Drama at the level of "My Mister" is rare. However, I would like to recommend some dramas that I personally like. 응답하라 1988 Signal 슬기로운 의사생활 S1 슬기로운 감빵생활 비밀의 숲 S1 펀치 Mister Sunshine
My Mister fans' recommendations, i believed but at times disappointing. Now i know it doesn't happen all the time just like that. I agree with you about Goblin,Vincenzo, Dear my friend ( i quit at early episodes of V and Dear... i managed to end Goblin though) Funny thing, Another Miss Oh didn't work for me. I think if i saw that before My Mister it might have been better with lower expectation. These days i need distractions and try to trust popular opinions again. Glad to see its ok to not ok and Hometown Chachacha. Both are enjoyable. I am also glad that you are courageous enough to talk about what you dont like !! Love it!!
lol...yeah. I am sure we all realise that we all have preferences and it's interesting to talk about the stuff we didn't like in a good natured way..with Another Miss Oh...I didn't have high expectations..:-)..I had a feeling that the writer put all her best work into My Mister...but other times I am sure she's got to just get the check! Still enjoyed it though! Next time I do a video about my top "guilty pleasures" of Kdrama??? haha
I recommend 'Misaeng'(2014). It's a drama by PD Kim Won-seok, who directed 'My mister'. If you want to watch a drama with a similar atmosphere to 'My mister', watch Misaeng.
A very recent one I would recommend is My Name. The two protagonists are phenomenal. It is also only 8 episodes long and easy to binge watch in a day. :-)
Thank you for noticing the Goblin problem! I’ve long been alarmed/mystified that so many people overlook it... I guess viewers gloss over abusive power dynamics when the predator is attractive? (see “What’s the Matter with Secretary Kim,” or for a Western example, “Love Actually.”) All I can say is ewww. Would also love a post on underrated dramas :)
Ooo underrated dramas are my thingg!!! Id totally include because this is my first life, familiar wife - not sure if these are super popular but I just love them so much and think they dont get enough love haha
I totally agree with your view, it feels like you said the thoughts I couldn't formulate. I often start kdramas but usually I finish less than half of them. There are brilliant things which you cannot forget but unfortunately to find them you have to watch a bunch of shows. I'd recommend you take a look at Lost/Human Disqualification (2021). It has vibes of My Mister in some ways. I really enjoyed it but this is one of those dramas that's hard to fully resonate with unless you've been through what the characters are going through. Nonetheless, it's well-shot and worth your attention
I thought I was the only one who didn't like Goblin! Lol. I watched three episodes, and dropped it. The King: Eternal Monarch... omg, I can't believe I watched the whole thing! I really expected to love it, but yeah it wasn't good at all. Great video!
I heard you shout out Another Miss Oh, and now I feel bad about my rant on how much I was disappointed by it in your announcement post for this video.😂 I have only seen When the Camelia Blooms, Goblin, and the beginning of Vincenzo. While I ended up liking When the Camelia Blooms I did see that it had problems and I agreed with your criticism. It was also satisfying to hear you talk about Goblin. It was so hyped up and I didn't think it was that interesting. A lot of these fantasy dramas have a similar story line between the lead characters where there is an ill fated relationship. For Vincenzo I couldn't get into the dark comedy mashup they were going for. I keep thinking I'll go back to it but haven't wanted to.
yeah...vincenzo was a really interesting one...I agree...it was that comedy mash up that sometimes can work so amazingly in kdramas that just caused a massive genre clash for me...but I know it didn't turn off a lot of other people from what I heard...it was very popular wasn't it? (btw...rant all you like about any drama you want...haha that's what this place is for...I have a soft spot for romantic comedy dramas even when they're a bit light sometimes...as long as they're not too preposterous...this one had an interesting main concept I thought and it was quite charming-))
@@ManVsDrama I feel okay about having a difference of opinion. I'm glad you liked it. I also do enjoy a good rom com. Coffee Prince is like my comfort food.
Actually agree with you quite a lot. I had high hopes for camelia blooms. But it was kind of a let down. Many people think just because i like stuff like my mister,mr sunshine i don't like these mainstream popular dramas. But its not that. There are just some things that are just a let down. Plot holes,no chemistry, writing of characters, ending.
yeah...and it's funny...there are dramas where I don't mind the plot problems or wild coincidences...because the drama overall is so engaging or fun...but when it's too formulaic...it can be frustrating! :-)
after my mister everything fall short for me too.. i manage to enjoy beyond evil and flower of evil though.. esp the later.. it keeps me wanting to know more and more.. extra curricular is good too .. I couldnt finish Goblin and i dont like vicenzo because there are many advertisment.. currently i just let myself on stress free drama.. like cheese in a trap, phsychopath diary and dali and the cocky prince.. something light to my heart..
I loved Camellia Blooms as it portrayed a character with low self-belief, depression, she did like the guy but she was on purposely pushing him away. She believed she was not good enough for him and that he would end up abandoning her like her mother did. It was a sweet drama and it was great to see Dong-baek finally fitting in at the end of the drama.
A K-drama recommendation. 2019 "Melo Is My Nature" ("Be Melodramatic"). A very meta ensemble series about getting a K-drama to production, and about eight other things, besides. Its achieved cult status among the relatively small number of people who watched it. Towards the end there was even a meta joke in the dialog about how bad the ratings are.
Of the Kdramas I saw from your list... I am in total agreement with your analysis. The Goblin one especially had me cracking up because it's so true! I don't know if you saw True Beauty which is a drama I liked, but there were a couple scenes in there with the female lead's sister and her sister's love interest that had the Goblin OST in the background. They made it into a funny scene with that background music that had me laughing. So from watching Goblin at least I could enjoy that funny reference in True Beauty. 😂
Basically, I don't watch romantic comedy dramas Or I don't watch dramas where dating is the main factor. Korean dramas have been popular mainly with young women in Asia, and the reason for their popularity may be that they are specialized in this genre. I don't watch Korean romantic comedy because it's a way to much of young woman's taste. In Korea,the quality of dramas has increased significantly since cable broadcasters produced them. It has a younger sense and sophisticated visual beauty, and the theme has become much more diverse. But the main was still a romantic comedy aimed at young women. Of course, there are exceptions such as Misaeng and my mister. Perhaps this is a time of new change in the Korean drama industry. OTT companies such as Netflix have supported the production of dramas, and film directors have jumped into the drama. One example is the squid game, which is becoming a hot topic now. Korean movies have an impression that suspense, thriller, and criminal movies, which are relatively hard genres compared to dramas, are strong, and I hope more dramas will be made that break away from romantic elements such as D.P. and squid games.
Yeah...I still love romantic comedy dramas...for example I love "My Love from the star" or "It's ok to Not be ok" or "Was it Love?" but it's great to see so many different kind of dramas coming out of Korea...I am just amazed how much decent or excellent drama is coming out of Korea...a lot of talent there!
Coffee prince has "dating" as one factor, but also "dignity" and poor versus rich (also typical...). I actually started watching it just because of Lee Sun-Kyun, a charming side character in this show. Coffee prince is a drama I hate to love and love to hate. It touches on LGBTQ topics in an ignorant way, totally dismissing the whole topic as "not relevant here, because these are heterosexual cis characters loving heterosexual cis characters anyway." A missed opportunity to have a respectful approach to the theme, as they decided to make a cis guy falling for a tomboy (mistaking her for a guy) the plot of the whole story... It became more a story of "you lied to me" instead of using the many episodes to discuss queerness in general and what it meant for the characters in particular. All characters were quite supportive, and the theme LGBT was all over the drama, but I had the impression that they just brushed over the elephant in the room as it was not worth asking how the elephant actually felt. In addition to what you said, maybe Korea will also make more LGBT-themed dramas in the future. Holywood & Netflix also see that there is an interest in that. Coffee prince is one example of "no, please not like that." But it also has some very charming scenes :-)
@@evelinevandijk4046 ahhh...yes when it comes to LGBTG topics...I haven't actually seen Coffee Prince...but based on other dramas I've seen I wouldn't have expected much...I couldn't believe it when in Strong Girl Bong Soon all of a sudden a character turned up who was a wildly caricatured portrayal of a gay character purely played for laughs... which kind of ruined the drama for me...even in Itaewon Class I find that storyline with the transgender person oddly awkward and patronising...what's it like culturally for LGBTQ issues in Korea? I honestly have no idea and I don't want to guess just from the dramas!
I completely agree with your opinions about The King and Goblin. I remember getting into a full blown rant about The King after completing it because I had so many questions that were unanswered and so many things that just didn't add up. Same goes with Goblin, I just couldn't look past the fact that Eun Tak was a high schooler. Nevertheless, I completed the Goblin in the hopes that the drama would redeem itself because it is SO popular among drama fans. But at the end a lot of things just didn't make sense. On digging deep I realized that The King and Goblin have the same screenwriter - so I just concluded that I do not like this style of dramas where the writer tries to make everything bigger than this world and ultimately fails to give a satisfying conclusion to all the plot threads. The only thing that I did like was the OST and the cinematography - the scenes were very visually pleasing.
Thanks again, Stephan! This is very innovative. I almost fall for Vincenzo and Dear My Friends, haha! I would love to hear your take on Beyond Evil (Korean:괴물 "Monster") have you watched it?
@@ManVsDrama From what I've watched so far, yes. It got me really good for the first half.. I don't know man.. After My Mister everything else comes short 😝
Nice reflections, they really amused me (even though I enjoyed Goblin). I'm curious if you watched "mother" and "Crash landing on you". Hopefully will see you do a review on them soon! ;-)
About Goblin, I actually enjoyed the comic perversity of the premise. Maybe I'm thick skinned. The lead actress's first film 'Eungyo' ('A Muse') involved a school girl, a 70 year old man, and some very racy nude scenes. My very first Korean film experience was the 1999 Jang sun-woo film 'Lies' where you need to have a VERY VERY HIGH tolerance for age difference perversity. One of the actresses in that film went on to marry the actor who played Dong-hoon in My Mister.
Wow...Lies! That is a kind of old forgotten? movie. At that time it caused some sensation thanks to the uncomfortable premise. But more interestingly i had no idea Jun Hae Jin was in that movie. This is very informative!
Long time lurker on your channel Stephan 😀 Anxiously awaiting the last My Mister breakdown! From this list, I watched The King and Goblin. I ended up watching all the way through but besides some nice moments within each drama (moreso the swoonworthy moments in The King), I was left underwhelmed and also really confused by the plot lines. I think they were both way too confusing. With regards to Goblin, the schoolgirl thing did bother me as well, although time does jump forward later in the series and the interaction between the characters changes accordingly. I also thought that it probably resonated more with Koreans because the dialogue seemed to be heavy with Korean wordplay which doesn't translate well through subtitles.
@@ManVsDrama Thanks :) Similarly, I think that not having the specific cultural understanding of the myth of the Korean goblin was probably a barrier to really enjoying the show for me.
I only watched Goblin out of the 7. I also find it disturbing. How is it a drama grooming a school girl is acceptable whilst 'My Mister' a romance between a 21 year old woman and forty something year man had such backlashed?! Can I recommend my favourites The world of the Married Misaeng - you watched Money Flower Reply 1988 - you watched Fated to love you It's Okay not to be okay And the recently released The Red Sleeve, available on Viki. Not sure if it's your cup of tea, but it's a historical drama.
Korean movies are very much worth exploring if you were frustrated with the dramas after spending xx hours and gaining little. Masquerade and A Werewolf Boy are both terrific K movies. I highly recommend!!
yeah..just to say..these are just the extremes...I really like dramas where the characters get developed step by step..it's often hard to achieve that in movies..but I'll keep an eye out for these! Thank you
@@ManVsDrama I'd recommend some classics that i would like you to review. Oldboy, A Tale of Two Sisters, Lady Vengeance, Memories of Murder, The Man from Nowhere, The Villainess, and The Wailing
I managed to finish Vincenzo but it turned out, it's not that good. Goblin, Sisyphus, When Camelia blooms, and so on, I cannot stand to watched them more than 3 episodes. So, I agreed with you 100%. But, I also cannot finish Sky Castle, Boys over Flowers, Chocolate and Pinocchio. I don't know. It's just feel boring. Anyway, I also found some really good dramas. Anybody here already watched Stranger, Live (a police story), Signal? Live Up to Your Name is also unique. Try them.
Lol...live up to your name is one of my favourite guilty pleasure type shows...it's very irrepressable...it's hot some obvious flaws but it's got this mad energy that just sweeps you along was that not very popular in Korea??
I loved Stranger (although only season 1), Live (ensemble cast was great), and Signal. Funny, I just started Live Up to Your Name and have quit it twice already! I guess I'll give it another try. In the police detective genre, I recommend The Good Detective -- great bromance between the 2 male leads.
The age thing in Goblin didn't bother me much. It's an era/locale/culture specific morality, not even close to universal. For instance, 12-13 year old girls were very commonly married off to older men, in Europe, up until the 1600's, when the practice started dying down. It still happens today in other regions of the world. Pass, thought personally not agreeable. But the things is:why not Chocolate?I loved it, and am very interested in why you/others don't. If you'd care to comment, I'd appreciate it.
Try Reply 1988. Best Kdrama I have seen since My Mister. It's a family drama, and it takes a bit to get into, so I honestly can't tell if you'd like it or not, but somehow I have just become completely taken with it.
I only watched two of the K-Drama series that you mentioned. The other five didn't pique my interest enough. (I'm quite picky about my K-Dramas 😊 ) *"Sisyphus: The Myth"* I didn't think it wasn't too bad. I was able to follow the story, but to be honest... I couldn't help but think that the screenwriter(s) had to condense a lot of material into a shorter production. It was as if the author originally intended the story to be told in 20-24 one hour episodes, but was told that they would only be able to record half that many; and while the first episodes were being produced, the screenwriter(s) scrambled to ensure that the remaining episodes would be condensed. Overall, I still think it was good, but not nearly as god as I had anticipated. *"Goblin: The Lonely and Great God"* I'm rather shocked at your description. "Grooming"???? How the heck did you get THAT from watching even only the first four episodes???? I have to wonder whether you're just trolling for comments. I won't even engage a discussion about whether it depicts the "grooming" of a teenage girl, other than to say that you DEFINITELY got that wrong. Goblin happens to be one of my all-time favourite K-Dramas. - The story is almost mythical. - The subplots are equally magnetic to the main storyline. - The cast is perfectly chosen. - The acting is phenomenal. - The chemistry between actors/characters is magnificently entertaining. - The cinematography is ethereal. - The soundtrack is hauntingly beautiful. There's no way to argue the merits of watching Goblin without delving into spoilers, but I'll offer the following: - Eun-Tak very existence is linked to Kim Shin. Once might even say that _"the gods were screaming for them to be together."_ - The relationship between the Goblin and the Grim Reaper is the thread that carries the story through to the end of the story. - Kim Sun and the Grim Reaper share an hilarious, yet tragic relationship. - Yook Songjae won a well-deserved award for his portrayal as Doek-Hwa. - The many supporting characters are also equally entwined in the main plot and subplots. Watching Goblin, one reaches a point (about midway through the series) when everything starts coming together. All the seeds that were sown, begin to get harvested. Keep in mind that the Goblin is 930 years old; and his punishment was to carry on living eternally, until he meets his wife. He never chose Euk-Tak. In fact, it was she who sought him out, as he considered her to be someone with minor powers... someone annoying, even. He had prepared to leave the country to seek his bride; and only changed his plans when something nigh-unimaginable happened. Short of just sitting down and forcing yourself to watch each episode, I don't think that there's any possible way to change your mind... but I definitely think that you'll no longer consider "grooming" played any part in the story.
Nothing can surpass My Mister but Misaeng An Incomplete Life with Lee Sung- Min a slow burn but well worth it. Also Signal & My Liberation Notes same PD as My Mister are great.
If you hadn't mentioned You are my spring I would, the first two episodes have nothing to do with the other 14, I don't have to mention that those two episodes are actually the best of the whole series, I watched the whole series hoping it will improve, but alas...Someone else mentioned Its ok not to be ok, great series, and now I remember how much I cried while watching it, it's so good. I actually have one series to recommend Love affairs in the afternoon(2019), a Korean version, an interesting story about marriage and adultery with beautiful music, symbolism, beautiful surroundings and of course good acting, the type of series I would watch with hot tea in hand or hot chocolate. Sorry, Goblin is my favorite.
So that's really interesting...you're right about You are my spring...it starts of well...and then just...I don't know...loses the plot lol.. But..since it's your favourite: What am I missing with Goblin?? Why do you love it so much? I'm really curious! :-)
@@ManVsDrama Goblin had a good story overall, but it's important to note that each character had their own story, I mean from main to secondary. Oh, the music is worth remembering, directing, editing, location. The age difference didn't bother me, after all, nothing it didn't even happen until she came of age. Maybe the melodrama attracted me and the thought that something still exists when this life on earth ends.
First of all, it's good to hear a man talk about k-dramas. Always good to get another view. Regarding the dramas you expressed your views on, this is what I thought: 1. Vincenzo- I thought I had watched the whole drama with just the clips on UA-cam. Never felt like watching the whole thing. 2. Goblin- this is highly visual. At times it felt like watching an expensive advertisement with people being presented so elegantly. But yes, the school girl to wife plot was weird. 3. The king eternal monarch- I had to watch people explaining the plot structure of the drama and the ending. Also, overwhelmingly visual. Good that you gave a miss to What's wrong with Secretary Kim. I couldn't even last 2 episodes. It's cringy and sold as romantic.
@@ManVsDrama I can't really justify Goblin b/c of the plot and scripting shortcomings, but the age difference thing needs a lot of perspective here. 13 year old girls were very commonly married off to older men up until quite recently, historically. In some cultures even today it is not uncommon. It didn't kill the show for me. And the story was interesting enough to keep me engaged until the end. I'm still trying to digest your comments on You Are My Spring. I think I need to revisit that show. Do I still love it, or not????
I think I understand where your frustrations with Vincenzo come from. I almost dropped the drama after 3 episodes because I kept thinking that the acting was very over the top but then it picked up pace after episode 4 and I got really engrossed into it. While watching I realized that the tone is almost satirical in a way, I got the feeling that it is trying to mock the system and concluded that that is why the acting was over the top. This realization helped me look at the drama in a different way and that definitely made my viewing experience better. Also, I do not think that the makers of the drama expect us to root for Vincenzo, in my opinion, he is not a hero - rather an anti-hero. I think the makers have been consistent with this aspect from the start - they never try to make him a good person. This is proven by one of the concluding scenes where Vincenzo walks away acknowledging to himself that he is a villain and that he never claimed otherwise. Moreover, I think his love interest is fully aware of the fact that he is not a good person morally. I hope this comment helps you look at Vincenzo in a different light because I really enjoyed this drama and it is in my top 10.
I only saw two of the listed dramas so my perspective is rather limited to the main theme of your video. I finished Vincenzo and like it in spite of some areas. Like the main character and the overall story. However, I also found the chemistry between the leads unconvincing. Some of the comedic respites were welcomed but many of them crossed into the realm of implausible undermining the credibility of the characters. I get the morale dilemma of rooting for a seasoned and unrepentant assassin engaging in torture. Honestly it didn't trouble me as much because I have always suspected that Vincenzo isn't a pure soul because of his background. The final expose simply confirmed the suspicion. Even the famed Godfather seemed like a kind, jolly grandpa from a distance. I also find it amusing that you had trouble with Goblin. I shared the same experience. I watched the drama because of its popularity but was unable to continue after 3 episodes. The story failed to grab me and seemed empty. The dialogue came across too much as an instrument for me to engage. I suppose one really has to stick with the drama until the characters become more flushed out and their relationship more attached. I just ran out of patience even though I like the actors.
loving the convos here! so interesting...thanks for sharing!!! yeah sometimes you need patience...like with my mister...but sometimes it can backfire!! lol
Agree with all of your analysis. I couldn't watch too much of any of these. Some K-drama have a very strict and very unbelievable formula where you have to set aside all logic and just play along with the setups and enjoy the moments. Some of these are good, and are a guilty pleasure of mine, but many I lose interest in, because they just aren't written and directed on a level like My Mister (what else could be this good?), Miaseng, Signal etc, and like you I seem to need a certain logic in place which many of these lack. Hollywood does this too lately with so many movies. I just can't do it. The comments mentioned Live Up to Your Name - I enjoyed that. For that past/future switch genre, this was among the best of those. I hesitate to even recommend it, but Because This is My First Life I think was the best of the sort of formula style romance drama I have seen. I really liked some of the moments in it, especially later on, but maybe I was just in the mood for that kind of thing. Try it maybe? It was better then Crash Landing on You which is crazy popular, at least in my opinion. Also, I am so sick of zombie things that I avoid them completely, but somehow I watched Kingdom and kind of enjoyed that - maybe just because it was different - zombies and swords lol. Train to Busan was campy but leagues better, although that's a movie.
Live up to your name...is a guilty pleasure of mine..REALLY enjoy it despite some obvious problems...it's just got this mad energy! I know what you mean...there are some where I don't even care whether the plot makes sense if it just is a lot of fun...and this is one of these...And Kingdom...yeah..I've got to say...you gotta respect it for how well they shot it and the whole historical zombie drama uniqueness...for me at least!
"... like My Mister (what else could be this good?),..." Mr. Sunshine, is better. Just my opinion of course, no better or worse than anyone's. My Mister has a few scripting/plot flaws that deduct a lot of points. They are Not obvious, but once spotted...
I watched like all of these shows except Dear My Friends and i agree. You were right abt vincenzo, i think 20eps for it was a bit too much. Camellia Blooms was quite alright for me, i get the frustration, it understandable, it was poppin' locally. For You Are My Spring i know it was a slow one, im also there for the FL and i liked it, witty dialogues, great side characters like the actress(watched it also for her) and i think i enjoyed it not so much for that subplot serial killer it dragged on too long. TK:EM is like a meme for most of it, i finished it to see how more crazy and absurd it gets and watch people rant abt all of it. Was in it for a couple of eps but yea it totally went of the rails. Sisyphus is also a hot mess of a show. Logic went the drain for this one. I just love people ranting abt this show too. Goblin was like my first show, it opened up the kdrama land for me and i remembered only loving the osts for it. Recommendations: (would love to hear your opinions on these shows) Beyond Evil Flower of Evil Into The Ring Mr Queen My Unfamiliar Family Kairos Yumi Cells
oh..yes I forgot...what I loved about Goblin was the title track. It's borderline cheesy but very compelling! Omg...I haven't seen any of your recommendations yet!!! thanks.
We'd have to throw out the romance of any of these KDramas if you think just of the age difference between the romantic leads, where there is a Gumiho hundred of years old romancing a young person, Tale of the Nine-Tailed Fox, My Roommate is a Gumiho, Gu the Family Book, where it's an old fellow and a very young lady, even My Girlfriend is a Gumiho, where Shin Min-A, of 600 years old, seduces a young fellow (he initially rejects her, but not because she's old). For me, Goblin is about the connections between the characters (spoiler, the current time people are tied to the original people more than 900 years ago when Goblin was "created"), working out past misdeeds and relationships; Tale of the Nine-Tailed Fox has a similar concept. When the Camellia Blooms was pleasant for me, not earth-shattering. Sisyphus was interesting in its concept, but like most Time Travel shows, has to have huge plot holes to make it work. I wanted The King, Eternal Monarch to be good, because of the actors, because of the storyline, but it disappointed. Similar for Doom At Your Service.
Just to say I don't have the slightest issue with age difference...only with romance dramas involving school kids like in that one..but I know that's just how it started...it just felt like that to me
Man, Vincenzo I dropped after ep1 lmao, I just found it weird, definitely not my cup of tea. Camellia I actually never watched it, I just came to the conclusion that I don’t match with the actress choices of dramas, I tried to watch like 3 dramas with her and I dropped or I suffered to finish it all of them. You’re My Spring never watched it, I was thinking to give it a try tho but now I’m just having second thoughts lmao. I like the actress of Another Oh Hae Young (I like the drama, but I also think that it’s that kind of drama that Park Hae Young wrote in order to “receive money” bc its more comercial) but I still think that her best role was in Black Dog. The King I just didn’t watch it, I swore to myself that I wouldn’t watch another drama by the same writer lmao (the same writer as goblin by that you can guess how I feel about goblin). Sisyphus was really a letdown! I was very excited because Cho Seung Woo is one of my fave actors, Stranger is on my top10 list, but I dropped after ep1! And my friends said to me that was a downhill shit 😪 I like guilty pleasure kdramas but in those 10y watching kdramas I bumped into some kdramas that molded my taste. First one was Secret Love Affair, and the second, My Mister (my fave of all time). And it’s hard to go backwards after that. I would highly recommend Mother, Dazzling, My Unfamiliar Family, Stranger 1/2, Memory, Life, Beyond Evil, Be Melodramatic… so on ;)
I am with you as I have a very low tolerance for kdrama cringe moments. My top 3 k drama would be my mister, mister sunshine and another miss oh. Actually kingdom series is pretty good too.
One comment off the top re Dear My Friends: Wait! When you are 72, my age, you will "get it", all of it! Of course, by the time you're old enough to appreciate what's going on, you will have totally forgotten the show. It's one of my favorite kdramas. It doesn't threaten Mr. Sunshine or My Mister, but it's good.The rest of the shows I liked a lot at the time, pretty much as a newbie to Kdramas. They haven't stood up to the test of time, so I'll mea culpa on those. One thing about Goblin, that young actress that played the Goblin's Bride did one heck of a great job beaming her adoration at the Goblin. Woah! Melts yer heart! I'll debate Dear My Friends if you're interested. I'll be nice. I won't bite much, or at least not too hard.
that's good to hear Gary...I found it interesting as well how age or life experience affects our experience of different dramas.sometimes noticed that people in their twenties sort of don't "get" certain deeper levels of My Mister and i am sure you're right..but like I said: I related to several elements of Dear My Friends...so there was something in there even for me...which made some things then a bit more frustrating. :-) anyway...nice to hear!
Have you seen any of these films/dramas: Lovestruck in the City, Tune in for Love, SIGNAL, or Prison Playbook? Would you do it if you hadn't already? So sorry I can't help, I'm so demanding 😅. I'm interested in hearing what your thoughts. Watching My Mister makes me more picky, but I think the title above is worth watching.
Thanks for your reviews, I agree with most of your opinions. Most. #7 Vincenzo - my problem was that it was so boring, I made it about half way thru, didn’t get to the torture. #6 When the camellia blooms - I wanted this to be good because I love Kong Hyo-Jin the FL but the Policeman made me want to tear my ears off. Watched 1 episode. #5 You are my spring - I was looking forward to this because I had watched Seo Hyeon-Jin in The Other Ms Oh and The Beauty Inside, loved both of them. This drama just meandered around and not much happened, but did finish. #4 dear my friends - not watched #3 Eternal monarch - watched half of first episode - nothing #2 Sisyphus - had great hopes for this as i like the 2 leads, but it was confusing and characters were not very likeable. Another drama that was released on the same days was Hello Me a light happy drama that I enjoyed. About halfway thru the 8 week release I was looking forward to Hello Me much more than Sisyphus. #1 Goblin - This is where I disagree the most. Maybe I didn’t really think of it as grooming because I didn’t think of the goblin as human and she was destined to be the goblin’s bride. Supernatural stuff. Would have to rewatch to see if I change my mind looking at them from that viewpoint. I also think the 2 main characters are the goblin and the grim reaper and their interactions, much more entertaining. The main problem I had, was the continuous repeated flashbacks, which I ended up fast forwarding thru. Drama could have been half the length. I enjoyed goblin, it was good but not great. The first drama I watched was My Mister in March 2020, hard for other dramas to reach that height.
사실 동백꽃 필 무렵은 맛깔나는 사투리와 배우들의 찰진 연기를 보는 재미죠ㅎㅎ 시지프스, 빈센조는 저도 결이 맞지 않아 끝까지 보지 못했습니다. 나의 아저씨처럼 진하게 남았던 드라마 중 스토브리그(stove league_2019)를 강력 추천합니다. 야구를 소재로한 오피스 드라마로, 인간에 대한 예의라는 메시지를 담은 인생드라마입니다👍
@@ManVsDrama Decendent of the Sun, drama of Song Joong Ki and Song Hye Kyo. Maybe Korean romance is too cringey for me. Some dramas delivers well tho, i like the romance in Reply 1988, W: Two Worlds, Scarlet Heart Ryeo. Thats why My Mister feels so good to watch, love doesnt always have to be lovey dovey.
Among the 7 dramas, the only ones i’ve finished are Vincenzo and Goblin. I kinda agree with your frustation on them. The King:EM only got past 4 eps of that. There are many cringe filled and dramas with frustrating plot lines. It will be hard to find shows in your preference. I do recommend It’s Okay That’s love, the lead is the one in When Camellia blooms and maybe Squad38.
I agree wholeheartedly about almost all dramas on your list that I have watched: 7. Vincenzo Totally agree with you about the ending...yuck! I liked the chemistry between the two leads but that's about it. Also, the conclusion at the end about how you can take the Mafia lawyer out of Italy, but you can't take the Mafia sensibility out of the Mafia boss? I guess that is supposed to sort of explain the gruesomeness of Vincenzo's actions at the end, but given the lightheartedness of much of the violence throughout the movie, that heavy-handed message at the end didn't work for me. 6. When the Camellia Blooms This was one of my first Kdramas. I also didn't understand its popularity. I liked the strength and steadfastness of the main character, but otherwise I thought it was a bit of a mess. The child actor was amazing! I also didn't understand why the acting of the male lead was so heralded. 5. You Are My Spring I also liked Another Miss Oh, but thought You Are My Spring did not work on any level. I also really dislike the very juvenile portrayal of romantic relationships between what should be more mature 30 somethings. 4. Dear My Friends Oh my gosh, I disliked this drama so much! The mother and daughter made me crazy, but especially the mother. Did she have any redeeming qualities or did my dislike of her character blind me to anything positive about her? What was a revelation to me was the male love interest, played by Jo In-Sung. I found him incredibly appealing -- both in terms of looks and his portrayal, although I don't think the drama did a great job in developing the relationship he had with the main female character. I've heard he was very good in It's OK, This is Love, but I haven't seen it because it's not available on Netflix, my source for Kdramas. 3. The King, Eternal Monarch Overall, I liked this drama. The best part was the bromance between The King and his personal bodyguard. Woo Do-Hwan did an amazing job as the stoic bodyguard and his silly Korean counterpart. I hate to say it, but I think I don't care for Lee Min-ho as an actor. There's something about him that doesn't strike me as genuine. I don't agree with your description of the female lead as "a simple girl, simple job". To me, she was a pretty badass detective with good martial arts skills. 2. Sisyphus To me, Sisyphus was a mess. I liked the lead actress in Memories of the Alhambra. I first discovered the male lead actor in Stranger (which I loved!), so it was difficult to see him portraying such a different character who smiled so much and was at times sort of goofy. 1. Goblin Haven't seen this. I tend not to like the fantasy dramas, especially ones with zombies, vampires, etc. One other that I didn't think lived up to its hype was Hotel del Luna. I loved IU in My Mister and thought she still did a good job in Hotel, but I didn't care for the drama overall. Maybe it was the story line. Maybe it was too drawn out.
good point about the juvenile portrayal of romantic relationships...that seems to be an incredibly common thing in kdramas..no question partly due to the fact that the getting together of the two leads has to happen over about 16 episodes...lol...so they have to get at it like two virgin teenagers who've never ever kissed someone before.haha...sometimes it's somewhat sweet...but sometimes it's ridiculous! :-)...and yes you're right...I misspoke somewhat about her character in Eternal Monarch..I can't get her Goblin character out of her mind I think...I mashed them up..she was a self respecting confident woman...until the man on the white horse bewitched her! :-)
I agree about Goblin. It had been so built up that I got a Viki sub to watch it. Four episodes in I have not finished, though I like goblin's back story. Black and Mystic Pop Up Bar I thought were better in this genre. Sysephus had great visual effects, especially the destruction of Seoul, which no doubt is a subconscious fear of her citizens. The ending is confusing, I think because it gets meta physical, trying to offer a reward for self sacrifice and heroism. This felt tacked on to me. The cast was great, especially the father daughter relationship.
yeah...sisyphus is in this list because I liked a lot about it...which is why sometimes the problems annoyed me more because it could have been brilliant! :-) agree with your thoughts..the special effects were amazing :-)
Agree with you on several of these. I was very disappointed in Sisyphus. I had such high hopes for it and I like sci-fi but the plot seemed not well thought out, it switched from serious to lighter tone and back again too often and was generally a mess. TKEM had too many side characters, with doppelgängers in both timelines, with different names and sometimes one of them was alive in one timeline but dead in the other. It was overly complicated to me. I liked the supporting characters/ performances of the King’s bodyguard (the Unbroken Sword) and the detective’s partner. But the main couple didn’t have much chemistry and I was disappointed in Lee Min Ho. It’s the only k drama I’ve seen him in and I expected him to be amazing since he is so popular. I did not like the serial killer subplot in When the Camellia Blooms, found it completely unnecessary. Agree it was a bit frustrating. As for Goblin, I also found it uncomfortable that she’s in high school at the beginning. I don’t know why the writer couldn’t have made her a college student. but I liked it enough to overlook that. The comedy/bromance between the Goblin and the Grim Reaper, the second couple’s romance and the very emotional scenes in the later episodes won me over. I also liked the emotional scenes /stories of the people the Grim Reaper serves tea to before they go to the afterlife. Vincenzo was kind of all over the place as far as being serious and violent sometimes and then light hearted/comedic at other times. But I just went along with it and found it overall very entertaining. Yes, he did kill someone at the end but that person was a serial murderer.
Hi Good to here your thoughts. As far as on again off again that is standard for love relationships in k drama land. As far When the Camellia Blooms I loved this one. I found the police man's acting wondferful and have followed him around K dramaland. The King EM is one my list. Lee Min Ho has wonderful charisma. I do have one rule for myself I will finish any dramas I start even if sick of them. Thanks.
wow..you always finish? that's amazing stamina! :-) yeah about the on and off....I know what you mean...they have to make it difficult...sometimes it's so random though...it's great when it's justified through character or circumstances right? good to hear!
Ah the monarch...wow the entire teaser I just KNEW the chemi was T.E.R.R.I.B.L.E. and it was ha. Lee Min Ho dramas are generally v flashy but just...terrible😂 legend of the blue sea was actually decent but mainly because of the lovely visuals and of course, the epic Jun Ji Hyun's acting. As for GOBLIN. I definitely got pulled into the hype and loved it for that. On top of that, everyones chemi (romantic, platonic and otherwise) was just so good that it worked. Of course They could have just made her a jobless graduate or some other equally pitiable person that is OVERAGE and maybe it would have solved that issue. Ah, but again, another flashy drama with big names (I do still have a soft spot for it tho aha)
lol...sorry..it's probably just jealousy because he's getting big roles and I don't....but Lee Min Ho...he's probably my least favourite lead in Kdrama..and Legend of the Blue Sea...man...Jun Ji Hyun is my favourite comedy actress ever (LOVE "My love from the star" and that crazy "Sassy Girl" movie) but even she couldn't totally rescue that one...frustrating too...only narrowly missed this list. haha! :-) ...yeah I am still wondering whether I hated goblin so much because I tried watching it after "My Mister"...that's why I am basically asking people here to sell it to me...but I don't get a lot of attempts :-) (side note: I thought the Goblin Theme song was perfect...but only that one! 😁)
Great to see another evaluations on Kdrama’s……agree with your evaluation of “Goblin”. I finished it, but not a favorite. The FL was boring. I did enjoy the ML in “Coffee Prince”, a much more likable character in & also because a young Lee SunGyun (My Mister) is cast in this Kdrama. Another popular Kdrama I couldn’t get into was “It’s OK Not to Be OK”, dropped it after a couple of episodes. Normally I don’t care for historical Kdrama’s but I just finished watching “Bossam - Steel the Fate” because of the ML, Jung II-woo. It’s a newly released Kdrama. Both the ML & FL blend so well in their characters & there is also a bromance between the ML & SML. I have seen earlier Kdrama’s with Jung II-woo but feel this was a much more meatier role for him. The FL Keon Yuri (whom I had not seen before) is beautiful. I look forward to another evaluation of the Kdrama’s you have viewed. Cheers.
Hi !!i was surprise that u didin't like its okay to not be okay ,b'coz for me the story was so refreshing ,the 3 mean lead is fantastic (kim so hyun did an amazing job ,but so ye ji ang oh jung se really really standout )the use of animation,the connection of children story book of each ep ,the side character has their own story,the character development is very satisfaying everything about this drama is amazing )this drama actually got me from the very first ep ,the strong character of famale lead tho !!!!theirs is no ep that i did not cry actually ,but i respect your opinion 🥰
I know I’m odd man out when I said I couldn’t get past 2 episodes of “It’s OK Not To Be Ok”. Most viewers on FB told me to stick with it. Couldn’t stand the FL, weird character. But thankfully it’s ok to not like all Kdrama’s, we are a diverse group of fans.
@@carolshibuya5935 Lol..I can relate to that...I love it now...but it's true..the first two episodes I was like: "This is a weird style and that is a weird woman! " haha...I can relate!
영어를 못해서 당신의 영상을 완벽하게 즐기지 못하는 것이 안타깝습니다. 그러나 당신이 kㅡdrama 를 보는 수준이 높다는것은 알 수 있습니다 한국의 문화와 언어와 역사를 안다면 훨씬 더 넓고 깊게 드라마를 즐길수 있을것 같습니다. (특히 '동백꽃 필 무렵'은 사투리로 된 대사가 많아 뉘앙스를 모른다면 즐기기 어려운데 자막으로 번역이 안되니 아쉽네요) 리뷰 잘 봤습니다. 감사합니다
Thank you..yes language can be a huge factor...i wish I could speak a little Korean ...do you not get subtitles for my videos? I thought there were auto-generated?
@@ManVsDrama KDrama, any genre. I already watched most of the best western series (Breaking Bad, Game of Thrones, Vikings etc etc), this time, KDrama 😃
@@hotlemongingerhoney ok well for crime drama signal, for quirky romance it's ok to not be ok, for classic funny romance my love from the star, for guilty pleasure med time travel drama live up to your name...for heartwarming quirky comedy reply 1988...for historical drama rookie historian go hae ryong...any of those appeal? They're all either fantastic or very good for me..
I’ve seen a portion of five of the seven dramas you referenced and could not agree more. Goblin - made it three episodes and I was out - ridiculous storyline, plot holes, mediocre acting, and I didn’t like the leads romantic chemistry. KEM - just an awful series. Superficial romance with absolutely no substance, cliches, plot holes, ineffective character development , etc. It honestly insults the intelligence of the viewers. Lee Min-Ho and Kim Go-run - I think they’ve made some very poor script choices. It’s become difficult for me to even consider LMH shows/films because I know it will be overacted and the screenplay will be hollow. Another on my list is Mr. Sunshine.
@@ManVsDrama I didn’t hate it, but I thought it was overrated. A lot of it is probably because I have a disposition to not liking period pieces. Of course, I only made it through 4 episodes so maybe I should give it another shot. Lol
I would have to say familiar wife. The first 10 or so episodes were fantastic. Then it fell off a cliff. I thought they had changed writers or something.
But it’s the girl who followed Goblin to Canada…😆…nonetheless, I also think Goblin is over hyped. I gave up on Sisyphus after realizing there’s no way the female lead doesn’t know how to eat a banana. I love When Camellia blooms and I understand why the mother of Yong-sik doesn’t want Dong baek to be with his son, so I’m not as confused as you. The King is a struggle to watch.
Lol...that's random about Sisyphus but very typical for that drama...it's like basic logic just disappears from time to time😂😂 it's true..I mixed that up about goblin..😂...
@@ManVsDrama "...Basic logic just disappears..." is a really big issue with me.Squid Games didn't have it from beginning to end.Throw in the rest of the garbage it was dishing out and it becomes the worst Kdrama fail ever. Just one man's honest opinion.
Yes watched it.was a like not a love.quite a lot of augmented reality fighting where I sometimes lost interest and the overall plot seemed unnecessarily drawn out...but solid show 👍😉what did you think?
@@ManVsDrama I enjoyed it a lot. I've quite a few people criticize it for the ending, and I understand why. It seems obvious to me that episode was setting the stage for a Season 2 that never happened, which I find too bad. I'd definitely watch a second season.
Watched 3 out of the 7 on your list but its a 100% match so far. I will go with the odds and avoid the rest. Thanks. Goblin (up to Ep 3) - Gong Yoo is a great actor but the whole setting in Goblin was depressing and dreary beyond belief. Just to erase the bitter taste, it is recommended to watch his zombie movie. LOL Vincenzo (up to Ep 4) - couldn't bear to watch another episode. Somehow, couldn't see Song Joong-Ki as a Mafia lawyer speaking Italian. And what's up with the director. Overly fancy shots with unusual camera angles in an effort to make it "stylish". Yucks. When My Camelia Blooms (BORING). Looking forward to the list of dramas you liked. I don't watch many but this is my personal list over the past 1-2 years: 1) Mr Queen: Hilarious drama in a historical setting and led by the outstanding Shin Hye Sun. 2) World of the Married: Who knew marriage could be so suspenseful. 3) Stove League: Business management drama in a sports setting. 4) Hotel Del Luna: Because IU is in it. 5) Dr Romatic 2: The lead actor is entertaining to watch plus its a medical drama. 6) Honorable mention: Crash Landing on You (its watchable).
love this!..thanks for sharing your favourites...funnily enough...haven't got to any of your favourites apart from Hotel Del Luna and Crash Landing!! I hear a lot about World of the Married! So Mr Queen is your favourite?
@@ManVsDrama Mr Queen is certainly one of the better ones over the past 24 months. It was a perfect tonic to offset the bleak taste of Covid19 and the lockd owns. I loved the lead actress's performance. She is well known for her dramatic acting skills but seeing her do comedy was hilarious.
I could hardly connect baby-faced Song Joong Ki with mafia material, love interest and blah blah. I skipped Vincenzo all together. I usually follow the actors’ choices of projects. Song Joong Ki’s performance was tremendously impressive in A Werewolf Boy and other characters, but not Vincenzo. Years ago, Jong Hyo Jin was fabulous in Master’s Sun, but in When The Carmelia Blooms, I found her acting and story itself was lame and uninteresting. I skipped The Carmilia after two hours. I was glad I didn’t flow the popular trend on what to watch. Han So Hee was very alive and convincing as a home wrecker in The World of the Married. I followed her new project My Name, where Han took a complete, challenging role. It turned out to be a satisfying watch.
yeah,,,my name was a strong production and good performance! started off really well..just was a bit mad towards the end but really enjoyed it! Yeah...I am not the biggest fan of Song Joong Ki to be honest..I also saw him in Arthdal Chronicles...but I'll keep an open mind:-) I know how hard acting is :-)
I'm so surprised by your breakdown for K-drama which is unfriendly to you because your main point of dislike in Kdrama is almost the same as mine. I'm a Korean man.
Drama at the level of "My Mister" is rare. However, I would like to recommend some dramas that I personally like.
응답하라 1988
Signal
슬기로운 의사생활 S1
슬기로운 감빵생활
비밀의 숲 S1
펀치
Mister Sunshine
My Mister fans' recommendations, i believed but at times disappointing. Now i know it doesn't happen all the time just like that. I agree with you about Goblin,Vincenzo, Dear my friend ( i quit at early episodes of V and Dear... i managed to end Goblin though) Funny thing, Another Miss Oh didn't work for me. I think if i saw that before My Mister it might have been better with lower expectation. These days i need distractions and try to trust popular opinions again. Glad to see its ok to not ok and Hometown Chachacha. Both are enjoyable. I am also glad that you are courageous enough to talk about what you dont like !! Love it!!
lol...yeah. I am sure we all realise that we all have preferences and it's interesting to talk about the stuff we didn't like in a good natured way..with Another Miss Oh...I didn't have high expectations..:-)..I had a feeling that the writer put all her best work into My Mister...but other times I am sure she's got to just get the check! Still enjoyed it though! Next time I do a video about my top "guilty pleasures" of Kdrama??? haha
@@ManVsDrama I definitely support a "guilty pleasure" Kdrama video. I can definitely relate to that. 😅
I recommend 'Misaeng'(2014).
It's a drama by PD Kim Won-seok, who directed 'My mister'.
If you want to watch a drama with a similar atmosphere to 'My mister', watch Misaeng.
I've watched it..liked it...like the director was practicing for my mister 😏
i love Misaeng too.. no love story but the story was good.. the same with Good manager (this one is surely enjoyable)
I love Misaeng.... 👍
A very recent one I would recommend is My Name. The two protagonists are phenomenal. It is also only 8 episodes long and easy to binge watch in a day. :-)
yes that's a good one!
Thank you for noticing the Goblin problem! I’ve long been alarmed/mystified that so many people overlook it... I guess viewers gloss over abusive power dynamics when the predator is attractive? (see “What’s the Matter with Secretary Kim,” or for a Western example, “Love Actually.”) All I can say is ewww.
Would also love a post on underrated dramas :)
Yeah...underrated dramas...good idea!
Ooo underrated dramas are my thingg!!! Id totally include because this is my first life, familiar wife - not sure if these are super popular but I just love them so much and think they dont get enough love haha
@@DesignDrawDo because this is my first life is a gem!
I totally agree with your view, it feels like you said the thoughts I couldn't formulate. I often start kdramas but usually I finish less than half of them. There are brilliant things which you cannot forget but unfortunately to find them you have to watch a bunch of shows.
I'd recommend you take a look at Lost/Human Disqualification (2021). It has vibes of My Mister in some ways. I really enjoyed it but this is one of those dramas that's hard to fully resonate with unless you've been through what the characters are going through. Nonetheless, it's well-shot and worth your attention
I'll have a look for this! I've taken some time off watching dramas...but the new one with Kim Te Ri is sucking me back in right now...:-)
I thought I was the only one who didn't like Goblin! Lol. I watched three episodes, and dropped it. The King: Eternal Monarch... omg, I can't believe I watched the whole thing! I really expected to love it, but yeah it wasn't good at all. Great video!
I thought Eternal Monarch was like fast food with lots of MSG..lol...somewhat addictive because of all the flavour enhancer but still felt bad 😁
@@ManVsDrama Love the analogy 😂
I heard you shout out Another Miss Oh, and now I feel bad about my rant on how much I was disappointed by it in your announcement post for this video.😂 I have only seen When the Camelia Blooms, Goblin, and the beginning of Vincenzo. While I ended up liking When the Camelia Blooms I did see that it had problems and I agreed with your criticism. It was also satisfying to hear you talk about Goblin. It was so hyped up and I didn't think it was that interesting. A lot of these fantasy dramas have a similar story line between the lead characters where there is an ill fated relationship. For Vincenzo I couldn't get into the dark comedy mashup they were going for. I keep thinking I'll go back to it but haven't wanted to.
yeah...vincenzo was a really interesting one...I agree...it was that comedy mash up that sometimes can work so amazingly in kdramas that just caused a massive genre clash for me...but I know it didn't turn off a lot of other people from what I heard...it was very popular wasn't it? (btw...rant all you like about any drama you want...haha that's what this place is for...I have a soft spot for romantic comedy dramas even when they're a bit light sometimes...as long as they're not too preposterous...this one had an interesting main concept I thought and it was quite charming-))
@@ManVsDrama I feel okay about having a difference of opinion. I'm glad you liked it. I also do enjoy a good rom com. Coffee Prince is like my comfort food.
Actually agree with you quite a lot. I had high hopes for camelia blooms. But it was kind of a let down. Many people think just because i like stuff like my mister,mr sunshine i don't like these mainstream popular dramas. But its not that. There are just some things that are just a let down. Plot holes,no chemistry, writing of characters, ending.
yeah...and it's funny...there are dramas where I don't mind the plot problems or wild coincidences...because the drama overall is so engaging or fun...but when it's too formulaic...it can be frustrating! :-)
after my mister everything fall short for me too.. i manage to enjoy beyond evil and flower of evil though.. esp the later.. it keeps me wanting to know more and more.. extra curricular is good too .. I couldnt finish Goblin and i dont like vicenzo because there are many advertisment.. currently i just let myself on stress free drama.. like cheese in a trap, phsychopath diary and dali and the cocky prince.. something light to my heart..
I loved Camellia Blooms as it portrayed a character with low self-belief, depression, she did like the guy but she was on purposely pushing him away. She believed she was not good enough for him and that he would end up abandoning her like her mother did. It was a sweet drama and it was great to see Dong-baek finally fitting in at the end of the drama.
A K-drama recommendation. 2019 "Melo Is My Nature" ("Be Melodramatic"). A very meta ensemble series about getting a K-drama to production, and about eight other things, besides. Its achieved cult status among the relatively small number of people who watched it. Towards the end there was even a meta joke in the dialog about how bad the ratings are.
I just freaking love Be Melo 💙
Of the Kdramas I saw from your list... I am in total agreement with your analysis. The Goblin one especially had me cracking up because it's so true! I don't know if you saw True Beauty which is a drama I liked, but there were a couple scenes in there with the female lead's sister and her sister's love interest that had the Goblin OST in the background. They made it into a funny scene with that background music that had me laughing. So from watching Goblin at least I could enjoy that funny reference in True Beauty. 😂
Basically, I don't watch romantic comedy dramas Or I don't watch dramas where dating is the main factor. Korean dramas have been popular mainly with young women in Asia, and the reason for their popularity may be that they are specialized in this genre. I don't watch Korean romantic comedy because it's a way to much of young woman's taste.
In Korea,the quality of dramas has increased significantly since cable broadcasters produced them. It has a younger sense and sophisticated visual beauty, and the theme has become much more diverse. But the main was still a romantic comedy aimed at young women. Of course, there are exceptions such as Misaeng and my mister.
Perhaps this is a time of new change in the Korean drama industry. OTT companies such as Netflix have supported the production of dramas, and film directors have jumped into the drama. One example is the squid game, which is becoming a hot topic now. Korean movies have an impression that suspense, thriller, and criminal movies, which are relatively hard genres compared to dramas, are strong, and I hope more dramas will be made that break away from romantic elements such as D.P. and squid games.
Yeah...I still love romantic comedy dramas...for example I love "My Love from the star" or "It's ok to Not be ok" or "Was it Love?" but it's great to see so many different kind of dramas coming out of Korea...I am just amazed how much decent or excellent drama is coming out of Korea...a lot of talent there!
Coffee prince has "dating" as one factor, but also "dignity" and poor versus rich (also typical...). I actually started watching it just because of Lee Sun-Kyun, a charming side character in this show.
Coffee prince is a drama I hate to love and love to hate.
It touches on LGBTQ topics in an ignorant way, totally dismissing the whole topic as "not relevant here, because these are heterosexual cis characters loving heterosexual cis characters anyway." A missed opportunity to have a respectful approach to the theme, as they decided to make a cis guy falling for a tomboy (mistaking her for a guy) the plot of the whole story... It became more a story of "you lied to me" instead of using the many episodes to discuss queerness in general and what it meant for the characters in particular.
All characters were quite supportive, and the theme LGBT was all over the drama, but I had the impression that they just brushed over the elephant in the room as it was not worth asking how the elephant actually felt.
In addition to what you said, maybe Korea will also make more LGBT-themed dramas in the future. Holywood & Netflix also see that there is an interest in that.
Coffee prince is one example of "no, please not like that." But it also has some very charming scenes :-)
@@evelinevandijk4046 ahhh...yes when it comes to LGBTG topics...I haven't actually seen Coffee Prince...but based on other dramas I've seen I wouldn't have expected much...I couldn't believe it when in Strong Girl Bong Soon all of a sudden a character turned up who was a wildly caricatured portrayal of a gay character purely played for laughs... which kind of ruined the drama for me...even in Itaewon Class I find that storyline with the transgender person oddly awkward and patronising...what's it like culturally for LGBTQ issues in Korea? I honestly have no idea and I don't want to guess just from the dramas!
I completely agree with your opinions about The King and Goblin. I remember getting into a full blown rant about The King after completing it because I had so many questions that were unanswered and so many things that just didn't add up. Same goes with Goblin, I just couldn't look past the fact that Eun Tak was a high schooler. Nevertheless, I completed the Goblin in the hopes that the drama would redeem itself because it is SO popular among drama fans. But at the end a lot of things just didn't make sense. On digging deep I realized that The King and Goblin have the same screenwriter - so I just concluded that I do not like this style of dramas where the writer tries to make everything bigger than this world and ultimately fails to give a satisfying conclusion to all the plot threads. The only thing that I did like was the OST and the cinematography - the scenes were very visually pleasing.
Thanks again, Stephan! This is very innovative. I almost fall for Vincenzo and Dear My Friends, haha! I would love to hear your take on Beyond Evil (Korean:괴물 "Monster") have you watched it?
no haven't watched it yet...is it your biggest recommendation?
@@ManVsDrama From what I've watched so far, yes. It got me really good for the first half.. I don't know man.. After My Mister everything else comes short 😝
Beyond Evil was good for about 3/4 of the movie, but the ending plot was so predictable... maybe im wrong i just havent finished it lol xD
Nice reflections, they really amused me (even though I enjoyed Goblin). I'm curious if you watched "mother" and "Crash landing on you". Hopefully will see you do a review on them soon! ;-)
Watched CLOY of course...enjoyed it! Probably top 7👊😉I hear about mother a lot..I try to find it
About Goblin, I actually enjoyed the comic perversity of the premise. Maybe I'm thick skinned. The lead actress's first film 'Eungyo' ('A Muse') involved a school girl, a 70 year old man, and some very racy nude scenes. My very first Korean film experience was the 1999 Jang sun-woo film 'Lies' where you need to have a VERY VERY HIGH tolerance for age difference perversity. One of the actresses in that film went on to marry the actor who played Dong-hoon in My Mister.
Wow...Lies! That is a kind of old forgotten? movie. At that time it caused some sensation thanks to the uncomfortable premise. But more interestingly i had no idea Jun Hae Jin was in that movie. This is very informative!
Long time lurker on your channel Stephan 😀 Anxiously awaiting the last My Mister breakdown!
From this list, I watched The King and Goblin. I ended up watching all the way through but besides some nice moments within each drama (moreso the swoonworthy moments in The King), I was left underwhelmed and also really confused by the plot lines. I think they were both way too confusing.
With regards to Goblin, the schoolgirl thing did bother me as well, although time does jump forward later in the series and the interaction between the characters changes accordingly.
I also thought that it probably resonated more with Koreans because the dialogue seemed to be heavy with Korean wordplay which doesn't translate well through subtitles.
that's a great point about the wordplay that may not translate well...that could well be the case! good points!! :-)
@@ManVsDrama Thanks :) Similarly, I think that not having the specific cultural understanding of the myth of the Korean goblin was probably a barrier to really enjoying the show for me.
Welcome to the 🥳
I only watched Goblin out of the 7. I also find it disturbing. How is it a drama grooming a school girl is acceptable whilst 'My Mister' a romance between a 21 year old woman and forty something year man had such backlashed?! Can I recommend my favourites
The world of the Married
Misaeng - you watched
Money Flower
Reply 1988 - you watched
Fated to love you
It's Okay not to be okay
And the recently released The Red Sleeve, available on Viki. Not sure if it's your cup of tea, but it's a historical drama.
Like historicals when well done!! Thanks for the recommendations!!
Korean movies are very much worth exploring if you were frustrated with the dramas after spending xx hours and gaining little. Masquerade and A Werewolf Boy are both terrific K movies. I highly recommend!!
yeah..just to say..these are just the extremes...I really like dramas where the characters get developed step by step..it's often hard to achieve that in movies..but I'll keep an eye out for these! Thank you
A Tale of Two Sisters is a K-horror masterpiece.
@@ManVsDrama I'd recommend some classics that i would like you to review. Oldboy, A Tale of Two Sisters, Lady Vengeance, Memories of Murder, The Man from Nowhere, The Villainess, and The Wailing
I managed to finish Vincenzo but it turned out, it's not that good.
Goblin, Sisyphus, When Camelia blooms, and so on, I cannot stand to watched them more than 3 episodes. So, I agreed with you 100%. But, I also cannot finish Sky Castle, Boys over Flowers, Chocolate and Pinocchio.
I don't know. It's just feel boring.
Anyway, I also found some really good dramas.
Anybody here already watched Stranger, Live (a police story), Signal? Live Up to Your Name is also unique. Try them.
I just saw Live Up To Your Name and enjoyed it! I liked Signal, but really wished they continued with another season.
Lol...live up to your name is one of my favourite guilty pleasure type shows...it's very irrepressable...it's hot some obvious flaws but it's got this mad energy that just sweeps you along was that not very popular in Korea??
I loved Stranger (although only season 1), Live (ensemble cast was great), and Signal. Funny, I just started Live Up to Your Name and have quit it twice already! I guess I'll give it another try.
In the police detective genre, I recommend The Good Detective -- great bromance between the 2 male leads.
The age thing in Goblin didn't bother me much. It's an era/locale/culture specific morality, not even close to universal. For instance, 12-13 year old girls were very commonly married off to older men, in Europe, up until the 1600's, when the practice started dying down. It still happens today in other regions of the world. Pass, thought personally not agreeable. But the things is:why not Chocolate?I loved it, and am very interested in why you/others don't. If you'd care to comment, I'd appreciate it.
can u make a video on your top 10 fav k dramas?
Try Reply 1988. Best Kdrama I have seen since My Mister. It's a family drama, and it takes a bit to get into, so I honestly can't tell if you'd like it or not, but somehow I have just become completely taken with it.
I only watched two of the K-Drama series that you mentioned. The other five didn't pique my interest enough. (I'm quite picky about my K-Dramas 😊 )
*"Sisyphus: The Myth"*
I didn't think it wasn't too bad. I was able to follow the story, but to be honest... I couldn't help but think that the screenwriter(s) had to condense a lot of material into a shorter production. It was as if the author originally intended the story to be told in 20-24 one hour episodes, but was told that they would only be able to record half that many; and while the first episodes were being produced, the screenwriter(s) scrambled to ensure that the remaining episodes would be condensed. Overall, I still think it was good, but not nearly as god as I had anticipated.
*"Goblin: The Lonely and Great God"*
I'm rather shocked at your description. "Grooming"???? How the heck did you get THAT from watching even only the first four episodes???? I have to wonder whether you're just trolling for comments. I won't even engage a discussion about whether it depicts the "grooming" of a teenage girl, other than to say that you DEFINITELY got that wrong.
Goblin happens to be one of my all-time favourite K-Dramas.
- The story is almost mythical.
- The subplots are equally magnetic to the main storyline.
- The cast is perfectly chosen.
- The acting is phenomenal.
- The chemistry between actors/characters is magnificently entertaining.
- The cinematography is ethereal.
- The soundtrack is hauntingly beautiful.
There's no way to argue the merits of watching Goblin without delving into spoilers, but I'll offer the following:
- Eun-Tak very existence is linked to Kim Shin. Once might even say that _"the gods were screaming for them to be together."_
- The relationship between the Goblin and the Grim Reaper is the thread that carries the story through to the end of the story.
- Kim Sun and the Grim Reaper share an hilarious, yet tragic relationship.
- Yook Songjae won a well-deserved award for his portrayal as Doek-Hwa.
- The many supporting characters are also equally entwined in the main plot and subplots.
Watching Goblin, one reaches a point (about midway through the series) when everything starts coming together. All the seeds that were sown, begin to get harvested.
Keep in mind that the Goblin is 930 years old; and his punishment was to carry on living eternally, until he meets his wife. He never chose Euk-Tak. In fact, it was she who sought him out, as he considered her to be someone with minor powers... someone annoying, even. He had prepared to leave the country to seek his bride; and only changed his plans when something nigh-unimaginable happened. Short of just sitting down and forcing yourself to watch each episode, I don't think that there's any possible way to change your mind... but I definitely think that you'll no longer consider "grooming" played any part in the story.
Nothing can surpass My Mister but Misaeng An Incomplete Life with Lee Sung- Min a slow burn but well worth it. Also Signal & My
Liberation Notes same PD as My Mister are great.
If you hadn't mentioned You are my spring I would, the first two episodes have nothing to do with the other 14, I don't have to mention that those two episodes are actually the best of the whole series, I watched the whole series hoping it will improve, but alas...Someone else mentioned Its ok not to be ok, great series, and now I remember how much I cried while watching it, it's so good. I actually have one series to recommend Love affairs in the afternoon(2019), a Korean version, an interesting story about marriage and adultery with beautiful music, symbolism, beautiful surroundings and of course good acting, the type of series I would watch with hot tea in hand or hot chocolate. Sorry, Goblin is my favorite.
Okay not to be Okay is my second favorite after MM. I'll give Goblin another try on your recco.
So that's really interesting...you're right about You are my spring...it starts of well...and then just...I don't know...loses the plot lol..
But..since it's your favourite: What am I missing with Goblin?? Why do you love it so much? I'm really curious! :-)
@@ManVsDrama Goblin had a good story overall, but it's important to note that each character had their own story, I mean from main to secondary. Oh, the music is worth remembering, directing, editing, location. The age difference didn't bother me, after all, nothing it didn't even happen until she came of age. Maybe the melodrama attracted me and the thought that something still exists when this life on earth ends.
First of all, it's good to hear a man talk about k-dramas. Always good to get another view.
Regarding the dramas you expressed your views on, this is what I thought:
1. Vincenzo- I thought I had watched the whole drama with just the clips on UA-cam. Never felt like watching the whole thing.
2. Goblin- this is highly visual. At times it felt like watching an expensive advertisement with people being presented so elegantly. But yes, the school girl to wife plot was weird.
3. The king eternal monarch- I had to watch people explaining the plot structure of the drama and the ending. Also, overwhelmingly visual.
Good that you gave a miss to What's wrong with Secretary Kim. I couldn't even last 2 episodes. It's cringy and sold as romantic.
the advertisement comment is very true! thanks for watching and commenting!
@@ManVsDrama I can't really justify Goblin b/c of the plot and scripting shortcomings, but the age difference thing needs a lot of perspective here. 13 year old girls were very commonly married off to older men up until quite recently, historically. In some cultures even today it is not uncommon. It didn't kill the show for me. And the story was interesting enough to keep me engaged until the end. I'm still trying to digest your comments on You Are My Spring. I think I need to revisit that show. Do I still love it, or not????
I think I understand where your frustrations with Vincenzo come from. I almost dropped the drama after 3 episodes because I kept thinking that the acting was very over the top but then it picked up pace after episode 4 and I got really engrossed into it. While watching I realized that the tone is almost satirical in a way, I got the feeling that it is trying to mock the system and concluded that that is why the acting was over the top. This realization helped me look at the drama in a different way and that definitely made my viewing experience better. Also, I do not think that the makers of the drama expect us to root for Vincenzo, in my opinion, he is not a hero - rather an anti-hero. I think the makers have been consistent with this aspect from the start - they never try to make him a good person. This is proven by one of the concluding scenes where Vincenzo walks away acknowledging to himself that he is a villain and that he never claimed otherwise. Moreover, I think his love interest is fully aware of the fact that he is not a good person morally.
I hope this comment helps you look at Vincenzo in a different light because I really enjoyed this drama and it is in my top 10.
I only saw two of the listed dramas so my perspective is rather limited to the main theme of your video. I finished Vincenzo and like it in spite of some areas. Like the main character and the overall story. However, I also found the chemistry between the leads unconvincing. Some of the comedic respites were welcomed but many of them crossed into the realm of implausible undermining the credibility of the characters. I get the morale dilemma of rooting for a seasoned and unrepentant assassin engaging in torture. Honestly it didn't trouble me as much because I have always suspected that Vincenzo isn't a pure soul because of his background. The final expose simply confirmed the suspicion. Even the famed Godfather seemed like a kind, jolly grandpa from a distance.
I also find it amusing that you had trouble with Goblin. I shared the same experience. I watched the drama because of its popularity but was unable to continue after 3 episodes. The story failed to grab me and seemed empty. The dialogue came across too much as an instrument for me to engage. I suppose one really has to stick with the drama until the characters become more flushed out and their relationship more attached. I just ran out of patience even though I like the actors.
loving the convos here! so interesting...thanks for sharing!!! yeah sometimes you need patience...like with my mister...but sometimes it can backfire!! lol
Agree with all of your analysis. I couldn't watch too much of any of these. Some K-drama have a very strict and very unbelievable formula where you have to set aside all logic and just play along with the setups and enjoy the moments. Some of these are good, and are a guilty pleasure of mine, but many I lose interest in, because they just aren't written and directed on a level like My Mister (what else could be this good?), Miaseng, Signal etc, and like you I seem to need a certain logic in place which many of these lack. Hollywood does this too lately with so many movies. I just can't do it.
The comments mentioned Live Up to Your Name - I enjoyed that. For that past/future switch genre, this was among the best of those. I hesitate to even recommend it, but Because This is My First Life I think was the best of the sort of formula style romance drama I have seen. I really liked some of the moments in it, especially later on, but maybe I was just in the mood for that kind of thing. Try it maybe? It was better then Crash Landing on You which is crazy popular, at least in my opinion. Also, I am so sick of zombie things that I avoid them completely, but somehow I watched Kingdom and kind of enjoyed that - maybe just because it was different - zombies and swords lol. Train to Busan was campy but leagues better, although that's a movie.
Live up to your name...is a guilty pleasure of mine..REALLY enjoy it despite some obvious problems...it's just got this mad energy! I know what you mean...there are some where I don't even care whether the plot makes sense if it just is a lot of fun...and this is one of these...And Kingdom...yeah..I've got to say...you gotta respect it for how well they shot it and the whole historical zombie drama uniqueness...for me at least!
"... like My Mister (what else could be this good?),..." Mr. Sunshine, is better. Just my opinion of course, no better or worse than anyone's. My Mister has a few scripting/plot flaws that deduct a lot of points. They are Not obvious, but once spotted...
I watched like all of these shows except Dear My Friends and i agree. You were right abt vincenzo, i think 20eps for it was a bit too much. Camellia Blooms was quite alright for me, i get the frustration, it understandable, it was poppin' locally. For You Are My Spring i know it was a slow one, im also there for the FL and i liked it, witty dialogues, great side characters like the actress(watched it also for her) and i think i enjoyed it not so much for that subplot serial killer it dragged on too long. TK:EM is like a meme for most of it, i finished it to see how more crazy and absurd it gets and watch people rant abt all of it. Was in it for a couple of eps but yea it totally went of the rails. Sisyphus is also a hot mess of a show. Logic went the drain for this one. I just love people ranting abt this show too. Goblin was like my first show, it opened up the kdrama land for me and i remembered only loving the osts for it.
Recommendations: (would love to hear your opinions on these shows)
Beyond Evil
Flower of Evil
Into The Ring
Mr Queen
My Unfamiliar Family
Kairos
Yumi Cells
oh..yes I forgot...what I loved about Goblin was the title track. It's borderline cheesy but very compelling! Omg...I haven't seen any of your recommendations yet!!! thanks.
Beyond Evil and My Unfamiliar Family 💙
We'd have to throw out the romance of any of these KDramas if you think just of the age difference between the romantic leads, where there is a Gumiho hundred of years old romancing a young person, Tale of the Nine-Tailed Fox, My Roommate is a Gumiho, Gu the Family Book, where it's an old fellow and a very young lady, even My Girlfriend is a Gumiho, where Shin Min-A, of 600 years old, seduces a young fellow (he initially rejects her, but not because she's old). For me, Goblin is about the connections between the characters (spoiler, the current time people are tied to the original people more than 900 years ago when Goblin was "created"), working out past misdeeds and relationships; Tale of the Nine-Tailed Fox has a similar concept. When the Camellia Blooms was pleasant for me, not earth-shattering. Sisyphus was interesting in its concept, but like most Time Travel shows, has to have huge plot holes to make it work. I wanted The King, Eternal Monarch to be good, because of the actors, because of the storyline, but it disappointed. Similar for Doom At Your Service.
Just to say I don't have the slightest issue with age difference...only with romance dramas involving school kids like in that one..but I know that's just how it started...it just felt like that to me
Man, Vincenzo I dropped after ep1 lmao, I just found it weird, definitely not my cup of tea.
Camellia I actually never watched it, I just came to the conclusion that I don’t match with the actress choices of dramas, I tried to watch like 3 dramas with her and I dropped or I suffered to finish it all of them.
You’re My Spring never watched it, I was thinking to give it a try tho but now I’m just having second thoughts lmao. I like the actress of Another Oh Hae Young (I like the drama, but I also think that it’s that kind of drama that Park Hae Young wrote in order to “receive money” bc its more comercial) but I still think that her best role was in Black Dog.
The King I just didn’t watch it, I swore to myself that I wouldn’t watch another drama by the same writer lmao (the same writer as goblin by that you can guess how I feel about goblin).
Sisyphus was really a letdown! I was very excited because Cho Seung Woo is one of my fave actors, Stranger is on my top10 list, but I dropped after ep1! And my friends said to me that was a downhill shit 😪
I like guilty pleasure kdramas but in those 10y watching kdramas I bumped into some kdramas that molded my taste. First one was Secret Love Affair, and the second, My Mister (my fave of all time). And it’s hard to go backwards after that.
I would highly recommend Mother, Dazzling, My Unfamiliar Family, Stranger 1/2, Memory, Life, Beyond Evil, Be Melodramatic… so on ;)
Lol...seems our taste is pretty much the same!👍😎 Thanks for the recommendations!
I am with you as I have a very low tolerance for kdrama cringe moments. My top 3 k drama would be my mister, mister sunshine and another miss oh. Actually kingdom series is pretty good too.
One comment off the top re Dear My Friends: Wait! When you are 72, my age, you will "get it", all of it! Of course, by the time you're old enough to appreciate what's going on, you will have totally forgotten the show. It's one of my favorite kdramas. It doesn't threaten Mr. Sunshine or My Mister, but it's good.The rest of the shows I liked a lot at the time, pretty much as a newbie to Kdramas. They haven't stood up to the test of time, so I'll mea culpa on those. One thing about Goblin, that young actress that played the Goblin's Bride did one heck of a great job beaming her adoration at the Goblin. Woah! Melts yer heart! I'll debate Dear My Friends if you're interested. I'll be nice. I won't bite much, or at least not too hard.
that's good to hear Gary...I found it interesting as well how age or life experience affects our experience of different dramas.sometimes noticed that people in their twenties sort of don't "get" certain deeper levels of My Mister and i am sure you're right..but like I said: I related to several elements of Dear My Friends...so there was something in there even for me...which made some things then a bit more frustrating. :-) anyway...nice to hear!
Has anyone watched
Better Days? It's Chinese movie which was nominated for Oscar
It's the only movie for me which match the standards of My Mister
I haven't yet but it's been recommended! Thanks for sharing
Have you seen any of these films/dramas: Lovestruck in the City, Tune in for Love, SIGNAL, or Prison Playbook? Would you do it if you hadn't already? So sorry I can't help, I'm so demanding 😅. I'm interested in hearing what your thoughts. Watching My Mister makes me more picky, but I think the title above is worth watching.
Just rewatching signal ...haven't seen the others yet.....prison playbook gets recommended
Thanks for your reviews, I agree with most of your opinions. Most.
#7 Vincenzo - my problem was that it was so boring, I made it about half way thru, didn’t get to the torture.
#6 When the camellia blooms - I wanted this to be good because I love Kong Hyo-Jin the FL but the Policeman made me want to tear my ears off. Watched 1 episode.
#5 You are my spring - I was looking forward to this because I had watched Seo Hyeon-Jin in The Other Ms Oh and The Beauty Inside, loved both of them. This drama just meandered around and not much happened, but did finish.
#4 dear my friends - not watched
#3 Eternal monarch - watched half of first episode - nothing
#2 Sisyphus - had great hopes for this as i like the 2 leads, but it was confusing and characters were not very likeable. Another drama that was released on the same days was Hello Me a light happy drama that I enjoyed. About halfway thru the 8 week release I was looking forward to Hello Me much more than Sisyphus.
#1 Goblin - This is where I disagree the most.
Maybe I didn’t really think of it as grooming because I didn’t think of the goblin as human and she was destined to be the goblin’s bride. Supernatural stuff. Would have to rewatch to see if I change my mind looking at them from that viewpoint.
I also think the 2 main characters are the goblin and the grim reaper and their interactions, much more entertaining.
The main problem I had, was the continuous repeated flashbacks, which I ended up fast forwarding thru.
Drama could have been half the length.
I enjoyed goblin, it was good but not great.
The first drama I watched was My Mister in March 2020, hard for other dramas to reach that height.
Lol...don't rewatch goblin through my lens..glad you enjoyed it somewhat...good to hear I am not the only one with some of the others 👍😂
사실 동백꽃 필 무렵은 맛깔나는 사투리와 배우들의 찰진 연기를 보는 재미죠ㅎㅎ 시지프스, 빈센조는 저도 결이 맞지 않아 끝까지 보지 못했습니다. 나의 아저씨처럼 진하게 남았던 드라마 중 스토브리그(stove league_2019)를 강력 추천합니다. 야구를 소재로한 오피스 드라마로, 인간에 대한 예의라는 메시지를 담은 인생드라마입니다👍
stove league 2019...I'll keep an eye out! Thanks:-)
Goblin and DOTS are on
top in my frustrating drama list. I can only watch a few dramas with romance in it after those two.
excuse me for being stupid..but what's DOTS? ? 🤔😁
@@ManVsDrama Decendent of the Sun, drama of Song Joong Ki and Song Hye Kyo. Maybe Korean romance is too cringey for me. Some dramas delivers well tho, i like the romance in Reply 1988, W: Two Worlds, Scarlet Heart Ryeo. Thats why My Mister feels so good to watch, love doesnt always have to be lovey dovey.
@@wrWati DotS...a great story, untill the last episode. Ooops.
I hope that you can upload your top ten recommendation
Great idea!
Among the 7 dramas, the only ones i’ve finished are Vincenzo and Goblin. I kinda agree with your frustation on them. The King:EM only got past 4 eps of that. There are many cringe filled and dramas with frustrating plot lines. It will be hard to find shows in your preference. I do recommend It’s Okay That’s love, the lead is the one in When Camellia blooms and maybe Squad38.
Oh..thanks for that..I haven't seen that yet! ok...I am quite curious what other people think so thanks for sharing!
I kinda agree with Goblin. I find it a bit slow pacing though it gets better in 2nd half which 2nd lead couple catches my attention most of the times.
mmhh...so I am not convinced I should try another episode yet then:-)
have you watch Love affairs in the afternoon..? I just remembered watching this kdrama.. and the feeling is great.. i think it is an underated drama..
I agree wholeheartedly about almost all dramas on your list that I have watched:
7. Vincenzo
Totally agree with you about the ending...yuck! I liked the chemistry between the two leads but that's about it. Also, the conclusion at the end about how you can take the Mafia lawyer out of Italy, but you can't take the Mafia sensibility out of the Mafia boss? I guess that is supposed to sort of explain the gruesomeness of Vincenzo's actions at the end, but given the lightheartedness of much of the violence throughout the movie, that heavy-handed message at the end didn't work for me.
6. When the Camellia Blooms
This was one of my first Kdramas. I also didn't understand its popularity. I liked the strength and steadfastness of the main character, but otherwise I thought it was a bit of a mess. The child actor was amazing! I also didn't understand why the acting of the male lead was so heralded.
5. You Are My Spring
I also liked Another Miss Oh, but thought You Are My Spring did not work on any level. I also really dislike the very juvenile portrayal of romantic relationships between what should be more mature 30 somethings.
4. Dear My Friends
Oh my gosh, I disliked this drama so much! The mother and daughter made me crazy, but especially the mother. Did she have any redeeming qualities or did my dislike of her character blind me to anything positive about her? What was a revelation to me was the male love interest, played by Jo In-Sung. I found him incredibly appealing -- both in terms of looks and his portrayal, although I don't think the drama did a great job in developing the relationship he had with the main female character. I've heard he was very good in It's OK, This is Love, but I haven't seen it because it's not available on Netflix, my source for Kdramas.
3. The King, Eternal Monarch
Overall, I liked this drama. The best part was the bromance between The King and his personal bodyguard. Woo Do-Hwan did an amazing job as the stoic bodyguard and his silly Korean counterpart. I hate to say it, but I think I don't care for Lee Min-ho as an actor. There's something about him that doesn't strike me as genuine. I don't agree with your description of the female lead as "a simple girl, simple job". To me, she was a pretty badass detective with good martial arts skills.
2. Sisyphus
To me, Sisyphus was a mess. I liked the lead actress in Memories of the Alhambra. I first discovered the male lead actor in Stranger (which I loved!), so it was difficult to see him portraying such a different character who smiled so much and was at times sort of goofy.
1. Goblin
Haven't seen this. I tend not to like the fantasy dramas, especially ones with zombies, vampires, etc.
One other that I didn't think lived up to its hype was Hotel del Luna. I loved IU in My Mister and thought she still did a good job in Hotel, but I didn't care for the drama overall. Maybe it was the story line. Maybe it was too drawn out.
good point about the juvenile portrayal of romantic relationships...that seems to be an incredibly common thing in kdramas..no question partly due to the fact that the getting together of the two leads has to happen over about 16 episodes...lol...so they have to get at it like two virgin teenagers who've never ever kissed someone before.haha...sometimes it's somewhat sweet...but sometimes it's ridiculous! :-)...and yes you're right...I misspoke somewhat about her character in Eternal Monarch..I can't get her Goblin character out of her mind I think...I mashed them up..she was a self respecting confident woman...until the man on the white horse bewitched her! :-)
Did you see Sweet Home?
@@JWPanimation I usually avoid "horror" movies, so, no, I haven't but I know the drama has lots of fans!
@@slc4226 Sorry I misread your post, thinking you liked them.
@@JWPanimation That's OK. Thanks for the recommendation anyway.
I agree about Goblin. It had been so built up that I got a Viki sub to watch it. Four episodes in I have not finished, though I like goblin's back story. Black and Mystic Pop Up Bar I thought were better in this genre. Sysephus had great visual effects, especially the destruction of Seoul, which no doubt is a subconscious fear of her citizens. The ending is confusing, I think because it gets meta physical, trying to offer a reward for self sacrifice and heroism. This felt tacked on to me. The cast was great, especially the father daughter relationship.
yeah...sisyphus is in this list because I liked a lot about it...which is why sometimes the problems annoyed me more because it could have been brilliant! :-) agree with your thoughts..the special effects were amazing :-)
@@ManVsDrama wasn't the villain great too. The actor was brilliant.
@@JWPanimation agreed..he always sticks out in a good way! Also in Mr.Sunshine!
Agree the actor who played the father did a great job!
Agree with you on several of these. I was very disappointed in Sisyphus. I had such high hopes for it and I like sci-fi but the plot seemed not well thought out, it switched from serious to lighter tone and back again too often and was generally a mess. TKEM had too many side characters, with doppelgängers in both timelines, with different names and sometimes one of them was alive in one timeline but dead in the other. It was overly complicated to me. I liked the supporting characters/ performances of the King’s bodyguard (the Unbroken Sword) and the detective’s partner. But the main couple didn’t have much chemistry and I was disappointed in Lee Min Ho. It’s the only k drama I’ve seen him in and I expected him to be amazing since he is so popular.
I did not like the serial killer subplot in When the Camellia Blooms, found it completely unnecessary. Agree it was a bit frustrating. As for Goblin, I also found it uncomfortable that she’s in high school at the beginning. I don’t know why the writer couldn’t have made her a college student. but I liked it enough to overlook that. The comedy/bromance between the Goblin and the Grim Reaper, the second couple’s romance and the very emotional scenes in the later episodes won me over. I also liked the emotional scenes /stories of the people the Grim Reaper serves tea to before they go to the afterlife. Vincenzo was kind of all over the place as far as being serious and violent sometimes and then light hearted/comedic at other times. But I just went along with it and found it overall very entertaining. Yes, he did kill someone at the end but that person was a serial murderer.
Hi Good to here your thoughts. As far as on again off again that is standard for love relationships in k drama land. As far When the Camellia Blooms I loved this one. I found the police man's acting wondferful and have followed him around K dramaland. The King EM is one my list. Lee Min Ho has wonderful charisma. I do have one rule for myself I will finish any dramas I start even if sick of them. Thanks.
wow..you always finish? that's amazing stamina! :-) yeah about the on and off....I know what you mean...they have to make it difficult...sometimes it's so random though...it's great when it's justified through character or circumstances right? good to hear!
Ah the monarch...wow the entire teaser I just KNEW the chemi was T.E.R.R.I.B.L.E. and it was ha. Lee Min Ho dramas are generally v flashy but just...terrible😂 legend of the blue sea was actually decent but mainly because of the lovely visuals and of course, the epic Jun Ji Hyun's acting.
As for GOBLIN. I definitely got pulled into the hype and loved it for that. On top of that, everyones chemi (romantic, platonic and otherwise) was just so good that it worked. Of course They could have just made her a jobless graduate or some other equally pitiable person that is OVERAGE and maybe it would have solved that issue. Ah, but again, another flashy drama with big names (I do still have a soft spot for it tho aha)
lol...sorry..it's probably just jealousy because he's getting big roles and I don't....but Lee Min Ho...he's probably my least favourite lead in Kdrama..and Legend of the Blue Sea...man...Jun Ji Hyun is my favourite comedy actress ever (LOVE "My love from the star" and that crazy "Sassy Girl" movie) but even she couldn't totally rescue that one...frustrating too...only narrowly missed this list. haha! :-) ...yeah I am still wondering whether I hated goblin so much because I tried watching it after "My Mister"...that's why I am basically asking people here to sell it to me...but I don't get a lot of attempts :-) (side note: I thought the Goblin Theme song was perfect...but only that one! 😁)
Can you please mention spoilers at the beginning:) keep up the good work though!
Ahh yes sorry...I'll keep that in mind 👍
Great to see another evaluations on Kdrama’s……agree with your evaluation of “Goblin”. I finished it, but not a favorite. The FL was boring. I did enjoy the ML in “Coffee Prince”, a much more likable character in & also because a young Lee SunGyun (My Mister) is cast in this Kdrama. Another popular Kdrama I couldn’t get into was “It’s OK Not to Be OK”, dropped it after a couple of episodes. Normally I don’t care for historical Kdrama’s but I just finished watching “Bossam - Steel the Fate” because of the ML, Jung II-woo. It’s a newly released Kdrama. Both the ML & FL blend so well in their characters & there is also a bromance between the ML & SML. I have seen earlier Kdrama’s with Jung II-woo but feel this was a much more meatier role for him. The FL Keon Yuri (whom I had not seen before) is beautiful. I look forward to another evaluation of the Kdrama’s you have viewed. Cheers.
ohh...It's ok to Not be ok is one of my faves I've got to say... how many ep did you do? I'll keep an eye out for the others you mention! :-)
Hi !!i was surprise that u didin't like its okay to not be okay ,b'coz for me the story was so refreshing ,the 3 mean lead is fantastic (kim so hyun did an amazing job ,but so ye ji ang oh jung se really really standout )the use of animation,the connection of children story book of each ep ,the side character has their own story,the character development is very satisfaying everything about this drama is amazing )this drama actually got me from the very first ep ,the strong character of famale lead tho !!!!theirs is no ep that i did not cry actually ,but i respect your opinion 🥰
I know I’m odd man out when I said I couldn’t get past 2 episodes of “It’s OK Not To Be Ok”. Most viewers on FB told me to stick with it. Couldn’t stand the FL, weird character. But thankfully it’s ok to not like all Kdrama’s, we are a diverse group of fans.
@@carolshibuya5935 Lol..I can relate to that...I love it now...but it's true..the first two episodes I was like: "This is a weird style and that is a weird woman! " haha...I can relate!
Ok not to be okay, give it a few more episodes, it's one of my favs.
Please react Mr. Sunshine
I'd love to...it's a question of time...but hopefully I can do something similar as with My Mister!
@@ManVsDrama 전 무조껀 기대하고있을겁니다 ㅎㅎ'Cause I love your reaction
I second this. Hopefully in the future 😄
i want more videos you didnt like heheh, it helps me filter out which dramas not to watch ^^
영어를 못해서 당신의 영상을 완벽하게 즐기지 못하는 것이 안타깝습니다.
그러나 당신이 kㅡdrama 를 보는 수준이 높다는것은 알 수 있습니다
한국의 문화와 언어와 역사를 안다면 훨씬 더 넓고 깊게 드라마를 즐길수 있을것 같습니다. (특히 '동백꽃 필 무렵'은 사투리로 된 대사가 많아 뉘앙스를 모른다면 즐기기 어려운데 자막으로 번역이 안되니 아쉽네요)
리뷰 잘 봤습니다. 감사합니다
Thank you..yes language can be a huge factor...i wish I could speak a little Korean ...do you not get subtitles for my videos? I thought there were auto-generated?
Hello everyone, any good drama to watch?
I need some recommendations here. Please?
What style? What country? 😁
@@ManVsDrama KDrama, any genre. I already watched most of the best western series (Breaking Bad, Game of Thrones, Vikings etc etc), this time, KDrama 😃
@@hotlemongingerhoney ok well for crime drama signal, for quirky romance it's ok to not be ok, for classic funny romance my love from the star, for guilty pleasure med time travel drama live up to your name...for heartwarming quirky comedy reply 1988...for historical drama rookie historian go hae ryong...any of those appeal? They're all either fantastic or very good for me..
@@ManVsDrama 😅, I watched them all already. I'm watching DP right now. Only 6 episodes
@@hotlemongingerhoney that's good! 👍
I’ve seen a portion of five of the seven dramas you referenced and could not agree more. Goblin - made it three episodes and I was out - ridiculous storyline, plot holes, mediocre acting, and I didn’t like the leads romantic chemistry. KEM - just an awful series. Superficial romance with absolutely no substance, cliches, plot holes, ineffective character development , etc. It honestly insults the intelligence of the viewers. Lee Min-Ho and Kim Go-run - I think they’ve made some very poor script choices. It’s become difficult for me to even consider LMH shows/films because I know it will be overacted and the screenplay will be hollow. Another on my list is Mr. Sunshine.
you mean you hated Mr. Sunshine as well? Now that's one I loved! haha
@@ManVsDrama I didn’t hate it, but I thought it was overrated. A lot of it is probably because I have a disposition to not liking period pieces. Of course, I only made it through 4 episodes so maybe I should give it another shot. Lol
I would have to say familiar wife. The first 10 or so episodes were fantastic. Then it fell off a cliff. I thought they had changed writers or something.
But it’s the girl who followed Goblin to Canada…😆…nonetheless, I also think Goblin is over hyped. I gave up on Sisyphus after realizing there’s no way the female lead doesn’t know how to eat a banana. I love When Camellia blooms and I understand why the mother of Yong-sik doesn’t want Dong baek to be with his son, so I’m not as confused as you. The King is a struggle to watch.
Lol...that's random about Sisyphus but very typical for that drama...it's like basic logic just disappears from time to time😂😂 it's true..I mixed that up about goblin..😂...
@@ManVsDrama "...Basic logic just disappears..." is a really big issue with me.Squid Games didn't have it from beginning to end.Throw in the rest of the garbage it was dishing out and it becomes the worst Kdrama fail ever. Just one man's honest opinion.
I can't wait you reacting signal
Have you watched "Memories of the Alhambra" from Netflix? Just curious what do you think of it lf you watched it. Lol
Yes watched it.was a like not a love.quite a lot of augmented reality fighting where I sometimes lost interest and the overall plot seemed unnecessarily drawn out...but solid show 👍😉what did you think?
@@ManVsDrama I enjoyed it a lot. I've quite a few people criticize it for the ending, and I understand why. It seems obvious to me that episode was setting the stage for a Season 2 that never happened, which I find too bad. I'd definitely watch a second season.
Watched 3 out of the 7 on your list but its a 100% match so far. I will go with the odds and avoid the rest. Thanks.
Goblin (up to Ep 3) - Gong Yoo is a great actor but the whole setting in Goblin was depressing and dreary beyond belief. Just to erase the bitter taste, it is recommended to watch his zombie movie. LOL
Vincenzo (up to Ep 4) - couldn't bear to watch another episode. Somehow, couldn't see Song Joong-Ki as a Mafia lawyer speaking Italian. And what's up with the director. Overly fancy shots with unusual camera angles in an effort to make it "stylish". Yucks.
When My Camelia Blooms (BORING).
Looking forward to the list of dramas you liked. I don't watch many but this is my personal list over the past 1-2 years:
1) Mr Queen: Hilarious drama in a historical setting and led by the outstanding Shin Hye Sun.
2) World of the Married: Who knew marriage could be so suspenseful.
3) Stove League: Business management drama in a sports setting.
4) Hotel Del Luna: Because IU is in it.
5) Dr Romatic 2: The lead actor is entertaining to watch plus its a medical drama.
6) Honorable mention: Crash Landing on You (its watchable).
love this!..thanks for sharing your favourites...funnily enough...haven't got to any of your favourites apart from Hotel Del Luna and Crash Landing!! I hear a lot about World of the Married! So Mr Queen is your favourite?
@@ManVsDrama Mr Queen is certainly one of the better ones over the past 24 months. It was a perfect tonic to offset the bleak taste of Covid19 and the lockd owns. I loved the lead actress's performance. She is well known for her dramatic acting skills but seeing her do comedy was hilarious.
I could hardly connect baby-faced Song Joong Ki with mafia material, love interest and blah blah. I skipped Vincenzo all together. I usually follow the actors’ choices of projects. Song Joong Ki’s performance was tremendously impressive in A Werewolf Boy and other characters, but not Vincenzo. Years ago, Jong Hyo Jin was fabulous in Master’s Sun, but in When The Carmelia Blooms, I found her acting and story itself was lame and uninteresting. I skipped The Carmilia after two hours. I was glad I didn’t flow the popular trend on what to watch. Han So Hee was very alive and convincing as a home wrecker in The World of the Married. I followed her new project My Name, where Han took a complete, challenging role. It turned out to be a satisfying watch.
yeah,,,my name was a strong production and good performance! started off really well..just was a bit mad towards the end but really enjoyed it! Yeah...I am not the biggest fan of Song Joong Ki to be honest..I also saw him in Arthdal Chronicles...but I'll keep an open mind:-) I know how hard acting is :-)
Watch strangers
do you mean "Stranger"?
I just hate the cringey comedy and coindences in Kdramas I just hate it
haha...sometimes it works and I don't mind the coincidences...sometimes it's too much! :-)
LOL
I'm so surprised by your breakdown for K-drama which is unfriendly to you because your main point of dislike in Kdrama is almost the same as mine. I'm a Korean man.