Marshmallow-Chocoholic

@ Spukhafte Fernwirkungen I know what you’re trying to say here, but, honestly I think that a lot of people are more just fed up with the drama in general than the hate comments.

@1252p. Agreed entirely . I had this on my watchlist also for awhile because it seemed interesting (and of course the cast were a dream come true as well). If I am honest, I haven’t dropped it more upon the principle that I just want to see how it ends, however, the screenwriting is a disappointment considering that it should have had the potential to be one of the best dramas of 2021. Totally agree that a movie format would have certainly served better than TV.

Thank you so much for your comment! Yes, you raised some really interesting points here which I certainly agree with. One of the biggest head scratchers for me was undeniably the powers aspect. I sort of understood why the show included this in order to interlink Ji Ah and In Bum , but, boy, was it poorly fleshed-out. I do agree also with the problem of Ji Ah suddenly gaining her powers again out of nowhere. It felt as though we were really missing something here as viewers. Ha, ha, definitely agree with the product placement. Admittedly, there have been worse dramas out there where a scene doesn’t go by without a shoutout to a brand name, but, it was out of nowhere at times here. I’m glad you enjoyed reading my review! I have to admit that I was also a fan personally of the platonic soulmate element here than romantic. The show could have gotten away with it if it wanted to, but, Ji Ah and In Bum’s felt a lot more transcendent than this. Thank you again for reading :).

Ah, that’s okay. I apologise as well if it seemed like I was attacking you or making accusations. I had an idea what you were trying to say by feeling that people may not be appreciating the story in the same way you are. One of my reasons for bringing it up is that some defenders get a little on edge and personal when they bring this line of argument up on anyone who doesn’t feel the same way. Honestly, there’s nothing wrong with liking a drama or hating it , but, I do understand where you’re coming from on the criticism front. As someone of the fence, I try to take a constructive criticism opinion by acknowledging these two views. (However, I do admit that it can be hard as well as well with biased feelings.) Agreed on trying to wrap these lose endings as well though. Thank you for bringing up these points, this has been a thoughtful and intriguing view. :)

@suckshine I think that the timing does undeniably have a part, but, another major factor may also be do with public reception and trends in South-Korea. You have to remember that whilst internationally K-pop idols are a hot trend at the minute in the media, it isn’t new or exciting for a lot of Korean audiences. ( Look no further than Dream High or To The Beautiful You; hit dramas in Korea surrounding idols more than a decade ago.)

@ Boudie That’s fair enough as your opinion . Out of curiosity, what makes you give it 10/10?

@jnerqxo Agreed completely. I’m on the fence with this one. I know a lot of people who are definitively on one side or the other ( even friends who " love” or " hate” it), but, for me it’s mixed feelings. I don’t definitely believe it’s unwatchable and there are certain things I like about it, just not one which keeps me hooked for more either.

@Spacebuns I can see what you’re trying to say by acknowledging that everyone has different views , but, as you said in this comment it does boil down to personal taste and previous experiences.I’m guessing your comment on " SK" is about it trending online rather than the actual airing ratings ( as the reception has been pretty lacklustre in South-Korea otherwise) . In terms of your comment upon downgrading the drama, this is again dependent upon taste and what you’re used to with dramas. A lot of mixed criticism or " hate" tends to come from those who compare it to previous/similar storylines which flared more with originality, coherency or bigger roles that the cast have starred in. This isn’t to rain on your parade. Honestly, if you enjoy this then that’s all that matters. However, the “ not understanding the meaning of the drama” seems to be prominent in a lot of defensive comments.(In short, calling anyone who can’t quite reach the messages of the drama idiotic.) However, here lies the problem. If you’re having watchers struggling to actually understand or grasp what on earth is happening with a lot of the storyline, then you’re not truly being able to attain a connection with viewers. This isn’t to say that DAYS should be more simplified as some of the messages presented are food for thought, but, even speaking personally as someone who studied philosophy for three years, a lot of these themes can be a little oddly presented because they aren’t particularly integrated well into the storyline either.

@KEN I agree also. The acting is really good with our main cast . Really cannot fault it on that front, however, the storyline just feels motiveless. Yes, there’s the big doomsday event and the " subplot", but, there’s nothing to really navigate or keep us on the edge of the seat as viewers . A shame really as it should have a really good script; it just feel really loosely tied together. More than anything now, I’m just curious to see how they’ll end it. I have a couple of theories, but it will be interesting to see how they attempt to finally finish the story.

@ Hello I feel the same way. It’s wonderful to be able to consider, recognise and contemplate these questions. Thank you for this discussion, it’s been very enlightening. :)

@ All_In I think one of the biggest issues that dating causes so much controversy respectfully in different Asian industries links back to image. If an idol/actor is “single and innocent”, then they are sadly a lot more desirable for fans because they are not " committed". In the west, it doesn’t really have the same effect . Yes, it may cause some news scandals or gossip, but, it will most likely blow over. For, idols/ actors in a lot of these different industries, this can be very damaging for their career. Evidently, this doesn’t stop idols/ actors from dating in secret, but, it’s certainly sad that a lot of idols cannot express themselves because of these expectations…

@Hello I have always held the ideology that the South-Korean idol industry is uncannily similar to the old system of Hollywood during the early golden age of cinema. This isn’t taking an ignorant stance of trying to " westernise" the industry. Respectfully as @Nauriya has commented, mainstream South-Korean society is fairly reserved and conformist; the way we treat celebrities in the west would shock a lot of Koreans by intimacy ( etc) and that’s understandable because cultural norms will always differ. On the other hand, idol culture draws back to the previously mentioned point of Hollywood like with the old movie stars. (I always think of the biopic on Judy Garland, " Judy” where there are so many oppressive elements from her days in 1930s and 40s Hollywood which reflects this industry in South-Korea nowadays.) Whilst I do believe that the situation is certainly raising more awareness than even a decade ago, it’s terrifying when you think how many idols are still being implicated with every aspect of their lives by contracts , pay ( an issue which a lot of bands have come forward about), who they must wear ( designers or sponsors), dieting, facades ( the ” squeaky clean” image) and evidently who they can associate themselves with ( as well as dating). It’s no wonder that a lot of idols continue struggling with mental health issues as it becomes a vicious cycle where obsessed fans only see the persona in public and a social stigma is soon raised . Let’s just hope that gradually South-Korea will adapt this system into allowing these idols to have more freedom and respect. As you said, they are hardworking people who deserve to be treated like human beings. ❤️

@ Crysalide Ah, that makes sense. No, I don’t agree with that logic either. I can understand maybe giving it to a halfway point then rating it ( as you may change your mind after the second half in reviews etc), but it’s too early on to do that. ( Thank you for explaining.)

Can anyone explain why MDL ratings are giving it 4.0 ( is it the system acting up again, or is it just that bad 😅) ?

Sure, I am happy to give you some recommendations . A lot of the dramas do fall into more than one category ( so are not reincarnation alone). Evidently there are more dramas out there,’but please feel free to take a photo or screenshot if any take your fancy :). (Hope it helps!);
Korean Mythology Dramas
Grim reapers;
- Black ( series)
- 49 Days
- Along With The Gods ( movie)
Reincarnation/ modern Korean fantasy links with fate ;
Chicago Typewriter
Angel’s Last Mission: Love
Gods;
Bride of Habaek
Vampires ( more western, but exist in variations);
Scholar Who Walks The Night
Hero (2010- movie)
Orange Marmalade
Vampire Prosecutor
Thirst ( movie)
Vampire Detective
Freeze
Blood

Time travel( not traditional mythology but are often linked in modern or infamous Korean urban legends, Joseon period or real life events);
Signal ( based on real life events)
Tunnel ( based on real life events)
Queen In Hyun’s Man
Rooftop Prince
Live Up To Your Name
Nine: Nine Times Time Travel
Hit The Top
Zombies( more western, but exist in variations);
Zombie Detective
Train To Busan ( movie)
Kingdom
Demons/ Ghosts/Evil Spirits;
- The Guest
- The Wailing ( movie)
- Master’s Sun
- Hi, Bye Mama!
- Hotel Del Luna
- Sell Your Haunted House
- A Korean Odyssey
- Mystic Pop-Up Bar
- Oh My Ghost
- Bring It On Ghost
- The Uncanny Counter
Mermaids;
Legend Of The Blue Sea
Surplus Princess
Nine-Tailed Foxes;
- My Girlfriend Is A Gumiho
- Tale of Gumiho
- Gu; The Family Book

@ FC Chelsea I know what you meant , but, this still doesn’t excuse JJ’s actions really.

@ ReadyPlayerOne Have you ever tried/ watched Goblin before? You may also enjoy it if you’re a fan of mythology as it incorporates a lot of traditional Korean aspects ( goblins, grim reapers, deities, fate, reincarnation etc).

@ FC Chelsea This still does not excuse his actions though. Regardless of whether he loves her or not, there are expectations in any industry to hold professional respect to your clients. JJ has done nothing but breach them, on constant occasions and even outside of these expectations with personal feelings , he is constantly gaslighting and manipulating In Hyung.

Your welcome! ( Glad I can help :))!

I can see where you’re coming from. A lot of recent productions enjoy playing around with the tropes, they just lack coherent writing properties which make us feel as though it is a genuine pairing, not just enforced for plot. For me, it just depends on the extent of the trope. I don’t have a problem per say with it appearing, however, I do think they can become overused and contribute to poor writing if the writer lazily relies upon it as a quick fix to a relationship or pairing.