So, what are we all watching this week?
What kept you reaching for more (or agonizing when there was no more), and what made you want to throw your remote through the screen? Time to weigh in…
missvictrix
See You in My 19th Life: Loved it! It was cinematic, quirky, and thoughtful: a great combo. I have zero context for the webtoon, and I’d like to keep it that way, so — Beanie PSA — let’s all be mindful when discussing in the comments and *please* add a webtoon spoiler warning before you launch into details of how the original story unfolds.
King the Land: This drama reminded me what K-drama rom-coms do best. And sure, it felt a little over-rehearsed at times, but I think it’ll get more comfortable as it goes — and really, K-drama rom-coms are best enjoyed without a microscope. So I put mine away and I’m just going to sit back and enjoy Junho the show.
mistyisles
Currently covering: Delightfully Deceitful
King the Land: Very pretty people, very pretty setting, very little substance — but apparently I was really craving an easy watch, so I’ll probably stick around for now. It does have that classic K-drama rom-com feel, and besides, the whole reason I started it was for Junho and all that chemistry the promos promised us! Also, I can’t help wondering if the title was supposed to be a play on “king” + “wonderland” that just… didn’t get transferred over to English? That’s the only way I can make it make sense in my head, anyway — it even kind of fits with the whole “surrounded by fake smiles” thing.
DaebakGrits
Currently covering: See You in My 19th Life
King the Land: I’m in dire need of rom-com cheesiness, so you aren’t going to hear many complaints from me. However, beyond the core romance plot of this drama, I’m not sure what to expect, and there is a small voice in the back of my head saying that I might lose interest if the whole hotel and sister-antagonist plotlines don’t hold my attention. But for now, I just want to enjoy this opposites-attract romance. The highlight of the first two episodes, for me, was the “Baby Shark” rave scene. I’ve never been much for patronizing dance clubs, but as the child-free friend in my female friend group, I can relate to the changed dynamics, as our hangout sessions have become more family-friendly.
Bloodhounds: Such a great bromance! I also loved the fight choreography, but I kind of wish the focus of the story had been more on the boxing aspect instead of a revenge plot our characters were ill-equipped to take on. I spent way too much time shaking my head over our protagonists’ rookie mistakes and naivete. The abrupt exit of the Hyeon-ju character from the story was an odd choice for me, but I liked her “replacement,” Da-min, better. She seemed to have better on-screen chemistry with the boys. Plus, a bow and arrow is way cooler than a baton and taser.
Unit
Happiness Battle: Another week, another set of episodes. Nothing special.
King the Land: Junho is life! Junho in suits is the oxygen I breathe! *Fans self* Judging by the premiere, the drama is the exact type of trope sandwich I was expecting, and I enjoyed it. As for the plot itself… wait, there’s a plot? Lol. It’s nothing that hasn’t been done before, but the drama makes me laugh. A lot. And I can forgive a drama’s lack of innovation in plot as long as it can keep up with the laugh out loud moments. Also loving the bromance and sismance going on between our lead characters and their friends. But I do have slight concerns about our hero’s mom/whatever trauma it is that makes him hate fake smiles. Please, don’t take a dark turn, Show!
See You in My 19th Life: This is such a beautiful show! The cinematography, the story, the music, everything is just chef’s kiss! I didn’t expect to like it as much as I did and I certainly didn’t expect to be this immersed. (I watched the second episode on normal speed, guys!!) Shin Hye-sun is almost flawless as Ban Ji-eum, and I love how the character oozes the confidence of someone who has seen it all, without the arrogance that comes with being “better” than everyone else. I haven’t seen Ahn Bo-hyun anything apart from Her Private Life (and I disliked his character there), but I’m liking him here. As for the child actresses, ugh!!! Those girls have my whole heart. I like to judge a drama by its own merits, so I don’t usually check out the webtoons/source materials dramas are adapted from. But guess who’s on the 11th chapter of the 19th Life webtoon? It has to be an obsession at this point.
Youth of May: I’ve been avoiding this drama because I heard there’s some real tears to be shed at the end. But when else can I watch it if not now that the current drama landscape is making me happy?