Journalist, Author & Syndicated Columnist
The old amnesia plot device isn’t new, but it’s something that K-Drama fans have come to love (to hate, sometimes). While it’s a trope, I must admit that many scriptwriters do an admirable job of keeping viewers guessing as to what will happen next.
I love Korean Dramas for a variety of reasons. And although I have a love-hate relationship with all the K-Drama tropes, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t waiting for them to appear every time I watch a series. Here are some of my favorites — and also some that I love to hate.
It’s not surprising that “One Spring Night” has the same melancholy vibe as “Something in the Rain” (aka “Pretty Noona Who Buys Me Food”). Besides the same leading man, the series reunites screenwriter Kim Eun and director Ahn Pan-Seok. While the storyline is different, the main thrust remains the same: The central male character is deemed as unsuitable to be with the female character, because of an unforgivable character flaw that isn’t a flaw at all.
I knew going into this series who she would end up with (and so will you, because you’re not stupid). I have no problem with that. But what I thought was a cheap cop-out was the way Do-Hyun went from being an upstanding, fun and thoughtful young man in the first season, into a suspicious and jealous boyfriend in this second season.
Written by the Hong Sisters (Hong Jung-eun and Hong Mi-ran), “My Girlfriend Is a Gumiho” tells the tale of a young man who accidentally frees a gumiho (a nine-tailed shape shifter that often takes the form of a woman). Gumihos are known to be voracious carnivores, who crave organs. Gumihos are known to be voracious carnivores, who crave organs. Gulp.
BTS’ label Big Hit recently released a press release stating that the world’s most famous boy band would take an “extended hiatus.” While the guys take a few weeks off for some well-deserved rest, they won’t be releasing as much content on social media and Vlive as fans are accustomed to. But there’s still a lot of material for fans to get caught up on (or rewatch).
Brazilians said they wanted KOCOWA and guess what? On August 1, the streaming service officially launched in Brazil with Portuguese subtitles. Maravilhosa!
Since the beginning of time, celebrities have tried to hide their dating status. Part of it was for privacy issues. But there was also a business element. Managers wanted to make it appear as if their clients were available to fans. Certainly, this holds true for K-Pop and K-Drama stars, who are forced to spend an inordinate amount of time evading questions about their love lives.
Unlike some U.S. shows where the actors clearly look like they don’t want to eat the meal in front of them (I’m looking at you, “The Big Bang Theory”!), K-Dramas are full of amazing food scenes where the actors eat with gusto. They make whatever they’re eating look like it’s the most delicious thing on earth. And, not for nothing, but I don’t think it’s a coincidence that I always want to eat along with the characters.
V and Park Seo-Joon. Jungkook and Yeo Jin-Goo. EXO’s D.O. and Jo In-Sung. Which are your favorite idol/actor bromances?