It was. I just wanted to say, I really appreciate your thoughful reviews. I get alot out of them. I often find myself having impromptu conversations with people on the depth of kdramas that are strinkgly similiar to what you write. Now I feel less crazy. :)
Wow, that made my day! Thank you so much for taking the time to read my work AND also to leaving this lovely comment. I've seen so many people dismiss Korean shows as simply "soap operas." And to be clear, there is absolutely nothing wrong with soap operas (and South Korea has its share of morning dramas as well). But one of my friends didn't "get it" until I described "Succession" and "Game of Thrones" as soap operas ... (And because someone will point it out, I do not think those shows are soap operas, either.)
I start conversations with ppl about the nuance of kdramas- the intersection of confucianism and capitalism and how that creates these very fixed, yet expansive roles where little deviations are really big. And ppl are like "what are you talking about? you see all that?!" Yes. And your writing is so eloquant and accessible that I believe you do too.
Thanks, Alyssa! Ohhhhh, Reply 1988 is another great one! The first episode is a little off and not the best. But the series ramps up after that. Enjoy!
It took 3 tries to get past the first episode of R1988. The older sister was awful and the yelling/slapping was disturbing. After that, I was completely hooked. The alley scene in Ep 3 had me screaming into a pillow with laughter. It is now my all-time favorite drama.
Aug 2, 2023·edited Aug 2, 2023Liked by K-Culture with Jae-Ha Kim
Yes, I jumped into the deep end of the pool with Mr. Sunshine as my first ever KDrama in April, 2022. Life would never be the same. It drew me in because I was a fan of Lee Byun Hun from “The Magnificent Seven” and other Hollywood movies. I literally had no idea of any Korean history (short of watching M*A*S*H) besides the Korean War.
It was a beautiful series— writing, cast, music, costumes and cinematography. And it was heartbreakingly sad. I cried for the last 3 episodes. In short, it was a masterpiece.
Thank you for sharing, LouAnn! Quite a few people on social media told me it was their first K-drama. I wish all of them were of this quality...but that would be difficult.
I said I'd come back here after I finished watching Mr. Sunshine—and here I am! A little shattered, a little heartbroken, but convinced that this is one of the best dramas I have ever seen, and perhaps my favourite historical drama out of everything I've seen so far.
I know! I'm surprised that more people don't know about it. I'm now on a mission to write (read: rave) more about it on some of my blogs/social media platforms.
When I reviewed Pachinko for an outlet, I pointed out the disparity in the coverage that series got vs. Mr. Sunshine. I believe my review was the first (and only) editorial review featured on Rotten Tomatoes. How?!!
this was my first kdrama. The one that started it all fourish years ago. Haven't ben able to stop since
Thank you for sharing! Your first was a masterpiece... It was so beautifully done.
It was. I just wanted to say, I really appreciate your thoughful reviews. I get alot out of them. I often find myself having impromptu conversations with people on the depth of kdramas that are strinkgly similiar to what you write. Now I feel less crazy. :)
Wow, that made my day! Thank you so much for taking the time to read my work AND also to leaving this lovely comment. I've seen so many people dismiss Korean shows as simply "soap operas." And to be clear, there is absolutely nothing wrong with soap operas (and South Korea has its share of morning dramas as well). But one of my friends didn't "get it" until I described "Succession" and "Game of Thrones" as soap operas ... (And because someone will point it out, I do not think those shows are soap operas, either.)
I start conversations with ppl about the nuance of kdramas- the intersection of confucianism and capitalism and how that creates these very fixed, yet expansive roles where little deviations are really big. And ppl are like "what are you talking about? you see all that?!" Yes. And your writing is so eloquant and accessible that I believe you do too.
Mr. Sunshine ranks among my favorite dramas and is the first historical drama that I always recommend to newbies looking for more than romance/fluff.
It's so good and doesn't get enough recognition. It's a classic.
Love this drama so much!!!
One of the best, for sure!
I've got this lined up next (after Reply 1988), so I didn't read your review yet. I promise to do so after watching the series. :)
Thanks, Alyssa! Ohhhhh, Reply 1988 is another great one! The first episode is a little off and not the best. But the series ramps up after that. Enjoy!
It took 3 tries to get past the first episode of R1988. The older sister was awful and the yelling/slapping was disturbing. After that, I was completely hooked. The alley scene in Ep 3 had me screaming into a pillow with laughter. It is now my all-time favorite drama.
I am in episode 7 and enjoying it so far. I love how it's just about their quiet (or not-so-quiet) lives as they grow up.
Yes, I jumped into the deep end of the pool with Mr. Sunshine as my first ever KDrama in April, 2022. Life would never be the same. It drew me in because I was a fan of Lee Byun Hun from “The Magnificent Seven” and other Hollywood movies. I literally had no idea of any Korean history (short of watching M*A*S*H) besides the Korean War.
It was a beautiful series— writing, cast, music, costumes and cinematography. And it was heartbreakingly sad. I cried for the last 3 episodes. In short, it was a masterpiece.
Thank you for sharing, LouAnn! Quite a few people on social media told me it was their first K-drama. I wish all of them were of this quality...but that would be difficult.
I am forever in awe at how good Kim Tae Ri is. This series made me a fan.
She truly is so talented. One of the best.
I said I'd come back here after I finished watching Mr. Sunshine—and here I am! A little shattered, a little heartbroken, but convinced that this is one of the best dramas I have ever seen, and perhaps my favourite historical drama out of everything I've seen so far.
Thank you for coming back! It's such a beautiful show that had so many layers. It is criminally underrated. Such a shame.
I know! I'm surprised that more people don't know about it. I'm now on a mission to write (read: rave) more about it on some of my blogs/social media platforms.
When I reviewed Pachinko for an outlet, I pointed out the disparity in the coverage that series got vs. Mr. Sunshine. I believe my review was the first (and only) editorial review featured on Rotten Tomatoes. How?!!
I can't believe it! More people need to see it and talk about it.