DryedMangoez recaps, reviews and commentary about international (non-American) television programs.
Writers and directors Werner du Plessis and Inu Baek deliver a revelatory narrative and visual experience in the series The Eighth Sense (여덟 번째 감각). Its careful, nuanced and unflinching portrayal of young love, friendships and mental health offer a different, though very welcome change of pace. And not just for the Korean BL genre, but perhaps Korean drama as a whole.
I regret waiting so long to finally watch this series. Because if I had been able to watch Twinkling Watermelon (반짝이는 워터멜론/ Sparkling Watermelon) last year, it absolutely would’ve made my year-end favorites list. Nostalgic and heartwarming. Fun and dramatic. An excellent, charming cast. Great music. What an incredible treat this series is.
Nobleman Ryu’s Wedding (류선비의 혼례식) might not be able to maximize the potential it has. But a charming cast and fluffy story still make the series an enjoyable time.
Sing My Crush (따라바람) easily contends as my favorite Korean BL series. That title for me goes to Light On Me. But Sing My Crush features many of the same things that endeared the former to me and still resonates even today. This feel-good, heartwarming, cute, sweet and fluffy series doesn’t aim to reinvent the genre. But it successfully delivers the dreamy adventure into young romance and sincere friendship. With the excellent leads Jang Do Yoon and Son Hyun Woo leading the way, Sing My Crush is easily one of the most satisfying series you’ll get the chance to enjoy.
Disney+’s Soundtrack #2 (사운드트랙#2) is a thoughtful, introspective series about love. Whether that is love for another person or love for yourself, the series is able to tell a story about the many complicated feelings that can come about because of it. Noh Sang Hyun, Keum Sae Rok and Sohn Jeong Hyuck (aka Demian) are excellent leads as they bring the simple, though engaging story to life.
Unintentional Love Story (비의도적 연애담) might have a familiar story, but its refreshing approach, charming cast and solid execution make it a thoroughly enjoyable and fulfilling watch.
Another season of sexy singles finding love on a deserted island has come and gone. It’s now become an annual event for Netflix’s Single’s Inferno to become a reliably buzzed-about series during the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. And season three delivered the same not-so-guilty pleasure that can be so fun and frustrating at the same time.
For a quick, easy watch, look no further than Individual Circumstances (각자의사정). This BL drama starring MYNAME’s Kim Junkyu and Mister International Korea 2021 Han Jung Wan is a breezy and light series about two young men reconnecting after time apart and needing to deal with their unresolved feelings for each other.
This year, I decided to single out some wonderful ensemble performances in Korean drama from 2023. Sometimes it takes an entire cast to come together to help make a show so good, or even elevate a show beyond what it would otherwise end up being.
Last year, I decided to put together my K-Drama All-Stars list. That is, actors who I might have seen the most in my drama watching during the year. Though I watched less Korean dramas in 2023, I wanted to single out these performances as my favorites from the year!