Category: Korean Drama

DryedMangoez recaps, reviews and commentary of Korean drama series.

Good Ol’ Review: Charming Cast Carries Disney+’s “Rookie Cops”

Disney+’s Rookie Cops (너와 나의 경찰수업 /You and My Police Class) is an interesting series. Centered around freshman students at a police university, the series is well positioned to tackle many different topics and themes such as coming of age and college life. Not to mention the pursuit of justice and happiness in a less than fair world. But the series somehow does not bring everything together in the most seamless way, holding it back from being something great. However, its charming cast carries the series on their shoulders to result in an ultimately satisfying, though somewhat unmemorable time.

Continue Reading
Good Ol’ Review: Rain and Kim Bum Lead the Fun and Emotionally Satisfying “Ghost Doctor”

Rain and Kim Bum are irresistibly charming and endearing in the tvN fantasy medical drama Ghost Doctor (고스트 닥터). You’ll get a lot of familiar K-drama themes from clashing of personalities, workplace politics and shady dealings to sweet romance, sincere friendships and a good helping of character growth. And it’s all wrapped up in a fun, whimsical package with the exciting and hectic backdrop of a bustling hospital in the middle of Seoul. On the surface it may seem like a paint by the numbers medical procedural. But at its heart (and in a way that only Korean dramas can do), it is an emotional and uplifting character-driven look at humanity and the bonds and connections that are forged in the most unexpected places.

Continue Reading
Good Ol’ Review: Lighthearted, Sincere “Let Me Be Your Knight” an Enjoyable Series

SBS’ Let Me Be Your Knight (너의 밤이 되어줄게) is a lighthearted, but sincere story looking at connections, bonds and relationships with the always interesting world of K-pop as the backdrop. The always charming Jung In Sun is accompanied by the talented young men that bring to life the fictional band Luna. And together they make for a series that is easily enjoyable and unexpectedly satisfying.

Continue Reading
Good Ol’ Review: KBS’ Charming “Men Are Men” a Refreshingly Modern Rom-Com

A good ‘ol, stress-free rom-com can always be a welcome breather from all the dark psychological thrillers and crime dramas that fill the airwaves. Which is one reason the 2020 KBS series Men Are Men (그놈이 그놈이다 /To All the Guys Who Loved Me) is such an enjoyable and entertaining ride. Hwang Jung Eum leads a charming cast in a series that takes familiar themes and situations and blends them together into a refreshing package.

Continue Reading
Good Ol’ Review: tvN’s “Bulgasal: Immortal Souls” a Captivating Epic

Studio Dragon’s tvN fantasy epic Bulgasal: Immortal Souls (불가살) is a melancholic, though breathtaking series. Led by a commanding performance from Lee Jin Wook, the excellent cast brings to life an intricate and bloody story that spans centuries. And all while touching upon the most human of emotions and relationships, making this story as relatable as it is captivating.

Continue Reading
Good Ol’ Review: Lee Dong Wook and Wi Ha Joon Are Crazy Good in tvN/iQiyi’s Fun “Bad and Crazy”

If possible, go into this series knowing as little as possible about it for maximum effect. So before getting into major spoilers about the series, the bottom line is the Studio Dragon-produced tvN/iQiyi original series Bad and Crazy (배드 앤 크레이지) is simply crazy good. Lee Dong Wook and Wi Ha Joon are absolutely electric as their performances and perfect chemistry power an unexpectedly fun, wild and fascinating action thriller. I did exactly that and it made the experience all the more satisfying and exciting.

Continue Reading
Good Ol’ Review: Netflix’s “All of Us Are Dead” Exciting, Enjoyable Mindless Fun and a Worthy Wild Ride

Netflix has definitely gotten swept up in the Korean Wave as it releases its latest original series All of Us Are Dead (지금 우리 학교는 /Now At Our School). The zombie thriller-slash-high school drama series ticks all the boxes of both genres and them some. And while it can feel a bit bloated, the series is ultimately enjoyable, mindless fun.

Continue Reading
Good Ol’ Review: “Light on Me” a Bright, Charming and Thoroughly Enjoyable Series
Good Ol’ Review: KBS’ Character-Driven Slice of Life “School 2021” a Refreshing Entry to Venerable Series

KBS’ venerable School franchise has not only catapulted young up-and-coming actors toward stardom, it has also presented an honest and (sometimes unfortunately) realistic look at education in Korea. And this is all while allowing for an endearing and relatable character-driven experience. The latest entry in the franchise, School 2021 (학교 2021) certainly continues following in those footsteps. And in a well-written, well-acted and thoroughly engaging package.

Continue Reading
Good Ol’ Review: Yoo Jae Myung and Ji Soo Deliver Captivating Performances in JTBC’s Affecting “Ping Pong Ball”

Yoo Jae Myung and Ji Soo deliver captivating performances in the warmhearted, though pensive Ping Pong Ball (탁구공). A part of JTBC’s Drama Festa anthology banner, this 2018 two-episode special drama might as well be a full-length feature film based on its production and presentation. A wonderful screenplay about the friendship formed between two seemingly different people is brought to life by two excellent performances and its cinematic treatment. All for what is ultimately a moving and fascinating slice of life portrait.

Continue Reading
Back to top