In the event you’ve been ready for this year-in-review to return out, thanks to your persistence. 🥰
This 12 months, we’ve had 10 visitor year-end wrap posts (they’re all listed right here!), with yet one more nonetheless on the way in which; sure, our associates on Patreon have been very beneficiant in sharing their drama years! 🥲
Now, it’s my flip to share my drama 12 months, and I hope you guys discover it definitely worth the wait. 🥲
My Drama 12 months in 2024
Total, I really feel like I had a reasonably strong drama 12 months, in a really related vary of goodness as 2023.
For all you quantity geeks on the market, listed below are the numbers to point out you what I imply:
In 2023, I had 5 dramas within the A-grade vary, and in 2024, I additionally had 5.
In 2023, I had 9 exhibits within the B++ vary, and in 2024, I had 8.
In 2023, I had 13 dramas rated B+, and in 2024, I had 17.
That stacks up pretty evenly, sure?
All in all, whereas I might have preferred to have extra exhibits within the A-grade vary, it’s true that I don’t give out A-grades very simply, significantly with me turning into a pickier drama viewer, over time.
So the truth that I even had 5 dramas that I felt have been worthy of an A-grade, is fairly nice, I feel.
Additionally, when you’re not as choosy as I’ve turn out to be, you may need arguably had a greater drama 12 months than I had, with actually the very same exhibits. 😁
Like I all the time say, context is the whole lot. 😉
How this publish works
As all the time, I’m solely together with dramas that led to 2024, as a result of it’s all the time made extra sense to me, to guage a drama solely after it’s completed its run.
It’s solely honest, I feel, since Dramaland has confirmed to us repeatedly, how a drama can bomb on the final minute. 😜
As all the time, what works for me, may not be just right for you, and vice versa, however I nonetheless hope this overview lets you uncover some nice dramas to like.
I’m additionally together with a brand new part on the finish of the publish, the place I title my Finest Drama, Finest Actors, and so forth, like I did final 12 months.
I hope you guys take pleasure in. ❤️
The Ones Value Making Time For
Mr. Plankton
This little present took me by such shock; it labored out to be such a rollercoaster, for the center and thoughts.
I beloved how, past its quirky and offbeat vibe, it additionally managed to be so poignant and heartfelt, and I beloved the way it remained constantly all of these items, all the way in which to the tip.
Very worthwhile, and extremely advocate.
Grade: A
Evaluate: right here.
Pretty Runner
This was the little present that might; what it lacked when it comes to funds, polish and large names, it greater than made up for, with sensible writing, tender directing and heartfelt deliveries from its solid.
So filled with feels and coronary heart flutters, even because it serves up a love story that works out to be as pure as it’s epic.
This one grabbed me by the center, and wouldn’t let go. So good. 🥲
Grade: A
Evaluate: right here.
Household By Alternative
A superb little household drama that serves up heat, cozy discovered household feels by the bucketload.
The romances are candy, however the discovered household feels are the true star of the present.
I grew to like these characters a fantastic deal, and cared a fantastic deal about their tales and journeys, and I really feel like I’ll all the time consider them fondly. 🥲
Grade: A-
Evaluate: right here.
18×2 Past Youthful Days [Movie] [Japan-Taiwan]
Such a ravishing, poignant, effortlessly affecting story, delivered to life so effectively by our director and our actors.
I used to be rapidly sucked into this one, after which, fairly shocked by how overwhelmed by ideas and emotions I used to be, after I bought to the tip.
Very worthwhile.
Grade: A-
Evaluate: right here.
Knight Flower
This labored out be such a enjoyable, heartfelt romp.
Honey Lee steals the whole present, however the OTP loveline labored out to be surprisingly interesting as effectively. Present legit had me squeeing at factors, and that’s not one thing I anticipated, in any respect.
Constant and filled with coronary heart, and really approachable, even when you don’t usually gravitate in the direction of sageuk.
Grade: B++
Evaluate: right here.
Like Flowers in Sand
Jang Dong Yoon steals this complete present as his character Baek Du, who works out to be fairly probably the purest, sweetest soul to grace our drama screens, shortly.
The OTP loveline is on the restrained facet of issues, however general, Present handles the whole lot in such a pure, natural type of method, that this felt pure too.
A healthful gem of a present that could be very a lot definitely worth the time.
Grade: B++
Evaluate: right here.
Strong Watches I’d Suggest
Queen of Tears
I discovered this very pleasurable whereas I used to be watching it; I felt that Present managed to encapsulate lots of what we love about kdramas, and serve it up in a single story.
Present works out to be a heat melodrama with a facet of black comedy, and whereas it does get a little bit heavy-handed with the dramatic components within the last stretch, I believed it nonetheless labored.
I’ll say that Present hasn’t managed to linger with me, post-watch, which is why it’s not in my high record, regardless of it’s A-grade.
Would nonetheless advocate, although.
Grade: A-
Evaluate: right here.
Welcome to Samdalri
I discovered this one to be very nice and pleasurable, as a narrative of therapeutic, for not simply our protagonist, but in addition, for the varied relationships inside our drama world.
It’s a little bit predictable and tropey, nevertheless it’s additionally acquainted and cozy, and that’s generally simply what you want.
Heartfelt and healthful. Would advocate.
Grade: B++
Evaluate: right here.
My Candy Mobster
That is the mobster present that I didn’t know I wanted.
Present itself is a humorous, foolish but heartfelt ball of fluff, and I had a good time watching this one.
The standout for me, was Uhm Tae Goo as our titular candy mobster; it actually felt like this complete drama was made with him in thoughts. That husky voice; that lethal-dorky duality; I simply couldn’t get sufficient. 😍
Somewhat uneven in spots, however a lot enjoyable, nonetheless. 🥰
Grade: B++
Evaluate: right here.
Jeongnyeon – The Star is Born
A tribute to pansori and gukgeuk, that works out to be a reasonably partaking underdog story.
This was extra approachable and pleasurable than I’d first anticipated it to be, regardless of my quibbles with the administration of the ending.
Props to the solid for studying pansori and gukgeuk, for his or her roles. That in itself was definitely worth the value of entry, for my part.
Grade: B++
Evaluate: right here.
Gentle Store
A really well-written and thought-provoking present, with a superb solid.
It’s finest to go in blind, and it’s additionally finest to be ready to have a little bit persistence, because it’ll take some time for the varied narrative items to fall into place.
I began my watch feeling considerably perplexed, however got here away considering that it was all worthwhile.
Grade: B++
Evaluate: right here.
I Know I Love You [China]
I actually, actually loved this remake of kdrama One Spring Night time (overview right here!), which I additionally beloved.
This isn’t an easy regurgitation of the unique story; slightly, Present respects the supply materials by largely aligning with it in massive strokes, however is its personal factor, within the little particulars.
I discovered this poignant, considerate, real looking, and hopeful, and altogether very pleasurable.
Very a lot advocate. ❤️
Grade: B++
Evaluate: right here.
The Story of Rose [China]
That is principally the Liu Yi Fei Present; she principally steals the present, as our titular Rose.
This works out to be strong, as a narrative of non-public journey, self-discovery and empowerment.
It could possibly admittedly really feel fairly tiring, following Rose on her journey of a number of lovelines through the years, in the middle of our 38-episode story, however I nonetheless discovered it to be worthwhile, on steadiness.
Grade: B++
Evaluate: right here.
What Comes After Love [Korea-Japan]
A considerate, poignant melodrama about love, loss and second possibilities.
I discovered this to be very successfully partaking, regardless of its brief operating time of 6 episodes. The writing is environment friendly, and the performances by our leads are very strong as effectively.
Regardless of my quibbles about how the ending was dealt with, I discovered this to be pleasurable and worthwhile.
Grade: B+
Evaluate: right here.
The Choose From Hell
This labored out to be a enjoyable rollercoaster, in that I discovered our story to be fairly unpredictable, from episode to episode. That made the watch expertise really feel contemporary, which I appreciated.
I discovered the rogue justice fairly novel to start with, however finally, it was Present’s deal with private journey, relationships and group that actually grounded this look ahead to me.
That is essentially the most enjoyable I’ve had watching Park Shin Hye shortly, which is nice – coz she appears like that is essentially the most enjoyable she’s had shortly, too. 😁
Grade: B+
Evaluate: right here.
Marry My Husband
At its finest, Present was lots of enjoyable to look at, and had a cracky, slurpable high quality to it which I beloved.
I additionally thought it was nice that we bought glimpses of Park Min Younger’s dorky facet, which I’d missed, after Healer (overview right here!).
Second leads Lee Yi Kyung and Music Ha Yoon are each wonderful on this, and find yourself stealing fairly a little bit of the present, significantly in our mid-to-late stretch.
I believed Present stumbled in its final stretch, which was disappointing, however general, I nonetheless discovered this to be a strong watch.
Grade: B+
Evaluate: right here.
Not Unhealthy; Value Checking Out
Inform Me That You Love Me
This present is kind of excellent for whenever you’re within the temper for one thing quiet, considerate and reflective.
I really feel that Present could be very cautious and delicate in teasing out the layers in our lead characters, in addition to their burgeoning relationship. I preferred this very a lot.
I additionally actually loved the music on this, which I discovered lilting and mild; I believed it matched Present’s general vibe very effectively.
I do have some points with how the ending is dealt with, however general this nonetheless labored out to be a worthwhile watch.
Grade: B+
Evaluate: right here.
Amidst a Snowstorm of Love [China]
Reactions to this one are typically combined, however I truthfully actually loved this one.
The primary draw, for me, was the OTP relationship, which is a little bit of a slow-burn, however which labored out effectively, I believed.
Wu Lei’s character does come off as a bit intense and subsequently creepy at first, nevertheless it stops being creepy pretty rapidly, when you get to grasp his character higher.
Regardless of some minor wobbles, I discovered this to be nice and heat, general.
Grade: B+
Evaluate: right here.
The Trunk
I didn’t take to this one rapidly nor naturally, however was sufficient, in what made these characters tick, that that ended up being the primary factor that stored my curiosity, throughout my watch.
I discovered these characters fascinating, and I feel it says lots, that my mind would reflexively proceed to research why they might act the way in which they do, lengthy after I completed watching an episode.
Present just isn’t a typical romance, however there are spots of sweetness available between Gong Yoo and Search engine optimisation Hyun Jin’s characters, which ought to assist improve your enjoyment of this one.
Grade: B+
Evaluate: right here.
Will Love in Spring [China]
I used to be on this for the OTP, and Li Xian and Zhou Yu Tong are actually wonderful collectively. The sparky vibe between them feels so pure and natural that I usually felt like I used to be peeping at real-life lovers.
I additionally actually loved Present’s general vibe, which I might name earthy however whimsical, slice-of-life but romantic.
I personally didn’t take pleasure in when Present bought too philosophical, coz that finally landed as preachy to me, however your mileage could differ, and I wouldn’t name it a deal-breaker both.
Grade: B+
Evaluate: right here.
You might be my Secret [China]
This was a candy little drama nightcap that simply actually, actually labored for me.
I preferred how the central romance was low-key and felt natural, and I actually loved the OTP dynamics.
I’ve to additionally confess that I had – and nonetheless have! – an enormous tender spot for Miles Wei’s character, Ji Yuheng; he’s simply so candy, light and all-around understanding.
All in all, a candy, healthful little present that I might advocate.
Grade: B+
Evaluate: right here.
You might be my Lover Buddy [China]
This was a present that didn’t seize me immediately, however which ended up actually rising on me.
I actually loved the friendship between our leads, and the slow-burn method through which Present teased this out right into a romance, felt properly natural, to me.
I preferred that each our leads are sensible, succesful and profitable in their very own methods, and but, within the midst of their demanding work schedules, constantly find time for one another – whilst associates. It’s very healthful. 🥰
There’s a extra melodramatic arc in Present’s late stretch that I didn’t take care of an excessive amount of, however this nonetheless labored out to be very pleasurable for me.
Grade: B+
Evaluate: right here.
Charming the King
I believed this present was lots stronger, and rather more grabby, in its first half than its second half.
Jo Jung Seok is regal, charismatic and totally commanding on this, which is a glance that I’d like to see him put on extra usually; he wears it so, so effectively. 🤩
That stated, I discovered the central loveline fairly missing, significantly within the second half. I additionally discovered the characterization of our feminine result in be fairly underbaked, sadly.
Value trying out for Jo Jung Seok, if nothing else.
Grade: B+
Evaluate: right here.
Love Subsequent Door
I really like-love-beloved Present’s early remedy of the familial relationship, and thought that this was a number of the most impressed writing I’d seen in a kdrama, shortly.
I additionally thought the OTP had lots of early promise, with some scenes promising some critical crackle. 🔥
Sadly, my expectations have been removed from met, in Present’s second half, and I ended feeling lots much less passionate about this present on the finish, in comparison with at first. 💔
Not so nice as a romance, truthfully, however works out to be a strong household drama, ultimately.
Grade: B+
Evaluate: right here.
A Virtuous Enterprise
Present’s bought a fantastic premise and a fantastic solid, and I discovered our early episodes to be laugh-out-loud humorous, and really grabby general.
Sadly, I do suppose that Present finally ends up being fairly uneven in its writing and execution, so it does fall wanting my preliminary expectations.
The private tales and the bond amongst our core 4 girls do add as much as make for a watch that feels worthwhile, although.
Grade: B+
Evaluate: right here.
Spice Up Our Love
For a brief little 2-episode spin-off, I believed Present did a pleasant job, general.
Your mileage will possible differ with the preliminary humorous, however I did suppose that the poignance and coronary heart that Present introduces in its second half, works very well to carry the watch expertise.
I low-key wished that there was extra, after I bought to the tip, which is a plus, I do suppose.
Grade: B+
Evaluate: right here.
Your Honor
Total, I discovered this watch to be fairly gripping and fascinating, and the powerhouse performances by Kim Myung Min and Son Hyun Joo are actually spectacular.
I did discover the ending rather less than satisfying, however it’s, general, thought-provoking in its personal method.
Strong, general.
Grade: B+
Evaluate: right here.
Past Goodbye [Japan]
I discovered Present to be a bit awkward and ungainly in spots, however general, I discovered this to be a considerate and delicate exploration of humanity and morality, and what it means to like.
Grade: B+
Evaluate: right here.
The Atypical Household
Present is quirky, offbeat and fairly totally different from most different drama choices obtainable in Dramaland. I do suppose that that is Present’s largest promoting level.
I discovered this refreshing to look at, for essentially the most half, as a result of I couldn’t fairly predict what Present would do subsequent, with a view to take its story ahead.
Sadly, I didn’t love the way in which Present handles itself in its finale stretch, and located that it lacked soul, which undoubtedly was a damper on my watch.
Nonetheless, I discovered Present to be fairly intelligent, in order that’s one thing, sure?
Grade: B+
Evaluate: right here.
Okay, if it’s your type / you’ll be able to spare the time
Blood Free
Hear. I used to be in no way happy with the way in which writer-nim wrapped up this story, however the simmering rigidity between Joo Ji Hoon and Han Hyo Joo’s characters is so crackly good, that I’ve determined that a few of you would possibly discover this one value trying out, if just for that alone.
That’s all. 😅
Grade: B+
Evaluate: right here.
Serendipity’s Embrace
It is a brief, cute little ball of fluff which is kind of pleasurable, so long as you retain your expectations in verify.
It’s fairly to have a look at, the music’s very breezy, and our story is easy.
There’s some angst and annoyance in Present’s late stretch which I discovered to be a damper, however general, I nonetheless discovered this to be.. not dangerous.
Grade: B
Evaluate: right here.
Romance within the Home
Present’s a little bit tough across the edges, however works out to be a fairly pleasurable, compact little household drama.
There are some flaws and frustrations right here, however when you take pleasure in household dramas and may’t spend money on the longer ones, this one would scratch that itch fairly properly.
Grade: B
Evaluate: right here.
Miss Night time and Day
I actually loved Present’s first two-thirds; I discovered all of it so healthful and humorous.
I additionally beloved the truth that Lee Jung Eun was attending to take pleasure in a lot of the highlight for as soon as, and attending to showcase a lot of her appearing vary.
Sadly, I felt that the writing went fairly wonky in our finale stretch, and I felt very underwhelmed by the ending that Present selected.
Grade: B
Evaluate: right here.
Physician Stoop
I felt Present had lots of promise in its preliminary episodes, and I used to be very taken with our leads getting over their dangerous blood and turning into associates. That was nice.
Nonetheless, I felt that Present leaned exhausting into filler in its second half, and the aggressive aegyo employed by our OTP almost had me dropping this present.
There are some vivid spots, nevertheless, which is how I ended up ending this one.
I didn’t find yourself loving this, however some people do genuinely like this one, so that you would possibly too.
Grade: B
Evaluate: right here.
No Achieve No Love
I believed Present was very promising, with its general contemporary and zippy feels, and a few of its bolder narrative decisions.
My principal challenge with this one, I understand, is that this was lots decrease on feels than I might have preferred. I simply.. wasn’t feeling it very a lot, regardless of how exhausting I attempted. 😅
Your mileage could differ, after all.
Grade: B
Evaluate: right here.
The Midnight Romance in Hagwon
I actually wished to like this, however for all my efforts at lens tweaking and adjusting expectations, I simply couldn’t handle to get myself on the identical web page as this present, sadly.
I discovered the writing thematically inconsistent, and I didn’t fairly really feel the office politics, and neither did I fairly really feel the central romance that kinds a lot of Present’s promotional materials.
I made all of it the way in which to the tip, however I’ve concluded that I principally preferred this extra in idea than execution. 🤷🏻♀️
Grade: B
Evaluate: right here.
Dreaming of a Freaking Fairytale
I believed Present was actually enjoyable and cheeky in its preliminary episodes, making for a refreshing, cheeky type of watch expertise.
Sadly, I personally discovered the second half slightly uneven, with some episodes feeling fairly effortful to get into, whereas others nonetheless retained a few of that early allure.
Not horrible, however not one thing that I might heartily advocate both.
Grade: B
Evaluate: right here.
No Method Out: The Roulette
I used to be intrigued by the premise, and drawn in by the truth that Greg Hsu’s on this, however I discovered the pacing a little bit too gradual for my style, and generally needed to work to really feel extra and engaged by what was taking place on my display screen.
Total, this labored out to be a “simply okay” type of look ahead to me.
Grade: B
Evaluate: right here.
Cinderella at 2 AM
I preferred the thought of this story, however my reservations in regards to the casting of our leads by no means actually went away, sadly.
I discovered Moon Sang Min slightly too younger for the position, and I additionally discovered Shin Hyun Bin a bit miscast, in that I simply don’t suppose “cute” is one thing that she does effectively.
I did discover the secondary OTP to be a vivid spot, nevertheless, and that undoubtedly helped my watch go down higher.
Fairly ungainly general, however I feel it might work effectively as a drama nightcap, when you dial down your expectations.
Grade: B
Evaluate: right here.
Purple Swan
I went into this for Rain, as a result of Rain is simply excellent as a smoldering scorching bodyguard 🔥, heh.
The writing and execution is decidedly uneven, however I shocked myself by really liking the dealing with of the ending greater than I’d thought I might.
So this might probably be just right for you, when you like Rain, and when you handle your expectations.
Grade: B
Evaluate: right here.
Reveals that I didn’t really feel have been definitely worth the effort, to be trustworthy
The Story of Park’s Marriage Contract
I mistakenly included this in final 12 months’s year-in-review, however Present solely accomplished its run in Jan 2024, so right here’s my fast take, once more:
This one began so effectively, earlier than issues went so, so downhill, for me.
Present has its number of points, however I feel the largest drawback, is that it tries to be too grandiose for its personal good, principally.
Our OTP loveline simply isn’t developed sufficient, to assist the thought of epic love that writer-nim’s attempting to push, and that simply makes the whole lot fall fairly flat, sadly.
Grade: B-
Evaluate: right here.
The Princess Royal [China]
I believed Present bought off to a very sturdy begin; I preferred the premise, and I believed the OTP had lots of potential.
Sadly, I felt that Present began to meander in its middle-to-late stretch, and I discovered it more and more hard-going.
We get a contented ending, however that wasn’t fairly sufficient to make up for the second-half drag, for my part.
Grade: B
Evaluate: right here.
The Finest Day of my Life [China]
This one is definitely not horrible, in that I believed the idea was cute, and I preferred the solid.
Sadly, this lands as extra of a skeleton of a narrative, slightly than a totally developed story. In keeping with this, I discovered the characters touchdown as mere sketches slightly than absolutely fleshed out individuals.
That made it exhausting for me to get invested, so whereas it wasn’t horrible, I wouldn’t really advocate this one.
Grade: B-
Evaluate: right here.
In all probability not for you, in case your drama style is like mine
My Demon
I believed the idea may very well be enjoyable, however, tuning into this one, I discovered that I didn’t take to the makes an attempt at witty banter between the leads, and neither did I take to the makes an attempt at dark-humor-laced-poignance.
I suppose you could possibly say I understood the imaginative and prescient, however wasn’t really feeling it.
I watched 2 episodes of this and determined it wasn’t for me.
The Not possible Inheritor
Sigh. This began actually sturdy, for my part, however rapidly went off the rails for me.
Present bought actually boring, actually quick, for me, and I sat by means of 5 entire episodes of this, towards my higher judgment.
Dropped Submit: right here.
Visitor Rant Submit: right here.
Marriage ceremony Not possible
I watched 4 episodes of this, hoping that I would really like it, however this one simply by no means grabbed me.
I discovered the OTP chemistry missing, and the varied characters, oddly flat.
Total, this one struck me as being stiff and awkward, and I couldn’t muster up the curiosity to maintain going.
Small City Tales [China]
I wished to love this as a result of I like each leads, however this one simply felt slightly labored to me.
I additionally didn’t just like the characterization of the male lead, who’s proven mendacity to the feminine lead, despite the fact that he is aware of that it will find yourself inflicting issues for her and her uncle.
I tapped out after 3 episodes.
Frankly Talking
I solely watched half an episode of this, and it was sufficient to make me again away actually quick. 😅
I discovered the Meant Humorous to be cringey, awkward and in no way humorous, and principally couldn’t bear to look at past the primary half-hour. Sorry.
Conceal
I believed this was fascinating in idea, and I do actually like Lee Bo Younger, however weirdly, I discovered the story beats to be fairly boring and predictable.
Like, I might see the Massive Reveal coming from a mile away, which is unlucky, as a result of I’m fairly positive it was presupposed to be fairly surprising &/or shocking. 😅
I tapped out after 2 episodes.
Love Andante
I preferred the sound of this, however discovered the precise execution to be very awkward and stilted. I even felt some scenes have been really painful to look at. 😅
I discovered the writing, directing and appearing all fairly missing, and tapped out after 2 episodes.
Dare to Love Me
That is one other one the place I lasted all of half-hour. 😅
I discovered the opening scene very off-putting, with our feminine lead wailing loudly at our male lead, over how a lot she likes him, and why received’t he date her, and virtually dropped out proper then and there.
The remainder of the primary half hour didn’t seize me both, and I made a decision that there was no level attempting to pressure it.
DNA Lover
I discovered this too OTT for my style, in brief.
The loopy and peculiar landed as fairly compelled, to my eyes, and the one vivid spot, for me, was second male lead Lee Tae Hwan, whom I discovered fairly likable.
I couldn’t decide to watching extra of this only for the second male lead, and I tapped out after simply 1 episode.
Queen Woo
I believed the trailers for this present appeared actually fascinating, and even shortlisted this for protection on Patreon.
The story world is introduced as darkish, wild and fairly primal, and I discovered that fairly uncomfortable and confronting.
I managed 1 episode earlier than deciding that this one’s most likely simply not for me. 😅
Reveals I sampled however didn’t proceed watching
Uncle Samsik
I wished to love this due to the sturdy solid, however should admit that I discovered all of it very dry and uninteresting. 😅
I wandered off after 2 episodes, and my good intentions of coming again to it, to attempt once more, by no means materialized.
Love Your Enemy
I discovered the highschool flashbacks of this one fairly partaking; extra so than I discovered the present-day happenings, the place our leads’ orbits collide once more, after a few years aside.
I wasn’t a giant fan of the Meant Humorous that Present served up, however preferred the highschool flashbacks sufficient, that I had obscure good intentions of going again to this one.
Spoiler: I didn’t. 😅
All I managed ultimately, was the primary 2 episodes.
Brewing Love
I used to be on this one for our leads, however struggled a good bit within the first 2 episodes, with how invasive our feminine lead is, in attempting to get to our male lead, within the title of Comedy.
I did really feel a glimmer of promise, as a result of I did like the thought of our male lead being delicate sufficient to see by means of the tough-girl armor that our feminine lead wears.
Nonetheless, my good intentions of mayyybe going again to this one, by no means did materialize. 😅
Are You The One [China]
I heard good issues about this one, and I do love Zhang Wan Yi, and that’s why I gave it a attempt.
The issue was, I used to be within the thick of my interval c-drama stoop, and couldn’t get into it.
I lasted all of 1 episode earlier than my interval c-drama fatigue kicked in, and have obscure good intentions of giving this one other attempt someday.
The Story of Pearl Lady [China]
Present struck me as a darkish, wild type of fairytale in its opening episodes, and I discovered myself moderately engaged with the story, with sufficient curiosity to know extra, that I used to be pretty assured that I might watch this drama on the facet.
Nonetheless, it wasn’t lengthy earlier than I felt my curiosity dwindling.
Partly, it was my interval c-drama fatigue rearing its head, however I additionally suppose it was additionally partly that I didn’t really feel a lot chemistry between our leads, regardless of how exhausting I squinted.
I wandered off after 5 episodes and haven’t felt the urge to return. 😅
Love Sport in Japanese Fantasy [China]
Now right here’s a present that I believed I might really end – however didn’t. 😅
I discovered the premise humorous, and really laughed out loud at factors, particularly in Present’s preliminary episodes.
I believed Esther Yu was cute, and I preferred the thought of her character attempting to win over Ding Yu Xi’s character with a view to survive, when he had sooo a lot suspicious side-eye, the place she was involved. 🤭
Sadly, my urge for food for interval c-drama fantasy, particularly involving demons and demon-catchers, is extra restricted than I’d thought.
I wandered off after 8 episodes, and after I tried to return again for episode 9, I spotted that I wasn’t feeling it anymore. Oops.
Seoul Busters
Y’know, I really actually, actually loved Present’s first 2 episodes.
I discovered myself laughing out loud various instances, and that’s a really uncommon factor with me and k-comedies.
Sadly for me, Present stopped being as humorous, in episode 3, and I wasn’t feeling the bumbling investigative stuff with out as a lot comedy operating by means of it, and wandered off.
The KFG Awards
Finest Drama: Mr. Plankton
This actually turned out to be a darkish horse of a drama.
It got here out of seemingly nowhere, and blew it out of the water, by managing a really intricate, delicate steadiness, between its quirky, offbeat, rollercoaster-esque aura, and its heartfelt, poignant, plaintive underlayers.
Not solely that, it maintains this very tough steadiness all over, in each method, from writing, to execution, to music, to actor supply, with out as soon as shedding its step.
Very spectacular, and deserving of a standing ovation. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Particular point out: Pretty Runner
Finest Actor: Woo Do Hwan, Mr. Plankton
Woo Do Hwan actually outdid himself as Hae Jo.
He was effortlessly cocky because the glib smartass that he made his default persona to the world, and but, he appeared to additionally effortlessly enable clear glimpses into the bleeding coronary heart that he was, beneath all of it.
His interpretation and supply of Hae Jo was so fluid, that the glimpses of deeper layers of pathos generally took me abruptly.
Really wonderful.
Particular mentions: Jang Dong Yoon (Like Flowers in Sand), Jo Jong Suk (Charming the King), Son Hyun Joo (Your Honor)
Finest Actress: Honey Lee, Knight Flower
Honey actually sparkles in her position as Yeo Hwa.
Her comedian timing is flawless, and her entire earnest, demure daughter-in-law persona, which she serves up with a contact of cheeky aptitude, is ideal.
On the similar time, there’s a robust streak of badassery about her, as she places on her ninja-esque persona, to leap the partitions with a view to assist these in want.
And beneath all of it, there’s a robust layer of poignance and vulnerability that peeks by means of.
Altogether excellent and fairly fabulous, for my part. 🤩
Particular mentions: Kim Tae Ri (Jeongnyeon: The Star is Born), Lee Jung Eun (Miss Night time and Day), Zhou Yu Tong (Will Love in Spring)
Finest Supporting Actor: Oh Jung Se, Mr. Plankton
Oh Jung Se as Heung, labored out to be one in all my favourite issues about Mr. Plankton, so kudos to Oh Jung Se for bringing Heung to life in such a pure, easy type of method.
Heung is a little bit of a bumbling mama’s boy, sure, however he’s additionally bought such a pure coronary heart, that I discovered him totally valuable, in essentially the most endearing method.
After which there’s how loyal and decided he’s, and the flashes of boldness and brilliance, that simply make him pop further, as a personality.
Oh Jung Se balances all of those aspects with a lot talent and finesse, whereas making it appear to be simply one other stroll within the park. Actually good.
Particular point out: Bae Hyeon Seong (Household By Alternative), Lee Yi Kyung (Marry My Husband)
Finest Supporting Actress: Lee Jung Eun, Gentle Store
I received’t go into specifics, because it’s actually finest to enter Gentle Store blind, however I’ve to present credit score to Lee Jung Eun for a very arresting efficiency, that also haunts me as I sort this.
Deserving of all of the awards, after which some. 🥲
Particular point out: Music Ha Yoon (Marry My Husband), Wan Qian (The Story of Rose)
Finest OTP: Pretty Runner
I beloved Sol and Solar Jae as a pair, so very a lot.
I discovered their chemistry very sparky and plausible, and I beloved the writing round their characters. A lot love there, that it simply fills up that space-time continuum on which our story hangs.
That is one occasion the place I can completely perceive why followers ship these two, in actual life. 🥲
Particular mentions: Will Love in Spring, I Know I Love You
Finest Ensemble: Household By Alternative
I beloved the discovered household feels on this one a lot, that I wanted that there have been extra episodes of this present, simply in order that I might spend extra time with them.
Every of those characters made up a necessary a part of this discovered household, and so they come collectively so seamlessly, to create such a comfy feeling of heat, that I needed to title them finest ensemble of 2024. 🥲
Particular point out: A Virtuous Enterprise
Underrated Gem: I Know I Love You [China]
There have been numerous strong exhibits in 2024, however I really feel like nobody actually talks about this little present, which I actually and sincerely loved a fantastic deal.
It’s so understated, restrained and mature, in its remedy of our lead characters and their love relationship, in addition to its remedy of its supply materials, kdrama One Spring Night time.
Really a present that deserves extra love and a focus than it really receives. 🥲
Particular mentions: You might be my Lover Buddy [China]
Razzie: Blood Free
As a result of the Razzie is for a present that began with numerous promise, solely to in the end bomb, I solely thought-about exhibits that I’d accomplished in full, for this award.
And, I feel that Blood Free is THE present that set excessive expectations initially, and thru a lot of my watch, with all of its smoldering, intelligent promise, solely to subvert ALL of these expectations, with a “What the heck???” ending.
Sigh. The might’ve been’s, eh? 🥲
Particular mentions: The Story of Park’s Marriage Contract, The Princess Royal [China]
Closing Ideas
I do know I write one in all these yearly, however even then, this felt like fairly a journey! 😅
This 12 months, I accomplished 43 dramas (that’s 4 greater than final 12 months’s 39). And in complete, together with Dropped dramas and different uncompleted exhibits, I principally had opinions on.. 60 exhibits!
Actually, it’s not as a result of I’m turning into extra of a time-bender (although I’d like to accumulate a few of these expertise!); I feel it’s extra that Dramaland’s serving up extra dramas with smaller episode counts, and that’s why I discover my drama complete growing from 2023 to 2024.
It’s not a nasty factor, actually, coz this fashion, we’re extra prone to keep away from filler – although it’s nonetheless not a assure.
Thanks a lot for sticking with me by means of one more 12 months, you guys. I actually couldn’t do that with out you. 🥰
Right here’s hoping that Dramaland will give us much more true drama gems in 2025 – with numerous lasting feels to go together with, pleaseandthankyou.
KFG ❤️
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