DryedMangoez recaps, reviews and commentary of Korean drama series.
A mix of romance, family, comedy, drama and slice of life goodness along with the right amount of nostalgia, a welcome sincerity, depth, warmth and irresistible charm: Love Next Door is one of the best feel-good and resonant series you will be able to find and enjoy.
I had one last opportunity to watch a Korean BL drama last month and I am so glad I chose The Time of Fever to be that one. Stunning in almost every way, this feature film/series features one of the most breathtaking depictions of the tumultuous years of adolescence. Won Tae Min and Do Woo are absolutely captivating in the lead roles as they propel an emotionally affecting screenplay and beautiful direction into what is ultimately a resonant experience.
I wasn’t able to watch as many Korean dramas as I wanted this year, but thanks to the shorter runtimes, I consumed my fair share of Korean BL dramas! Here’s my ranking of all 30 I watched and my top 10!
I wish I was able to watch more Korean dramas this year. But here is my ranking of all 14 series I was able to enjoy (or not lol)!
In my marathon viewing of Korean BL series, one common criticism I have found myself having is how much the length of time and the format of some of the productions holds back potentially great results. Happy Merry Ending (해피메리엔딩) is another example of that. A promising start gives way to underdeveloped characters and plot in a pace that is so fast, you won’t even realize you’ve reached the end. All while introducing legitimately interesting ideas, but never getting the chance to explore them with care and depth. A charming cast is unfortunately not enough to carry its shortcomings. Even if in the end, it is another easy, if slightly unsatisfying watch.
Season twos of series can always be hit or miss. Sometimes, a second season can surpass the first. Most of the time, you can come out of the second season wishing they had just left it with the first. For the second season of To My Star (나의 별에게2 : 우리의 못다 한 이야기), it is the former. Season two unexpectedly adds detail and depth to the already strong first season. Powered by even more captivating performances from its lead actors Son Woo Hyun and Kim Kang Min as well as a bigger supporting cast and an expanded world, To My Star 2 easily makes for another emotional and engaging viewing experience.
It’s been a long wait. But I can say it was well-worth it. Season 2 of Netflix’s Hellbound (지옥/Hell) is finally here. And it has no problem picking up right where it left off three years ago. Director Yeon Sang Ho returns (along with writer Choi Gyu Seok) to continue bringing his popular webtoon to vivid life.
The first season of To My Star (나의 별에게) is a wonderful surprise. This romantic comedy-drama (though more on the drama side) about love and self-discovery has some unexpected depth and plenty of charm. Lead actors Kim Kang Min and Son Woo Hyun has strong chemistry that allows a well-written and well-paced narrative to slowly, but surely unfold toward a fulfilling conclusion. For now, of course, as a second season comes after these initial nine episodes.
Love in the Big City (대도시의 사랑법) is a groundbreaking and thoroughly engrossing series that delves into the complex journey of Go Yeong, a gay man navigating societal expectations, family pressures and the search for true love. Based on the novel of the same name by Sang Young Park, who also writes this eight episode adaptation, the series takes great care in presenting an engaging, relatable and enlightening portrait of a young man who is both unique and familiar at the same time. And it ultimately leaves a lasting impression, both on the viewer and hopefully on Korean entertainment media as well.
But Pachinko is an experience. An emotional, relatable and captivating experience that you won’t soon forget even as the final credits roll.