DryedMangoez recaps, reviews and commentary of Korean drama series.
At a Distance, Spring is Green (멀리서 보면 푸른 봄) is a wonderful coming of age series. The 12-episode KBS drama about young university students just trying to keep up with everything life throws at them is a charming and captivating slice of life. A stellar cast brings to life the joys and pains of youth in between adolescence and adulthood. With fascinating hints at something that could have been truly groundbreaking, the series is nonetheless one of the year’s most emotionally satisfying series.
Perhaps I’m not the target audience or something. But every time I watch a web drama, my reaction is always something along the lines of “This would be better as a full-length movie” or “This feels like an undercooked regular length series.” That’s certainly how I felt after watching The Sweet Blood (달달한 그놈).
For a nostalgic, well-written and engaging coming of age slice of life story, look no further than Girls’ Generation 1979 (란제리 소녀시대/Lingerie Girls’ Generation). Based on a novel by Kim Yong Hee, the eight episode 2017 KBS series chronicles the moment between adolescence and adulthood of a group of high school teens living in 1979 Daegu. With Korea’s growing tense political situation as its backdrop, Girls’ Generation 1979 is able to balance sincere heart with innocent romance as well as heavy dramatic themes.
KBS’ Imitation (이미테이션) is an interesting series. It knows what it wants to be, but seems to be better at what it isn’t. That is, Imitation seems to be focused mainly on being a fluffy, idol-driven romantic drama. With the ripe-for-drama world of K-pop as the backdrop, the series isn’t short on material to pull from. But while the series does offer a terrifyingly realistic portrayal of the Korean music industry, it focuses on typical romantic triangle tropes rather than other truly intriguing topics.
I wasn’t sure what to expect going into The Liar and His Lover (그녀는 거짓말을 너무 사랑해 /She Loves Lie So Much). But by the end, I mostly enjoyed this 2017 adaptation of a popular Japanese manga. It is most enjoyable as a charming coming-of-age drama rather than as a romantic comedy. However, as a whole, the series is able to do just enough to be a refreshing and easy watch.
So I Married the Anti-Fan (그래서 나는 안티팬과 결혼했다 ) is very much an old school Korean romcom. The usual cat and dog dynamics of our lead couple plus the complicated relationship of the supporting couple are reminiscent of some of the biggest Hallyu hits over the last two decades. On one hand, that might date the series and feel a bit too tired compared to current dramas. (Granted, this series was filmed in 2018 and only now being released.) On the other hand, those old school vibes are refreshing. And the series’ fluffy exterior, likeable cast and satisfying pay offs make it an easy, enjoyable watch.
Another KBS Drama Special, another excellent and thought-provoking hour of television. The 2018 episode Dreamers (도피자들) is another in the long line of stunningly genre-bending entries in the anthology series. Dreamers presents an imaginative treatment of real world struggles, which in turn results in an introspective and eye-opening look at love, loss and healing.
Strongest Deliveryman (최강 배달꾼) may indeed be one of the strongest Korean dramas I’ve ever watched. The 2017 KBS series is a well-rounded story that touches on many familiar themes, but does so in a fun and emotionally affecting way. The depth that is given to its characters make for a thoroughly engaging and ultimately satisfying story that leaves you wanting more.
If I had to choose my favorite Korean courtroom drama, I honestly might choose the 2017 JTBC series Solomon’s Perjury (솔로몬의 위증). I had been meaning to watch this series for a while. But finally getting a chance to watch, my only thought is “What took me so long?” Solomon’s Perjury is a fascinating, enthralling and meaningful series that takes a look at some of the most oft-talked about ills of today’s society. But does so in a unique and refreshing way.
JTBC’s Law School (로스쿨) is an intriguing take on the law and crime genre in Korean drama. An ensemble cast of characters, brought to life by an excellent cast, drive the narrative and offer an inside look at the diverse motivations and principles of people in the justice system. And even more unique is how the justice system and Korean law is a character in and of itself in the series.