El Ranking de Dramabeans....
Como ya sabemos todo es relativo... pero como guía siempre las recomendaciones sirven... al menos para decidir qué voy a ver a continuación!
SERIES
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HOW MUCH I ENJOY IT vs. HOW I RATE IT (of 10)
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49 Days (2011)
49일 |
Didn’t hate the ending, but it did make me think I’d given the drama
way too much credit along the way. Decent effort, mucky execution. (7
/7) The writing carried the acting, but well enough for me to be swept
along and care. Love the theme and tone, despite flaws in structure. (8 / 7)
-GF
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Air City (2007)
에어시티 |
Hot guys. Cold plot.
(5 / 5) |
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All In (2003)
올인 |
Gambling, intrigue, foreign locales—it was a blockbuster hit and
people went crazy for Lee Byung-hyeon and Song Hye-kyo. It was almost
swallowed by its own hype, but there’s a reason why every
revenge/success/empire story tries to emulate this one. (6 / 7) –GF
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Athena: Goddess of War (2011)
아테나: 전쟁의 여신 |
You’d be surprised what two guys will do in the name of national
security…over a girl. Starts out bloody and badass, but winds down into
predictable and safe. (6
/ 6) –GF
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Attic Cat(2003)
옥탑방 고양이 |
One of the earlier cohabitation dramas that fired off a trend. Cute
chemistry from the leads and funny situations, although the workplace storylines
drag the thing down. (7
/ 6) –GF
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Baby-Faced Beauty (2011)
동안미녀 |
Plot and characters are familiar, and the heroine’s rather meek for my
post-Sam-soon tastes, but it does the workplace setup and the
cute noona-romance with a sweet, funny touch. (7 / 7)
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Bad Couple(2007)
불량커플 |
Bursts out of the gate with peppy chemistry, then slows with tears and
angst and The Dreaded Illness. Lost interest after episode 6. (6 / 5)
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Bad Family(2006)
불량가족 |
Love it. Heart-warming and hilarious as this motley mock family
becomes a real one, without dipping into cheesiness. Kim Myung-min is a hoot. (9 / 9)
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Bad Guy (2010)
나쁜남자 |
I can’t heap enough superlatives for the drama’s assured directing,
gorgeous visual appeal, music, acting, overall ambiance. Story drove me nuts.
(7 / 7)The ending killed whatever love I felt for all of the above. (5 / 5) –GF
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Best Love(2011), aka Greatest Love
최고의 사랑 |
Tight writing, hilarious scenarios, memorable acting, and a string of
the wackiest, yet oddly appropriate metaphors I’ve ever seen in a drama.
Feel-good and satisfying. (9 / 9) Pee-your-pants funny, killer cute, at
times achingly romantic too. Hits that rom-com sweet spot. (9 / 8 ) -GF
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Big (2012)
빅 |
Like getting to the bottom of a tasty meal and finding a half-eaten
worm. (6 / 4) Promising setup with body swap hijinks and a great cast,
but fails to deliver anything but plot hodgepodge. Akin to an emotional
drive-by. Perhaps more violent. (5 / 4) -GF
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Biscuit Teacher Star Candy (2005)
건빵선생과 별사탕 |
Gong Yoo as a bleeding heart high school cutie and Gong Hyo-jin as a
badass teacher? Sold! This one has comedy, a nice episodic pace, and most
importantly, a lot of heart. One of my all-time faves. (10 / 8 ) –GF
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Bottom of the 9th with 2 Outs (2007) aka 9
End, 2 Outs
9회말 2아웃 |
Two lifelong best friends turn 30 and take steps toward becoming
adults…by shacking up together and denying their growing attraction. Yeah,
good luck with that. Cute, sexy, and fun. (9 / 9) -GF
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Boys Before Flowers (2009) aka Korean Hana Yori
Dango
꽃보다 남자 |
Such a hot mess, but a blast to watch. The fandom frenzy was sometimes
more fun than the show itself. (8 / 5) It served up just the right
amount of crack at every turn. By all accounts this should have been a
disaster, but the sum of its parts is better than you’d think—you’ll be
screaming at your screen while reaching for the next episode. (8 / 5) –GF
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Brilliant Legacy (2009) aka Shining Inheritance
찬란한 유산 |
It’s the classic Candy Cinderella tale laced with just enough makjang
elements to make it addictive. Nothing new, but a good family drama with a
fresh-faced foursome in a compelling love square. (8 / 7) -GF
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Can’t Lose(2011)
지고는 못살아 |
Cute and funny, proving that conflict can exist without crazies or
baddies. Simple but sweet. (7 / 7) Cute earnest story about a couple
whose marriage and divorce are just stops along the road to finding love. (7 / 7) -GF
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Chuno (2010) 추노
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Visually breathtaking and characterized by sweeping grandeur, though a
bit lacking in soul. (7 / 8 )
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Cinderella’s Sister (2010) 신데렐라 언니
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Marvelous start and stellar acting counter the heavy angst, but the
frustrating plot slows to a near-crawl. (4 / 6) What began as a
whimsical twist on a classic fairytale devolved into lots of soulful staring.
Had enough plot for eight episodes, but at twenty, it stretched my patience
thin, despite my love for the amazing cast. (7 / 6) –GF
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City Hunter(2011)
시티헌터 |
It isn’t flawless, but it did everything I wanted it to and then some.
Action, intrigue, humor, heart. (10 / 9) This show has ruined me. Now I
want every drama to be as badass and heartfelt. Damn you, City Hunter! (10 / 10) -GF
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Coffee House(2010)
커피프 하우스 |
Wacky, offbeat comedy with loose plotting and a light feel, though
second half gets heavier. (7 / 7) Quirky characters and compelling main
pairing, but it never hooked me completely. (7 / 6) –GF
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Coffee Prince Store #1(2007) 커피프린스1호점
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Proof that popular does not always equal mediocre. At times cheeky, at
times poignant. Standout soundtrack. (9 / 9) Will forever be in love
with Choi Han-gyul. The
end. (10 / 10) –GF
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Dal Ja’s Spring(2007)
달자의봄 |
Fresh and fun, with dashes of insight into modern (career-)womanhood,
rife with Heroine’s romantic and professional foibles. Adorable main couple,
great supporting cast, easy to zip through. (9 / 9)
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Delightful Girl Chun Hyang(2005)
쾌걸춘향 |
High comedy factor with strong chemistry between the leads. It’s Romeo
& Juliet with a twist; Jae Hee is wonderful, and the directing is sharp. A sentimental favorite. (9 / 8 )
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Dr. Champ(2010)
닥터 챔프 |
Main pairing is cute beyond words, and the sports stories are surprisingly
engaging. But the best thing about it? That camera. Made every shot moody,
crisp, and stunning. (6
/ 7) -GF
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Dr. Jin (2012)
닥터진 |
(? / ?)
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Dream High(2011)
드림 하이 |
Adorable friendships, great handling of youthful foibles and the
shark-infested showbiz waters. A showcase for its idol cast; if only they
were better actors, it could’ve been even better. (9 / 8 ) A feel-good
drama about chasing your dreams, full of sing-offs and dance-offs. Earnest in the best way. (9 / 7) –GF
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Dream High 2(2012)
드림 하이 2 |
Was it lazy, trying to ride Season 1′s coattails, or was it
overambitious, trying to be everything and ending up with
idol/dance-off/rivalry/romance hodgepodge? It tries both too hard and not
enough. (5 / 4)
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East of Eden(2008-9)
에덴의 동쪽 |
Epic, sweeping backstory that broke my heart. The adult storylines had
great potential, but landed in a spin cycle of the same conflict for dozens
and dozens of episodes. I watched with fervor but am still waiting for my
refund for the hours I spent. (6 / 7) –GF
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Exhibition of
Fireworks(2006) 불꽃놀이
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Started great with lots of comedy, went downhill with convoluted
evildoers gumming up the works. Kang Ji-hwan is the only good thing here. (5
/ 4)
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Fantasy Couple (2006)
aka Couple or Trouble 환상의커플 |
Flawed but enjoyable opposites-attract comedy. Its humor overdoes the
slapstick, but the Hong sisters writers keep the plot moving. (7 / 7) I
could never really get on this train, no matter how hard I tried. The humor
lost me, and the chemistry never went past tepid. It didn’t help that I hated
the main character. (4 / 4) –GF
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Flower Boy Ramyun Shop(2011)
꽃미남 라면가게 |
Super cute camaraderie in the ramyun family. Jung Il-woo is a hoot.
Plot spins its wheels a bit, but it’s sweet and funny. (8 / 7) Adorable
spazztastic tale of young love, full of wit and heart. Cheeky in the best way. (9 / 8 ) -GF
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Flowers For My Life (2007) aka I Came In Search of
Flowers
꽃찾으러 왔단다 |
Criminally underrated. Witty with a touch of dark humor. Set in a
funeral home, it gives lovely, quirky insights on life and death. (10 / 10)
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Friends (2004)
프렌즈 / フレンズ |
Joint collaboration between Korea and Japan. Pleasant, with gorgeous
leads Won Bin and Fukada Kyoko, but unexceptional. (6 / 6)
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Full House(2004)
풀하우스 |
One of the most popular cohabitation dramas out there — lots of
bickering-as-courtship and some cute couple moments. It’s overrated (plot
becomes repetitive in the last quarter), but enjoyable. (7 / 6)
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Gaksital (2012)
aka Bridal Mask, 각시탈 |
(? / ?)
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Girl K (2011)
소녀K |
At 3 episodes, this badass shoot-em-up revenge story tantalizes with
hints of what a full drama could have done. Doesn’t have time to really get
you in the heart, but sets up a great world. If this is the future of cable,
I’m onboard. (8 / 8 ) BADASS. ( 8 / 8 ) -GF
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God of Study(2010)
공부의 신 |
Cute stories for the kids, but I am no longer studying for my SATs, so
the rest of it bored me to tears. (4 / 5) –GF
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Goong (2006)
aka Palace or Princess Hours, 궁 |
Beautifully executed but slow. Overrated but entertaining. Mediocre
acting at best. (7 / 7) I loved the fusion-fairytale world and all the
strangeness of an anachronistic set of values placed in modern society. Candy-coated, but all the sweeter for it. (8
/ 8 ) –GF
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Goong S (2007)
aka Palace S or Prince Hours, 궁S |
A reverse-Cinderella tale as an ordinary guy becomes a prince.
Disappointing start and poor acting. Still, picked up toward end, inversely to its ratings. (5 / 5)
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Gourmet(2008)
식객 |
Solid execution perhaps obscures a banal story, but Kim Rae-won makes
this work. Predictable but enjoyable, like comfort food.
(8 / 7) |
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Green Rose(2005)
그린로즈 |
Dramatic thriller veers into over-the-top territory, but this underdog
revenge story can get addictive. Great romantic angst. (7 / 7)
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Hello! Miss(2007)
aka Hello Baby 헬로! 애기씨 |
Light and jokey, but not much emotional depth. Lee Da-hae can do (and
has done) better. (5
/ 5)
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High Kick 3: Counterattack of the Short Legs (2011)
하이킥 3: 짧은 다리의 역습 |
Surprisingly well-drawn characters and relationships that mean
something. Packs a lot of heart into those 20-minute episodes, and
consistently, week after week. Slice of life and poignant. (8 / 8 )
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Hong Gil Dong(2008)
쾌도 홍길동 |
This fusion historical drama has action, comic gags, romance,
political intrigue, betrayal — but lacks subtlety. The tone is uneven, but
Kang Ji-hwan is wonderful. (7 / 7)
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Hyang Dan Jeon (2007)
aka The Story of Hyang Dan, 향단전 |
Fun blending of folktales and modern humor in a fusion romantic
comedy. Only two episodes,
it’s a silly, Shrek-like goof.
(8 / 7) |
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I Am Legend(2010)
나는 전설이다 |
Started off so well, but suffered an identity crisis halfway through.
(6 / 5) Why is a law drama masquerading as a rock ‘n’ roll drama? I have
no idea. Got off to a great start, and I was humming the songs for weeks. But
then it went nowhere…and really, really slowly at that. (5 / 5) -GF
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I Do, I Do(2012)
아이두 아이두 |
Started off with cuteness, chemistry, and potential. Unfortunately an
incredibly slow place and business machinations nobody cares about drag it
down for too long. Nice
overall character trajectories for our leads. (6 / 6)
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I Need Romance(2011)
로맨스가 필요해 |
A frank, stylish rom-com about friendship, love, sex, and dating that
manages to be fun but not frivolous. (8 / 7) -GF
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IRIS (2009)
아이리스 |
Some smoldering performances decorate this explosion-packed action
series but the writing gets spotty. More style than substance, a fun ride
with eye candy. (7 / 7)Been there, done that. But it’s definitely slick and
fun, if you don’t care about gaping plot holes. (6 / 6) –GF
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It’s Okay, Daddy’s
Girl(2010)
괜찮아 아빠딸 |
Okay, this show isn’t good. It’s got the potential to be, but is
marred by poor acting and weird pacing — it’s like a highlight reel of a
longer family drama. Yet, oddly, it draws you in with its good-naturedness
and warmth. (7 / 4)
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Joseon X-Files(2010)
aka Secret Investigation Record, 기찰비록 |
FANTASTIC. Quite possibly genius melding of historical record and
sci-fi mystery. (10 / 10)
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The King 2 Hearts (2012)
더킹 투하츠 |
A surprising series that hit all my drama sweet spots: idealistic,
funny, epic, and sweetly romantic. It could do with better finesse in many
areas, but has so much heart that it’s bursting at the seams. (9 / 9) -GF
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The Last Scandal of My Life (2008),
내 생애 마지막 스캔들 |
What happens when first loves reconnect 20 years later… when one’s an
ajumma and the other’s a movie star lying about his age? Hilarious, touching,
and well-acted. Never a dull moment. (9 / 8 )
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Lie To Me(2011)
내게 거짓말을 해봐 |
It’s like Drama blew its budgetary wad on the stars and forgot to
provide a story. Some randomly cute couple scenes, but mostly so boring. (4 /
3) Drama Cliché Soup, thrown together in the most unimaginative way
possible. (3 / 4) -GF
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Love & Marriage(2008)
연애결혼 |
Cute story between an uptight divorce attorney and bubbly matchmaker.
It’s like a meal of dessert. Sweet filler, but speedy, flirty fun. (7 / 7)
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Lovers (2006)
연인 |
Brisk start descends into weepy melodrama with birth secrets, family
strife, and a Love That Cannot Be that’s more like a Love That Should Not Be.
By the end I couldn’t stand it. Oh! The! Tragedy! (3 / 6)
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Man of Honor(2011)
영광의 재인 |
Cute players, but zero romantic chemistry, and the one-note story
never goes anywhere interesting. (4 / 4) -GF
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Manny (2011)
매니 |
A cute premise and a light, episodic format keep this comedy
watchable, but the romance angle is the least interesting. Why are the adults
acting like kids? (6 / 6)
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Mary Stayed Out All Night(2010)
매리는 외박중 |
Uber-boring. Worst drama I saw in 2010. (3 / 4) Not enough Cute
in the world to cover up the crazy mess that is this drama. It sure does try though. And it fails. (4 /
3) -GF
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Me Too, Flower! (2011)
나도, 꽃! |
What a way to tank a promising series; watching its steady decline was
a sad thing. Too much Madam Crazy, too little focus on the characters we
cared about. At first, it was unfairly underrated. By its end, deservedly so.
(6 / 6)
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Miss Ripley(2011)
미스 리플리 |
Interesting character study of some unlikable personalities who draw
you in with charged acting. Story loses its bite in the end, though. (7 /
7) Not nearly as dark as it sets out to be, but the swift pace makes it
an easy-to-watch melodrama with engaging characters. (6 / 7) -GF
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Mixed-up Investigative Agency (2007)
얼렁뚱땅 흥신소 |
Quirky, offbeat, extremely well-plotted. Strong acting, particularly
by Yeh Ji-won. A comedy romp, treasure hunt, and mystery rolled into one. (9 / 9)
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The Moon That Embraces the Sun (2012)
해를 품은 달 |
A straight-up juvenile romance, dressed up as a grown-up sageuk. The
drama’s one-track mind keeps it from having depth or substance, but it’s easy
to watch. (7 / 7) The conflict is laughably simple, but there’s a whole
lot of pretty to keep you distracted for most of its run. (6 / 7) -GF
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My Fair Lady(2009)
aka Please Take Care of the Lady aka Lady Castle 아가씨를 부탁해 |
Terribly written plot, even if the chemistry of the couple carries the
drama. Skip. (4 / 4) What a waste of Yoon Eun-hye and Jung Il-woo. I
felt zero chemistry between the leads, and the plot was so fluffy it
evaporated. (4 / 3) –GF
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My Girl (2005-06)
마이걸 |
Fantastic fun, speedy pace. Super chemistry between the endearing lead
couple. (9 / 8 )
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My Girlfriend Is a Gumiho(2010)
내 여자친구는 구미호 |
Super enjoyable, adorable chemistry, and great mix of the gumiho
mythology with the rom-com bits. But somehow it’s only my No. 3 Hong sisters
drama. (9 / 8 )Show, you complete me. (10 / 10) -GF
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My Love Patzzi(2002)
내 사랑 팥쥐 |
Short, cute drama with two too-perfect guys and a spunky heroine as an
anti-Cinderella. Not very deep, but easy to watch. (7 / 6)
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My Name Is Kim Sam Soon(2005)
내 이름은 김삼순 |
Poignant and funny, worth the hype. (9 / 9) This is the one to
beat, in my heart of hearts. (10 / 10) –GF
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My Princess(2011)
마이 프린세스 |
Who knew such a middling rom-com could be a turning point for Kim
Tae-hee (and, to a lesser degree, Mr. Robot Hotness Song Seung-heon)? (7 /
6) Mediocre as far as rom-coms go, but the main pair is adorable and
cheeky. (7 / 6) –GF
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My Sweet Seoul (2008)
달콤한 나의 도시 |
Halfway between indie and trendy. Plotting is loose, but has a
refreshing atmospheric feel and good directing. Unfortunately, I hate the main character. (6
/ 8 )
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Myung-wol the Spy (2011)
스파이 명월 |
Could’ve been so wacky and hilarious, but changed its mind halfway
through and tried for earnest angst. We got tedious moping instead. (5 /
5) What began as quirky absurdist humor ended up just plain absurd. (5 / 5) –GF
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Oh! My Lady(2010)
오! 마이 레이디 |
Light and fluffy older-woman/younger-man, housekeeper-landlord
romance. Choi Siwon’s charm carries the show. An easy, unchallenging watch. (6 / 6)
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Ojakkyo Brothers(2011-2)
오작교 형제들 |
A funny, heartwarming drama about a family who gets turned upside-down
when a stray little duckling waddles into their lives. (9 / 8 ) –GF
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One Fine Day(2006)
어느 멋진 날 |
Akin to getting your eyes poked out. I watched for Gong Yoo, but even
he could not save this train wreck of a drama that takes every cliché and
makes it worse, if that’s even possible. (3 / 3) –GF
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Only You(2005)
온리 유 |
Bleh. I can’t remember why I bothered. Han Chae-young is pretty, but
Jo Hyun-jae is wasted. (3 / 3)
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Pasta (2010)
파스타 |
The couple is SO cute together, and individually very appealing. Yet
there’s so very little plot. (6 / 6) Nothing happens. Ever. Although I
would probably watch these two actors weave baskets for twenty hours, so… (6 / 5) –GF
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Personal Taste(2010)
개인의취향 |
The jerky directing is the biggest flaw; the writing is engaging at
parts but random in others. Lead couple is well-acted and have charming
chemistry. (7 / 6) The untapped potential of this drama nearly kills me.
But the main characters are fantastic and funny, and so damn cute. (8 / 6) –GF
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Playful Kiss(2010)
장난스런 키스 |
Despite lack of conflict, the couple is sweet and Jung So-min lovable.
But there’s so little story here. (6 / 6)It’s as undramatic as a drama can
be, but the cute makes up for it…a little. Jung So-min carries it, although
her character can be infuriating at times. (6 / 6) -GF
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Poseidon(2011)
포세이돈 |
Choi Siwon and Lee Shi-young are an adorable matchup. Too bad this
coast guard action thriller wants to be cooler than it is. (4 / 4)
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The Princess’s Man (2011)
공주의 남자 |
Epic and stirring. Constant plot twists, tight political intrigue, and
a strong Romeo and Juliet romance with stakes that actually feel life-and-death.
(10 / 9)
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Prosecutor Princess(2010)
검사 프린세스 |
Addictive and compelling tale of a modern Love That Cannot Be. The
main couple is aces; the rest pales in comparison. It’ll make a Park Shi-hoo
fan out of you, and you’ll thank me later. ( 8 / 7) -GF
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Que Sera Sera(2007)
케세라세라 |
Took a few episodes to fall in love, but boy did I. Intense and
unapologetic. Not for the casual watcher. Flawed but complex people drive
this character drama. (9
/ 9)
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Queen In-hyun’s Man(2012)
인현왕후의 남자 |
Thrilling, romantic, adorable, and engrossing. The best of the
time-traveling bunch thus far. (9 / 9) Sweeps you up in the romance in a
way that many dramas can’t achieve. Some glaring imperfections, but the tone
is damn near perfect. (9
/ 8 ) -GF
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Queen of Reversals(2011)
역전의 여왕 |
A comfort-food workplace drama with a lot of heart. The heroine gets
put through the wringer, but learns that there’s life after divorce, and
maybe even love. (8
/ 7) -GF
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The Return of Iljimae (2009)
돌아온 일지매 |
Gorgeous. Poignant. Soundtrack and cinematography are exceptional. (10
/ 10) Sweeping, romantic, poetic, and kickass too. I would watch this
for a hundred episodes. And then watch it again. (10 / 10) –GF
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Rooftop Prince(2012)
옥탑방 왕세자 |
First and last episodes contain an interesting story; 2 through 19 are
entertaining though frustrating, and mostly filler. The chemistry and cute
cast save it. (6 / 6) Cute, but the tone never hit the right spot for
me. Wish it went all-out on the funny instead of spinning its wheels with the
needless drama. (5 / 5) -GF
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Runaway Plan B (2010)
aka Fugitive Plan B, 도망자 플랜비 |
Wastes a lot of time in the beginning with flashy action and goofy
comedy, but once it settles down, there’s a compelling conflict here. Rain
does a fabulous job juggling emotions, action, and humor. (8 / 7) Overly
simplistic plot, but the humor and the performances carry it. (7 / 7) -GF
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Scent of a Woman (2011)
여인의 향기 |
A drama about death that’s not really about death. The main trio’s
stories edge out the aggravatingly meddly second leads. (8 / 8
) Uplifting story about a death sentence spurring the heroine to begin
living. Often bogged down by needless plot circles, but the good outweighs
the bad. (7 / 8 ) –GF
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Secret Garden(2010)
시크릿 가든 |
Well-acted, sharp dialogue, great chemistry. Beautiful to look at, but
it’s a lot of slick veneer. Alas, I found it hard to connect with
emotionally. (7 / 8 ) Runs the gamut from hilarious to infuriating.
Stellar performance by Hyun Bin, but I never managed to fall in love with the
characters. (7 / 7) -GF
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Shut Up: Flower Boy Band (2012)
닥치고 꽃미남밴드 |
Pitch-perfect. It’s rockin’ with music and brotherhood, but most of
all it’s about the heart-tugging process of finding yourself. (10 /
10) The best and worst of what it means to be young and lost, told with
raw energy and a beautiful sense of realism. (9 / 9) -GF
|
|
The Sons of Sol Pharmacy House (2009)
aka My Too Perfect Sons, 솔약국집아들들 |
Hilarious, heartwarming family comedy about a family with four sons
who each find love, with some help (and interference) from their boisterous
family.
(8 / 7) |
|
Soulmate(2006)
소울메이트 |
Witty, trendy, funny. Fabulous soundtrack and surprisingly tight
plotting. Skillful use of chronology and narrative. (10 / 9) Feels like
indie cinema in the form of a drama. Edgy, while still capturing a bit of
whimsy and romance. (9
/ 9) –GF
|
|
A Star’s Lover
(2008-09) 스타의 연인 |
Pro: Choi Ji-woo and Yoo Ji-tae’s acting and great chemistry. Con:
Everything else (slow, repetitive, predictable). (5 / 6)
|
|
Story of a Man(2009)
aka The Slingshot 남자이야기 |
Intense, thrilling, smartly woven together. Great balance of light and
dark. Hits on all three points of acting, directing, writing — and it’s FUN. (10 / 10)
|
|
Strongest Chil Woo (2008)
최강칠우 |
This is not a good drama, but thankfully its outrageousness
(intentional and otherwise) keep it entertaining. Alas its hilarity doesn’t
come as frequently as one would like. (6 / 6)
|
|
Summer Scent(2003)
여름향기 |
Probably my favorite of the Season Dramas, because it’s a) not about
incest and b) more about the realistic moving on from first love into the
present. Atmospheric, and actually uses the feeling of summer in a palpable
way. (7 / 6) –GF
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|
Sungkyunkwan Scandal (2010)
성균관 스캔들 |
So cute and well-done. But, ran out of steam toward the end,
curtailing the earlier addiction high. (8 / 8 )Fantastic fusion sageuk world
with gender-bendy shenanigans. Idealistic and addictive, but doesn’t deliver
on all its setups. Makes up for it with bromance explosion of epic
proportions. (9 / 8 ) -GF
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|
Thousand Day Promise (2011)
천일의 약속 |
Su Ae is commanding. Virtually no plot, just a grim progression of a
disease with no hope at the end. Depressing and a little smug. (5 /
7) Compelling performances, but in the end you’re left wondering about
the point of it all. (6
/ 7) -GF
|
|
Tree With Deep Roots(2011)
뿌리깊은 나무 |
Sharp writing, slick directing, stellar acting by Han Seok-kyu as
Korea’s most famous king. Full of intrigue and thrills. (8 / 9)
|
|
Triple (2009)
트리플 |
Breezy and refreshing, but also slow. Tone feels like Coffee Prince,
but lacks focus and direction. (6 / 5)What on earth was the point of this story?
I still don’t know, and I watched every single episode. Seriously. Waste of a stellar adult cast. (4
/ 3) –GF
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|
Unstoppable High Kick(2006-07)
거침없이 하이킥 |
Loosely plotted family sitcom featuring an adorable cast of future
superstars. The problems are small, but the show’s heart is big. (8 / 7)
|
|
Vampire Prosecutor(2011)
뱀파이어 검사 |
Sexy and smart, this action-crime drama is more procedural than
paranormal, but damn if the paranormal (Mr. Vampire Hotness) isn’t sizzling.
(8 / 8 ) Slick procedural with a supernatural edge that leaves you
chomping at the bit for more. (8 / 8 ) -GF
|
|
The Vineyard Man (2006)
포도밭 그사나이 |
Mildly amusing, but very ordinary. Oh Man-seok is great, Yoon Eun-hye
is forgettable. If you’re a Yoon fan, skip it and see Coffee Prince instead. (5 / 6)
|
|
Warrior Baek Dong-soo(2011)
무사백동수 |
Breathtakingly badass and bromantic. Can get draggy at times. Just
fast-forward to the fight scenes. (8 / 7) -GF
|
|
What’s Up, Fox(2006)
여우야 뭐하니 |
Good follow-up by writer of Samsoon. Go Hyun-jung is always a treat to
watch, as is Chun Jung-myung. Not necessarily exciting, but humorous and
witty. (8 / 8 )
So. Cute. (8 / 7) –GF |
|
Who Are You?(2008)
누구세요? |
This drama is all heart. Surprisingly better than its silly start, it
gets steadily better as you go along, and the body-swapping is both hilarious
and meaningful. Yoon Kye Sang is a
standout. (9 / 8 )
|
|
Will It Snow For Christmas?(2009-10)
크리스마스에 눈이 올까요? |
First half of this romance melodrama is poignant, emotionally
wracking, layered; second half gets too convoluted for comfort. Go Soo is
marvelous. (8 / 7)
|
|
Wish Upon a Star (2010)
별을 따다줘 |
Pro: It’s unexpectedly charming. Con: Messy plot and weak secondary
characters. Adorable kids and an
appealing heroine keep it watchable. (8 / 6)
|
|
Witch Amusement(2007)
aka Witch Yoo Hee, 마녀유희 |
Endlessly mockable, but in the fun way. Pure eye candy, no nutrition.
(6 / 3)
|
|
The Woman Who Still Wants To Marry (2010)
아직도 결혼하고 싶은 여자 |
Breezy, witty. Touching and fun depiction of modern friendships and
romance. (9 / 8 ) If you’re ever having a bad day, watch this drama.
Instant pick-me-up, and crackling chemistry to boot. (9 / 8 ) –GF
|
|
The World They Live In(2008)
aka Worlds Within 그들이 사는 세상 |
True to the title, the world is the most compelling thing about this
drama. It’s an inside look at drama producers and directors, and while I
never loved any of the characters, I did find them fascinating. (6 / 8 ) –GF
|
|
You’re Beautiful(2009)
미남이시네요 |
Hilarious situations, fast-moving plot, memorable characters. Park
Shin-hye is adorable (if dim), but it’s Jang Geun-seok who kills it. (9 / 8
) I never knew I wanted to be a cross-dressing girl/boy in an idol
band…until this drama. It takes crazy up a few notches, but in the best way
possible. (9 / 9) –GF
|
|
You’ve Fallen For Me (2011)
aka Heartstrings, 넌 내게 반했어 |
Cute players, breezy, youthful vibe. But lacks anything resembling an
interesting plot. (6
/ 5) –GF
|
|
Los viejos dramas
Autumn Story (2000)
aka Autumn Fairy Tale 가을동화 |
They’re siblings! They’re not! It’s the classic twisty melodrama, and
one of the earlier ones that came before Winter Sonata (same PD) and made
stars out of Song Seung-hun and Song Hye-kyo. –GF
|
|
Feelings (1994)
느낌 |
One of the earliest trendy dramas boasting a hip, young, good-looking
cast. Probably the first college campus drama. The drama that spawned my
love of all things Lee Jung-jae. I blame you, Feelings. –GF
|
|
First Love (1996-7)
첫사랑 |
Choi Soo-jong and Bae Yong-joon as brothers in love with the same
girl…their entire lives. It did solidify my early love of
Bae Yong-joon as the tragic bad boy, although that image didn’t last very
long as he went on to be the headliner of his own dramas. –GF
|
|
Forever Yours (1998)
세상끝까지 |
Watched this because it was the re-team of Kim Hee-sun and Ryu
Shi-won, and was sorely disappointed by the overwrought melodramatic fare
that never made use of their adorable chemistry (see: Propose, below). –GF
|
|
Hotelier (2001)
호텔리어 |
Bae Yong-joon and Song Yuna (also with Kim Seung-woo and Song Hye-kyo)
in an early hit, about the ins and outs of the hotel business. A Cinderella
story, of course, with a little wheeling and dealing thrown in. –GF
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|
Icing (1996)
아이싱 |
A direct rip-off of The Last Match (see below), it
tried to re-create its success with recycled cast and story. See Jang
Dong-gun with Lee Seung-yeon back when they were trendy young things.
|
|
Jealousy (1992)
질투 |
THE original trendy drama starring still-famous Choi Jin Shil and Choi
Su Jong. Funny and cute, see the drama that started the trend. Lightning
in a bottle, I think. It was all about the lead couple and the cracktastic
will-they-won’t-they. –GF
|
|
Last Match (1994)
마지막 승부 |
Superstar Jang Dong Gun in one of his earliest roles, featuring an
extremely young and new Shim Eun Ha! Spawned the sports-drama trend. I
loved this drama. To an embarrassing degree. –GF
|
|
Popcorn (2000)
팝콘 |
Oh, this was a bad drama. Mediocre acting and all the typical cliches
— she’s dying, he cries a lot — but it’s old-school Song Seung-heon, before
he hit his big break.
|
|
Propose (1997)
프로포즈 |
One of my favorite old-school dramas. A trendy romance that followed
in the vein of Feelings, and highlighted the burgeoning love between two best
friends, played by Kim Hee-sun and Ryu Shi-won when they were both adorably
young. –GF
|
|
Sandglass (1995)
모래시계 |
One of the highest-rated dramas ever, and one of the most highly
regarded. Stellar cast, stellar writing, this swept the nation and deals with
some intense historical events, such as the Gwangju Massacre of
1980. Still probably one of the best, even by today’s standards. I still
have a cassette tape of the soundtrack. –GF
|
|
Star in My Heart(1997)
별은 내가슴에 |
Early Hallyu hit and one of the first Cinderella-story dramas.
Over-the-top by today’s standards, but who doesn’t love a rags-to-riches
romance? Every girl in Korea wanted to be her. Yeah… –GF
|
|
Tomato (1999)
토마토 |
Another Kim Hee-sun vehicle, with a man and a woman as (gasp!)
roommates. Sadly, it veered away from the cute and went towards the
melodramatic as the series went on. –GF
|
|
Wedding Dress (1997-8)
웨딩드레스 |
Lee Seung-yun and Kim Hee-sun as sisters who both want to be married.
I remember it as being wildly popular back in the day, probably because of
the stars, as the story is family/romance, and nothing groundbreaking. –GF
|
|
Winter Sonata (2002)
겨울연가 |
The quintessential Hallyu hit, which skyrocketed Bae Yong-joon and
Choi Ji-woo to mystifying heights. There’s amnesia, incest, switched
identities, life-threatening illnesses, and a lot of crying. A whole lot. –GF
|
Nota de la autora…:
I’ve separated
ratings into how much I like
something and how good I think it is objectively. Because there’s often a
big difference. 


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