K-Drama recommendations

[boatyardblues]

A K-drama thread was suggested on the Netflix subtitled gems thread so we can discuss in more depth without swamping the other thread. There are a lot of Korean films & boxsets on Netflix and I’m discovering the quality is variable, so I thought this would be a goid place to swap recommendations (and ‘avoids’). So far, I have hugely enjoyed:

• Something in the Rain
• Mr Sunshine (new episodes still dropping weekly)
• Live

Would also love to hear how closely these dramas represent real life in Korea from anyone who has lived there. Its fascinating learning about another culture.

I'm of the frame of mind these days that what makes me relaxed and balanced is of benefit to everyone around me

Amen to that.

In case that wasn't clear, it's my reasoning for not keeping on top of housework/ironing/random things on the to-do list

😁... I understand you bettys... And you're right though!... Just possessed down with the ever present usual mother guilt! 😭😭😭... But never so consumed that I can't sneak in an ep or two! 😂😂😂😁

👍😬😬

😂😂😂😂😭

That’s uncanny Bea.

You've got me looking now. It's all true...

Beating Again all done. It definitely warmed up in the second half, bit not a standout. Leads were good, though, and a low kook factor.

DS2 tried watching a bit earlier but found the “impressionistic” subtitling hard to follow - I explained it was more of a gist in places than usual subtitles. Example:”My wife she died of the ill.” There were worse examples, but that one made me laugh.

I’m finally in the Hwarang zone & quite liking the long hair. PSJ can rock any look. Fast forwarding through the queen palace intrigue bits though, and also slightly tired of the FL gurning away.

Watched the first ep of Welcome to Waikiki on Netflix which looks like a reworking of Three Men & a Baby at first glance, Quite funny but boy does that baby get jostled about!!

Just finished Midnight Runners!... A jolly caper though a little dark!... PSJ... 😍❤️... Found the ending very touching! Looking forward to the next one!... I've read they've all signed up for the next installment!!

Hawarang... Yes!.. I can see myself getting intrigued but it's all a little silly! Everything is soooo shiney and clean!! And the music!... Is it a historical drama or like bettyssaid... A pop video!...

On ep 5 of Fight for my way... Trying not to watch too much... I find it all a little angsty and I don't want anyone to end up disappointed and sad ! I love it... And I love the characters... I know there's always an angsty sad doomed stage (which is what I'm in at the moment)... And I know it'll turn out well!. But its still hard to watch... I think I'm overinvested!... Help!!

Why are all these dramas sooo addictive?... Is it actors?... Stories...? How come I'm not binging on all the amazing BBC dramas at the moment? Can't put my finger on it... Is it just the different style of storytelling... Most familiar style of narrative and storytelling so far has been Suits...
Is it because they're all one season too?

I couldn't stop watching Fight My Way as I was so involved with the characters & luckily I started on a Friday so just binged all weekend with late nights. Maybe I should only start a new drama on a Friday...

I don't know what it is either Bea....I use to watch BBC box sets and all sorts of Marvel series on Netflix but not since I started watching kdramas in July. And apart from Killing Eve & Mystery Road nothing on live tv. The only thing I can liken it to is when you find a new author that you really love and you have to read ALL their books.

And it's not because they're all box sets because I've started watching dramas that are on air now, so only go out twice a week. It's not just because of the lovely men & shower scenes either because there are plenty on my favourites list that don't have that. I dunno, why does anyone else think it is?

Here is one difference
YouTube link...you can guess what's going to happen

😂😂😂... Boatyard!...

Hot Damn!!... Just finished ep 3 of Hwarang... And I think I'm getting drawn in!! 😮😱

I don't know what it is either Bea....I use to watch BBC box sets and all sorts of Marvel series on Netflix but not since I started watching kdramas in July. And apart from Killing Eve & Mystery Road nothing on live tv. The only thing I can liken it to is when you find a new author that you really love and you have to read ALL their books.

Slightly frightening me now Betty, as I could have written this exact same post. Are you my lost twin? Anyhow, I think part of it comes down to the bewildering array of choice we now face in a tech-enabled world. Choosing a narrow area of focus makes choosing less overwhelming. A 24 episode boxset reduces TV choosing to a weekly decision instead of trawling through through pages of Netflix or the TV schedule. I also find the concentration required for subtitled TV means I can’t fret about other stuff or noodle online. If I want to check work emails or MN on my phone, I have to pause the TV so my choices are more active, less reflective. I had a shit day at work yesterday and came home glum. An hour of kdrama snapped me out of it.

I've started thinking of it as Pirates of the Caribbean set in 5th Century Silla.

Nearly finished so am going to try boatyardblues method of selection & have a look at Prison Playbook, Ms Hammurabi & Ms Ma, Nemesis

Cross-post boatyardblues....

Totally agree with your post. Watching 'ordinary' tv I always have something else in hand, phone/laptop/work whatever. Subtitles make me focus on one thing so I get more out of it.
And it's easier not to waste time following random tv shows that leave you hanging for a 2nd series next year maybe if it doesn't get cancelled

And it's easier not to waste time following random tv shows that leave you hanging for a 2nd series next year maybe if it doesn't get cancelled

Oh yeah, this bugs the hell out of me.

Oh yes the tech aspect!.. Totally agree ... I always have my phone out whilst watching TV... Either twitter... WhatsApp... The unbelievably depressing news... But ever since kdrama... I absolutely have to give it my full attention!! Maybe its the level of concentration that makes it soooo absorbing!!...

Also I was thinking about the depiction of romance... We never get to witness that level of giddiness of falling in love (especially from men!)... Eg min-hhyuk in SGBS or vice chair in sec Kim... I love the excitement and admiration they show!... It's soooo endearing and makes me go all warm and fuzzy!! ❤️❤️❤️

Yy to depiction of romance, the tension of waiting for that first kiss scene! And because they wear so much knitwear to bed you don’t have any sordid rumpy pumpy to spoil the illusion 😖

OK, I’m just over 12 min into Prison Playbook and it’s already classy. Plus male lead from Still Beating with floppy hair is . See you in a week!

Awesome! This is new one on me: snowstorm in full sunshine.

Right, I'm going in! Prison Playbook it is!

16 episodes @ 1.5 hours each. 😱 Yay! A viewing buddy.

Beating Again lead is superfan prison guard.