AnicsiRoscoe

What do you mean 'nobody seems to have a problem with his actions'? What exactly has he done that you would deem inappropriate? I am just really curious, because I thought he was one of the most interesting and real male leads in K-drama land. He's not a Prince Charming. He's not a hidden-identity gangster. He's not (really) a deeply wounded soul behind a jackass facade. Yes, he has fame, and he acts like it, but he's extremely honest. Everything for him is give and take. I loved Jae Yeol.

AH, and someone I really wish you had mentioned: Ji Hae Soo from It's okay that's love (2014). It's probably the first time I had a girl crush on a female in K-drama. I loved her 'no-bullshit' attitude. This is also my favorite K-drama ever, so I suppose I'm a bit biased, but she nailed it!

Nice article! There are really too many strong female leads to name (thankfully, I have had it with weak girls...) , I just want to add City Hunter, Live up to your name, Mistress, Tunnel, Wok of Love (she doesn't seem strong at first, but she has so much perseverance and never takes shit from others), I remember you and Fight for my way.

But I agree with all the dramas you mentioned here. I think 2018 and 2019 were quite weak for K-dramas in general but those were nice picks!

She used to be horrible but her performance in memories of the Alhambra was decent. Then they changed her character but that wasn't her fault.

I just watched the first episode and it was seriously bland. But it wasn't because of the plot or the acting, because that was good. It's the editing. I cannot put my finger on it, but it's so weird. The background music doesn't fit, the scenes are cut in a weird manner and the audio seems out of place, too. Does anyone know what I mean? Will it get better in the following episodes? I want to give this drama a chance, but it's just... it doesn't feel right.

The high rating of this drama is still beyond me after all those years.... Too sad how it is stealing one of the top spots of some really stellar dramas out there.

I am way past the age of 15 but I have to disagree. Yes, the romance aspect is pretty innocent and sweet, there are more mature romances out there. On the other hand, it's also not like there isn't a dose of realism in the relationships, especially on the adults' part. And all the 'emotional outbursts' or 'borderline abusive behaviors (?)' are there for a reason and the characters go through an intense character growth that is hard to see in other shows. The drama teaches self-reflection and patience and seeking help when you really have no way out, and I love how down to earth even the talks between JJH and his therapist are. The reason why I love this show, even though I am hitting the big three next year, is because it makes me think back on the time when I thought everything was possible. When I was so emotional about anything and everything, when I just FELT so freaking much. I am a bit wistful, because I have lost that much of my youthful innocence, but when I watch these characters battle through life, I feel like I am at the top of the world one more time - just like the final lines in this beautiful drama convey:
"Everyone spends their youthful years.
It’s a time more beautiful because we’re immature, and it’s a time that sparkles brightly.
We are not afraid because we have nothing to lose, and our hearts flutter because we can have anything."
In my opinion this drama is for everyone who wants to be swept away and bask in their youthful days once more!

please add a spoiler tag. Thanks!

I am about half-way through and I am starting to get bored. Like... the beginning was pretty cool, inventive, interesting. I know it's a running gag that the comic writer has no ideas and is super cliché, but that eventually also means that in the main plot the same tropes and plots are used over and over again. That makes it repetitive and boring. I'll take a break from watching for now.

I hope you enjoy, if you end up watching Empress Ki. Many people say it's one of the best Korean Historical dramas. I have yet to watch it, 50 episodes seems so much, but if you're used to Chinese dramas it shouldn't be an issue for you haha
Personally, my favorite is Queen In Hyun's man. It's a bit old, and it's a time-travel drama. In the beginning it takes time to get used to the older filming style. But from episode 4 or so on, you're hooked. It brought me to tears many times. It was absolutely beautiful!

Saying 'historical dramas', and 'Joseon/China' in itself is already contradictory. Korean and Chinese history is vast, and the splendor and abundance differs very much depending on the timeframe we're talking about. Be it 1000 years ago, 500 years ago, or, as in this case, just a little over 200 years ago already makes a big difference. During the Yuan period, when the peninsula was the Kingdom of Goryeo, I imagine it must have been quite splendid. There are some nice dramas about this period (Moon Lovers, albeit fictional, is set in that time period). If you're interested in the relations between Goryeo and Yuan dynasty, 'Empress Ki' is definitely recommended. I've heard good things about 'Queen for seven days' (early Joseon period). I would also say that the architecture and costumes not being as grand as in Chinese dramas isn't primarily because of poverty, but because of cultural differences. Even if you compare religious temples and such, they're much more humble as their chinese counterparts.

The first episode was so exaggerated, so many times I was like: Rly?
Ugh, really cannot get to like any of this show or the characters (except for the little girl). I was hoping for some comedy but got makjang at its worst. Moves straight to my dropped list...

nothing really bad happens. All happy in the end. :)

It hurts to see a beautiful and thoughtful drama like this getting such a low score, at least compared to other popular dramas that really cannot compare other than having big-shot actors. I wished people could see just how thought provoking and important the life lessons in this drama can be. Rewatched it many times and still in love with it.

I've finally started watching this, and I am at episode four and have to take a little break. I am definitely intrigued but it's the kind of drama that leaves you exhausted by the end of each episode. So far it has been quite the ride, with barely any light-hearted moments, and constant struggles and conflict. I think I will like it, but Life does seem very, very dark.

Actually, I just checked, and I think the best and my favorite year was 2016, followed by 2015. There were just so many iconic and memorable dramas that I've rewatched many times. In my opinion, many of the before 2013 dramas are too melodramatic, I appreciate the realism in some of the newer shows. . 2017 and 2018 were alright, but so far, 2019 has been disappointing. I only have 5 finished dramas in 2019. In every other year, I had more than 20 finished dramas. Sure, 2019 isn't over yet, but I don't have that much hope.
I am just praying that 2019 was a bad year and they'll learn from that and we can look forward to some great K-dramas next year. Personally, I cannot enjoy C-Dramas :(

Let's just say we finally got rid of the wall-kissing phenomenon.

I think it is natural that over the years, many things will change. In my opinion, it really is a matter of getting too accustomed to something, until you just get sick of it. Looking back on the past 15 years or so of my life, I always went through phases. First it was Anime, then it was Shonen Ai, then it was bandom and fan fiction, then it shifted into Korean dramas and now it's slowly coming back to books and western TV series. One aspect, certainly, is just getting older, growing up, finding interest in new things. The other aspect is that each of those genre has a certain kind of thematics... Things are gonna be and feel similar with those. So if you've transitioned to Chinese dramas, that's just fine. But I assure you, once you've watched 200 Chinese dramas, you'll feel bored and you'll miss the spark and look for something new. Why? Because you've seen it all. Of course there are always exceptions to the rule.
I for my part think that in general the quality of production in Korean dramas has become much better over the years. The cinematography, directing and music, are on a whole different level as they used to before (and let's not forget the skinship guys, the skinship). But the problem lies within the writing. It's difficult to find a drama with really good and memorable writing. Personally, my favorites from 2018 and 2019 were:
My Fellow Citizens
Her private life
Mistress
Familiar Wife
Terius Behind Me
Wok of Love

and to some extend, even though with flaws:
Memories of the Alhambra
Lawless Attorney
Doctor John

But, I agree, none of them make me feel like 'It's Okay, that's love' or 'city Hunter' or 'my love from another star' did. But honestly, if I rewatched those dramas now, I would probably not be able to love them as much as the first time around. That's just how things are.

I also watched Go Back Couple first. But actually, while Go Back Couple is funnier and wittier, this one left a lasting expression and really warmed me from within, so I enjoyed it more. They are both just very different. Also, I believe 2 episodes are not enough to judge this. It's a great drama with loads of character growth!

I wasn't sure what to expect here, but I was positively surprised. I absolutely loved the drama! I haven't been able to make it through many romcoms without being bored at some point, so it came unexpected that it felt very refreshing. What I loved, besides the amazing character dynamics and not a single evil character in this, was that they explored the always hovering doubts of 'what if', without going overboard. The writing was great, it just felt so.... natural. I think it is a drama with important life lessons, especially for relationships and marriage. In the end, it just brought a huge smile to my face, and I am sure I'll watch it again at some point.
9/10