Patreon Yr Finish Awards: Elaine’s Yr In Dramas 2024!

MY DRAMA YEAR 2024

All in all, 2024 was a fairly good drama yr for me, within the sense that I discovered many dramas to get pleasure from and get absorbed in.

Dramas had been an exquisite pastime, not simply leisure but in addition a comforting balm getting me by way of the stresses and challenges of day-to-day life.

I’ve divided this submit into the next sections:

• Drama Awards 2024 (High 5 Dramas, Disappointments and so on)

• Non-Drama Goodies (1 anime and three Korean/Korean-American novels!)

TOP 5 DRAMAS OF 2024

Whereas getting ready this submit, I questioned what I must say, cos I felt like general I didn’t have that spectacular a drama yr in comparison with 2022, after I was actually impressed with fairly quite a lot of excellent dramas that yr (see hyperlink for my 2022 EOY submit).

However wanting over my 2024 drama yr, I do see a sample.

I really feel just like the tent pole, A-list, excessive price range exhibits (eg Queen of Tears, Fascinating the King, Love Subsequent Door) weren’t those which stole my coronary heart.

As an alternative, it was the low-key, area of interest little underdogs which galvanized me essentially the most and made it to the highest of my checklist.

5. The Ace Motion Gun-fu Thriller – A Store for Killers

It is a assured, gritty and action-packed little gem which had the boldness to let its younger heroine Ji An (performed by Kim Hye Jun) shine, whereas prime star Lee Dong Wook performed a supporting position within the shadows as Ji An’s mysterious uncle.

I’m fairly an motion movie aficionado. I like my motion movies to have bodily believable, effectively plotted sequences which thrill you with what human agility and intelligence can obtain in split-second life-or-death choices.

Thus, I favour Jet Li and Donnie Yen over special-effects heavy xianxia dramas or Crouching Tiger model floaty gongfu physics, and I additionally want the extra grounded combating model of John Wick or the Russo administrators (see Captain America Winter Soldier) over the extra flashy Mission Unattainable and James Bond sequence (though these could be enjoyable too!)

Thus, I discovered A Store for Killers very satisfying! It’s so tight and assured in its motion chops and is extraordinarily enjoyable to observe, as its characters fend off assaults by utilizing their intelligence, particular expertise and the setting to their benefit to compensate for his or her bodily weaknesses. The plot additionally had its twists and turns and surprises.

Season 2 has been introduced, however I’m additionally pleased to deal with Season 1 as a one-and-done because it has a satisfying arc whereas nonetheless leaving room for extra story to be advised.

4. The Imperfect However Candy Rom Com – Brewing Love

The premise is that ML is an particularly proficient grasp brewer of craft beers, whereas FL is a advertising supervisor at a mass market beer firm who’s making an attempt to win him over to do a collaboration mission. 

It’s helpful to know beforehand that ML is a extremely delicate particular person (see this hyperlink for a proof of the idea developed by Elaine Aron).

This implies he’s an empath and might detect folks’s emotions with a excessive diploma of accuracy, however he additionally will get drained simply by others.

FL, then again, is a former navy particular forces officer who’s vibrant, optimistic and isn’t shy to leap into motion (eg climbing tall ladders, rappelling down roofs and even participating in a high-speed motorbike chase) to get the job finished.

The primary two episodes are fairly chaotic and OTT but it surely calms down significantly after that.

One factor which charmed me in regards to the present and I discovered fairly distinctive in distinction to different exhibits, is that as an alternative of getting the OTP bicker or have misunderstandings to generate sparks, our FL and ML right here actually attempt to look out for one another and help each other from fairly an early stage.

Whereas FL initially within the first couple of episodes comes on too robust for our delicate ML, after she learns extra about him and what makes him tick, she seems to be out for him, equivalent to when he could be feeling socially overwhelmed, or when he wants assist on the brewery.

He, in flip, reminds her to maintain her personal wants or be sincere about her feelings and never need to placed on a powerful entrance on a regular basis. And when the OTP have disagreements, they speak it by way of!

I don’t need to oversell the present as an A-grade creative triumph.

As an alternative, it’s a candy and humorous little factor, that stunned me in how the characters talked actually about relatable insecurities and life challenges in work and household life, with a heartfelt but not heavy contact, in between the comedy hijinks. Advisable!

3. The Loveable Underdog – Like Flowers in Sand

The very definition of an underdog drama, it had no large names, and its important character Kim Baek Du, as adorably carried out by Jang Dong Yoon, is a proficient ssireum wrestler who has a giant coronary heart, however simply can’t appear to make a breakthrough in profitable matches.

In every day life, he may appear simple-minded however he simply processes issues in another way from others!

I had an enormous smooth spot additionally for FL Lee Joo Myung, who was my prime supporting actress in my 2022 EOY submit cos she was so charming and spunky as Seung Wan in Twenty-5 Twenty-One, and she or he doesn’t disappoint right here!

One factor to notice – this isn’t a rom com.

As an alternative, it’s a sports activities drama with a thriller aspect, and the romance side may be very refined and understated.

However don’t fear, the thriller doesn’t take over the present, and each the sports activities and thriller facets of the present are used very successfully to maneuver our character improvement ahead!

This present isn’t glamorous in any respect. Baek Du and his brothers schlep round city within the very real looking apparel of t-shirts, cargo shorts and flip flops. No one’s hair or make-up is tremendous fashionable.

However the dialogue is witty and humorous, and the character dynamics are a pleasure to uncover.

It takes some time to determine who’s associates with whom, and who’s in opposition to whom, however all of those character dynamics are a part of the wealthy tapestry of a really lived-in city, and thru all of it we get to know our Baek Du higher.

Some issues which could probably put a brand new viewer off this present, however for my part, they actually shouldn’t:

1. Ssireum is a conventional Korean wrestling sport. I knew nothing about ssireum, however in some way the required factors are conveyed organically as present goes alongside, with out me feeling like present “dumbed it down” for me.

The matches are additionally very effectively filmed and thrilling to observe, and importantly, the best way the coaching and matches play out, inform us much more in regards to the characters – their quirks, motivations, values and distinctive skills.

2. There may be numerous satoori (regional dialect) on this present. This didn’t trouble me. 

3. In my view, Episode 1 performs up the “odd and mysterious” angle of FL’s sudden look on the town greater than is critical.

For starters, why is she carrying a lacey parasol in every single place? It’s like she was purposely styled to stay out like a sore thumb within the rural fishing city, which will get folks speaking about her, and sadly this depiction makes her character initially appear standoffish and even pretentious.

So ignore the entire parasol enterprise, she doesn’t maintain a parasol for the remainder of the sequence and acts way more regular thereafter, phew!

Facet observe, did anybody discover that Baek Du’s dad and mom (performed by Choi Moo Sung and Jang Younger Nam) had been Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo’s workforce coaches?! Lol. If you happen to’ve watched Weightlifting Fairy you’ll know why that’s fairly a meta joke. 

2. The Rip-Roaring Journey Story – Knight Flower

Why do I name this an journey story? As a result of regardless that it’s set within the Joseon period and has courtroom politics, at its coronary heart it’s an thrilling journey or hero’s journey for our swashbuckling heroine.

Blessed with a excessive diploma of ability in martial arts, however duty-bound to observe the strict Joseon roles governing widows (regardless that she by no means even met her husband earlier than he handed away), our heroine fulfills her widow duties and serves her in-laws through the day after which at night time, she hops over the property wall to do good deeds, equivalent to distribute meals to the needy, and educate playing fathers a lesson after they attempt to unload their baby to pay for his or her money owed. (I felt very sleep-deprived on her behalf, however she appeared to handle!)

However as I stated, that is an journey story at coronary heart, and our heroine should discover out what occurred to her brother, and the way his disappearance could be linked to his position as Royal Guard to the previous king, who had died beneath mysterious circumstances. Ooooh. 

And as if that weren’t sufficient, she should hold the Capital Guard off her unlawful vigilante tail, notably one very dashing, good-looking captain with chiselled cheekbones and a commanding voice (performed by Lee Jong Received, swoon!).

Knight Flower is a superb instance of a drama that’s “excellent”.

The story has sufficient meat on its bones, and is effectively written and tied up in a satisfying means, with out getting too big and bold, or dropping the plot and falling off the rails. Very satisfying.

Honey Lee is delightfully humorous and expressive as our heroine, and Lee Jong Received, whom I discovered relatively stiff within the first couple of episodes, grows very properly in his first correct ML position and I got here to search out him very charming and interesting certainly!

1. The One which Stole My Coronary heart and Ran Away With It – Beautiful Runner

Was there any doubt that this could be my decide for Drama of the Yr? In spite of everything, I used to be “solely” obsessive about it for a mere 2 months!

However what an obsession that was! Whereas ready for brand spanking new episodes to return out, I might rewatch earlier episodes, go on Reddit to take part in fan idea discussions, go on Patreon to put in writing lengthy posts in regards to the present, squee advert nauseum in regards to the OTP’s chemistry, and go on YouTube to observe fan edits of the present.

I used to be additionally transport the results in get collectively in actual life, as a result of they appeared to get alongside very well within the behind-the-scenes clips and speak present interviews. Byeon Woo Seok particularly appeared genuinely smitten with our cute Hyeyoonie!

OK placing the transport apart, let’s get again to this present.

It appears 3-for-3 now, that I do coronary heart time-travel high-school romances very a lot! The three exhibits being Sometime or One Day (Taiwan), Shining for One Factor (China) and now Beautiful Runner (Korea).

In all 3 exhibits, an outdated piece of expertise seems to be the time journey machine, and all 3 ship the FL again to highschool days. In every present, there may be additionally a mysterious demise to stop.

However that’s the place the similarities finish. Every present actually is its personal distinctive creature and has its personal story to inform!

I really feel like Beautiful Runner was lightning in a bottle.

It has been in comparison with The Little Engine That Might, because it didn’t obtain a giant price range or draw large stars but turned vastly well-liked by phrase of mouth.

Many actors reportedly rejected the lead position till Byeon Woo Seok took it up. And what a star-making flip it was!

Except for Byeon, Kim Hye Yoon additionally put in a glowing, cute efficiency that had emotional depth.

The 2 administrators put in numerous particular efforts to get the tone of the connection proper throughout the assorted time traces.

The soundtrack was nice and the supporting solid was tremendous enjoyable too.

Like I stated, lightning in a bottle!

I’ll admit that not everybody would love the cutesy hijinks of the present, particularly the highschool period. There have been additionally regrettable moments of bathroom humour. And FL and ML each make irritating choices, particularly on the present’s three-quarter mark.

BUT the sequence tied up in a satisfying means (to me no less than!) and generated many hearts within the course of. Except for the stunning OTP, each facet’s dad and mom had been a hoot. And I cherished 2ML Tune Geon Hee and ML’s bestie Lee Seung Hyub.

A very enjoyable, loveable trip.

MV for the tune “Sudden Bathe” or “Sonagi” (comprises some spoilers for the present)

DISAPPOINTMENTS

I’m labelling this class as Disappointments as an alternative of Razzie Awards, as a result of these exhibits weren’t all dangerous.

Actually, they actually wowed me at first with good story traces and performances, however then in some way, the story acquired all muddled within the second half of the sequence, and my goodwill went down the drain.

Most Promising Sageuk – Fascinating the King

Fascinating the King, true to its identify, actually captivated and enraptured me within the first 8 or so episodes.

Jo Jung Suk was marvellous because the ML, first because the Grand Prince in a push-and-pull dynamic together with his brother the King (performed extremely effectively by Choi Dae Hoon), and cute interactions with FL Shin Se Kyung, earlier than dramatic issues occur after which Jo Jung Seok confirmed me performing prowess which I had no thought he was able to! 

The present was shocking and twisty and tense. I can nonetheless vividly bear in mind one scene close to the top of episode 7.

The melancholy cello music, the panorama shot of the dawn, the shot of Jo Jung Seok’s face. Very dramatic and compelling. I assumed it was one of the vital pretty, transferring and cinematic moments in a Ok drama that I had seen. 

After which….

I don’t know what occurred. Did they modify script writers after episode 8? Issues acquired meh, and muddly, or past meh and simply plain irritating.

I managed to complete it for Jo Jung Seok, however I do hope for higher scripts to return his means in future.

Most Promising Romance – Love Subsequent Door

One other present the place I felt just like the writing workforce modified partway by way of. As much as about episode 6 or so, I truly thought this was going to be my drama of the yr. 

The romance caught my coronary heart, and the FL’s longstanding arguments together with her mum in regards to the latter’s unrealistic expectations, her burnout on account of work and her relationship that didn’t work out, all resonated with me strongly as I’m additionally the eldest daughter in my household and have felt burdened with parental expectations. 

The event of the OTP was lovely in these first 6 episodes too! There have been tremendous candy moments, then heart-tug moments as we wonder if one facet will be capable of take the chance and categorical their emotions. 

Apologies to those that watched and loved the present! I did get pleasure from episodes 1-6, and 9-10, however then… hmm.  

SPOILER WARNING

As a testomony to how stable and fantastic the early episodes had been, I can nonetheless bear in mind particular, coronary heart fluttering moments very clearly, the place my coronary heart actually soared for the OTP.

Just like the playground scene the place ML sits with FL in solidarity and encourages her to let her emotions out, and the swimming pool scene. 

After which I actually favored episode 5, as FL interacts with ML’s ex who’s a crafter of onggi pots (pots for fermenting conventional Korean sauces) and thru that have, FL Seok Ryu abruptly realises she has a ardour for conventional meals and cooking and needs to try this for her profession, and seeing her mild up, ML Seung Hyo realised there has by no means been a time when he wasn’t in love together with her. 🥲

The second of parallel discovery was so nice, and the tune was good.

The attractive tune “What Are We”

AND THEN

AGAIN

Disappointment. Irritating infantile behaviour from ML as FL’s ex exhibits up once more (for means too many episodes). Draggy household hijinks which I discovered unrealistic. Very unrealistic and comedic/awkward 2ML and 2FL relationship.

Sigh. I couldn’t make it to the top and dropped it at episode 14.

END SPOILERS

Facet observe, in the event you favored the glimpses of Korean conventional cooking on this present like I did, do take a look at Ok Meals Present: A Nation of Banchan on Netflix (hyperlink)!

Drool-worthy and pays tribute to the lengthy custom of Korean cooking. It was fairly refreshing to see feminine cooks taking the custom ahead, cos Western cooking exhibits are very a lot nonetheless dominated by male cooks. 

Most Promising Sci Fi – Blood Free

An bold, fashionable and compelling sci-fi thriller which actually appeared excessive price range and had attention-grabbing issues to say.

Ju Ji Hoon wanting tremendous sharp and tremendous good-looking in a swimsuit, combating dangerous guys capably, after which smouldering with understated chemistry with Han Hyo Joo? So good!

I acquired to round episode 8, after which, I heard the sequence ended very unsatisfactorily. So I didn’t even trouble to observe the final two episodes. What a waste!

TOP OLDER SHOWS

I needed to incorporate a bit on the older exhibits I watched in 2024, as a result of I believe I watched some absolute gems this yr, because of KFG’s evaluations, and in addition the suggestions of my fellow Patreons!!

All of Us Are Lifeless

I actually loved this tight little zombie motion thriller.

It offers fairly a believable tackle how issues would possibly unfold if there was a zombie outbreak beginning in a highschool.

Our ragtag band of survivors are simply bizarre highschool children, and although they could begin off a bit like inventory characters – the jock, the science man, the wealthy bitch, the lady and man subsequent door – they develop and evolve over the course of the sequence. 

I actually loved how this bunch of classmates labored collectively to consider options to guard themselves from the zombies as they transfer by way of the college, utilizing subterfuge or assets accessible of their setting as an alternative of pure motion brawn.

The present briskly strikes alongside but takes time to flesh out the person challenges and motivations of its key characters, and the disagreements between them. The array of challenges they need to face is daunting certainly, will they survive?! Tune in to search out out.

Cash Flower

I lastly watched it! I used to be conscious that a couple of years again, KFG hosted a Group Look ahead to Cash Flower.

However on the time it didn’t attraction to me and on hindsight it was primarily cos I solely learn the barest of its premise, which was that it was a long-game revenge melodrama and, effectively, this screenshot above, I assumed the protagonist was implacable, severe and believed in “revenge is a dish finest served chilly”.

Effectively, I couldn’t have been extra flawed! Proper from the primary episode, we see that though Kang Pil Joo could be ruthless when he desires to be, he additionally has hidden unhappiness.

And as we see him observe FL Mo Hyun round to analysis her, presumably for a political marriage, we are able to see that slowly he’s falling for her, as a result of she is simply that superior.

And since he’s following her, he’s available to struggle off some drunken males who need to benefit from her (and we see Jang Hyuk’s combating chops, yay!) after which, we get this scene!! (Be aware: She’s drunk and received’t bear in mind this, but it surely was simply so 😍 to see him be a gentleman.)

Later within the sequence, we discover out the explanation Pil Joo desires revenge, and it’s heartbreaking certainly. So I used to be firmly on Pil Joo’s facet, at the same time as he struggles with morally questionable choices within the service of his revenge plot.

One other key success issue for Cash Flower is that its diverse solid of characters are all fleshed out and every has their admirable traits in addition to their flaws.

And this contains our villains, who’re crafty and clever, such that we see a worthwhile battle between the very good and strategic Pil Ju and his formidable opponents. 

(Facet observe: This places Cash Flower in a a lot larger tier than different makjang thrillers the place I felt like practically each different character except for our ML and FL was fairly flat or downright unlikeable, and the villains weren’t even competent in opposition to the protagonists!)

DP Deserter Pursuit S1

I used to be actually actually impressed with this drama, and I believe it approaches a murals.

The primary episode is sort of a mini-movie, and units out the heartbreaking dilemmas for Non-public An Jun Ho (performed by Jung Hae In) as he hunts down deserters operating from obligatory navy service, whereas he’s simply as a lot a prisoner of the system as they’re. 

It’s not all grim-dark although, there are procedural components as our DP unit examine their instances and discover their fugitives utilizing inventive detective work.

I additionally cherished the buddy-cop dynamic that types between Jun Ho and his corporal Ho Yul, performed very memorably by Koo Kyo Hwan. 

However brewing behind the scenes is a bigger story arc which culminates in episodes 5-6. I received’t spoil it, simply go watch it.

It’s solely 6 episodes, it’s powerful at occasions however very lovely and rewarding. This raised my estimation of Jung Hae In’s performing talents by rather a lot!

(Facet observe: I did give Season 2 a go, however didn’t just like the change in tone from Season 1. A number of folks did recognize Season 2 although! I might say you’ll be able to take Season 1 as a whole story arc and determine at that time if you wish to watch Season 2 or not.)

Alchemy of Souls S1 and S2

This was an epic deal with for the senses from begin to end.

It wasn’t good for positive, with some sections dragging or that includes odd or irritating stable decisions, however I’m actually glad I watched it.

A fantasy sword-and-sorcery sequence set within the fictional land of Daeho the place mages prepare in elemental magic for fight and root out black sorcerers who observe the forbidden “alchemy of souls” or swapping souls between our bodies in a bid to remain immortal.

A really effectively fleshed out world, and a lovable solid of characters too. 

The elephant within the room is the swap in lead actress between Season 1 and a couple of.

Some audiences apparently didn’t just like the change. However for me, the change made story sense.

The vibe of Go Youn Jung was totally different from Jung So Min, however once more, this additionally made sense within the context of the story.

Key plot traces and characters are adopted by way of from Season 1 to 2, and Season 2, being simply 10 episodes, advised a compact and efficient story to wrap up the saga. 

(Be aware: In contrast to among the different exhibits above the place I point out that Season 1 can stand by itself as a whole story arc, that positively doesn’t apply to Alchemy of Souls; you could watch each seasons to see the total story accomplished. 

I might say Season 2 helps to handle among the irritating plot factors or questions left hanging on the finish of Season 1, so in the event you had been annoyed by the top of Season 1 as I used to be, give Season 2 a strive!

It took me some time, like a bit a couple of episode, to get into the groove of Season 2, however then I actually loved it.)

Fated to Love You / You Are My Future

Aaaaaah!!! I wasn’t anticipating to like this as a lot as I did.

I used to be already impressed by Jang Hyuk in Cash Flower. After which I learn Darkish by j3ffc and you actually ought to go learn it your self, to search out out why I used to be then triggered to take a look at Jang Nara and Jang Hyuk collectively in Fated to Love You.

I had vaguely glimpsed P. Jasmine warning on Patreon that ML Lee Geon in Fated to Love You is sort of an OTT character, given to bursts of maniacal laughter. Nonetheless, she loved the drama as an entire, and so did quite a lot of different Patreons!

So I gave it a go and my goodness, I luffed it so so a lot!

My favorite factor about this drama is how, even amidst the OTT comedy hijinks, Present takes time for little moments which reveal extra in regards to the characters, and heartfelt conversations between our OTP.

Even when they’re nearly strangers and hardly know one another, they commiserate about their widespread struggles, and ML at all times finds a solution to affirm FL for who she is and encourage her to be assured, even when others take her without any consideration.

Do give this present no less than a 2-episode probability in the event you determine to strive it?

Episode 1 was virtually cartoonishly OTT with a few cringey facet characters, and FL was such a doormat I used to be involved that I wouldn’t be capable of take a whole sequence of her performing like that, however don’t fear, she will get extra fleshed out later, and the cartoonish hijinks additionally settle down considerably. 

The OTT humour does pop up once more as Present progresses, and I used to be all for it! I had many LOL moments with this present. And numerous coronary heart squeezing moments too. ML is flawed and makes errors, however he’s additionally honest and tries arduous to make up for them! 

Additionally, I give Present numerous factors for integrating the ML and FL’s households very effectively into the plot.

Once more, some preliminary interactions get a bit OTT however because the Present unfolds, you discover out why FL’s omma reacts that means, and also you get heartfelt interactions between her and FL, and even omma and ML. 

There’s some household drama on ML’s facet additionally, however general I felt present dealt with the household drama facets/plot traces in a extra satisfying means than (ahem ahem) Queen of Tears and Love Subsequent Door did.

NON-DRAMA GOODIES

I didn’t need to finish my end-of-year submit with out sharing about some non-drama goodies which I actually loved. 

Anime – Terminator Zero

Is that this thought-about Asian? It was written by an American, however animated by a Japanese animation home, so I might say sure, it counts as Asian.

It’s set within the Terminator universe, and the essential premise is – what was taking place internationally in Japan in 1997, within the run-up to “Judgement Day” when Skynet got here on-line within the US?

I watched it with the Japanese voice actors + English subtitles for immersion within the Tokyo setting (you can too watch the English model voiced by Hollywood actors). 

I discovered this anime to be actually glorious. It has a moody, melancholic ambiance which prevails even amid the robot-against-human fights.

The protagonists are sympathetic (three kids, their nanny and their Japanese inventor father) and the story is effectively advised, with twists and turns but by no means dropping sight of its eventual objective.

I actually loved this and advocate it even when you’ve got by no means watched a Terminator film earlier than. 

All you really want to know is that Skynet is a fictional sentient AI intelligence created by the US military which, as soon as it comes on-line within the Terminator film universe, decides that the best risk to the world is people themselves, and proceeds to launch nuclear warheads in opposition to the main cities of the world, and in addition ship killer robots to destroy the remaining human refugees.

Oh, and time journey is often used within the Terminator franchise too. There, that’s all you could know!

Honest warning, there may be gun and hand-to-combat violence on this. 

KOREAN/KOREAN AMERICAN LITERATURE

Welcome to the Hyunam Dong Bookshop by Hwang Bo-Reum

Test it out on Goodreads right here!

A meditative slice-of-life novel the place we observe Yeongju, a burned out profession lady who decides to begin a bookstore within the quiet neighbourhood of Hyunam Dong.

We observe her as she chooses her books, thinks about methods to advertise her bookstore, and interacts together with her purchasers and neighbours.

It is rather calm, mild and reflective, relatively than plot-driven. I loved the trivia of how she runs her bookstore, each the creative side of selecting what books to function, and the sensible budgeting facets. 

The supporting characters are additionally likeable and we regularly discover out extra about what makes them tick and what attracts them to the shop.

I discovered Yeongju to be a really likeable heroine to root for, and in my thoughts’s eye, I imagined Lee Na Younger from Romance is a Bonus E-book taking part in the position if the ebook had been ever to develop into a drama!

Bonus: I acquired to attend a ebook speak by the creator herself, when she got here to Singapore to advertise the ebook.

Actually, it was her second ebook speak in Singapore, the primary was when the ebook was first launched, and the second was about 6 months later, after the ebook had develop into very talked-about in Singapore! 

It was fairly a deal with to hearken to the ebook speak, not simply because the creator herself may be very modest and wonderful as she shared about her favorite character and favorite scenes within the novel, but in addition as a result of the translator of the novel, a younger Singaporean girl (Shannon Tan), was additionally on the ebook speak and she or he helped to translate Hwang’s replies to the viewers’s questions! 

Shannon additionally shared a bit about how she began studying Korean – she was an avid Ok pop fan in her pupil days and realized Korean so she may submit about G Dragon!

By way of a mix of self-learning and coaching programs she took on increasingly translation assignments, and that is her first full-length novel translation in Korean! Very cool.

The Crimson Palace by June Hur

Test it out on Goodreads right here!

On the extra dramatic facet of issues is that this homicide thriller set within the Joseon period by Korean-American creator June Hur.

Our heroine is a palace nurse who makes use of her medical data and perception into the palace goings-on to analyze a spate of mysterious killings. Oh and she or he finally ends up working with a (younger and good-looking) police inspector, naturally! 

I discovered the world-building to be actually detailed, such that I felt a powerful sense of place in Joseon Korea, through the period the place Crown Prince Sado was alive. The thriller was effectively plotted too! 

Though the ebook is within the Younger Grownup bracket, I didn’t discover it to be trite or dumbed down.

Except for the protagonists being of their late teenagers (which implies they’re already thought-about grownup within the Joseon period) I don’t assume you will see that it “YA” in any respect. Extremely advocate.

June Hur additionally wrote A Crane Amongst Wolves which wants a “reader beware” warning because it offers with a really darkish time interval in historical past, the place the king kidnapped lots of of ladies to be in his harem.

Whereas not Recreation of Thrones-level of violence, the ebook doesn’t draw back from speaking about violence in opposition to girls. I discovered it additionally effectively price studying, though I might say The Crimson Palace had a extra satisfying homicide thriller plotline.

The Lady Who Fell Beneath the Sea

Test it out on Goodreads right here!

It is a reimagining of a conventional Korean folks story. So in contrast to the opposite two novels that are set in the actual world, this ebook delves into myths and legends and the spirit realm. 

I actually loved the fairytale side of it, and it was not arduous for me to get into provided that there are numerous widespread legends between the Chinese language, Japanese and Korean cultures, like dragons as spirits of nature and symbols of royalty, or the necessity for your loved ones to recollect you after you might have handed, and burn choices for you in order that you’ll lack for nothing within the afterlife. 

The heroine may be very courageous and goes on fairly an epic journey, and I loved the storyline! Which has a romance in fact! ❤️

CONCLUSION

So there you might have it! My drama yr 2024. An excellent yr, I have to say.

Lots of leisure, and numerous touching moments. And moments of solidarity seeing some characters undergo related struggles to what I’ve gone by way of earlier than.

And lots of many moments of sheer enjoyable and pleasure, pondering to myself “This is the reason I really like dramas!”

Right here’s wishing all of you an exquisite yr forward in 2025, each in your private life in addition to in your drama watching! And wishing you all a Blissful Lunar New Yr!

~Elaine

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