428. Stranger (Secret Forest) 2 비밀의 숲 2 (2020) Korean

Cho Seung Woo, Bae Doo Na, Choi Moo Sung, Jeon Hye Jin, Kim Young Jae, Lee Joon Hyuk, Park Sung Geun

Drama Rating: 9/10     Neck Score: A

Stranger, or Secret Forest, is one of the best dramas I have ever watched. So there was no way I wasn't going to watch the second season, albeit with some trepidation that it wouldn't live up to the first season. And while I didn't like it as much as the first season, it was still really good and of a similar quality. The biggest difference between the two shows was the focus, which actually flavored this season a lot. The overarching situation in this season was the battle between the police and prosecution for investigation rights. So it was even more political than normal, and it also made it so my two best friends didn't get to spend as much time being the power partners, since they were representing two different sides of a fight. This tainted the flavor of the show for me, because my favorite part of the show has always been the incredible and respectful partnership of Si Mok and Yeo Jin. I just wanted more of them teaming up and less of them being awkward around each other because they couldn't be on the same side. However, there was still enough of that to make me happy, and confident that they still had that partnership/friendship chemistry.

426. Into the Ring 출사표 (2020) Korean

Nana, Park Sung Hoon, Ahn Nae Sang, Yoo Da In, Han Joon Woo

Drama Rating: 7/10     Neck Score: A

I had to watch this one because I needed to see my psychopath being a male lead. He did a good job. I loved his chemistry with Nana. They had the friends thing down so great, especially when they were like opposites attract and complement, but they also transitioned to lovers well. Yeah, this is a romantic comedy. It's a political one too. Warning to all who don't like that type of drama. This is a story about a girl who goes from being a chronic civic complainer (you know the type that notify city all about all the lights out in town and potential hazards, etc) to running for city council to make both money and a difference. It's about smaller town politics (it still happens in the Seoul Metropolis, I believe, but in a suburb district) and the pettiness of politicians. Seriously, they acted like they were all in some high school clicks.

424. It's Okay to Not Be Okay 사이코지만 괜찮아 (2020) Korean

Kim Soo Hyun, Seo Ye Ji, Oh Jung Se

Drama Rating: 8/10     Neck Score: A

It took me a while to get into this one, mostly because it needed a bit to fully set up the situation and characters, and then once it did, it was quite delightful. If you only give it maybe longer than you normally would, it picks up quite nicely. What I liked about it was that found family aspect, and opening yourself up to be okay with not being okay. None of the characters in this show is okay, even the ones who would not typically be accepted into a mental hospital, but that doesn't mean they are okay. Everyone has their struggles and needs to open up about what they are feeling and thinking.

421. Love Designer 爱情高级定制 (2020) Chinese

Dilraba Dilmurat, Huang Jingyu, Zhang Xinyu, Yi Da Qian, Hu Bing, Zheng Shui Jing

Drama Rating: 6/10     Neck Score: A+

Love Designer was an interesting show in the fact that I never loved it, but I never hated it enough to drop it. It was kind of meh, to be honest. I liked how it was about a bunch of adults who communicated pretty well and generally worked things out maturely, and were looking out for each other, putting their partner's needs before their own, not getting in the way of each other's careers, etc. But at the same time they also got caught up in really weird things, which cause random drama. But for the most part, since they were so mature and cool, it came off as really blasé some times, like they had to really did for ideas to make it dramatic and that they would then act out of character to make those situations work.

Korean Movie Night: Along with the Gods: The Last 49 Days 신과함께-인과 연 (2018) Korean

Ha Jung Woo, Ju Ji Hoon, Kim Hyang Gi, Ma Dong Seok, Kim Dong Wook

Movie rating: 8/10     Neck score: A

Once upon a time, back in August, I actually got to see my friends in person and we had a Korean Movie Night, complete with Korean take-out, and finally watched the 2nd installment in the Along with the Gods series. Along with the Gods: The Last 49 Days picks up right where the first left off, focusing on the little brother. It also focuses on the backstories of who our three reapers were back when they were alive and why they were put on a team together. We also have the addition of Ma Dong Seok to the cast, which is always a win. He's the best.

Because it's an immediate continuation, they didn't spend as much time building the world and showing the judgements, they focused a lot more on the in between moments. This time with Gang Rim guiding the little brother while the other two tried to get the House God (Ma Dong Seok) to allow them to ascend the old grandpa. He also happens to know who they were since he was their reaper, so they are also focused on learning about their past, since Gang Rim still has their memories. Once again, Ju Ji Hoon was hilarious, especially when we saw him learning about who he was in life. I loved how the past reveal fleshed out their characters, but also built their relationships more.

I really loved Kim Dong Wook as the brother. He was such an interesting character because he was so chill and calm, but then also had the potential to become a vengeful spirit, since he had already gone that far in the first movie. But he was logical and trusting that he turned into more of a councilor to Gang Rim, especially as he was observant enough to see that this wasn't so much about him, but about what had brought the three reapers to this point. Another good bonus was more of Lee Jung Jae as Yeomra, he pulls off that look so well.

So the third installment is scheduled for 2021, so perhaps a review for that will be out sometime after then. I hope so, I'm down for it.

427. My Unfamiliar Family (아는 건 별로 없지만) 가족입니다 (2020) Korean

Jung Jin Young, Won Mi Kyung, Choo Ja Hyun, Han Ye Ri, Shin Jae Ha, Kim Ji Suk

Drama Rating: 8/10     Neck Score: A+

This drama felt like one of those 50 episode weekend family dramas that are full to the max with drama and follow multiple different story lines and couples. It had all that, except it was only 16 episodes long. Which was awesome, actually, since that meant that it stuck to only the important drama and left out the filler drama. It still focused on the whole family and their different problems, as well as their problems together. The whole premise is that even though they are family, they don't know everything about each other. In fact, they are the poster family for miscommunication and even no communication. The whole show is a lesson on how not communicating with your family and loved ones will lead to miscommunication, with is a poison that can ruin even the closest families. The beautiful thing is that it also shows the power of communication and how that builds relationships, and even creates families.

Korean Movie Night: Along With the Gods: The Two Worlds 신과함께-죄와 벌 (2017) Korean

Ha Jung Woo, Cha Tae Hyun, Ju Ji Hoon, Kim Hyang Gi, Kim Dong Wook, Lee Jung Jae

Movie rating: 8/10     Neck score: A

Along with the Gods: The Two Worlds is the first installment in a series of movies that all have to do with a team of reapers helping souls through their judgement in the different hells in their first 49 days of being dead. The reapers have a further stake in this because if they help enough paragons they will earn a chance to also pass judgement and be reincarnated as well. The Two Worlds follows the path of Kim Ja Hong (Cha Tae Hyun) who was a fire fighter and predicted to be a paragon. I really liked how it brought up how complicated a human's life is, even when they seem to be a paragon of virtue, constantly saving lives and acting selflessly. I also really loved how they portrayed the different trials and hells, especially since each god of hell was a fabulous cameo with an equally fabulous costume. It was fun to recognize each god and get excited to see who was next. They were all awesome. Also, the prosecutors were hilarious. The dynamic between the three reapers was super fun too. The mysterious and cool reaper, Gang Rim (Ha Jung Woo), who actually remembers his past (I'm sure we're going to learn even more in the next movie) is like the dad (or hyung/oppa) of the group. Hae Won Maek (Ju Ji Hoon) is the punk uncle/younger brother, who likes to argue and complain, but they all will protect the donsaeng Duk Choon (Kim Hyang Gi) at all costs. It was a funny action packed trip, as they tried to unravel the knots of what was happening and what had happened, so they could defend their paragon to his reincarnation. It had great effects, action, and of course made us cry with all the feels. All the FEELS! Why are they also making me laugh while I'm crying, dang it! It was good.

I am really excited for when we watch the next installment, The Last 49 Days. I also expect I won't want to wait for the expected 3rd installment, which is supposed to happen next year. Let's hope it still does.

425. Oh My Baby 오 마이 베이비 (2020) Korean

Jang Na Ra, Go Joon, Park Byung Eun, Jung Gun Joo

Drama Rating: 8/10     Neck Score: A

I knew I had to watch this show when it was first announced because 1. Jang Na Ra, 2. Go Joon (I loved him so much in The Fiery Priest!), and 3. Park Byung Eun (he's seriously rocked everything I've seen him in). I think I've watched almost all of Jang Na Ra's dramas. She's one of my favorites. She's sooooo good and so pretty! But I put off watching this one right away because I knew it was going to hit me in the feels just like that episode of New Girl where Cici finds out her eggs are drying up. I guess sometimes I do worry that kind of stuff as I continue my single, career woman life. Plus kids are super important to me even if I don't have any myself, so I get it. It was just what I predicted. Super cute, funny, and made me cry almost every episode. Maybe I didn't predict just how much it would make me cry. Everyone was perfect too, the acting was so spot on.

423. The Love Equations 致我们甜甜的小美满 (2020) Chinese

Simon Gong, Liu Ren Yu, Li Ge Yang, Julio Wan Yan, An Yong Chang, Gao Qiu Zi

Drama Rating: 7/10     Neck Score: A

This completes all of the current dramas based on books by Zhao Qian Qian, the previous two being A Love So Beautiful and Put Your Head on My Shoulder. While I loved them all, I think this one ranks slightly below Put Your Head on My Shoulder, with A Love So Beautiful as third. Not that my ranking them was that important, I just felt like it. All of them have the same basic premise, with a smart stoic boy who falls for a spunky girl. But why knock a proven fun plot, I'm super into that trope. The reason this one only hits second place is that I really dislike misunderstanding breakups and while this one wasn't the worst I've seen, the year gap soured me just enough. It might also have to do with me watching PYHOMS first... maybe. See those reviews for more details though. But ultimately it was super cute, the couple had lots of chemistry, and I was very invested in everyone's happiness and binged watched the whole thing very fast.

422. Mystic Popup Bar 쌍갑포차 (2020) Korean

Hwang Jung Eum, Yook Sung Jae, Choi Won Young

Drama Rating: 9/10     Neck Score: A+

Oh my heart, this show was so good! The feels! Not just for the main plot and characters, but feels for all the people whose grudges they settled. It was just so sweet and funny! It's about a kid who has the power to open people's hearts. This means that when anyone touches him, they start spilling the beans, all their inner emotions, and he has to deal with their emotional dump on him. But that also means that anyone he tries to date will do the same, so all he wants is to be loved, or a family. Because he was abandoned by his parents, real and adopted, for the same reason. Then he meets the two owners of a pop-up tent bar, who specialize in settling grudges. Wol Ju's punishment for her past sins is to settle the grudges of like 10,000 (or was it 100,000?) people before her 500 years of punishment are up. She does this through dreams with the help of some water from the afterlife that helps her bridge the gap between the two worlds. She is assisted by Manager Gwi, who is supposed to be supervising her, but is more like helping her while getting bossed around. Kang Bae is enlisted to help them, since he can get people to open up so easily, because time is running short.

420. Good Casting 굿캐스팅 (2020) Korean

Choi Gang Hee, Yoo In Young, Kim Ji Young, Lee Sang Yeob, Lee Jun Young, Lee Jong Hyuk

Drama Rating: 7/10     Neck Score: A+

Good Casting was a good combination of awesome spy action, comedy, and romance. It is the girl power spy show that isn't afraid to just be silly. The best part is that while all the women are off being bad-A spies and getting things done, the dudes all think they are in some kind of romantic comedy. But even though the ladies are pretty awesome, they are also pretty flawed, which I know made some people struggle at the beginning. This isn't a show about perfect, top notch spies. It's about a bunch of misfit spies who were thrown together to not get the job done, but they get it done anyway, even with all the slapstick.

Baek Chan Mi (Choi Gang Hee) is a loose cannon who lets her temper get the best of her, making huge mistakes. She lost the target and endangered a team member last time, so is determined to not to lose him this time. Hwang Mi Soon (Kim Ji Young) is basically retired and living the life of an ahjumma. She is rusty at best, but is still crazy good at undercover, in spite of her being past her prime. Im Ye Eun (Yoo In Young) is a white agent (think completely green). She's been working for the NIS for a while, but has kept out of the field and worked support and tech. This is her first field assignment. She is also a single mom. They are all put on a team to catch Michael, an elusive international technology thief/dealer. Michael managed to escape and kill Chan Mi's teammate last time, and this team is the last resort.

412. Hospital Playlist 슬기로운 의사생활 (2020) Korean

Jo Jung Seok, Yoo Yeon Seok, Jung Kyoung Ho, Kim Dae Myung, Jeon Mi Do

Drama Rating: 9/10     Neck Score: A+

I don't love doctor dramas, but I loved this one. Because it was about the people and relationships way more than dramatic operations (although there are plenty of operations). But it's more about the day to day hospital life than the crazy dramatic stuff. But most of all it's about the people who work in the hospital, and not just the main ones, the whole ensemble.

I love good ensemble dramas where we have multiple main characters to care about and not just the OTP. Hospital Playlist was great in that respect, and I am super excited for next season. Even just watching the group of five friends hanging out, eating, and band practice without their dynamic with their other coworkers would be amazing. I could even watch a drama just focused on the moms and uncles. In fact, my main ship is Rosa and Jong Su's friendship. There was enough balance through the longer episodes for all the different story lines for all the characters. I also love that there was passage of time without there being huge gaps. It just flowed well.

Korean Movie Night: On Your Wedding Day 너의 결혼식 (2018) Korean

Park Bo Young, Kim Young Kwang, Kang Ki Young, Ko Kyu Pil, Jang Sung Bum

Movie rating: 9/10     Neck score: A

So Lizabreff, Curdy and I decided to have another virtual Korean Movie Night, because the last one worked out so well. It was fun, but we opted out for a romantic comedy this time, so we went with On Your Wedding Day. It was hilarious. Just all around solid writing and acting. It's told from the perspective of present day (or wedding day) Woo Yeon (Kim Young Kwang) who is a P.E. teacher telling his students about his first love story with Seung Hee (Park Bo Young) which starts back in high school and then progresses through college, etc., to the present. It's very slice of life with just that chill and ridiculous comedy that comes from the relatable, especially when it's being told from the perspective of one of those people who is an embellisher.

It was very well written and acted. Basically this part was written for Kim Young Kwang and you can't help but fall for his grin and puppy-like energy and devotion. And of course Park Bo Young is just perfect. I love her nuanced acting, especially since the movie is told from his point of view, but we could see tell what was going on with her (even when his character couldn't), and she ugly cries like a real person, props! They had good chemistry and were just one of the cutest couples ever, even as we were laughing about their height difference. The ensemble was good too, because how can you get better than Kang Ki Young as a best friend? You cannot. The group of college boys in the boarding house were just hilarious and perfectly awkward. Best of all was the natural progression. It had excellent pacing and narration, so everything that happened made sense and I felt at peace with all the choices. I really don't think I would change a thing or complain about anything, no matter what complicated feelings I feel. It was hilarious, cute, sweet, and lovely. I recommend it.

P.S. Whoever styled Kim Young Kwang deserves a trophy. He looked so good.

414. Welcome (Meow the Secret Boy) 어서와 (2020) Korean

Kim Myung Soo, Shin Ye Eun, Seo Ji Hoon, Yoon Ye Joo, Kang Hoon

Drama Rating: 6/10     Neck Score: A+

A drama featuring a cat? Yes! Myung Soo wearing a chunky white sweater? Yes please! The plot.... ok. There were a lot of people who were bothered by the whole cat turning into a person thing, and I get that. I just went with the it happens in fairy tales all the time vibe and went with it, but it did open itself up to a lot of awkwardness when she finally found out and was constantly wanting him to turn into a human and stuff. Honestly, I was probably 99% in it for the cat and 1% for Myung Soo acting like a cat. Well, it might be more evenly balanced. But let's just say I wasn't really in it for the plot and romance and stuff. It was ok, it didn't bother me or anything, but I just wanted to see the cat. Maybe it's social distancing talking, but I really want my cats, and this rental that doesn't allow pets is going to be the death of me. Oh well. So it's a light, fluffy drama with a lot of problems, but still cute. I do like the discussion it addresses about different types of people and how they get along, how opposites can attract, but also be a deterrent. It also discusses the issues with pet ownership and people not taking responsibility, and how cats usually take the brunt of it, being abandoned the most. All those abandoned cats also made me want to adopt a kitty too. Or a kid. I don't like hearing about abandoned kids either. Abandoned anyone/thing makes me sad. But it also talked about trust and loyalty, and actually listening and taking responsibility. I was also 100% in like with the second couple, who were another cat/dog couple. His big, dumb, loving dog personality and her meek, cute, and considerate (and sassy) cat personality were fun to watch.

Ultimately it wasn't something outstanding, but it was cute and fun, but I also love cats and Myung Soo, so I probably forgave it way more than some. But if you think too much about the cat as the romantic lead, and a real cat at that, not just personality wise, then I get it. But it is worth it just to see him do a good job being a cat. That part with the cardboard box though 😂😂😂.

416. Piece of Your Mind 반의 반 (2020) Korean

Jung Hae In, Chae Soo Bin, Lee Ha Na, Kim Sung Kyu, Park Joo Hyun

Drama Rating: 7/10     Neck Score: A+

When I started this, it was perfect for the mood I was in. I didn't know it, but melancholy sweet was the perfect mood for me. Unfortunately, it is just the general mood of all dramas currently, so I also think I'm done with it now, but I did like this drama. The breakdown of how I came to this rating is: 10/10 for the main couple's romance, 8/10 for general writing, but probably 4 or 5/10 for basic plot. I loved that it was a healing story about love, loss, and self-worth, but the dramatic causes of these people needing to be healed was quite frankly, to me, the worst. Yeah, people dying in such random and weird ways wasn't doing it for me right now. It was both too realistic and not? I don't know. Also, you have to suspend a lot of disbelief with the whole conversation AI. I can accept that the AI will develop the personality of the person, but I don't think there is anyway that it would then have all their memories or reasoning. Nope. That was too much for me. However, despite all that, and the fact that the drama was cut short and had to be rushed, it was still a cute, healing, melancholy sort of feel good drama.

417. When the Weather is Fine 날씨가 좋으면 찾아가겠어요 (2020) Korean

Park Min Young, Seo Kang Joon, Moon Jeong Hee, Lee Jae Wook

Drama Rating: 7/10     Neck Score: A+

I didn't really like the plot that much. Like the dramatic stuff. There was also a lot that if I think about it too much, I really hated too. But because all the characters were pretty likable, and the couple and their romance was super cute, I was willing to forgive a lot. Also, it was hooking enough that I kept watching it, even if I was crying all the time or rolling my eyes at how stupid some people (or just one person) was being. It fits into that trend that is currently happening with really melancholy dramas and nothing else. But honestly, I think that was what I was in the mood for anyway and that's why I kept coming back even when all I'd do was cry the whole episode. And though I say I didn't like the plot and the drama, it's probably because I just hate anything or anyone who would hurt all these wounded babies who are already hurt and sad. So basically I liked everything, but it made me sad.

Korean Movie Night: Time to Hunt 사냥의 시간 (2020) Korean

Lee Je Hoon, Ahn Jae Hong, Choi Woo Shik, Park Jung Min, Park Hae Soo

Movie rating: 7/10     Neck score: A

I didn't really read up on what the movie was about before I started it, which might have actually been a good thing for me, because I was all the more surprised when it started the twists. It's a bit dystopian, or apocalyptic, meaning it's after a big financial crash, and small time thief Jun Seok (Lee Je Hoon) gets out of prison in a completely different Korea. So what does he do? Plans a heist with his besties. Yay. Good idea boys. Well, it's more of an armed robbery. This isn't a time for fancy heist gadgets, this is bust in and shoot up times. A dystopian heist. But instead of robbing a bank or whatever, they get the gangsters who own the local gambling den mad at them. Gangsters who then hire a super deadly and crazy assassin to kill them. An assassin with a passion for hunting his prey.

408. Hyena 하이에나 (2020) Korean

Kim Hye Soo, Joo Ji Hoon, Lee Kyoung Young

Drama Rating: 8/10     Neck Score: A++

Where to even start with this show... I loved it, but there was also a lot that was messed up about it. It's ultimately about the underdog or "unclassy" lawyers vs. the elite, but either way there is corruption going on. So which is better, to be a low class lawyer who bends the rules for money, but also to gain an advantage and level the playing field with with rich or the elite lawyers who use the law for unjust means for the love of power and glory? Both are pretty messed up, but at least the low class lawyers are generally seeing truth and justice... but if you think too much about it in that way, you miss the fun dynamic of the story. But do note that like all political and law dramas, there is going to be some messed  up crap and lots of manipulation. What you want to pay attention to is a good group of characters and their developing relationships. It starts out with a strong rivalry because Jung Geum Ja literally manipulates elite lawyer Yoon Hee Jae into accidentally leaking information to her by dating him. That's both ethically and morally questionable. It's no wonder they hate each other... or at least he hates her... or does he?

411. Signal 시그널 (2016) Korean

Lee Je Hoon, Kim Hye Soo, Cho Jin Woong, Jang Hyun Sung, Jung Hae Kyun

Drama Rating: 9/10     Neck Score: B

I honestly don't remember why I didn't watch this one as it was airing. The two possibilities are that it was either not subbed on a site I subscribe to (I think that's the most likely) or that I was watching too many heavy/dark dramas at once and I couldn't. I do usually need to watch like 3 fluffy types to every 1 heavy one. Call it escapism. Anyway, once I miss the concurrent airing window, it's way easier to put it off in favor of currently airing ones, so even when I knew it was available on the Netflix, I still waited until my love of Kim Hye Soo made me finally just do it. (You'd think my love of Lee Je Hoon and Cho Jin Woong already would have, but I guess not). It's all about timing. Anyway, it's one I always wanted to watch, heard so much good about, and now finally did. It was worth all the praise too. It literally wrenched every emotion from me. Every single kind. All the feels! It was good.

409. Well Intended Love 2 奈何BOSS要娶我 2 (2020) Chinese

Wang Shuang, Xu Kaicheng, Ian Yi, Liu Jia Xi, Huang Qian Shuo, He Qian Ying

Drama Rating: 5/10     Neck Score: A+

If I thought I was too morbidly curious and a glutton for punishment when I watch the first season of this, I only confirmed it by watching the second season. But I was curious to know how they were going to change it when I heard it was more of a reboot than a sequel. So there is really no way for me to talk about this with out some spoiler type deals for both season. But you need to be fully warned before you actually watch these shows, so you know what you're getting yourself into and aren't betrayed.

Basically season 2 is a peace offering to everyone who hated the betrayal of the first season, to give us anyone worth liking, while banking on the fact that the main couple has crazy good chemistry. So, it was a redo with the same characters in an alternate reality where he doesn't fake her medical record to make her think that she has leukemia and that he's her bone marrow match so he can trap her into marrying him. None of that. Instead he's just a stalker. The least of his crimes from before. A low key stalker who takes advantage of them getting into a scandal (because he is rich and she is famous) to trick her into an engagement to "save face" when it's actually to get her to actually marry him... so it works... kinda. At least he didn't cause the scandal. You have to then look passed the references they make to the original, like him cancelling the plan when the scandal happens, hinting that he was still capable of that, he just didn't need to this time (face palm). Whatever, I guess it's something of progress.

405. Three Lives, Three Worlds: The Pillow Book 三生三世枕上书 (2020) Chinese

Dilraba Dilmurat, Gao Weiguang

Drama Rating: 8/10     Neck Score: A++

This drama was like crack. It was all my favorite characters from Peach Blossoms, and none of the characters I hated from Peach Blossoms, and relatively low on the craziness for the most part. But my obsession with watching it made me make some very poor drama decisions while waiting for episodes to be released and subbed. Oh well, I never actually regret what I put myself through, because at least I get write the review after (no, I regret it a lot, some of those were really terrible). Ahem. Overall, it's three (or five) different "lives" filled with misunderstandings and more misunderstandings, and really bad luck until the couple can finally get on the same page, but as misunderstandings go, the only one that really bothered me was the one at the end, but that was because all the stakes were higher at the end.

Anyway, Dijun and Feng Jiu were actually my favorite couple in Peach Blossoms, but that was probably because their romance didn't have anything to do with Sujin. Thank goodness. Also, Dijun and the Third Prince were like besties, and I really loved their dynamic. So when I heard that they were actually going to do their full story, I was on board. Plus, more Dijun means more Third Prince and Siming. I'm still waiting for the spinoff/mini drama or whatever when they let Third Prince finally successfully woo Cheng Yu. Maybe get some backstory there.

413. All I Want For Love Is You 满满喜欢你 (2019) Chinese

Lu Zhao Hua, Liu Yu Han, Xie Zhi Xun, Han Ting Yu, Liu Yin Jun, Sun Yan Qing

Drama Rating: 6/10     Neck Score: A+

I don't usually skip this many scenes... honestly I don't usually skip any scenes. I don't know if I was just not in the mood for this type of drama or if was just too invested in the main couple that anything delaying their already too delayed confessions and getting together was too much for me to handle. It might also be because of the sudden entrance of new players. I usually don't take too kindly to those at all. It's the typical high school drama with the smart/stoic boy and spunky/low graded girl that starts in the junior year and goes into college. Which means the second leads change as well. In high school we just had the best friends as love rivals, and everything was innocent and fine. Then all the sudden halfway through the show they enter the bigger world of college and meet even more annoying rivals that we didn't want to have to deal with. They probably weren't as bad as I'm making out, I just didn't want to deal with them. But the main couple was so cute that I kept coming back, even though I was skipping almost all of the episodes, since I refused to watch anything that didn't have the main couple interacting, or more accurately I probably just skipped through the scenes as soon as one of my hated love rivals appeared.

400. Never Twice 두번은 없다 (2019-2020) Korean

Park Se Wan, Kwak Dong Yeon, Youn Yuh Jung, Oh Ji Ho, Ye Ji Won, Park Ah In, Song Won Seok, Joo Hyun, Jung Suk Yong, Ko Su Hee

Drama Rating: 6/10     Neck Score: A+

This wasn't my favorite weekend, family, freaking long drama, but I like it okay. I was invested in all the characters enough to get excited each week for it, but it was also just not the best. It was about a bunch of people living at an inn boarding house type deal, and they are all on their last chance at life, grasping for straws. They all also have a common enemy in the family of Guseong Hotel group, who were all conveniently the people who somehow screwed them all over so that they are on their last chance. There was so much fate between this found family that it was ridiculous. But the dynamic of the found family was good, and the chemistry between the main couple was such that I kept coming back for more, even though the plot wasn't always my favorite. Basically it's the rich people kicking the poor people down until they finally unite enough to get some revenge and redemption, etc.

410. I Bought My Boyfriend With A Loan 彼氏をローンで買いました (2018) Japanese

Erina Mano, Ryusei Yokohama, Ikumi Hisamatsu, Yuriko Ono, Yasushi Fuchikami, Kyoko Hasegawa

Drama Rating: 1/10     Neck Score: A

The moral of this story (I'll just tell it now) is that I make bad drama decisions while waiting for Pillow Book to get subbed. I was bored, I hadn't watched a Japanese drama in a while, I wanted it to be like Kimi wa Petto and it was not. I guess I watched it so no one else has to. It was so baffling that this will now be full of spoilers.

It was basically an eight episode long rant about how society and feminism have ruined traditional gender roles by forcing women into the workplace. I'm not sure how much was tongue in cheek, but it made me angry and completely flabbergasted most of the time. The main character is working at the reception desk of a major company, a contract worker, and her main goal in life is to become a housewife. There is apparently a tradition, complete with a manual passed from receptionist to receptionist, of working there to snag an elite spec husband. This manual is full of things like: "never show your true feelings," "always smile," and "never be annoying."

407. Triad Princess 極道千金 (2019) Taiwanese

Eugenie Liu, Jasper Liu, Chang Zhang Xing, Hung Yan Siang

Drama Rating: 7/10     Neck Score: A+

I don't know whether to appreciate or loath this Netflix entry into Asian dramas. I like that more are being produced and the better accessibility of it, but they keep trying to Westernize the format too much, which I hate. The thing I like the most about Asian dramas is that they are short, one season shows with a well structured arc that then ends. Triad Princess suffered from this new short seasons crap that is being pulled where they give the drama a 6 episode season and then waffle about there being a next season, so that the drama has to be completely wrapped up, in case there is no second season, but still open ended enough for there to be naturally another season should they decide it was popular enough? I've already had the struggle of waiting what seems like a full year for the next 6 episodes of Kingdom, but that one didn't end so much as pause. This one seems like they hopes to get a second season, but it doesn't look like that's the case, so I am reviewing it now.

406. Well Intended Love 奈何BOSS要娶我 (2019) Chinese

Wang Shuang, Xu Kaicheng, Ian Yi, Liu Jia Xi, Huang Qian Shuo, Yang Hao Ming, Sun Jia Qi

Drama Rating: 4/10     Neck Score: A+

Sometimes, my morbid curiosity gets the best of me. In this case, I was in a bad mood (partially because I realized I had to wait another week for the next Pillow Book episodes) and was bored and I just wanted to watch something terrible. I had seen enough spoilers on the T-list to know exactly what I was getting into, but that really only scratched the surface. This might have been the most ridiculous piece of makjang I have ever seen. It was a terrible show about terrible people (with maybe one or two good ones) and you just have to sit back and let the terrible happen. Or just not watch it, which is probably what I should have done, but I guess sometimes I'm a glutton for punishment [insert some cat meme here].

Warning, serious spoilers. I guess I watched this so you all could satisfy morbid curiosity too, if that's a thing:

402. Crash Landing on You 사랑의 불시착 (2019-2020) Korean

Hyun Bin, Son Ye Jin, Kim Jung Hyun, Seo Ji Hye

Drama Rating: 7/10     Neck Score: A+

I'm trying to not be bitter, but apparently I was way too angry with what happened in the last episode to do that, so I'm not sure how fair to the rest of the show this review will be. I have a bad habit (in all dramas) of investing too much into the secondary couples who always get shafted and never get enough screen time and then if there must be a tragedy it happens to them, because that way people will still view the entire show favorably because the main couple still gets a happy ending... well that's crap. Like I said, I'm bitter. Is this too many spoilers in the first paragraph? Oops. Well, honestly, besides the fact that my favorite couple got ruined, this show was fun. It wasn't super well written or even really realistic, but it was very enjoyable and addictive. It had that squee factor, I guess. It did the ensemble super well as well, which means that we cared about everyone in the show and not just the main couple, which is probably why it hurt so much. One thing the show could have more of though was editing. The episodes were just too long. I like my hour long shows please. Why we had to sit through an almost 2 hour final episode when all the joy was sucked out of it in the first 15 mins in beyond me. I was bored and disinterested for most of it. Probably because it was also draggy and I was in a bad mood by that point. But really, the rest of the show was fun to watch. Like I said, I'm obviously still too bitter.

404. Live Up to Your Name 명불허전 (2017) Korean

Kim Nam Gil, Kim Ah Joong, Yoon Joo Sang, Yoo Min Kyu, Um Hyo Sup

Drama Rating: 9.5/10     Neck Score: A+

I've wanted to watch this show since it first came out, but didn't for two reasons. One, it wasn't subbed legally anywhere, and two, it's a doctor drama and I usually struggle with those. I mean, everything is life or death and always about surgery, and that gets old for me pretty darn fast. At one point I was thinking: How many people are they going to kill off! Just learn your doctor lesson already!!! But, then it was subbed on Netflix, and I just had to get over the medical stuff and just watch it. It helped that I absolutely love Kim Nam Gil (especially after Fiery Priest). The premise just looked too good from the previews, as did the chemistry between the main actors. It's a time travel drama, where a famous Joseon doctor, Heo Im, travels to modern times and meets a resident who is already a super talented heart surgeon. It is past vs present and oriental medicine vs western. However, that really is just the super basic premise. The time travelling reminded me 100% of the time travelling of Queen In Hyun's Man, which is not a bad thing at all, since that drama was also amazing. But the only similarities are how our Joseon man travels back and forth, those mechanics of time travel, and not the plot or anything else. So yeah, it blatantly takes that concept, but why not? In Queen In Hyun's Man it was a talisman that transported him every time he "died" but in this one it was a magical needle box, since Heo Im was an acupuncturist. So I said, it could be boiled down to that same form of time travel with the past vs present in both customs and medical knowledge, but what it's really about is what it means to be a true doctor and what that looks like in both the past and the present.

403. The Ghost Bride 彼岸之嫁 (2020) Taiwanese-Malaysian

Huang Pei Jia, Wu Kang Jen, Ludi Lin, Kuang Tian

Drama Rating: 8/10     Neck Score: A+

I binge watched this over the weekend, because it's fun and only 6 episodes. But, like all Netflix shows, I'm not actually sure if this is the first season, or if this was the whole show. I feels like the whole story is over, but they left the ending open just enough that I wouldn't put it passed them to add another "season" based on the show's success. I'd watch it if another season came out, not going to lie (I'd watch anything for more Chris Wu) but the story is clearly over. It would have to be a whole new story and adventure, resolving only that one moment that made the ending open enough to justify it. But like I said, it doesn't need it, the story arc with the whole ghost bride thing is done.

I started it based off of the trailers and story line, which looked interesting. It definitely lived up to that. Then we met Chris Wu's character and I got excited (I didn't know he was in it when I started- happy bonus!) and I would have finished it no matter what, so I'm glad it was awesome. My biggest complaint about the show is: what the heck did they do to Ludi Lin's eyebrows? It's like they filled them in way too aggressively, which makes it look like he's wearing fake press on eyebrows, like those fake fur type mustaches. It was incredibly distracting and dropped him to third place in the hotness list- the fact that his character was pretty lame too doesn't help. To be honest, as much as I love Chris Wu and think he's super handsome (he ranks high on my top sexy neck's list), the villain was probably the hottest in terms of pure physical good looks. He's another one of those "hot and evil" types, as the T-list would say. Character-wise though, I'm still 100% team heavenly guard Chris Wu. He's my style. Good and mischievous with a little bit of arrogance. But to be fair, hot and evil is also one of my types. Wishy washy childhood friends with fake eyebrows are not my style.

I guess I should talk about the story too. I loved it. It was interesting, fun, and also surprising. I didn't fully know what to expect, so the twists were nice. It's also a good balance between comedy, fantasy, and horror. It's obviously a ghost story, but it's also a murder mystery and afterlife crime story. Li Lan's father's business was ruined and his health is deteriorating. Then some old friends- a still wealthy family proposes a deal that can save them through her marriage to their son, who just recently died. Making her a ghost bride to appease the son who died too young and unmarried isn't exactly a way to treat old friends. As she is is trying to figure out the best option, she begins to be haunted by her proposed husband, and finds there is more to his death, and the family in general, than meets the eye. But then you have actual time spent in the underworld, plots, scheming, and trickery. Basically, it's a really fun story. They did rush the mystery part of the ending a bit, but since that's just one of the plots, it was fine. But I literally just ordered the book it's based on through my library, because I liked it that much. It's well worth the watch.

401. Pretty Li Huizhen 漂亮的李慧珍 (2017) Chinese

Dilraba Dilmurat, Peter Sheng, Vin Zhang, Li Xirui

Drama Rating: 7/10     Neck Score: A+

I knew I probably shouldn't have started Pretty Li Huizhen when Vin Zhang was the second male lead AGAIN, and he was just going to make me get SLS just like Siwon did in She Was Pretty, but I for some reason just did it anyway. Also, I probably should have looked up how long it was, because I struggled in the middle as they took a 16 episode K-drama (She Was Pretty) and turned it into a 40 episode C-drama. I did the math, removing the 5 minutes of intro and credits all C-dramas have, that's adding 10 hours to the story.... yeah, it got pretty draggy in the middle. Especially since I felt like all 10 of those hours were BEFORE he finally figured out who she was. Um, he's a very gullible, trusting dude, I guess. This did mean that there was way more time for character development for both our male lead and second female lead, but it also meant that there was a lot more time for them to stew on their life choices. She spent a lot of time feeling guilty (or justifying) about her lying and stuff. We did know what he was thinking more, but he spent a lot of time talking about his feelings with his friend and feeling like a cheater as he fell in love with real her while dating fake her...

359. Psychopath Diary 싸이코패스 다이어리 (2019) Korean

Yoon Si Yoon, Jung In Sun, Park Sung Hoon

Drama Rating: 8/10     Neck Score: A+

I don't know if I've ever seen a good psychopath thriller comedy that isn't just a super dark thriller that also happens to be funny in spots. This was a comedy that just happened to feature a psychopath. I wouldn't say it's scary really, but I would say that the acting was super good and did a pretty decent portrayal of a psychopath serial killer. But, considering the premise, you do have suspend a lot of disbelief too. It's literally a show about a pushover who loses his memory and is handed his identity in the form of a diary detailing the murders of a serial killer. Rather than freak out and reject that identity, he tries really hard to live up to it and be the psychopath he thinks he is. I guess it helps that he was a thriller junkie and has every thriller and horror movie ever memorized. That part didn't get lost when he lost the rest of his identity, to our own entertainment.