DryedMangoez recaps, reviews and commentary about international (non-American) television programs.
Record of Youth is a relatable, character-driven slice of life drama. Quite unexpected for me as I went into the series. But very much welcome as I was quickly drawn into the realistic and grounded depiction of families and friends navigating all too-familiar twists and turns in life set amidst a backdrop of an otherwise unfamiliar showbiz world.
I don’t think I’ve ever come across a series as charming, loveable and exciting as the 2018 MBC drama series My Secret Terrius (내 뒤에 테리우스/Terius Behind Me). The series achieves the almost impossible feat of having the perfect balance of exciting spy action, hilarious comedy and sweet romance.
When going into science-fiction or fantasy series, a certain level of suspension of disbelief is recommended. Actually, the same can be said for any Korean drama. Sometimes, a “just go with it” attitude is necessary in order to fully enjoy a series. For the 2020 SBS drama Alice (앨리스), however, no amount of disbelief suspension can explain away perhaps the most unnecessarily convoluted and directionless time travel series I’ve ever seen.
Kill It (킬잇) is a compelling example of a series that requires an upfront investment that will lead to a surprisingly emotional and satisfying conclusion. The 2019 OCN drama series starring Jang Ki Yong and Nana starts off with some intrigue before settling into a sort of oddly flat succession of disjointed stories. But that aforementioned investment and being able to stick with the series through to its almost abruptly exhilarating final minutes results in what ends up being a rewarding television experience.
On the surface, the 2019 KBS drama Angel’s Last Mission: Love (단, 하나의 사랑) is the almost-epic forbidden love story between two beings who go against the odds to be with each other. But beneath the surface is a bewildering mix of half-cocked religious themes used merely as some sort of mystical twist to an otherwise familiar story.
The 2020 KBS drama series Born Again (본 어게인) has an intriguing premise and excellent cast. But it unfortunately gets bogged down by a plot-driven narrative and unnecessary distractions that ultimately prevent it from being the epic story it had the potential to be.
The 2016 tvN drama Signal (시그널) is a breathtaking experience. The multi-awarded, highly rated and critically acclaimed series is an emotionally affecting and effectively thrilling character-driven ride. With its stellar cast, strong characters and engaging story, it’s not hard to see why it has enthralled audiences the world over.
The KBS Drama Special has been home to some of Korean television’s most envelope-pushing and experimental storytelling. And being on a national public broadcast network as opposed to a cable network, that’s a pretty big feat to accomplish. The 2020 slate of the KBS Drama Special again features some unique stories. And To My Assailant (나의 가해자에게) is one of them. Though tackling a familiar theme, the episode brings to light a different side of an all too familiar issue in a way that is enlightening and engaging.
Wish You is a pretty simple and straightforward story. Sang Yi (IMFACT’s Lee Sang) is a timid, but talented young man working in the A&R department of an entertainment company. He becomes a big fan of aspiring singer In Soo (MYNAME’s Kang Insoo) who he is able to successfully recommend to the company to be scouted.
Absurd. Hilarious. Random. Trippy. Terrifying. Foreboding. Bonkers. Insane. Confusing. All of these words can be used to describe The School Nurse Files (보건교사 안은영/Nurse Teacher An Eun-Young). But you could use words like emotional, heartfelt, thought-provoking, enlightening and deep as well. And it all depends on how you approach the Netflix original Korean drama series and take it all in.