DryedMangoez recaps, reviews and commentary of Korean drama series.
Led by excellent performances by Kim Hee Seon and Kim Hae Sook, tvN’s 2018 series Room No. 9 (나인룸) is an emotional thriller with a deep mystery that unfolds in a familiar, but nonetheless engaging way. And with a little bit of supernatural spice to add some extra flavor.
My ID is Gangnam Beauty ended up being a sincere and thoughtful discussion on body image, self-esteem, confidence, harassment and mental health. It also presents a fascinating and empathetic view of plastic surgery, smashing many preconceptions one might have about the practice. And all in a delightful and easy to watch rom-com/light drama package.
Web series Have a Nice Dessert (#좋맛탱: 좋은 맛에 취하다 /Drunk in Good Taste) is a fun and breezy romcom that you can enjoy in small portions or in one delicious splurge.
Are monsters born or created? A simple question at face value, but an incredibly difficult question beneath the surface. The 2015 KBS drama series Hello Monster (너를 기억해/I Remember You) aims to provoke thoughts on that discussion in an accessible, but meaningful package.
The tvN drama Encounter (남자친구/Boyfriend) begins with what looks to be the start of an epic love story. Yet it somehow loses its magical luster about halfway through. Thankfully, we have Park Bo Gum and Song Hye Kyo getting us to fall in love with them enough to stick with it.
The tvN series Melting Me Softly (날 녹여주오) is a lighthearted, but heartfelt romcom with a small sci-fi twist that makes it a refreshing and enjoyable watch.
The 2018 SBS drama Your Honor (친애하는 판사님께) is a pitch perfect series that blends together family drama, romantic drama and procedural legal drama all into one fast-paced and fully engaging package.
Strong Woman Do Bong Soon (힘쎈여자 도봉순) is an overall fun series that mixes together several different and unexpected genres into one mostly enjoyable package. While the series is more successful at some things and lacking in others, one constant is Park Bo Young’s excellent performance as the title character.
The 2019 JTBC drama The Light in Your Eyes (Eyes Are Dazzling/눈이 부시게 ) is a stunning viewing experience. In the span of its 12 episodes, you will laugh, you will cry, you will fall in love, you will be on the edge of the seat. But even more importantly, the series leaves us with a profound reminder of a few things.
Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo (역도요정 김복주) may give off a specific first impression when you first start it. But as the series progresses, it develops into a surprisingly heartfelt, emotional and wholly romantic story that will definitely leave you with a smile on your face.