MsLatté’s Daebak Cybercafé (Kdrama addicts #33): So much good content airing just now our Filthy Noonas’ hearts are fit to burst like squashed frogs on a country road

[boatyardblues]

A quiet corner of MN for serious addicts of Kdrama, or the K-curious. Most of our viewing is drawn from Netflix and Viki, with a sprinkling of AmazonPrime, AppleTV and Disney+. There are also platforms streaming content illegally if you go looking. We don’t promote them as they are peppered with pop-ups of “Olga” and friends offering a good time, but we can point you in the right direction. We also dip into Japanese, Taiwanese & Chinese drama as & when.

The previous thread is here but our list is cumulative so includes recommendations and favourites from all previous threads.

Shows marked with a star 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. Writer/actor Simon Pegg referred to it fondly as “tonal chaos” - it’s part of kdrama’s charm. View the categories below as best approximate & ask if you need guidance about suitability for younger viewers.

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 Name (Netflix)
My Secret Terrius (Netflix)⭐️
Signal (Netflix)⭐️
Snowdrop (Disney+)
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/Netflix)⭐️
Mr Queen (Viki)⭐️
Mr Sunshine (Netflix)
Pachinko (AppleTV)
Rookie Historian Goo Hae-Ryung (Netflix)
Tale of Nokdu (Viki/Netflix)⭐️
The King’s Affection (Netflix)
The Red Sleeve (Viki)⭐️

Romance - lighter & fluffier
Beating Again (Netflix)
Business Proposal (Netflix)
Coffee Prince (Netflix)
Dali & the Cocky Prince (Viki)
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)
Hometown Cha Cha Cha (Viki)⭐️
Love from a Star (Netflix)⭐️
Lovestruck in the City (Netflix)
Monthly Magazine Home (Viki)
Pinocchio (Netflix)
Radio Romance (Netflix)

Romance is the Bonus Book (Netflix)⭐️
Run On (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)
To My Star [BL] (Viki)
True Beauty (Viki)
Twenty-five Twenty-one (Netflix)⭐️
Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo (Netflix/Viki)

What’s Up With Secretary Kim (Viki)⭐️
Where Stars Land (Viki)⭐️
You are my Destiny (Netflix)
You Make Me Dance [BL] (Viki)
Yumi’s Cells (Viki)


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)
Doom At Your Service (Viki)
Fight For My Way (Viki/Netflix)⭐️
Go Back Couple (Viki)/Couple on the Backtrack (Netflix)
I’ll Go To You When The Weather is Nice (Viki)
It’s OK Not To Be OK (Netflix)
Just Between Lovers (Viki)/Rain or Shine (Netflix)⭐️
Mad For Each Other (Netflix)⭐️
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, Netflix)⭐️
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)⭐️
Hospital Playlist 2 (Netflix)⭐️
Into The Ring (Viki)
Itaewon Class (Netflix)
Live (Netflix)
Misaeng (Netflix)⭐️
Move to Heaven (Netflix)
My Mister (Viki/Netflix)⭐️
My Unfamiliar Family (Viki)⭐️
Navillera (Netflix)⭐️
Prison Playbook (Netflix)*
On The Verge of Insanity (Viki)
Once Again (Viki)
Stove League (Viki)/Hot Stove League (Netflix)
Racket Boys (Netflix)
Would You Like a Cup of Coffee (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
#Alive (Netflix)
Black (Netflix)⭐️
Happiness (Viki)⭐️
Hotel del Luna (Viki/Netflix)⭐️
King: The Eternal Monarch (Netflix)
Kingdom (Netflix)⭐️
Kingdom: Ashin of the North (Netflix)
Mystic Pop-up Bar (Netflix)
Peninsula - film, Train to Busan sequel (Amazon Prime, iMovies)
Sisyphus (Netflix)
The Guest (Netflix)
Train to Busan - film (Amazon Prime)

W: Two Worlds (Viki & Netflix)⭐️
Zombie Detective (Viki/Netflix)

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 ‘You May Also Like’
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)
In House Marriage Honey (Viki, Japanese)
In Time With You (Viki - Japanese)
Instead of Tipsy Why Not Get Drunk (Viki, Chinese)
Lost Romance (Viki, Taiwanese)
Love O2O (Viki, Chinese)
Million Yen Women (Netflix, Japanese)
Morning Call (Netflix, Japanese)
My Little Happiness (Viki, Chinese)
Put Your Head on My Shoulder (Netflix, Chinese)
Rinko Wants To Try (Viki)
Some Day or One Day (Viki, Taiwanese)
The Romance of Tiger & Rose (Viki, Chinese)
To Fly with Me (Viki, Chinese)
Tientsin Mystic (Netflix, Chinese)
You Are My Hero (Viki, Chinese)*

AVOID aka “the shit list” 💩

Melting Me Softly
The Birth of a Beauty
Well-Intentioned Love season 1 (S2 is fine & stands alone)

Posters’ Top Scoring 2021 Dramas
Courtesy of Hello’s kdrama spreadsheet, updated by thread regulars. Marks out of 10.

1. The Red Sleeve - 10
2. Happiness - 9
3. Devil Judge - 8.75
4. Squid Game - 8.63
5. Navillera - 8.57

2020’s top scoring dramas
1 - Mr Queen - 9.4
2 - Parasite - 9.05
3 - It's Okay To Not Be Okay - 8.88
4 - The Uncanny Counter - 8.50
5 - Once Again - 8.42

2019’s top scoring dramas:

1. Her Private Life - 9.40
2. Melo is My Nature - 9.00

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

1. Hotel del Luna - 8.50

5.= Romance is a Bonus Book, and Search: WWW - 8.17


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. 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 sometimes resort to acronyms and/or abbreviations of show titles or favourite actors’ names. 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!

[boatyardblues]

I loved Aesop’s under the wire post. It bears reposting on the new thread.

Welcome all!

[boatyardblues]

Gu’s Rolls Royce is over $300,000 to buy. I had to google it.

[AesopsMables]

I'm going to right now! ..

[AesopsMables]

I have a friend who is very clever, retired professor of English. She always smiled at me indulgently when I apologised for not reading the books she recommended as no time with my KDrama viewing. Recently I asked her to indulge me further by watching just one episode of MLN as I genuinely wanted her opinion of it. She got round to watching it on Tuesday. Called me today to thank me for the recommendation and that she stayed up until 2am the first night and now up to ep 9. She is in her words "totally absorbed and slightly besotted" ☺️. Mr Gu tonight is showing his old but I do not believe true colours. I can't wait to finish it all.

[AesopsMables]

Our Blues finished. Mmmh, there is something about this show that doesn't flow right. It's the way every scenario is drawn out and dare I say it, bit clumsy. Take the old friend who turns up and her fish trader friend is delighted to see her, then she suddenly remembered how cruel she was treated and did a 180 turn with her? Just so suddenly.
The abalone divers fall out and the secret reason as to why the greedy diver was so focussed on money. All discussed but nothing shared with the viewer which I find annoying, especially if it's a sick grandparent or sibling. Saying all of that the scenery and the dying woman and her son relationship is keeping me watching.

[polkettle]

I'm sure we will find out the abalone secret caller eventually (show is 20 episodes). It's jigsaw storytelling and not always subtle but I still really like the setting and cast.

[boatyardblues]

I like the easy listening music in OB when the haenyo are underwater fishing, or someone is noodling along the lanes or cycle paths. Disasters aside, the filler bits are very relaxing.

[FedUpWithBriiiiick]

I'm here! Got a bit obsessed with an anime on Prime called Dororo. Which means I haven't watched any of the weekend shows. Much to catch up on!

[FedUpWithBriiiiick]

Thanks for new thread Boaty 👍

[Prestel]

Luckily I'd just got to the bit about the frogs in My Liberation Notes or I would have been very bemused by the new title 😂
We have a "frogs crossing sign" on one of the roads near us in attempts to avoid the migratory massacres but I'm not sure how effective it is.

[Saram13]

Ooooh new thread! Exciting! 😁

I've been slightly perplexed about MLN - assumed it was a Viki one as nothing on Netflix . But I checked and, as usual, there's a delay of a month or two before it appears on Netflix here. (Presumably because they translate into European languages from the English version.) Will be released early June 😃

[boatyardblues]

Well Saram, you have a treat in store and may be lucky enough to have it all land in a single release. I am debating whether I envy you, as I’m frustrated at having to wait on weekly airings but also enjoy my midweek wonderings.

[Saram13]

Aesops I've yet to 'turn' anyone 🤔but remain low-key hopeful 😃

Rowdy Would you consider going to the concert alone? I go to all sorts of concerts, films etc. by myself (Permission to Dance live broadcast, for example 😁) and have only had good experiences. Also go to plenty with DH or friends, but if it's not possible then solo it is. Having said that, I am fortunate enough to live a short tram or bus ride away from most things I would want to see. Plus I do appreciate it's not for everyone.

[Saram13]

boatyard I've not yet watched anything as it's been released (as my viewing backlog is olympian in format...) But I have a feeling it's weekly release here too.

DH and DD will be away camping for a few nights in July so I intend to lock myself in the house with plenty of soju, ramen and honey butter crisps and have a MASSIVE K-drama marathon all to myself. 48 hours with minimal sleep must be enough for least 2 full series, right? 👀#Largin'It 😂

[Rowdythree]

Thanks for the new thread Boaty, love the title 😁

saram I'd go by myself if it was a film or exhibition, but I don't fancy travelling into Birmingham to an unknown pub by myself, not these days any way 😆

I still haven't had chance to catch up on anything, I'm 3 episodes behind on MLN and OB 😱

[bettys]

There's lots of little things to enjoy in Shitting Stars - the drunken work out - the excitement of the underwear commercial - the predictable 2leads kiss scene - and a cameo from the leads of Find Me In Your Memory in ep 8.

Looking forward to Woori The Virgin later - fingers crossed for a swimming scene - isn't it written in Sung Hoon's contract?

[FedUpWithBriiiiick]

Nice little nod there when Lee Byung-hun and Kim Woo-bin were discussing Shin Min-a in Our Blues 11.

"She's pretty, right?"

"She is"

[boatyardblues]

@FedUpWithBriiiiick

Nice little nod there when Lee Byung-hun and Kim Woo-bin were discussing Shin Min-a in Our Blues 11.

"She's pretty, right?"

"She is"

I clocked that too.

[Bea]

Thanks for the new thread @boatyardblues ! 😘
Sh**ting Stars and Tommorrow the only two i am watching at the moment...

saving JCW (does he stil deserve his Grrr?) until more drop.... is it good?

[GaladrielHiggins]

Hello everyone, I have been lurking for a few months enjoying the recommendations and working my way through some great series. I started with Hometown Cha-Ch-Cha, My Secret Terrius, Oh My Venus, Suspicious Partner, K2, Healer, Coffee Prince, Her Private Life, Hotel Del Luna, You are My Destiny and I’m currently loooooving Mr Sunshine. I am loving all the drama, and how even the most serious drama manages to fit in some comedy or slapstick in somewhere. I’ve only been watching on Netflix at the moment, not sure what Viki is? Is it online? I would also like to pick your brains to see it someone knows where I can see Slave Hunters (Chuno) with the lovely Jang Hyuk?

[FedUpWithBriiiiick]

Hi Galadriel welcome!

Please don't diminish and go into the west... 😄

[bettys]

@GaladrielHiggins Hi welcome to the Daebak Café

Viki is another streaming site that streams Asian content. You can access it for free but most of us have succumbed to subscribing as they have dramas that either don't appear on Netflix or take ages to get there!

There's loads of Jang Hyuk stuff on Netflix (My Country & Voice) though maybe not as much as on Viki and certainly not with as many shirt-off as Slave Hunters - not that I've seen it myself. As far as I know it is only available on dodgy streaming sites. The kind with pop-ups cough

[bettys]

Gah sorry Galadriel I meant to do a link thing www.viki.com

Just a quick look and Viki has these Jang Hyuk dramas (assuming you're in the UK, it varies by region):
Wok of Love
A Beautiful Mind
Tree With Deep Roots
Tell Me What You Saw

Absolutely LOVING Woori The Virgin on Viki it is the best thing Sung Hoon has done in ages. However ep 3 and still no swimming scene he needs to check his contract

[bettys]

Anyone seen Oh My Boss! Love not included JDrama? (Viki)

[boatyardblues]

Welcome @GaladrielHiggins ! 👋 Lovely to have you aboard. You look to have done your research before jumping in. That’s a decent watch list. 😄

Oohhh. New Woori? That’s my evening sorted.