MsLattés Daebak Cybercafé (Kdrama addicts #20): With Hyun Bin off the market, the ajummas off darkness begin researching his ‘oppa fabulous’ replacement in earnest

[boatyardblues]

A quiet corner of MN for serious addicts of Kdrama, or the K-curious. (MsLatte is a Her Private Life reference.) Most of our viewing is drawn from Netflix and Viki, with a sprinkling of AmazonPrime. There are also platforms streaming content illegally if you go looking, but we don’t promote them as they are peppered with pop-ups of “Olga” and friends offering a good time, which gets in the way of the drama.

 We also dip into Japanese, Taiwanese & Chinese drama as & when. The previous thread is here but our ‘Addicts Recommend’ list below is cumulative so includes recommendations and favourites from all previous threads.


Shows marked with an asterisk are more uniformly loved or admired. In categorising series, its important to note most Korean dramas have multiple strands - e.g. supernatural, romance and a thriller; crime series with fantasy elements. Genre-busting mash-ups are normal. Series that are tagged as dark may also have moments of comedy or the absurd, likewise fluff can have heavier moments. View the categories below as best approximate & ask if you need guidance, eg about suitability for younger teens.

Comedy (with a side order of absurd)
I picked up a celebrity on the street (Viki)
My Fellow Citizens (Viki/Netflix)
The Fiery Priest (Netflix)

Crime/Thriller

Come and Hug Me (Dramafast)
Graceful Family (Viki)
Healer (Netflix)*
Heartless City (Viki)
He is Psychometric (Viki)
I Hear Your Voice (Netflix /Viki)

Life on Mars (classy remake of BBC series, no major site yet)
My Secret Terrius (Netflix)*
Signal (Netflix)*
Stranger - 2 seasons (Netflix)
Suspicious Partner (Netflix)*
The Lies Within (Netflix)*
Tunnel (Netflix)*

Historical/Period drama (“sageuk”)
100 Days My Prince (Viki/Netflix)
Crowned Clown (Viki)*
Mr Sunshine (Netflix)
Rookie Historian Goo Hae-Ryung (Netflix)
Tale of Nokdu (Viki/Netflix)*

Romance - lighter & fluffier
Beating Again (Netflix)
Coffee Prince (Netflix)
Don’t Dare to Dream (Netflix, or as Jealousy Incarnate on Viki)*
Gogh, The Starry Night (Viki)

Happy Once Again (Netflix)
Her Private Life (Viki)*

His Master’s Sun (Netflix)

Love from a Star (Netflix)*
Pinocchio (Netflix)
Radio Romance (Netflix)

Romance is the Bonus Book (Netflix)*

She Was Pretty (Netflix)*
The Beauty Inside (Viki/Netflix)
The Secret Life of My Secretary (Viki/Netflix)
Thirty Not Seventeen (Viki) or as Still 17 (Netflix)
Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo (Netflix/Viki)

What’s Up With Secretary Kim (Viki)*
Where Stars Land (Viki)*
You are my Destiny (Netflix)


Romance - heavier weight/more grown up themes
Another Miss Oh (Netflix)*
Because This Is My First Life (Viki/Netflix)*

Chicago Typewriter (Viki/Netflix)*
Crash Landing on You (Netflix)**
Descendants of the Sun (Viki/Netflix)
Doctors (Netflix)
Fight For My Way (Viki/Netflix)*
Go Back Couple (Viki)
I’ll Go To You When The Weather is Nice (Viki)
It’s OK Not To Be OK (Netflix)

Just Between Lovers (Viki)*
Melo is my Nature (Viki)/Be Melodramatic (other sites)
My Strange Hero (Viki)
One Spring Night (Netflix)
Red Carpet - film (Netflix, very adult content)
Romantic Dr Kim - seasons 1&2 (Viki)
Search: WWW (Viki)*

Something in the Rain (Netflix)
The Handmaid (film, Netflix - content warning: explicit sexual content)
The Package (Viki)

Straighter ‘Slice of Life’ dramas on universal themes
Hospital Playlist (Netflix)
Into The Ring (Viki)
Itaewon Class (Netflix)
Live (Netflix)
Misaeng (Netflix)
My Mister (Viki/Netflix)*
My Unfamiliar Family (Viki)*
Prison Playbook (Netflix)*

Once Again (Viki)
Stove League (Viki)

Supernatural/zombies/vampires/fantasy/sci-fi - lighter & fluffier
Extraordinary You (Netflix)
Goblin (Viki)*

I am not a Robot (Netflix)
Legend of the Blue Sea (Viki/Netflix)
Kiss Goblin (Viki, webdrama)
My Holo Love (Netflix)*
Orange Marmalade (Netflix)
While You Were Sleeping (Viki)*



Supernatural/zombies/vampires/fantasy/sci-fi - darker/more grown up themes
Black (Netflix)*
Hotel del Luna (Viki/Netflix)*
King: The Eternal Monarch (Netflix)
Kingdom (Netflix)*

Mystic Pop-up Bar (Netflix)
The Guest (Netflix)
Train to Busan - film (Amazon Prime)

W: Two Worlds (Viki & Netflix)*
Zombie Detective (Viki)


Guilty Pleasures (for the joy, not the quality)
Bride of Habaek (Netflix)
Hwarang (Viki/Netflix)
My Secret Romance (Viki)
The Last Empress (Viki/Netflix)
Sassy Go Go (Netflix)



Mad as a box of frogs/uncategorisable

Strong Girl Bong Soon (Netflix)
School Nurse Files (Netflix)

Not Korean but decent quality
Regulars also branch out into Japanese, Taiwanese and Chinese drama. The Chinese & Taiwanese stuff is much more variable quality-wise, so we’ve noted anything decent here:

Before We Get Married (Viki - Taiwanese)
Find Yourself (Netflix - Chinese)
Go Go Squid (Viki - Chinese)
Instead of Tipsy Why Not Get Drunk (Viki - Chinese)
Lost Romance (Viki - Taiwanese)
Love O2O (Viki - Chinese)
Morning Call (Netflix - Japanese)
Put Your Head on My Shoulder (Netflix - Chinese)
Some Day or On Day (Viki, Taiwanese)
The Romance of Tiger & Rose (Viki, Chinese)
Tientsin Mystic (Netflix, Chinese)

Thread Regulars’ Top Scoring Dramas of 2020
(courtesy of Hello’s kdrama spreadsheet, updated by/for thread regulars. Marks out of 10.)

1 - Parasite - 9.05 (10 Votes)
2 - It's Okay To Not Be Okay - 8.88 (9 Votes)
3 - The Uncanny Counter - 8.50 (4 Votes)
4 - Once Again - 8.40 (5 Votes)
5 - Hospital Playlist - 8.21 (7 Votes)

2019’s top scoring dramas:

1. Her Private Life - 9.40 (5 votes)
2. Melo is My Nature - 9.00 (5 votes)

3.= Crash Landing On You, The Crowned Clown, The Lies Within, and The Tale of Nokdu - 8.75 (4 votes)

1. Hotel del Luna - 8.50 (4 votes)

5.= Romance is a Bonus Book, and Search: WWW - 8.17 (6 votes)

We are generally fans of all things Korean, so equally happy to talk about Korean cookery, language, film and music when the mood takes us. Quite a few of us are learning Korean, Japanese and/or Mandarin (some more diligently than others admittedly), so we swap tips and links to language resources. Basically, anything topical goes.


We have a few frequently used acronyms:

FL/2FL = female lead/2nd female lead

ML/2ML = male lead/2nd male lead
🥾🍑 (boot, peach) = kick up the arse to go to bed



We also abbreviate titles if they’re long, but usually with an obvious abbreviation. Some favourite actors & actresses have been abbreviated for speed/efficiency, eg Park Min Young (PMY), Kim Jae Wook (KJW). Don’t be afraid to ask for help/clues if we’re not making sense or have descended into acronym soup.



If you want to join us down the kdrama rabbit hole, welcome! Pull up a chair, say goodbye to early nights and get stuck in…

^ Ooh. Witching hour timestamp on my last post.

Just seen that S2 of To All the Guys Who Loved Me, US Netflix series about a KOREAN-American teen, includes a trip to Seoul. 👍

Omo! Space Sweepers - an actual kdrama in space! 😮 I think this is a first. All the Korean sci-fi I’ve seen to date has been tech-based: robots, AI, time travel. (Netflix coming soon)

I'd seen the trailer for Space Sweepers boaty, I'll definitely be checking it out. I went through a stage of reading loads of space opera type stories.

Plus it has Kim Tae-Ri and a humorous robot and the chauffeur from WWWSK (I’m not bovvered about Song Jong Ki tho)

I love Kim Tae Ri. She seems like she’d be good fun at the pub.

@Rowdythree

Not my fitness, but my housework had definitely gone down the pan 😂

Jin I watched a really old one called Heartstrings and BTIMFL. The movie was called wish you : your melody. It's only because I was ill that I watched so much, I'm not normally this slack at other things

I hope you are feeling better now. Sending best wishes & positive thoughts

Ditto with the house work.

I must sleep but here I am writing my review.

Just finished RIABB good watch. I think I have a borderline crush on ML. Cute guy but it was the character he played, such a cliche romantic novel’s hero ... total fluff & The moon is beautiful ... handsome, wealthy, successful, well respected, eye on only one lady i.e his one true love..... And I am acting like a naive teenagers

I have already talked about in my previous posts, how envious I am about the office space & personal desk. Well stocked kitchen with free tea/coffee/juices & snacks. Don’t get me wrong, I do love my work but sometimes I wish I was in a different industry.

Only criticism, lack of chemistry between the main leads, specially FL. Both acted well but it still felt like a siblings kinda relationship. It is major thing yet I enjoyed the drama.

Drama has promoted me to read a book or two, I have an untouch stack of the books, waiting to be read since the start of first lockdown.

*prompted me to read books

@JinBhoot I have to agree with you on the lack of chemistry between leads in RIABB. It was all very lovely but no real spark, and like you I think it’s more to do with FL as Toasty LYS has had much more spark with other leading ladies. It’s still a very pleasant watch though with much to enjoy.

I am skating through My Little Happiness now and like in RIABB it’s somehow pleasing to have a ML who right from the get-go has eyes for only one lady as Jhinboot says. And surprisingly for a CDrama no cod-fish staring eyes when being kissed, in fact quite proper snogs 🤔 although so far admittedly just one dream kiss scene.

Also up to ep 3 on She Would Never Know and it’s not bad, but not sure how they can make it last 16 episodes as the reveal is right in the first episode. Again ML has eyes only for one lady but even though he is lovely calming Rowoon there is something slightly manipulative going on

@JinBhoot for better chemistry with LYS try Pinocchio, I Hear your Voice, While You Were Sleeping or W Two Worlds and this is why he’s called Toasty

@boatyardblues K-Drama and lockdown are both not great for my activity levels however I have been startling people on my intermittent slow runs by suddenly belting out bits as I singalong my K-Drama Spotify playlist. Normally the cheesiest no context chorus bits in English (even more out of context when passers by can only hear me obviously). Traumatised someone's cockerpoo with a snatch of "Aloha" last week.

@polkettle I listen to kpop while walking the dog and have been known to startle runners by unexpectedly breaking into strange bursts of small dance Doesn't help that my ear pods are hidden by woolly hats so I just look plain weird.
I have recently discovered Dasutt open.spotify.com/track/1r20jfIi9pJG4E3QQisLIc?si=__hxCs5rRBqEtIoY4zjoFA

I love the dog in My Little Happiness and burst out laughing at one scene when you think ML is gazing adoringly at FL but it turns out to be the dog.
I am now following www.instagram.com/mohae_mohani_molly/
which is the pet IG account of Park Eun Seok (Partners in Justice, Penthouse) and has pics of his floofy fat-tummied puppy and rather scary cats

😁 That's uneven distribution of floof over pets. It's the feast/famine Korean ankle coverage problem all over again

Ooh liking Dasutt 'lunch time' at lunch time. Good tip.

@bettys that puppy is so cute! 😍

Whilst at work this morning (it was very quiet) I was thinking about how lovely the male characters have been in the drama's I've been watching recently! Run on, True Beauty, BTIMFL all have fantastic male characters. It's such a nice change to see the men behaving appropriately and having the women's backs. As well as putting those who behave inappropriately in their place! (Dating app CEO in BTIMFL) 🙌🙌🙌 such a refreshing change and something British drama writers should make note of!

@polkettle my other favourite tracks by Dasutt are Like A Sea and Camel 😎

Also been listening to DPR which is a collective of artists, particularly this track open.spotify.com/track/3aPUPt18WCBy8pYAWn77Py?si=6mqsFmjXR-Oy3x-1wIOIAQ

Just finished Someday, One Day and thoroughly enjoyed it. It has a very clever and well-executed time travel plot. Also, a good script, good production, and great acting. It's sad, sweet, amusing, and bittersweet. It's the best Tdrama I've watched.

Need some light relief now so will give in and watch My Little Happiness

@fifilacklustre oh glad someone else watched and liked Some Day One Day too. I'm still listening to some of the OST weeks later. In fact the title track in English I can singalong to in full on my slow runs.
Thanks @bettys - will check those out.

@fifilacklustre Atta girl! 😁

What does Oppa mean? In what context it’s used? Its in title of this thread and in dramas they frequently use it too.
I have googled and now I am more confused, I am sure I will benefit from collective wisdom here.

How are names pronounced, family name is first but then is it ‘middle & first’ or ‘first & middle’? Please explain in easy words. How does it work? What are rules? Are names feminine & masculine or all names are neutral.
Are there any silent alphabets in name or pronounced differently?

Is Park very common name? Like Smith?

I have so many questions about so many things but I will start with the names today.

To fully enjoy the dramas, I must understand basic culture. Are there any website which will shed light on various things for non-Koreans?

@JinBhoot I'd definitely agree with the lack of spark on RIABB- lots to enjoy though.
@rowdythree yes definitely- also the ML in WWW:search, her private life, weightlifting fairy and strong woman bong-Soob- its one of the things I really like in the dramas I've watched so far - I also appreciate when the 2ML accepts things with good grace even if I always feel a bit heartbroken for them.
I think the most recent run on was my favourite so far- Si-wan standing up to his Dad 💕 he came across as someone with some passion rather than just floating along.
Caught up with Mr Queen - not as funny as the earlier ones but good - wondering which way it'll go and still living court lady choi 😁

@polkettle I have quote a few songs from various dramas on my running play list. I think I may need to branch out into K-pop but not sure where to start?
And is a hole I'll fall down and never get out of?!

@jinbhoot Oppa is an older brother if you're female, or it can be used for male older close friend or relation (boyfriend for example) it's Hyung for an older brother, friend if it's a male using it. Similarly for females, Noona is older sister/friend if you're male and unnie if your are female

With regard to names, surname comes first, then Korean names typically have two syllables to them. I'm not sure about the gender neutrality of them though, that's an interesting point. Yes Park is a common surname similar to Smith here 🙂 hope that helps!

Here's how to choose a Korean name

Jinbhoot - it’s all about the relational terms. You also here characters use ‘sunbae’/‘sunbaenim’ -nim is an honorific denoting greater respect, sunbae means a senior - either in school/college or a workplace setting. Hoobae is the opposite, a junior. Maknae (k is silent) is the youngest, in a family, an idol band... Dongsaeng is a younger brother, the opposite of hyung. If you started on Netflix, its useless. They completely gloss over all the relational terms. The subbing on Viki is much more accurate/faithful.