Blerg...er...uh...um...I forgot what I was saying.: Korean, Japanese and Chinese Dramas & Movies

It seems I've hit critical mass on Kdramas, so here's a handy page linking all my thoughts on them so I can find it easier later. Mostly presented here in order of when I watched them (but broken up by ones I have completed, ones I'm still watching/haven't given up on and ones I doubt I'll ever finish) and also including the random Japanese/Chinese/Taiwanese/Vietnamese dramas and movies as well. Unless otherwise noted, they are Korean dramas as that's the bulk of what I've been watching.

Currently Watching

The Law Cafe - A Lee Seung-Gi show...lawyers, family drama, comedy...I think I've just watched two of them and haven't gone back to it yet. Not honestly sure why. So will leave here for now.
Tomorrow -- with Rowoon! Grim Reapers, Risk Management. Ok, actually was quite liking this one BUT just wasn't in the mood. Am roughly halfway through and will try and pick it up again sometime.
King the Land -- started a new one, but it's got Junho. Am roughly halfway through but taking a break. I watched a bit more but still taking a break overall.
Welcome to Sam-dal-ri -- started it on a plane because I had it downloaded (and like the actors) and am enjoying it...just too tired today to do a full write up and didn't want to forget, so putting it here.

Finished Watching

More or less in the order in which they were finished, so latest stuff at the bottom.

What's Wrong with Secretary Kim? -- in which I discover the charms of Park Seo Joon and I finally find a Kdrama I like even if some of the middle dragged & the family drama was a bit much (a bit? okay, it was insane, BUT I forgive it because I liked so much of the rest)
About Time -- frustrating world 🌎 building, but some nice bits...but the more I think about it, the more it annoys me. It had a lot of potential, but I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.
Because This is My First Life -- nearly perfect, except for the end, which really annoyed me. Plus a 😻.
Thirty But Seventeen -- completely ridiculous coincidences but some lovely characters and scenes and the more Kdramas I watch, the more I appreciate the final episodes of this one.
Wok of Love -- in which I 💗 the bromance more than the romance but find Jang Hyuk and would love to watch him in something else.
Fight My Way -- seriously, Seo Joon...yeesh. another very nearly perfect show and the two main leads were really great together. The secondary couple was very frustrating, but overall the show was really good with good character arcs.
Fukuyadou Honpo: Kyoto Love Story -- Japanese drama. Frustrating. Finished it. Barely. Really only liked the 🍬 wagashi
Strong Woman Do Bong Soon -- in which Park Hyung Sik also finds a place in my 💖 even if there were other bits of the show I could burn with 🔥. Really a love/hate one but enough good moments that it was worth it. Leads were absolutely adorable together.
Shopping King Louie (after first episode) and King of the Heart (at the halfway point) and finally Shopping King Louis -- Fin (at the end) -- Really liked this one and can't say anything really bad about it, other than that it was pretty predictable. Would probably watch again.
Where Stars Land and Where Stars Land Part Deux and ARGH It's Gone all Me Before You and the final post: Falling Stars -- wherein the ending seriously pissed me off but the actors were mostly good. Definitely had issues and ultimately failed it's promise.
Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-Joo (after episode 1) and Heavyweights (after episode 7) then I'm nervous (before the final episodes) and finally Whew (after the last episode) -- really enjoyed this one and found it very nearly perfect...good writing and an excellent turn by Nam Joo Hyuk
You're Beautiful -- one big long post...surprised, but I really liked this one and the music and can see why it's called a classic. Enjoyed it more than I thought I would. That said, it's predictable as all heck and the last episode was a mixed bag that could have very easily been perfect.
Wednesday 3:30 PM -- Short and sweet. Not amazing, but not bad at all either.
Secret Garden -- Welp. Another love/hate Kdrama. Liked the actors, especially Hyun Bin and Yoon Sang Hyun. Very annoyed at the issues with the plot and mis-use of the fantasy/magical elements and the character development. It may be a classic, but I'll never watch it again.
Oh My Venus -- quite enjoyed this one, though there were a few things about the end in particular that I found annoying and the actual tension within the plot wasn't really explored as much as it could have been. But yay for So Ji-sub!
The Legend of the Blue Sea -- Another favourite wherein I loved Jun Ji-hyun and Lee Min Ho and found nearly all of it just about perfect, though I really could have done without the forced separation thing at the end -- it became more predictable towards the end than I'd hoped but it was really overall lovely. Best mystical realism Kdrama I've seen so far definitely.
Suspicious Partner -- A really good one and I'm a fan of Ji Chang Wook now. Nearly all of it worked really well, though there was a bit too much Noble Martyr stuff going on, BUT it also held some surprises, which was great. Probably in my top 5.
I am Not a Robot -- Totally didn't expect going in that this would wind up one of my current fav dramas. Good story, great character arcs, very few problems and lovely acting. Really enjoyed Chae Soo Bin in this (and, honestly, after Where Stars Land, I'm surprised) as well as Yoo Seung Ho, who I will keep an eye out for now. So many tears but also so many laughs.
Beautiful Gong Shim -- A lovely romantic comedy kinda ruined by too much unexpected chaebol murder/kidnapping antics + not great character choices in the end. The good parts were really good but I'll never watch this again because of the UGH bits. Did like the leads. Did not like how it turned from her story into his story.
My ID is Gangnam Beauty -- Good, though not as good as the hype for it had made me hope (probably would have felt better if I hadn't succumbed to the buzz). Cha Eun Woo was ridiculously adorable though.
Splash Splash Love -- such a ridiculous title, but far more charming than I had any expectations of. Very short -- basically, movie length -- but really just lovely. It even made me break my no historical drama rule (not so much a rule as it is a general avoidance). Bonus for making me learn some history.
Dramaworld -- Not exactly a Kdrama but more of a satire? parody? send off? of a Kdrama. Very short. I liked it okay but I wanted more.
The Master's Sun -- Another So Ji Sub one and I still like him. On the paranormal side but with some comedy/dramady/horror as well. Overall, I liked it, but it also left me feeling like there was something missing and I don't even know what it was.
Because It's the First Time -- a 20-something ensemble cast and the first time I've ever seen the second lead get the girl. Okay, but ending left everything (and I mean everything) pretty much unresolved. It was too short, but the characters were good.
My Love from the Star -- okay, I love Jun Ji-hyun, but this one does suffer a bit in comparison to Legend of the Blue Sea because the world building isn't nearly as good or consistent. But both the leads were good (as was the poor second lead guy). Not my fav but if I'd seen it before LofBS, I probably would have enjoyed it more.
It's Okay, That's Love -- It was unexpected in some ways (some good, some bad), but I did enjoy the leads and would definitely watch Zo In-Sung in something again. Overall, I liked it. It took me a bit longer than expected to finish it because there was quite a bit more depressing bits to muddle through than I had wanted, but at least the ending was nicely wrapped up.
Romance is a Bonus Book -- the first episode probably wasn't supposed to depress me as much as it did, but there you go. Then There's too much me here as I continued it. I did enjoy this one a lot, especially Lee Jong Suk but it did hit home w-a-y too much. Bonus for getting 90% of the stuff about the publishing industry correct. Well, maybe 85%, but still, that's way better than most shows.
You're All Surrounded -- Thought it was going to be a simple/silly buddy cop ensemble kind of thing but there's childhood trauma/dark past stuff galore. First post covers most of it. Then Finally, no longer surrounded for final thoughts. Overall, I liked it. Wouldn't say I loved it, but did enjoy all the "good guy" actors (not so much the "bad guys"). Small bit of romance.
Beauty Inside -- with Lee Min Ki, this is the drama version and not the movie, though I also want to see the movie sometime. He's as deadpan as ever and I'm mostly enjoying this one. Finally finished it and the wrap up/final thoughts is at Beauty is a Vampire...Overall a good one but not Ah-mazing with a quiet but fairly satisfying conclusion. A good entry Kdrama.
My Little Lover -- a Japanese drama that I don't want to burn with fire. Woot! This teenybopper drama about a girl who winds up transformed into the "one inch princess" (though more like 5 or 6 inches, really) and co-habitating with her first love/former best friend wound up being quite cute and sweet, though the acting wasn't amazing. I enjoyed it.
Birth of a Beauty -- This one is way way way too long at 21 episodes. It probably should have been about 16. That said, the two leads were good and I didn't hate the "fat girl becomes beautiful" thing as much as I often do, mostly because of their chemistry when they were together. And the story mostly worked, other than some complete implausibilities and character stupidity.
Love020 -- Watched the Chinese movie version over the 30 episode drama and glad I did. Little dude also liked it for the CGI/Gaming references. Predictable and very low angst/plot, but charming.
My Long Awaited Love Story -- Japanese movie. Take off of the Cyrano story and absolutely chock full of cliches and tropes BUT adorable and sweet nonetheless, mostly because of the leads. Worthwhile watch.
She was Pretty -- Another Park Seo-Joon drama that I've had on my list for a while. It was pretty good, even though it had some tropes that aren't my fav. Possibly the biggest case of Second Lead Syndrome ever too (Choi Si-Won). Would be a good entry Kdrama for someone.
Spark -- a mini drama that was a decent show with some young actors. Left me wanting more, but it was pretty good.
My Romantic Some Recipe - a ridiculously adorable, super short and sweet web drama with Cha Eun Woo. Which was enough, let's be honest. But the female lead was also good and a bit atypical, which was nice.
Hey Ana, Let's Eat -- super short (probably web) drama that was semi-interesting but ultimately way too rushed. Actors were okay and seemed a bit wasted...well, maybe if it had been a few episodes longer it would have worked.
The King's Avatar -- watched with little dude. Chinese drama with lots of gaming and in-game sequences. Very shiny, basically no romance, but a decent amount of humour and story. We really enjoyed it. It was a perfect family watch.
Accidentally in Love -- a Chinese drama. Absolutely chock full of trope-age and cliches and that was only the first episode. After finishing, I'd say it had possibly the most laughable special effects I've seen in any of these shows and some absolute ridiculousness, but the leads were cute and it had its moments. But also glad that I'm done with it.
Page Turner -- a short three episode drama with Ji Soo that had been on my list for ages but finally came up somewhere I could watch it. All three of the leads did a great job, though I would have loved a little bit more of a wrap up at the end. Open ended is fine and it did end on an emotional note, but some more closure would have been good.
The World Owes Me a First Love -- Chinese drama that mostly hit all the right notes for me -- though there were some false flags of Noble Idiocy that thankfully never fully materialised...though I wish they hadn't even hinted at them. Wound up really enjoying it and the actors (except for the FL's wig, which was dreadful the longer you watched).
When the Camellia Blooms -- Gong Hyo-Jin (again, though not my fav of hers) and the joyous Kang Ha-Neul. Serial killers, Ongsan, and sadness, but also the very sweet Yong-Sik. Everyone needs a Yong-Sik. I definitely need a Yong-Sik. Can I have a Yong-Sik?
My Secret Terrius -- A So Ji-Sub drama I'd been waiting to see a long time. Overall, I did like this one, though felt it was a little slow at times for a story involving spies. Romance was a little too low-key. But a good entry drama.
Another Miss Oh / Another Oh Hae Young -- One that's been on my list for a while with Seo Hyun-Jin. Enjoyed this one, but also thought it was a little too long and predictable at the end. And way more crying than I thought it would have. Thank goodness for the secondary couple.
Triad Princess -- Chinese drama that had good leads (Jasper Liu and Eugenie Liu) but ultimately either didn't take the ridiculous far enough or take itself serious enough. Not sure which. Season 1 ended on an annoying cliffhanger but the chances of me watching season 2 whenever it comes out are pretty slim even though I liked the actors.
Revenge Note aka Sweet Revenge -- started it because it has Cha Eun Woo (so sue me) but after just one episode I really enjoyed all the actors and had high hopes for it. Park Solomon is a treat. Actually, they all are. Took me months to finish the final episode, as I had it on hold for ages thinking I had more to go and I couldn't take the bullying storylines anymore. After finishing...to sum up, it was better than I expected going in and I did enjoy it. Delightful young actors.
1% of Something -- Korean drama from 2016 I'd heard lots of good things about. In the beginning, the male lead is an absolute wanker, but the female lead was a joy. By the end, it was all okay. I wouldn't say it was my favourite show, but it wound up being decent. The best part would be the chemistry between the leads.
Put Your Head on My Shoulder -- Chinese drama with two adorable leads and the whole scientific/awkward dude + cute and cheerful female. A very low angst drama with lots of sweet moments and a few laugh out loud scenes. Would definitely recommend it.
Momo Salon -- a very short but sweet mini drama (only 6 episodes and less than an hour total) with Park Jung Min. It was like a lollipop.
Cook Up a Storm -- a Chinese movie about two rivals chefs from very different backgrounds (though, honestly, really about an abandoned son). Plot was a bit of a muddle, but the cooking scenes were great. Definitely watch it for the food.
Midnight Diner: Tokyo Stories, Season 1 -- Japanese show. Can't call it a drama, really. It's charming in a weird way and short episodes. It took me over a year to watch the whole first season, but that was only because I just dipped into it when I needed something sentimental and understated.
High End Crush -- Another Jung Il-Woo (he's in Sweet Munchies as well)...this one is a short episode joint Korean / Chinese drama with a whole lot of ridiculousness where not a lot actually happens, but it was a nice diversion with a lot of flailing. Plus Monsta X!
Oh My Baby -- Jang Na-Ra wants to be a mom and is in search of a baby daddy in this show. Liked the early episodes better than the last few, but overall it was a good show, just not amazing. Do wish the ending had been more satisfying.
Furie -- a Vietnamese movie with Veronica Ngo that is seriously intense about a mother saving her kidnapped daughter from organ harvesters. Veronica totally kicks ass. Like, everyone's ass.
Midnight Diner: Tokyo Stories, Season 2 -- continuing on with this sentimental but somewhat joyful series. It's a nice understated break from the ridiculousness of the other shows I'm currently watching.
Let's Eat -- okay, yet another eating focused one, but I'm finding it fairly interesting so far and with no real idea how the romance angle is going to go, which is intriguing in itself. Also bonus for having an older (30's) actress being one of the leads. It wound up ending nicely, though I'm a bit eh? as there are two more seasons and only the male lead is back, so what the heck happened to the romance? Not sure if I'll watch any more of them. Though all of the good was pretty awesome.
Flower Boy Next Door -- wanted to watch this one for a while, so glad it popped up available on Viki. Recluse girl + lots of pretty boys. Liked this one quite a bit and nice that it wound up being the goofy cute guy for once. It's like Duckie won!
Kiss Goblin -- a super short episode drama about a Goblin who wants to become human and the girl who is helping him. Pretty good for the length, with a decent amount of character development and good chemistry between the leads.
Mystic Pop Up Bar -- A spirited but comic tale of a 500 year old ghost with just a month to help 9 more people via their dreams or get sent to Hell + a puppy boy who is helping her in the hopes of helping himself. I enjoyed this one a lot, though the last episodes were a bit weak in staying with the established construct of the show's mythology. But, still, charming.
I Order You - a short episode drama with forced proximity & food. Didn't love it. Way too much of all the standard tropes. It was okay.
True Beauty -- with Cha Eun-woo...so, yeah, another must watch. In this one, the FL has been "ugly" her whole life. She finally discovers makeup as she transfers to a new school and meets two flower boys...Really did love it, though poor Hwang In-Yeop as Seu-jun. Some SERIOUS Second Lead Syndrome in this one.
The Tale of Nokdu -- A historical drama with cross dressing & disguise that was lots of fun and action, though a fair bit of death and drama in the last episodes. Absolutely great pacing and really well done.
Mr. Queen -- with Shin Hye-Sun and Kim Jung-Hyun which meant that it was just as good and funny as I thought it would be. Iseikai/time travel/soul swapping/gender swapping. Totally loved it.
The Uncanny Counter -- a contemporary supernatural story featuring Grim Reaper/Evil Spirt Hunters with a "too pure for this world" protagonist. Really excellent show and a good all around watch.
Hello, Me! A time travel / sliding doors thing where the younger version comes forward into the very disappointing life of her older self. Has a surprising amount of depth, but also lots of funny. It was good, though I did feel they dropped the ball a bit on the time travel-y resolution.
Run On -- The characters were quirky and charming (both the main and secondary couples), but the story (especially the resolution) was a bit weak. But, a worthwhile one to watch.
Start Up -- Thought it was going to just be about business-y start up young entrepreneur stuff, but has all of this sort of reverse Cyrano stuff going on! Definite one for Second Lead Syndrome, but a solid story all around and they did get the majority of the start up stuff correct, which was a bonus.
Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha - a sleepy seaside town + a displaced Seoul-ite dentist + a busybody (but sweet) Handy Man type. Watching it for Kim Sun-ho. Quite enjoyed it.
Yumi's Cells -- a mostly lighthearted look at falling in love for the emotionally stunted with a look at the inner life of the main character.
From 5 to 9 -- a Japanese drama based on a manga (and very obviously manga-like). Didn't hate it, but really didn't love it either. One of those where it felt like the FL really should have ended up with someone else.
Would You Like a Cup of Coffee? -- short episode Korean drama, very slice of life and calm. Enjoyed it.
My Little Happiness -- Chinese drama with two of the same actors from Put Your Head on My Shoulder. It was seriously low stakes/low angst drama, but nice.
The School Nurse Files - pretty much the strangest Kdrama I've ever watched. Has Nam Joo-Hyuk in it, though he is remarkably awkward.
Mad for Each Other -- a rather over the top one with a dude with anger management issues and a paranoid OCD lady. It started out more ridiculous than romantic, but everything came together in the end.
Shooting Stars -- A Lee Sung-Kyung romantic comedy about the entertainment industry. Really quite liked it as it has the right amount of humour and ridiculous and romance that I enjoy.
From Now On, Showtime -- Ghosts + a "Magician" who can see them + a determined young police officer = a crime fighting duo of craziness. Really loved Park Hae-Jin in this one.
Extraordinary Attorney Woo -- really loved this one about an autistic attorney and excited to hear it has a season 2 coming (likely not until 2024, but that's okay).
Once Upon a Small Town - small town, small show, low stakes but sweet.
Crash Course in Romance -- quite enjoyed this one, even though it was predictable. One of my favs so far this year. And it's a Noona romance!
Business Proposal -- Quite enjoyed it, though felt the ending was a bit predicable and flat. Mostly really happy to see Ahn Hyo-Seop.
Summer Strike -- with Yim Si-Wan, which is why I watched (and enjoyed it) though it was a LOT more murdery and sad than I expected.
Oh! My Assistant -- a Korean BL very short episode drama. Wasn't terrible, wasn't great.
Hot Stove League -- It's about baseball. So why did I start it? I don't know. But it's good. Took me ages to finish, but it was a good show.
Dream -- Korean movie with some of my fav actors. It wasn't groundbreakingly amazing, but it was solid.
Ready, Set, Love -- This one was Thai (and might be the first Thai show I finished...) and I surprisingly liked it.
Lovely Runner -- An all around great one that I really loved -- good story, good cast, great chemistry

Still Watching (Possibly Maybe), But Really Really Slowly

Waikiki -- Watched one episode and then went on to The Legend of the Blue Sea and didn't look back BUT I do want to finish this one as it's comedy gold. Originally only blogged it in passing on the LotBS post. Have watched two more and it is utter ridiculousness that I think I'll have to watch in bits as it's almost too over the top to watch all in one go. Literally makes you laugh out loud. Okay, snort maybe.
20th Century Boy and Girl -- still watching (on episode 7 or 8?) but, while there's nothing wrong with it, it also hasn't grabbed me. Not sure when I'll get back to it. Was excited about older characters but they kinda feel like they are way younger than they were supposed to be.
Doctors -- Watched the first episode and will likely watch the whole thing at some point, but not in the mood for it right now, partly because I'm not quite ready for another Lee Sung Kyung drama yet. There is a bad boy Jisoo in it though, so that's a definite bonus.
Her Private Life -- Just one episode in so far and it has promise but also hasn't completely grabbed me yet. Going to keep on. Same actress as in What's Wrong with Secretary Kim?
Go, Go Squid -- a Chinese drama. Only one episode in. Lotta love for it online, so I'm going to keep on for now, though I'm not yet seeing why everyone is in such a buzz over it.
My Contracted Husband, Mr. Oh -- Just one episode in...thought it was going to be light and fluffy but NO all full of makjang antics. Debating continuing. Did like the male lead. Ok with the female lead mostly but also didn't totally love her character (but, hey, room for growth and all that).
Moorim School -- another one I'm trying with little dude, though this one is Korean and features a magical realism setting around a school where the curriculum is in no way typical.
Healer -- haven't blogged yet. Watched the first episode (yay Ji Chang Wook) while the in-laws were visiting, but then thought it might be a good one to do with little dude, so haven't watched any more yet. Will definitely blog it later as I've wanted to watch this one for a while.
Bring It On Ghost -- one I started with little dude that looks very promising, with some supernatural physical comedy, though we haven't gone past the first episode yet.
A Little Thing Called First Love -- Another Chinese drama that also seems like an incredibly sweet coming of age / first love story. Have only watched one episode so far and do plan on watching it, but I need something more adult first...
Good Casting -- An action-y female led secret agent type of drama with ~~three~~ two strong leads. Looks to have some noona romance and lots of crazy. Enjoying all the bits that aren't related to the spy stuff...because they really suck as spies. 8/16 Moving this here because every time I think about picking it up again, even though I'm halfway, I'm like meeeeehhhhhhhh.
Sweet Munchies -- total bait and switch...plot description on Viki made NO mention of the fact that the poor lovely chef has to pretend to be gay to not wind up completely destitute...sigh. Liking the guy leads but don't like the direction the storyline is going in and am torn about watching it even though I like the actors. 7/12 Have moved it here as I'm still feeling blergh about it and haven't watched an episode in ages.
Samurai Gourmet & Flavorful Origins -- Japanese show. I don't know what to call it. Slice of Life? Retired salaryman explores culinary milestones after retirement. First episode: his first afternoon beer! And a Chinese show about the culinary heritage of Chaoshan (Flavorful Origins). 2/12 and 7/20 Moving here as I'll probably dip into it every now and then.
Twogether -- A variety travel fan meet show with Jasper Liu and Lee Seung Gi that's quite charming. 3/8 Moving here as I haven't watched one in a while. I think it's a dip into every now and then show.
Vagabond -- Big budget spy thriller with Lee Seung-Gi and LOTS of action. Very shiny. 1/16 Moving here as I haven't been in the right mood to watch this, though I think I might get to it at some point. Also because I've heard the end doesn't really wrap things up because they were after another season? So kinda wanna see if they have one first.
I'll Go to You When the Weather is Nice -- Park Min Young and Seo Kang Joon in a (so far) sleepy, slow-paced romance set in a small town. She's a cellist back from Seoul. He's a bookstore owner that's had a crush on her since school. (8/16) Moving it here as it's been ages since I watched one and I suspect it's because I was about to go into the honeymoon phase of the show and then right into "oh FFS get over yourselves" right after that and I just haven't been in the mood.
Lovestruck in the City - with Ji Chang-Wook, so you know why I started it. Currently ongoing, so in no rush, but after the first episode, it's looking quite promising. (1/?) Edit: It's been months and I don't know why I haven't tried another episode yet...so I've moved it here. I really don't know why. I like Ji Chang-Wook.
Blue Birthday - a PlayList Global one on Viki about a time traveling woman trying to save the life of her first love, who committed suicide (maybe) on her birthday 10 years before. [Debating about continuing, as the last episode I watched she'd succeeded in saving him, but there's lots of episodes to go and I feel like I'm about to be very annoyed at bad choices.]
The Fiery Priest -- putting immediately on this list as I've heard it is good but after one episode I didn't really like any of the characters...
Navillera - A young male ballerina (prodigy?) and a retiree who has always wanted to dance. So far, looks to be a delicately emotional show. 1 episode in. Haven't watched an episode in months but I am loathe to move it down the list as it really does look like it will be good...when I'm in the right mood for it.
Move to Heaven -- looks to be a very touching and emotional journey about trauma cleaners and featuring an Asperger's character. Am just under halfway in and it's really good, but depressing. [Haven't watched in a bit because it was getting too depressing. But not removing totally as it is a really good show.]

May or May Not Ever Finish....

In Need of Romance 3 -- Honestly feeling very mixed about this one and after one episode really only liked the guy lead (Sung Jun). Maybe someday will try another episode or two based purely on Sung Jun and his deep voice, but moving it to the ditch list for now. Too many other things to watch.
My Horrible Boss -- So far just one episode in, but it has Yoon Sang-Hyun and he's generally a pleaser, even if the show isn't (looking at you, Secret Garden). Moving to the this list because I've found that ever time I think about picking it up again, I'm, like, meh....
Strongest Deliveryman -- Watched two full episodes so far and about 10 minutes of the third (before remembering how depressing it was and switching to something else). Wasn't entirely what I was expecting, though it has some promise. Will continue at some point. Didn't realise it was Chae Soo Bin again, but that's more a good thing than a bad thing. But it is more depressing/sad than I thought it would be. Moving to the ditch list because I've tried to pick it up again a couple of times and it's just too depressing. I'm sure it gets better, but I have too many other things on my list. Also moving because my "currently watching" list is so freaking long.
Witch's Love -- haven't yet really blogged on it at all...wasn't grabbed by it but also didn't hate it, so not sure if I'll continue or not (on episode 3). Moving to this list because the reviews of it aren't that great and I haven't even been tempted to pick it up again.
Sassy Go Go -- haven't blogged it yet as haven't completed an episode yet. Was watching it with little dude and he was meh on it and then it was dinner time, so we paused it and haven't gone back to it. Basically a high school story of haves vs. have nots/smart kids vs. dance kids where they'll have to learn to get along (I gather). Does have Jisoo, so may go back to it at some point.
Hi! School Love On -- one I'd tried to watch with little dude, but he wasn't feeling it. I wasn't overwhelmed either, so have only seen one episode so far. 1/20 episodes
Romantic Dr. Kim -- just started (one episode in) and wow, this was unexpected. Thought it was gonna be kinda light but it's heavy, man. It went well off the deep end immediately. Good acting, though, so I will watch it. Just not sure I need this right now.
A Witch's Love -- had been excited to watch this one as it is a noona romance with Park Seo Joon...until I realised it was a remake of Queen of No Marriage. So putting on this list.
Once Again - a weekend family drama with a lot of episodes that wasn't the show I was expecting (got it confused with something else), so moving to here as I think I might watch it slowly over time as I do like the actors, but it's not one I feel like I want to binge.
Somewhere Only We Know -- Chinese drama, seems a bit similar to Put Your Head on My Shoulder (but not as engaging). 3 episodes in. Moving here as I haven't been tempted to pick it up again for over a month.
Caution, Hazardous Wife -- popping this immediately on this list as it wasn't the fluff I was expecting/hoping for, but I might give it another try later.
Everyone Loves Me -- Chinese one with the same guy I've seen and liked before, but gotta say that even though I like some of the set up, it's not as charming as Put Your Head on My Shoulder. It's been months and I've not been tempted to go back and finish it, so moving here.
Love is for Suckers - my fav Super Junior dude, nice to see him as the lead...though it's now been AGES since I watched an episode and I was about mid-way through. Not sure if I'll go back to it or not, but will leave it here for now. I was enjoying him but not really liking the reality show construct that's the backdrop and also finding the female lead's actions a bit meh.

Never Ever Gonna Finish

A Gentleman's Dignity -- bleh, couldn't even finish it but I had thoughts. The bromance was the best part. The flailing indecisive heroine was the worst. And the misogyny. That too.
Mischievous Kiss -- (Didn't blog it) Japanese drama. The description had sounded okay but the dense/stupid girl character combined with the nasty mean way-too-tsundere boy character just didn't do it for me. I think I made it maybe 3 episodes? I mean, I knew she was going to be not smart, but I didn't know she was going to be that stupid about everything. I don't understand why there are SO many versions and remakes of this.
Crazy for Me -- (Didn't blog it) Japanese drama. Made it two episodes. Found it too hard to be sympathetic to the main character as he used to abuse his wife, even if he was now meek and mild and couldn't see how in the world I would ever root for the two of them to get back together.
Switch Girl 2 -- (Didn't blog it) Japanese drama. Randomly somehow watched an episode (maybe 2?) of this one about a girl who is publicly really put together but a total mess/slob in private. This was an episode in the second season where she's together with the love interest guy and they're on a date. It was...strangely comic and absurd and a bit naughty but mostly weird. One of those exaggerated shows that would probably work better for me as an anime or manga.
Happy Marriage -- Japanese drama. Didn't finish it, even though I'd read the manga before. Had no love for the characters.
Just You -- Taiwanese Drama. Watched one episode, don't think I'll watch any more. Bit over-act-y and exaggerated. Just wasn't for me.
Fall in Love with Me -- Taiwanese Drama. Another Aaron Yan one (like Just You, above). I made it an episode and a half and it was better than Just You but...no. After it wasn't grabbing me, I checked out some recaps and it sounds an absolute train wreck and I was not on board.
Panda and Hedgehog -- Made it four episodes. It wasn't horrible, but it wasn't great. Mostly only liked Lee Dong-Hae but that wasn't enough to keep me going through the slow pace, the cluelessness of some of the characters, or the makjang antics. But I would like to eat some of the cakes.
The Cravings -- moving this one immediately to the ditch (for now) list as I have too many other things ongoing and didn't find this very short episode drama engaging enough after the first episode. It sounded promising, though.
The Missing Menu -- a Malaysian show about a mom reconnecting with / teaching her adult kids lessons about life via cooking. I think. Watched one episode and never felt any urge to watch another, so putting this here now.
My Secret Star -- has Sung Hoon but nothing about the two episodes I watched inspired me to continue on.
2 Fathers - Chinese show circa 2013 (so...stylistically showing a bit of age). Two men both decide to take responsibility for their (possible) daughter when the mother bolts after saying she doesn't know who's baby it is. Way too many episodes and not engaging enough after the first to continue on with it.
Way Back Into Love and Queen of No Marriage - two different Taiwanese dramas that I couldn't even finish the first episode of. One, a reconnection to the past and two, a noona romance.
Easy Fortune, Happy Life -- another Taiwanese one I only made it 15 minutes into. Too much chaebol-style nonsense.
My Shy Boss - thought it was going to be fluffy but it literally begins with a woman committing suicide by jumping off a building. Had debated picking it up again but moving here as I know the likelihood is about 0%.
Something in the Rain -- a noona romance that looked promising but I didn't make it all the way through the first episode after the slow pace + checking out some reviews. Doubtful that I'll ever go back to it though the lead guy seemed charming.
Takane & Hana -- the manga has a live action Japanese version, though the live action version of Takane is too short! 3/8 Moved here as...eh...while I enjoy the books, I just don't feel like it works very well as a live action show.
I Hear You -- a Chinese drama that I didn't even finish the first episode of in one sitting. Finally came back to it to give it a fair shake but, after checking out some reviews + my feelings after the first episode, meh. Premise had sounded intriguing, but the leads really didn't do it for me. I think I'd have to skip forward to watch it. But people keep telling me it's good, so maybe I won't completely ditch it.
The Prince of Tennis. Chinese drama. Tried one episode. Did nothing for me.
A Roundup of Nope: Taxi Driver, Thirty-Nine, Homemade Love Story and Mom, Don't Do That!
Nevertheless: Lovely actors and acting...but a bucket of nope from me as it gave me all the ick.
Castaway Diva: Good actors but...too much plot wtf-ery.

The "To Watch Someday" List

This isn't a complete list of everything I have saved to my Follow list on Viki or My List on Netflix, but it's some of them...until I stopped even trying to keep up. So, yeah. There's so many and new ones coming out all the time. Some of these I am noting here as I can't even get them in my region anyway yet and want to remember them.

Extreme Job
Healer
10,000 Ways to Become a Couple
Rookie Historian Goo Hae Ryung
Hit the Top
Descendants of the Sun
Reply 1997, Reply 1988, Reply 1994
Bromance
A Korean Odyssey
The Third Charm
Pinocchio
Doctor Stranger
Kill Me, Heal Me
A Love So Beautiful
W
Ms. Hammurabi
My Girlfriend is a Gumiho
I Hear Your Voice
The Producers
Father is Strange
Extra-ordinary You
My Girlfriend
Grandpas Over Flowers Investigation Team
The Player
Melting Me Softly
Flower Crew: Joseon Marriage Agency
Doctor John
I Started Following Romance
Moment of Eighteen
School 2017
Level Up
Hotel Del Luna
Mr. Fighting
Search: WWW
My Secret Romance
Angel's Last Mission Love
Sumika Sumire
To the Beautiful You
Madame Antoine
Imaginary Cat
My Mr. Mermaid
I Hear Your Voice
King of High School
Fated to Love You
Chicago Typewriter
A Witch's Romance
Bad Papa
Guardian: The Lonely and Great God (Goblin)
Lawless Lawyer

Korean, Japanese and Chinese Dramas & Movies