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I constantly update this list on the mother page, so if you are reading it through this post, you can check this LINK for the most updated version. I have a separate page for my kdrama full series recaps and reviews which links I have included in this list as well. This page is a good reference point for kdramas over the years since I have included quick reviews of those dramas that I did not write a full review on, but you might be curious if you are going to pick up or not. There are still some that I have not seen, but I included the titles in case you might need it. Also Reviews with Strikethroughs are not yet ready. I will constantly update this page. ^_^
I have rated it A(for Amazing), B+(for Breathtaking), B(for Beautiful), C+(for Cliche but Charming), C(for Crazy but Tolerable) D(for Disappointing), F(for Forget it). I added additional tips for your reference. My recent entries would be on a yearly basis from now on so the most recent dramas would be on the first entries.
♥ Strong Woman Do Bong Soon (2017) – If you are on a k-drama slump, this will hook you up back to oppa-land. The fast paced quirky rom-com promised an addictive run and delivered it in flying colors with a riveting thriller plot incorporated on the side. It was a whimsical love ride with thugs, a psycho, a police, a gaming company CEO and a woman with extraordinary strength. The labyrinth was a whirlwind of cuteness and mirth and everything a fan would ask k-drama gods for a gift. Consistently endearing with amusing surprises along the way, "Strong Woman Do Bong Soon" is a steady delightful rom-com drama that deserve all the raves and hype from k-drama followers.
sweet ride, noona romance, second lead syndrome… this will so far be my best rom-com recommendation
GENRE: Romantic Comedy, Thriller GRADE: A
♥ Radiant Office (2017) – currently airing
♥ Whisper (2017) – currently airing
♥ Perfect Wife (2017) – currently airing
♥ Chief Kim (2017) – currently airing
♥ You Are Too Much (2017) – currently airing
♥ The Liar and His Lover (2017) – currently airing
♥ Tomorrow With You (2017) – This drama felt like a roller-coaster as I hiked on the twists and turns and got lost in time and space continuum. It might even give a frustrating ride so consider you are forewarned if you are not used to a story that you have to analyze from start to finish. Nevertheless I got my closure even if they fit it in less than 60 minutes. So Joon and Ma Rin's road to ever after was definitely something I would not dare to have, but they gave me lessons on how compromise, patience and love are essentials that secure an unwavering relationship. -jediprincess
Tomorrow With You Series Review
Focus and Patience! Bring buckets of it when you watch it and you will be rewarded by Lee Je Hoon oppa's sweet gestures and kisses
GENRE: Romance, Drama, Supernatural GRADE: B
♥ Saimdang, Light's Diary (2017) – currently airing
♥ Rebel: The Thief who stole the people (2017) – currently airing
♥ Voice (2017) – review coming up
♥ Defendant (2017) – review coming up
♥ Missing 9 (2017) – parking lot
♥ Hwarang: the Beginning (2016 – 2017) – Hwarang is definitely at par in terms of effective performance compared to fusion sageuk favorites due to its struggling plot momentum. I'm not supposed to say this, but the pretty boys were really the reason why I stayed calm on my seat. hahaha If not really for their impeccable chemistry and gang fights ala Malfoy's Gang and Dumbledore's army, I would have not stayed afloat.
It was so promising if not for a lot of things that happened and was set aside. This is where I got my first noona romance with Park Hyung Sik.
GENRE: Period, Brotherhood, Romance GRADE: C
♥ The Lonely Shining Goblin (2016 – 2017) – "Goblin" affirmed my kdrama fan girl spirit with its addictive pace, perceptive characters, detailed back story and the exciting race to its closure. I was at constant awe at how the yarning of the folklore and supernatural mise en scene fit so perfectly placed in the modern setting. The cast portraying a whole new chimeric world that I want to be a part of moved through the story seamlessly alternating a wistful and lively performance that burrowed straight to my kdramaaddict heart. *chuckles
The epic bromance and time transcending love will linger for a while in your heart
GENRE: Romance, Supernatural GRADE: A
♥ The Legend of the Blue Sea (2016) – Legend of the Blue Sea was strong on the candied-heart-fluttering moments of Joon Jae and Cheong, but even stronger on relaying the couple's sweet and yet agonizing journey to endure the love they have in the present in the pretext of a human-mermaid romance impossibility. It neatly executed the narrative by using simple rules considering its metaphysical premise. It modernized the reincarnation plot, by playing the resident drama fix of how love overcomes anything and beyond everything.
The conman who can read his lady love's mind sure gave me a lot of happy pills during those times
GENRE: Romantic Comedy, Fantasy GRADE: B+
♥ Romantic Doctor Teacher Kim (2016) – I admit I was missing Gregory House a lot so I sought comfort in Teacher Kim's arms. I have not seen a lot of nicely done medical dramas in kdramaland so I did not set my hopes high in RDTK. I am glad that the story progressed and closed deftly and neatly along with the surgeries. A case where "Doctor Crush" suffered.
Romantic Doctor Teacher Kim Series Review
The engrossing narrative and chemistry of the cast blended so well, I could not ask for more.
GENRE: Medical, Drama GRADE: B+
♥ The Good Wife (2016) – parking lot
GENRE: Legal, Drama GRADE:
♥ Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo (2016) – I picked "Weightlifting Fairy" as one of the best kdramas of 2016 for being such a genuine coming of age story that beautifully captured the joy and pain and everything in between of being young… of building dreams and of falling in love for the first time.
Nam Joo Hyuk is kdrama gods' gift to college girls and college girls at heart
GENRE: Rom-com, Youth GRADE: B+
♥ Entourage (2016) – Dropped it somewhere along the way, as there was nothing going on in the story at all… I like Seo Kang Joon, but it was really a sad project.
You are still my crush Seo Kang Joon even when this drama felt like hell
GENRE: Drama, Comedy, Bromance GRADE: F
♥ Goodbye Mr. Black (2016) – parking lot
GENRE: Action, Romance GRADE:
♥ Jang Young Shil (2016) – parking lot
GENRE: Period, Drama GRADE:
♥ The Man in Our House (2016) – I love Su Ae in Mask and some more of her works, but there was no hook for me even after watching Ep 8, so I gave up.
Love is not supposed to be inherited from your mom. period.
GENRE: Romantic Comedy, Drama GRADE: D
♥ Madame Antoine (2016) – parking lot
GENRE: Romance, Comedy GRADE:
♥ Neighborhood Lawyer Jo (2016) – parking lot
GENRE: Legal, Drama GRADE:
♥ Something About One Percent (2016) – Something About 1% is a surprise hit for me this year. I was prepared to drop it after 4 episodes, but boy I fell in love with the kiss scenes, lol I mean the story. *wink As Lee Jae In sedated my grieving heart from Scarlet Heart Ryeo, it pushed me back to meaningful existence with his sweet smile and steamy gazes. This amazingly done rom-com darted cheesy and predictable. Even now I still wonder how I got so addicted with everything so unadorned about it.
Dear Lee Jae In, you had me at your kisses.
GENRE: Romantic Comedy GRADE: B+
♥ K2 (2016) – oppa miyane i will work on you soon
K2 Series Review
GENRE: Action, Drama, Romance GRADE:
♥ Dear My Friends (2016) – parking lot
GENRE: Romance, Drama GRADE:
♥ Drinking Solo (2016) – What drew me to watching "Drinking Solo" was the simple storytelling, setting and character building. It was a plain picture of the struggles of students taking lessons to pass the civil service exam and the battles of the instructors in surviving the present day adult life complications versus those idealistic dreams they had when they were young. The love concerns inserted were additional bonus in amusing myself in watching the cast move on with their fictional life.
Cheers to a drama that celebrates the singlehood life
GENRE: Drama, Romantic Comedy GRADE: C+
♥ Beautiful Mind (2016) – parking lot
GENRE: Medical, Thriller GRADE:
♥ Shopping King Louie (2016) – While everything in kdramaland was serious in polishing the story and rendering remarkable character portrayals, "Shopping King Louis" came along like a comfort food frocking in all positivity it can have. Though having a simple premise, Bok Sil and Louis were entertaining me with their sweet and hilarious chemistry. The light and upbeat pace matches the optimism of the main leads.
This is a good drama to watch after wrenching your heart in Scarlet Heart and Uncontrollably Fond
GENRE: Romantic Comedy GRADE: B
♥ Oh My Geum Bi (2016) – parking lot
GENRE: Family, Comedy GRADE:
♥ On the Way to the Airport (2016) – We normally get those kind of third-party love affair stories, and we never achieve a proper explanation on the reason why people involve themselves in an illicit affair. "On the way to the Airport" touches this sensitive marital issue in a classy way that will make you cheer and understand why a man and a woman got caught in an entanglement behind their husband and wife's back. What the story brought about is how marriage can be broken even with the most rational mind when a person finds a willing heart who can share his pain.
I like how subtle the approach is in tackling adultery in the narrative maybe because the writer sketched valid presentation of those phases that make a person lose the love he felt with his lover along the way.
On the Way to the Airport Series Review
How to be unfaithful to your spouse gracefully…
GENRE: Romance, Drama GRADE: B
♥ Laurel Tree Tailors (2016) – parking lot
GENRE: Romance, Family GRADE:
♥ Monster (2016) – parking lot
GENRE: Romance, Melodrama GRADE:
♥ Love in the Moonlight aka Moonlight Drawn by the Clouds (2016) – Eventhough Lee Young and Hong Ra On will not be hitting the pinnacle of my best dramas this year, the full drama package was commendable due to its poignant sketching of the main characters and the writer's impeccable timing to pin me on my spot and not sway away from following the story in those moments when I almost did. Drawn on a historical premise, "Moonlight Drawn by the Clouds" is a sweet drama treat brimming with giddy-ish scenes that will make you reminisce that once special love when you were young.
Crown Prince Park Bo Gum effect at its best
GENRE: Period, Drama, Romance GRADE: B
♥ Woman with a Suitcase (2016) – parking lot
GENRE: Romance, Comedy GRADE:
♥ Moonlovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo (2016) – Albeit the tormenting emotional strain I got with Scarlet Heart Ryeo, it will belong on my favorites for this year because I love that it became even more believable and fervent due to the plot's instability and the main characters indecisiveness. It was a situation that might have killed the drama, but because the essential character motivations were clearly drawn, as a viewer I enjoyed that feeble and vulnerable facet of the production. Even with the unfazed heartrending tone all throughout, I take Scarlet Heart Ryeo with all my heart because I believe that a happy ending does not measure how great a love can be.
The series aftermath pained and haunted me. 4th Prince So, I'm here for you now, tomorrow and everyday in between.
GENRE: Period, Supernatural, Romance, Melodrama GRADE: B
♥ Marriage Contract (2016) – parking lot
GENRE: Romance, Drama GRADE:
♥ Fantastic (2016) – Even with the dying premise, I have grown to love "Fantastic" because of the dexterous cast and how they blend together supporting each other's friendship and stories. Fantastic is an optimistic story that not only encourages through its love theme, but also with how the main characters were able to leave really cool life lessons as they tackled the roles they played in the narrative.
The feisty writer and her journey to love and sickness is an uplifting story of how a woman who braves the odds through the encouragement of her loved ones
GENRE: Romantic Comedy GRADE: C+
♥ Wanted (2016) – parking lot
GENRE: Thriller, Drama GRADE:
♥ Jealousy Incarnate (2016) – Sure, there were a lot going on in "Jealousy Incarnate" that sometimes the sporadic mini plots did not equate well to its overall make, but the eager and vibrant cast made up to that missing push the story failed to achieve. Honestly the safe ever-after ending failed to complement those strong moments of the lead cast along with the story conflict they had to face together hilariously and painfully. Nevertheless, I did enjoy the sweet ride and the endearing couple who tackled the friendship defying love chase.
It was good while it lasts. There were highs and lows, but the ending went to autopilot mode
GENRE: Romantic Comedy GRADE: C+
♥Vampire Detective (2016) – parking lot
GENRE: Supernatural, Action GRADE:
♥ Cinderella and the Four Knights (2016) – Well at least you can get ample fan service to this story of cousins who were tamed harmoniously by a girl who was hired by their grandfather. The characters were endearing but the story was too trite.
Cinderella and the Four Knights Series Review
See how much I love you Jung Il Woo oppa? After your army duty please deviate from this kind of dramas.
GENRE: Youth, Romantic Comedy GRADE: C+
♥Let's Fight Ghost (2016) – parking lot
GENRE: Romance, Fantasy GRADE:
♥ W: Two Worlds (2016) – Less the staggering twists and turns that were ever present in the narrative, I still like how "W:TwoWorlds" was so ambitious on how it vividly displayed and chronicled a love story that defied alternate universe. It maneuvered to constant deviation and possibilities having the premise of "everything is possible to happen as long as they can draw it". I love smart characters playing in the story so I have to give it to Yeon Joo on how she perceives efficiently in moments when Kang Chul is hindered by the limitations of his heroic role which was dependent on his fictional character. All throughout its showing, I was immersed on the extent of chimeric world the story would thread to, even when it hit a frustrating circle, but then it bounced back to a neatly delineated denouement although I would have wanted for another hour of extension.
Interesting Note: It would have been so perfect if not for the midway confusion and safe landing
GENRE: Supernatural, Romance, Thriller GRADE: B
♥Mrs. Cop 2 (2016) – parking lot
GENRE: Crime, Thriller GRADE:
♥ Age of Youth (2016) – Tailored to show the common faces of women, this honest drama has a melancholic resonance as it progressed to strengthening the bond of the 5 women living together in a dormitory who all have baggages from their past that haunt them in their present lives. "Age of Youth" is a retrospective youth drama about women in their 20's. The five ladies promenaded their love inhibitions, self-esteem issues, school worries, what happens after school disappointments and all the rest of typical predicaments, 20's women usually worry about.
GENRE: Youth, Drama, Romance GRADE: B
♥Miss Temper and Nam Jun Gi (2016) – parking lot
GENRE: Romance, Comedy GRADE:
♥ Uncontrollably Fond (2016) – The thing about Uncontrollably Fond is that it tapped into those memories of lost and depressing love that people don't want to look back anymore in their lives. It was not a happy-ever-after kind of romance that appeals typically to almost anyone, instead it delved to the most shameful, most regretful and most painful things anyone can do because of love. Uncontrollably Fond won't appeal to those who craved light and sweet type of romantic stories you can indulge to this narrative but be aware that you will be put on tormenting spot most of the time. Though deemed to have been badly written, there was a thread that held the loyal viewers and that's the dying scenario of the lead man. I stayed until the end because I believe that not all love stories are wrapped in kisses and sweet memories. There are those that are melancholic and yet lives on as someone's one great love.
Disclaimer: Prepare a lot of tissue and patience
GENRE: Melodrama, Romance GRADE: C+
♥ This Week My Wife is Having an Affair (2016) – parking lot
GENRE: Romance, Comedy GRADE:
♥ Doctors (2016) – I credit the starpower of the cast for raking in high ratings. Even though the story did not deserve it at the very least. When the surgeries took over the story, it was a feeling of journeying to Mt. Mordor to destroy the one ring of them all for me. I was tired needing an elixir of life that would push me to understand if I was watching a drama or I'm learning to become a doctor through a confused medical documentary. The writing was so bad it did not even complement the character sketches when they could have expanded it more given the complexity of the main roles drawn. A little believable sprinkle of love complications would have broken the languid development of the story, but they throw in a lovable second male lead who settled to the proverbial fate of second lead syndrome.
Disclaimer: Kim Rae Won oppa wae?! wae?! wae?!
GENRE: Medical, Melodrama GRADE: C
♥ Oh Hae Young Again (2016) – Another Oh Hae Young took me by surprise because I was not hooked on its opening episodes. I gave it another chance because I know how great Eric Moon was in his previous roles and I'm happy I didn't give up easily. The love progression was realistic and at the same time surreal. It tapped on those moments when we were all left hanging and indecisive to admit that we were in love.
Romance Meter: Messy, heartfelt and blissfully sweet
GENRE: Romance, Melodrama, Comedy GRADE: A
♥ Task Force 38 (2016) – Task Force 38 is straight to the point with the premise, the conflict, and how the people moving in the story resolved and closed it. It helped that even with the serious topic, the protagonists were drawn as suave robinhood and upright citizen who only wanted to make sure that no one is above the law in paying taxes. True it made use of an illegal approach to defeat the baddies by brewing schemes to make them forcedfully pay what they owe which is still technically bad, but it fairly explained the limited options in stopping corruption when the people responsible for it are puppets of organized crime group. Life really has inconvenient realities that can't be dealt with by justice. So as long as you get to the resolution even if the means defy law as long as there are no life threatened, then just settle with it.
Plus Factor: The con team blended so well
GENRE: Crime, Heist, Drama GRADE: B
♥ Mirror of the Witch (2016) – I have a thing for witchcraft stories that's maybe why I found the story appealing. The magical rules mixed with folklore and saving the long lost princess sprinted to a sporadic run, but managed to enchant me up until the very last round. Mirror of the Witch target specific audience like me who believe Hogwarts really exist. Though lacking in terms of polished storytelling, stubborn conflicts and saddening ending, if you want a breather or an alternative to kdrama cliches then plunge on it.
Mirror of the Witch Series Review
Interesting Note: The supernatural ride was frustratingly fun
GENRE: Supernatural, Romance GRADE: C
♥ Beautiful Gong Shim (2016) – A typical neighborhood love that bloomed from pure trust and understanding between unexpected friends and their journey to acknowledge that they were built so perfectly for each other because it is their destiny to fall in love eventually. Crossing the line between friends and romance requires a courageous stance that you know what you are doing and you are prepared to take a leap of faith. Love is not romance until it is reciprocated. The impeccable sassy and cheesy chemistry of Dan Tae and Gong Shim has had me on laughing fits most of the time. Their comic characters were drawn so well and so compatible to each other that they compensated to the predictable plot of the series. KDramas are known for the weird-looking kisses but the delightful love couple made sure to redefine the awkward kiss scenes and made me giggle a lot with the enchanting build up of their love story.
Interesting Note: For some odd reason it will endear you with its simplicity
GENRE: Romantic Comedy GRADE: C+
♥ Lucky Romance (2016) – The yin-yang love battle between the science oriented lead man and the superstitious heroine started cute, stayed sweet and hilarious but pushed its luck too far in securing a safe ending. That being said, I won't whine but I won't give high praises for it. Lucky romance is like your summer fling, it was good while it lasted, but then eventually when it ended, there was no lingering feeling.
Sad Note: It has a lot of promise but…the heroine was indecisive and full of worries
GENRE: Romantic Comedy GRADE: C
♥ One More Happy Ending (2016) – Cooked and prepared like your average romcom, One More Happy Ending was a delightful watch. I would like also to applaud the strong side stories of the supporting characters which were equally vibrant as the main love story. The plot delved on the varying emotions of women struggling to keep up with love and relationship. The marriage camp and relationship board sticker ideas were also some of the cutesies I will remember about this refreshing romcom. This most likely will appeal to singles in 30's who have failed their marriage once… who are finding the love lost along the way in their current marriage… who are unsure of finally settling down and who have been waiting for the right person to come along.
love second chances affirming drama
GENRE: Rom-com, Friendship GRADE: C+
♥ Come Back Ajussi (2016) – parking lot or will watch it again if Rain oppa will give a good kdrama in the future. I just can't go back without dozing on it anymore.
Crazy note: The cast was great, the writing was not
GENRE: Romance, Supernatural GRADE: D
♥ Entertainer (2016) – Sadly, in my melancholic attempt to look back on "Entertainer", there's nothing much that I remember about it, no matter how much heart Ji Sung oppa gave to the drama. The story as a whole was not something that I would reminisce in the future. Sure there were a little highlighted moments especially those musical performances but they were overshadowed by the lack of the vibrancy of the storytelling. So I'll be making this a very quick review. Skip it when you have a pile of kdrama on queue to watch. Even if you will watch it for Ji Sung oppa, there's nothing much oppa-happiness-pill that you would get anyway, so settle with other dramas that would make the most out of your time. I watched it because I was counting on Ji Sung oppa's choice given that I liked most of the dramas he did, but there's really nothing much going on.
Disclaimer: Remember how sad it was when Dobby died
You would wonder how Ji Sung oppa even took this drama
GENRE: Drama, Musical, Romance GRADE: D
♥ Flower in Prison (2016) – Bracing myself with a lengthy period drama run, what hooked my loyalty to weekender "Flower in Prison" was its balanced execution of political struggle, neat narrative, infuriating villains and optimistic underdogs. I journeyed with the heroine Ok Nyeo in exploring the situation of state prison, merchant organization as well as the early days of defending crime convicted victims who can't fend for themselves circa Joseon era.
Disclaimer: It had a pretty much brilliant run, but a little frustrating in the end
GENRE: Period, Drama GRADE: B+
♥ Five Children (2016) – Second serving of love has never been this lively until these adorable families connected through marriages and made their family even bigger, wackier and happier. "Five Children" was the first family weekend drama I finished and it was a feat I'm so proud of because it was 54 episodes.
Interesting Note: The secondary romance were better than the main one
GENRE: Family, Romance GRADE: B
♥ Jackpot (2016) – Jackpot managed to nail the fundamental elements of a historical drama. It has a thrilling plot with Joseon gambling scene on the side, birth secret and family issues, conspiracy woven conflicts and the strong showdowns of the villain and the hero. Though it may not be perfect, it presented a solid story that didn't go astray but focused on the main character' discovery of the lessons they have to learn on their own journeys.
GENRE: Historical, Drama GRADE: C+
♥ The Neighborhood Hero (2016) – parking lot I still trust you Park Shi Hoo oppa
Neighborhood Hero Series Review
GENRE: Thriller, Drama, Crime GRADE:
♥ Descendants of the Sun (2016) – Creating a 3rd Hallyu wave, Descendants of the Sun defied the spring boring drama stigma and emerged with an amazing story that captured the hearts of the viewers. Definitely one of the best for 2016.
Romance Meter: Captain Yoo Si Jin was made for us girls but let's have some boundaries. I will take the lips. *blush
Addiction Alert: Will Hook you from Episode 1
GENRE: Romance, Drama GRADE: A
♥ Signal (2016) – Signal tells about two police officers from the past and present communicating through a broken radio in solving cases that were happening in the past and were re-opened from cold cases vault in the present. The cases involved led them to discovering the connection they had in the past and the clues from the present to be given, so the future can be changed to save them and their loved ones.
Plus Factor: Brilliant use of time element
GENRE: Thriller, Drama GRADE: B+
♥ Master God of Noodles (2016) – parking lot
GENRE: Romance, Drama GRADE:
♥ Cheese in the Trap (2016) – I don't know how to start my thoughts about this drama but I will try. It felt like that sweetest romance you had which turned a nightmare overnight. I want to blame the writer and PD for sleepwalking somewhere, but out of the initial cutesies and romance, I will try to be forgiving. It was still not as bad as "Big" drama but it was a case of a company not being able to put up with its employees' rallies settled amicably to giving some chocolates, going to the moon and just disappearing to the unknown. Haha
Disclaimer: The love vibes was vibrant on the first half and just like a playful love… but it disappeared without any explanation
GENRE: Romantic Comedy GRADE: D
♥ Remember: Son's War (2016) – Remember: Son's War came strong to my attention once it hit the TV waves. It was heading in a thrilling direction where revenge is the premise and where the characters can't trust one another.
Cry-o-Meter: Prepare half tissue roll for the heartfelt scenes
GRADE: Court Drama, Revenge GRADE: B
♥ Six Flying Dragons (2015 – 2016) – The 50 episode sageuk narrated the happenings on the waning Goryeo empire and building of the Joseon era. Rich in historical notes and impeccable character portrayals. If you sort of miss Jumong or if you dig historical dramas like I do, then this one is for you.
Six Flying Dragons Review
Classic sageuk but I struggled to finish it in a year
GENRE: Period, War, Conspiracy, Romance GRADE: B+
♥ Reply 1988 (2015 – 2016) – "Answer me 1988" pays homage to the irreplaceable bliss of being young – of our young dreams and our young love. It gives you a trip to memory lane when technology hasn't taken over the world yet— when friends meet up at a house to watch movies, to eat and to chat and when romance comes true by heartfelt love declarations, stolen kisses and warm hugs.
Romance Meter: Be ready to suffer on a Second Lead Syndrome. I was rooting for Choi Taek though.
GENRE: Friendship, Love, Family GRADE A
♥ Oh My Venus (2015) – Forget the grueling gym work out, home yoga sessions and sadness inducing diet plans… Just allot 2 hours in 2 days watching Oh My Venus and you will miraculously lose 10 lbs in 2 weeks. It's true. No hidden agendas, no diet pills, and no aggravating body pains. Sign up for a 14-day trial period at Coach John Kim's Venus boot camp and see for yourself what the rest of the women who tried the program have been talking about.
Romance Meter: You will forgive what the drama lacked because of John Kim.
GENRE: Romantic Comedy GRADE: C+
♥ Because It's the First Time (2015 ) – Everything about this drama screams about the kind of friendship, worries and love confusions we had in our early 20's. The story was narrated unadorned but the characters were limned delightfully.
This is a good example of coming of age drama. I felt hints of Reply series soul. I wished it ran longer
GENRE: Youth, Romance, Drama GRADE: C+
♥ Ho Goo's Love (2015) – parking lot
GENRE: Romance, Comedy GRADE:
♥ Who Are You? (2015) – This youth drama following the success of the "School" series covered problematic society issues involving youth nowadays like bullying, self-esteem issues and family problems. All I can remember in this drama are the boys but I did not become sentimental like what "Because it's the first time" gave me.
Why you should watch it? Two pretty high school boys will suffice the empty plot
GENRE: Youth, Suspense, Family, Friendship GRADE: C
♥ Heart to Heart (2015) – parking lot
GENRE: Romance, Drama GRADE:
♥ Bubblegum (2015) – I think out of all friendship-turned-romance dramas this year, Ri Hwan and Haeng Ah's story in Bubblegum is perfect for 30-ish working people who struggled and are struggling to keep up on the sad truth that dealing with a broken heart and learning to accept a new love have different approaches as you age along. It was such an enamoring narrative that drew strength from the free spirited and natural on screen connection of the lead couple.
Romance Meter: This was what The Time That we were not in love should have done with their love line.
GENRE: Romance GRADE: C+
♥ Masked Prosecutor (2015) – parking lot
GENRE: Legal, Drama GRADE:
♥ God of Trade – Innkeeper (2015) – parking lot
GENRE: Period, Drama GRADE:
♥ I Have a Lover (2015) – parking lot
GENRE: Romance, Melodrama GRADE:
♥ Twenty Again (2015) – Almost each year, a women-empowerment-inspired Korean drama would hook me to become a faithful follower that even hopeless-romantic me can't understand. Most of the time this type of drama also induce your desire to push harder in completing your bucket list, just like what it did to me. For this year, we have "Twenty Again", the story of Ha No Ra and her quest to discover and redeem herself twenty years late.
Woman empowering tale of finding yourself after a failed marriage
GENRE: Romance, Drama GRADE: C+
♥ The Village (2015) – parking lot
GENRE: Thriller, Mystery GRADE:
♥ She Was Pretty (2015) – I would consider two themes evident for this year in kdramaland… friendship-turned-romance and redeeming-a-woman's-old-glow. These two were present in the recently concluded love tale of childhood friends turned sweethearts who lost contact for a long while and met again at different expectations and fears more than 20 years after.
There were cute cuts along the way, the chemistry was there… but I suffered a Jung Eum saturation in this drama already. The second lead was an ambrosia though
GENRE: Romantic Comedy GRADE: C+
♥ Awl (2015) – parking lot
GENRE: Revenge, Drama GRADE:
♥ High Society (2015) -After Hwarang I took this drama because of Park Hyung Sik. It was a case that I like the second leads' love line than the OTP, and not because of Hyung Sik, but because their love story is really more appealing. High Society swiftly move but lacked a pivotal rise. It was constantly on a plateau so it is best to finish in a few seatings.
High Society Series Review
The second leads salvaged the sloppy plot and the main leads imbalanced chemistry
GENRE: Drama, Romance GRADE: C
♥ Assembly (2015) – parking lot
GENRE: Politics, Drama GRADE:
♥ Yong Pal (2015) – Yong Pal enticed me with its exciting premise of a Prince charming doctor who saved an heiress in distress medically forced to be on coma by her half-brother who wanted the helm of the big company her father left for her.
For the thrilling save the unconscious heiress chase and Joo Won, this is a must watch spectacle
GENRE: Medical, Romance, Drama GRADE: B+
♥ Angry Mom (2015) – parking lot
GENRE: Family, Drama, Comedy GRADE:
♥ Warm and Cozy (2015) – parking lot
GENRE: Romantic Comedy GRADE:
♥ Beloved Eun Dong (2015) – A passionate story of a man's first love. Wistful and nostalgic, I highly recommend you watching it.
you'd be surprised how you will enjoy it
GENRE: Romance GRADE: B+
♥ Heard it through the Grapevine (2015 ) – parking lot
GENRE: Melodrama, Romance GRADE:
♥ Mrs. Cop (2015) – parking lot
GENRE: Action, Drama GRADE:
♥ Scholar who walks the night (2015) – priority list
GENRE: Sageuk Fusion, Supernatural, Romance GRADE:
♥ Producers (2015) – The mixture of the inside production world of variety shows and the characters' stories were nicely blended but it was the diversity and chemistry of the characters pierced my kdramaaddict heart.
Kim Soo Hyun surely made me laugh a lot in his role
GENRE: Drama/Variety Fusion GRADE: B
♥ Super Daddy Yeol (2015) – parking lot
GENRE: Romance, Comedy GRADE:
♥ Punch (2015) – Awed and at the edge of my seat every episode's finishing kick, I can't help but wondered how brilliant the writer of this story by bringing out a drama where heroes and villains don't waste time out-manipulating each other to secure the highest possible position befitting to their greed and wickedness. With a dying man as a lead hero in charge to intellectually brawl with his superiors in the Prosecutor's office, the stake was always at the highest as the people involved raced to protect their families, reputations and personal ambitions.
Plus Factor: Gritty acting at its best
***Story and Screenplay were insanely good
GENRE: Drama, Politics GRADE: A
♥ Last (2015) – parking lot
GENRE: Thriller, Crime GRADE:
♥ Sassy Go Go (2015) – Your typical youth drama set in school with eye candy lead man, vivacious lead girl and plain premise about group of students that were joined together to form a cheerleading team. I honestly endured it because of the lead guy because he made me transport back to my high school girl self. But there's nothing much that happened aside from the childish bickerings and some school controversies and issues faintly covered to promote social awareness.
Sassy Girl Go Go Series Review
Lee Won Geun is all I remember in this drama
GENRE: Youth, Romance GRADE: C
♥ Ex-Girlfriends Club (2015) – parking lot
GENRE: Romance, Comedy GRADE:
♥ I Remember You (2015) – parking lot
GENRE: Thriller, Crime, Drama, Romance GRADE:
♥ Orange Marmalade (2015) – parking lot
GENRE: Youth, Romcom, Supernatural GRADE:
♥ Hwajung (2015) – priority list
GENRE: Period, Romance, Drama GRADE:
♥ Shine or Go Crazy – parking lot
GENRE: Period, Romance GRADE:
♥ Oh My Ghostess (2015) – Bright, Cheerful and Feel Good have always been the after effect of an episode dose of "Oh My Ghostess" for me. Supernatural plot is a make or break deal in kdramas. It needs to be flaunting when the plot needs it, and it needs to see reasons when you over expose it. It was the most consistent romantic-comedy for me this year, yes even with the slight tragic plot. The chemistry of the love couple was impeccable that all the followers of this drama would agree how Bong Sun and Sun Woo made our heart fluttered with their bipolar-disorder-misguided-romance.
Romance Meter: Oozing with sweet goosebumps bubbly romance
GENRE: Rom-Com, Supernatural GRADE: B+
♥ Blood (2015) – parking lot
GENRE: Medical, Romance, Supernatural GRADE
♥ Divorce Lawyers in Love (2015) – parking lot
GENRE: Romance, Comedy GRADE:
♥ The Time we were not in love (2015) – parking lot or maybe I won't go back
GENRE: Romance, Drama GRADE: D
♥ D-day (2015) – parking lot
GENRE: Medical, Thriller, Drama GRADE:
♥ Falling for Innocence (2015) – parking lot
GENRE: Romance, Comedy GRADE:
♥ Mask (2015) – For once I got to see a melodrama with a rich family cast not going all war with excessive evil plots to claim the rein of a company, but doing it within the members as what I perceived the rich and famous should have done in reality. "Mask" having dysfunctional characters will entice you by how much it deconstructed the main leads' motivations, frailties and hair-pulling moments on what they are willing to give because of greed, vengeance and sacrificial love.
Swerving from the musty weep fest trademark of melodrama, "Mask" raised its fight club banner through lies, devious plots, and ruthless counter attacks for reasons of being blindly in love and the thirst to achieve a payback.
Plus Factor: The drama scenes were not overly done
GENRE: Melodrama, Romance GRADE: B
♥ Spy (2015) – parking lot
GENRE: Action, Drama, Suspense GRADE:
♥ Hyde, Jekyll and Me (2015 ) – parking lot
GENRE: Drama, Romance, Medical GRADE:
♥ A Girl who Sees Smells/Sensory Couple (2015) – Welcome to the psychopath chase where gripping episode endings build up to a long stretch of sweet annoyance and anticipation to a quaintly written story where the characters boarded on a race to outwit each other and the cost of each wrong judgment equates to starting points of a never-ending labyrinth.
Wow Factor: Villain was badass
GENRE: Supernatural, Suspense, Romance GRADE: B
♥ Kill Me, Heal Me (2015) – The complexity of the multiple personality disorder fused with the fated but hindered romance of the main couple has made me ruminative deducting the precepts of the story premise of this smartly and quirkily written korean drama. I knew it was all about trauma and I was happy that there was no extreme sacrificial bordering to stupidity acts done by the main leads in avoiding their destined love.
Plus Factor: Wow for Ji Sung oppa's multiple character portrayals
GENRE: Romance, Drama, Medical GRADE: B+
♥ Healer (2014 – 2015) – Healer is one of the best dramas you should include in your list if you haven't seen it yet. It has a brilliant premise about a one-of-a-kind hero who chose to disconnect from the society, but accidentally grew attachment to a woman who drew him out of his hibernation. The drama quaintly linked the furtive relationship of the characters while building up the plot's climax and romance to perfection. It is so addictive, stimulating and amusing — and that one drama you can sit on with family, friends and even your lover. I'm almost two years late to review this drama but I hope you can find time to watch one of the best dramas on my list.
Plus Factor: Amazing in almost everything
GENRE: Drama, Suspense, Action, Romance GRADE: A
♥ You Who Came From Another Star aka My Love From Another Star (2014) – I can say a lot of beautiful things about this drama but to make it simpler, I will just say that it is currently my all time favorite. I was happy to witness the closure which gave me a happy ending and yet not leaving entirely its supernatural premise. You Who Came From Another Star's finale didn't force the issue and gave a satisfying ending for hopeless romantics and threw a lightsaber party to sci-fi geeks. It yielded a make sense ever after dream for the lead girl who has been patient to his eventual wormhole traveling man who fulfills his promise to his woman. A classic love-you-when-you're-here-with-me and love-you-even-more-even-if-you-leave irony and yet so indulging of wistful memories. It was a heartfelt love affirming ending befitting of the bravery, honesty, unrequited love and a surreal romance wrapped in a pink bow.
it will definitely belong to your favorites
GENRE: Rom-com, Supernatural GRADE A
♥ Misaeng (2014) – With its simplicity and amazing depiction of the daily life of the working class, Misaeng is no frills, never superficial and all heart and a must watch for all of us on board and soon to be boarding on the corporate world.
Best Workplace drama ever
GENRE: Drama, Slice of Life GRADE: A
♥ I Need Romance 3 (2014) – parking lot
GENRE: Romantic Comedy GRADE:
♥ Emergency Couple (2014) – parking lot
GENRE: Romantic Comedy GRADE:
♥ It's Okay, That's Love (2014) – "It's okay that's love" is just how relationship realities are translated in a cherished, ardent, unadulterated, lingering, failing, and blissful TV drama scenes. The last 4 episodes has had me at my knees clutching my pillow, trying to subdue the emotional outburst from a beautiful and heartfelt thread of painful and fervid love moments that cut deep in my heart and my very own memories of how it felt to love someone deeply without holding back.
This crazy love is beautiful in its own right
GENRE: Rom-com, Drama GRADE: A
♥ Pinocchio (2014) – someday I will watch you
Pinocchio Series Review
GENRE: Rom-com, Drama GRADE:
♥ Beyond the Clouds (2014) – parking lot
GENRE: Romance, Drama GRADE:
♥ Big Man (2014) – parking lot
GENRE: Romance, Melodrama GRADE:
♥ Discovery of Love (2014) – A favorite of mine. It showed how real romance stories should be told.
the best first love drama for me
GENRE: Romance, Comedy GRADE: A
♥ Inspiring Generation (2014) – parking lot
GENRE: Romance, Drama, Period, Action GRADE:
♥ Secret Love Affair (2014) – parking lot
GENRE: Melodrama, Romance GRADE:
♥ Naeil Cantabile (2014) – The youthful vibe and endearing cast would be enough for you to give a chance to this youth musical drama about a music genius girl who suffered from stage fright when performing. He will be guided by a prickly top student in the school. Although it won't make you feel giddyish, it is still an adorable treat.
I think the Japanese version is still better
GENRE: Youth, Musical GRADE: C+
♥ Trot Lovers (2014) – parking lot
GENRE: Romantic Comedy GRADE:
♥ Birth of a Beauty (2014) – parking lot
GENRE: Romantic Comedy GRADE:
♥ Witch's Romance (2014) – Noona Romance at its quirky best. Feel good while you are in the moment, but will not be worth it for a second take.
GENRE: Romantic Comedy GRADE: C+
♥ The Record of Nightwatchman (2014) – There are a few dramas I watched for the love of an oppa like I did with this. The metaphysical setting was not clearly structured and a lead girl who did not progress at all in her role in the story. If not for Jung Il Woo oppa, I would have not finished it.
GENRE: Period Supernatural GRADE: C
♥ Fated to love You (2014) – Fated To Love You invested on the bread and butter of Rom-Com dramas and luck was on their side because they have such endearing couples that made the easily foreseen scenarios still appealing to watch. They worked on the essence of "timing" in romance and remained steadfast with their theme until the conclusion and resolution of the love story.
jang hyuk's cackle was epic
GENRE: Period, Drama GRADE:
♥ Bride of the Century (2014) – parking lot
GENRE: Romance, Family GRADE:
♥ The Spring Day of My Life (2014) – parking lot
GENRE: Melodrama, Romance GRADE:
♥ Joseon Gunman (2014) – Lee Jun Ki is that actor that fits well in Historical drama depictions as proven by his recent works. Set in Japanese occupation, the riveting battle to outsmart the villain, the hero's fight scene executions and the excitement induce screenplay were what made me stay unfolding the story even if it is too manly for my taste.
GENRE: Period, Action, Romance GRADE: B
♥ Blademan (2014) – parking lot
GENRE: Comedy Romance GRADE:
♥ Pride and Prejudice (2014) – parking lot
GENRE: Melodrama, Legal GRADE:
♥ Doctor Stranger (2014) – Messy with sequential problems, I still found this drama appealing even when the writer has a lot going on in his mind. I like the brilliant framing of the hero, but I did not like how he was not that well equipped to tackle the antagonist in a seesaw manner. The minimal romance, I would choose to disregard because at least it was a happy ending after going through all those adversities.
GENRE: Thriller, Medical, Spy, Romance GRADE: C
♥ The King's Face (2014) – parking lot
GENRE: Period, Drama GRADE:
♥ Temptation (2014) – parking lot
GENRE: Melodrama, Romance, Revenge GRADE:
♥ The Legendary Witch (2014) – An empowering story of a woman who learned to take care of herself after being used by her presumed to be dead husband's family. They sent her to jail after framing her for a crime she did not commit. There in prison, she met a new family who helped her get back to life. This is a nice mix of family drama, not too emotionally draining and just focusing on the character narrative.
GENRE: Family, Romance GRADE: B
♥ Triangle (2014) – parking lot
GENRE: Drama, Family GRADE:
♥ You're All Surrounded (2014) – parking lot
GENRE: Action, Comedy, Romance GRADE:
♥ Marriage Not Dating (2014) – I attribute the success of this drama to the love couple's sparky chemistry. The accidentally-let's-pretend-we-are-dating plot provided memorable events – mushy, cutesy and funny moments, making the drama such an endearing treat.
GENRE: Romance, Comedy GRADE: B
♥ God's Gift 14 Days (2014) – parking lot
GENRE: Suspense, Drama GRADE:
♥ A New Leaf (2014) – parking lot
GENRE: Legal, Drama, Romance GRADE:
♥ My Lovable Girl (2014) – This is a drama that I finished out of my loyalty to Rain oppa. The story started and ended without me not feeling any kind of emotion about it. It was such a waste of my everything and it still baffled me until now if Rain oppa read a wrong script prior to signing up for it.
Don't waste your time like I did with mine. Skip it!
GENRE: Romance, Musical GRADE: F
♥ High Schooler King of Life (2014) – parking lot watched a few episodes might go back someday
GENRE: Romantic Comedy GRADE:
♥ Liar Game (2014) – parking lot
GENRE: Suspense, Drama GRADE:
♥ What's up with my family? (2014) – Park Hyung Sik made me watch this drama. I rarely watch family dramas so he is just my motivation why I tried it. It is not boring but it is a good video book to see before you hit the bed. A heartwarming tale of a single father who like any other parent, just want to give the best for his children.
GENRE: Family, Romance GRADE: C+
♥ Beyond the Clouds (2014) – parking lot
GENRE: Melodrama, Romance GRADE:
♥ Miss Korea (2014) – True, it may be not endearing all the time but it is such a story you can sit back and watch and feel so nostalgic, blessed and happy about being a woman you were before, you are right now, and you would be in the future.
A drama that celebrates the strengths and vulnerabilities of being a woman
GENRE: Romance, Drama, Comedy GRADE: C+
♥ Angel Eyes (2014) – parking lot
GENRE: Romance, Drama GRADE:
♥ Golden Rainbow (2013 – 2014) – Using the resident birth secret and sigh inducing series of unfortunate events for the protagonists, this show was a decent story you can share with your mom if she likes tragic underdog stories. Raised in a household by a foster father, the heroine persevered in her life and took care of her siblings when her father got incarcerated. Years later, she discovered her real family and had to confront the villain who shattered her family, is also the father of the man she loves.
GENRE: Family, Drama, Romance GRADE: C+
♥ Secret Door (2014) – parking lot
GENRE: Period, Drama GRADE:
♥ The Three Musketeers (2014) – parking lot
GENRE: Period, Drama, Action GRADE:
♥ Empress Ki (2013 – 2014) – Empress Ki was a stunning narrative of a woman who found strength within her best of abilities. She was blessed to be loved by two amazing Kings and she returned their love the best way she can. While the basic contents of sageuk drama were depicted in the story, it was the conflicted love triangle that made its run appealing.
GENRE: Period, Romance GRADE: B
♥ Nine Times Travel (2013) – Notching superbly those climactic cliff-hangers and seamlessly presented the consistent timeline transitions and convergence, this drama would have mocked all the time-traveling stories last year. Halfway through 2013, story, directing and editing wise, I found my kdrama to beat.
My Sherlock veins was immensely gratified that I paid less attention to the romantic side which in all fairness was also a satisfying bliss. It was a balanced fusion of a character and plot-driven tale where its incredulous premise was chronicled unembellished and not leaning to injecting inconceivable trajectories due to its supernatural setting.
Seamless story building even with the shifting timelines… I wrote some points while watching because it will really lose your smarts
GENRE: Suspense, Supernatural, Romance GRADE: A
♥ Heartless City (2013) – parking lot
GENRE: Romance, Crime, Thriller, Action GRADE:
♥ Queen of the Office (2013) – parking lot
GENRE: Romantic Comedy GRADE:
♥ Cheongdamdong Alice (2012-13) – It's sort of refreshing to see the reversal of roles, to have the man as the vulnerable character in the story and the one needed to be saved. This has been the strength of this love story. The daddy-and-first-love-issues, the brave but twisted love of the heroine, the circumstances of why the main love was in a tug-of-war setting, the opposing beliefs in romance were detrimental factors in imaginary and real-life ever. Cheongdamdong Alice was able to hit all those considerations of people who are looking for the kind of love they deserve. Sometimes love started to be meant to be, but has to end because we have to get the love we deserve. If you are looking for a romance, this drama will show you the love at its purest, vilest and fulfilling appearance.
An immersing love narrative of understanding why old flames do not work out
GENRE: Romance, Melodrama GRADE: B
♥ Bel Ami (2013) – The cute pairing failed to salvage the story. It was not an engaging romcom to watch due to the lack of twist. Romcoms are bread and butter of kdramaland. You can't just throw power actors and expect a lame story to spin.
GENRE: Romantic Comedy GRADE: D
♥ Jeon Woo Chi (2013) – Jeonwoochi might have failed to live through its "consistency" mantra but it was still a good watch for the hero's adventure and supernatural relief. This drama has half-convinced me to give a fair rating because of the humor surge and main actor's performance. Other than that the screenplay, directing and even the visual effects were just mediocrely done, and failed to outsmart the movie version.
If you need a neutralizer to the 2013 romance drama spree, trust Jeonwoochi to provide you a breather. Bewitching and fun, this drama won't brag much, but will make you smile.
Bewitching and fun, this drama won't brag much, but will make you smile.
GENRE: Fantasy, Adventure, Romance GRADE: C+
♥ Shark (2013) – parking lot
GENRE: Romance, Drama GRADE:
♥ Level 7 Civil Servant (2013) – Level 7 Civil Servant was not badly thought, but it was badly executed. So I won't say that it was a bad drama as there were episodes that really showed promise although the more important ones were rendered unsuccessfully. So I'll be safe in saying "watch it at your own risk".
The problem here was the writer was confused on which direction to thread
GENRE: Rom-com, Sometimes Espionage GRADE: C
♥ Scandal (2013) – parking lot
GENRE: Romance, Melodrama, Revenge GRADE:
♥ Mandate of Heaven: The Fugitive of Joseon (2013) – I have minor complaints mainly on the characters drawn in this series, but the story regardless of the unnecessary lengthening was nicely moving for me albeit all the eye-rolling I did while stalking on it due to circumstances that really tested the endurance of the protagonist. And because it was needed to strengthen the characters and make the plot thicker, I can only comply. Not ending at a confused state in each episode was good enough for me as I never put such high hopes on it.
Certainly not extravagantly made or quaintly conceived, but it was a fair showing all throughout.
yes you will watch it if you are a Lee Dong Wook fan
GENRE: Drama, Period GRADE: C+
♥ Goddess of Fire (2013) – parking lot
GENRE: Romance, Drama GRADE:
♥ My Flower-boy Neighbor (2013) – This was a good while it last drama case, but you eventually will forget as time passes by. While there are a few moments that will make you feel good and love-filled, it was not a solid love story you get to tell your friends. It lost the vigor along the way when they have inserted the "love, dream, leave" triumvirate.
Sassy and sweet, this is a soothing spectacle perfect for teens this summer. If you want to go with an upbeat characters, cute couple and a fairly done love story, go get your binoculars and take a peek at Flower Boy neighbor.
Quirky and fun flower boys following the tradition set by its predecessors
GENRE: Romantic Comedy GRADE: C+
♥ Marry Him if you dare (2013) – Don't take the dare! Run as fast as you can. What happened in this story is voodoo related. A sure waste of talent.
GENRE: Romance, Drama GRADE: F
♥ School 2013 (2013) – Narrated the typical classroom setting where side stories of the A-student, bullies, slow-learners, mediocres and uncaring students struggled to keep up with their personal issues alongside the stress they were getting while getting educated. This is very easy to digest and almost anyone can relate to because everyone was once a student.
the kim woo bin and lee jong suk bromance drama
GENRE: Drama, School GRADE: C+
♥ Reply 1994 (2013) – This is where I chose the second lead over the main lead guy in the Reply series. Set in a boarding house, this is a nostalgic tale of youth and romance. All "Reply Dramas" have their own unique appeal. I think Reply 1994 had strong side stories that propelled its engaging appeal.
GENRE: Romance, Comedy GRADE: B
♥ Blade and Petal (2013) – parking lot
GENRE: Period, Drama GRADE:
♥ That Winter, The Wind Blows (2013) – Loving someone when you are literally blind takes faith beyond reasons, and finding a reason to live because you love someone takes bravery beyond faith. These are the two love lessons I have learned from Oh Soo and Oh Young, and so far this year, they are my favorite love couple.
"That Winter, The Wind Blows" was a poignant love drama that will make you remember how you were scared to start a love you were unsure of, and how you took the odds to claim it. This was a cure for people with "trust issues" and its delightful and piercing romance take will definitely appeal to people wanting to love… wanting to be in love and wanting to be loved back. It was a splendid romantic drama ride for me. It was not perfect but it was emotionally astonishing.
a weep fest drama were all the tears are worth it
Genre: Romance, Melodrama Grade:B+
♥ Empire of Gold (2013) – parking lot
GENRE: Romance, Drama GRADE:
♥ When a Man Loves (2013) – We have at some point in falling in love, have thought and wished we have loved differently or love a different person. "When a Man Loves" sweetly and painfully depicted all kinds of love known to the universe. They have a 3-way obsessive love, one-sided love, love that took time, secret love, brotherly love, filial love, love that got away, gangster love, confused love, and selfish love. It was like the evolution of love in documentary, but yes with characters and plot.
Successfully incorporating Daddy-long-legs, Helen of Troy and The Godfather in a romantic blend with angsty spice, I raised my hand in the auction and shouted THAT'S MINE!
a rare melodrama with heavy emotions that I enjoyed
GENRE: Romance, Drama GRADE B
♥ Who Are You? (2013) – parking lot
GENRE: Romance, Supernatural, Mystery GRADE:
♥ Prime Minister and I (2013) – There sure were potentials and highs but the closure was important. This drama disappointed me but I have to consider the strengths and the happy scenes. I am blaming it to age disparity. I struggled to feel the chemistry, but the comedy at least delivered.
GENRE: Romance, Drama GRADE: C
♥ I summon you gold! (2013) – parking lot
GENRE: Romance, Comedy, Family GRADE:
♥ Phantom/Ghost (2012) – There were no guns triggered… no swords drawn… it was a battle between heroes and villains equipped with digital powers. It was an enthralling power game that involved, system hacking, all-knowing CCTV cameras, secret bugging and heroes and villains almost equally genius to take one step ahead of each other. If you want a breather from rom-coms, this cyber crime drama should be on your list. The dexterous cast and perceptive plot will take you all the way to an exciting oblivion were you will feel like you are also part of this buffed cyberspace police officers.
Full of thrills and smarts… A labyrinth that will surprise you at each turn
GENRE: Cyber-crime, Drama, Action GRADE: A
♥ The Chaser (2012) – parking lot
GENRE: Action, Drama, Crime, Thriller GRADE:
♥ Queen In Hyun's Man (2012) – Queen In Hyun's Man has managed to outwit me and convincingly swayed me with what story drive I imagined to be achieved… He was playfully smiling at me in a "and you thought you had me figured out abby" kind of way. With the time travelling and fantasy parade in the KDramaLand, he has managed to surprise all the players with his neat time transitions enabling a consistent and enticingly appealing plot. Rarely would you remember equally the story and the characters, but with Queen In Hyun's Man, the characters synchronized well with the story and strangely the characters would be able to stand alone as the story retain its brilliance and vice versa. It was a supernatural and reality love drama at its best and is a romance story so worth of my time and even curing my recently running emotional limbo bound self. It definitely deserved a slot in my hall-of-famers. Yes it did.
a personal favorite of mine
GENRE: Fantasy, Romance GRADE: A
♥ A Gentleman's Dignity (2012) – The 20 hours I spent with this drama has made a very jumping on the air happy girl.
I have positive feelings towards this drama. All those minor so-what-situational-supporting-conflict I just disregarded because the story and the characters have such resonance that has made me reflect on how I've been dealing with my own relationship and commitment issues. Come to think of it, they made this to make you remember how vulnerable and how defiant you can come after because of love. This will definitely make it to my top 3 this year. So I only have one slot left to give. Come on kdramas indulge me.
Romance Meter: playful, secret, stubborn and true love all in one box
Cutesies and Humor Meter: man, i loved those opening anecdotes and the ajussi-boys
Acting and Cast Chemistry: no character was told to stay in the corner
GENRE: Romantic Comedy, Brotherhood GRADE: B+
♥ Faith (2012) – It was not as polished and calculated as City Hunter or Ghost, in fact it was sort of slow moving but it was moving to a direction where it was making the viewers joined the drama production… cheering for them, feeling each of the character's pain, engrossed with the happy moments and frustrated with the inability to end the villains vile ways. To make it simple, Faith was successful in establishing a connection that will not make it forgettable.
Faith is a remarkable premeditated tale where notwithstanding the consistent dawdling and sageuk clichés it successfully notched the path where it was directing the audience – hope, holding on faith and happiness. Faith's ability to balance the transcendent elemental nonsense was plausible and cohering to how it mounted to the story's peak.
Lee Min Ho as a general was a gift
GENRE: Historical Fiction, Rom-Fantasy GRADE: B
♥ Arang and the Magistrate (2012) – Arang and the Magistrate was able to evade an almost drama fury on my end. It was a safe drama, period. It goes down to the point of how you manage to end something, no matter how unsure and average the narration of the story was, as long as you give a decent ending that would suffice. I really applaud the characters… I liked the concept but how they thread on the bridge to get to the other side could have been better if they wove a straight yarn and minimize the holding back of what should have happened. I was able to predict what will happen eventually, but I stayed with it because the dragging storyline in the first half was compensated by the fast-paced-surprise-after-surprise second half. Had they made it consistent it would have felt better considering the stellar performance of the cast and the richness manipulation of the folklore from where the story was derived.
The kick start took 6 episodes, the story started midway, the ending was decent for a swaying and swinging fantasy and folklore fusion sageuk
Romance Meter: It was there but I was not into them
GENRE: Fantasy, Folklore, Romance GRADE: C
♥ Dr. Jin aka Time Slip Dr. Jin (2012) – I struggled in finishing this drama, as Dr. Jin really took time to have all the pieces fall together. Most of the episodes were open-ended, switching from the blending of the medical plot, the political dissensions and the paranormal insertions, which in my unbiased opinion was a no-nonsense attempt to present a different blend of sageuk drama. In the tradition of period dramas, the death of the main characters, the daring moves of the villains and the counter-attack of the underdogs, the double-crossing and last minute betrayals kept hold of the sageuk feel. The bromance and the supernatural-defying romance were also present and spun the major conflicts of the story. It was flowing and got there without minding the bridge. Albeit the craziness and lapses, it was still a good watch for me, but incomparable to sageuk classics.
Patience will help you get through this drama
GENRE: Historical-Medical-Fantasy-Fiction GRADE: C
♥ Answer Me 1997 (2012) – The charming screenplay and story have brought out the best of the newbie artists. The novelty and evasion from the drama rom-com clichés has made a plot a winner. It was like reading a predictable book… you know what's going to happen but how they made it happen was sweet, comic, beautiful and realistic.
Romance Meter: first love drama at its best
Story and Screenplay: the nostalgia element was a runaway hit
Cutesies and Humor: it felt like a happy high school reunion
Acting and Cast Chemistry: For non-mainstream actors they have rolled smoothly and stunningly
GENRE: Romantic Comedy, Youth GRADE: B+
♥ Big (2012) – BIG was half-baked story wise, and you can barely feel its romance because it was not meant to be. Signature Hong sisters' humor went in every now and then, but nothing much special like how they used to insert it. I didn't like the love story period. I didn't like how the characters went to play their part hence they failed to salvage the drama potentials. BIG was "not big enough" to have held on my diverted self. It made me crawl on my way to finish it. It made me wonder if some evil spirits took over the Hong sisters' body. It made me sad that Gong Yoo oppa was all pretty and hot and funny there, but I won't remember everything about it.
Over-all Meter: Gong yoo oppa is still cute, forgettable lead girl, no story, nothing happened, Hong sisters took some crazy pills while writing
GENRE: Romantic Comedy, Fantasy GRADE: F
♥ Bridal Mask (2012) – There are a lot of reasons why I would highly recommend this drama but I'll start with its strength to depict a stimulating story brimming with facets of history and layered with conflicts and resolutions that disheartened and made me happy at the same time.
Cast and Storyline: Energizing plot movements, sleek and steamy action scenes and the best bromance ever.
GENRE: Action, Drama, Historical Fiction GRADE: A
♥ Dream High 2 (2012) – parking lot
GENRE: Musical, Youth GRADE:
♥ Equator Man (2012) – The outwitting game and the friendship that fell but found back its footing were some of the reasons why I gave a shot on this drama. In a vengeance thriving and friendship betraying world, I was left moved and appalled.
This was a classic father-and-son love relationship spectacle. A lot of faces of family attachment were shown… good and vile.
A heartbreaking bromance that will thrill you at the same time
GENRE: Drama, Friendship, Romance GRADE: B
♥ Can We Get Married (2012) – "Can We Get Married?" was a very ruminative tale that presented varied reasons, delusions, confusions, pain and happiness when intending to share a life with someone officially. It sent me to pensive state in justifying my own stand of not believing that love is forever and acknowledging the happy truth that while relationship can be very moody at times, there are things like two-way happiness, warm embraces and sweet kisses that love can only define.
The feisty family who made bickering as their hobby will crack you up a lot
GENRE: Romance, Family GRADE: C+
♥ Fashion King (2012) – Fashion King kicked off in a darth vader-ish tone… It was dark, cunning, treacherous and hindered. It takes the realistic tone, no fancy playing and leaning to character driven conflicts.
If not for the immersion of the actors to their characters the drama would have been a failure for me. I stayed with it because of Yoo Ah In mainly, but more than that would be its maturity and the transparent feel. It thrived on my emotions. It stood there tapping on my emotions annoying me, making me feel giddy, making me sigh and making me anticipate.
It's a drama I won't recommend to watch right away, but I will recommend to someone if he wants some time alone. My verdict? Watch. Go with the flow. Drool at Lee Je-hoo and forget he's evil ways. Munch Kang Young-gul as much as you can. Be prepared for the ending.
You will curse on the writer after
GENRE: Melodrama, Romance GRADE: C
♥ Five Fingers (2012) – When you have your protagonist, villains, counter-villains living inside the same roof scheming on how they can make each other suffer and retaliating at the same time, you get the best drama ensembles acting wise. I present you Five Fingers – a story of a dysfunctional family that burned each episode with intense unlimited angst thrown at each other in a battle where money is thicker than blood and first love.
One of the most impossible mother in the whole wide korean melodrama world
GENRE: Melodrama, Romance, Family GRADE: B
♥ Love Rain (2012) – Dear Love Rain… less the oldies' side love story turned eventual conflict you made me smile and somehow you let romance rain… You are relaxing and very eye-pleasing to watch… you may not be the best romance drama yet so far this year, there's a lot of opportunities to insert romantic interludes and took out unnecessary story arc… but hey, I did took time watching you… and for that I blame it to your sweet and simple love take.
Coming from the director who gave the "season dramas" (Autumn in my Heart and the rest of the bunch), you are worth the hype even if some of the adorable scenes I already saw from other dramas. What stood out in this drama was the beautiful cinematography as what the director's trademark is and of course this is Jang Geun Seok's way of bouncing back to my boyfriends' list after the disappointing ride with Mary. You are soothing and serene… a nice watch when you want some time to be alone. ^_^
Gorgeous production design and cinematography
GENRE: Romance, Melodrama GRADE: C+
♥ Haeundae Lovers (2012) – The hotel-tug-of-war, the quirkiest-quasi-mafia-ish-fisherman family I have ever laid my eyes on, the stubborn-quick-to-anger-but-adorably-handsome-prosecutor, and the love story that was brought about by a criminal chase and one after another jumping into wrong conclusions were reasons enough to enjoy this light drama.
It was swift and well-paced. It was predictable and yet so fun to watch. Amidst the 3rd quarter drama, Haeundae Lovers was not that conspicuous, underrated if I may say, and the irony of it is that it has the biggest heart so far from what I've seen… tapping on love, family and friendship in an uncomplicated and stirring way of defining life's real moments.
Gives you a summer love story that can cure your moodswings
GENRE: Romantic Comedy, Family GRADE: C+
♥ I do I do (2012) – "I do I do" was very endearing to watch and for people like me whose emotional involvement can be swayed by our love of our independence, it was a sweet somewhat reality bites nudge. I say this is a passing drama, nice to watch when you are doing it, but is forgettable. It was a story of a love that you can almost have, but you can't have because life intervenes and throws in circumstances were you have to decide if it really matters. But if you did bravely choose, you'll learn that an ALMOST LOVE is one of the sweetest love… you can have and you will have.
noona romance with an endearing second lead romance side dish
GENRE: Romance GRADE: C+
♥ King 2 Hearts (2012) – King2hearts has always been polished, calculated but never failing to entice and push me to my assumed outcomes. That being said, what I applaud about this drama is how it seems predictable but will prove the viewers otherwise. But I would have wanted a different closure for Bong-gu… I could think of a lot of possible evil ways to end him because I was closed to calling the Criminal Minds team to help the North and South pin him down because of so much annoyance. Seriously I think they are now tired of having the male leads fought over the lead girl, so they are killing the second lead now… give way to the new face of the second-lead syndrome… It was a perfect Korean drama for the second quarter, all criteria were met… It began well with witty hijinks and ended with conviction.
Lee Seung Gi at his pompous adorable best
GENRE: Drama, Romance GRADE: A
♥ May Queen (2012) – What I liked about this drama is they compensated the long run to explain everything they have to explain. They also made sure that each main character revolved and redeemed their personas. I think I'll have this drama as my yardstick to melodrama that's not taking the romance as an integral part. While it was not as stimulating as Five Fingers, it never lost its track to where it is heading. I guess it helped that they drew delineation between the villains and the protagonists, and clearly defined where the problems of the story were derived.
It took me to an immersing world where I learn a lot about ship building
GENRE: Melodrama, Romance GRADE: B
♥ I Need Romance 2 (2012) – parking lot
GENRE: Romance, Comedy GRADE:
♥ History of the Salaryman (2012) – History of the Salaryman was a very intelligent story of people moving around the corporate world. The recent World Wars would fail in comparison to the forming and disbanding of alliances in this drama as they race to who will snatch the contest for "the most ambitious of 'em all".
A consistent gripping drive culminating to a fulfilling kick-ass who's the boss now finale? — History of the Salaryman is a stimulating watch that will taunt you while leaving you inspired at the same time.
Snappy characters and scintillating narrative
GENRE: Drama, Comedy, Romance GRADE: B+
♥ I Miss You (2012) – Staying away from the chaebol-love-you-hate-you love stories, "I Miss You" plunged to a dark and painful romance between a girl who was left behind by her friend and first love, and the man who waited for 14 years to make up for letting go of the girl he first loved.
Prepare for a weep fest
GENRE: Melodrama, Romance GRADE: B
♥ Nice Guy aka Innocent Man (2012) – I'm not a fan nor did I dislike "Innocent Man". It was safe to a point that I liked so much the texture of the main lead's character Kang Ma Ru, but I won't vouch for how they contemplated on the movement of the story. I liked that it gave us a feeling of relying that there's always another day to hope and believe in life even if you've gone through days of tears, pain and sacrifice.
I remember the angst but not the story.
GENRE: Melodrama, Romance GRADE: B
♥ You Who Rolled in Unexpectedly (2012) – parking lot
GENRE: Romance, Comedy GRADE:
♥ Operation Proposal (2012) – The pacing and the timing were injected smoothly in the movement of the time wrinkling happening in the drama. It was neatly done that I didn't lose interest in it. If you are looking for a complete romance drama with a magical side dish – Operation Proposal would serve the purpose.
the time traveling premise to win the heart of the girl he loved was frustratingly sweet
GENRE: Fantasy, Romance GRADE: B
♥ Panda and Hedgehog (2012) – Panda and Hedgehog was an epitome of a predictable drama and there are a lot of opportunities acting wise. It was an easy watch, you will just go with the flow and will never trigger a negative feeling in your veins. It won't promise you ohlalas but it won't disappoint you either. It worked well that they limited the characters, they simplified the conflicts, but they added zest in the romance and relationship of their main players. That I think was the reason why I finished Panda and Seul-ji's love story, they didn't dig on misunderstandings. They know what they want all throughout, they withdrew when they can't, but they took a stand when they have to. It was a realist romance, and even the sugar-coating was not that sweet at all.
simple and irresistible
GENRE: Romance, Drama GRADE: C+
♥ Feast of the Gods (2012) – parking lot
GENRE: Romance, Drama GRADE:
♥ Rooftop Prince (2012) – This was the first drama I saw with reincarnation plot in full swing (memory searching… really no other drama with reincarnation plot yet). The adorable 3 Musketeers were a bundle of bliss, a sight to behold, a manna from Heaven. The laughter I got from their modern transformation supplied enough happiness pills to cover the recent job nausea I'm getting at work.
It was not your perfect drama technical and script wise… in fact there were a few labyrinth-bound story plots and out of place conflicts, but then again the sweet moments and the laughter were all so worth it, so you would hardly notice the lapses… It's that love tale that I don't want to end and I can't get enough of… and the reincarnation storyline somewhat helped me to move on.
the prince and his minions will crack you up
GENRE: Fantasy, Romcom GRADE: B+
♥ Shut Up Flower Boy Band (2012) – It was neither awesome nor bad for me. But it will be my least favorite among the flower boy series. It has great music, average plot and a fairly engaging cast but I was not drawn by it.
GENRE: Bromance, Musical, Youth GRADE: C+
♥ Syndrome (2012) – priority list
GENRE: Drama, Medical GRADE:
♥ Horse Doctor (2012) – priority list
GENRE: Period, Medical, Drama GRADE:
♥ Take Care of Us Captain (2012) – parking lot
GENRE: Romance, Drama GRADE:
♥ The Great Seer (2012-2013) – The Great Seer slowly stimulated me until I finished it. I learned a few things about geomancy as well. It won't definitely have a second serving for me, but if you are trying to educate yourself with Korean history, this would be a great help as the founding of Joseon era was the culmination of the storyline of this period TV story.
a good dose of Korean geomancy and history
GENRE: Period, Drama GRADE: C+
♥ Vampire Prosecutor (2012) – parking lot
GENRE: Supernatural, Drama, Legal GRADE:
♥ The King of Dramas (2012) – The King of Dramas is beautiful depending on the perceiver's eyes. If you are up to just rose petals and romance, then this might not work for you. It was a drama that was narrating a great story of bouncing back after a slump in someone's career life.
quirky characters and an amusing bounce back from life setbacks story
GENRE: Drama, Romance GRADE: B
♥ The Moon That Embraces The Sun (2012) – The young love which blooms and defied time, reasons, and political issues are what makes the production applauded I believe. The strong and consistent character portrayals, supernatural seasonings, family issues and brotherly love cemented the viewers' loyalty I say.
The series as a whole was creatively conceived, but I won't say I'm all praises to it compared to what I felt with the recent sageuks I saw. It was euphoric on its strong notes and contemplating on its sad tones.
this drama cemented Kim Soo Hyun as a bankable actor
GENRE: Historical, Fantasy, Romance GRADE: B
♥ Full House Take 2 (2012) – parking lot
GENRE: Romance, Comedy GRADE:
♥ To The Beautiful You (2012) – Candid and totally charming, "To the Beautiful You" will promise you smiles and refreshing feel. If you are looking for something serious or evil induced story, then you won't find it here. Everything about it was lightly done even the conflicts. Simply laid, progressed smoothly and stopping at a happy ever-after note… this drama will be one of my favorite among the rom-coms this year.
because we are all beautiful when we are young and in love
GENRE: Romantic Comedy GRADE: B
♥ Wild Romance (2012) – It was one hell of a sweet, laid back wild ride, and although the romance manifested itself in the latter part, I found this drama charming and endearing. I will miss the humor, the bickerings and the adorable geek and geeker second leads, more than that I will miss Dong Wook oppa in his childish but still melting hot prince-like self.
the sports fan girl in me really love this darling
GENRE: Romance, Sports, Comedy GRADE: B+
♥ Flower Boy Ramyun Shop (2011) – The light, feel-good and fast-paced vibe sent me wanting for more, and ended up being satisfied as each episode ends. Without trying that much the characters grew on me and Cha Chi Soo tied with Dokko Jin this year for my favorite male leads. One of the best for 2011, it swept me off my feet the way Prince Charming could have never done it to me. Charming and full of romantic bliss plus an adorable Second Lead as an extra perk that you won't be able to resist.
The Cha Chi Soo kisses are cloud nine and and milky way combined
GENRE: Romantic Comedy GRADE: A
♥ Gyebaek (2011) – parking lot
GENRE: Period, Drama GRADE:
♥ Dream High (2011) – Youthful, glee-like-maybe-even-better, and lead actors that will put you most of the time in reverie of your very own young, sweet love… The musical bearing sets it apart from the rest of the dramas this season. This is where I first noticed Kim Soo Hyun.
Dream High Series Review
an inspiring musical drama for youth
GENRE: School, Musical, Romance GRADE: B
♥ King Gwanggaeto the Great (2011) – parking lot
GENRE: Period, Drama GRADE:
♥ Baby Faced Beauty (2011) – It was light, refreshing and full of hope and dreams. The character development will slowly and surely capture you. A story of a 34-year old woman who has to set aside her dream of being a designer to take the role of the breadwinner in the family. She was given an opportunity to have her dream but she has to pretend she's 9 years younger. It may be slow moving but you will end up loving the story.
Story and Screenplay: surprisingly a feel good reach your dream even if it is too late drama for me
Cast Interaction: everywhere but nonetheless endearing
Romance Meter: For a noona romance it was okay but forgettable
GENRE: Romance, Drama GRADE: C+
♥ The Duo (2011) – parking lot
GENRE: Period, Drama GRADE:
♥ City Hunter (2011) – I'm very fond of the lead couple after watching them in their respective Kdramas and I've loved them even more in this story. Very charming display of their characters. A story of seeking justice and realizing that there's more to life than revenge. It's hard not to fall for this drama because it hit all the elements you can ask for. Superb directing, scriptwriting and acting. I could not ask for more. ^_^
Lee Min Ho's first action drama venture was kickass… Oh and his bromance with ajussi was priceless
GENRE: Action, Drama, Romance GRADE: A
♥ Crime Squad (2011) – parking lot
GENRE: Crime, Drama, Action GRADE:
♥ Lie To Me (2011) – I'm half loving and half hating this drama. There were a few scenes to cherish, but the potential was not played deftly. If not for Yoon Eun hye and Kang Ji Hwan, it would have not been appealing to watch as the story really lacked pulls and twist.
It was a great pairing but they were not fit perfectly to the story
GENRE: Romance GRADE: C
♥ Special Affairs Team Ten (2011) – parking lot
GENRE: Crime, Drama GRADE:
♥ 49 Days (2011) – I found the premise intriguing as it involves fantasy intervention… it slowly picked up in my system but having a soft spot for I'm-here-for-you-all-along-why-can't-you-notice-me kind of love, it won me over. Neat and prettily written story with twists and gasps. If truth be told, the final twist was really not good, but I gave in to the fairly done story build up. ^_^
49 Days Series Review
Except for the birth secret twist it was smooth flowing
GENRE: Fantasy, Melodrama, Romance GRADE: C+
♥ Royal Family (2011) – parking lot
GENRE: Romance, Drama GRADE:
♥ A Thousand Days Promise (2011) – Another dying girl premise, if not for Rae-won oppa I would have not watched it. It's everything you expect from a melodrama. I praise the lead actors for their emotion-deep portrayals. It quietly crept in me, and it quietly left me too.
A Thousand Days Promise Series Review
Romance Meter: Tearfully romantic
Cry-o-meter: Be ready to cry big time
GENRE: Melodrama, Romance GRADE: B
♥ Me Too, Flower! (2011) – parking lot
GENRE: Romance, Comedy GRADE:
♥ I Need Romance (2011) – I Need Romance was a very fulfilling love drama to watch. It drew the depth of commitment and the pain it comes when loving so amazingly and truthfully. It has been bound realistically that the problems and happiness made the story so moving that I was able to relate to it. When a drama made me sat to finish it in one sitting, the drama is a certified superb, Sung-soo and In-young's love story did it to me. I strongly vouched for this love series, women should watch it, and men will learn a lot from it.
My favorite gff drama ever
GENRE: Romance, Drama, Comedy GRADE: B+
♥ Can you hear my heart (2011) – parking lot
GENRE: Romance, Drama GRADE:
♥ Warrior Baek Dong Soo (2011) – What I remembered most are the fight scenes and bromance. For a sageuk, the story depth was not that pronounced. Boys will enjoy this epic journey.
GENRE: Period, Drama, Action GRADE: C+
♥ Heartstrings aka "You've fallen For me" (2011) – I would recommend this to anyone suffering extreme heartache to trigger their ability to love again. This is refreshingly sweet and the kind of drama you'll watch and never get tired of it.. A little lapses and a sort of rushed ending but Lee Shin made up for all those little things it was missing.
Jung Yong Hwa slayed his campus hearthrob role
GENRE: Romantic Comedy GRADE: C+
♥ Brain (2011) – parking lot
GENRE: Medical, Drama GRADE:
♥ Miss Ripley (2011) – parking lot
GENRE: Romance, Drama, Revenge GRADE:
♥ Can't Lose (2011) – Brimming with bickering, fun and quirky attitude, but I felt it was just playing safe and not pulling enough magic to go beyond the limbo. Overly careful but not boring.
It was fun but I cannot connect to it
GENRE: Romantic Comedy GRADE: C
♥ Man of Honor (2011) – parking lot
GENRE: Romance, Sports, Comedy GRADE:
♥ Mary Stayed Out All Night (2011) – parking lot
GENRE: Romance, Comedy GRADE:
♥ Midas (2011) – parking lot
GENRE: Romance, Drama GRADE:
♥ Ojakgyo Brothers (2011) – parking lot
GENRE: Romance, Comedy, Family GRADE:
♥ New Tales of Gisaeng (2011) – We have birth secret and a rich guy poor girl plot in this family drama that I watched only because of Sung Hoon. There's nothing much to expect aside from the love chasing premise.
GENRE: Romance, Drama GRADE: C+
♥ Padam.. Padam (2011) – parking lot
GENRE: Romance, Melodrama, Supernatural GRADE:
♥ Paradise Ranch (2011) – parking lot
GENRE: Romance, Comedy GRADE:
♥ My Princess (2011) – It was good while it lasted, but being shown in a year full of quirky kdramas made me momentarily forgot how it used to feel when I was glued watching it. Another ironically awesome chemistry of lead actors, because I really didn't expect it from Song Seung Heon and Kim Tae Hee. I won't forget the "dear-mom-behind-the-door-confession-scene" and the mischievous pairing and their love-filled moments were a sigh to behold.
The very first drama for both of the actors that I liked
GENRE: Romance, Drama GRADE: B+
♥ Sign (2011) – parking lot
GENRE: Medical, Drama GRADE:
♥ Myungwol the Spy (2011) – The sort-of-chaos that happened during the airing of this drama didn't stop me from being immersed on the characters and the funny, exciting, full of twist, story. Since rom-com dramas are everywhere in the kdrama land, it's hard to generate a love story of a man and a woman that you haven't seen, heard or read before. True, there may have been love stories about spies, but the crisp and outlandish Myungwol took me by surprise, and I just love surprises.
prepare to be hooked by this adorable love couple
GENRE: Romcom, Spy GRADE: B+
♥ God's Quiz 2 (2011) – parking lot
GENRE: Medical, Drama GRADE:
♥ Protect the Boss (2011) – A strong willed heroine who can't be bullied by the villains + a clumsy overly cute hero + another charming hottie for the second lead = Abby is so happy on her K-drama binge watching session. It was a typical plain girl torn between the affections of two rich heirs of a business conglomerate. Actually there's nothing extraordinary about this drama, the feel of it and some story arcs you might have experienced before from previous rom-coms, but it's the chemistry of the entire cast I think that made it such a hit. Plus it's nice to have villains who were not so evil and who got to be bullied by the lead actress. The romantic progression and conflict were well laid, simple and very amusing, although I have a slight issue with the last conflict, and I'm on the heroine's side because I also detest waiting, confusing closure, and doors faintly open for a hope of another entrance to love.
GENRE: Romance, Comedy GRADE: B
♥ Romance Town (2011) – parking lot
GENRE: Romance, Comedy GRADE:
♥ Scent of a Woman (2011) – I won't forget Yeon-jae and Ji-wook's love story. Theirs is full of passion, trust and commitment to love each other whatever the future holds. To date this is my favorite Korean drama ever and Yeon-jae and Ji-wook's lovestory will always be special in my heart. A love tale that has made me cried big time, but still made me feel hopeful after the tears. Scent of a Woman is so life and love affirming that it affected me in a way that it made me get so serious with making my own bucket list.
optimistic and a breathtaking dying girl love story
GENRE: Romance, MeloDrama GRADE: A
♥ The Greatest Love aka "Best Love" (2011) – If Hong sisters wrote the drama, it would definitely be good. I don't know what kind of water these sisters drink for them to come up with really good love stories. Dokko Jin entered my lead man Hall of Fame list and Pil-joo joined Geol-ah to my "really-they-deserved-the-girl" award. This is something you will dream of when you sleep and a very good reason for you to bargain with time to speed up so that the day of its airing can happen. Certified fresh on Abby's must-watch list
romcom drama at its best
GENRE: Romantic Comedy GRADE: A
♥ The Princess' Man (2011) – A period drama taking the Romeo and Juliet romance background. With one of the vilest villain my eyes has set upon on television. Nonetheless, for a not so sageuk fan like me it stirred emotions and glue-like substance to make me stay in touch with it and finishing it till the end. Marvelously done music and editing and with richly personified characters, this is a drama worth of a red carpet recognition.
better than Romeo and Juliet in a beautifully set Joseon era
GENRE: Historical, Romance, Melodrama GRADE: A
♥ The Tree with Deep Roots (2011) – I love how the main characters were so intricately intertwined in the duration of the series. Their portrayals were remarkable and added flavor in supporting each member of the cast. Come to think of it, it was a story of the founding of the Korean alphabet, and I was with them the whole time. The King I hope will meet the king villain of Princess' Man, they will make a good bout. Haha just kidding Seriously, this drama is remarkable in holding your attention without you understanding where the motivation came from. It could be the well told tale, the amazing emotional characters, the exciting fight scenes or the playing of the well-conceived rules of the game.
exciting to watch even when the premise is about Korean alphabet
GENRE: Historical, Romance, Melodrama GRADE: B+
♥ Vampire Prosecutor (2011) – parking lot
GENRE: Drama, Supernatural GRADE:
♥ Thorn Birds (2011) – parking lot
GENRE: Romance, Melodrama GRADE:
♥ Secret Garden ( 2010) – Hyun Bin + Ha Ji Won = I'm a happy camper! 🙂 The drama woke up my inability of falling in love again with a fictional character Kim Joo Won. Engaging and strong performance by the characters, amusing screenplay and a story that will linger and can work as a coping pill to boredom or heartbreak. I had high expectations about this team up, and they did not fail me. Sunny characters, a twist worth of de Maupassant, and an endearing-classic-my-mom-doesn't-like-you-but-i-love-you love story.
there's a lot to love on this drama
GENRE: Fantasy, Romance GRADE: A
♥ Athena: Goddess of War (2010) – priority list
GENRE: Action, Thriller GRADE:
♥ Cinderella's sister (2010) – Started strong and then the production crew I don't know maybe caught something (i'm wishing it's voodoo doll related), and then it broke my heart. The angst and the strong character depiction are what I remembered most about it.
GENRE: Romance, Melodrama GRADE: D
♥ Bad Guy (2010) – parking lot
GENRE: Romance, Drama GRADE:
♥ Coffee House (2010) – parking lot
GENRE: Romance, Comedy GRADE:
♥ Fugitive: Plan B (2010) – priority list
GENRE: Action, Drama, Thriller GRADE:
♥ Harvest Villa (2010) – Parking lot
GENRE: Family, Comedy GRADE:
♥ Mischievous Kiss (2010) – "Izatura na Kiss" is a very special story to me and its Taiwan counterpart stayed with me during those moments when a stray dementor sucked me with all the love I have in my life. So having a point of comparison, the Korean adaptation fought hard to crawl its way inside me. I like the couples but there's still a "push" missing. The irony of such distant characters to be falling in love is difficult to achieve, and I must say they did it fairly but my heart still belongs to the Taiwan adaptation.
GENRE: Romantic Comedy, School GRADE: C+
♥ Becoming a Billionaire (2010) – parking lot
GENRE: Romance, Comedy GRADE:
♥ My Fair Lady aka Take Care of the Young lady (2010) – The false hope I felt for this drama was the same as how my favorite basketball team kept disappointing me by failing to grab a championship. There were some worth your time, but it's mostly a waste. The storyline was all over and was not able to maximize the potentials of the actors. I have a soft spot for Yoon Eun Hye, and I did give a lot of chances, but enough is enough, it really didn't hit the romantic nerves in me.
GENRE: Romance, Comedy GRADE: D
♥ A Man Called God (2010) – parking lot
GENRE: Drama, Thriller GRADE:
♥ My GF is a Gumiho (2010) – Being a self-confessed fan of the Hong sisters, I really enjoyed the supernatural-mythical-romantic elements in this story. One of the most remembered couple I guess in the Kdramaland. I was already a Shin Min Ah fan even before and her light and natural take on her character made me love her even more. Beautiful, never a dull moment and will always be on anyone's top favorites.
Addictive and bewitching… Mi Ho will grow in your heart fondly
GENRE: Fantasy, Romance GRADE: B+
♥ Pasta – (2010) – parking lot
GENRE: Romance, Comedy GRADE:
♥ Personal Taste (2010) – There were lots of bright tones in this drama which I can say compensated to some dry moments and knots that were loosely conspicuous in a kdrama addict's eye. The doting scenes melted me and made me craved for more so some scenes that are really unnecessary were left forgotten.
Kae in's optimism will warm your heart… Lee Min Ho is still as gorgeous as usual
GENRE: Romantic Comedy, Drama GRADE: B
♥ God's Quiz (2010) – parking lot
GENRE: Medical, Drama GRADE:
♥ Prosecutor Princess (2010) – Intricately woven narrative with great lines and superbly layered sequence build up. With effectively personified characters that made me swoon over their committed portrayals. The "confrontation-kiss-scene" brought me to the edge of ever after and had me promised myself I will vow to be a single woman, if it's not Park Shi Hoo that I'm gonna marry with. *giggles
GENRE: Romance, Drama GRADE: B+
♥ Dr. Champ (2010) – parking lot
GENRE: Medical, Drama GRADE:
♥ Queen of Reversals (2010) – Sweet and sent me to self-realizations for a day… Actually this drama got me because of Park Shi Hoo, didn't read reviews about it which I normally do. I'm just hopelessly in love with him so I just want to stare at his face even if I will not watch the story itself. *giggles But I love how this drama turned out to be and there are lot of relationship ideas that were pointed out so prettily. Hwang Tae Hee will be one of my favorite heroines. This is another women empowering story.
Queen of Reversals Series Review
girl power drama that would inspire you as a woman full of self-worth and love
GENRE: Drama, Romance GRADE: B
♥ Secret Investigation Record (2010) – priority list
GENRE: Period, Supernatural GRADE:
♥ Stars Falling from the Sky (2010) – I like strong heroines and I like them even more when they show their vulnerabilities and make adjustments to their liabilities. A woman was forced to leave her usual girly and well-off life when her parents died. She was left taking care of her color-coded siblings. The instant family set-up and the love you have tried to give up but you ended up falling even more made me so fond of this drama. Lively and cheerful, you will fall in love with the lead couple.
GENRE: Romance, Family GRADE: B+
♥ Sungkyunkwan Scandal (2010) – It was so addictive and full of charming moments, and I was even surprised to have felt that way considering that it was a fusion-sageuk drama. Having F4 like drama aired in the past few years, I say SKKS in its own right deserved so much applause.
an almost perfect young love drama with cute boys that will melt your heart
GENRE: Historical Fiction, Romcom GRADE: A
♥ Road Number 1 (2010) – parking lot
GENRE: Romance, Drama GRADE:
♥ City Hall (2009) – I've watched this drama after I came across Dokko Jin, and the politics-based love story blew me away. The closing scene was shot so perfectly I promised myself I will vow to be a single if I won't get that kind of romantic scene for a wedding proposal.
Belongs to my all time favorite drama and all time favorite romance drama lists
GENRE: Romantic Comedy, Drama GRADE: A
♥ The Great Queen Seon Deok (2009) – someday I will finish it lol
GENRE: Period, Drama GRADE:
♥ Empress Chun Chu (2009) – parking lot
GENRE: Period, Drama GRADE:
♥ Chuno aka The Slave Hunters (2009) – priority list
GENRE: Period, Action, Drama, Romance GRADE:
♥ Beethoven Virus (2009) – Great acting, script writing and directing. It will slowly crawl its way to you, and without you realizing it you are deeply immersed in each character's life.
Beethoven Virus Series Review
Acting and Cast Chemistry: This is where I first met Kim Myung Min. All characters along with the music they played, were in sync
GENRE: Drama, Music GRADE: B
♥ Cain and Abel (2009) – parking lot
GENRE: Family, Drama GRADE:
♥ The Story of a Man (2009) – parking lot
GENRE: Romance, Drama GRADE:
♥ Boys Over Flowers (2009) – When it was aired in Korea, it was like the anticipation of Harry Potter book 7 for me, I'm so excited of Wednesdays because I get to watch it. Teen romance bliss at it's best. ^_^
Romance Meter: Marry Me Gu Jun Pyo!
Cast and Storyline: Blooming actors on their break out roles. Lots of heart fluttering moments. Perfect for Kdrama newbies. Optimum hook factor. A perfect inclusion for kdrama starter pack.
GENRE: Romantic Comedy, School, Youth GRADE: C+
♥ Friend, Our Legend (2009) – priority list
GENRE: Romance, Drama GRADE:
♥ Cinderella Man (2009) – parking lot
GENRE: Romance, Drama GRADE:
♥ Iris (2009) – Since it was big budgeted and composed of top stars in Korea, it should definitely be worth watching. I say the hype was compensated well, and the only Lee Byung Heon oppa drama that I liked. Riveting and fast paced, but I've watched lots of spy dramas so it was good but there's nothing new to rave about it.
GENRE: Action, Drama GRADE: B
♥ Princess Ja Myung Go (2009) – parking lot
GENRE: Period, Drama GRADE:
♥ Creating Destiny (2009) – parking lot
GENRE: Romance, Comedy GRADE:
♥ The Man Who Can't Get Married (2009) – I don't know if I'm weird or something but I like the "man" here who can't get married. He is a geek, organized and prickly middle-aged ajussi in the brink of being a forever bachelor. Aren't those reasons enough to love him? But here's a case of even how much adorable the main character was, if there are loopholes in the scriptwriting, it still won't be enough to suffice a fluid narrative. More than that my Geol-Ah isn't cute here so that's another point that disappointed me. lol
GENRE: Romance, Drama GRADE: C
♥ Queen of the Housewives (2009) – parking lot
GENRE: Romance, Comedy GRADE:
♥ Invincible Lee Pyung Kang (2009) – parking lot
GENRE: Romance, Comedy GRADE:
♥ Partner (2009) – It's nothing fancy, sometimes fun, most of the time stoic, but Lee Dong Wook was the lead actor so I submit to my fangirl cravings. This legal drama work on cases along with the developing romance. Nice while you are watching it, but not worth a second serving. How I wished the romantic scenes were fortified to break those moments when the tone was dry.
GENRE: Legal, Romance GRADE: C+
♥ Two Wives (2009) – This infidelity drama was a hit having a complication of a wife who just learned her husband unfaithfulness was forced to take care of him because of his memory loss. It was a sure headache and emotionally draining experience when I was watching it before because the heroine has already sacrificed everything and yet she was left no choice but to accept him again.
GENRE: Romance, Drama GRADE: C+
♥ Star's Lover (2009) – parking lot
GENRE: Romance, Comedy GRADE:
♥ Shining Inheritance (2009) – I rarely watch melodramas, but there was something engaging in this modern-day-Cinderella-meets-spoiled-prince-romantic-interlude. Seeing Han Hyo Joo in a different light was a surprise as I was not happy when I first saw her in Spring Waltz. If not for the brilliant portrayal of the villain step mom here and how Eun-sung struggled and defeated the odds, the story will really not go beyond plain to interesting. Nonetheless this heroine driven story encourages women to be strong in adversities and to be kind and forgiving at all times.
GENRE: Melodrama, Romance GRADE: B
♥ Swallow the Sun (2009) – parking lot
GENRE: Romance, Drama GRADE:
♥ The Return of Iljimae (2009) –Interestingly narrated and rich in Jung Il Woo's pretty face. A well-written story of a man who has made himself a hero even if fate went unfavorable to him.
dear jung il woo, this is where I first loved you
GENRE: Drama, Romance GRADE: B
♥ Tamra the Island (2009) – parking lot
GENRE: Romance, Period GRADE:
♥ You're Beautiful (2009) – One of the few dramas who killed me with so much anticipation. Great chemistry between our favorite K-band characters. After Jang geun Seok swept me off my feet here, I hunted all his Korean movies and watched it. Amazingly sweet and with lots of love vibes.
GENRE: Romantic Comedy, Musical GRADE: B+
♥ Will it snow at Christmas? (2009) – parking lot
GENRE: Romance, Melodrama GRADE:
♥ East of Eden (2008) – priority list
GENRE: Romance, Drama GRADE:
♥ The Kingdom of the Wind (2008) – parking lot
GENRE: Historical, Drama GRADE:
♥ Love Marriage (2008) – I was kinda hesitant when I first took my DVD copy of this drama to watch. When I look at the lead couple it felt like they were not in sync physically. There's nothing spectacular about the story itself and is very laid back, and that's maybe the reason why I fell for it. This is one drama that maybe not so popular, but has become one of my favorites even now.
GENRE: Romance, Comedy GRADE: B+
♥ Rivals (2008) – parking lot
GENRE: Romance, Comedy GRADE:
♥ You Are My Destiny (2008) – parking lot
GENRE: Romance, Comedy GRADE:
♥ Iljimae (2008) – parking lot
GENRE: Romance, Drama GRADE:
♥ Gourmet (2008) – parking lot
GENRE: Romance, Drama GRADE:
♥ La Dolce Vita (2008) – Mature, splendid in a melodrama and realistic way. If you have been induced by light rom-com dramas full of raining rose petals and couple bickerings, this will be something new for your taste. A story of an unhappy wife who sought refuge by planning to commit suicide, but went on a whirlwind love encounter with a younger man.
GENRE: Romance, Melodrama GRADE: B
♥ Tazza (2008) – parking lot
GENRE: Drama, GRADE:
♥ Three Dads One Mom (2008) – Sassy and cute, the boys were the source of zest in this story of a young widow who was comforted and helped by her dead husband's friends in nurturing her child. It's an invigorating quasi-rom-com with a sweet twist in the end.
GENRE: Romance, Comedy GRADE: C+
♥ Hong Gil Dong (2008) – parking lot
GENRE: Period, Action GRADE:
♥ Last Scandal (2008) – parking lot
GENRE: Romance, Drama GRADE:
♥ On Air (2008) – priority list
♥ Strongest Chilwoo (2008) – parking lot
GENRE: Romance, Period, Drama GRADE:
♥ The Painter of the Wind (2008) – priority list
GENRE: Romance, Period GRADE:
♥ World's Within (2008) – I won't forget Hyun Bin and Song Hye Gyo's portrayals here. I was in fact seeing myself in Hye Gyo's character so I can totally relate to her thinking and pain. The scene when she learned why he pushed her away because of his eye problem was one of the best scenes I've ever seen. I think what made this special and captivating was the use of capturing incidents that happens on a typical relationship. It's like when you a scene, you know that you have been somewhat there before. This is one of my surprise favorites.
World's Within Series Review
that one realistic drama that anyone can relate to
GENRE: Romance, Comedy GRADE: B+
♥ Robbers (2008) – parking lot
GENRE: Romance, Melodrama GRADE:
♥ When it's at Night (2008)- parking lot
GENRE: Romance, Comedy GRADE:
♥ Why did you come to our house? (2008) – parking lot
GENRE: Romance, Comedy GRADE:
♥ Scale of Providence (2008) – parking lot
GENRE: Romance, Drama GRADE:
♥ Wife's Temptation (2008) – parking lot
GENRE: Romance, Drama GRADE:
♥ General Hospital 2 (2008) – parking lot
GENRE: Medical, Drama GRADE:
♥ Yi San (2007-2008) – parking lot
GENRE: Period, Drama, Romance GRADE:
♥ The King and I (2007- 2008) – parking lot
GENRE: Period, Drama, Romance GRADE:
♥ The Legend (2007) – parking lot
GENRE: Period, Drama, Mythology, Supernatural GRADE:
♥ Dalja's Spring (2007) – parking lot
GENRE: Romance, Comedy GRADE:
♥ Air City (2007) – parking lot
GENRE: Romance, Comedy GRADE:
♥ Auction House (2007) – bucket list
GENRE: Drama, Romance GRADE:
♥ Bad Love (2007) – parking lot
GENRE: Melodrama, Romance GRADE:
♥ Hello Miss (2007) – Slow, nothing much to watch, the only good thing here is Lee Dae Hee. The chemistry with the lead man was non-existent.
Skip it! 🙂
GENRE: Romantic Comedy GRADE: F
♥ Flowers for My Life (2007) – priority list
GENRE: Romance, Drama GRADE:
♥ Get Karl! Oh Soo Jung (2007) – At times funny and flirty, but most of the time dry and unsteady. It was a case of failing to check the basics of an engrossing romance layered with comedy.
GENRE: Romantic Comedy GRADE: D
♥ Jumong: The Book of Three Han – (2006 – 2007) This loooong period drama is the proof of my unwavering commitment to South Korean dramas. *chuckles While journeying with Jumong to the endless political wars, rooting for his love fulfilment with Seo So No and his ascencion to the empire he built, I learned about korean history, war strategies, economic principles and winning over people's greed. You know that Machiavelli book about politics and governance, skip that and watch Jumong for a more interactive education. I promise it is more enjoyable. Jumong managed to maintain the excitement even with its long run. It made use of detailed and thrilling storytelling that hooked me to connect with the main hero. True, there will be a lot going on in the story, so you might as well take notes and don't fall asleep because when you wake up a lot already happened.
GENRE: Period, Drama GRADE: A
♥ Time Between the Dog and Wolf (2007) – parking lot
GENRE: Romance, Drama GRADE:
♥ Mackerel Run (2007) – parking lot
GENRE: School, Youth GRADE:
♥ Que Sera Sera (2007) – The simplicity is powerful and the character driven narrative will leave you breathless. It's emotion-filled and gripping, with heart tugging lines and you-don't-want-to-be-put-in scenarios when it comes to loving someone. This is where I saw Eric as an actor and not just a hottie.
GENRE: Melodrama, Romance GRADE: B
♥ Thank you (2007) – priority list
GENRE: Romance, Drama GRADE:
♥ The 1st shop of Coffee Prince (2007) – Coffee Prince cemented my growing fondness towards Yoon Eun Hye. *giggles I liked her in Goong, and I like her even more here. The music was so refreshing. How the love grew between the lead characters was simply laid and yet so affecting and definitive. If you are currently having a bitter heart because of a failed relationship it can surely disarm you and walk you through appreciating love again.
a sweet and memorable work place romance?
GENRE: Romance GRADE: A
♥ I am Sam (2007) – parking lot
GENRE: School, Youth GRADE:
♥ In Soon is Pretty (2007) – parking lot
GENRE: Melodrama, Romance GRADE:
♥ Lobbyist (2007) – parking lot
GENRE: Romance, Drama GRADE:
♥ The Devil (2007) – Anything supernatural can be sold to me that is why I found the premise intriguing. Three individuals path were intertwined as culprit, victim and a witness for a forgotten crime which will be solved by the heroine's psychosometric ability. The characters were well played and the arcs of the story were keenly placed. It is an unconventional romantic interlude, strangely interesting and a groundbreaking kdrama mix when it was airing. There were challenges on the fusion of supernatural plot, but at least it had a safe landing.
GENRE: Supernatural, Romance, Drama GRADE: B
♥ Witch Amusement (2007) – This was where I first noticed Jae Hee and his smooth smile. I have funny and sweet moments with this drama, but it's something that did not last for a long while. If more inflections and deleted unnecessary scenes were deleted, it would have been nicer. The taming of the uptight CEO daughter was engaging, the cast was promising, the story was upbeat and did fairly well, but there was no recall for me, and it has been baffling me all these years. Someday when I have ample time, I will rewatch it.
GENRE: Romantic Comedy GRADE: C+
♥ 9 Ends 2 Outs (2007) – parking lot
GENRE: Romantic, Comedy GRADE:
♥ War of Money (2007) – parking lot
GENRE: Romance, Drama GRADE:
♥ Scandal in Old Seoul (2007) – parking lot
GENRE: Romance, Drama GRADE:
♥ Goong (Princess Hours) (2006) – Growing love was really sweetly portrayed in this drama and would make you remember your first love. Great Music, great lines. The build up of love is heartfelt and lingering. ^_^
Lee Shin is a gift. The fulfilment of the love they did not expect as fulfilling.
GENRE: Romantic Comedy, Romance GRADE: B+
♥ One Fine Day (2006) – parking lot
GENRE: Melodrama, Romance GRADE:
♥ Hwang Jin Yi (2006) – A classic depiction of a historical period character who made the most of her abilities and channeled her relationship frustrations to focus on becoming a woman like no other. A must watch sageuk favorite.
GENRE: Period, Drama, Romance GRADE: B
♥ Alone in Love (2006) – priority list
GENRE: Romance, Drama GRADE:
♥ Bad Family (2006) – parking lot
GENRE: Comedy, Family GRADE:
♥ Cloud Stairs (2006) – parking lot
GENRE: Romance, Drama GRADE:
♥ Likeable or Not (2006) – This was quite long but I stayed with it, must be because of the warm feeling and the wonderful cast who gave me a peek to their crazy family life and love journeys. This is my first family drama and I enjoyed it immensely.
GENRE: Family, Romance GRADE: B
♥ Couple or Trouble (2006) – parking lot
GENRE: Romance, Comedy GRADE:
♥ Queen of the Game (2006) – parking lot
GENRE: Romance, Drama GRADE:
♥ Exhibition of Fireworks (2006) – Dreary storyline elevation… the only good thing to watch is Kang Ji Hwan. Tolerable and forgettable.
GENRE: Romantic Comedy GRADE: D
♥ Pure 19 (2006) – parking lot
GENRE: Family, Romance GRADE:
♥ Super Rookie (2006) – parking lot
GENRE: Romance, Comedy GRADE:
♥ Secret Campus (2006) – parking lot
GENRE: School, Youth GRADE:
♥ Soulmates (2006) – priority list
GENRE: Romance, Drama GRADE:
♥ Spring Waltz (2006) – Such a strong story-telling with visually appetizing cinematography, this was a very serene drama rightfully matching the season it was depicting. There were some character lapses but still worth seeing. Mostly threading on a sad note, but still engaging.
GENRE: Romance, MeloDrama GRADE: B
♥ What's Up Fox? (2006) – priority list
GENRE: Romance, Comedy GRADE:
♥ The Snow Queen (2006) – parking lot
GENRE: Melodrama, Romance GRADE:
♥ The Vineyard Man (2006) – in progress (since Moses parted the Red Sea)
GENRE: Romance, Comedy GRADE:
♥ Which Star did you come from? (2006) – After the death of his girlfriend, a film director secluded himself only to be reminded of the past he unhinged himself from, by meeting a woman that looked exactly like his dead ex-gf. It turned out that the woman is indeed his ex-gf's long lost sister, and her family is against her connection to him after blaming him for the death of his past lover.
The premise looked crazy on paper and with Kim Rae Won and Jung Ryun Won's chemistry, it was a love feast in my eyes where I wept and laughed and also went problematic on the integral conflict of how they can fulfill their romance.
This is one of those pioneering love dramas where the writer was focused in conceiving a resolution for the conflict by propeling the magical power of love even in fiction writing than throwing unnecessary set backs to hurt the main leads. It pushed the love couple to tackle their indifferences head on and relied on how they trust and love each other.
GENRE: Romance, Melodrama GRADE: B
♥ Invincible Parachute Agent (2006) – parking lot
GENRE: Action, Drama GRADE:
♥ Lovers (2006) – parking lot
GENRE: Romance, Drama GRADE:
♥ Smile Again (2006) – parking lot
GENRE: Romance, Comedy GRADE:
♥ My Girl (2005 – 2006) – The sweetheart that made me cross Han River and indulge myself to the yellow dramas. It is where I first in love with with Lee Dong Wook.
A classic kdrama must watch when you are set to commit to kdrama following
GENRE: Romance GRADE: B+
♥ Marrying a Millionaire (2005) -parking lot
GENRE: Romance, Comedy GRADE:
♥ A Love To Kill (2005) – It was a classic directing with decent conflict that didn't make the drama so dragging. A story of an actress who was lured to romance by his bodyguard who secretly hold grudges on her. Rain oppa at his best.
A Love to Kill Series Review
Acting and Cast Chemistry: heartfelt and strong portrayals for the main leads
Cry-o-Meter: spent a tissue and a half roll
Romance Meter: mocking that Houston movie "The Bodyguard"
GENRE: Drama, Romance GRADE: B
♥ Delightful Girl Chun Hyang (2005) – perky and bubbly… with lots of zest and romance… Watched it after My Girl, and this sent me stalking Hong sisters from then on.
Sassy Girl Chun Hyang Series Review
The lively story and the sweet love journey were romcom essentials that this drama successfully notched
GENRE: Romantic Comedy GRADE: B
♥ Lovers in Prague (2005) – parking lot
GENRE: Romance, Comedy GRADE:
♥ Star Biscuit and Teacher Candy (2005) – parking lot
GENRE: Romance, Comedy GRADE:
♥ Green Rose (2005) – parking lot
GENRE: Romance, Comedy GRADE:
♥ My Rosy Life (2005) – I endured this drama and just like everyone who did, we cried with the heroine in how the unfortunate events of her life unfolded. A story of a woman who was left by her husband because of an affair to another woman. This is one drama you can watch if you suspect something fishy with your lover so he can ponder and straighten up right away. A heartrending tale, but beautiful just the same.
GENRE: Super Melodrama GRADE: B
♥ Be Strong Geum Soon (2005) – parking lot
GENRE: Romance, Comedy, Family GRADE:
♥ Hanoi Bride (2005) – Lee Dong Wook is one of my favorite actors that's why I watched it. A story of a doctor who found love while having a clinic in Vietnam, but the love he is intending to build faced difficulties due to his girl's personal conflicts and him going back to Korea for a family concern. They meet again in Korea with the girl going to become his brother's bride. Misunderstandings were cleared but they were both bound to commit themselves to different lovers. Quick moving, typical, sometimes mesmerizing.
GENRE: Romance, Drama GRADE C+
♥ Ice Girl (2005) – parking lot
GENRE: Romance, Drama GRADE:
♥ Goodbye Solo (2005) – parking lot
GENRE: Romance, Comedy GRADE:
♥ My Name is Kim Sam Soon (2005) – I really think Hyun Bin was given by Heavenly Father to me, and until now I still have that illusion. *giggles He is that actor whose gaze can make me so mesmerized and drool of what it feels like to be with him, in short I was meant for him, and it's a sad one sided fictional love. The writing and the weight of the story was justified by the endearing couple. It is something which will nudge you of what you have experienced at some point sometime in your realtionship. It is the drama that gave hope to chubby girls that they can still score a hot guy.
Chubby girls' comfort kdrama
GENRE: Romantic Comedy GRADE: B+
♥ Fashion 70's (2005) – parking lot
GENRE: Romance, Drama GRADE:
♥ Only You (2005) – This reminds me of local romance pocketbook stories I used to read when I was young… where there was a time jump and when the couple meets again, they realized that they still love each other. The confrontations and the magnetic pull-aways of the characters I thin was the reason why I liked the story. A classic rich-boy-adores-poor-girl with the scenic Italy and restaurant workplace background, "Only You" will remind you the small and big blessings of being in love.
GENRE: Romance GRADE: B
♥ The Next (2005) – parking lot
GENRE: Romance, Supernatural GRADE:
♥ Three Leaf Clover (2005) – parking lot
GENRE: Romance, Drama GRADE:
♥ Sweet Spy (2005) – parking lot
GENRE: Romance, Comedy, Spy, Kinda Action GRADE:
♥ Wonderful Life (2005) – I hated the ending. It was a break-up with an open-ended closure . You can't ruin an almost gorgeous story because of a dream.
GENRE: Romance, Family GRADE: C
♥ Full House (2004) – Light and carefree. Cute couple fights and the famous 3 bear song made me smile a lot while watching it. The sweet and simple storyline made it a runaway hit. ^_^
Thanks to this drama for cushioning Rain oppa's recent disappointing dramas
GENRE: Romantic Comedy GRADE: B+
♥ I'm sorry, I love you (2004) – priority list
GENRE: Romance, Comedy GRADE:
♥ Stained Glass (2004) – Moving to a relaxed and despondent tone with bits of upbeat notes, "Stained Glass" is your traditional Korean romance drama that is anguish and regret driven. Childhood sweethearts got separated and meet again after 12 years. The love that was forgotten emerged again, but the girl already gave her heart to someone. If you are feeling melancholic, this drama will suit a warm blanket and hot choco well.
GENRE: Romance GRADE: C+
♥ Sweet 18 (2004) – A sweet forced marriage love tale that is easy to watch and comforting to feel. A pioneering example of a nicely blended romcom drama brimming with couple bickerings and cutesies.
GENRE: Romance, Comedy GRADE:
♥ Ireland (2004) – parking lot
GENRE: Romance, Drama GRADE:
♥ Love Story in Harvard (2004) – Kim Rae Won is an actor that can easily sink in to any character he takes, and until now he still amuses me how he does that. He's so feel good and engaging to look at, and he effectively displayed that in LSIH. There are a lot of heart-fluttering scenes which KRW nailed superbly. I'm a sucker for finding-a-lost-love-and-realizing-the-love-is-still-there-drama so regardless of minimal inconsistencies and out of the context scenes, the fluidity and realistic appeal of the romantic elements were enough for me to put this on my favorite list.
College set school drama that is equally mesmerizing like the high school set ones
GENRE: Romance GRADE: B
♥ Save The Last Dance For Me (2004) –a beautiful moving story of finding love and falling in love all over again to the same person. It is my favorite Eugene drama. At some point it was slow moving but it essentially helped the narrative of the drama. This is like a love story taken out of your favorite romance novel but with a more pronounced lingering effect.
a sweet lost and found love tale
GENRE: Romance, Melodrama GRADE: B
♥ She is Nineteen (2004) – It was really saddening that a talent like Jung Da Bin departed too early. She could have done a lot more promising dramas. I like her also in Attic cat. One of the few actresses who can easily give justice to whatever character she took. What I remembered about this drama was really her portrayal. It was so heartfelt you can really relate to her character. Life motivating and heartwarming.
GENRE: Melodrama, Family, Romance GRADE: B+
♥ What Happened in Bali (2004) – This is my favorite kdrama ending. lol There are only a few kdramas with decent endings, and if I'm strange because I love the ending of the ill-fated love triangle that this love interlude presented, I don't care! At least they have provided a closure and a very strong closure for that matter. It was one lead girl settlement worth remembering. The extent of consuming ourselves when we love someone was greatly depicted and acted. This is where I fell in love with Jo In sung. The actors portrayed their personas very well. It's a different kind of love story. A love story of deceit and pride. Adults in a relationship would understand the complications presented in the drama.
GENRE: Romance, Melodrama GRADE: B
♥ Lovers in Paris (2004) – Unfortunately I have not seen this drama on its hype and even after. I can't commit if I will watch it in the future.
GENRE: Romance, Comedy GRADE:
♥ Forbidden Love (2004) – this I remembered watching but I can't recall the story anymore. aigoo hahaha I think it was shown in our local channel.
GENRE: Action, Romance GRADE:
♥ First Love of a Royal Prince (2004) – parking lot
GENRE: Romance, Comedy GRADE:
♥ Magic (2004) – parking lot
GENRE: Romance, Fantasy GRADE:
♥ April Kiss (2004) – parking lot
GENRE: Romance, Comedy GRADE:
♥ When a Man Loves a Woman (2004) – parking lot
GENRE: Romance, Drama GRADE:
♥ Emperor of the Sea (2004) – parking lot
GENRE: Period, Drama GRADE:
♥ Immortal Yi Sun Shin (2004) – parking lot
GENRE: Period, Drama GRADE:
♥ 1% of anything (2003)– a love story between a sweet middle school teacher and a hot tempered rich man. Fun, refreshing and one of the reasons why Kang Dong Won is in my Korean Prince list. ^_^
Romance Meter: middling to strong notes surging every now and then
Humor Meter: Kang Dong Won and his temper issues were engaging
GENRE: Romantic Comedy GRADE: B
♥ All About Eve (2000) – I saw this drama when I was in college so I need to re-watch it, if I'll get to have a copy someday. I enjoyed the twisted villain in the story along with it's drive for realism covering basic human emotions. Sleek and straightforward. The defiant heroine and the cunning villain wwere always up for a showdown.
Romance Meter: Cunning love, yet it's still love
Acting and Cast Chemistry Meter: I liked the lead girl and the lead girl-villain showdown in this series
GENRE: Melodrama, Romance GRADE: B
♥ All In (2003) – watched it because of Song Hye Gyo… exciting, engrossing and brilliantly done but not my drama theme preference.
Story and Screenplay: The story was there but most of the time I stepped out to get some sunlight
Acting and Chemistry: I don't know but Song Hye Gyo didn't look good with Byeong-hun oppa.
GENRE: Drama, Romance GRADE: C
♥ Attic Cat (2003) – The drama that introduced me to co-habitation of the lead couples. It's simplicity is so sweet and so are the lead couples. Endearing and love-affirming.
Attic Cat Series Review
Refreshingly Romantic…Laid back and flowing smoothly
GENRE: Romantic Comedy GRADE: B+
♥ Autumn Tale (2000) – A very sad moving love story. If serendipity has a twin evil brother, it was lurking the whole time in the story. A few sweet moments, and a drama that is anti-ever-after. The twist and simplicity of the story was very heartwarming. A heart-tugging storyline and will definitely linger in your heart.
Autumn Tale Series Review
Cry-o-Meter: Prepare a lot of tissue boxes
Acting and Cast Chemistry: Mediocre portrayals but very pretty cast
Story and Screenplay: synonym of sad, anguish and pain
Super Melodrama GRADE: B
♥ Dae Jang Geum (2003) – It's kinda long, consider you're forewarned. A story full of hope, bravery and dreams helmed by top-notch acting and directing. It is one classic period drama that a true kdrama fan should watch
Dae Jang Geum Series Review
GENRE: Historical, Drama, Romance GRADE: A
♥ Happy Together (2000) – I'm not proud of my tear ducts as it always flows when I get carried away with my emotions. I watched this with my mother and she cursed me for letting her watch it. A tear jerker in her own right but full of heart and overflowing with love. Plus your favorite actors in their early days in acting, it's a must family drama to watch.
GENRE: Family, Melodrama, Romance GRADE: B
♥ Let's Go to school Sang Doo (2003) – Tried watching it because of Rain, but I gave up halfway. I will try to watch it again if my time permits because I enjoyed watching Gong Hyo Jin dramas in the recent years. I will change the score if it's worth it.
GENRE: Romance, Comedy GRADE: D
♥ Shoot for the Star (2002) – parking lot
GENRE: Romance, Comedy GRADE:
♥ Stairway to Heaven (2003) – I have dysfunctional tear ducts, even with someone just telling a sob story, I will really cry. So with visuals and tear inducing music, I thought I won't be able to cry anymore for the next ten years when we were watching this drama. The Stairway experience for me was okay, nothing spectacular, and was normally just attacking my emotions. Considering that the story is a classic you-and-me-against-the-world-kind-of-love, it should have exerted more flavour so that the story will not be forgettable. What mostly I remembered were the tears I drained. My brother even joked how Choi Ji Woo never got tired crying every episode. The lead man who suffered a memory loss who forgot his lady love and finds her again blind is a plot never to be used again in kdramaland. ever.
this is the definition of a weep fest drama
GENRE: Super Melodrama, Romance GRADE: C
♥ Winter Sonata (2002) – Again I'm not a fan of melodrama and if truth be told even if iconic A-list actors played their role so well here, my romantic veins were not really pulled at all. Weep-fest was invented because of this drama. If you will watch Choi Ji Woo's early melodramas, you would definitely feel depressed. But since this drama is a pioneering story of Hallyu wave, kindly take time to watch it.
GENRE: Super Melodrama, Romance GRADE: C
♥ Wuri's Family (2001) – parking lot
GENRE: Romance, Comedy, Family GRADE:
♥ Damo (2003) – parking lot
GENRE: Period, Action GRADE:
♥ Bodyguard (2003) – parking lot
GENRE: Romance, Comedy GRADE:
♥ Country Princess (2003) – bucket list
GENRE: Romance, Drama GRADE:
♥ Delicious Proposal (2001) – bucket list
GENRE: Romance, Comedy GRADE:
♥ Glass Slipper (2002) – bucket list
GENRE: Romance, Drama GRADE:
♥ Love Letter (2003) – bucket list
GENRE: Romance, Comedy GRADE:
♥ Loving You (2002) – bucket list
GENRE: Romance, Drama GRADE:
♥ My Love Patzzi (2002) – bucket list
GENRE: Romance, Comedy GRADE:
♥ Piano (2001) – bucket list
GENRE: Romance, Drama GRADE:
♥ Summer Scent (2003) – bucket list
GENRE: Romance, Drama GRADE:
♥ Successful Story of a Bright Girl (2002) – bucket list
GENRE: Romance, Comedy GRADE:
♥ Thousand Years of Love (2003)
GENRE: Romance, Fantasy, Drama GRADE:
♥ We are Dating Now (2001) – bucket list
GENRE: Romance, Comedy GRADE:
♥ Beautiful Days (2001) – bucket list
GENRE: Romance, Drama GRADE:
♥ Hotelier (2001) – bucket list
GENRE: Drama, Romance GRADE: