Hello and welcome!

Since you've somehow stumbled on my profile, I guess I better make a proper introduction. My name is Gitte, I'm a hopeless drama addict and kpop fangirl who spend a disproportionate amount of time on the internet obsessing over all things Southeast Asian. But anyways, let's just skip right to the best part - all my favourite things here in dramaland!

Dramas

Secret Garden

Since I watched it the first time in 2010, Secret Garden has been a favourite of mine! I don't know how many times I've rewatched this one, and I know that it's chock-filled with kdrama tropes, but they are all so well executed and memorable that I can't help but love this drama to pieces. 

“Is that the best you can do? Are you sure?” – Joowon

We get an uncountable number of one-liners and couple moments that has been reenacted so many times, both in dramas and kpop (seriously, watch Big Bang's parody if you haven't already!) and if that doesn't spell success, then I don't know what does!

I still endure the weird looks I get from people when I get a text because “Munja wa shong!” had to happen.. And when you actually start wanting the fugly fashion from your fave drama, you know you're in too deep..

"These clothes aren’t what you guys think that they are. A master craftsman in Italy who made track suits for forty years by hand…" - Joowon

Big props to Hyunbin and Ha Jiwon for making Joowon and Gil Raim come alive and have such addictive chemistry!

 "Kim Soo Han Moo Geo Bukgi Wa Doo Roo Mi Sam Cheon Gab Sa Dong Bang Sark Chi Chi Ka Po Sa Ri Sa Ri Sen Ta Weo Ri Weo Ri Se BBu Ri Ka Moo Doo Sel La Goo Roomi Heo Ri Kae In Dam Byeo Rak Seo Sang Won eh Go Yang ee Ba Du Ki Neun Dol Dol ee…" - Joowon

Gaksital

IT'S WEDNESDAY!!!

^This was literally me every week when the new episodes came out! Gaksital or Bridal Mask is one of those dramas that got me hooked from the first 5 minutes of ep. 1 and kept me completely obssessed until the very end! Everything from the cast to the plot to the amazing OST had me on my toes - a never-ending craving for more!

This was my first drama with Joowon, and besides being lured by dat ass, I was also really impressed with his portrayal of Sato Hiroshi/Lee Kangto/Gaksital. 

Gosh, but that Japanese white uniform and mean ass attitude is hot! He is like 3 different personalities seamlessly, and with charm to accompany them. The word "bingo" still makes me super excited because of him..

But this is so much more than simple fangirling. The plot is solid and told a tale of Korean history when they were occupied by Japan, the Korean people's struggle and fight for freedom, as well as the personal journey of the character Kangto. He goes from Japanese sympathiser to the symbol of Korean hope, and in the process, he loses so much and goes through so much agony and pain.

The friendship of Kangto and Shunji is one of the sacrifices that has to be made, effectively making them enemies. That goodbye scene on the bike is so heartbreaking. T_T Nothing, not even torture, is off limits in Shunji's pursuit to uncover the true identity of his old friend..

Rarely does Kangto have reason to be happy, so you know this smiling face is a bad omen.

This drama is full of memorable characters, played by fantastic actors, and even though most of them are serious, we thankfully get some comic relief here and there to ease a bit of the tension. :D

Innocent Man

The Innocent Man/Nice Guy is as close to perfection as you can possibly get! It does everything right and keeps suspension alive until the very last minute(!) so you never know what to expect! It's a unique revenge story with twists and strong characters that you either love or love to hate.

The acting, the writing, the directing, and the music all tie this together into a masterpiece of a drama that I will never get tired of rewatching! I especially love the music score because it means so much for the moodsetting in each scene. 

What makes this drama unforgettable to me is in large part due to the characters Kang Maru, Seo Eun Gi, and Han Jae Hee because they are all somewhat flawed and make bad decisions sometimes which make them all the more human and relatable. (Jaegil and Choco are daebak too!) All the actors have great chemistry together too, lead by Joongki and Chaewon who you cannot help cheering for, despite the risk of heartbreak looming around every corner..

Empress Ki

Empress Ki has such a strong start that I couldn't help being sucked in and let it completely consume my life for half a year! (I even went to see the Forbidden City afterwards to find all the locations I had seen in the drama..) The drama has a great pace that it manages to maintain for 51 episodes, making me never lose interest which is quite the achievement. 

The plot is really interesting and got me into the real history and what happened to the people in real life. Especially who Empress Ki would marry - and who would die. Because Baby Emperor/Tahwan felt like a second lead for the longest time, making me all the more of a dedicated TaNyang shipper! Their relationship has such good story arch, always somehow ending up together despite Nyang's feelings for Wang Yoo. They have a special partnership, leaning on each other, growing together, and being each other's haven.

[loud cheer and fangirling over that first TaNyang kiss!]

It is so beautiful to see Nyang gradually develop feelings for this immature prince that gets trapped in his position as emperor and see her helping him to become a better and stronger person. Nyang is his everything, he is flawed and hopelessly blind when it comes to her, and that leads to some misunderstandings..

No character in this drama is flawless - except maybe one.. There came a point where I didn't feel I could trust or rely on anyone aside from the awesome Taltal! XD (If I HAD to abandon ship, TalNyang was the next strongest contender.) Taltal is smart and always manages to stay focused and work for the good side. This drama has some of the greatest villains out there, and Taltal is the guy on the sidelines, helping to take them down.

As a hardcore TaNyang shipper, I had been waiting for the moment Nyang would finally say those three words back to Tahwan. We had to wait in anticipation for 51 episodes (better late than never..) and it is the most emotional scene of the drama..

Ji Changwook might be quite a shy personality in real life, but I enjoy watching him laugh unabashedly with Jiwon behind the scenes just as much as I enjoy the drama. ^__^ I never thought I'd ship Ha Jiwon with anyone other than Hyunbin, but here I was definitely proven wrong!

Healer

And best as I thought I had found my ultimate Changwook ship, Minyoung came walzing in. Having become quite the avid Changwook fan, my excitement and expectations for Healer were sky high! Action, Romance, Comedy - this drama has all my favorite elements and they are done to perfection! I've watched lots of masked hero dramas, but there's nothing like this couple's blindfold meetings!

The ChangMin couple chemistry is amazing, I don't know how many times I've squealed over all their little couple interactions! So many handholds, hugs, kisses, and easy skinship happening between these two - even the "personal contact" touch to the forehead has sparks flying! XD

I love that Junghoo's only real love rival is himself (just as much as he does ^^) and that even before they become a couple, they have a beautiful understanding and connection with each other that make their relationship development all the more natural.

“How about me? Would I do? … Instead of someone you’re waiting for who won’t come, how about me, who’s next to you? If you wanted…I could live the way you want me to. For a long time, carefully, by your side.” - Junghoo

They are both kick-ass personalities with a dash of dorky, loyal, and loving and it makes for some of the cutest, most hilarious moments. And let's not forget all the laughs had when Youngshin's dad and Ajumma are thrown into the mix! XD (also a small shoutout to Changwook's disguises because they are glorious!)

Kimi Wa Petto

Kimi Wa Petto was my first Japanese dorama and I've watched it many times since then. It's so fluffy and cute, a business woman adopting a boy as a pet dog sets the scene for so many intimate situations that she accepts because he's a "dog."

Meanwhile I'm over here squaling in delight over all his pet-like mannerisms like nudging her nose and handing her a paw ^___^

Liar Game

Liar Game is intense and exciting, surprising and full of twists. Mind games and money gambling is too dishonest for innocent Nao, while it's the forte of the genius Akiyama, which is why she asks him for help when she is thrown into the game.

"You're stupidly honest, that's why you get tricked all the time" - Akiyama

Some of the games are quite logical even for the common viewer, but we always get thorough explanation for the naive Nao's sake. The best part of this dorama, however, is smexy Akiyama being badass and winning while having awesome platonic chemistry with the lead actress.

Ugly Duckling: Perfect Match

Aigoo, this drama! >.< It was my first Thai lakorn and it opened up a completely new world for me - with Push as the center piece! The story of an 'ugly duckling' meeting a handsome pauper isn't new (even though the guy is poor for once!) but it feels refreshing due to the humour and playful flirting/sneak attacks.

No matter how obvious Suea is about his flirting attempts, Joo always says he is just teasing her, so his pursuits increase till practically being naked in her bed - and I love every single second! He could charm the panties off a giraffe with that acting (and body)!

The message of true love being about falling in love with a person's personality, transcending appearance and money, makes the drama all the more precious.  A really fun watch that got me totally addicted to Push!

Actors

Ji Changwook

Aigooo, the flutters in my heart! <3 Ji Changwook is the epitome of handsomeness to me; he's sexy, beautiful and dorky at the same time and his winks or smiles might just kill me! Ottoke, what will I do with all the feelings >.<

His character in Empress Ki enticed me to no end and I quickly picked up the endearment 'baby emperor' because I love watching that childlike adorable guy fight for himself, and I love Changwook even more for bringing him to life! His acting is really no joke!

I fell head over heels because of Empress Ki, and then Healer made sure I'd never be able to get over my Changwook feels! How does he turn from sexy mysterious guy to socially awkward cutiepie in the blink of a eye - and why does it all work so well on me >.< Just his existence is a turn on!

Song Joong Ki

I first saw Joongki in Sungkyunkwan Scandal, and though I was originally watching the drama for Yoochun, Joongki's flamboyant easy-going character ended up stealing the show for me.

Ever since then, he has done so many great productions - A Werewolf Boy and the masterpiece Innocent Man being two of my all time favourites! It seems like everything he touches turns to gold.

He is a really versatile actor with a pretty face that never seems to age. Whenever he smiles, he get's 10 times more beautiful and I fall in love with him a little bit more every time.. I feel deprived in the serious Innocent Man because of the lack of smiles, since his really is one of the best I know.. (also not complaining about the wonders Military/Kim Jongkook has done to his body!)

Also, he must have an insane natural talent for flirting (or might possibly be the best actor ever) because he's got the lean in/love-stare act down to a T. It's like half of the scenes in Descendants of the Sun is just Joongki with hearts in his eyes. ♥o♥

Joowon

Joowon seduced me with a single picture on facebook (bingo!) that lead me to watch Gaksital which in turn landed me with a big time crush on this handsome af guy. Not only is he easy on the eyes and had a plot of a lifetime to work with, he delivered a masterful performance as an actor playing multiple sides of the same person, and that completely WOWed me off my chair.

If that drama didn't prove his talent, then certain his portrayal of an autistic doctor in Good Doctor did!

I just love that he can play the most confident or insecure types of characters, while in reality he is such a cutiepie.. that sings too! Really nice voice, actually.

Lee Junki

The original flower boy in dramaland! He is so much more than just a pretty face, though, he is an extremely talented actor with great range. Junki has a very special place in my heart because he was my first Korean crush.

I first fell in love with him in The King and the Clown where he was as delicate as a flower. I can pretty much point out the exact moment I fell for him: when the camera tilted up to his smiling face above the screen. Junki's smile left such an impact on me that it still remains my favourite smile of all time..

In Iljimae his character was the complete opposite, he was playful by day and heroic by night, while in Time Between Dog and Wolf he was the cool secret service guy. No matter what he plays, it turns out great!

Jung Kyung Ho

Jung Kyung Ho just kinda snuck up on me.. My first drama with him was Time Between Dog and Wolf, but due to my overshadowing crush on Lee Junki at the time, I was kind of oblivious to his charm.. Until I watched Falling for Innocence and realised what a natural acting talent he has! His chemistry with his co-stars is outstanding and I'm convinced he could play any role with splendor! Whether it be comedian... 

...or hot piece of underworld gangster! He could have chemistry with a tree - he's so charismatic when serious, and so damn CUTE when he is wooing a girl.

Yoon Shi Yoon

I have a major weakness for happy-go-lucky characters so Enrique Geum in Flower Boy Next Door immidiately made a fangirl out of me! (just like Jeremy in You're Beautiful and Yongha in Sungkyunkwan Scandal ^___^) He's that ray of sunshine that I'd love to have popping up in my life at the most random times.. Plus that adorable face is just irrisistable! >.<

"Ajumma~~!" - Enrique

Seo Kang Joon

Admittedly, I've only watched Cheese in the Trap with Kangjoon so far, but he is great in that and immediately became my favourite character! Second lead syndrome is so strong! The best part of the whole drama for me is every time he calls Seol "dog fur" ^_^

Okay, he's also ridiculously good looking and his eyes are irrisistable. Such a pretty colour that you will be trapped with one look... 

Matsumoto Jun + Oguri Shun + Matsuda Shota

Matsumoto Jun was one of the first Japanese guys I encountered back when I watched the adorable Kimi Wa Petto for the first time; and who would be able to resist all that cuteness? This guy is so precious.. not to mention handsome..

Hana Yori Dango was great for me because I got me some more Jun and was introduced to two new Japanese hotties, Oguri Shun..

...and Matsuda Shota. I naturally went on to obsess all over them in their individual doramas. ^_^ Gosh, Shota's Akiyama in Liar Game was sexy af!

Yamazaki Kento

Let's be honest, he's not the best actor in the world, but what he lacks in talent, he makes up for in beauty. He's been in so many live action Japanese movies, and at this point, I'll watch all of them just for the eyecandy.. 

Mike He

I was into Mike before I even knew his name or who he was. Such is the power of this devilishly handsome face. Then I watched Devil Before You and was immediately swept me off my feet. One smile from him and I was a goner.. (Another of my top fave smiles, obviously..)

Aaron Yan

Taiwanese drama Just You completely turned my head because of..

1. 1. Aaron Yan
2. 2. Aaron Yan's voice
3. 3. Aaron Yan and Puff Guo's chemistry!

This mighty fine human specimen has killer chiseled features and such a soothing voice - I can listen to his songs for hours on end and never get tired of them..

Push Puttichai

Why didn't I start watching Thai lakorns sooner? Push is to die for, throwing buckets of charm, good looks, and smoking hot body in my face - and his on screen flirting is off the charts! Seriously though, he is actually a really good actor that can do both funny and serious scenes with flair.

Plus, his real personality of being playful and teasing his co-stars behind the scenes makes him all the more attractive to me >.<

Couple ~ Ships

Coffee Prince - Gong Yoo & Yoon Eunhye

Gongyoo and Eunhye feel like a really natural couple. They have a cute goofy bromance going on that is delightful to watch, and you just can't help but love them together.

Hankyul's budding feelings for Eunchan and him even beginning to question his orientation is so adorable, and who doesn't remember the scene when he finally caves and declares his love for her, no matter who she is:

“I like you. Whether you're a man or an alien, I don't care anymore. I tried getting rid of my feelings, but I couldn't.. So let's go as far as we can go. Let's give it a try.” – Hankyul.

Also, Eunhye doesn't hold back when she does onscreen kisses! She makes out with him like she means it! :D

Dream High - Wooyoung & IU (Milky Couple)

Wooyoung and IU, the Milky couple, are just about the cutest and most innocent pairing I've shipped. To be honest, I wasn't too into Dream High (Soohyun was great, though!), but the Milky couple kept me watching, wanting to see their happy ending. ^^

It is a beautiful relationship - Pilsook was fat in the beginning and treated like an outcast by others, but the cool Jason helps her out, becomes her friend, and gradually he falls for her, ending her 'onesided' crush like a fairytale.

Cruel City - Jung Kyung Ho & Nam Gyuri

I know that the romance line is only a very small part of Cruel City, a drama that has everything going for it, but I still can't help being most excited over the Docter's Son X Soomin ship, especielly after that explosive sex scene they have together! That's probably the most passionate bed scene I've seen in a Korean drama!

Kyungho looks like a great kisser, but we all know that what completes this kissing is the girl staying far away from the 'dead fish' kiss! Thank you, Gyuri!

Devil Beside You - Mike He & Rainy Yang

Devil Before You was my first Taiwanese drama and I immediately loved it due to Mike and Rainy's chemistry. Or maybe it was just Mike's charm that trapped me, but nevertheless, it was in prefect synergy with Rainy and when I saw their couple pictures BTS, I shipped them even more!

The way he looks at her... Every girl's dream. What I love about Taiwanese dramas is that there are generally more kiss scenes and very few of them are unnaturally stiff >.< The one below is just perfection.

Just You - Aaron Yan & Puff Guo

The story line of Just You has been seen before, but Aaron and Puff still make me addicted to it, wanting to see more and more of them because they look so good together! 

They feel quite natural, like a compatible pair who sparks whether at work or at home in a more casual setting. My favourite moments are all the hilarious situations happening when living together ^_^

While the drama scenes are awesome and have lots of skinship, it is really the BTS that I love the most! The couple looks really close and personal, like they are having fun with each other. Off screen friendship FTW!

Leaning on each other and practice kissing scenes! :D Hell yeah!

The frosting on the cake came after the show's conclusion, though. I almost died when I saw Aaron and Puff kissing at the afterparty/press conference. Aaron and Puff REALLY need to do another drama together because they are awesome together!!

Full House Thai - Mike D'angelo & Aom (AoMike)

Two dramas together already, and I'd love to see another one with them! Their kisses look so affectionate and true, they suit each other really well. And gawd, the sensuality and anticipation of that ice cream kiss in Full House is almost unbearable! 

The way they look at each other completely sells it for me..

If there is any chance of an onscreen couple being together in real life, then I'm cheering for AoMike! Even if Mike has a child with his ex-girlfriend, Aom is still very close to him and they seem to spend a lot of time together - Aom is even seen with the baby sometimes - so if they can manage that situation, then just go public already!

Bromance

Sungkyunkwan Scandal - Song Joongki & Yoo Ah In

I love the character of flower boy Yongha but the drama just becomes even better when he starts the Yongha X Jaeshin ship! They are hilarious to watch because they are total opposites of each other, fun vs. serious, which creats some couple sparks worth shipping! Even more than the main couple...

The more Jaeshin resists, the harder Yongha flirts. But really, he flirts with everything on legs.. The best part is that they even won the ‘Best Couple Award’ at 2010 KBS Acting Awards despite not even playing a real couple! ^^

Special mention to Joongki's relationship with Lee Kwangsoo! These two BFFs have been in quite a few productions together (it seems that Kwangsoo shows up in almost everything Joongki is in - per Joongki's request), and I loved them together in Innocent Man, but nothing can beat their Running Man days and real life friendship!

Joongki even set his love for Kwangsoo in stone when he was filming Descendants of the Sun in Zakynthos and wrote this cute message: Joongki ♥ Kwangsoo (Prince of Asia)

Movies

Kpop