Dramas/Drama Specials completed in 2024

Dramas (23) / Drama Specials (12) completed (in order of rating) with links to posts/comments.

penel Jan 1, 2024
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  • Ossan's Love Returns

    1. Ossan's Love Returns

    Japanese Drama - 2024, 9 episodes

    9.5

    This series is one of the best rom-coms (not just BL, but rom-com in general) Japan has to offer.
    Heartwarming slice of life, cute romance, adorable friendship and bonding, all presented in a refreshingly funny and touching way.
    Tanaka Kei, with his animated, cute and over-dramatic reactions, expressions and inner monologues was the star of the 1st season, but this time Yoshida Kotaro and his unique mannerisms was also a real delight.
    The addition of Iura Arata and Miura Shohei's characters was a pleasant surprise and inserted some interesting dynamics in the plot.
    Highly recommended!
    https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/eXoLmCy

  • Kinou Nani Tabeta? Season 2

    2. Kinou Nani Tabeta? Season 2

    Japanese Drama - 2023, 12 episodes

    9.0

    A great continuation of a heart-warming rom-com about a mature gay couple in a long-term relationship, in a realistic, honest and emotionally deep depiction, without the usual fluffy, fan-servicing and exaggerated situations found in most BL mass-production dramas, cleverly seasoned with slice of life elements and delicious food.
    Wholeheartedly recommended!
    https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/BAwjWHE

  • Shinnyushatachi no Bansan

    3. Shinnyushatachi no Bansan

    Japanese Special - 2024, 1 episode

    9.0

    Bakarhythm never fails to deliver unexpected and very entertaining stories.
    Witty and quirky black comedy with brilliant matter-of factly dialogues, a well-matched cast and some clever plot-twists that no one could see coming.
    Highly recommended!
    https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/XDkjVI8

  • Kotaro wa Hitorigurashi

    4. Kotaro wa Hitorigurashi

    Japanese Drama - 2021, 10 episodes

    9.0

    A wholesome found family story, with a wonderful bonding and some bittersweet life lessons.
    Kawahara Eito as Kotaro was the cutest bundle of joy, the brightest ray of sunshine, and a catalyst that led to a significant character growth for all the people around him.
    Highly recommended!
    https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/ZV6zATx

  • A Shop for Killers

    5. A Shop for Killers

    Korean Drama - 2024, 8 episodes

    9.0

    Fast-paced, action-packed and full of tension story of survival, revenge and camaraderie.
    An unusual but very engaging plot with beautifully built suspense -through flashbacks, bits of information and background stories-, amazing action scenes and a great cast made this short drama a pleasant surprise and a bingeable watch.
    P.S. 1 Amazing performance from Kim Hye Joon
    P.S. 2 Lee Dong Wook should do more dark roles than romcoms.
    https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/RoqYviP

  • Drama Special Season 14: Half Lies

    6. Drama Special Season 14: Half Lies

    Korean Special - 2023, 1 episode

    9.0

    A heartwarming family story with two adorable little girls, and some great family and friendship bonding. Highly recommended!
    https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/Eq7yZt3

  • Tell Me That You Love Me

    7. Tell Me That You Love Me

    Korean Drama - 2023, 16 episodes

    9.0

    Delicate, subtle, healing and mellow.
    With soothing silences, poetic words and genuine feelings, this was a slow-paced romance story, as well as a slice-of-life and character study that focused on the value of friendship, communication and second chances.
    Superb acting from Jung Woo Sung, who could convey all his emotions without speaking a single word, and wonderful cinematography that complimented elegantly this down-to-earth and heartwarming melodrama.
    https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/RmyyQsP
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  • Analog Squad

    8. Analog Squad

    Thai Drama - 2023, 8 episodes

    8.5

    An intriguing concept of true love and support among lying, fake family members!
    A bittersweet and very touching story of a found family, with a nuanced nostalgic vibe, engaging characters and many strong, heartfelt moments.
    Beautifully written, filmed and acted, with well-balanced comic and dramatic moments, this little gem is highly recommended for those who love family and found family tales.
    https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/XDO4kT8

  • Doki no Sakura

    9. Doki no Sakura

    Japanese Drama - 2019, 10 episodes

    8.5

    A delicate and considerate depiction of neurodivergent people, their struggles to fit in their working environment, social relationships and friendships while trying to be real to themselves and follow their dreams and aspirations.
    Though sometimes too convenient and simplified, the story does have many life lessons, some great friendship goals and a few very powerful emotional moments.
    https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/EBXkjc3

  • At the Moment

    10. At the Moment

    Taiwanese Drama - 2023, 10 episodes

    8.5

    An interesting omnibus of ten unique love stories and relationships set during the pandemic.
    One different take on love per episode: unrequited, reciprocated, forbidden, mature, suffocating, liberating, new or old, ending or blooming.
    With a great cast and production, watching those ordinary people struggling through life and yearning for love was time well-spent.
    https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/1VddEqTZ
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  • Drama Special Season 14: Love Attack

    11. Drama Special Season 14: Love Attack

    Korean Special - 2023, 1 episode

    8.5

    A wholesome and cute story of a fake dating student romance.
    Predictable, with many classic romance tropes, but so adorable and very entertaining.
    Time well-spent!
    https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/Rme0ncP

  • Drama Special Season 14: TV Cinema - Behind the Shadows

    12. Drama Special Season 14: TV Cinema - Behind the Shadows

    Korean Special - 2023, 1 episode

    8.5

    Three childhood friends balancing between friendship, unrequited love, longing and despair.
    A sad, very emotional story, beautifully acted and filmed.
    https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/p5klgsP

  • Evol

    13. Evol

    Japanese Drama - 2023, 6 episodes

    8.5

    An underrated supernatural action story on the surface, but dark, infuriating, desperately painful and heavily emotional underneath. Watch with caution.
    https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/W0QWAh3

  • Welcome to Samdal-ri

    14. Welcome to Samdal-ri

    Korean Drama - 2023, 16 episodes

    8.5

    With a superb cast, engaging storylines and the undoubtedly breathtaking beauty of Jeju island with its landscapes, people, traditions and fascinating haenyos, this was a smooth, heartwarming and comforting watch.
    In spite of a few over-simplified plot devices and weak character dynamics, this healing slice of life story was engaging, with its strongest elements being the beautiful friendship, camaraderie and family aspects.
    Time well-spent.
    https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/kBOz4TJ

  • Tsukuritai Onna to Tabetai Onna Season 2

    15. Tsukuritai Onna to Tabetai Onna Season 2

    Japanese Drama - 2024, 20 episodes

    8.5

    Happiness is sharing delicious food with the ones you love!
    Soothing and comforting, with a delicate as well as considerate approach to some serious, deep and complicated matters, and a wonderful (even if a bit beautified) depiction of a slow-burn romance and sismance.
    Nishino Emi did a fantastic job depicting the fascinating character of Kasuga, with her reserved persona, her pragmatic thoughts and actions, her warm and compassionate feelings, and her sad backstory.
    A heartwarming and rewarding watch.
    https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/eX34jFy

  • The Story of Park's Marriage Contract

    16. The Story of Park's Marriage Contract

    Korean Drama - 2023, 12 episodes

    8.0

    A historical romcom fusion story with some far-fetched inconsistencies and more cringe and melodrama than necessary, but overall enjoyable thanks to the charming and charismatic main leads, as well as the beautiful scenery, settings and hanboks.
    https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/k8P4YhJ

  • House of Ninjas

    17. House of Ninjas

    Japanese Drama - 2024, 8 episodes

    8.0

    Not as fast-paced and action-packed I thought it would be, but still an entertaining, fun watch.
    The storytelling might had some issues, the music choices might have been much better, the villains might have been fleshed-out with more depth, but the shinobu family members and their bonding, interactions, secrets and fight scenes were enough reasons to make this refreshing, satirical intake of ninjas' code and life in modern era a pleasant watching experience.
    https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/Eq5e3c3

  • Marry My Husband

    18. Marry My Husband

    Korean Drama - 2024, 16 episodes

    8.0

    An intriguing concept of second chances, revenge and making amends.
    Although it had some issues with a few subplots and characters introduced towards the end (e.g. unfortunately it couldn't avoid the trope of a clingy ex), it still was an enjoyable watch, mainly thanks to the scene-stealling antagonists, some interesting supporting characters and their cute romance, as well as the endearing character of Yoo Ji Hyuk, who was by far a rare boyfriend material, and Park Min Young's classy wardrobe.
    https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/W0P7rT3

  • Knight Flower

    19. Knight Flower

    Korean Drama - 2024, 12 episodes

    8.0

    A whimsical, entertaining historical drama, with lots of romance and comedy, some scheming and manipulation (as expected from every sageuk), spiced with some action.
    Fast paced, light and fun, it was an easy -though not to be taken too seriously and rather predictable- watch.
    Lee Ha Nee was a real beauty and delivered her cheeky, witty character in a believable, charismatic way.
    https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/qeQLrCp

  • Drama Special Season 14: Anyone Anywhere

    20. Drama Special Season 14: Anyone Anywhere

    Korean Special - 2023, 1 episode

    8.0

    A piercing social commentary on school bullying in a sad story told from the victims and bystanders perspective. Watch with caution.
    https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/dlz8XcB

  • Drama Special Season 14: Dog Days of Summer

    21. Drama Special Season 14: Dog Days of Summer

    Korean Special - 2023, 1 episode

    8.0

    A sweet coming-of-age story about a transferred school boy who loves basketball and hates heat.
    https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/1RZRnvfK

  • Drama Special Season 14: Overlap Knife, Knife

    22. Drama Special Season 14: Overlap Knife, Knife

    Korean Special - 2023, 1 episode

    8.0

    Dark and sad, with some unexpected twists and a compelling story.
    https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/45aQpwSZ

  • Ossan's Love Returns Telasa Spin Off: Forbidden Gout Temps Nouveau
    8.0
  • KBS Drama Special 2023

    24. KBS Drama Special 2023

    Korean Drama - 2023, 10 episodes

    8.0

    There were some really good episodes/stories in this season.

  • Unicorn ni Notte

    25. Unicorn ni Notte

    Japanese Drama - 2022, 10 episodes

    7.5

    A business drama spiced with friendship, character development and some hints of romance.
    Though it had some heartwarming and inspiring moments, it felt bland and predictable, with some unrealistic, too convenient and bubbly situations.
    Not bad, but not to be taken too seriously.
    Worth watching for its three charming and talented main leads.
    https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/20ZL4CA

  • LTNS

    26. LTNS

    Korean Drama - 2024, 6 episodes

    7.5

    The provocative premise of a realistic depiction of married couples' everyday struggles, love and sex life, as well as the study of emotional and physical infidelity, fizzled out towards the end, but what kept me invested were the brilliant, bold and brave performances from the main couple, Esom and Ahn Jae Hong, who were very convincing in their demanding, surreal roles.
    https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/k8e5ncJ

  • Drama Special Season 14: Shoot For Love

    27. Drama Special Season 14: Shoot For Love

    Korean Special - 2023, 1 episode

    7.5

    A heartwarming and healing story about sports, second chances and sismance bonding.
    https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/4PoPWiA

  • Drama Special Season 14: The True Love of Madam

    28. Drama Special Season 14: The True Love of Madam

    Korean Special - 2023, 1 episode

    7.5

    A simple yet funny story of marital miscommunication and misunderstanding in Joseon era.
    https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/Rm0wOTP

  • Drama Special Season 14: TV Cinema - Joseon Chefs

    29. Drama Special Season 14: TV Cinema - Joseon Chefs

    Korean Special - 2023, 1 episode

    7.5

    Based on true historical events, this is a funny and lighthearted depiction of scholar Kim Yu's coming-of-age journey that led him to write 'Suunjapbang', a cookbook and a national Korean treasure recording the food of early Joseon period.
    https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/10B9PQTb

  • Wonderful World

    30. Wonderful World

    Korean Drama - 2024, 14 episodes

    7.5

    An emotional and healing journey of two wounded, mourning people to find truth and justice, through revenge, anger, repentance, forgiveness, and many obstacles on their way.
    Kim Nam Joo gave a splendid performance as a mother who tragically lost her precious child, while Cha Eun Woo showed a real effort to improve his acting skills - and that he is maturing to a very handsome and attractive man.
    https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/BJYgmhE

  • The Best Ending

    31. The Best Ending

    Korean Drama - 2019, 8 episodes

    7.0

    A bingeable short romcom with a cute couple.
    Nothing extraordinary, but good for a leisure weekend watch.

  • Live Your Own Life

    32. Live Your Own Life

    Korean Drama - 2023, 51 episodes

    7.0

    With too many frustrating characters and substories (especially that one towards the end), this family weekend drama had a lot of potential in the beginning that the writer couldn't fully develop and utilise. Most of the actors did a good job, but eventually this wasn't enough to make this drama a memorable watching experience.

  • Eye Love You

    33. Eye Love You

    Japanese Drama - 2024, 10 episodes

    7.0

    In spite of the weak writing, using every japanese and korean trope available, and the annoyingly childish and poorly acted FL character, this was an easy cute and fluffy watch, mainly due to the scene-stealing MVP Chae Jong Hyeop and his charming character.
    https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/qe47rtp

  • Drama Special Season 14: No Path Back

    34. Drama Special Season 14: No Path Back

    Korean Special - 2023, 1 episode

    6.5

    A frustrating, sad story where everything that could have gone wrong went wrong.

  • Young Marshal's Cold Wife

    35. Young Marshal's Cold Wife

    Chinese Drama - 2023, 107 episodes

    5.5

    Low budget, low quality, low logic in a story full of frustration, toxicity and nonsense.

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