Sunday 7 May 2017

A Study in Chaebols

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I'd like to take a step back from dramaland for a moment and explore something that has dominated the thematic backdrop so far--the take down of the corrupt powers of the world by the feisty underdogs.

Which means we've been seeing a lot of chaebols. So many. More than even their standard role as romantic lead usually dictates, and in an unusually negative light as a consequence. Let's check 'em out, and what they tell us about current socio-political attitudes.

                                 

Sunday 12 February 2017

Sleepypie's Favorites: or, Life According to Dramas


Dramas tell us stories about all kinds of things--love stories, sure, but also broader stories about life. Here are personal favorites of mine that chart large swathes of the human experience, and always fill me with glee...and might just be perfect to get others into the genre.

Valentine's Day




We are once more on the cusp of Valentine's Day, a holiday dedicated to flowers, love and chocolate. I originally planned to spend the day curled up in bed, reveling in junk food and and dramas, but some friends have since upset that plan. Oh well. But if you have the option yourself, here are three dramas that I think are perfect for binge-watching



Tuesday 17 January 2017

How to Live Like A Kdrama; Or, 10 Steps to What is TOTALLY a Healthy Relationship*

Have you ever wondered how all those kdrama girls do it? Do you too yearn to enact their principles in your life and achieve the same effect? Yearn no more! Here's my handy ten step guide to making a relationship work, k-drama style!



Step 1: Be a Candy
Remember, you must be poor but plucky, working a multitude of small-paying part-time jobs and living in cramped rooftop apartment. You must be absolutely wallowing in debt you've inherited, yet still face each coming day with a brave smile and optimistic, can-do attitude. Family's a no-no, unless it's a) your beloved father in a coma he won't wake up from, whose expensive hospital bills you must pay, b) an evil stepsister who devotes her every spare moment to making your life hell, or c) a missing  brother you worry about and look for, but who will only conveniently reappear at the end to alleviate any worries about your right to be happy or the potentially incestuous nature of your romance. Do try and have one female friend you will be able to turn to for relationship advice in the future. Her advice will always be terrible, but that won't matter, she's just there to point out that you like your romantic lead before you're willing to admit it yourself. Don't worry if she's better at makeup and fashion than you are. Although you will always complain about being poor and ugly, you will be effortlessly beautiful at all times, your clothes will always be name-brand, and as a bonus, your cell phone will always be the newest model. On the flip side, I hope you like subway.