Leslie's Year In Dramas! (Patreon)

Hello, Fellow Patrons!

Thank you for the opportunity to share my 2021 Year End Awards and, as you shall shortly see, thoughts on my kdrama experience this year!

When I started this piece, my attention quickly expanded from highlighting my favorite shows, to reflecting on my larger 2021 drama experience. If you’ll indulge me, I’d like to share some of those thoughts with you? If you want to skip to the main event, just bypass the next 4 bullets. I won’t mind. Or even know. 😉

1. KFG’s Dear Fangurl post “How can I stop myself from becoming jaded with dramas?” was hugely valuable to me in 2021. Not because I had become jaded – way too soon for that – but because it helped me to frame my kdrama viewing experience throughout the year.

Her #1 tip for me: be aware of your viewing lens. Since reading the post, I can’t count how many times I’ve contemplated and/or tweaked my viewing lens when a show wasn’t sitting right with me. This was especially true as I started moving away from rom-coms as my main kdrama diet. When I understood that a show was meant to be OTT (makjang) or more intense (melodrama), or that solving the mystery was going to take narrative precedence over getting the girl/guy, I could lean into what it was, and not be distracted by what it wasn’t. Which brings me to KFG’s second most helpful tip: be flexible. I began to embrace that if every story bent the way I wanted it to, I’d soon be bored to tears by the/my unoriginality.

2. This year of kdramas turned out to look an awful lot like the year of cdramas for me. I mentioned over on the Drama Exchange that my early forays into cdramas had been underwhelming, but by mid-2021 I had begun to add a bunch of them to my favorites list. One even made it to my top 10! (The suspense builds. 😂) I didn’t even feel like I was cheating on kdramas, because it was a fair fight. Cdramas are offering up some of the same emotional impact and good storytelling that attracted me to kdramas in the first place. There’s enough room for all comers, I say!

3. I had a serious case of bingey-ness in 2020.  2021 gave me a new approach to drama watching. I realized that bingeing kdramas, for me, is like scarfing a large bag of movie theater popcorn in one sitting. The salty goodness is satisfying at the time, but the sodium and fiber hangover afterwards is pretty awful. When I binge on a drama, I can have an emotional hangover, which isn’t very much fun either. It may include, but is not limited to, weepiness, disenchantment with my real life, and withdrawal from the pretend relationships I’ve made in the show. (Only a tiny exaggeration, that.) A little bit of the fainting couch schtick adds dimension to life. A lot can breed discontent.

In 2021, largely because of following Patreon and its every 5-day summary per show, I slowed my bingeing roll by watching multiple (sometimes many) shows at the same time. This has given me a chance to reflect and savor individual episodes, and to keep my real world and k-world in their respective places.

I still binge occasionally (looking at you The Rational Life, and Coffee Prince and It’s Ok, That’s Love re-watches), because, fun! However, I really do like watching dramas more deliberately. And bonus, I can even remember enough about them to write this post!

4. Finally - and I’m not sure whether I should be proud of this or seek therapy - I completed 63 dramas this yea. Including: 55 kdramas, 7 cdramas, and 1 jdrama. In addition, I watched all, or most, of 9 kmovies, 2 jmovies, and 1 thaimovie. Three of the movies were Gong Yoo vehicles (aka, why I watched them), but unfortunately my main man did not hold up as well in them as in most of his dramas (or photoshoots.) So, I think I’m done with that particular experiment. 😉 For now. Maybe.

My only justification for this super consumption is that kdrama (and cdrama) accounted for 90% of my screen time, of any sort, in 2021. And, well, it’s still pandemic times, right? The shift away from Western TV appears to be almost complete. Can I convince anyone that I really do have a full life off-screen? 😂

Now, to the main events.

My Top 10 Dramas

Like some before me, I’m not offering these in order of enjoyment. Rather, I created two main categories: #1 Drama and Super Contenders.

#1 Drama

It will surprise few of you that my #1 drama this year is (drum roll or kazoo buzz, please): The Bond. Much has already been written about Show in previous top 10 lists, and KFG will no doubt produce a gorgeous review in due time (that may or may not reflect my views), so I won’t write too much more.

I will just say that The Bond’s heartfelt story, endearing characters (many, many characters, most of whom I really cared about), incredible acting, engaging sets and locales (the ever-changing Qiao family home and Mongolia!), atmospheric OST, spot-on costuming which reflected many fashion trends, and the long arc of the growth of a family that parallels the changes in Mainland China over 26 years, combined to make this drama a totally absorbing, heartwarming, and moving view. Add to that a dollop of nostalgia for my year+ living in Taiwan around the time of some of the earlier years of the drama, and my satisfaction was complete.

Since I mentioned it earlier, other 2021 cdramas I really liked were The Rational Life, The Day of Becoming You, and Imperial Coroner. I’m currently watching Go Ahead (2020) starring Steven Zhang from DOBY, and enjoying it quite a bit, as well. It may appeal to the “Puppies and Unicorn” crowd (though there some tough foundational themes, so be prepared.)

And, I can’t leave this section without a shout out to the phenomenal Nirvana in Fire Group Watch of this summer. What a great experience!

Super Contenders

I have a very hard time choosing my favorite anything. I like similar things for different reasons, and I’ve accepted that… rather than believe myself to be wishy-washy. This next batch of dramas are interchangeable in my affections, for different reasons.

Hospital Playlist Season 2

This ensemble drama was crackiness at its best for me. I couldn’t get enough of the tried, true and irreverent friendship among our Fab Five. I laughed at their snappy repartee, cried at their heartaches, and even, surprisingly, enjoyed the silly physical humor (but, not the crabwalk, Ik Joon, not the crabwalk.) I absolutely loved the messages of love, caring, compassion, competency, gratitude, and dedication that every episode dished up. I once again grooved to the OST (though not as much as Season 1’s.) I savored the group jam sessions, and was taken with Mama Jung’s participation in one of them. The slow, slow burn of several of our friends’ relationships proved worth the wait. This is the show I continue to muse “I wonder how they’re doing? How are the wedding plans going? When will we get together again?” 😊

I want to give a special mention to how Show honored Jong Su and Rosa’s soulful friendship. It placed this long, dear, intimate-but-not-romantic, friendship at least as high on the value scale as the newly-formed romantic love relationships. Lovely and appreciated.

Beyond Evil/Monster

Ultimately, I liked this show for two main reasons: it was so darn smart and the acting was outstanding.

Show sustained suspense until the very last episode, as it continuously built a tightly written story about murder, friendship, and secrets in a small town. The hard-to-follow twists and misdirects and multiple plausible possibilities were a big part of its appeal. (But, thank heavens for Patreon summaries and comments, or I’d have been left in the dust.) I never felt manipulated, which is sometimes the effect of opacity. Instead, I felt confident that the show knew where it was going and would get there well, even if I couldn’t begin to see it. I loved that feeling, and I was totally along for the ride.

There were great performances all around, and this included the two MLs, Yeo Jin Yoo and Shin Ha Kyun. While Shin Ha Kyun got the Baeksang nod for Best Actor, my own soft spot was for Yeo Jin Yoo. More on that later.

This wasn’t a drama that grabbed me by the heart, but it thrilled me nonetheless. I love hanging with people/writers who are smarter than me. 😉

Mr. Queen

Mr. Queen was my laugh out loud drama of the year. I looked forward to every episode, and often replayed scenes out of sheer delight. Delight is the word for it. Show wasn’t perfect, but – who cares?! It was perfect for me. 😊

The should-have-won-a-Baeksang-award-performance by Shin Hye Sun was the biggest reason for my love, 😍but the OTP chemistry – as foiled as their relations often were – was responsible, as well. Kim Jung Hyun showed great comedic timing, and his efforts, as King Cheoljong, to understand and support the Queen were totally endearing.

Special shout out to our other love birds, Cha Chwung Hwa as Court Lady Choi and Kim In Kwon as Dam Hyang. As funny, charming, and well-matched a pair as a sub-story could ask for.

She Would Never Know

I think SWNK qualifies as my sleeper show of the year. Maybe because it debuted on iQiyi, I didn’t know anything about it until Fangurl picked it up. After watching the first 3 episodes for free, I was hooked. I happily switched to a premium membership, and enjoyed the show to the very last drop.

Over on the blog, I wrote: “(Show is) the tale of a couple learning how to be authentic in their feelings for each other, and along the way developing a great array of communication and interaction skills that make you feel they will love each other successfully for many years to come. ♥️ Sounds simple, but the realism of the challenges they (and most couples) face as they build a relationship make it interesting and compelling.

The series is populated by good people who have some growing to do when we first meet them, but the growth is what makes it a dramatic story. It’s ironic that some people were put off by our ML’s (Rowoon) early interactions with the FL and decided to drop the show. But had they stayed Just a Little Longer, they would have seen him develop into one of the finest young men and boyfriends/lovers I’ve seen in kdrama. Rowoon delivers, and I look forward to following his career.

I also found the familial relationships realistic and engaging, the subplots worthwhile and important, and the professional setting in the cosmetic industry interesting. It all added up to a really great, easy but not shallow, watch. It also has an ending that is consistent and complete – very satisfying...”

Yes, I still agree with all of that. 😊

18 Again

18 Again is both a dramatic and a sentimental favorite. Dramatic, because it is a very well executed story of a long-time couple losing and re-finding themselves, and each other, and all of the, often painful, growth it entails. Sentimental, because this is one of the first shows I didn’tbinge watch, and certainly the first one I paced with Fangurl’s summaries on Patreon.

Oy, that was hard. About 3 episodes in and frustrated by how slooow the show was moving (and squawking about it to KFG), it suddenly dawned on me: the show wasn’t the problem. It was I, still expecting the story to move at the same speed as when I binged, causing my own frustration. I was ruining my experience by not managing my expectations (another great KFG tip.) So, I took a deep breath and settled in for the pace Show wanted to take, all to the good.

Show was at a disadvantage when I began watching, because I didn’t have a good opinion of the Zac Efron/Matthew Perry movie it was based on. I couldn’t imagine how it was going to be made meaningful and compelling for 16 episodes. However, watching Show at a deliberate pace and allowing myself to enjoy it, rather than supposing how things would play out, was a great lesson. Episode by episode, my relationship with our main characters, Jung Da Jung (Kim Ha Neul) and Hong Dae Young (Yoon Sang Hyun/Lee Do Hyun) grew into a lovefest for their willingness to grow and change and renew their commitment to themselves.

Most of the actors turned in strong performances, but Lee Do Hyun, in particular, was outstanding in his dual role as a 37 year-old man, in his 18-year old body, interacting with his 18-year old children, and his (still) 37-year old wife. He hit every note just right.

Lost

To be honest, I’m still processing this one. But, for sure I know it was haunting, thought-provoking, and inspiring. The slow and deep reveal of our main characters’ lives – which eventually extends to the supporting characters, as well – is a moving tribute to the beauty of the unpretty, difficult, and sad condition we share as humans. The coming together of our main characters, for sustenance and life, was believable and deftly handled. I didn’t feel there was a whiff of prurience about it.

Jeon Do Yeon and Ryu Joon Yeol turned in wonderful performances, as did Park Byunmg Eun and Park In Hwan. But, can we see Park in Hwan in a new show where he doesn’t develop dementia… please? Thank you.

How can these melancholy shows be so beautiful? I usually try to avoid sad themes like the plague. But then, I encounter this kind of well-done melodrama and think, what’s there to be afraid of? On the other side of it, I invariably come out elevated.

Dali and Cocky Prince

Dali and Cocky Prince is a controversial choice to add to my top 10, at least in these here parts. I figured that out when Fangurl posted she was dropping it after Episode 4, and plenty of people on Patreon and the blog chimed in to support her decision. 😂

OMO. Don’t make me invoke KFG again, but… from her post of great tips for staying the course with kdramas: “Don’t be too influenced by popular opinion. Sometimes you might like something that others don’t, and vice versa.” So… ✔️!

As I wrote in response to Fangurl’s post, “I’m one of the people who really enjoyed this show. I thought the opposites-attract OTP worked very well. Dali is a delightful character. Smart, sophisticated, kind, lonely… and a little iconoclastic. Moo Hak is blustery, decidedly unsophisticated (but he is moved by classical music, so we know a love of beauty lurks in there somewhere), loyal, lonely… and pragmatic. I enjoyed how their differences team up to save the day, so to speak. I also thought Kim Min Jae nailed this different kind (for him) of male character. Show had farcical elements, which I usually don’t like, truthfully, but ultimately it was a heartwarming and fun romp.”

Move to Heaven and Mad for Each Other

I grouped my last two entries together, because they share some of the characteristics that made me like them so much.

Both are shorter dramas, in number of episodes and episode length, that managed to tell a complete story, with no skimping on the emotional content or logical sense. From a technical standpoint, the efficiency of how the dramas were written and executed really impressed me.

Both shows deal with sensitive subjects deftly and compassionately. In Move to Heaven, death is explored from multiple points of view. This device leads to a full, respectful, and loving picture of the deceased’s life. Show underscores that death is a key part of living, and not an anomaly of our human experience. Move to Heaven dealt with a sad theme, but it managed to uplift me every episode.

Mad for Each Other takes on mental illness and health, telling the story of two people with significant, sometimes debilitating, mental health issues. It brought me around to understanding their experience from their point of view. It showed their understandable struggle in trying to heal, and reminded me of the courage and strength it takes to do so. Our main characters were quirky, annoying, and loveable all at the same time. You know, fully human. And I liked that message. And it really offered up a love story with depth and (mostly) believability.

Specific to Move to Heaven, I especially enjoyed how Ji Jen Hee, as Han Geu Ru’s dad, appeared on screen for mere minutes, but his presence was felt throughout the show. Han Geu Ru and the Move to Heaven team apply Dad’s ritual and philosophy of work, and life, to each client, and it emerges as the foundational theme of Show’s story. That’s skillful writing. I appreciated both Tang Joon Sang’s and Cho Sang Gu’s performances, and was moved by how these two characters, for whom communication is not a strong point, build an authentic, caring connection. Another heart warmer.

Next Events

Best Actress – Shin Hye Sun

This wasn’t really a hard one. As I mentioned above, Shin Hye Sun gave a virtuoso performance in Mr. Queen, earning my respect and awe. I hereby confer on her my Best Actress of the Year Award. Who needs a Baeksang anyway?

Best Actor – Ryu Joon Yul

This choice was a little more difficult to make, but ultimately Ryu Joon Yul garnered my vote. His nuanced performance in Lost impressed me with its vulnerability and maturity. I was especially impressed by his slow transformation from long-haired, edgy, outsider to short-coiffed, opening-up, young man. It was as if I could see one soul emerging from the other before my eyes. I’ve mentioned before that RJY’s background in movies really showed in his portrayal of Lee Kang Jae, and that’s a compliment.

I can’t leave this category without giving a shout out to two young actors who carried a major part of the success of their dramas, squarely on their shoulders. Yeo Jin Goo (23) in Beyond Evil was a worthy co-star for the more experienced Shin Ha Kyun. YJG met SHK scene for dramatic scene. I kept checking and rechecking his age on various websites, because I found it hard to believe such a young man could master such an important role. Similarly, I was blown away by Lee Do Hyun’s (25 at the time) performance in 18 Again, for similar reasons. His believable and sympathetic Lead performance, in the company of more experienced actors, drove the show’s quality and appeal through the last scene. Well done, Lee Do Hyun. I look forward to following both of their careers.

Best Supporting Actress

As for many others of us, Kang Han Na captured my vote for Best Supporting Actress for her role in My Roommate is a Gumiho. In fact, I thought her performance was frequently in peril of stealing some of our Lead’s thunder! A very fun addition to the show.

I’d also like to acknowledge Cha Chwung Hwa’sperformance as Court Lady Choi in Mr. Queen. She made the most of this secondary character, offering great comedic timing and believable warmth.

Best Supporting Actor

Can I give this award to the ensemble of male actors in Hospital Playlist 2? Of course, I can, because I have the virtual mic. So, here’s to Jung Kyung Ho, Yoo Yeon Seuk, Kim Dae Myung, and Jo Jung Seuk. Thanks for being my clever, kind, and dedicated friends for over two years!

Razzie

This award goes to Devil Judge. I tried, harder than any other show this year (or ever), to get into it, but after the third round of dropping, rebounding and catching up with KFG’s Patreon posts, I cried Uncle! I didn’t get it, didn’t like it, and even Ji Sung’s considerable charms could not entice me to finish.

Prior to that outing, Oh! Master was on the red carpet, waiting for this award. Show started out very nicely, with sympathetic leads who had good chemistry, and it looked to be heading towards a good old-fashioned swerving path to a happy ending. Then Episode 10 happened, and in my head, I heard the scratch of a needle on vinyl quite clearly. What? This is where Show is going? Straight into, somewhat nonsensically, super-melodrama territory? Nope, not what I signed up for.

This is not a Razzie exactly, but if anyone is wondering whether they should watch “The Veil” with Namkoong Min… I’ll just suggest that you don’t need to. 😉

Best Original Song, Best Original Score

I’ve mentioned this before, but I don’t usually notice songs or scores in dramas, with some exceptions (go Chuno!) With kdramas, I often feel it’s all I can do to follow subtitles and make sense of them, try to catch a facial expression or two, and take note of the environment of the scene. Music seems to take a back seat to all that. That said, I truly appreciate, the music lovers in this crowd, and the awareness you bring me of the influence and impact music can have on the viewing experience. Thank you most sincerely.

Finally… it’s the end! Yay!

Wishing you all very happy holidays (those that have passed already and those that may be before us) and all the very best in 2022!

~Leslie