liddi

@Tofu That's certainly one way to reunite the brothers - by revisiting their past. Excited to see Yi Rang and Yi Yeon interactions once more. Am guessing Yuri won't be showing up either, since particularly since she originated from Russia and her path only intersected with Yi Rang in the present.

So good to see a fun-filled follow-up to the commentary. Their interactions are hilarious! Tr

A very insightful and hilarious [English subbed!] commentary with scriptwriter KEH, PD Kim Seong Hun and Jeon Seok Ho who plays Beom Pal, which provides hints into the actual nature of the plant, its effects as well as spoilers into S3. Can't wait for the next installment!

“Kingdom: Ashin Of The North” Shows The Epic Scale Of The Production In Behind-The-Scenes Photos TV/FILM Jul 25, 2021 by C. Hong Netflix’s “Kingdom: Ashin of the North” shared some behind-the-scenes photos from set. “Kingdom: Ashin of the North” is an extension of the second season of the hit Netflix series “Kingdom.” It is a special episode dedicated to Ashin, a character played by Jun Ji Hyun, who was briefly seen at the end of the second season. The first two seasons were set in the kingdom of Joseon, but the spin-off is set in the frigid northern regions. Although it is a special episode as opposed to a full season, the behind-the-scenes photos show that the production was on a large scale to accommodate the show’s historical time period as well as its new regional setting. In one photo, Jun Ji Hyun prepares for an archery action scene with the director. Her character, Ashin, carries the trauma of losing her loved ones and takes down zombies with her bow and arrow. Park Byung Eun reprises his role from the second season as Min Chi Rok, a military commander. In the photo, he is shown in full costume discussing a scene with the director in the middle of a large and elaborate set. Other actors spotted in the stills include Kim Si Ah and Kim Roe Ha, who are joining the show for the first time as a younger version of Ashin and her father. The photos also show the scale of the props, including the boxes in which the resurrected corpses are being kept, as well as high-flying wire action to recreate a fierce zombie tiger attack. Kim Roe Ha said, “I remember the first filming, as well as our main set location, Burak, the best. It was the place where I realized the scale of ‘Kingdom: Ashin of the North.” Goo Gyo Hwan, who plays Aida Khan, the leader of a fierce warrior tribe that threatens the northern regions as well as the Joseon kingdom, said, “Aida Khan’s costume left a big impression on me. The staff spent a lot of time and effort on it so that I could focus on immersing myself into the role. It was a blessing for me to be able to wear those clothes and play this character.” Director Kim Sung Hoon said, “The speed and tension of the action scenes could not have been created without the hard work of the production staff.” “Kingdom: Ashin of the North” premiered on Netflix on July 23. cr. Soompi

Jun Ji Hyun Talks About Filming Action Scenes For “Kingdom: Ashin Of The North” + Why She Chose To Appear In The Series TV/FILM Jul 21, 2021 by C. Hong On July 20, Netflix’s upcoming “Kingdom: Ashin of the North” held an online press conference with director Kim Sung Hoon, writer Kim Eun Hee, and cast members Jun Ji Hyun, Park Byung Eun, Kim Si Ah, Kim Roe Ha, and Goo Gyo Hwan. “Kingdom: Ashin of the North” is an extension of the second season of the hit Netflix series “Kingdom.” It is a special episode dedicated to Ashin, a character played by Jun Ji Hyun who was briefly seen at the end of the second season. The first two seasons of the zombie series were set in the kingdom of Joseon, but the special episode is set in the frigid northern regions to find the origins of the plague. Screenwriter Kim Eun Hee said, “I started by thinking about where the resurrection plant came from. I hoped to satiate people’s curiosity about who Ashin was and what had happened up in the northern regions. I thought a lot about the resurrection plant and I investigated a lot of material. The plant has very cold properties, so I became interested in the northern regions, and what would happen if the plant bloomed in a place like that.” Kim Si Ah plays the younger version of Ashin, while Jun Ji Hyun plays the older version. Park Byung Eun plays Min Chi Rok, a military commander who works with Crown Prince Lee Chang (Joo Ji Hoon) to protect the palace against the zombies. Kim Roe Ha plays Ashin’s father, Tahab, while Goo Gyo Hwan plays Aida Khan, the head of the Pajeowi Tribe, a group of warriors who are threatening the northern border of Joseon. Jun Ji Hyun said, “After I appeared at the end of season 2, I got a lot of questions like, ‘Why were you there?’ When I read the script for ‘Ashin of the North,’ I thought that the world of ‘Kingdom’ could undergo infinite expansion. I was really excited to be the start of that.” She continued, “Ashin lives on the border and doesn’t belong to any particular side. She lost someone she loved due to an incident. She has experienced persecution and contempt from other people. I was a huge fan of ‘Kingdom’ and writer Kim Eun Hee. I met her at a private event and told her that I was such a fan that I’d love to appear as a zombie or in a small role. She gave me such a big role instead that it’s an honor. I didn’t hesitate when I got the offer because of Kim Eun Hee. I could’ve felt hesitation because it was a zombie genre show, but I think that ‘Kingdom’ itself is its own genre.” About filming action scenes like archery, she said, “I’m pretty fit in general, I exercise every day, so I was already ready for the challenge. Archery was the most important part of ‘Ashin of the North.’ I practiced with a bow and arrow, but Ashin doesn’t actually have that many action scenes. She gets rid of zombies with a single arrow. So there weren’t as many action scenes as you’d think. It helped me that I had the basic fitness for the role. Other than that, I learned archery, but it wasn’t that difficult.” About Kim Si Ah, who plays her younger counterpart, Jun Ji Hyun said warmly, “She’s so cute and pretty that I can’t say if she resembles me or not, but she’s a growing rookie actress. After I read the script, I hadn’t yet heard that there would be a child actor, so I was really worried about whether I could pull off Ashin’s entire life story. I couldn’t even imagine portraying some of the emotions that Ashin goes through. But when I saw a young actress like Kim Si Ah pull it off, I was shocked, and took courage from her. I will cheer her on in future.” “Kingdom: Ashin of the North” premieres on July 23. cr. Soompi

Jun Ji Hyun Is Alone In The Cold And Desolate North In “Kingdom: Ashin Of The North” DRAMA PREVIEW Jul 13, 2021 by S. Nam Netflix released new stills of “Kingdom: Ashin of the North”! An extension of “Kingdom” Season 2, “Kingdom: Ashin of the North” is a special episode dedicated to Jun Ji Hyun’s character Ashin, whom Lee Chang’s (Joo Ji Hoon‘s) party encountered on their journey north at the end of the season. The first two seasons of “Kingdom” depicted the quiet and elegant beauty of Joseon, while the upcoming special episode will head to the frigid North in order to find the origin of the plague. The newly released stills picture the vast and desolate northern region, which completely contrasts with the sceneries from Seasons 1 and 2. The inevitable reason why “Kingdom: Ashin of the North” takes place in the North is because of writer Kim Eun Hee’s decision to make the resurrection plant thrive in the cold temperature. Director Kim Sung Hoon, who spectacularly portrayed the contrast between the majestic and beautiful Joseon scenery and the zombies who were after blood and flesh, shared, “I was able to capture another world’s beauty that I couldn’t show in ‘Kingdom.'” “Kingdom: Ashin of the North” takes place in the border where the people of Joseon and the Seongjeoyain people live together. Therefore, the production team had to find a location that balanced the exotic and foreign culture of the North as well as the familiar living patterns of Joseon. The bleak and lonely scenery of the North, such as the expansive land, the deep and dark coniferous forests, and the dazzlingly white snowy landscape, represents Ashin’s emotions. In particular, the still of Ashin standing alone in the vast landscape as the night turns dark blue conveys her sorrow of being the only one left alive after losing her family and home from a sudden attack. Director Kim Sung Hoon shared, “The color tones from the expansive North and the enormous coniferous forest will deliver a different type of energy.” “Kingdom: Ashin of the North” will be released on July 23. Check out a teaser for the upcoming special here! cr. Soompi

The official trailer is out! How many more days to go? Watch: Jun Ji Hyun Is Determined To Get Revenge In “Kingdom: Ashin Of The North” Teaser DRAMA PREVIEW Jul 8, 2021 by L. Kim Netflix has unveiled a main teaser for “Kingdom: Ashin of the North”! An extension of “Kingdom” Season 2, “Kingdom: Ashin of the North” is a special episode dedicated to Jun Ji Hyun’s character Ashin, whom Lee Chang’s (Joo Ji Hoon‘s) party encountered on their journey north at the end of the season. The newly released teaser shares a glimpse of the mysterious forest in the northern part of the country. The atmosphere is chilling, and a couple soldiers spot a pile of corpses in terrible conditions. A young Ashin (Kim Si Ah) enters a cave and claims, “I saw a strange plant. Apparently, it can awaken the dead.” That is only the beginning of the horrific tale of a forest where nobody has been allowed to enter for the past 100 years. People attempt to run away from a belligerent tiger, and Ashin is left alone as she witnesses people dying left and right. Subsequently, Ashin approaches Min Chi Rok (Park Byung Eun) and asks him to get avenge for her. The only response she gets is, “This is not something Joseon can intervene in.” Ashin grows up to become someone who is only motivated by revenge, and she vows to kill every living thing on Joseon and Jurchen soil. Watch the full teaser with English subtitles below! “Kingdom: Ashin of the North” will air on July 23. cr. Soompi

“Kingdom: Ashin Of The North” Gives Glimpse Of Jun Ji Hyun’s Mysterious Character DRAMA PREVIEW Jul 1, 2021 by L. Kim “Kingdom: Ashin of the North” has unveiled more clues about Jun Ji Hyun’s mysterious character Ashin! An extension of “Kingdom” Season 2, “Kingdom: Ashin of the North” is a special episode dedicated to Jun Ji Hyun’s character Ashin, whom Lee Chang (Joo Ji Hoon)’s party encountered on their journey north at the end of the season. Not only will the special will reveal the backstory of the mysterious Ashin, but it will also tell the origin story of the resurrection plant, which was discovered by the young Ashin (played by Kim Si Ah). Ashin is a character from the end of Northern Joseon who knows the truth about the resurrection plant. She isn’t affiliated with any group, and as an outsider, she is scorned and treated with contempt. One day, she wanders into a prohibited forest and coincidentally stumbles across the resurrection plant and a mural containing its secrets. One day, she loses her family in a sudden attack, and ever since then, she dreams of getting revenge. The newly released stills show the various emotions and situations that Ashin experiences. Some photos depict her charismatic side, and her sharp eyes are filled with determination. Other stills reveal her more vulnerable side, and her expressions are filled with sorrow. Drama fans are eager to find out more about Ashin’s rough fate and her link to the resurrection plant. Director Kim Sung Hoon expressed admiration for Jun Ji Hyun’s extraordinary acting skills, saying, “The moment we filmed the first scene, all the staff members on the drama set could see why Jun Ji Hyun received so much love for the past 20 years.” Writer Kim Eun Hee added, “Jun Ji Hyun is an actress who can express Ashin’s inner pain. Is there another actress who is more suitable for this role than Jun Ji Hyun?” During filming, Jun Ji Hyun expressed Ashin’s sadness and anger for losing everything and showed both intense action scenes and restrained emotions. Expectations are high for the actress’s performance as she becomes one with her character. “Kingdom: Ashin of the North” will be released on July 23. cr. Soompi

If S3 is supplanted by the Yi Chang special episode, it probably means we'll only see it broadcast in 2022. Kim Eun Hee is definitely keeping busy, with Mount Jiri, Ashin, S3 and now this. Another 22 days to go. Can't wait! Jun Ji Hyun Prepares For Battle In “Kingdom: Ashin Of The North” DRAMA PREVIEW Jul 1, 2021 by E. Cha “Kingdom: Ashin of the North” has shared a new sneak peek of its action-packed story! An extension of “Kingdom” Season 2, “Kingdom: Ashin of the North” is a special episode dedicated to Jun Ji Hyun’s character Ashin, whom Lee Chang (Joo Ji Hoon)’s party encountered on their journey north at the end of the season. Not only will the special will reveal the backstory of the mysterious Ashin, but it will also tell the origin story of the resurrection plant, which was discovered by the young Ashin (played by Kim Si Ah). In newly released stills from the upcoming 92-minute special episode, the young Ashin accidentally stumbles upon the resurrection plant in a forbidden area near the Joseon border. She also ends up finding records related to the plant, which eventually leads to a whirlwind of tragedy that washes over the entire kingdom. In discovering the resurrection plant, the young Ashin unintentionally changes the course of history—and the other stills feature glimpses of the story to come. Amidst the cold, gloomy landscape of the north, Joseon soldiers protecting the border are threatened by outside forces, raising the question of what will unfold in this bleak terrain. Meanwhile, once she is all grown up, Ashin proves a force to be reckoned with. With a melancholy gaze that hints at the tragedy she faced as a child, Ashin is ready to take vengeance on those who destroyed her world. “Kingdom: Ashin of the North” will be released on July 23. Check out a teaser for the upcoming special here! cr. Soompi

@abs-oluteM So glad you've finally decided to watch! Ep2 killed me too, and is the start of many tears that I would shed during the course of this drama. Can't wait to relive this drama again through your thoughts!

The 2nd teaser has been released! Did it start because Ashin wanted to revive her mother? Who is she trying to avenge? Her village which was massacred? The anticipation!

Quite a few of Kim Eun Hee's dramas seem to be linked to "23"... the significance of 23:23 (11:23PM) in Signal, Kingdom:Ashin of the North premiering Jul 23, and now Jirisan too broadcasting Oct 23. Regardless of whether it is a mere coincidence or not, I can only say that I am absolutely thrilled so have so many of her works this year. And Ju Jihoon's cryptic description of the premise just makes me even more excited. My only complaint... why can't the broadcast be Jun 23!

“Kingdom: Ashin Of The North” Starring Jun Ji Hyun Shares Glimpse Of A Mysterious Adventure In Teaser Posters DRAMA PREVIEW Jun 14, 2021 by L. Kim “Kingdom: Ashin of the North” is gearing up for its highly-anticipated premiere! As an extension of “Kingdom” season two, “Kingdom: Ashin of the North” will be about Ashin, the mysterious figure Lee Chang’s (Joo Ji Hoon‘s) party encountered while heading north on their search for the secret behind the resurrection plant. Jun Ji Hyun’s character became a hot topic after appearing in the ending of season two, and Ashin’s mysterious background will finally be revealed through this special episode. In addition to the story of Ashin, the heir to the Northern Yeojin tribe village, the episode will tell the origin story of the resurrection plant. On June 14, Netflix unveiled five teaser posters that preview the mysterious and thrilling story of Ashin and the resurrection plant. The posters feature a young Ashin (Kim Si Ah), the adult version of Ashin, a purple flower that is called the resurrection plant, a scarred tiger, and a frightening pile of bodies. These five images are related to the huge tragedy that strikes Joseon, and the description on the posters read, “Death that will swallow Joseon is blossoming.” “Kingdom: Ashin of the North” will be helmed by director Kim Sung Hoon, who was in charge of the general production of seasons one and two of “Kingdom.” Scriptwriter Kim Eun Hee, who wrote the first two seasons of “Kingdom,” will also be participating in the writing of the special episode. The episode will be co-produced by BA Entertainment and Studio Dragon. cr. Soompi

@SnowBlob You're right. None of the episodes truly leave you with a sense of happiness... merely closure, if any. Definitely not something to watch if one is looking for happier viewing fare. In the finale, I believe Det. Ishikawa's sister died, and Ishikawa has taken over the care of her nephew, finally making peace with her sister, acknowledging that she was wrong in believing she could never turn her life around for her child. As for shipping Ishikawa and Tachikawa, these two characters were never romantically involved in the original, though Ishikawa's counterpart there did not have any permanent relationships throughout the 7 seasons of the show either. Not sure if they would actually introduce a romantic relationship within the team - would it change the dynamics of the show? As for S4, you're right about the possibility that we'll only get it 2 years hence. No matter how long the wait, I do hope they will continue to produce more seasons, even if the premise is predominantly bleak. And, thank you very much for your wonderful company throughout this drama!

@SnowBlob I truly enjoyed this season's adaptations... brings back a lot of memories, while refreshing in its own approach, subtle or otherwise. This is the standard that I hold adaptations to, and I really hope they will continue to deliver future seasons with the same quality. Having ended S3 on a high note, if time permits, I will try to catch up where I left off in S2, and see if it compels me to complete it this time round.

Just lost practically everything I rambled about from Eps 5 to 10... argh! Anyway... will try and recollect my thoughts once more, though most likely far less verbose now. Ep5 Night Drive is a pretty faithful adaptation of S5 Ep15 The Road, the taunting cruelty of offering then withdrawing hope a haunting testament to how crucial hope is, especially when in a situation where there is no proverbial light at the end of the tunnel. It drives very close to home, realising that that tiny sliver, found within or without oneself, can make the difference between persevering and overcoming, or succumbing to despair from which there is no return. Meanwhile, Ep6 To the Women on the Wall is a horrific tale of how a serial rapist's actions continue to traumatise his victims years down the road, despite being killed so long ago. Here, a sisterhood of victims came together to support one another when they found no help in the institutions and people who should have had their backs... their trauma spilling over to their families when one of them kills herself, unable to find the strength to go on, while another relives the horror once more knowing what her brother did for her to put an end to her nightmare. I find this version frustrating compared to the original S5 Ep10 Justice. Where the detectives of the original led the questioning to justify the brother's actions, the remake was far more detached in persisting in revealing the facts of the events that night, with only the sister trying to reason what her brother did for her. Her bitter tears, "Why is it... you never ever... stand up for us?" broke my heart, to see the siblings who had no one to rely upon except each other, are still forced to pay for what was done, exactly because the law failed to protect them when it should have. Putting Ep7 and 8 in spoilers since @SnowBlobhas not watched them: Ep9 Homeland, an original episode is the highlight of the season for me, devastating in its unflinching portrayal of prejudice and racism, whichever the nation. It is heartbreaking to see a man driven to the brink whose predicament is through no fault of his own, yet treated like an outcast, be it in his own homeland, or his adopted country. His illiteracy of his mother tongue and that of his adoptive country meant he could never fit in anywhere, sidelined wherever he goes, whatever he does. The moment he realises he was not even allowed to go back to pay respects at his adoptive mother's grave, she who loved him as her own. as he would lose welfare support was just one more nail that drives home his hopelessness and grief. The final tragedy is that his death was due to the one person who was kind to them in his own country, and the bitter irony that his son's actions out of frustration towards those who looked down upon him, were the cause that exacerbated everything leading up to his tragic end. Sobering, especially realising that such discrimination remains prevalent today. The finale Conditions of a Mother is loosely adapted from S5 Ep18 Ghost of my Child, and poses the question whether a troubled parent who had no proper role model would be able to change her life around and become the parent her own child needs. Unlike the original which ends on a note of hope, there is none, at least not for this mother, whose chance to change her life around for her and her child was cruelly taken away due to a misconception by the person she trusted, who was ironically instrumental in her making that decision to step towards the right direction. Here, I find the case particularly cruel on the child who was taken from one home to another, and now wrenched to yet another, not finding any stability, all her perceptions of those she trusted shattered through no fault of her own. Though the child is now reunited with her blood grandmother who finally cleaned up after her daughter's death, the trauma of her early years will require time to heal. Ultimately, this season has come back stronger than ever with strong adaptations and even stronger original episodes, recalling the brilliance of the 1st season. Season 4 please.

@SilverMoonTea + 1 definitely provides good comic relief. It is a shame that his bond with OIB is a little shaken currently, having seen first hand his friend being possessed. Do we know what is +1's background apart from being a super hacker? Hopefully we see him overcome his fear soon and regain the camaraderie we have come to enjoy so much of. I want to know more of Sec. Joo as well and her ties with HJA.

@abs-oluteM Thank you for the shoutout. Finally caught up with all 4 eps of Taxi Driver, and enjoying it immensely so far with a sense of poignancy especially seeing familiar faces from Signal here (PHY and JHG). Vigilantism is the flavour of the day, executed by a group of people who are bound together by a common experience of personal loss. The flashbacks to their loss and grief is heartbreaking to see, and we are made to understand why they would choose to walk this path. Thus far, it has been highly satisfying seeing them dish out payback in varying degrees, particularly when we get to see first hand the abuse that the victims suffer. Nonetheless, what troubles me are the choices CEO Jang makes with regards to how the perpetrators are disposed of, and his questionable alliance with Chairman Baek, which makes me wonder whether he himself has succumbed to the darkness that he is so determined to rid the world of. Would we end up seeing CEO Jang becoming what he hates most, and his own team the ones that would be needed to take him down? While presently deflected by her guilt and sympathy for CEO Jang's grief, KHN is still hot on their heels, and it is only a matter of time before she stumbles on their secret. Will she be safe from CEO Jang then? At the same time, it's obvious we've not seen the last of JDC, who is clearly preparing himself for escape despite being in captivity. Is he coming after KDK once he's out? Or am I overthinking it? Anyway, long story short. It's delivering in spades for me so far, and fingers crossed it will continue to deliver to the end.

@SilverMoonTea First things first, congratulations for making full moderator! And thank you for the shoutout re Daebak Real Estate. Am finally caught up to Ep3, and it is definitely ticking the right boxes for me so far. JNR shines in a role so totally different from the ones I've seen her (Remember You, Fated to Love You) - badass and gritty with an underlying vulnerability, while it's great to see JYH once more after The Three Musketeers. And how wonderful to see Secretary Joo, whom I last rooted for as Kim Wook's mother in Missing:The Other Side. Thus far, the drama is doing a good job balancing suspense with action and hilarity. I like the premise of an exorcist cleaning up a property to make it marketable and profiting from its subsequent sale. The link between the deaths of HJA's mother and OIB's uncle is intriguing, and very likely linked to Chairman Do, but the childhood tie is a trope that is very much overused, and hopefully will not be beaten to death here. Enjoying the interactions between genuine exorcist vs con artist who has powers he didn't realise he possesses (pun not intended). With his gradual acceptance of his own abilities, I see Ep4 possibly getting darker compared to the 1st 3 episodes, though I hope that it still manages to toe a fine line without going to unnecessarily dark territory, personally preferring the 'ghost of the week' format while slowly uncovering the truth behind their family's deaths. There is a pervading sense of helplessness that HJA feels over her inability to help her mother move on, especially with the urgency now that the property faces impending demolition, and that in itself, makes me care and root for them. We do not know enough of OIB's past yet to have a similar sense of empathy, but it's early days yet, so we'll see what unfolds. Long ramblings short, it's hitting all the right notes and fingers crossed, it will continue to do so to the end. Ep4 please.

2nd season is in the works! Please reunite the same cast and crew! “Missing: The Other Side” Confirms Season 2 Is In The Works TV/FILM Apr 16, 2021 by E. Cha A second season of OCN’s “Missing: The Other Side” is officially in the works! On April 15, the producers of the hit 2020 drama confirmed, “It’s true that we are in the midst of preparations for Season 2 of ‘Missing: The Other Side.’ However, the direction of the story and the casting has not yet been decided. The production is also not yet set in stone.” Although the producers warned that they are merely in the planning stages for a potential second season, the chief producer (CP) of “Missing: The Other Side” previously revealed last year that they were already in talks to return for another season when Season 1 wrapped up in October 2020. “Missing: The Other Side” is a mystery-fantasy drama about a village inhabited by the souls of people who went missing while they were alive. The first season starred Go Soo as Kim Wook, a talented con artist who could talk his way out of anything, and Ahn So Hee as Lee Jong Ah, a brilliant civil servant leading a double life as a hacker. Are you hoping for a second season of “Missing: The Other Side”? cr. Soompi

@SilverMoonTea@im0202 Master's Sun drew me right into the land of kdramas, after which there was no turning back. Boarded my first ship, bought my first Director's Cut DVD set all for the love of it, and it still remains a very special place in my heart almost 8 years later. Love the OST, both songs and instrumental, just as I do Ghost's OST, which I watched after Master's Sun. To be honest, I gravitate more towards instrumental soundtracks though I do have my share of songs that I love. Here are a brief sample of some of the perhaps more obscure soundtracks that I love... Missing Noir M's soundtrack is a brilliant compilation of haunting, quirky and dark pieces, all of which irrevocably bring me back to scenes that continue to break my heart when I remember them. Story of the Victim by Na Hyung Woo has played out in various cases... but none that breaks my heart more than Ep5, with that last scene of Go Dong Oh and his sister in happier times - the devastating realisation of the significance of the progressively weaker jingle of her bracelet... her final futile cries to her brother to save her. While not a drama, 大鱼海棠 Big Fish and Begonia's soundtrack boasts the magnificent work of Yoshida Kiyoshi, each piece the perfect complement to the movie, augmenting every scene it accompanies. Am hard pressed to choose a favourite piece, but if I have to, 最后的离别 Final Separation would be my choice because of how shattered that scene left me for days. “我会化作人间的风雨陪在妳身边 I will transform into the wind and rain of the human world and stay with you.” -- 湫 Qiu 九州缥缈录 Novoland:Eagle Flag was not a perfect drama in terms of scripting and pacing, but the 4 main characters, so vividly brought to life by their young actors, and the strong ensemble cast made me love it in spite of all the problems I could see. It is a shame the soundtrack in its entirety was never officially released to date, but I am grateful for the ones they did release while still holding out hope they would somehow, by a miracle give us the rest one day. The hauntingly poignant motif 吕归尘 Lü Guichen by composer 胡波涛 Hu Botao perfectly captures its titular character's journey, just as it will always be synonymous for me with him and Xiao Zhou's final parting moments.

@SnowBlobSome episodes are extremely memorable and stay with me even if the details may not be as clear cut, but you give me too much credit for remembering the exact season and episode. All that is thanks to our trusty companions Google and Wikipedia As for the suspense, I guess in that sense, you're probably right, assuming I remember the case clearly. However, that does not detract from my enjoyment of the story, especially since the production quality is high bolstered by strong performances and an excellent soundtrack selection for each case. More often than not, the adaptation holds its own very well indeed and still draws effortlessly me into the narrative, evoking the very same feelings of shock, horror and sadness just as the original did. Try as I might, and even when I think Ep3 seems familiar, I can't seem to tie it back to a specific episode from the original. Perhaps it is an original screenplay after all. If not, hopefully it will come to me some day. A tale of an unwavering love spanning 60 years for whom he would go to any lengths to protect; a self-centred woman who trampled over anyone for the limelight until that fateful night, but very easily forgot the past as she moved on with life, though the limelight she basked in would elude her hence, and she would find life not as rosy as she envisioned. What little sympathies I have lie solely with him who planned every detail for her to the end, and far far less for her and the victim whose actions eroded any pity I had for him very quickly. While the plot is more simplistic, the casting is spot on, particularly the older counterparts, and Edith Piaf's Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien very reminiscent of the era that the case is based. Ep4 on the other hand is clearly adapted from S5 Ep12 Sabotage. Another taut, well-crafted narrative that brings us through dawning horror each time we hear the fateful tune play out followed by the inevitable explosion. Here, the focus is on the perpetrator, allowing us to see why he spiralled out of control as everything he held sacred is destroyed or taken from him one by one, and I feel keenly his pain while I watch in fear of what he would do next. My one gripe would be how the team managed to Ep5 next.

@ktcjdramaHi there! Most of the cases are standalones though there are some which are linked to earlier cases. By all means, do watch. Recommend to start from S1, which introduces the characters in the team.

@SnowBlob Thank you very much for the warm welcome. Half the fun of watching this adaptation is matching it with the episodes in the original and comparing them. Some eps affect me more than others, such as S1 Ep2's Memory (adapted from S1 Ep8 Fly Away) which still leaves me in tears every time I watch, reliving the same feelings of overwhelming helplessness and grief. Others such as Orion and Black Forest chill me just as its original counterparts did. I had trouble matching some of the S2 eps that I did watch, but with 7 seasons of the original, I don't necessarily remember the details of all the episodes all that well. Or it could well be a purely original script. Not sure. Have watched S3 Eps 1-2, which is mainly adapted from the original's S4 Ep19 Offender, with an added plot of organ transplant and the involvement of the donor's father. The gross suffering of the bereaved family - wrongful incarceration of the father, breakdown of their marriage, having to go to such extremes to force the authorities to reopen his son's case and find the real killer - the injustice of it all still resonates with me just as the original (with the amazing Mitch Pileggi) did. The sickening horror as the garage shutter closes amid Daiki's bewildered face is haunting even now. Am not as convinced about the added plot of organ transplant and the unethical decision to play God and decide who lives and who dies, which ultimately fades into the background and serves nothing except to bring the two fathers together in their common goal for vengeance against the one who harmed their son. In some ways, I do feel that stretching the narrative over two eps drags the pace down in some ways. Nonetheless, a good beginning and I am invested to continue watching (and picking up where I left off in S2) @SilverMoonTeaVery quickly. Ep3 was about a prosecutor who was murdered because he was investigating the truth behind trumped-up charges brought against a 17 year old boy who was accused of murdering a female college student. Nakamura Tomoya played Ishizuka Kazuya, the gay prostitute that the prosecutor tracked down because he was an eyewitness who saw the real murderers.

Wow! I didn't even realise a 3rd season is released - thanks for the thread @SnowBlob! I loved S1, which I find to be an excellent adaptation of the original (which I love love love), but that spark was somehow missing in S2. Will try and take a look at S3 and see if it revisits the magic that elevated itself to becoming the standard that I hold other adaptations since. If it does, I might try and complete S2...