Thank you a lot for the article ! It was really well detailed and explained. I had already read your previous articles and it's always really interesting !
I see 3 other reasons in addition : - EVOLUTION Thinking that the Korea from 10 years ago is the same IS a lie. We evolve, same for Korea, same for productions and styles, writings, ... We might be more attached to the nostalgic feelings of "discovering" kdramas for the first time. I remember watching You are beautiful or Boys Over Flowers. Was it new ? Hell yes. Were they toxic representations of a pissed off ML with bad excuses wich should never apologized for their awful behavior ? Also YES. Would I watch them again ? No, it would piss me off while still moving me for the good nostalgic memories. Now, society evolved, same for what we are looking for, streaming platforms are imposing their formats, ... It's time to move with our time and to acknowledged how we consume media is completely different. From social media, TV, radio, ... to k-dramas !
- RYTHM Indeed, new ways to consume media imply new rythm ! And kdramas are struggling to find it in the last years. It's something every country has been struggling with actually... C dramas, mass produced and trying very different lenghts/styles/formats, have been a step ahead thanks to so much "experimentations" (mass productions to see what works best). J drama are the ones struggling the most. They used to be excellent at using slice of life, cartoonish behavior or simplicity as their "style". They still are but the rythm not changing is making me feel bored. I still love them and will find a way out of that slump. Thai drama are also finally finding their style but not yet their rythm. Which is why a lot of the relationship they are depicting feel sometimes going too fast or too slow... But it will be interesting in a few years to see how they are trying to experiment with other genres than romcom, BL and so new rythms. K dramas are struggling because, despite having massive success, the recipe needs to change. The kiss on the 8th episode ending, the "break up" and "arguments" on the last few episodes, ... It's reassuring to have such codified way of "watching life" but with time passing by, it might feel boring. Maybe that's why we see them being more aggressive on sex, first kiss earlier, violence, ... They are filling the plot with new elements with a shocking/surprise value. But does filling the plot with such entertainment enough to keep viewers invested ?
- DEPTH Nope. In addition to rythm, we need depth. Not a phylosophical one just enough to make us have empathy and feelings. At the end of the day, what do we watch kdramas for ? Feeling something, learning something, passing time, ... So once newness is over, we want a bit more to keep watching. And that's what "depth" is, especially EMOTIONAL depth. What made, and still make, kdramas so good and "different" is their emotional approach. It's almost therapeuthical to have such focus on emotions instead of situations. Sometimes, no matter what stereotype or repetitive plot used, the emotional depth is enough to keep you invested. As an avid fan of rom-com, that's why I still love the genre despite being very codified and with a lot of cliches. That's also what makes me try every new rom-com kdrama. And sometimes, I get surprised in a very positive light ! I do remember much better drama that have moved me, created a connection with my life, or learned me a very valuable lesson. Plus, kdramas are trying to be meaningful towards the more conservative and specific culture of koreans while still pleasing international fans. That's quite the stretch. It might also cause such difference between what is overhyped in our country vs korea. Before, the main audience were mostly korean and other Asian countries sharing deep cultural and historical bonds. Now, kdramas are produced for a very massive audience. So, the kdrama recipe to success IS repetitive. That's like always eating pasta at every meal but with different sauces. It's still pasta, and it's ok to get bored and to look for something more.
In short, maybe it's not that deep. Maybe we just need to calm down and eat pasta, or gluten free pasta, or "ravioles" (stuffed pasta), or pasta soup, ... It's about taste not about hate.
PS : english is not my language so please do ask kindly if it's not clear enough. For the orthograph, I'm sorry in advance.
You need to remove the numbers : htt3ps://8kiss7kh.c5o
Edit : it's the HBO Max version with eng sub, the only differences with the chinese version is the cutting of episodes (see post above) and some of the songs choices (ex: in ep1 the song for the dance is not the same than in the chinese version). Enjoy !
So, I'm only 6 episodes in, but it's really good. I didn't quite like the Australian version but Miss S is funnier, witty and gorgeous to see ! Another good point : the fashion. I feel like Miss S is doing a fashion statement wherever she goes, especially when she is in peculiar places (prison, police station, ...). Miss S being overdressed is one of the reason making the show so fun. She IS eyecatching and OUT of place all the time. That's what makes her so intriguing and extravagant. I also feel it's her way to scream to the world who and where she is. A provocation to catch the attention of her lost sister while seeming untouchable, mocking even, to her ennemies. But, it's also a very part of her personality and mindset to be dressed fashionly instead of comfortably or in a more expected way. She knows how to imply her boldness through her apearance, then she speaks and confirms how confident and audacious she is.
And those outfit are so gorgeous, I really can't blame her. If I had any, you bet I will wear it all the time including the most unexpected place.
Yessssssds! SJFY is coming out on Japanese DVD in January! Praying there’s some deleted scenes🥹🙏
So, is there some deleted scenes ? The hate against editors in the comments is making me wonder if I should start the c-drama. But it might be worth it if the original version got released (36 instead of 25 ep).
High-End Crush is High-End Cringe and those who don't watch BL I'd recommend:- One Day Off- Hope or Dope (S1,…
Oh wow, they are all very good ones ! But they also have some depths and interesting layers despite being short shows. Melancholic but somehow comforting. I will watch them again, thanks !
Their acting compliment each other so well. Having watched LSS for the longest time, her acting was never that…
Yes, she incarnates the Ruyi so well ! I will follow more about LYN. I didn't event know he had a musi career...
Scarlet Heart was the first cdrama I ever watched and hold a very speial place in my heart (it's my favorite but rewatching is always leaving me bawling). Same for historical or costumes drama that are my big favourite (no matter the language) Other than The Vigilante in Masks (loved the bonds they formed and her action skills), chinese paladin 3 (loved how suspicious she was and discovered Yang Mi & Tiffany Tang), Sound of the desert (one of my fav of hers), Imperial Doctress (sometimes confusing plot specially with how it suddenly turned very dark near the end with the SML) , I've watched My best friend's story (modern drama with great slice of life and hard lessons) which made me rediscover her acting. She shines in costumes drama but can handle great modern drama if the script and her co-stars are up the challenge. I've unfortunatly watched Scarlet Heart 2 (modern version of the drama) juste because of her but never found the courage to finish it (the plot was so bad despite the star cast).
She is captivating when given more mature and confident role in which she truly is mesmerizing. But for most of her roles, she goes through a journey to go from "naive" to "mature" and has a knack to smack you in the face with it.
I'm also sooooo waiting for her reunion with Yang Mi in new drama series Fox Spirit Matchmaker. So happy she found A journey to Love to make me fall all over her again. And you ? What next challenges or dramas are you expecting or excited about ?
Will Qian Zha, Yuan Lu and Sun Lang die soon - I saw something in the trailers - scene where Yu Shi and Ning Yuan…
Wait, wasn't it a scene we already saw ? I'm talking about that scene at the very beginning (1st or 2nd episode) where they pay hommage to the death of all their Liunan Hall brothers who were captured with the emperor of Wu. So hopefully, no...
Their acting compliment each other so well. Having watched LSS for the longest time, her acting was never that…
Well said ! They bring out really something together. And yes, LSS's acting is aging like fine wine. Her eye acting is on a new level and it's wonderful to see some upgrades with her whole body involved in the acting. She already did it before but it's more refined so more engaging (not sure I'm wording it well). Which other drama of her did you enjoy ? I also feel like the director, the quality and budget are giving her justice too.
That's an excellent description of Ruyi. I like it. She is very mission focused which can mean's she is unaware…
Thank you ! Oooh the social conventions and approach of the baby are spot on. She just constantly reminds me of the faces of a coin regarding sucess. It came at a high price and with unexpected behaviors. Most of the very successful people with excellence in something are also socially unorthodox in some way.
Just finally caught up to ep 12 and I gotta say yall, this show is really really good. Our characters have settled…
On point ! It's witty, interesting and the FL has her own arch and past. And I'm loving that pettiness (regarding apologies, revenge, protection, ...). May it last all the drama beause it's kind of relieving.
I think one of things that has impressed me so far is how they have retained a healthy balance between the different…
Yes ! Exactly the same feelings :) I'm a lover of romance, but the drama makes me as exited for the other themes : actions, politics, buddies relationships and comedy
A very well written drama with great plot and interesting characters delivering their promises. We have a just…
English is not my first language, so do not take it to heart if I ever butchered some words, expressions or grammar ! (But it would be lovely of you to point it out kindly)
A very well written drama with great plot and interesting characters delivering their promises. We have a just balance of ation, politics, romance and comedy without any of those themes cannibalizing the other(s). FL : The FL is a very captivating woman showing an easy to grasp for the audience but complex personnility. And damn, she is coherent, a bit petty, calm and doesn't just act like a badass but IS ! A very well portrayed woman with an impressive set of technical skills but able to acknowledge her lack of social and emotionnal skills. At the same time, her vulnerabilite make her into an even more in depth charachter. I feel like it's a refreshing portrayal of feminity... PLOT : The plot complement very well the whole package about the characters with buddies and comradeship, trust, growth, romance and the right amount of comedic gold... So, the first episodes are a very good introduction to both the plot (espeially some of the key stakes) AND the charachters. Without forgetting a good rythm and sense of timing making it feel very well done. cINEMATOGRAPHY : The cinematography is also to admire in some fighting scenes but I was expecting a bit more whith what the trailer showed us. AcTING : Well, no doubt to have with Liu Shi Shi. For her last dramas, she has a knack to pick up script with FL who are interesting, realistic and are never too black and white. Same with Liu Yu Ning ! Facing such a legend like a Liu Shi Shi is one damn challenge and he pass it. Their acting is so good, it's impossible to confond them with the previous charachters they played. Something hard to see in cdrama beause they tend to typecast. (not only in cdrama btw) I'm going to rewatch all their previous dramas, because, damn they do deliver !
Wait a damn minute. At the end of ep 20, we have a confirmation that ZYL know about Young Master Wu and Mu Yao's plot.... Sooooo, he knew everything and instead of confronting his wife/concubine, he is expeting HQ to do all the work.... This man is only good for breathing and staring out the window. He is doing nothing to solve any issues, worth nothing, being a self rightous prick, unexpected violence, miscommunication, ... HQ didn't just dodge a bullet, she dodged an egocentric bazooka ! You go girl !
The way swan neck is acting so vengeful you would think everyone killed her man or her family but nope she just…
I feel like she is severely depressed and need others to hurt. She sarificed her future and hildhood by going to the Zong's residence in order to save her lover. And all that is worth nothing in the end. She is losing it. To her, the future is vain, her pain so omnipresent that she is completely unable to feel real empathy. It happens to people in real life. Traumas don't need to be immense. What matters in trauma is how they impat you. In her case, it definitely triggers a spiral down that is going to end pretty badly.
1 
I see 3 other reasons in addition :
- EVOLUTION
Thinking that the Korea from 10 years ago is the same IS a lie. We evolve, same for Korea, same for productions and styles, writings, ... We might be more attached to the nostalgic feelings of "discovering" kdramas for the first time. I remember watching You are beautiful or Boys Over Flowers. Was it new ? Hell yes. Were they toxic representations of a pissed off ML with bad excuses wich should never apologized for their awful behavior ? Also YES. Would I watch them again ? No, it would piss me off while still moving me for the good nostalgic memories.
Now, society evolved, same for what we are looking for, streaming platforms are imposing their formats, ... It's time to move with our time and to acknowledged how we consume media is completely different. From social media, TV, radio, ... to k-dramas !
- RYTHM
Indeed, new ways to consume media imply new rythm ! And kdramas are struggling to find it in the last years. It's something every country has been struggling with actually...
C dramas, mass produced and trying very different lenghts/styles/formats, have been a step ahead thanks to so much "experimentations" (mass productions to see what works best). J drama are the ones struggling the most. They used to be excellent at using slice of life, cartoonish behavior or simplicity as their "style". They still are but the rythm not changing is making me feel bored. I still love them and will find a way out of that slump. Thai drama are also finally finding their style but not yet their rythm. Which is why a lot of the relationship they are depicting feel sometimes going too fast or too slow... But it will be interesting in a few years to see how they are trying to experiment with other genres than romcom, BL and so new rythms. K dramas are struggling because, despite having massive success, the recipe needs to change. The kiss on the 8th episode ending, the "break up" and "arguments" on the last few episodes, ... It's reassuring to have such codified way of "watching life" but with time passing by, it might feel boring. Maybe that's why we see them being more aggressive on sex, first kiss earlier, violence, ... They are filling the plot with new elements with a shocking/surprise value.
But does filling the plot with such entertainment enough to keep viewers invested ?
- DEPTH
Nope. In addition to rythm, we need depth. Not a phylosophical one just enough to make us have empathy and feelings. At the end of the day, what do we watch kdramas for ? Feeling something, learning something, passing time, ... So once newness is over, we want a bit more to keep watching. And that's what "depth" is, especially EMOTIONAL depth. What made, and still make, kdramas so good and "different" is their emotional approach. It's almost therapeuthical to have such focus on emotions instead of situations. Sometimes, no matter what stereotype or repetitive plot used, the emotional depth is enough to keep you invested. As an avid fan of rom-com, that's why I still love the genre despite being very codified and with a lot of cliches. That's also what makes me try every new rom-com kdrama. And sometimes, I get surprised in a very positive light ! I do remember much better drama that have moved me, created a connection with my life, or learned me a very valuable lesson.
Plus, kdramas are trying to be meaningful towards the more conservative and specific culture of koreans while still pleasing international fans. That's quite the stretch. It might also cause such difference between what is overhyped in our country vs korea. Before, the main audience were mostly korean and other Asian countries sharing deep cultural and historical bonds. Now, kdramas are produced for a very massive audience. So, the kdrama recipe to success IS repetitive. That's like always eating pasta at every meal but with different sauces. It's still pasta, and it's ok to get bored and to look for something more.
In short, maybe it's not that deep. Maybe we just need to calm down and eat pasta, or gluten free pasta, or "ravioles" (stuffed pasta), or pasta soup, ... It's about taste not about hate.
PS : english is not my language so please do ask kindly if it's not clear enough. For the orthograph, I'm sorry in advance.
Edit : it's the HBO Max version with eng sub, the only differences with the chinese version is the cutting of episodes (see post above) and some of the songs choices (ex: in ep1 the song for the dance is not the same than in the chinese version). Enjoy !
Another good point : the fashion. I feel like Miss S is doing a fashion statement wherever she goes, especially when she is in peculiar places (prison, police station, ...).
Miss S being overdressed is one of the reason making the show so fun.
She IS eyecatching and OUT of place all the time. That's what makes her so intriguing and extravagant. I also feel it's her way to scream to the world who and where she is. A provocation to catch the attention of her lost sister while seeming untouchable, mocking even, to her ennemies. But, it's also a very part of her personality and mindset to be dressed fashionly instead of comfortably or in a more expected way. She knows how to imply her boldness through her apearance, then she speaks and confirms how confident and audacious she is.
And those outfit are so gorgeous, I really can't blame her. If I had any, you bet I will wear it all the time including the most unexpected place.
I will follow more about LYN. I didn't event know he had a musi career...
Scarlet Heart was the first cdrama I ever watched and hold a very speial place in my heart (it's my favorite but rewatching is always leaving me bawling). Same for historical or costumes drama that are my big favourite (no matter the language)
Other than The Vigilante in Masks (loved the bonds they formed and her action skills), chinese paladin 3 (loved how suspicious she was and discovered Yang Mi & Tiffany Tang), Sound of the desert (one of my fav of hers), Imperial Doctress (sometimes confusing plot specially with how it suddenly turned very dark near the end with the SML) , I've watched My best friend's story (modern drama with great slice of life and hard lessons) which made me rediscover her acting. She shines in costumes drama but can handle great modern drama if the script and her co-stars are up the challenge. I've unfortunatly watched Scarlet Heart 2 (modern version of the drama) juste because of her but never found the courage to finish it (the plot was so bad despite the star cast).
She is captivating when given more mature and confident role in which she truly is mesmerizing. But for most of her roles, she goes through a journey to go from "naive" to "mature" and has a knack to smack you in the face with it.
I'm also sooooo waiting for her reunion with Yang Mi in new drama series Fox Spirit Matchmaker. So happy she found A journey to Love to make me fall all over her again. And you ? What next challenges or dramas are you expecting or excited about ?
I'm talking about that scene at the very beginning (1st or 2nd episode) where they pay hommage to the death of all their Liunan Hall brothers who were captured with the emperor of Wu. So hopefully, no...
I also feel like the director, the quality and budget are giving her justice too.
We have a just balance of ation, politics, romance and comedy without any of those themes cannibalizing the other(s).
FL : The FL is a very captivating woman showing an easy to grasp for the audience but complex personnility. And damn, she is coherent, a bit petty, calm and doesn't just act like a badass but IS ! A very well portrayed woman with an impressive set of technical skills but able to acknowledge her lack of social and emotionnal skills. At the same time, her vulnerabilite make her into an even more in depth charachter. I feel like it's a refreshing portrayal of feminity...
PLOT : The plot complement very well the whole package about the characters with buddies and comradeship, trust, growth, romance and the right amount of comedic gold... So, the first episodes are a very good introduction to both the plot (espeially some of the key stakes) AND the charachters. Without forgetting a good rythm and sense of timing making it feel very well done.
cINEMATOGRAPHY : The cinematography is also to admire in some fighting scenes but I was expecting a bit more whith what the trailer showed us.
AcTING : Well, no doubt to have with Liu Shi Shi. For her last dramas, she has a knack to pick up script with FL who are interesting, realistic and are never too black and white. Same with Liu Yu Ning ! Facing such a legend like a Liu Shi Shi is one damn challenge and he pass it. Their acting is so good, it's impossible to confond them with the previous charachters they played. Something hard to see in cdrama beause they tend to typecast. (not only in cdrama btw)
I'm going to rewatch all their previous dramas, because, damn they do deliver !
This man is only good for breathing and staring out the window.
He is doing nothing to solve any issues, worth nothing, being a self rightous prick, unexpected violence, miscommunication, ...
HQ didn't just dodge a bullet, she dodged an egocentric bazooka ! You go girl !