Lee Jong Suk Marathon: Phase 1, School 2013

I'm still a fairly new drama-watcher. I only started in early 2013, and it's felt like I've been playing catch up ever since, trying to watch all the important dramas, the popular ones, the ones with the hottest actors and actresses, so that I can begin to form any kind of coherent understanding and dialogue with the genre.

In this mad rush of drama watching, Lee Jong Suk for the most part passed me by. I saw him in some of his earlier roles (Prosecutor Princess, Secret Garden), liked him, and then never really thought about him. Of late, though, it's become hard not to think of Lee Jong Suk since he's become so big. I've heard so many good things, I decided the time was right to plunge into the wonder of his big parts.  Hence what I am dubbing the Great Lee Jong Suk Marathon of 2015.

First show up---School 2013. (Beware spoilers under the cut!)

King2Hearts

It was refreshing to come across a show that glorified peace the way King2Hearts did...the way it reminded us that our similarities are more than our differences, that we can love our enemy, that we have to look past the past. I was weirdly moved by that...perhaps because that's not something that's emphasized in American media.

We love our war, after all.

Also, it was a timely show considering the Sony/North Korea blow-up that's been happening the past few weeks. Grounding, even. I pride myself sometimes on being unbiased. This show reminded me exactly how shaped by my world my perspectives are. That's a good thing to remember.

So on to the review!

Vampire Prosecutor 1 + 2: In Praise of Yoo Jung In

So this show was a thing that happened. (warning: some spoilers ahead)

My Very Own Merry-Go-Around

I've noticed a trend with myself lately when it comes to kdrama watching, and it tends to be of the wild, pendulum swinging variety.

That's right, princess. I'm looking at you.

It all started with Goong--a show so sappy sweet I ended it feeling like I had a cavity. I'd enjoyed it while it lasted, but I needed some good ol' fashioned violence and melodrama to restore balance to my kdrama world. (though I still intend to do these recaps at some point! I'll have free time someday, I swear)

So I flipped on Gaksital.

Women and Creative Writing in Kdramas

I only wish I looked this good after a night of writing

As a woman writer, I find myself looking out for women who also write in kdramas, feeling an instant sense of connection when I find them. It's as if we're part of a secret society! There's a handshake and everything!

But I genuinely find their lives and stories interesting, because the drive to write can give a character a complexity and insight into their fellow humans that make for compelling stories.

I haven't found too many of my fellow writers yet, but I'm keeping a weather eye out!

The Bridal Mask

I...have so many feelings about this drama. Which is both a good and a bad thing--the absolute worst is a drama that leaves you lukewarm. Alternately, what I feel is strong, but not always positive. Below the cut for a longer than usual dissection of my latest watch.

Shut Up! Flower Boy Band