r/KDRAMA 2022 Drama Challenge

Challenge 1: Heirs Cast (Kang Ha Neul)

Completed 2022.08.21

C#27 Shared umbrella

Challenge 2: A drama as it airs

Completed 2022.05.01

What started off as an action-packed revenge story devolved into draggy mess padded out by long overdrawn comedy scenes. The revenge and characters did not get smarter or craftier, leading to a need for much suspension of belief.

Overall a 6.5 for fun action, rocking OST, good cast chemistry, but subpar writing.

Challenge 3: A drama that won an award in the r/KDRAMA awards

2018 Best Drama - Short Form

Completed 2022.04.13

Gorgeous sageuk that depicted a tragic love story with finesse and restraint.  While the setting is obviously on sets and some of the CGI of background was a tad distracting, the attention to detail in wardrobe and their function in storytelling was lovely. 

Overall a 9/10 for a short but impactful, lovely drama.

Possible challenges: 10. Short form drama | 13. Modern history sageuk (Japanese occupation) | 30. Female director Park Soo Jin (Dr. Romantic; While You Were Sleeping; Why Her)

Challenge 4: Rom-com genre

Completed 2022.06.11

Visually Loved the cinematography of the drama which always added to the story and made the drama fun to watch.

Acting ML's acting is a whole experience with his myriad of reactions. Entire cast was strong and one of the secondary female leads has some of the cutest aegyo I've seen.

Story An amazing blend of funny, romantic, and heartfelt. I loved the progression of the story for all the characters. The sneak peek into the behind the scenes aspects of the entertainment industry was nicely done.

Overall a 9.5/10 -- funny rom-com that weaves together some truly heartfelt story arcs set against the backdrop of the Korean entertainment industry. The drama excelled on creating an extended cast of memorable and lovable characters. Incorporation of PPL was top notch.

Challenge 5. A drama with a main character under 25

Completed 2022.01.02

Visually Very gorgeous drama and definitely much better than other web dramas I've seen.

Acting Decent enough acting from the entire cast that no one really stood out nor flailed. Rookie actor Kim Song (김송) who played the little hooligan looks like a younger Yoo Ah In in certain shots.

Story A lot more makjang than I would have expected. The source material is a webtoon so I suspect the source material had more time to flesh out the story and characters whereas the short drama seemed to happen at breakneck speed. It's not bad but just felt a bit too choppy in pacing. All things considered, the story is pretty complete and the callback at the end to the beginning was sweet.

Overall a 7/10 -- solid makjang-ish high school drama (low on the romance, high on friendship)

Challenge 6: A drama featured in a meme/screencap post on r/KDRAMA

Meme

Completed 2022.02.12

Visually Nicely done visuals that really do convey a sense of youth despite the limited number of settings.

OST Really nice OST, not something super ear worm - ish but puts you in a feel good mood.

Acting Serviceable. Mostly awkward but since the story is about awkward teen years and first loves, the slightly robotic acting is tolerable.

Story Solid first love/teen angst story with interesting characters. The weakest part is actually the opening and initial character set up premise (a bit ludicrous) for the ML but once the drama moves past that part and gets to the developing friendships and love bits, it's quite solid to excellent.

Overall a 7/10 for a cute first love story that lacks in acting craft but makes up for it with heart and youth. 

Challenge 7: An adaptation

Completed 2022.05.02

A thriller without any thrills but an abundance of stupidity. All the characters incessantly make a series of bad and stupid choices while armed with unlimited amount of plot armor. 

Overall a 2/10 because its killer ending credit song deserves 2 stars.

Challenge 8: A drama set in the season you were born (Winter)

This drama is actually set in all four seasons!

Rewatch Completed 2022.01.19

Visually This drama amazingly captures the beauty of Jirisan in all four seasons. We see the blooms in spring, the water in summer, the leaves in autumn, and the snow in winter. Parts of the drama are filmed on set or completed with CGI, which might be slightly distracting depending on your tolerance for CGI effects -- I found them easily digestible and by far not the worst I have seen.

Acting Amazing acting from a very extended cast. The only "regret" so to speak is that the true star of the series is Jirisan itself so all the humans are supporting characters.

Story I view the story of the drama in 3 main layers -- the first is the murder mystery that is introduced in Ep. 1, the second is a story about modernization/tourism development and nature preservation that is covered mainly in the second half of the drama, and the third and most important layer is that of the relationship between people and the mountains. To me, the drama ultimately is not about the mystery of the deaths taking place in the mountain, it is about how different people have very different relationships to the mountain (some love it, some hate it, some love-hate it, some fear it, some find solace in it, etc.). It is a story I loved dearly and felt to the depths of my heart. 

Overall a 10/10 because I absolutely loved the drama for its depiction of the mountain and people’s relationship to it. In times of enjoyment, in times of natural disaster, in times of peaceful existence, in times of danger, in times past, and in times present.

Challenge 9: A drama featured on the r/KDRAMA or r/kdramarecommends banner

KDR Banner

Completed 2022.07.21

Challenge 10: Short Form Drama

Completed 2022.04.30

Run of the mill basic zombie apocalypse survival drama that fails to capitalize on the potential of its gwibul and archaeology premise.  Solid production values (minus some of the CGI) and good acting but a story that feels boring and overdone.

Overall a 7/10 for a decent drama but nothing new or amazing.

Challenge 11: A drama that came out the year you joined the r/KDRAMA community (2017)

Completed 2022.02.19

Visually Nothing outstanding and the special effects for the fires were a bit distracting at times.

Acting So, so good. Stellar cast, especially for a short drama.

Story Very solid mini-thriller. The twists are fairly expected but even so, the story is interesting and the acting elevates the story to be fairly captivating.  The pacing can be a bit tighter but overall the drag is not too obvious.

Overall a 8/10 for a solid drama with excellent cast that brings the story alive.

Challenge 12: Sageuk set before 1910

Completed 2022.12.08

First Korean docudrama that portrays the Imjin Wars and the conditions that led up to it in Korea, Japan, and China (Ming Dynasty).

The story was gripping and the incorporation of real historical artifacts in the epilogue was informational and honestly a bit awe inducing given the passage of time.

Acting was amazing, especially for key characters.

While the drama really like reusing scenes (due to budget limits I'm assuming), it honestly did not diminish how engrossed I was with the drama at all. Overall, a very informative, educational, and engrossing watch.

Challenge 13: Modern history sageuk (Post 1910)

Setting: 1950s, Syngman Rhee

Completed 2022.01.16

Visually Nothing outstanding, fits solidly within the style of 2013. Did really take advantage of gorgeous fall scenes with the autumn leaves and the roads paved with gingko leaves.

Acting Moon So Ri fantastically captured her character's sense of always repressing herself after having the best years of her youth robbed from her by the tragedy of war. Seo Kang Joon (who debuted in 2013, the year of this special) did well as a rookie. Having watched his more mature works from recent years, coming back to watch one of his earliest works, it's interesting to see how the sensitivity he brings to his later characters is already present here. Lee Se Young also showed off her charm though here, her performance is less layered than her more recent performances. But this drama special, as many other drama specials have done, really gave young actors and actresses a chance to shine in a short drama format.

Story Set in the aftermath of the Korean War, this drama succinctly captures the pain and turmoil of those years and the effect on people.  A truly tragic romance story that is more about the loss of youth and dreams rather than love itself, this story is a reminder that love is a privilege of peaceful times and a curse in turbulent times.

Overall a 9/10  for a succinct story that explores the "right to love" in the context of traumatic times following a war.  

Challenge 14: Found Family

Completed 2022.09.07

Challenge 15: Character that is a part of the LGBTQ+ community

Completed 2022.05.20

Great cast and interesting premise -- unfortunately the actual story relied too heavily on the stupidity of characters and the premise (using shopping habits to identify the killer) was only superficially used.

The LGBTQ+ story arc is one of the stronger story arcs in the drama though.

Overall a 6.5/10 for a good showcase of acting, some emotional scenes, and bits of comedy. However the overall show, especially the thriller/mystery aspect of it is dragged down by stupidity.

Challenge 16: Kpop Idol Pre-2010 Debut: Yuri (SNSD, 2007)

Completed 2022.09.29

Lower budget rom-com that never takes itself or the tropes it uses too seriously and delivers on fun, entertainment, hijinks, romantic chemistry and overall cast synergy. Absolute love!

Challenge 17: A drama with a supernatural main character

Completed 2022.02.22

Visually Fun comedic feel to the entire drama. The CGI is a bit campy at times but fun overall.

Acting Awesome comedic and emotional acting from the entire cast.

Story A fun balance between hospital politics, patient stories, and a heartwarming story of doctors coming into their own. However the highlight without doubt is the bromance between the two MLs.

Overall a 8/10 for a fun bromance story that is heartwarming at times and hilarious at others. It's not perfect but is a fun experience.

Possible challenges: 2. A drama as it airs | 16. A drama starring a Kpop girl/boy group member that debuted before 2010 (UEE, After School) | 27. Trope: Hair grab fight, drinking with potential father-in-law

Challenge 18: Inspired by Review

Birthcare Center: A Realistic, Moving Portrayal of New Motherhood. by u/Longjumping-River-42

Completed 2022.09.18

Challenge 19: Lifestyle (Cha Hyeon Watching Daily Dramas Is ME!)

Completed 2022.08.10 (Rewatch)

Challenge 20: A drama set in multiple timelines

Completed 2022.04.23

A tense thriller that viscerally captures how traumatic school violence can be.

Overall a 9.5/10 for a compelling, emotional, plea showing the world why school violence is destructive and how everyone needs to take a stand against it.

Challenge 21: Baeksang Nomination

54th Baeksang Awards: Best Screenplay; Best Actress - Kim Nam Joo (Won)

Completed 2022.07.06

C#8 Winter

Challenge 22: Main character over 40

Completed 2022.04.23

Emotional melodrama with engaging characters and stories. 

Overall a 9.5/10 for a 'perfect' melodrama (with a hint of makjang) in my opinion.

Possible challenges: 1. The Heirs cast (Kim Sung Ryung)

Challenge 23: Sandwich PPL (Subway)

Completed 2022.04.12

Visually Soft-colored, pastel tone palette with a soothing cinematography that does not feel faded out but yet feels mellow and calm.

Acting Solid acting from the entire cast. Notably, this drama has a lot of voiceovers where the characters express their thoughts and emotions -- which is a challenge to do well and can fall flat easily but here in this drama, I thought the voiceovers were very well-done.

Story The story and message it conveys is probably the biggest make or break factor of this drama because it's not a story/message for everyone nor every age group. I can easily imagine my teen/early 20s self hating this drama and finding it insufferable for the way the characters agonize about their choices and the way they give up on certain things. But where I am now, I loved the story and understood the agonizing and their eventual choices.  To summarize, the story is not a heart-fluttering romance nor a tragic romantic melodrama -- rather it is a story of facing one's youthful past, current life, and future dreams with forgiveness, steely resolve, passion, but also a sense of stoicism.

OST Loved the melancholy and soft OST and BGM throughout the drama. Not necessarily something I'd listen to outside the drama but fit the drama very well.

Overall a 8/10 for a contemplative, mellow melodrama that focuses on self-growth.

Challenge 24: A drama where one of the lead actor contributed an OST to the drama

All four leads contributed to the OST

Completed 2022.03.30

Fun sismance with lots of alcohol and food porn. Solid drama that may hit closer for some viewers more than others. Has an impactful LGBTQ+ story arc that was one of the drama's strongest arcs. 

Overall a 7.5/10 for a good drama with a very likable leading trio.

Possibles Challenges: 15:  A drama with a character that is a part of the LGBTQ+ community

Challenge: 25 Drama podcast

Play On K Podcast

Completed 2022.05.15

Challenge 26: A drama you dropped but decided to give another chance.

Reason for 2nd Chance: Final drama for Weekly Binge.

Completed 2022.03.20

Draggy, predictable affair held up by Jun Ji Hyun's personal charm. Characters were not likable. Shin Sung Rok aces it as the villain with perfect hair. In short, without the Weekly Binge, would not have completed it. 

Overall a 6/10 for Jun Ji Hyun's acting. Everything else is pretty much all hate.

Challenge 27: Wheel of Tropes: Hair Grabbing Fight

Completed 2022.03.27

What started off as a cute, friendly, family weekend drama turned into a makjang hellfire where the two leads were relegated to supporting roles that had little agency and spent most of their time reacting to the action of others.

Additionally, FL's father is one of the most abusive characters wearing sheep's clothing.

The kids are cute, but they do not redeem this drama. AVOID. 

Overall a 2.5/10 for being a makjang hellfire.

Possible challenges: 16 - Pre-2010 kpop group debut: Park Ha Na (Funny, 2003) | 22 - character over 40 | 27 - trope: hair grabbing fight |35 - long form

Challenge 28: A drama based on a myth, fable, fairy tale, or other folklore.

Completed 2022.03.16

Visually In terms of cinematography, there's nothing to rave about and not much to complain about. The CGI is a bit laughable at times but tolerable. The kitschy costuming is a bit distracting though.

Acting The entire cast was committed, especially the side characters to their brand of over the top comedy that is often slapstick. However everything feels a bit plain.

Story The lore and basic story is interesting enough, however the meandering side plots feel unnecessary and the overall pace of the story is draggy. The drama also relies on a lot of outside knowledge for its references so without knowing the references, the drama will likely feel extra dry.

Overall a 6.5/10 for an interesting premise/story and decent acting but poor execution that feels too draggy.

Challenge 29: Fictional Country (Unified Korea)

Completed 2022.06.26

Underwhelming thriller with subpar sound mixing.

Challenge 30: A drama directed by a female

PD Jang Ji Yeon

Completed 2022.01.08

Visually This drama wonderfully captured the feeling of a roadtrip with gorgeous shots of destinations (beaches, camping location in the forest) and the journey.

Acting The mother-daughter pair had interesting chemistry and it is interesting to see Nam Ji Hyun in these type of adult roles now. The supporting cast was strong too.

Story This is where the drama faltered for me a bit because I think it was trying to do too much in too little time. In theory I like the idea of a drama exploring mother-daughter relations framed within the changes and challenges to modern Korean society. In reality, the treatment of these issues in the drama special a bit too trite when the story used plot points that would befit any makjang daily drama. The result is that the message seemed to be placed on a neon sign board instead of really lived/experienced. For a drama about a topic that should be heartfelt, this drama felt very much devoid of heartfelt sincerity for me. 

Overall a 7/10 because it's a low time investment drama that showcases some gorgeous shots with a decent story that may not be groundbreaking but is at least very complete.

Challenge 31: A drama featuring an umbrella on one of the promotional posters

Umbrella Poster

Completed 2022.03.13

Visually This drama has a dark gritty feel that feels suppressive at times, in keeping with the story. Gorgeously shot that makes its world feel real and alive. Beautiful drama despite the dark subject matter.

Acting The acting in this drama is an absolute beast for every single character that shows up on screen. The leads are fantastic but spotlight really needs to be given to all the actors that portrayed the serial killers because they really nailed it and will make you feel hate and disgust down to the pit of your stomach.

OST The soundtrack of this drama, especially the song used in ending credits really adds to the drama.

Story The story is captivating. It's not a whodunnit focused story because as viewers we are shown the serial killers from each story arcs get go, rather the focus is on the process to capturing these criminals. The highlights were interrogation scenes. Additional aspect I loved were the epilogues at the end of most episodes, these were lighter in content and very heartwarming. They helped alleviate the heaviness of the episodes proper.

Overall a 9.5/10, which is the highest I'll give for first watch dramas. For me, it's pretty much a perfect drama and definitely an outstanding showing in its genre.

Challenge 32: A drama with less than 500 watchers on MDL

As of completion date: 109 Completed Watchers (# of Watchers: 253)

Completed 2022.01.09

Visually This drama special hits all the right notes for a horror story, primarily using lighting and perspective to create a spooky atmosphere. The amount and quality of CGI utilized was solid and nothing looked so fake as to take the viewer out of the viewing experience.

Acting The weakest link for this drama was the acting which (mostly) alternated between wooden or over the top for the three MLs. The FLs fared much better as did the rest of the supporting cast. Luckily, due to the genre and the nature of the story, the weak acting was still serviceable enough.

Story The story was enjoyable though the twists were a bit cliche. I thought the story did well in terms of world building its supernatural elements even if parts of that process was a bit stilted and on the nose but we did get answers/rules so that was nice. I think the ending is perhaps the actual element that elevates the story because it gives space to imagination for what has happened and what might happen so I enjoyed it.

Overall a 7.5 for being straightforward and executing enough horror elements to evoke the classic Korean films in the high school horror genre.

Challenge 33: Drama Released Before 2010 (2007)

Completed 2022.11.10

Challenge 34: A makjang genre drama

Completed 2022.04.10

Complete makjang trash of a drama that can serve as a textbook of how not to do a drama. It fails in nearly every aspect of a drama (writing, directing, acting) and while it had a decent OST & BGM, this was not used masterfully.

If you ever need to "see" how bad dramas can be, this is a good one to watch to identify failing aspects.

Overall a 1/10 because it is that bad.

Challenge 35: Long Form Drama

Completed 2022.10.10

Challenge 36: Korean Movie

Completed 2022.09.27