K-drama 2020 (completed!)
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1. Extraordinary You
Korean Drama - 2019, 32 episodes
A story within a story. The shadow vs the stage world. Creativity at its best. Not gonna lie, the female lead was what struck me the most. She was perfect for the role. I had this theory that Haru was the writer and was able to jump through the black hole into the comics and change the stages. It would've been such a great twist. Sad. All in all, tho, it was such a really good drama. Definitely extra.
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2. Woman of 9.9 Billion
Korean Drama - 2019, 32 episodes
My husband Kim Kang Woo did so well. And so did Cho Yeo Jung whom I fell for from the start, but then I got tired of her character bc I realized she wasn't really doing anything, everyone around her was, and she always had that same stony expression. Oh Na Ra ended up being the real queen here. Her presence was no joke. It was great till about the 20th episode. But after that, it fizzled out. Leon was such an unnecessary arc direction. Just why? Even the Sangoku look alike guy had more villan in him. If they'd cut this drama in half, it would've been clean.
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3. Itaewon Class
Korean Drama - 2020, 16 episodes
Park Sae Ro Yi is an ICONIC character. PSJ's acting held up to it phenomenally well. Personally, I didn't like eps 1 & 2, mostly because I was tired of the old bad rich's son who can get away with anything trope, but after 3 I was hooked. Time forward helped. Note that I just finished it, and it still is so fresh, and I feel so relieved and happy because they're happy and grateful because it made my big black empty hole fill with love. It tasted sweet :)
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4. The Game: Towards Zero
Korean Drama - 2020, 32 episodes
This was so random. Not even on my watchlist, but I picked it while trying out for new attention grabbers and it worked! I was into it from ep 1 till 32. The gift fit so well in the plot and it was both fascinating and thrilling. Both the leads were so soft and caring in their matured romance. The lead girl so pretty. I honestly coudn't take my eyes off her; all the supporting characters also became of major importance; the plot held itself till the very end; the screenwriter deserves a special mention for keeping it real. And finally, the beautiful OST, such a mood. Go watch it!
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5. Fight For My Way
Korean Drama - 2017, 16 episodes
Light & fun, but I'll easily forget it. The second couple Seol Hee & Joo Man were the true leads of this drama for me. The mc's had fun chemistry as friends, but not so much romantically. Those awful kisses. You could tell he was putting more effort into it than she was. I was also not into the whole MMA thing. It's watchable.
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6. Extracurricular
Korean Drama - 2020, 10 episodes
"We were unlucky"
The only reason I don't rate it higher is because the first episode made me uncomfortable with the theme it presents, and hesitant to go on with the series. I eagerly watched the rest and was stunned by the open ending. There's potential for a second season. A sweeping plot, complex characters (actors who carry the weight of their characters convincingly), and scenes to die for. I want more.
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7. Come and Hug Me
Korean Drama - 2018, 32 episodes
A crazy recreation of the classic Romeo & Juliet. I liked the couple, they had good visual chemistry, but no more than that. Jin Ki Joo played his role reasonably well, but nothing compares to the physical and emotional power of Jang Ki Yong's performance. It just has to be loosened up a bit more, because I still find it a bit stiff; It only took about 20 episodes to tell the story with beginning, middle and end, without having to copy, cut and paste over 32 hours; as for the end, justice was done. I was touched by the scenes that portray the phrase so well: be the person you needed when you were a child. The strength is in our weaknesses.
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8. Mask
Korean Drama - 2015, 20 episodes
This could've been so bad, but it actually turned out right. I'm not a fan of melodramas, and this was a real Mexican soap opera, clichés and all. But it had a beautiful protagonist, and a very convincing villain who did an excellent acting job and allowed the story to overcome its traditional obstacles. However, the writer couldn't help but to make the mistake of dragging the plot through four more episodes. It had a good ending, although not completely satisfactory.
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9. Backstreet Rookie
Korean Drama - 2020, 16 episodes
True: I really disliked the first episodes, JCW was dumb, the lead actress was too young for the role, reggae boy was questionable and criticism abounded
Also true: It grew on me and I ended up liking it!
Serious case of so bad, it's good.
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10. It's Okay to Not Be Okay
Korean Drama - 2020, 16 episodes
I really enjoyed the first half of the drama, but then it fell apart. The mother's arc was a novelistic mess, and honestly ruined the whole mood of the show. Such a bad move for such a fine script thus far. Truly disappointed. Definitely overrated.
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11. Start-Up
Korean Drama - 2020, 16 episodes
Wholesome is the right word for this beautiful life story of personal and professional growth. Power couple right there at the end. I labeled this as "not interested" as the teasers came out because I didn't believe in the pairing nor their acting talents. I'm glad I gave it a chance because they totally surprised me, as did the writer of the script. I can thruthfully say I enjoyed every single episode of this series, but there was just something missing at the end. Justice for our good boy Han-Jipyong.