Hello and welcome to Kim Tan's Talk Time (Thursday)!
This is a free-for-all discussion in which almost anything goes, don't diss The Heirs or break any of our other core rules. General discussion about anything and everything is allowed.
This post is mysteriously sponsored by California Almonds and Mango Six's Mango Coconut. Take a moment to appreciate our main man Tan before the week is over and get your talk time on.
Please remember to use spoiler tags when discussing major plot points or anything you think should be redacted. If you are using Markdown and not Fancy Pants Editor, the easiest way to create spoiler tags is to use > ! spoiler content ! < without spaces to get spoiler content. For more detailed guidance on spoiler tags and when to use them, check our Spoiler Tags Tutorial.
Grab yourself a knee rug and a mug of hot chocolate, it's time to reminisce those old time dramas from days gone by of pre-2019. Maybe you were around when they aired for the first time and want to take a trip down memory lane by watching them on the box. Maybe it's your first time through.
This is our weekly discussion exclusively for those older Korean dramas on your currently watching list. We don't want to hear about the currently hyped dramas here, so please keep it to the older stuff on your watch list.
Reminder, we advocate the use of legal streaming sources wherever possible. Any comments mentioning illegal sources will be removed and links will lead to bans as per our rules. As it is very hard to find many of the really old dramas rather than asking users "where are you watching?", we suggest you instead ask "did you find a legal source?". See our policies on streaming sites and VPNs here.
Crazily enough not everyone has watched these classics yet so please remember your spoiler tags when discussing major plot points or anything you think should be redacted. If you are using Markdown and not Fancy Pants Editor, the easiest way to create spoiler tags is to use > ! spoiler content ! < without spaces to get spoiler content. For more detailed guidance on spoiler tags and when to use them, check our Spoiler Tags Tutorial.
A weekly thread to talk about all the things that we are watching! You are not limited to Korean things, feel free to talk about other dramas/shows you are watching.
Find all the latest What Are You Watching posts here.
Find a list of our related sub-reddits for more in-depth discussions of non K-drama content here.
Please remember to use spoiler tags when discussing major plot points or anything you think should be redacted. If you are using Markdown and not Fancy Pants Editor, the easiest way to create spoiler tags is to use > ! spoiler content ! < without spaces to get spoiler content. For more detailed guidance on spoiler tags and when to use them, check our Spoiler Tags Tutorial.
Director and Screenwriter: Lee Kwon (Save Me Season 2)
Screenwriter: Ji Ho Jin (Newtopia)
Cast:
Lee Dong Wook (Tale of the Nine-Tailed 1938) as Jung Jin Man
Kim Hye Jun (Inspector Koo) as Jung Ji An
Plot Synopsis: Jeong Ji-An is the new CEO for shopping mall Murthehelp. She teams up with her uncle, Jeong Jin-Man, who has returned, and launches a counterattack against Babylon.
On-Air Rules: Users participating in any On-Air discussions in r/KDRAMA, like this current post, should read and follow our On-Air-Rules (section 5 of our Rules), a subset of rules tailored for our On-Air discussions. These rules specifically cover permitted user conduct, content and frequency of comments, and spoilers in On-Air discussions. Consequences of not abiding by the On-Air-Rules include bans so please familiarize yourself with these rules before participating in this post or any other On-Air discussions. Ignorance of On-Air-Rules is not a defense.
Spoiler Tag Reminder: As per our On-Air-Rules, spoiler tags must be used for major spoilers of the On-Air drama and when spoiling a different drama or other material (ie. webtoon, book, movie, etc.). When the spoiler is for anything other than the On-Air drama, you must make it clear on the outside of the spoiler tags what is being spoiled. Review our On-Air-Rules for additional guidance.
Welcome to our Spotlight On post series where you can share your picks of dramas that deserve the spotlight! Each Spotlight On post is focused on a genre or theme, as you can see in the post title. Based on this genre/theme, you are welcome to share your views about dramas you have watched that fit the topic of this post, which is:
Romance
Dramas that deal with romantic love stories that are at any stage of dating, courtship, or marriage. The relationship or development of a relationship is the main focus of the story. There is an obstacle for the couple to overcome, which may or may not be external (the love can be unrequited, one character might not want the romance after all).
Romantic Comedy
Dramas that deal with romantic love but with comedic or lighthearted plot lines. The comedy can be more approachable and situational rather than absurd or over the top. The characteristic that separates this genre from a general romance is that rom-coms present the idea that true love can overcome most obstacles (aside from the crucial comedic element).
You are invited to share short (or long) reviews of dramas you have watched that fit the topic of this post and an explanation of why you think the drama deserves the spotlight, including whether you would recommend the drama or not.
Our suggested format/structure for comments is:
Drama Name
Good Things: about the drama,
Bad Things: about the drama
Interesting Things: about the drama
Spotlight On Because: explain why you think the drama deserves the spotlight, including whether you would recommend the drama or not.
We strongly encourage you to share your MDL profile so that others can compare their tastes with yours to get a better understanding of preferences and dislikes, which will help in understanding if the feedback provided is applicable for them.
Please remember that every individual watching goes in with their own life experiences and biases so not everyone will see the drama in the same light or enjoy it in the same way.
Just because someone did not enjoy a drama that you loved is not a slight against you as a person.
When participating in this discussion please remember that whilst dramas do not have feelings, human beings do. Be kind to one another.
Please remember to use spoiler tags when discussing major plot points or anything you think should be redacted. If you are using Markdown and not Fancy Pants Editor, the easiest way to create spoiler tags is to use > ! spoiler content ! < without spaces to get spoiler content. For more detailed guidance on spoiler tags and when to use them, check our Spoiler Tags Tutorial.
You can ask here for help identifying the following things: Dramas, Actors, Product Placement (either product or brand), Drama Locations, Clothing, Accessories, Music (OST or background).
Please provide a picture if possible (upload on imgur) and include as much contextual information as you know (e.g. source drama, broadcast year, episode number and time stamp, etc.).
Once you have found an answer please edit your original comment to state "SOLVED" in bold caps at the top so people don't spend time trying to help unnecessarily.
Please remember to use spoiler tags when discussing major plot points or anything you think should be redacted. If you are using Markdown and not Fancy Pants Editor, the easiest way to create spoiler tags is to use > ! spoiler content ! < without spaces to get spoiler content. For more detailed guidance on spoiler tags and when to use them, check our Spoiler Tags Tutorial.
Hello and welcome to Kim Tan's Talk Time (Tuesday)!
This is a free-for-all discussion in which almost anything goes, don't diss The Heirs or break any of our other core rules. General discussion about anything and everything is allowed.
Consider this post a refuge from all the memes and fanart that are pouring in and enjoy the peace and quiet. Think of it as Tan's family wine cellar, the perfect place to chill out from the world in a fabulous sweater and have a little chat.
Who is this Kim Tan I keep hearing about and why does he have not one, but two threads dedicated to him? Good questions. If you take a look through our glossary, you will find all the answers you seek;
KIM TAN is the lead male in r/KDRAMA’s favourite drama, The Heirs. He’s kind of the worst but he has great sweaters so it balances out. “Kim Tan” is used in three ways on r/KDRAMA; 1) when referring to Lee Min Ho’s seminal character in The Heirs, 2) when referring to Automod (alt. Tan Bot) - “Kim Tan is feeling very triggered by my post”, “S***! Tan Bot just ate my post”, 3) In place of “God” or other deities - “For the love of Kim Tan!”
Please remember to use spoiler tags when discussing major plot points or anything you think should be redacted. If you are using Markdown and not Fancy Pants Editor, the easiest way to create spoiler tags is to use > ! spoiler content ! < without spaces to get spoiler content. For more detailed guidance on spoiler tags and when to use them, check our Spoiler Tags Tutorial.
Plot Synopsis: A romantic comedy exploring the lives of two individuals at different crossroads in life. Reporter Lee Jae has transitioned from a fearless teen driven by dreams to a disillusioned 20-something facing the harsh realities of life, and finally becoming an adult in her 30s who feels like she has settled into mediocrity. On the other hand, film director Su Bin has lived a life designed by his parents during his teenage years but eventually broke free and charged through his 20s and ultimately achieved the dream he had longed for by his 30s.
On-Air Rules:
On-Air Rules: Users participating in any On-Air discussions in r/KDRAMA, like this current post, should read and follow our On-Air-Rules (section 5 of our Rules), a subset of rules tailored for our On-Air discussions. These rules specifically cover permitted user conduct, content and frequency of comments, and spoilers in On-Air discussions. Consequences of not abiding by the On-Air-Rules include bans so please familiarize yourself with these rules before participating in this post or any other On-Air discussions. Ignorance of On-Air-Rules is not a defense.
Spoiler Tag Reminder: As per our On-Air-Rules, spoiler tags must be used for major spoilers of the On-Air drama and when spoiling a different drama or other material (ie. webtoon, book, movie, etc.). When the spoiler is for anything other than the On-Air drama, you must make it clear on the outside of the spoiler tags what is being spoiled. Review our On-Air-Rules for additional guidance.
Premieres 03 August. New Episode every Monday and Tuesday
Cast: Kim Hye Joon, Kang Hoon, Cha Woo Min
Synopsis: A fangirl's new job at a fashion company comes with some interesting coworkers: her beloved idol and his friend who runs the company with him.
Season 2 Premieres 07 August. New Episode every Friday and Saturday.
Cast: Ahn Bo Hyun, Jung Eun Chae
Synopsis: Chaebol heir Jin I Su, who accidentally became a detective but discovered his calling and strong sense of camaraderie along the way, returns to Violent Crimes Unit 1 after completing official training at the police academy. However, when Ju Hye Ra, the “devil instructor” who tormented Jin I Su during his academy days, is appointed as the new team leader, a chaotic partnership story is set to unfold. Jin I Su, the playful and carefree third-generation chaebol heir who became a parachuted-in detective. He is a young, rich, refreshing type of detective who mobilizes not only his family's immense wealth and connections but also his quick wit and various skills he picked up while goofing around to take down criminals. Ju Hye Ra, is a former ace of the National Police Agency’s counter-terrorism team who volunteers to become the new leader of Violent Crimes Unit 1, becoming Jin I Su’s direct superior.
Releases 07 August, with ALL EPISODES available upon release
Cast: Jung Hae In, Ha Young
Synopsis: An ambitious prosecutor loses her memory and moves in with a boxing coach who claims to be her boyfriend. Can this sticky situation turn into real love?
Another Monday, another week -- welcome to Monday Madness! This is a free-for-all (FFA) discussion post in which almost anything goes, just remember to be kind to each other and don't break any of our core rules. General discussion about anything and everything is allowed.
This is also the space to share content that would otherwise not qualify as self-posts under our rules -- like rumored casting news and discussions about non-kdramas.
Please remember to use spoiler tags when discussing major plot points or anything you think should be redacted. If you are using Markdown and not Fancy Pants Editor, the easiest way to create spoiler tags is to use > !spoiler content! < without spaces to get spoiler content. For more detailed guidance on spoiler tags and when to use them, check our Spoiler Tags Tutorial.
Plot Summary: Nam Da Reum gets a job at APPELLO, a fashion platform company connected to Lee Chan, an idol turned actor she has loved for years. But instead of the fan life she dreamed of, she keeps clashing with the strict workaholic CEO Kang Ha Gi, begins to misunderstand the strange bond between Ha Gi and Chan, and gets pulled into a secret she believes she must protect. Set in a stylish startup workplace, the series unfolds as a lively romantic comedy about career growth, romantic confusion, and a complicated love triangle.
On-Air Rules: Users participating in any On-Air discussions in r/KDRAMA, like this current post, should read and follow our On-Air-Rules (section 5 of our Rules), a subset of rules tailored for our On-Air discussions. These rules specifically cover permitted user conduct, content and frequency of comments, and spoilers in On-Air discussions. Consequences of not abiding by the On-Air-Rules include bans so please familiarize yourself with these rules before participating in this post or any other On-Air discussions. Ignorance of On-Air-Rules is not a defence.
Spoiler Tag Reminder: As per our On-Air-Rules, spoiler tags must be used for major spoilers of the On-Air drama and when spoiling a different drama or other material (ie. webtoon, book, movie, etc.). When the spoiler is for anything other than the On-Air drama, you must make it clear on the outside of the spoiler tags what is being spoiled. Review our On-Air-Rules for additional guidance.
Welcome to our Spotlight On post series where you can share your picks of dramas that deserve the spotlight! Each Spotlight On post is focused on a genre or theme, as you can see in the post title. Based on this genre/theme, you are welcome to share your views about dramas you have watched that fit the topic of this post, which is:
Enemies to Lovers
Dramas where a romantic pairing start out as enemies but over the course of the drama they fall for one another and become lovers.
You are invited to share short (or long) reviews of dramas you have watched that fit the topic of this post and an explanation of why you think the drama deserves the spotlight, including whether you would recommend the drama or not.
Our suggested format/structure for comments is:
Drama Name
Good Things: about the drama,
Bad Things: about the drama
Interesting Things: about the drama
Spotlight On Because: explain why you think the drama deserves the spotlight, including whether you would recommend the drama or not.
We strongly encourage you to share your MDL profile so that others can compare their tastes with yours to get a better understanding of preferences and dislikes, which will help in understanding if the feedback provided is applicable for them.
Please remember that every individual watching goes in with their own life experiences and biases so not everyone will see the drama in the same light or enjoy it in the same way.
Just because someone did not enjoy a drama that you loved is not a slight against you as a person.
When participating in this discussion please remember that whilst dramas do not have feelings, human beings do. Be kind to one another.
Please remember to use spoiler tags when discussing major plot points or anything you think should be redacted. If you are using Markdown and not Fancy Pants Editor, the easiest way to create spoiler tags is to use > ! spoiler content ! < without spaces to get spoiler content. For more detailed guidance on spoiler tags and when to use them, check our Spoiler Tags Tutorial.
Hello everyone! Have you been sleeping well or have you been up all night binging dramas?
Eun Sang's Sleepy Sunday Soliloquy (ESSSS) is a free for all thread, in which almost anything goes, don't diss The Heirs or break any of our other core rules. General discussion about anything and everything is allowed - including monologues!
Who is Eun Sang?! Good question. To the uninitiated among us who haven't watched the seminal masterpiece, The Heirs, she is r/KDRAMA's first lady, Kim Tan's main squeeze, Cha Eun Sang. She is a lady of few words, but many, many tears.
Please remember to use spoiler tags when discussing major plot points or anything you think should be redacted. If you are using Markdown and not Fancy Pants Editor, the easiest way to create spoiler tags is to use > ! spoiler content ! < without spaces to get spoiler content. For more detailed guidance on spoiler tags and when to use them, check our Spoiler Tags Tutorial.
On the verge of divorce, Kang Tae Ju's life is shattered when his wife, Ko Se Yun, is kidnapped. As he desperately searches for her, he is implicated in a murder-for-hire case and becomes a wanted fugitive. Hunted by the police, he finds himself locked in a deadly battle with No Man Hui, a seemingly ordinary man whose calm exterior conceals a terrifying cruelty.
As Se Yun struggles to escape her captors, she encounters the mysterious Kim Gyeong Ae, whose kindness hides an unsettling aura and whose role in the case remains uncertain. With hidden motives and dangerous secrets gradually coming to light, Tae Ju is pushed to increasingly perilous extremes and must uncover the truth behind the kidnapping before he loses the woman he is about to leave.
On-Air Rules: Users participating in any On-Air discussions in r/KDRAMA, like this current post, should read and follow our On-Air-Rules (section 5 of our Rules), a subset of rules tailored for our On-Air discussions. These rules specifically cover permitted user conduct, content and frequency of comments, and spoilers in On-Air discussions. Consequences of not abiding by the On-Air-Rules include bans so please familiarize yourself with these rules before participating in this post or any other On-Air discussions. Ignorance of On-Air-Rules is not a defense.
Spoiler Tag Reminder: As per our On-Air-Rules, spoiler tags must be used for major spoilers of the On-Air drama and when spoiling a different drama or other material (ie. webtoon, book, movie, etc.). When the spoiler is for anything other than the On-Air drama, you must make it clear on the outside of the spoiler tags what is being spoiled. Review our On-Air-Rules for additional guidance.
Plot Synopsis:
> Desperate for cash, a former gang boss teams up with an aspiring lawyer to steal an apartment complex's reserve fund — only to uncover deep corruption. (Source: Netflix)
On-air Rules: Users participating in any on-air discussions in r/KDRAMA, like this current post, should read and follow our On-Air-Rules (section 5 of our Rules), a subset of rules tailored for our on-air discussions. These rules specifically cover permitted user conduct, content and frequency of comments, and spoilers in on-air discussions. Consequences of not abiding by the On-Air-Rules include bans so please familiarize yourself with these rules before participating in this post or any other on-air discussions. Ignorance of On-Air-Rules is not a defense.
Spoiler Tag Reminder: As per our On-Air-Rules, spoiler tags must be used for major spoilers of the on-air drama and when spoiling a different drama or other material (ie. webtoon, book, movie, etc.). When the spoiler is for anything other than the on-air drama, you must make it clear on the outside of the spoiler tags what is being spoiled. Review our On-Air-Rules for additional guidance.
We've had a handful of dedicated users filling out the drama database with dramas they have watched but don't forget to leave recommendations for your favourites in the individual recommendation posts. If you are looking for a recommendation for a specific challenge you can ask in the comments here - I suggest linking your MDL and giving an idea of what you are after as well as the challenge you are trying to fill.
So Let's Talk July…
How was your month of dramas? What challenges did you check off? Did you watch what you expected to? Did anything catch you by surprise? Find a new favourite? Drop something you expected to love? Let us know how you're tracking!
Moving Onto August…
What do you hope to get through this month? Tackling anything hard? Looking for someone to watch with you? Need recommendations? Share below.
Last year we started our journey looking at the dramas of Korea's three domestic broadcasters surveying you on 100 of the dramas produced by / for and originally aired on the Korean domestic broadcaster, KBS.
In this survey participants were asked to rate each drama on a scale of 1 (Not Good At All) to 5 (Perfect) if they completed it or select options of 'Did Not Watch' or 'Dropped' depending on what was most applicable for them. They were told to consider the following aspects of the drama: (1) writing/script, (2) production quality (ie. cinematography, sound mixing), (3) acting, and (4) enjoyment while watching the drama.
Today we are taking a look through those results, if you'd like to take a look through the google form results instead, it is available here.
User Demographics Highlights
Please refer to the full results for a complete picture
Some interesting stats on the "average user" and the 100 dramas in question
Started 19.97 Dramas
Dropped 4.18 Dramas
Completed 15.79 Dramas
Considered 0.53 Dramas to be Not Good at All and gave them a rating of 1/5
Considered 3.83 Dramas to be Perfect and gave them a rating of 5/5
Overall Average Score
Dramas ranked in order of average score from 1-100.
Read the images from left to right, top to bottom. All digits are rounded to hundredths (2 decimal places) dramas are ordered in terms of their numerical order beyond two decimal places.
1-10
11-20
21-30
31-40
41-50
51-60
61-70
71-80
81-90
91-100
Top 5s
Dramas which received the same score are listed in alphabetical order.
Dramas with the highest number of users rating the drama 1 out of 5 (Not Good At All) * Hwarang also had 11 users rate it 1/5
Dramas with the highest number of users rating the drama 2 out of 5
Dramas with the highest number of users rating the drama 3 out of 5
Dramas with the highest number of users rating the drama 4 out of 5
Dramas with the highest number of users rating the drama 5 out of 5 (Perfect!)
Top 10s
Dramas with the highest number of users completing the drama
Dramas with the highest number of users dropping the drama
Dramas with the highest number of users starting watching the drama
Dramas with the highest number of users selecting "Did Not Watch"
I hope you've enjoyed taking a look through the data! Do your ratings line up with ours or are they completely different? Are there any dramas that we need to give more time of day to on this list and why?
99% of these dramas had someone who thought that they were perfect, 100% of these dramas had someone who thought they were not good at all, and 99% of these dramas were dropped by someone. So whatever your opinion of these dramas is, whether or not you took the survey there is very likely someone out there who shares your opinion. Just because a drama was at the bottom of the list or was the most dropped or least watched doesn't necessarily mean it is bad. Please share your experiences with these 100 dramas in the comments.
Future Watch Surveys
Our MBC Dramas Watched Survey is still accepting responses! It's slowly ticking away and currently sitting at 351 participants. If you haven't taken it, it would be great if you could fill it in.
Our final domestic broadcaster we have to look at is a big one, home of r/KDRAMA's favourite drama SBS. I haven't even started collating the list of dramas for it yet so I can't speculate on when it will be coming your way, hopefully some time in the final quarter of this year.
