee Jae Wook to not get the girl again since he killed us all as a second lead in Extraordinary You 

I like the Tae Ho and In Ha scenes when they first became friends. But I'm disappointed that all of them like Hyewon, whether it's genuine or a powerplay. It seems she'll highlight the toxicity into their friendships 

On 3/5/2024 at 12:43 AM, abs-oluteM said:

Same here. Unfortunately because of the way her character was depicted in the first two episodes, I find it hard to empathise with her. How I see it is that her character could be the catalyst to the partnership going south but not necessarily the ultimate reason why the two guys ended up betraying each other. InHa is being used here

 

Yes. Exactly ...and he still went for it. Which annoyed me. Does he think he could genuinely make her like him? She was clever though...she kind of played her cards right too. 

Yeah, I see a lot of comments from viewers about how much they don't like her character and how they hope she won't end up with either of the guys. I don't think any one is empathising with her because she seems as bad as her mother - isn't she just looking for someone to leech off to relieve herself from her problems? I think often the hardworking poor girl trope is empathised with because we see the girl trying not to leech off a guy, but to work her own way out of her financial problems. This is just gold-diggery to me 

On 3/4/2024 at 9:40 PM, mademoiselle said:

@JenL

 

Moving – I think for me, the editing of the drama is choppy. Just when I'm happily watching the kids developing their friendships and power, all of a sudden we cut to the past. The flow of the story-telling felt off then on with 2 episodes each dedicated to each adult couple's story. It isn't that I disliked their stories, but each story was so different that they don't flow well from one to the other.

 

Go Youn Jung – Yes, her next drama is with Kim Seon Ho. I actually wanted her to work with RW in a romance drama. 😕

 

 You're right, the editing was choppy and I found myself a bit unsure of what was happening for a long while because it took several episodes before they really gave Frank's backstory. They just sort of kepy introducing new people with powers who were having epic gory battles, but not showing how they were really connected beyond them all having super powers. It was kind of repetitive for awhile. I started getting more into it around episode 7 but then a whole bunch of new dramas came out which I cared about more so I didn't really continue. I'll probably continue when I'm in between dramas, but it's one of those weird "not-quite-dropped" dramas at the moment 

I feel like Disney isn't quite picking the best porjects, though they spend their money marketing a lot of these. Even with The Impossible Heir, I feel like it's not the most riveting watch. It's so political and there's so many characters I don't care about and I find myself really having to concentrate when I watch so that I understand what cut throat plan is being executed. But with that said, I'm still engaaged enough to continue, since I'm curious about what will happen. And gotta support my boy 

Go Young Jun and Kim Seon Ho. Hmm, I'm sure it'll be popular. But I dunno. I recently watched The Childe (the movie which kept Kim Seon Ho while other projects were dropping him. It also stars Go Ara). And it wasn't too bad surprisingly. I'll probably still watch this project, but I just still feel the ick unfortunately. 

On 3/4/2024 at 9:40 PM, mademoiselle said:

RW's FM – Woah, really? You would go to his FM! Would you go if he has one in Sydney? Or the criteria is must be where you are? Nah, I don't know anyone in real life who likes him. In fact, I don't know anyone in real life who is this into Kdramas or oppa. I wonder why there are so many of us online, but none in real life. LOL! Maybe most of them are like you, don't want to reveal this side of them...? The ones I know, a co-worker, she is into Seventeen and KPOP and not so much in dramas or actors.

Hahaha I'd go to a RW concert or fan meet for sure! Even though he's not in my top tier, I do like him and definitely enough to want to see him in person if he ever sets foot down in Australia. I'd go to Sydney too because I enjoy taking a trip there when there's an event to go to. I feel like I only ever go to Sydney when there's something on otherwise it's just like Melbourne, only more corporate-big city vibes. Haha, if you ever hear of it happening, let me know 

Yeah same same. I don't think I know people who are this into Kdramas except you guys. I think Kpop is more dominent. I know lots of hardcore Kpop fans. I have a few friends who are into Korean celebrities and oppas and love going to fan meets, but they like Boys Love dramas more. One of those friends actually moved to Korea to live and she's practially seen everyone. Maybe it's because most Kdrama people are introverts (seeing as watching TV is quite a homebody/passive activity)...and the ones who are extroverts just hide their true selves because they don't want to be judged if others are not into it? 

On 3/4/2024 at 9:40 PM, mademoiselle said:

! still don't see it. Occasionally, I would see on my TL a fan rant about something, but then I don't get the full picture! And then there are the bigger fan club account which doesn't say anything because they want to filter the "bad news" about their biases, and they would also refrain from dissing another because that's the house rule. Hmm, now I wonder whether you guys are seeing these due to algorithms.

 

Oh true, there were a lot of photos between Jae Wook and Youn Jung. Not to mention in BTS, he keeps praising her "Oh, yeuppeu-ra!" and BAM, he goes and date Karina. Ahahahahaha! I swear when the news broke out, I was internally thinking, "What about Youn Jung? You said she's beautiful!" Even though I wasn't shipping, I felt a tiny bit cheated. Hahaha!

 

Hahaha how do you avoid all of the fan dramas???  Do you follow any of the hardcore fan accounts? I think the only way you would miss it is if you don't follow those fan accounts I guess. Or maybe accounts with people who post alot? My Twitter is only for kdrama stuff so I guess I see a lot more than the average twitterer. And also when I'm into a certain drama or celeb, I suppose I'll follow all the related accounts that post decent stuff. From that I feel like there's always something happeing. Sometimes it's all really positive stuff like fans organising food trucks or giving freebies to other fans. But sometimes it's fan wars and complaints to some massive fan news.

RE: LJW and Karina. Did you see that she had to post an apology letter to her fans for dating LJW?! This is why i think I was telling @abs-oluteM that I think a lot of the crazy rumours surrounding LJW were coming from the Kpop fans. From LJW's side, I think most of the fans I've encountered have had either a positive or neutral reaction to the news. But I've seen a number of more polarised comments from the Kpop side - people either love it or really hate it.  I assume they either don't watch Kdramas and don't know the appeal and charisma of LJW since he's not the conventional beautiful Kpop looking type of guy or they just have a bias against him because he's not who they wanted her to date. Either way, it seems unfair for her to have to do that when LJW is a pretty attractive and decent actor to date (as far as I know)! 

https://www.straitstimes.com/life/entertainment/aespa-s-karina-apologises-for-surprising-fans-with-lee-jae-wook-dating-news

https://www.koreaboo.com/stories/korean-soloist-reacts-aespa-karna-apology-letter-lee-jae-wook/

On 3/4/2024 at 9:40 PM, mademoiselle said:

Nah, I wasn't asking if Tofu is in dilemma about Jun vs Jae Wook. I was asking if she's rather he plays villain instead of a lonely character. LOL. He's probably is just like how Jae Wook teases him—likes to do the total opposite of what others do i.e. the norm. Not a bad thing. Just need to be careful not to be typecast.

 

@ssteph Have you watched My Name is Loh Kiwan? I tried to last night but it's too depressing, so I read spoiler and jumped to the end. 😅

 

hahaha does Jun always play the villain or loney characer @Tofu? I've never seen any of his past works, but your boy is growing on me. He's kind of cute .

Also can someone give me the spoilers for My Name is Loh Kiwan...can't be stuffed watching it, but am curious as to why it's depressing but has a happy ending?! What a combo 

I must make this thread pretty soon! Anyway I watched eps 1-2

Episodes 1-2

Admittedly, these chaebol ambition-cutthroat dramas with love triangles are not usually my thing. But the story is intriguing enough and I want to understand all the characters better. I feel really sorry for Jun's character because he's so cute and likeable, but everyone around him eiither sees him as a threat and are cold to him or sees him as a golden rope and are using him, whether he knows it or not. Haha the relationships are confusing. Jun is the one chasing LJW and doing aegyo all the time  But I find the transitions a biit puzzling - he goes from I hate him to I love him so quickly! Maybe they condensed it because more of the story is in the future. However, the friendships are very rocky. I mean, what kind of a friend startss developing an interest in a girl when he knows that hs friend is very interested in her???  But I suppose they agreed it was more of a partnership and all is fair in love and war.

Hong Su Zu is very pretty. But I feel like her character is going to be annoying. I'm not a fan of these 'I like one guy but have to be with another guy' type scenarios. But I suppose deperation will make you do anything  Anyway, watching a rocky frienship getting fractured by a girl is going to have is moments. I hope she's not the cause of the openning scene with LJW seeming killing people!

On 2/28/2024 at 12:19 AM, ssteph said:

 

THIS!!! I sometimes think all actors already have girlfriend 😆

 

I saw this post 😂

 

  Reveal hidden contents

Eng trans : attention. To passengers of LJW & GYJ ship, please wear your own life jacket because our ship is sinking.

 

 

 

Hahahaha I feel like it's probably true. I mean they have lots of opportunities to date even if it has to be in secret. They work in agencies with lots of other attractive models, actors and siingers. And then they're always paired with actors in dramas, they go to fashion weeks and red carpet events and after parties...plenty of chances to meet good looking other halves 

On 2/28/2024 at 8:29 AM, mademoiselle said:

@JenL @ssteph love the humour of GYJ x LJW shippers... or is that not humour?

I think it's humour, but also saddness for their sunk ships 

On 2/28/2024 at 1:06 PM, Tofu said:

The girl group I hear the most about is New Jeans because of their Super Shy song. This song was really popular on many social media platforms. 

Agreed! I couldn't name an Aespa song to save my life. But I know several New Jeans songs. I think it's the power of social media, but maybe also they're marketed heavily here because 2 of the members are Australian 

On 3/1/2024 at 12:55 AM, abs-oluteM said:

Oh @JenL there is more tea to be spilled here...pray tell who is this supposed actress. Anyway I know his agency has refuted though there was talk of the dating news with Karina was actually leaked by the agency because of contract renewal. Wahhh give this man a break. 

@abs-oluteM I was dying to get back to your comment but couldn't remember what page I saw it on so answered all of the comemnts I missed   Yeah it's been rough for LJW lately and all his fans have been like    I'm biased anyway, but I feel like this sounds like the rumour mill caused by people not liking this relationship. I was already seeing a lot of comments about LJW looking a lot older than Karina  or not being handsome enough for her etc. I feel like there's consequences of dating Kpop stars and bad rumours are one of them if you don't meet the standards of the fans. I mean anything is possible since it's not like I know LJW in real life, but it just seems suss that a few days after this big reveal about 2 stars dating that they suddenly dig into another ex-girlfriend? 

On 3/1/2024 at 9:24 AM, mademoiselle said:

@abs-oluteM @JenL

I woke up to read about this too! And there are translated KNet's comments about him forming a one-man agency. All said it is too early for him. I kind of think so too. Unless he's got bigger plans, such as recruiting his BFF and his BFF's BFF...

Agreed! I think it's something a lot of stars would like to do. And he's got the acting skills and gets along with a lot of people...But he's like 25. Running an agency is a lot of work unless you have the money to pay a lot of people. Seems kind of premature?  Also it seems like he's been ok with this agency. He gets promoted quite a bit? But I guess we shall wait and see.

On 3/1/2024 at 10:20 AM, Tofu said:

I can't handle Jun's cuteness. He makes this noona's heart melt but whyyyyyyyyyyyy does Jun go from playing villain roles to playing such a lonely character? 

I feel bad for him too!!!! Your boy is growing on me @Tofu...But LJW still holds dear for me 

On 3/1/2024 at 3:53 PM, mademoiselle said:

 

Are you in a dilemma?

I think @Tofu is not sounding conflicted  Jun tugs more at the heartstrings by the sounds of it

On 2/8/2024 at 6:47 PM, abs-oluteM said:

 

I think @JenL is quite right...the oppas that get the stronger love are those that seem a little rough around the edges , look wise. 

Hahaha I'm glad I know your types  I have observed you all for a long time 

On 2/9/2024 at 9:10 AM, mademoiselle said:

@ssteph @abs-oluteM @JenL Sometimes I wonder how you guys come across so many of these posts. Because, often they would speak in codes. They are unlikely to tag the relevant stars they are badmouthing about too. Often for me is only when someone I follow said something then I find out what has happened, but I don't get the full picture. 😅

 

Hahahaha nah, I feel like fan wars take place in public these days - no one writes in code, they just want to let out steam on the people they're made at...or rather the fans of the people they're mad at. I'll just randomly be scrolling down twitter and then BAM! Someone is hurling their strong, negative opinions at an actor or their fans. But it usually happens when there's INTENSE SHIPPING happenning or rather, not happening. People got mad and suspicious about Park Eun Bin and Kang Tae Oh because they apparently weren't as lovely dovely as their characters. And then the fans of one side got salty at the fans of the other side. Same for Alchemy of Souls - that one I couldn't avoid. Itt was on every second twitter post or instagram post when they changed from s1 to s2 and swapped actresses. Some bitter fans of JSM wrote on every GYJ post saying she wasn't good enough to replace JSM and then they were mean to LJW because he didn't post photos with JSM, but posted photos with GYJ. It was a stressful time  

I think fan wars more likely to happen also when it involves what I call the 'golden age' celebrities - the ones who are now in their 30s and made it big with the Hallyu wave and the old dramas that had huge viwerships. People like Lee Min Ho, Jung So Min, Kim Go Eun etc. Their fans are next level with defending their stars 

On 2/7/2024 at 10:59 PM, mademoiselle said:

We don't watch every Kdramas. During the early kdrama watching years, and I didn't know as many actors, I had tried out to watch all the new new one (except daillies) because I didn't want to miss out any good ones. Back then it's easier too, only SBS, KBS, MBC, tvN, JTBC and OCN. There are so many more platforms now. How to keep up? Also now the reason to watch a drama varies:

(1) Oppa is the main motivation.

(2) If no Oppa, then it means the plot needs to be interesting / looks good in previews

(3) Who directs or writes the drama

(4) Once in awhile, I also think it's good to pick something you totally don't think you have interest in or know anybody. That's how I stumbled upon Hot Stove League, Prison Playbook and My Mister.

(5) Now I know more actors, I'd check out their works if they have promising filmography e.g. Kim Hye Soo.

(6) Sometimes my interest is pique through clips and posts on my TL.

 

P.S. I've also learnt from @Tofu and @SilverMoonTea to "let go" of the bad ones, LOL!

 

Hahaha I laughed when I read that 1# Oppa is the main motivation  I guess that's true for me too, though sometimes I will not watch if I don't like the pairing or the story sounds like something I wouldn't care for (Sorry Oppa, you have to pick good projects and actin partners too. Can't just get me with your pretty looks! )

Hot Stove League and My Mister - I don't know how I came to watch them. I guess after time, with enough people saying the dramas were really good, I couldn't help but watch. And then I really enjoyed them too! Also they featured ahjussi actors that I enjoyed watching 

Some actors do having promising filmographies, or at least ones that speak to me. Choi Woo Shik usually does it for me even though I don't think I've adopted him...mainly because he always plays a deadbeat  But a loveable deadbeat who has a good storyline going on in his drama 

Dropping dramas - I think I avoid doing it, but these days it just happens naturally. Or I watch it really slowly? I haven't quite finished Moving . I didn't dislike it. But I'm not sure I fully got into it? But I do really like Go Youn Jung. But I hear her next drama is with Kim Seon Ho? 

On 2/7/2024 at 10:59 PM, mademoiselle said:

 

When he comes, then I'll let you know. I think it depends on the circumstances. Like you said, if I've to wait hours only to see him in minutes, no thanks. I do wish there is a day where he and Jae Wook would come together. You and I can go fangirl together . Do you have real life friend(s) who likes Jae Wook here?

Hahaha, I would totally go to a Rowoon fan meet if he ever came here  ...But even better, my dream is as you say, a Rowoon and Lee Jae Wook visit. Could you imagine?? Hahaha the fangirling from us both would be intense  

I don't have any real life friends who love Lee Jae Wook on my level. I think there's friends who've seen one or 2 projects of his and recognise he's a good actor or think his character is adorable or that he's cute. But they don't fangirl over him the way I do...or the way his fanclubs do (even more intense!) So I rely on the online community. But I guess it's also me - I don't tend to show my fangirlness as much in real life, though I think certain people suspect it...or maybe it comes out naturally when I meet another Kdrama fan 

How about you? Do you have any real life friends who love Rowoon as much as you?

A bunch of late replies!  I was very social for awhile, but it's been nice to havng some me time. I finaly watched all of A Killer Paradox which I loved and I'm up to date with both Doctor Slump and The Impossible Heir  Since this is Oppa tracker thread I really came here to say how much I love Park Hyung Sik (not a new adoption though since this is a long term love from Strong Woman Do Bong Soon days). He's in the VIP list now since I've loved 3 of his dramas. Also he just has the dreamiest gaze 

On 2/8/2024 at 2:53 PM, ssteph said:

 

Oh, no!!! I hope Hae In fans and So Min fans are peaceful now, when the drama is airing, and after the drama end 🙏 I had bad experience with Jisoo fans during and after Snowdrop. I really hope something like that wouldn't happen again.

 

Do you follow Sejeong as an actress or as a singer? Or both? I didn't know she is a lyricist until I watched her on IU's Palette show. It's my favorite episode. I like Sejeong's song Plant.

 

Oh no hope you didn't have too much trauma with JiSoo fans. It always sucks to be caught in a fan scuffle - sometimes not even because you want to but because someone picks on something you say 

Sejeong - I follow her as an actress more than as a singer, but I did attend her concert. I really came to like her as Hana in The Uncanny Counter, but have since seen a few of her other projects and ennjoyed them all  As for her music, she really can sing very well. She was taking requests at her concert for random songs and singing them by herself. Plant is a lovely song!

Hello friends! It's been awhle - I've caught up on Doctor Slump and I still love it!  It's such a heart-warming series and I love all the characters (except Min Jyung Min ) I feel like this series ticks a lot of old school K-drama loves for me 

Episode 11

I think the thing I love about this series is that it's cute and silly, but also quite realistic in the way it shows things like depression/ having slumps, getting into relationships and dealing with family. It was so cute to see them dating and trying really hard to understand and respect each other, but also fail miserably because they were trying so hard  I mean, sometimes misunderstandings can be so frustrating to watch in Kdramas, but there's something about  their misunderstandings which seemed quite sweet - like Jeong Woo was trying so hard to do the right thing by Ha Neul that he did so so so terribly. I laughed when he said that none of the nurses needed plastic surgery except her. And his apology text that he was drafting was seriously like a 10 year old's  

Even though there hasn't been too much on Jeong woo's family, and we find out that it's all unpleasant and cold, I like how he's able to be optimistic as @mademoiselle says. It's such a big Kdrama trope that the male lead is always the hottest, coolest guy in school, but has terrible family traumas that leads him to act poorly with the female lead. Although Jeong Woo has a lonely family life, I found it refreshing to show a different type of character - Jeong Woo was resilient enough to deal with his parents and accept that he may not ever get that feeling of closeness he wanted with them. He had the maturity not to let his relationship with his parents dictate how he wanted to live the rest of his life or how he related to other people. And while it's sad that his parents were like that, it makes his relationship with Ha Neul sweeter because it also means he's been adopted by a loving and chaotic family 

Haha, Park Hyung Sik having a super EXTRA personality is the best  It's like the Strong Women Do Bong Soon era of Park Hyung Sik and I'm just loving this so bad. He even looks the same as he did in that era again   Hahaha, he's back to being super hot. I also like the pairing with Park Shin Hye - I feel like He Neul is actually a pretty good character for her because she can do robotic/awkward characters convincingly. ALSO, I'm really liking the super awkward Yoon Park - He does dorky in such an adorable way. Sure, I'm cringing half the time when he's talking haha, but I'm also rooting for him in his single parent romance story too. It was so funny watching hiim stutter at the lingerie store with Hong Ran  

Min Kyung Min is so gross btw. What a terrible person. Even if he was corrupt and a bully and a user, how could he do that to a close friend? Not surprised that he had something to do with the botched surgery. He was already suss from the begining of the series that I was more surprised that he wasn't involved in it when they did the reveal. But I hope the angsty scenes won't be too angsty 

Hello friends! The treadmaster has finally appeared  LJW's fans translated a bunch of Impossible Heir promos:

5 hours ago, mademoiselle said:

No wonder lately Jae Wook looks gorgeous with his hair etc for public appearances etc. Must look pretty when courting, hehehe!

 

@abs-oluteM haha, I actually forgot his ship with Ara. I had GYJ in my mind, and wasn't sure whether there is one with JSM.

That guy always looks damn charming 

Hahahaha I really wanted to write in the ship thread with Ara actually because I wanted post my mokpo photos relating to DDSSLLS there when I visited Korea this time last year. I've been so busy or tired that it hasn' happened yet though  Also I wanted to complain about KBS removing a good half of my DDSLLS behind the scenes videos which Stroppyse and I subbed!!!  Not that I think anyone will read it - those fans had to move on from the heartbreak though they were a very nice crew here on JH 

4 hours ago, mademoiselle said:

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C317NHCtTne/?igsh=MXc4Y3RibW45N3VxZQ==

 

Ahahaha look at this edit @JenL @abs-oluteM

4 hours ago, abs-oluteM said:

I have seen this edit...ahahahaah the man is in love.
Gonna start Wedding Impossible shortly....got sidetracked reading this dating news. 

Agreed with @rocher22 that they look good together. 

hahaha are you both just rubbing salt into my wounds with these cute edits?! 

1 hour ago, abs-oluteM said:

The timing of this promo ! Am sure when they shot this , no one knew 🤣🤣

Annd now everyone is like "oooohhhhh, that's why he looked so happy" 

And RE: Go Youn Jung Ship: @mademoiselle LOL

6 hours ago, mademoiselle said:

@JenL I thought of you!!! How do you feel...?

 

@abs-oluteM It is true. Apparently, only dated for a month and they met at last year's Prada's Fashion Week in Milan! I remember the clothes Jae Wook wore. Hahaha!

 

P.S. The first thought I had when I saw the photo was "Who is she?" I'm so out on KPOP!

 

5 hours ago, abs-oluteM said:

@mademoiselle my second question to@JenL too is  how she feels ! 🤣🤣. My TL is just filled with their dating news . I have no idea who she is though I have heard of the group. They look pretty good together. But I guess a lot of JaeWook ships must be feeling the burn . 

 

Hahahahaha I was feeling down just then for no reason. And then I was talking to my sister and mentioned this LJW relationship thing and thought, 'Surely this is not why I feel a little down?!'  (Nah, I just have low energy these last 2 years)

I don't know if I have any particular feelings - a tiny bit of heartbreak But honestly, I'm happy that he's happy and I think I'm not too surprised because an attractive young guy is bound to be dating someone in secret (I'm sure he's not the only one of our Oppas to do it, but he was not fast enough to avoid Dispatch ) And to be honest, I'd much rather a this type of  news or 'scandal' than anything bad (eg. like those stars that caught up in bullying or drug scandals). 

I actually don't really know who she is except that she's a super young Kpop star from a group that I've only heard of in passing. But already there's some drama because she has a huge fandom, including a huge girl fandom.

I think I'd be more excited if it was a kpop star I knew or one that had a super nice reputation (For example, Kim Sejeong has met people who didn't know who she was and she was super normal and nice according to them. And then later on, they found out she was a big Kpop star which they found surprising because she was so down to earth.) But as long as she doesn't seem problematic as a person (whch she doesn't), then I will accept his choices. They seem to look pretty cute and aesthetic together.  And hey, if it means LJW be looking hot anf happy all the time, it's a good thing

10 hours ago, abs-oluteM said:

@JenL @Tofu Is this true???

 

According to his agency, apparently the answer is yes. Both his and her agency have confirmed it now. They are "getting to know each other." 

Wonder if it's because they got to know each other at Fashion week?!