✅ COMPLETED DRAMAS/MOVIES IN 2020

12-26-20 to 12-31-20 (6 days)

Original title: 陈情令 (Chén qíng lìng) = Order of the Chén qíng (Chén qíng is Wei Wu Xian's flute name; Chén qíng = to give a full account)

Story:  Wei Wu Xian and Lan Wang Ji, two talented disciples of respectable clans, meet during a cultivation training and accidentally discover a secret carefully hidden for many years. 

What stands out:  (+) directing; (+) martial arts/fighting scenes; (+) acting Sean Xiao as Wei Wu Xian; (+) eye candies; (+) bromance; (+) friendship; (+) cinematography; (+) makeup; (+) costume; (+) OST; (-) draggy

Actors and actresses to follow: Sean Xiao (ML), Wang Yi Bo (ML), Vardy Wang (Xue Yang Support - villain), Zoey Meng (Wen Qing Support - classmate)

Couples: 

OST: full https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MckkUAZHoJA

Note: recap https://cnewsdevotee.wordpress.com/2019/07/08/recap-the-untamed-%E9%99%88%E6%83%85%E4%BB%A4-ep-1-2/

12-30-20 to 12-30-20 (1 day)

Original title: 신과함께-인과 연 (singwahamkke-ingwa yeon) = Together with God-Cause and Yeon

Story: Hae Won Maek, Gang Rim, and Duk Choon are about to take part in Soo Hong’s trial. However, to secure a trial, they are tasked with bringing the soul of an old man who is protected by House God within 49 days.  

What stands out:  (+) life lessons; (+) better story as tells the backgrounds of the 3 protectors; (+) dialogue; (+) acting matching the CGI; (+) costume; (+) amazing CGI; (+) S2 the flashback Goryeo dynasty and prehistoric dinosaurs;

Actors and actresses to follow: Ha Jung Woo (ML), Joo Ji Hoon (ML), Kim Hyang Gi  (FL)

Couples: N/A

OST:    instrumental https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjfhUiES9Ok

Note:

12-29-20 to 12-29-20 (1 day)

Original title: 신과함께-죄와 벌 (singwahamkke-joewa beol) = With God - Sin and Punishment

Story:  After a heroic death, Kim Ja Hong navigates the afterlife with the help of three guardians Kang Rim, Hae Won Maek, and Deok Choon. All deceased must meet the gods of hell and face trials of murder, indolence, deceit, injustice, betrayal, violence, and filial impiety over a period of 49 days.  

What stands out:  (+) life lessons; (+) dialogue; (+) acting matching the CGI; (+) costume; (+) amazing CGI

Actors and actresses to follow: Ha Jung Woo (ML), Joo Ji Hoon (ML), Kim Hyang Gi  (FL)

Couples: N/A

OST:  instrumental https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjfhUiES9Ok

Note:

12-28-20 to 12-28-20 (1 day)

Original title: 기생충 (paereosaiteu) = Parasite

Story:  Kim Gi Woo who lives with his poor family gets a chance to tutor a daughter from  a rich family. He uses the familys naiveness as a chance to employ his other family members. 

What stands out:  (+) dark humor; (+) acting; (+) cinematography

Actors and actresses to follow: Choi  Woo Shik (ML), Park So Dam (FL)

Couples: Kim Gi Wu ♡ Park Da Hye (ML's student) - not until the end

OST:  full https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttKyPsVeBxs&list=PLfzW_wEeYxk77oftmx-rKnJJZaxNF466v

Note:

12-24-20 to 12-25-20 (2 days)

Original title: 그 겨울, 바람이 분다 (geu gyeoul, balam-i bunda) = That Winter, The Wind Blows

Story:  Oh Seo, a notorious gambler, has the same name of the deceased Oh Seo, the heir of PL Group. Seo uses this opportunity to con the last remaining heir of the PL Group, Oh Young, to pay his debt. However, Seo starts falling in love with the blind Oh Young while pretending to be her deceased brother who was separated from her after their parents' divorce. 

What stands out:  (+) directing; (+) dialogue; (+) Song Hye Kyo's acting as a blind person; (+) chemistry; (+) bromance ML-Jin Sung; (+) costume/makeup; (-) plot holes

Actors and actresses to follow: Jo In Sung (ML), Song Hye Kyo (FL), Kim Bum (ML)

Couples: Oh Seo ♡ Oh Young; Jin Sung (ML's friend) ♡ Hee Sung (ML's ex's sister)

OST: full https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tsT2U_FlPAM

Note:

https://www.dramabeans.com/2013/02/that-winter-the-wind-blows-episode-1/

12-22-20 to 12-23-20 (2 days)

Original title: 倾世锦鳞谷雨来 (Qīng shìjǐn lín gǔyǔ lái) = Rain in Jin Lin Valley

Story:  In order to save human lives, Ning Xiu Rui, a dragon prince, takes on the task of ending the drought and falls in love with a woman whom goes missing with his inverted dragon scale. 500 years later just when Ning Xiu Rui was at the verge of giving up, he suddenly senses his inverted dragon scale. At the same time, a woman named Su Yin Yin who looks just like the swindler who fooled him appears once more. 

What stands out: (+) chemistry; (+) second couple; (-) low budget; (-) CGI

Actors and actresses to follow:  Camille Hua (FL), Wang Run Ze (ML)

Couples:  Ning Xiu Rui ♡ Su Yin Yin; Li Ji (crown prince)  ♡ Tang Lin Lin (FL's friend)

OST: full https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-f0DCd_d78

Note: recap https://ninenovel.net/2020/11/29/eternal-love-rain-%E5%80%BE%E4%B8%96%E9%94%A6%E9%B3%9E%E8%B0%B7%E9%9B%A8%E6%9D%A5-episode-1-recap/

12-21-20 to 12-22-20 (2 days)

Original title: 구미호뎐 (gumihodyeon) = Gumiho

Story:  The mythical nine-tailed fox Lee Yeon had to settle as a human in the city many centuries ago, his real aim is to find the reincarnation of his lost first love. 

What stands out: (+) dialogue; (+) chemistry; (+) cinematography; (+) Korean folklore; (+) costume; (-) sad ending for Lee Rang but he is reincarnated; (-) plot holes

Actors and actresses to follow: Lee Dong Wook (ML), Jo Bo Ah (FL), Kim Bum (SML)

Couples: Lee Yeon ♡ Nam Ji Ah; Gu Shin Joo (ML's friend) ♡ Ki Yoo Ri (SML's assistant); Pyo Jae Hwan (FL's colleague) ♡ Kim Sae Rom (FL's colleague) ; Team Leader Choi (FL's boss) ♡ Bok Hye Ja (restaurant owner)

OST: full https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqUahL9S7Aw

recap https://www.dramabeans.com/2020/10/tale-of-the-nine-tailed-episode-1/

Note: I think Lee Yeon is not reincarnated as a human as seen in the last seen. Teaser for Season 2 (different villain)?

12-20-20 to 12-20-20 (1 day)

Original title: 僕らは恋がヘタすぎる (Bokura wa koi ga heta sugiru) =We are too crazy about love

Story:  When Fujiwara Hana gets dumped by her boyfriend, Hana and Katayama Mizuki  who have been best friends for a while, take a trip together and meet two guys – Narita Yosuke and Ichinose Ayumu. 

What stands out: (+) character growth; (-) weak FL

Actors and actresses to follow: Kawashima Umika (FL), Shirasu Jin (ML)

Couples: Narita Yosuke ♡ Fujiwara Hana; Ichinose Ayumu ♡ Katayama Mizuki

OST:  阿部真央/Mao Abe "Be My Love"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSGDmlXzhB4 

12-17-20 to 12-19-20 (3 days)

Original title: 호구의 사랑 (hoguui salang) = Ho Goo's Love

Story:  Ho Goo, who has never dated in his life, runs into his first crush Do Hee who is a member of the national swimming team. After Ho Goo meets Do Hee again, he becomes involved in a complicated romance and a dangerous friendship 

What stands out: (+) unique topic; (+) reverse couple trope (weak/warm ML - strong/cold FL); (+) directing; (+) ML's family; (+) funny metaphor (ex SML-SFL dating metaphor ping pong match); (+) funny misunderstanding/cross talk of ML and SML; (+) cute ML; (+) baby; (+) reverse role Ep 15 - crossing light, etc; (-) costume

Actors and actresses to follow: Uee (FL), Choi  Woo Shik (ML)

Couples: Kang Ho Goo ♡ Do Hee; Byun Kang Cheol ♡ Kang Ho Gyeong; Shin Chung Jae (ML's friend) ♡ In Gong Mi (SFL's friend/SML's secretary)

OST: full https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtEINgbJVeYuXeQl9HOqQSK5lSQy8fVNe

recap https://www.dramabeans.com/2015/02/ho-gus-love-episode-1/

12-15-20 to 12-17-20 (3 days)

Original title: นักเรียนพลังกิฟต์ 2 (Nạk reīyn phlạng kift̒ 2) = Student Power Gift 2

Story: Two years have passed and the new school year begins again. With it comes the resurrection of the Gifted program,  and a hidden threat from the Ministry led by Darin, a new teacher.  

What stands out: (+) so many plot twists; (+) friendship test; (+) friendship/bromance; (+) some actors acting improment than S1 (Nanon, Gun, Chimon, Fiat) and Prim (+) creepy BGM; (-) PPL

Actors and actresses to follow: Nanon Korapat Kirdpan (ML), Chimon Wachirawit Ruangwiwat (ML), Gun Atthaphan Phunsawat (ML), Sing Harit Cheewagaroon (ML), Lee Thanat Lowkhunsombat (Young Director)

Couples: Punn  ♡  Claire (from S1)

OST: 

- Chart Suchart "Mai Mee Kum Sun Yah" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4HLU98u1EI

- Q Suveera Boonrod "Lood Pon" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gL1GjyGIASI

Note:

12-13-20 to 12-13-20 (1 day)

Original title: マリーミー！(Marimi!) = Marry Me!

Story:  The story follows 28-year-old civil servant Akiyasu Shin as he's chosen to take part in a new government program under the so-called "NEET protection law". Problem is, his chosen partner, Sawamoto Himari, was signed up without her knowledge! 

What stands out: (+) fast paced

Actors and actresses to follow: Seto Toshiki (ML), Kumada Rinka (FL)

Couples: Akiyasu Shin ♡ Sawamoto Himari; Akiyasu Sho (ML's brother) ♡ Hayashi Momoka (classmate); 

OST: Rude-α "Marimi" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kSEHtstWmFA

12-12-20 to 12-13-20 (2 days)

Original title: 破茧 (Pò jiǎn) = Break the Cocoon 

Story: The police are investigating a case that involves a death directly caused by a rare inscent and Tan Jingtian, an Insect toxicology graduate, becomes involved in the bizarre investigation and collaborates with forensic doctor Jin Ling. 

What stands out: (+) mystery; (+) single cases; (+) scientific explanation; (+) Gala Zhang/ML acting: full emotion; (+) bromance ML-SML and the policemen are better than romance; (+) cinematography; (-) drag in the main case; (-) repetitive flashbacks; (-) ending (ML never knows SML kills his mom, the police don't want to let him know); (-) chemistry; (-) Actress Chu Yue/FL acting: bland, unemotional (non cold FL)

Actors and actresses to follow: Gala Zhang (ML)

Couples: Tan Jing Tian ♡ Jin Ling

OST: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSK4L_g9lIA&list=RDuSK4L_g9lIA&start_radio=1&t=33

Finished 12/12/20. Watched as currently airing/subbed. 

Original title: ルパンの娘2 (Rupan no musume 2) = Daughter of Lupin 2

Story: Hana and her family of master thieves hides from the world by pretending to be dead. Hana and Kazuma are married unofficially, but, Kazuma still has to lie to people that he is single. 

What stands out: (+) fast paced; (+) delivery with orchestraic singing Enjoji; (+) theft cases; (+) action; (+) FL's family; (+) interesting fairy tale musical/Enjoji; (+) continuation to movie and S3

Actors and actresses to follow: Fukada Kyoko (FL), Seto Koji (ML), Kurihara Louis (FL's bro), Onuki Yusuke (FL's friend)

Couples:  Kazuma ♡ Hana

OST: Theme Song Sakanaction "Moth" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=123BD9U5FIk

upcoming movie https://mydramalist.com/682629-lupin-s-daughter-the-movie

Note:

teasers for next?

• Hana is a stolen child, not their real child
• Natasha (the thief disguised as a nun) is the other L family? Rei or Akira? According to Hojo's investigation she's Hojo's family enemy
• Dad asked Wataru to create a special gadget

12-12-20 to 12-12-20 (1 day)

Original title: 赤狐书生 (Chì hú shūshēng) = Red Fox Scholar

Story: To achieve immortality, fox spirit Bai Shisan disguises as a young man and travels to the human world where he befriends the innocent scholar Wang Zijin whom he later realizes is the key to his transcendence.  

What stands out: (+) bromance; (+) cinematography; (+) CGI

Actors and actresses to follow: Chen Li Nong (ML), Li Xian (ML), Hankiz Omar (Support - ML1 love interest)

Couples: N/A

OST: ???

12-11-20 to 12-12-20 (2 days)

Original title: 순정에 반하다 (sunjeong-e banhada) = Fall in love with purity

Story: Min Ho, a cold-blooded investment banker, has a heart attack but miraculously survives after undergoing a heart transplant. He is no longer the cold and callous person he once wasand falls in love with Kim Soon Jung.

What stands out: (+) ML's character growth; (+) chemistry; (+) bromance ML-assistant; (+) 'dad-son relationship (ML and Papa Ma); (+) ML's assistant; (+) when ML got a mental breakdown; (-) ML's hair; (-) business politics

Actors and actresses to follow: Jung Kyung Ho (ML), Yoon Hyun Min (SML)

Couples: Min Ho ♡ Kim Soon Jung; Oh Woo Shik (ML's assistant) ♡ Na Ok Hyun (FL's friend)

OST: full https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=97nJ0pw6TMk

Note: recap https://www.dramabeans.com/2015/04/falling-for-innocence-episode-1/

12-9-20 to 12-10-20 (2 days)

Original title: 超时空恋人 (Chāo shíkōng liànrén) = Super Lovers

Story: Li Chunxi, a third-rate romance writer, experiences a car accident and entered her script world, where two men try to win her heart

What stands out: (+) not draggy; (+) mystery plot; (+) unique characterisation of  ML and FL; (+) chemistry; (-) open ending

Actors and actresses to follow: N/A

Couples:Lu Li ♡ Qian Zhen Zhen; Ouyang Chen ♡ Li Chun Xi (ML's business partner/novelist); Yu Xiu (Chief Section) ♡ Wei Si Qi (romance dept head);

OST: "He Who Loves Me Super" by Xu Zi Yin https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4cH2l6IfXw

Quote: Lu Li to Zhen Zhen: "I'll do what I should do. There isn't anyone who's fated to complete this mission. No one is unworthy of being involved in this right from the start. No one is born as the main lead or the supporting character. No one destiny is predetermined either.

12-8-20 to 12-8-20 (1 day)

Original title: 언택트 (eontaegteu) = Untact

Story: Sung Hyun went to study abroad and then returned to Korea, but spent a 14-day period of self-isolation. His girlfriend Soo Jin misses him, but is forced to communicate without contact. 

What stands out:  (+) fast paced; (+) vlog; (+) gadget

Actors and actresses to follow: Kim Go Eun (FL), Kim Joo Heon (ML)

Couples:  Sung Hyun ♡ Soo Jin

OST: "You to me, me to you" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idlUvuuUw_o

12-8-20 to 12-8-20 (1 day)

Original title: 假如没有遇见你 (Jiǎrú méiyǒu yùjiàn nǐ) =  If I didn't meet you

Story: Lai Min, who has hereditary family disease, draws up a wishlist of places throughout China that she would like to visit. Ding Yi Zhou decides to help fulfill Lai Min's wish and together they embark on a trip across China. 

What stands out: (+) fast paced; (+) based on true story; (+) acting; (+) side stories: people they met along the way;  (+) cinematography; (+) landscape; (+) makeup/costume; (-) not really tells about the location.

Actors and actresses to follow: N/A

Couples: Ding Yi Zhou ♡ Lai Min

OST: ???

Note: review AvenueX https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cjPfawaWZ94

12-6-20 to 12-7-20 (2 days)

Original title: 将军家的小娘子 (Jiāngjūn jiā de xiǎo niángzǐ) = The General's Little Lady

Story: After the emperor decrees an arranged marriage, Shen Jin is married off to General Chu Xiu Ming who defends the borders. 

What stands out: (+) fighting/action scenes; (+) chemistry; (+) sismance FL-cutie pie; (+) FL's dad; (+) side couples; (+) cinematography; (+) costume; (-) draggy

Actors and actresses to follow: Caesar Wu (ML), Tang Min (FL), Cao Jun Xiang (support - ML's bro), Liu Yin Jun (support - imperial commander)

Couples: Chu Xiu Ming ♡ Shen Jin; Xiao Su (commander) ♡ Rou Rou/Cutie Pie (FL's maid); Chu Xiu Yuan (ML's liutenant) ♡ Ruo Nan (FL's friend); Yuan'er (ML's servant) ♡ Princess Maya; Su Chen (imperial guard) ♡ Ninth Princess; Bao Zi Tou (ML's captain) ♡ Xiao Cong/little onion (maid);

OST: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7o8GBVP1Z1I

12-4-20 to 12-5-20 (2 days)

Original title: 小大夫 (Xiǎo dàfū) = Little Doctor

Story: Guo Jing is an unassuming but studious doctor who falls for the prettiest and brightest young doctor, Huang Rong. As the two support each other in their journies of self-fulfillment, they’re faced with the opposition of her sister who is also his boss

What stands out: (+) realistic looking couple; (+) medical cases; (+) ML's family; (-) FL sister; (-) draggy; (-) dialogues too much; (-) PPL

Actors and actresses to follow: N/A

Couples: Guo Jing ♡ Huang Rong

OST: full https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ApUG_Shzcc

Note:

12-3-20 to 12-4-20 (2 days)

Original title: 상류사회 (sanglyusahoe) = Upper class society

Story: Jang Yoon-Ha is the youngest daughter of a chaebol. Even though her family is extremely wealthy, she holds a part-time job at a food market. She hides her background as an heiress and attempts to find a man that loves her for herself.  

What stands out:  (+) advises on working; (+) chemistry; (+) bromance ML-SML; (+) sismance FL-SFL; (+) second couple; (+) ML's mom; (+) costume/makeup; (+) six pack abs; (-) business politics; (-) draggy; (-) PPL

Actors and actresses to follow: Uee (FL), Sung Joon (ML), Park Hyung Shik (SML), Im Ji Yeon (SFL)

Couples: Choi Joon Ki ♡ Jang Yoon Ha; Yoo Chang Soo  ♡ Lee Ji Yi

OST: full https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xrWTwELfsIA

Note: recap https://www.dramabeans.com/2015/06/high-society-episode-1/

12-3-20 to 12-3-20 (1 day)

Original title: 囧妈 (Jiǒng mā) = Awkward Mother

Story: As Ivan plans to go to America for work purposes, his plans are foiled when he decides to follow his mother on a train to Moscow. 

What stands out: (+) life lesson; (+) hilarious; (+) Russia landscape

Actors and actresses to follow: N/A

Couples:  N/A (it's comedy)

OST: 

Lube "2 podruzhki" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bgHUVGwVpJQ

Lube "Vse putem" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVMIDZ5-tjw

12-1-20 to 12-2-20 (2 days)

Original title: 사생활 (sasaenghwal) = Privacy

Story: Lee Jung-Hwan is a team leader for the major corporation. He looks like an ordinary company employee, but he is a mysterious figure. Cha Joo-Eun is a swindler, who has the looks of a sweet & innocent woman. She supports herself with her crimes. Jung Bok-Ki is a professional swindler. She often targets other swindlers. She is elegant and also charismatic. Kim Jae-Wook is Jung Bok-Ki’s partner in crime. 

What stands out: (+) action; (-) politics; (-) editing; (-) scene going back and forth past and presents; (-) open ending

Actors and actresses to follow:  Go Kyung Pyo  (ML)

Couples:  Lee Jung Hwan ♡ Cha Joo Eun; Kim Jae Wook ♡ Jung Bok Gi

OST: full https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dnETDn2-3DQ

Note: recap https://readysteadycut.com/2020/10/07/recap-private-lives-episode-1-netflix-k-drama-series/

11-30-20 to 12-1-20 (2 days)

Original title: 도도솔솔라라솔 (dodosolsollalasol)

Story: A pianist named Goo Ra Ra who hits rock bottom after her family’s sudden downfall. After she finds her way to La La Land, a piano academy in a small village, she ends up crossing paths and falling in love with the tough and mysterious Sun Woo Joon, who seems to be hiding a lot of secrets. 

What stands out: (+) fast paced; (+) kind FL; (+) chemistry; (+) cinematography; (+) Mimi the dog; (-) lying ML; (-) abrupt/weird ending

Actors and actresses to follow: Go Ah Ra (FL), Lee Jae Wook (ML)

Couples: Sun Woo Joon ♡ Goo Ra Ra; Seung Gi ♡ Ha Young; Eun Sok (SML) ♡ Young Joo (ex wife)

OST: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CwZn_u86VQ

Note: recap https://readysteadycut.com/tag/do-do-sol-sol-la-la-sol-season-1/

11-28-20 to 11-29-20 (2 days)

Original title: 18 어게인 (18 eogein) = 18 Again

Story: After nearly twenty years of marriage, Jung Da Jung and Hong Dae Young seem to be well settled in their domestic lives. But what seems like an ideal life on the outside is really anything but. 

What stands out: (+) plot; (+) acting Lee Do Hyun as a real teenager and an adult in a teenage body; (+) cinematography; (-) draggy

Actors and actresses to follow: Kim Ha Neul (FL), Yoon Sang Hyun (ML), Lee Do Hyun (ML)

Couples: Hong Dae Young ♡ Jung Da Jung; Ji Ho (childhood friend) ♡ Shi Ah (daughter); Shi Woo (son) ♡ So Mi (Shi Ah's friend); Duk Jin (ML's friend) ♡ Teacher Ok

OST: full https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1MK-SY2mOE

Note: recap https://www.dramabeans.com/2020/09/eighteen-again-episode-1/

11-27-20 to 11-28-20 (2 days)

Original title: ทองเอก หมอยา ท่าโฉลง (Thxngxek h̄mx yā th̀ā c̄ho lng) = The Herbal Master from Cho Lang

Story: Thong Ake, the grandson of a famous traditional physician, is determined to prove himself to his grandfather to be a doctor. Chaba, a tough and fearless girl, also becomes interested in traditional medicine.  

What stands out: (+) all's well ends well; (+) OTP team work; (+) chemistry; (+) bromance ML and the herbal students; (+) sismance FL and Chongko; (+) six pack abs; (+) cinematography; (+) Thai custom; (-) draggy; (-) makeup (ML's hair)'

Actors and actresses to follow: Mario Maurer (ML), Kimberley Anne Woltemas (FL)

Couples: Thong Ake ♡ Chaba; Perm (FL's bro) ♡ Klin (Kla's sister); Kla (FL's ex fiancee) ♡ Pong (maidservant); Piak (ML's friend) ♡  Chongko (FL's friend);

OST:  

1. Mario Maurer, "Ya ya ya ya" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZ0RwxCNXJE&list=PLFOv2atov7vYdzbFX8HWCZ6c_ARyQnG2C

2. Gun Napat Injaiuea "Kog" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b4IlFPMY_6g&list=PLFOv2atov7vYdzbFX8HWCZ6c_ARyQnG2C&index=2

Note:

11-20-20, 11-22-20 to 11-25-20 (5 days)

Original title: 半是蜜糖半是伤 (Bàn shì mì táng bàn shì shāng) = Half Honey and Half Injury

Story: Jiang Jun is a girl who is allergic to tears, who decides to work in a top investment company MH to fulfill her father's death wish. In MH, Jiang Jun meets her childhood friend turned enemy Yuan Shuai. 

What stands out: (+) directing; (+) dialogue; (+) Bai Lu's acting when she's having allergic reaction; (+) chemistry; (+) sismance FL-SFL; (+) FL's mom; (+) cinematography; (+) costume; (+) OST; (-) draggy; (-) office politics; 

Actors and actresses to follow: Bai Lu (FL), Leo Luo (ML), Shane Xiao  (SFL), Riley Wang (TML)

Couples: Yuan Shai ♡ Jiang Jun; Li Xiao Chuan ♡ Xu Li; Du Lei (ML's rival) ♡ Linda (childhood friend); Ji Yuan Ji (singer) ♡ Qiao Na (FL's rival/colleague)

OST: full https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUSbOdVksQI

Note: By 2/3 of the drama since OTP were together, I like the second couple better, since she confesses and he runs away lol.

Took five days to watch, rewatch, take screenshots and clips, and write for the article.

11-19-20 to 11-19-20 (1 day)

Original title: シックスティーン (Shikkusutīn shōkōgun) = Sixteen Syndrome

Story: The story centers on Azuma Ibuki, a high school girl who is stronger and cooler than any guy, her beautiful best friend Otazawa Mei the princess, and the playboy Asada Mutsumi who comes in between them.

What stands out:  (+) fast paced; (+) youth identity struggle; (+) character growths; (+) chemistry; (+) sismance; (+) friendship; (+) interesting love triangle; (+) cellphone monologues

Actors and actresses to follow: Takeuchi Aisa (FL), Itagaki Mizuki (ML), Takeda Rena  (FL's bestfriend)

Couples: Asada Mutsumi ♡ Azuma Ibuki

OST: ???

11-18-20 to 11-18-20 (1 day)

Original title: 急先锋 (Jí xiānfēng) = Vanguard

Story: Covert security company Vanguard led by Tan Hua Ting is the last hope of survival for accountant Qin Guo Li after he is targeted by the world's deadliest mercenary organization. 

What stands out:  (+) fast paced; (+) action; (+) film locations; (-) no story

Actors and actresses to follow: Jackie Chan (ML), Yang Yang (ML), Xu Ruo Han (FL)

Couples: N/A

OST:

Jackie Chan "Ambition in My Heart" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6cHo84yOIo

Ending theme: Dimash "Be Happy" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4AWbZ2x_YpY

11-18-20 to 11-18-20 (1 day)

Original title: คนละทีเดียวกัน (Khnla thīdeīywkạn) = At Once

Story: Six guys—each named Tee and each with his own idiosyncrasies—find themselves residing under one roof, every day learning not just about one another, but themselves as well. 

What stands out:  (+) fast paced; (+) bromance; (-) bright lipstick on the guys; (-) PPL

Actors and actresses to follow: Krist Perawat Sangpotirat (ML), Singto Prachaya Ruangroj (ML), Off Jumpol Adulkittiporn (ML), Gun Atthaphan Phunsawat (ML); Tay Tawan Vihokratana (ML); New Thitipoom Techaapaikhun (ML)

Couples: Teedoo ♡ Soundlab; Teedet ♡ Looksorn

OST: Gungun "Lek Lek Boi Boi" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VML0AZaVkHY&list=RDVML0AZaVkHY&start_radio=1

11-15-20 to 11-18-20 (4 days)

Original title: 青青子衿 (Qīngqīng zi jīn) - first line of traditional poem, the yearning of a friend or a lover.

Story: The drama follows genius Luo Qiu Chi, who escapes into the mountains when he was a child and becomes a bandit king. Later, he accidentally meets female student Wen Ren Juan, and follows her to study at Zhuxiu Academy. 

What stands out:  (+) fighting/martial arts action; (+) poems; (+) funny OTP disguises; (+) OTP teamwork; (+) independent and motivated FL, learned martial arts from hero uncle while ML is sick; (+) chemistry; (+) bromance ML-SML; (+) sismance FL-TFL; (+) cinematography; (+) the  emperor; (+) bandits; (+) the shadow play during dad's bday; (-) draggy;

Actors and actresses to follow: Kris Fan (ML), Rain Lu (FL), Xie Bin Bin (SML)

Couples:  Luo Qiu Chi ♡ Wen Ren Juan; Hang Rue Xue ♡ Zhao Qing He

OST: full https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XI_yS-Qz7lM (Fan Shi Qi/ML and Xie Bin Bin/SML also sang)

Note: Episode recaps in MQ Media USA https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwHwaAxX412odtDJS6giKE8vCTSAyzegs

11-15-20 to 11-15-20 (1 day)

Original title: 드라마 페스타 - 행복의 진수 (deulama peseuta - haengbog-ui jinsu) = Drama Festa-The essence of happiness

Story: The drama is about Jin Soo, who works to overcome everyday stressors with 12 small sources of happiness, and his romance with a woman, Jung Soo, who appears to him during his time of modest happiness. 

What stands out: (+) realistic stories; (+) lesson of finding happiness in simple stuff; (-) no sub

Actors and actresses to follow: N/A

Couples:  Jin Soo ♡ Jung Soo

OST: ???

Note: watched raw. The movie seems have the same story as the drama special

11-15-20 to 11-15-20 (1 day)

Original title: 凤唳九天之焰赤篇 (Fèng lì jiǔtiān zhī yàn chì piān) = Phoenix Nine Heavens: Flame Red Chapter

Story: Da Chu's queen Yao Mo Xin accidentally fell off a cliff and made her way to Yanchi County at the other end of the Phoenix River, and was rescued by the guardian Qi Canglan 

What stands out: (+) ending for Mo Xin, who is not described at all in the parent story; (+) made up acts for the love scene; (-) acting; (-) CGI

Actors and actresses to follow: N/A

Couples:  Qi Cang Lan ♡ Yao Mo Xin

OST: ???

Note: I watched the side story first before parent story. Both stories don't have connection but the character Mo Xin.

11-14-20 to 11-15-20 (2 day)

Original title: 凤唳九天 (Fèng lì jiǔtiān) = Phoenix Nine Heaven

Story: In the night full of mystery, the dead queen Yao Mo Xin’s spirit enters the body of her younger sister Yao Mo Wan, intent on taking revenge on people who wronged and poisoned her to death. She also meets (and falls for) Ye Jun Qing, a young Da Chu prince. 

What stands out: (-) confusing body swap; (-) low budget production: costume, etc; (-) editing; (-) CGI

Actors and actresses to follow: Chen Zhe Yuan (ML), Johnny Zhang (Support - Emperor), Kevin Yan (Support - King of Thieves)

Couples: Ye Jun Qing ♡ Yao Mo Xin

OST: full https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJmGlXUdFUw

Note: Confusing story due to 70 episodes cut to 35 episodes.

11-13-20 to 11-14-20 (2 days)

Original title: เกมเสน่หา (Kem s̄eǹh̄ā) = Game of Affection

Story: Within two years Nok studied abroad, her parents got divorced. The effects of a broken family made her become jealous, ill-tempered and obsessive into getting her parents back together. Nai, a distant relative of Nok's mother, is a very capable man. When Nok and Nai were forced to get married, she planned and played the game of love to hurt him. 

What stands out: (+) reverse gender revenge; (+) chemistry; (+) odd family; (FL's mom);  (-) mean FL; (-) little FL's character growth; (-) unhealthy relationship; (-) draggy; (-) ott female costume; (-) FL's heavy makeup makes her look older than ML; (-) PPL

Actors and actresses to follow: James Jirayu Tangsrisuk (ML), Natapohn Tameeruks (FL)

Couples:  Nai ♡ Nok; Thawat (FL's dad) ♡ Khae; Wet ♡ Visaka (FL's mom)

Note: Overrated due to the actor, eye candies, and chemistry. But unhealthy OTP relationship. Till last episode before ending there is no good communication between the OTP due to misunderstanding. Even with time jump there's still lack of growth. They shouldn't make FL as stubborn as that.

OST: 

Stamp Apiwat "Kem Huachai" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2OZ2AkzstHM

Panadda Ruangwut "Klua Chai" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVf7U-rFkTk

11-12-20 to 11-12-20 (1 day)

Original title: 菊次郎の夏 (Kikujirōnonatsu) = Kikujiro's Summer

Story: Masao, who lives alone with his grandmother in an old Shitamachi area of Tokyo , finds his long lost mother's address in Toyohashi, several hundred miles to the west. Accompanied by his neighbor Kikujiro, Masao embarks in a journey to see his mother. 

What stands out: (+) script; (+) funny scenes in the last 30 mins; (-) passive kid's acting; (-) slow

Actors and actresses to follow: Beat Takeshi (ML)

Couples:  N/A (not a romance)

OST: Joe Hisaishi "Summer" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jB_xyy2mOdQ

11-11-20 to 11-12-20 (2 days)

Original title: 我, 喜欢你 (Wǒ, xǐhuān nǐ) = I Like You

Story: A hardcore foodie, CEO Lu Jin is impressed with chef Gu Sheng Nan’s skill as a chef and readily recognizes her talent.  

What stands out: (+) cooking/food; (+) chemistry; (+) cinematography; (-) draggy; (-) OTT romance

Actors and actresses to follow: Rosy Zhao (FL), Lin Yu Shen (ML)

Couples:  Lu Jin ♡ Sheng Nan; Meng Xin Jie (ML's assistant) ♡ Xu Zhao Di (FL's friend); Cheng Zi Qian (FL's childhood friend) ♡ Li Man (ML's childhood friend); Gao Quan An (FL's uncle) ♡ Liao Ze Nan (FL's chef colleague)

OST: full https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QL8hZbxtB9k

11-10-20 to 11-11-20 (2 days)

Original title: 청춘기록 (cheongchungilog) = Youth Record

Story: Sa Hye Joon is smart and handsome. He is a nice guy and a popular model, but what he really wants to become an actor.  

What stands out: (+) topic: actor's struggles before fame; (+) dialogue; (+) bromance; (+) Park Bo Gum's acting; (+) grandpa; (+) ML's agent; (+) superb OST; (-) too many side characters with their own stories; (-) draggy; (-) PPL

Actors and actresses to follow: Park Bo Gum (ML), Park So Dam (FL), Byeon Woo Seok (ML)

Couples: Sa Hye Joon ♡ Ahn Jung Ha (broke up); Kim Jin Woo ♡ Won Hae Na (SML's sister)

OST: full https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZOPd9L3ED8

Note: Often, while I watch dramas I wonder the real story behind the actors/actresses and how they got to the place where they are at. So I watched this specifically to find out the struggles of an actor before he becomes famous, not for romance.

11-9-20 to 11-10-20 (2 days)

Original title: 明月曾照江东寒 (Míngyuè céng zhào jiāngdōng hán) = The Moon Has Shined Upon The Cold Jiang Dong

Story: Qinghong enters the martial arts world and dreams to become a great martial artist. She is accompanied by Lin Fang, Junan City’s notorious playboy who has but one goal in life: to exact revenge for his clan. 

What stands out: (+) plot and plot twists (ML's strategy); (+) fighting/martial arts scenes; (+) chemistry ('honeymoon phase' at the crazy doctor's place); (+) sismance FL and her maid; (+) the 'news media'  Wulin Insights/Rumors; (+) brothers in the military camp; (+) crazy doctor; (-) love triangle until almost half of the drama; (-) second couple and the politics; (-) draggy; (-) slow burn romance between ML and FL; (-) CGI; 

Actors and actresses to follow: Fair Xing (FL), Alan Yu (ML)

Couples:  Lin Fang ♡ Zhan Qing Hong; Wen You ♡ Princess Hua Tao (both died); Huo Yang (FL's disciple) ♡ Xiao Lan (FL's maid/friend); Xia Hou Yin (general) ♡ Wen Rou (SML's sister)

OST: full https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xrI5bWlITX4

Note: as per reviews and comments being draggy and at first FL with SML, I watched the few first episodes to get the foundation then jumped to Ep 18 (FL's family were all poisoned to death, SML was forced to marry the princess (SFL), FL wanted to revenge the family, ML accompanied her during mourning period)

11-5-20 to 11-5-20 (1 day)

Original Title: C9特工 (C9 tègōng) = Agent C9

Story: Agent C9's organization has been annihilated and the lonely C9 akaYu Siu Kiu marries vegetable vendor Ko Dai Ching. Unexpectedly, her former partner, B3, who escaped from death, shows up and asks her to work with him to find the culprit that destroyed the organization. 

What stands out: (+) plot twist; (+) action; (+) ML's family; (+) chemistry; (-) some draggy parts of side stories/couples

Actors and actresses to follow: Samantha Ko (FL), Kenneth Ma (ML), Chris Lai (ML)

Couples: Yu Siu Kiu ♡  Ko Dai Ching; DQ (ML's bro) ♡ Laura; Assemblyman Pang ♡ Betty (ML's ex wife)

OST: Kayee Tam "Learning to Love" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Xase0nO1lg

11-4-20 to 11-4-20 (1 day)

Original Title: 她的微笑像颗糖 (Tā de wéixiào xiàng kē táng) = Her Smile is Like a Candy

Story: Xu Jing Shu of second-year class 1 is a cold person who doesn’t talk a lot, until the transfer student Chu You Ning shows up. 

What stands out: (+) chemistry; (+) friendship; (-) draggy; (-) PPL

Actors and actresses to follow: Chen Si Yu (FL), Chen Xiang Yu (ML)

Couples: Chu You Ning ♡  Xu Jing Shu; Su Mu Yuan (ML's friend) ♡ Bai Xi (FL's friend)

OST: Liu Binhao & Song Xi "Don't Say Sorry" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NBsnuE_r0M

Note: watched raw version

11-4-20 to 11-4-20 (1 day)

Original Title: ぴぷる～AIと結婚生活はじめました～(Pipuru ~ AI to kekkon seikatsu hajimemashita ~) = Pipuru, I Started a Marriage with an AI

Story: In the year 2030, a salesman named Kenichi Tsumiki marries a humanoid AI, Pipuru. He finds out that she is a minor and brings the AI to its developer, and discovers there's a problem in Pipuru's settings but it can't be changed.  

What stands out: (+) unique topic; (+) chemistry; (+) CGI for hitech 2030 stuff

Actors and actresses to follow: Ayaka Wilson (FL)

Couples: Tsumiki Kenichi ♡  Piple (AI)

OST: ???

11-4-20 to 11-4-20 (1 day)

Original Title: 彼女が成仏できない理由 (Kanojo ga jōbutsu dekinai riyū) = Why She Cannot Enter Nirvana

Story: Emin, a young man from Myanmar who goes to Japan in order to become a manga artist, rents a supercheap room with a ghost in it.

What stands out: (+) unique plot; (+) Burmese language/culture; (+) manga artist life; (+) fast paced; (+) intercultural romance; (-) chemistry

Actors and actresses to follow: Morisaki Win (ML)

Couples: Emin ♡  Takanashi Rei

OST: ???

11-4-20 to 11-4-20 (1 day)

Original Title: 初恋了那么多年  (Chūliànle nàme duōnián) = First Love for So Many Years

Story: Wedding time for Yan Ke and Yi Fan

What stands out: (+) chemistry; (+) friendship; 

Actors and actresses to follow: Wan Peng (FL), Riley Wang (ML)

Couples: Yan Ke ♡  Xiong Yi Fan; Bai Yu Ze ♡ Ding Ming (FL's friend); Qi Xiao Song (FL's friend) ♡ Ming Xi Yue

11-4-20 to 11-4-20 (1 day)

Original Title: 初恋了那么多年  (Chūliànle nàme duōnián) = First Love for So Many Years

Story: Yan Ke and Xiong Yi Fan were schoolmates in highschool, but Yi Fan never knows that Yan Ke is her secret admirer. They met again in the college, where Yan Ke is one of the most popular and well-loved student on campus. 

What stands out: (+) chemistry; (+) friendship; (+) supportive characters; (-) draggy

Actors and actresses to follow: Wan Peng (FL), Riley Wang (ML)

Couples: Yan Ke ♡  Xiong Yi Fan; Bai Yu Ze ♡ Ding Ming (FL's friend); Qi Xiao Song (FL's friend) ♡ Ming Xi Yue

OST: full https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wpn-p0Ql2t4

11-4-20 to 11-4-20 (1 day)

Original Title: 一度死んでみた (Ichido shinde mita) = I Tried to Die Once

Story: Nanase Nobata's father who is the CEO of a pharmaceutical company takes a drug which is supposed to temporarily kill him but something goes wrong and he becomes a ghost. Nanase tries to restore his life with the help of Taku Matsuoka the company's employee. 

What stands out: (+) rock song/concert; (+) FL's costume

Actors and actresses to follow: Hirose Suzu (FL), Yoshizawa Ryo (ML)

Couples: N/A

OST: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D4HD3T6e51o

11-3-20 to 11-4-20 (2 days)

Original Title: 三嫁惹君心 (Sān jià rě jūn xīn) = Three Marriages Provokes Your Heart

Story: Ju Mu Er, who is blind temporarily, is on a mission to find justice for her teacher's death and comes face to face with the wealthy Long Yue, and they pretend to be husband and wife while in pursuit of the case. 

What stands out: (+) chemistry; (+) interesting costume and couple costume; (-) draggy

Actors and actresses to follow: Shane Xiao (FL), Xing Zhao Lin (ML)

Couples: Long Yue ♡  Ju Mu Er; Long Teng (ML's older brother) ♡ Shuo Ruo Cheng; Long Fei (ML's younger brother) ♡  Feng Wu

OST: full https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-52jSKnLBU

11-2-20 to 11-3-20 (2 days)

Original Title: เธอคนเหงากับเขาทั้งเจ็ด (Ṭhex khn h̄engā kạb k̄heā thậng cĕd) = You Are Lonely With The Seven

Story: This is the story of Padlom, a lonely girl who's afraid of love. However one day, someone told her that a guy secretly likes her, and this guy is supposed to be among these seven young men!  

What stands out: (+) characters growth; (+) eye candies; (+) 90's music; (-) draggy

Actors and actresses to follow: Punpun Sutatta Udomsilp (FL), Oab Oabnithi Wiwattanawarang (ML), Tay Tawan Vihokratana (ML), Lee Thanat Lowkhunsombat (ML)

Couples: Gent ♡ Padlom; Play ♡ Aey (longtime gf); Id ♡ Grace; Liftoil ♡ Spoil (FL's bestfriend)

OST: 

Bambam The Voice "Kon Bap Nai Dee" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=grfm7K15Sdc

Joni Anwar "Fang" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=terxoPT2LJs&list=PLJUe_YTgMuABXv0TzQ2lBpnhSmf31Aaaw&index=2

full https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJUe_YTgMuABXv0TzQ2lBpnhSmf31Aaaw

11-1-20 to 11-2-20 (2 days)

Original Title: 完美先生和差不多小姐 (Wánměi xiānshēng hé chā bù duō xiǎojiě) =Mr. Perfect and Miss Almost

Story: Through a series of coincidental encounters, professor Zhang Sinian and his student Yun Shu agreed to engage in a contractual marriage. 

What stands out: (+) directing; (+) script: ML's scientific argument on practically everything incl: love, relationship, marriage, jealousy; (+) closure ending; (+) relationship growth; (+) Grandpa; (+) supportive characters; 

Actors and actresses to follow: Miles Wei (ML), Xu Ruo Han (FL)

Couples: Zhang Si Nian  ♡ Yun Shu; Lu Yu (ML's old friend) ♡ Yun Lan (FL's sister); Lin Nuo (FL's friend) ♡ Gao Zhi Yi (FL's friend)

OST: full https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uiWGvRSr6fI

Note: Regarding love triangles. This can be a positive or negative highlights. Positive: the love triangles are not annoying watchers, no strong second lead syndrome or annoying second leads. Or negative" they feel like love triangles' that feel more like fillers.

10-31-20 to 11-1-20, (2 days)

Original title: 좀비탐정 (jombitamjeong) = zombie detective

Story: Kim Moo Young, a zombie, and Gong Sun Ji, a writer, team up to solve crimes in this thrilling drama that explores what happens when someone actually comes back to life.  

What stands out: (+) fast paced; (+) unique topic; (+) chemistry; (+) humanizing process of the zombie; (+) supporting characters (FL's sis and husband, ML's neighbors) ; (+) dialogue; (+) zombie makeup; (+) homage to kdramas;

Actors and actresses to follow: Choi Jin Hyuk (ML), Park Joo Hyun (FL)

Couples: Wang Wey (ML's neighbor) ♡ Kim Bo Ra (FL's friend); Cha Do Hyun (FL's friend) ♡ Bae Yoon Mi (fellow detective)

OST: full https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVZXyz6ZD2Y

10-30-20 to 10-31-20 (2 days)

Original Title: 주군의 태양 (jugun-ui taeyang) = Master's Sun

Story: Joo Joong Won, the stingy and greedy CEO of Kingdom, meets the gloomy Tae Gong Shil, who started seeing ghosts after an accident.  

What stands out: (+) dialogues; (+) acting of Gong Hyo Jin; (+) eccentric FL; (+) character growth of main characters; (+) supportive characters; (+) ghosts props; (+) closure for everyone; (-) draggy in the middle

Actors and actresses to follow: So Ji Sub (ML), Gong Hyo Jin (FL), Seo In Guk (SML), Kim Yoo Ri (SFL)

Couples:  Joo Joong Won ♡ Tae Gong Shil; Kang Woo ♡ Tae Yi Ryung; Lee Han Joo (security guard) ♡ Tae Gong Ri (FL's sister)

OST: full https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aiZ5Bml6qgg

Note: 

recap https://www.dramabeans.com/2013/08/masters-sun-episode-1/

Candy girl terminology in this drama means: a woman who has unfortunate circumstances but is 1) hardworking, 2) cheerful, and 3) innocent. The definition also extends to being able to catch the eye of a wealthy man (or men). She’s basically Cinderella without the fairy godmother and with a more complicated life.

10-29-20 to 10-30-20 (2 days)

Original title: 仲夏满天心 (Zhòngxià mǎn tiān xīn) = Midsummer

Story: Due to some ill-fated interventions, Luo Tian Ran ends up having to move out of her house, that is bought by a pop superstar named Jin Ze Yi. Remake of Korean Full House

What stands out: (+) the house; (+) cinematography; (+) OST; (-) side characters/side stories

Actors and actresses to follow: Timmy Xu  (ML), Yang Chao Yue (FL)

Couples:  Jin Ze Yi ♡ Luo Tian Ran

OST: full https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CUH9AvNA4lA

Note: Two things that made me keep watching: the OTP and the cinematography. Boring  side stories and annoying side characters ruined this drama.

10-28-20 to 10-29-20, (2 days)

Original title: 恋爱吧，食梦君! (Liàn'ài ba, shí mèng jūn!) = Fall in love, Shi Meng Jun!

Story: Shi Meng, film producer, helps Fang Yan, voice actress, walk out of her traumatic experience, but Fang Yan believes that his brother Shi Yi was the one who helped her.  

What stands out: (+) goofy FL; (+) funny/supportive MIL; (+) cute side couple; (+) cinematography; (-) draggy

Actors and actresses to follow: Ao Rui Peng (ML), Ma Meng Wei (FL), Luo Zheng (SML)

Couples:  Shi Meng ♡ Fang Yan; Hao Ying Jun (ML's assistant) ♡ Zuo Yao (FL's friend)

OST: full https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fu_elDxV9uo

Note: 

1. derealization parasomnia = sleep disorder due to detachment from one's surroundings to be caused largely by interpersonal trauma

2. The second couple's relationship is unlike typical second couples in other dramas: they were in relationship before but broke up and have a son together unbeknownst to the father.

3. Fang Yan gave Shi Meng a birthday surprise https://mydramalist.com/photos/BNJO6_3

10-28-20 to 10-28-20, (1 day)

Original title: 手可摘星辰 (Shǒu kě zhāi xīngchén) = Handpicked stars

Story: Li Xia is transported into a game as an ugly palace maid and meets the Emperor Yang Mo who disguises as a eunuch. 

What stands out: (+) fast paced; (+) good sub with explanation on cultures; (+) life lessons in the end of each episodes; (+) explanation of cooking/food; (+) screen splits like in comics; (+) chemistry; (+) second couple; (-) low production quality (costume/CGI); (-); (-) rushed ending

Actors and actresses to follow: Camille Hua (FL), Alan Luo (ML), Cui Kyle (Support - boss), Joseph Wen (Support - general)

Couples:  Emperor Yang Mo ♡ Li Xia; General Xie Qing Shu (ML's brother) ♡ General Fan Ru Xiang (ML's godsister)

OST: full https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cthXpfP9f-Q

Note: the ending doesn't explain how Li Xia is able to go back into the game to meet the Emperor again, so assumed that the game is fixed. But the irony is she gets a happy ending in the game but how about IRL? Doesn't show she may get a character growth: confidence, self-worth, etc.

10-27-20 to 10-27-20, (1 day)

Original title: 沉默的真相 (Chénmò de zhēnxiàng) = The Silent Truth

Story: It was an open shut case with hundred of witnesses seeing the murder suspect trying to dispose of a body and a signed confession from the suspect himself.  And yet when the case was ready for court, the prosecutor discovered that the case was not as it appeared.  

What stands out: (+) plot and plot twist; (+) secrets revelation; (+) clarification of year/date on scene changes; (+) editing; (+) acting of Johnny Bai; (+) bromance between Jiang Yang, Chen Ming Zhang, and Zhu Wei; (+) friendship of the 'crime' group; (+) transformation of JY, CMZ, and ZW in years/makeup; (-) suicide scene; (-) PPL

Actors and actresses to follow: Johnny Bai (ML)

Couples: N/A

OST: Johnny Bai "The Long Night" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bnsIr9JpbnQ&feature=youtu.be

Bibi Zhou "The Silent Truth" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ujwI79S6z0

10-27-20 to 10-27-20, (1 day)

Original title: 書類を男にしただけで (Shorui o otoko ni shita dake de) = Man Made on Papers

Story: Because of her bad experience working at her prior workplace and difficulty in finding a new job, Yuki Minowa decides to not correct the mistake in medical screening and work as a man. She struggles to keep her true gender identity a secret and she also falls in love with a male colleague. 

What stands out: (+) fast paced; (-) no sub

Actors and actresses to follow: Ryusei Ryo   (ML)

Couples: Sugita Tetsuya ♡ Yuki Minowa

OST: Genie High "I'm in love with one eye abnormally"片目で異常に恋してるhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6earlGo0b0

10-25-20 to 10-26-20, (2 days)

Original title: 비밀 (Bimil) = Secret

Story: This drama will depict how a man falls in love with a woman who killed his lover. 

What stands out: (+) plot; (+) chemistry; (-) draggy; (-) almost all other characters than OTP are bad/no supportive characters; (-) PPL

Actors and actresses to follow: Ji Sung (ML), Hwang Jung Eum (FL)

Couples: Jo Min Hyeok ♡ Kang Yeo Jeong; Choi Kwang Min (ML's attorney) ♡ Jo Ming Joo (ML's sister); Choi Kwang Soo (ML's assistant) ♡ Yang Hye Ri (FL's friend)

OST: 

Navi "Incurable Disease" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mEcx_RJUYO0

Ailee "Tears Stole The Heart"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YkmIinid_yw

Goo Ja Myung "That Person" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjhe_7YkFkk

Ji Sung "Heights of Wind Storm" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELWr93cOeAE

Note: recap https://couch-kimchi.com/2013/10/05/secrets-first-impressions/

10-24-20 to 10-25-20, (2 days)

 Original title: 浪漫輸給你 (Làngmàn shū gěi nǐ) = Romance Lost to You

Story: One day, Zheng Xiao En, an editor, magically finds herself transported into the pages of a romance novel – and comes face-to-face with her crush He Tian Xing. However, she soon discovers that in this fictional universe, his name is Si Tu Ao Ran, and she is an evil side character! 

What stands out: (+) the novel version of storytelling; (+) acting of Marcus Chang and Vivian Sung; (+) chemistry, (+) sismance (real and fiction worlds), (+) bromance (fictional world); (+) kisses; (+) closure for Cheng Qing/HE; (-) plot holes; (-) real world story with ML's half sister; (-) choppy change of ML's feelings from hate to love; (-) draggy; (-) SLS; (-) PPL

Actors and actresses to follow: Marcus Chang (ML), Vivian Sung (FL), Simon Lian (SML)

Couples: He Tiang Xing/Si Tu Ao Ran ♡ Zheng Xiao En

OST: full https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjQbIgoi4VY

Note:

Quote: He Tiang Xing's motto: "In a storm you have to be like an adult. In a beautiful weather you have to be like a child."

10-23-20 to 10-24-20, (2 days)

Original title: 少女大人 (Shàonǚ dà rén) = Young Woman Grown Up

Story: Prince Xiao Yan Zhi is betrayed and has to step down from the head of the army. He vows to get to the bottom of the intrigue and goes undercover to investigate, pretending to be a commoner. On his quest for the truth, he meets a remarkably smart and resourceful young female detective named Su Ci. 

What stands out: (+) martial art action; (+) chemistry; (+) friendship; (+) cinematography; (-) weak plot; (-) draggy; (-) emperor too young

Actors and actresses to follow:  Sebrina Chen (FL), Zhang Ling He (ML)

Couples: Prince Qi ♡ Su Ci; Xie Bei Ming ♡ Dong Rhu Shuang

OST: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O32D0cSWeHw

10-22-20 to 10-22-20, (1 day)

Original title: ルパンの娘 (Rupan no Musume) = Daughter of Lupin

Story: Hana, who comes from a family of thieves, wants to live a normal life and works as a librarian. She is dating Kazuma, who actually is a police officer and comes from a family of police officers. 

What stands out: (+) fast paced; (+) plot twist; (+) theft cases; (+) action; (+) FL's family; (+) interesting fairy tale (scenes of FL and her childhood friend)/opera story telling; (+) cartoon drawing; (+) CGI of camera hacking

Actors and actresses to follow: Fukada Kyoko (FL), Seto Koji (ML), Kurihara Louis (FL's bro), Onuki Yusuke (FL's friend)

Couples:  Kazuma ♡ Hana

OST: Theme Song Sakanaction "Moth" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=123BD9U5FIk

Phantom thief = thief who usually has inherited wealth and is characterised by impeccable manners, charm, courteousness, and the avoidance of physical force or intimidation to steal.

10-21-20 to 10-22-20, (2 days)

Original title: 隐秘的角落 (Yǐnmì de jiǎoluò)= Hidden Corner

Story: A story that follows three children from a coastal town, Zhu Chao Yang, Yang Liang, and Yue Pu, who unintentionally film a murder scene. 

What stands out: (+) plot; (+) directing; (+) kids' acting; (+) cinematography; (+) different dialects; (-) editing; (-) censorship caused confused ending

Actors and actresses to follow: N/A

Couples: N/A

OST: full https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_x3UHVNFbxk

Note: My interpretation of the ending: Yang Liang is dead. With a new undershirt and clean body he went to visit Chao Yang in school auditorium full of kids, but only Chao Yang can see him (and logically a non student cannot enter a formal gathering in school). He doesn't smile at all at Chao Yang, it means he knows Chao Yang did bad stuff to manipulate him and Pupu. Yang Liang then visit Old Chen and the 'fact' that he can talk to Yang Liang that means they're both dead. They talked about Pupu and her brother Xin got surgery and got better so they both are also dead. Pupu is killed by Dong Sheng when she can't breathe Dong Shen doesn't give her inhaler in fear of being caught if he calls the ambulance/take Pupu to the hospital. Chao Yang chooses to 'live' in the fairy tale (own imagination so he can believe he does the right things) as per conversation  with Dong Sheng: that Pupu sends a thank you letter and telling good things happened to them. He also killed his step sister (by letting go her hand) as per comment leaking the original script that is censored later.

10-19-20 to 10-20-20, (2 days)

Original title: เสน่ห์รักนางซิน (S̄eǹh̄̒ rạk nāng sin) = Sin's Charmed Love

Story: Prim, her friend Boot and Rita, on vacation to Phuket, attend a party while pretending to be rich. At the party they meet Phuree, the heir of P. Paul's shoe brand, his friends Wat and Touch. 

What stands out: (+) eye candies; (+) bromance and sismance; (-) draggy; (-) FL's noble idiocy Ep 11 

Actors and actresses to follow: Alek Teeradetch Metawarayut (ML), Peach Pachara Chirathivat (ML), Pon Nawasch Phupantachsee (ML), Preem Ranida Techasit (FL), Tarika Insuwan (FL), Lorena Schuett (FL)

Couples: Phu ♡ Prim; Wat ♡ Boot; Touch ♡ Rita; Pong (Vicky's brother) ♡ Vee (gf)

OST: 

Pror Ter Kon Dieow (Because of you Alone) by Alek Theeredeth https://www.dailymotion.com/video/k6tLHyZjhtDpdxqDUBi

Yoo Nai Na (Where is it?) by Kwang Arisa & Nitaa Panita https://www.dailymotion.com/video/k7trrOPq6UnQBbqEXZV

10-14-20, 10-16-20 to 10-18-20, (4 days)

Story: The lives of two men and a woman through two eras: one during the 1930s Japanese occupation of Korea and the other in the 21st century.  

What stands out: (+) plot; (+) beautiful ending; (+) 'parody' of Stephen King's Misery; (+) witty dialogue; (+) acting; (+) bromance; (+) chemistry (+) cinematography; (+) OST; (-) SLS; (-) spinning screen; (-) PPL

Actors and actresses to follow: Yoo Ah In (ML), Im Soo Jung (FL), Go Kyung Pyo (SML)

Couples:  See Joo/Hwi Young ♡ Seol/Soo Hyun

OST: full https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tC1xSTHSseQ

recap https://www.dramabeans.com/2017/04/chicago-typewriter-episode-1/

Notes:

• Slow paced (not draggy)
• Slow burn romance
• Have to believe in reincarnation
• Jin Oh keeps his promise living in See Joo's novel (the coin flip), reunites with his friends. See Joo changes the part where Hwi Young finishes the novel, so Shin Yool doesn't have to stay as ghost to finish it. He will be able to  reincarnate (Jin Oh's fishing rod moving).

Quote: See Joo to Seol: "[writing] compared to holding hands with someone who might betray me, it's safer. I can be as desperate as I want and not look pitiful. It allows me to escape reality without drugs."

10-13-20 to 10-13-20, (1 day)

original title: 私たちはどうかしている (Watashitachi wa dōka shite iru)= Something Wrong With Us

Story: The daughter of a murder suspect and the son of the victim, Hanaoka Nao and Takatsuki Tsubaki separate with ill feelings for each other. More than 15 years later, Nao hides her true identity and decides to get into Kogetsuan through her marriage to Tsubaki in order to prove her mother’s innocence. 

What stands out: (+) fast paced; (+) plot; (+) plot twist; (+) chemistry; (+) cinematography; (+) the sweets;

Actors and actresses to follow: Hamabe Minami (FL), Yokohama Ryusei (ML), Takasugi Mahiro (SML)

Couples:  Tsubaki ♡ Nao; Yusuke (employee) ♡ Shiori (ex ML's fiance)

OST:

Main Theme https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=112Fsf4Z7xw  "Alianza de sangre" by Tokyo Incidents  (original MV https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t67VbQhh9_A)

"Sweet Chaos" by Day 6 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDvMQALUDsk

10-11-20 to 10-13-20, (3 days)

original title: 拾光里的我们 (Shí guānglǐ de wǒmen) = Pick Us Up

Story: Lu Jia returned to her hometown and started working in a company that is owned by none other than Xu Jia Xiu, her highschool crush.

What stands out: (+) hilarious love triangle/fake office romance; (+) office friendship; (+) bonus scenes; (+) chemistry; (+) sismance;

Actors and actresses to follow:  Daddi Tang (ML), Sun Qian (FL), Wang You Jun (SML), Chen Xun (FL's ex love interest)

Couples: Xu Jia Xiu ♡ Lu Jia; Father Lu (FL's dad) ♡ Auntie Jiang; Ye Ang Yang (SML) ♡ Janice (coworker);

OST: full https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GeLDC-jTf7Q

10-10-20 to 10-10-20, (1 day)

Story: alternative endings: Chu Yue wakes up, travels together with Xue Yao, leaving their son Meng'Er with uncle Xing Chen who is the emperor, sending letter to his parents asking for a sister. Also what happens to other couples.

What stands out: (+) HE

Actors and actresses to follow: Zheng Ye Cheng (ML), Hu Yi Xuan (FL)

Couples:  Xue Yao ♡ Chu Yue; Lou Ji (palace guard) ♡ Su Nan Nan (ML's foster sister); Prince Ning ♡ Na Xi; Duo Er Tu (Na Xi's guard) ♡ Xiao Dao (Nan Nan's maid)

OST: N/A

Note: subbed https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x7wiefn

10-8-20 to 10-10-20, (3 days)

Original title: 离人心上 (Lí rénxīn shàng)= Detached

Story: Chu Yue, an unfavored princess suffering from insomnia, and Xue Yao, a stone-faced general on a mission to trace the cause of his brother's death, were fated to meet thus igniting a sweet and heart-wrenching romance. 

What stands out: (+) hilarious changes of FL to animals; (+) chemistry; (+) cinematography; (-)( ending; (-) draggy; (-) love triangles;

Actors and actresses to follow: Zheng Ye Cheng (ML), Hu Yi Xuan (FL)

Couples:  Xue Yao ♡ Chu Yue; Lou Ji (palace guard) ♡ Su Nan Nan (ML's foster sister); Prince Ning ♡ Na Xi  

OST: full https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3L2ylWnG6hs

10-6-20 to 10-7-20, (2 days)

Original title: 악의 꽃 (ag-ui kkoch)= Evil Flower

Story: Baek Hee Sung seems like the ideal husband. But this perfect façade hides some very dark secrets that even his wife, Cha Ji Won remains unaware of.  

What stands out: (+) story; (+) mystery: unpredictable; (+) dialogue;  (+) acting; (+) chemistry; (+) cinematography; (+) wound/blood makeup/prop; (+) OST; (-) rushed ending

Actors and actresses to follow: Lee Joon Gi (ML); Moon Chae Won (FL)

Couples: Baek Hee Sung ♡ Cha Ji Won

OST

Full album: 

Part 1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LwanIK1c78E&list=RDLwanIK1c78E&start_radio=1

Part 2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ofeHGbBa3FU&list=RDLwanIK1c78E&start_radio=1

Note: recap https://www.dramabeans.com/2020/08/flower-of-evil-episode-1/

Quote: “The things you think are important, become less important as time passes. But when something is precious, it hurts more as time goes by.” (Hae Soo to her brother Hee Sung re: Ji Won)

10-5-20 to 10-5-20, (1 day)

Original title: One Year 365 วันบ้านฉันบ้านเธอ (One Year 365 Wạn b̂ān c̄hạn b̂ān ṭhex) = My Home Your Home in One Year 365 Days

Story: Mook, a single mother who lives with her 5 daughters, finds love with Tum, a widower with two children. Since Mook and Tum don't know whether their children will be compatible, the two families then formed an agreement to try to live together for 1 year. If anyone in the house is not happy living together, Mook and Tum will give up. 

What stands out: (+) sismance; (-) PPL

Actors and actresses to follow:  Kao Jirayu La-ongmanee (ML)

Couples: Tum ♡ Mook; Boom (Tum's son) ♡ Petch (Mook's oldest daughter); Mark (celebrity) ♡ Ploy (Mook's second daughter); Pailin (3rd daughter) ♡ Sai

OST: official MV https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCbE7RV5HT4

BNK 48 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iw39saG2ZGU

Note: Not too bad as an idol drama (BNK)

10-3-20 to 10-5-20, (3 days)

Original title: 穿盔甲的少女 (Chuān kuījiǎ de shàonǚ)= Girl in Armour

Story: Sang Tian, an aspiring figure skater, fails the entrance exam to the sport university, so she dresses as a male ice hockey player and joins in a trial match for the college team. She meets Wen Bing, a team mate, with whom she has crossed swords with in the past. 

What stands out: (+) sweetness overload; (+) supernatural tinge; (+) the sport; (+) chemistry; (+) eye candies; (+) cinematography; (+) nice cartoon drawing for credits and BTS crew; (-) unrealistic stuff

Actors and actresses to follow: Darren Chen (ML), Sebrina Chen (FL), Li Jiu Lin (SML)

Couples: Wen Bing ♡ Sang Tian; Sang Zhan (FL's bro) ♡ Meng Na (liked ML); Cheng Min Jun (ML's uncle) ♡ Ma Chen Chen (coach); Shen Wei Lian (classmate) ♡ Fang Xiao Rou (FL's friend); Meng Qi  ♡ Miao Miao

OST: full https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V00-iPTZN38

Order: Miao Miao (when they met at the first time), Wen Bing and Cheng Ming Jun (pool), Coach Ma (from Coach Xue), Shen Wei Lian, Mom (from Wen Bing), Meng Na, Yan Wu Xu (senior), school

9-27-20 to 9-27-20, (1 day)

Story: Moon Joon Woo, who can stop time, moves into a basement owned by Kim Sun Ah.  Kim Sun Ah. Joon Woo finds that when he stops time, Sun Ah is not affected and continues to walk amongst a time-stopped world.  

What stands out: (+) unique story; (+) OST; (-) draggy; (-) OTP do not have much screentime totogether, many side stories

Actors and actresses to follow: Kim Hyun Joong (ML),  (FL)

Couples: Moon Joon Woo ♡ Kim Sun Ah

OST: full https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VmSy1lJKSy4

9-27-20 to 9-27-20, (1 day)

Story: Seo Min Joon and Han Jin Won met and date in the Love Virtually dating app, and then the app crashed.

What stands out: (+) fast paced; (+) interesting opinion on plastic surgery; (+) cinematography

Actors and actresses to follow: Choi Shi Won (ML), Uee (FL)

Couples: Seo Min Joon ♡ Han Jin Won; Goo Sung Tae (ML's friend) ♡ Tak Soo Jin (FL's friend)

OST: ???

9-26-20 to 9-27-20, (2 days)

Story: An Eun Young, the school nurse, has a special ability to see and eradicate jelly like monsters that are made from residue of human desire. Hong In Pyo is a Chinese language teacher at the same school. In order to protect the students, An Eun Young and Hong In Pyo work together to eradicate these jellies. 

What stands out: (+) fast paced; (+) mystery; (+) intriguing plot; (+) directing/camera panning; (+) acting during catastrophe;  (+) CGI; (-) confusing edit or some parts are not clearly explained, or bad translation?

Actors and actresses to follow: Nam Joo Hyuk (ML)

Couples: Oh Seung Kwon (student) ♡ Sung Ah Ra/Jellyfish (student)

OST: ???

Note:

In Pyo to Eun Young: "I find being normal is boring... It's better being weird than ordinary."

9-25-20 to 9-26-20, (2 days)

Story: Before going overseas to further her studies, Paramita was raped by Parin.  Four years later, she came back with a set of twins but she told everyone that they were her cousins.  

What stands out: (+) chemistry; (+) ML's redemption; (+) FL support; (+) second couple; (-) draggy; (-) weak transition between hate to love;  (-) rape; (-) FL's character growth; (-) PPL

Actors and actresses to follow: Kem Hussawee Pakrapongpisan (ML), Mook Mookda Narinrak (FL)

Couples: Parin ♡ Paramita; Chen (ML's half brother) ♡ Na (FL's bestfriend)

OST: 

- Pingpong Sirasak "Kon Nee Kon Dieow" https://videopress.com/v/8myxzZf2;

- Punch Worakarn "Jep Kae Nai Gor Yang Rak Yoo" https://videopress.com/v/8ta4oAKi

Note: 

1. recap https://www.thairath.co.th/novel/Sovere

2. Low rating not because it is a SK/rape drama, but because the weak romance storytelling. The transition from hate to love or the romance growth is confusing. In Ep 4 aunt and friend told FL that she's in love with ML but I didn't see anywhere prior. Instead building a better romance growth, the drama was filled with tropes.

9-24-20 to 9-24-20, (1 day)

Story: A couple, Mi Young and Suk Hwan, must save their family from a hijacking during their first family vacation to Hawaii. 

What stands out: (+) humor

Actors and actresses to follow: N/A

Couples: N/A

OST: ???

9-24-20 to 9-24-20, (1 day)

Story: The world is going to end in one week’s time, and Hye Hwa tries to prevent the world from coming to an end with Kim Nam Woo, a rookie police officer.

What stands out: (+) plot;  (+) cinematography; (+) CGI; (-) chemistry

Actors and actresses to follow: N/A

Couples: Kim Nam Woo ♡ Hye Hwa (prospect)

OST: N/A

9-22-20 to 9-24-20, (3 days)

Story: The story revolves around three troubled youths,  Ling Xiao, He Zi Qiu, and Li Jian Jian, who find solace in their common experiences to become the best family that they can be for each other. 

What stands out: (+) plot of growing up and growing old; (+) different parents/parenting style; (+) directing (showing facial expressions, changing scenes);  (+) dialogue;(+) the little kids scenes; (+) acting of supporting characters; friendship; (+) chemistry; (+) bromance; (+) sismance; (+) food/cooking; (-) draggy; (-) skipped scenes with annoying side characters; (-) PPL

Actors and actresses to follow: Seven Tan (FL), Song Wei Long (ML), Steven Zhang (ML)

Couples: Ling Xiao ♡ Li Jian Jian; Li Hao Chao (FL's dad) ♡ He Mei (Zi Qiu's mom)

OST: full https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vft0PtH5KvU

9-16-20, 9-18-20 to 9-19-20 (3 days)

Story: Nicha, an orphan girl, agrees to disguise herself as a boy named Nan and become heir to a wealthy family of Bacayagam group. Aici, a friend of Nicha from the same orphanage, also changed his identity to Seifer in fear that the man who killed his mother will come to kill him. Together with his friends from the orphanage, Aici then works for the Bacayagam group and meets Nicha again.

What stands out: (+) secrets;  (+) FL's strong characters; (+) FL's loving adopted parents; (+) Lucky the dog; (-) draggy (story of 2 companies, 2 families)

Actors and actresses to follow: Esther Supreeleela (FL), Son Yuke Songpaisan (ML)

Couples: Aici ♡ Nicha; Wai (ML's friend) ♡ Sakura (ML's step sister); Cai (ML's friend) ♡ Lin (ML's friend);

OST: official MV https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2H1pr-kSXU

official Win Ratanapol "Heart Does Not Listen" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZBcGOZ6HXYg

9-14-20 to 9-15-20 (2 days)

Story: Zhang Hai Feng quits his job as a police officer after the death of his daughter. However,  one day,  a serial murder case reveals new-found evidence about the accident that led to his daughter's death. 

What stands out: (+) the drama tricked the audience: thriller become scifi; (+) mystery revealed little by little; (+) thriller; (+) police prop; (-) editing; (-) PPL

Actors and actresses to follow: Wang Qian Yuan (ML), Lu Han (ML)

Couples: N/A (not a romance drama)

OST: ???

Notes:

Quotes from Liu Yu Qi (moderator) to Zhang Hai Feng (ML):

"We cannot remake choices for many things in our life. Some results cannot be changed."

"Walking into this door, you will go back to year 2004, which is the starting point of this. But I have to remind you the longer you wander in your memory, the smaller the chance you will wake up in real life. Do you want to continue or terminate it?

Last quote:  "The past is the future. The future is the present"

It means ML chooses to go back to his memory thru the experiment [past] with an everlasting hope (symbolizes by the hydrangea) to change the future (by taking care of the sick girl and adopting the orphaned boy). But the real future is the present (where ML lives tragic life). My thought that ML will wake up while still lingers in the past, but facing the reality he may end up killing himself.

There are talks in the Chinese community that this drama got censored and there were some cuts to be done. There will be S2 to clear up things and webnovel as well.

9-12-20 to 9-14-20 , (3 days)

Story: Plapol pretty much thinks that of all women are gold digger meets Pantawan, a singer who is not that type of woman and doesn't take insult from anyone. The two always get in a fight but eventually they came to an understanding and fell in love. 

What stands out: (+) entertaining for OTT actions; (+) chemistry; (-) many scenes of violence used: fighting/punching, slapping, forced kiss, etc; (-) bitchy females; (-) rape; (-) PPL

Actors and actresses to follow: Kitkong Khamkrith  (ML), Pimprapa Tangprabhaporn (FL)

Couples: Pol ♡ Pan; Non (ML's friend) ♡Pat (FL's foster sister); Tam (FL's bandmate) ♡ Nit (works for the music com)

OST: the full list with links can be found in https://www.nekomeowmeow.com/prompisawat/

Note: I watched Ep 1 - 10, then skip to Ep 14 - 16 for redemption. Reviews/comments stated that Ep 11 - 13  are a complete mess.

9-9-20, 9-11-20 to 9-12-20 (3 days)

Story: When Sakurai Misaki, a pastry chef,  loses her job she meets Shibasaki Chiaki who offers  her summer work at the seaside restaurant his family runs in Shonan, and invites her to stay at the family home there, along with his two younger brothers: Kanata, is a talented chef, and  Touma is a student at the culinary school .   

What stands out: (+) editing (changes of scenes); (+) ML-FL teamwork; (+) chemistry; (+) bromance; (+) sismance FL with Ishikawa Wakaba who always is doing fun things when FL calls her; (+) food; (+) cinematography; (+) beach setting and some places Misaki and Kanata went; (+) this is where actor Miura Shohei and actress Kiritani Mirei met and now they're married, their chemistry as Chiaki and Misaki is also good; (-) some parts are draggy

Actors and actresses to follow: Kiritani Mirei (FL), Yamazaki Kento (ML), Miura Shohei (ML), Nomura Shuhei (ML)

Couples: Shibasaki Kanata ♡ Sakurai Misaki; Shibasaki Touma ♡ Ninomiya Fuuka (classmate); Himura Nobuyuki (family friend) ♡ Okuda Mikako (Nobuyuki's colleague)

OST: JY "Sukina Hito Ga Iru Koto" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1UDKb8g1ZHs

Note: Misaki (27), Kanata (24)

9-12-20 to 9-12-20, (1 day)

Story: Drama version of the movie, where Lin, a genius high school student who makes money by cheating tests,  

What stands out: (+) plot better than the movie; (+) slight romance that was not present in the movie; (-) draggy; (-) camera angle makes me dizzy

Actors and actresses to follow: N/A

Couples: Bank ♡ Lin (possibility); Pat ♡ Grace (established)

OST: 

Opening: Paris "Follow Me" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXXh9-HJxHU

Closing credit: Jaonaay Jinjett Wattanasin (ML) "Can't Cheat Love" (โกงรักไม่ได้) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x9M72Tny8Cg

Nana Sawanya Paisarnpayak (SFL) "Kwaa Ja Rak" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHeK5TsK-Pc

9-8-20 to 9-8-20 (1 day)

Story: Honma Kai and Ichinose Jiro are police academy cadets who make good friends and partners who balance out each other's shortcomings beautifully.  

What stands out: (+) plot; (+) teachings on police practice; (+) bromance;

Actors and actresses to follow: Nakajima Kento (ML), Hirano Sho (ML)

Couples: N/A

OST: King & Prince "Mazy Night" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNzjydaGG6A

9-6-20 to 9-8-20 (3 days)

Story: Seo Hyun Joo is a competent career woman is not planning to get married. But the CEO on his new work place, Hwang Ji Woo only shows interest in Hyun Joo. Her childhood friendsPark Do Gyum is a webtoon artist has bore unrequited love to her for a long time.  

What stands out: (+) odd revenge plot; (+) refreshing message of not getting married, aka living together (unknown if it's popular in SK); (+) funny misunderstandings; (+) doppelgangers of past lifes characters; (+) mom and dad; (+) sismance; (-) draggy; (-) unnecessary side stories/characters (can do with 12 or 24 episodes); (+) slow-burn romance;

Actors and actresses to follow: Yoon Hyun Min (ML), Hwang Jung Eum (FL), Seo Ji Hoon (SML)

Couples: Hwang Ji Woo ♡ Seo Hyun Joo, Park Do Gyum ♡ Han Seo Yoon (ML's secretary)

OST: Full https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7A-_QRjFfSg

9-6-20 to 9-6-20 (1 day)

Story: Ban Sook, a 160 year old goblin, needs to kiss 10 times to become a human being, meets Yeon Ah, a girl who hates everyone.

What stands out: (+) fast paced; (+) unique topic; (+) lessons for young adults: psychological explanations of different kinds of emotions.

Actors and actresses to follow: Bae In Hyuk (ML), Jeon Hye Won (FL)

Couples: Ban Sook/Kim Keon Woo ♡ Oh Yeon Ah;  Ji Seong Heon (FL's friend) ♡ Yoon Sul Hee (FL's friend); Exorcist ♡ Choi Hee Won;

OST: Rosy "My Time" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mY0PHBSA0mU

9-4-20 to 9-5-20 (2 days)

Story: A tragic event happened to Sang Yu in the past that leaves Xia Shi severely traumatized by the event. Ten years later their friends Shang He and Zhen Yan created a VR game Consummation to help Xia Shi mend the past

What stands out: (+) murder mystery; (+) eye candies; (+) chemistry; (+) friendship; (-) draggy

Actors and actresses to follow: Zhao Yi Qin (ML), Li Hao Fei (FL), David Chou (SML), Huang Xin Yao (SFL), Yalkun Merxat (teacher)

Couples: Xia Shi ♡ Sang Yu; Shi Lang (classmate) ♡ Gao Yu Kun (classmate)

OST: 

Lu Hu "The Secret of Picking Up the Light" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5PHtENskKo

Zhao Yi Qin and Li Hao Fei "The Age of Innocence" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wIhsuZ4c1M4

Note: recap 1-2: intro; 3-12 : school/romance,  and ALSO the serial murders. 13: FL and SFL got attack, killer reveal, 14-15: romance, 16: off game, present of the 4, back to game; 19 Dad's case; 21 ML fixing past, 22 FL kidnapped, 23 end game, explanation, 24 closure

I dropped it before due to the negative reviews. I'm glad I picked up again after weighing the positive and the negative.

8-28-20 to 9-2-20 (6 days)

Story: Xiao Feng, a downcast e-sport captain from 2008, and Lu Xiao Bei, a disabled genius e-gamer from 2019, meet within the same Cross Fire game during glitches. 

What stands out: (+) the mystery topic; (+) parallel/time travel inside the game glitch; (+) editing/time change 2008/2019; (+) witty dialogue; (+) cartoonish scenes (during rehab rescue; (+) game action scenes; (+) not typical drama MLs (see note below); (+) setting during Xiao Feng's time; (+) chemistry for both; (+) bromance; (+) sismance; (+) supportive characters; (+) game CGI; (-) bad sub; (-) rushed scenes without logical explanation; (-) PPL

Actors and actresses to follow: Lu Han (ML), Leo Wu (ML)

Couples: Xiao Feng ♡ An Lan (Xiao Feng's housemate); Lu XIao Bei  ♡ Chu Ge (Xiao Bei's deskmate); Wen Kai (Xiao Bei's teammate) ♡ Su Jia Yi (Xiao Bei's teammate)

OST: full https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MubdRYDgetw 

Note: Not the 'usual' drama MLs. Xiao Feng is a mid 20's loser, not interested in working or getting married, poor. Lu Xiao Bei is on a wheelchair highschool student, second last position in class.

8-25-20 to 8-27-20 (3 days)

Story: Ritdha High School, a school with a "Gifted Program" that holds a special class for a handful of "special" students that were chosen by the school administrator. Incredibly,  Pang, a 10th-grade student from the lowest ranking class surprisingly passed the Gifted Program placement test for unknown reasons.  

What stands out: (+) the mystery topic; (+) plot twist; (+) exposition of every member's powers in each episodes; (+) acting out psychological problems; (+) minimal romance fits for thriller; (+) creepy BGM; (-) plot holes/unanswered questions (S2?); (-) PPL

Actors and actresses to follow: Nanon Korapat Kirdpan (ML), Chimon Wachirawit Ruangwiwat (ML), Gun Atthaphan Phunsawat (ML), Victor Chatchawit Techarukpong (Support - Program teacher)

Couples: Punn  ♡  Claire;

OST: 

Note: guide https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Gifted_(Thai_TV_series)

8-23-20 to 8-24-20 (2 days)

Story: Kang Mi Rae gets plastic surgery to transform her face due to bullying at school. In the university, she meets Do Kyung Suk from their middle school days, who sees people for what they are on the inside and not the outside

What stands out: (+) topic bullying, beauty, plastic surgery; (+) natural chemistry; (+) mom-ML; (+) MIL-FL; (-) draggy; (-) not sure why students of hard major like Chemistry Dept have times for gossiping, bullying, etc?; (-) FL looks older than ML.

Actors and actresses to follow: Im Soo Hyang (FL), Cha Eun Woo (ML), Kwak Dong Yeon (SML)

Couples: Do Kyung Suk  ♡  Kang Mi Rae; Seo Woo Jin (ML's friend bar owner) ♡ Choi Jung Boon  (freshman, with accent); 

OST: full album https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4IkfexALuEM

Note: recap  https://marymekpop.com/2018/07/27/my-id-is-gangnam-beauty-episode-1-recap/

8-22-20 to 8-23-20 (2 days)

Story: Harit Rangsiman, a pearl farm owner, kidnaps Soraya, thinking that she is Sansanee who caused his brother's suicide. 

What stands out: (+) chemistry; (+) acting of the actor who played as the mute Nai Bai (ML's assistant);  (+) island settings; (+) environmental preservation/protection; (+) Gayu (the chimp); (+) good ending, also villain is punished; (-) OTT story; (-) rape (Ep 8); (-) annoying SFL and her love story/triangle

Actors and actresses to follow: Athichart Chumnanon (ML), Aff Taksaorn Paksukcharoen (FL),  

Couples: Harit Rangsiman ♡ Soraya; Tawatchai ♡ Sansanee (FL's cousin) - broke up

OST: 

Punch Worakarn Rojjanawat "Jam Loey Rak" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXZ-cwKZ92k

Pod Moderndog "Rak Khun Kao Eek Laew"  https://www.dailymotion.com/video/xovdj7

Note: I only watched scenes with ML and FL and the islanders, skipped every scene with the cousin, aunt and cousin's love triangle.

If not that the story takes too much time with the villain and her love story/triangle, I would have given the rate 9.0 instead of 8.0. Very nice ending with villains gets her punishment, FL cuts tie with the cousin, the couple got married (not shown but wedding rings), and he becomes her slave, lol

8-22-20 to 8-22-20 (1 day)

Story: DJ gets a new phone that is a boy called OPPO R9s. She wants him to help her get a date with her barista crush Latte.  

What stands out: (+) fast paced; (+) unique theme/plot; (-) PPL of the phone brand

Actors and actresses to follow: Tor Thanapob Leeluttanakajorn (ML), Jannine Weigel (FL), Toy Pathompong Reonchaidee (SML)

Couples:  R9s ♡  DJ

OST: Stevie Hoang "Somebody's Girl" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1SxRDbyjKU

Ploychompoo "I'm Glad" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2H9CkIwR7I

8-21-20 to 8-21-20 (1 day)

Story: Yuki had repeated the day she meets Shota a number of times in order to get closer to him.   

What stands out: (+) unique theme/plot; (+) slow paced; (-) boring

Actors and actresses to follow: Mackenyu (ML), Nimura Sawa (FL)

Couples: Shota  ♡  Yuki

OST: ???

Note:

8-19-20 to 8-21-20 (3 days)

Story: For a revenge Leela marries Kid, the father of Kawee a hi-so player, and moves in with her family including her sister Narin. To get back at Leela, Kawee seduces Narin.

What stands out: (+) acting ML and FL; (+) chemistry; (-) draggy; (-) rape; (-) weird ending Ep 12 (*)

Actors and actresses to follow: Ken Theeradeth Wongpuapan (ML), Anne Thongprasom (FL), Louis Scott (SML)

Couples: Kawee  ♡  Narin; Tom (ML's stepbro) ♡ Pat (ML's friend); 

OST: Aof Ponsak "Jood On Kong Chan Yoo Tee Hua Jai" (My weakness is at my heart) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=axxv2VroOJU

Note: Ep 1 - 9 watched raw in Channel 3 Youtube (skip other characters, ML and FL only argue). Ep 10 - 12 dramacool for subs (after FL moves to the beach house)

(*) so sis came after baby delivery and FL said she did not want to be with ML, sis said she has an idea and later told ML to give all inheritance to FL if he wants to see FL and baby again. FL told sis ML changed for good when at the beach house but she's afraid it's only a dream. Later ML sees FL and proposes (he already planned before the inheritance). FL agrees. Later sis leaves and gives Dad's letter to ML talking about the power of love. Lol, we can say ML is the gold digger now, since he has nothing anymore (Dad's inheritance is given to FL and the baby), so he has to marry her

8-18-20 to 8-19-20 (2 days)

Story: When Zhao Yu Xing knew that her god-sister Cai Feng had entered the palace as a consort candidate, she decides to follow suit as a chef trainee and also finds love with general Yue Zong Lin. 

What stands out: (+) fighting and dance action; (+) chemistry between ML & FL; (+) sismance FL and SFL; (+) cinematography; (+) costume; (+) the weirdest proposal; (-) palace politics; (-) boring second couple/love triangle; (-) too many bitchy females (concubines and kitchen staff); (-) abrupt ending

Actors and actresses to follow: Wu Jia Yi  (FL), Zhao Yi Qin (ML),

Couples:  Yue Zong Lin ♡  Zhao Yu Xing

OST: full https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATQVIpQNn6k

Note: the palace politics, the bitchy females (kitchen staff and concubines), and the love triangle for the second couple are so annoying, just watch the ML and FL

I was about to rate 8.0 but abrupt ending with unanswered questions I gave it 7.0:

• No wedding for ML and FL?
• FL suddenly forgives ML for his dad's deed killing her family?
• ML resigns like that leaving the Emperor?
• Emperor suddenly adopts FL out of the blue and there is no obligation for her as adoptive daughter?
• No punishment for SFL lying to Emperor?
• No punishment for the villain concubine?
• No punishment for ML's dad?
• SFL's lover dies for nothing

8-18-20 to 8-18-20 (1 day)

Story: In high school, Gyung Hwi made a suicide attempt, but Han Na Bi, a mysterious girl that transferred to his school early that semester, prevented him from dying. However, after telling him to live, she had suddenly committed suicide.  

What stands out: (+) CMH's acting; (+) chemistry; (-) draggy

Actors and actresses to follow: Choi Min Ho  (ML), Lee Yoo Bi (FL)

Couples:  Gyung Hwi ♡  Han Na Bi

OST: K. Will "Nonfiction" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fda8WuqKgXA

Note: special edition where FL is invited to time travel to save her friend https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZaS0-sin4JM

8-17-20 to 8-17-20 (1 day)

Story: Modem falls for her handsome boss, and so she concocts a supernatural bubble tea brew to win his love. In a bitter twist, Light whom she despises accidentally drinks the tea and falls head over heels for her – giving rise to a hilarious and chaotic love triangle.  

What stands out: (+) chemistry; (+) friendship; (-) draggy in the middle; (-) plot holes

Actors and actresses to follow: Manasaporn Chanchalerm (FL), Mean Phiravich Attachitsataporn (ML), Nichkhun (ML)

Couples: Light  ♡  Modem

OST: Nont Tanon The person next to you who loves you" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3IhFmR9ma8

8-17-20 to 8-17-20 (1 day)

Story: Ye Youming falls for Yun Xi but due to several misunderstandings she hates him until an incident that causes Yun Xi to leave him back to the Ling Yun mountain to find a cure, meanwhile assassins are targeting her.

What stands out: (+) fast paced; (+) chemistry; (+) not draggy like the manga; (-) mobile phone format

Actors and actresses to follow: Huang Ri Ying (FL), Kevin Yan (ML)

Couples:  Prince Ye ♡  Qian Yun Xi

OST: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCum5rbDA1o

Season 2 in manga finish at Chapter 250 when Yun Xi left her husband to go back to the Mountain to find cure for the Qing Wan (Ye's childhood sweetheart and grandma's candidate for concubine) who got injured due to horse riding with Yun Xi (an assassin scared the horse). Ye is looking for her when he finds out the incident is caused by assassin wants to kill his wife.

8-16-20 to 8-16-20 (1 day)

Story: Qian Yun Xi, who has been kept in the Ling Yun mountain as she has supernatural powers,  finds herself substituted for her younger sister into a marriage with the cold and eccentric Prince Ye.

What stands out: (+) fast paced; (+) chemistry; (+) not draggy like the manga; (-) mobile phone format

Actors and actresses to follow: Huang Ri Ying (FL), Kevin Yan (ML)

Couples:  Couples:  Prince Ye ♡  Qian Yun Xi

OST: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCum5rbDA1o

8-16-20 to 8-16-20 (1 day)

Story: A timeless love story of the scholar Ning Cai Chen who falls in love with the female ghost Nie Xiao Qian and tries to free her from eternal servitude to a demon. 

What stands out: (+) cinematography; (+) costume; (+) makeup; (-) no relationship growth/chemistry; (-) CGI

Actors and actresses to follow: Oliver Chen (ML), Eleanor Lee (FL)

Couples:  Ning Cai Chen ♡  Nie Xiao Qian

OST: Sara Lee "Chinese Ghost Story" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OtPIqO1yCbQ

8-14-20 to 8-16-20 (3 days)

Story: A modern day Pete is transported back into the past where he meets his look-alike great grandfather Pian. Matters get chaotic when he gets involved in his great grandfather's love life. 

What stands out: (+) historical 1900 setting/culture; (+) doppelganger acting; (+) Pete's antics trying any way to go back to the present; (+) Chod (Pian's servant); (+) Pete and Wan's chemistry; (+) costume; (+) prop; (-) draggy; (-) plot holes

Actors and actresses to follow: Film Thanapat Kawila (ML),Vill Wannarot Sonthichai (FL), Anchasa Mongkhonsamai (SFL)

Couples: Pete ♡  Wan; Pian ♡ Wannee (ML's friend's sis)

OST: Aek "The Golden Song" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-4HspJRgxM