After a Year of K-dramas
- Sky
- Dec 5
- 4 min read
For the past two years, I did the End of the Year Drama Challenge (I'm also doing it this year, too 2025). But I also wanted to see if anything had changed from last year for me; the expectations, what I like watching, etc.
If you want to see a full thread discussed in the blog: End of 2024 Drama Challenge
Did you notice a change in your habits? What you're watching, maybe you cannot binge-watch dramas anymore, or maybe you have changed a favourite actor/actress?
There will not be a day when I'll have a different opinion on historical/slow-paced dramas.
Don't get me wrong, there are very well done ones, but it's a rare gem for me to find. After hearing for years about the drama, I'll go watch it, or I need to be in that specific mood.
One of the most heartbreaking moments for me is when I see the news that my favourite actor/actress is doing a historical drama. Not the end of the world, but only a few have managed to make me tune in.
Last year, I praised Jang Da A for her acting skills in "Pyramid Game". She was a mean girl and did such a perfect job. I hated her guts during the show, but what showed her diversity for me was her appearance in "My Troublesome Star".
From going to someone everyone hates to someone everyone loves was wonderful. Her role wasn't that big as she played the younger star, but, for me, she stole the show completely.
Day 5: A 2024 drama you watched with no expectations?
The answer was "Jeongnyeon: The Star is Born", if you are curious, but I wanted to emphasise the expectation part.
Because of this blog, I do a bit more research on the dramas, especially in my post, "What To Watch Next". I read about the drama, who directed it, and smaller details that I didn't care about before.
Yes, when I would start a drama, I'd go and see who the screenwriter or director is, but that's about it.
My memory is quite bad, so I still quickly forget about everything, but I definitely expect more from the dramas. It's not like the past, where I'd go to see what was ongoing, click on it and be surprised by what I'm getting.
Is one or the other thing better?
Sometimes, it's better not to know about the drama. Not to read the premise or know anyone's opinion, because you're clear of expectations. Also, from the knowledge, which is a good thing sometimes, when the synopsis says too much.
Maybe I would have enjoyed "Last Summer" way more if I hadn't read what it's about...
My craving to rewatch "W: Two Worlds" will never change, especially when I'm missing Lee Jong Suk or Han Hyo Joo. It will come again and again every time I see a music video of "Take on Me by A-ha."
However, there is another drama that I keep wanting to rewatch - it's "Lovely Runner".
I started a rewatch last year (at the very end of it) when I was sick, and it truly brought me a lot of happiness. I skipped all the poop jokes and things I deem unnecessary, but it was cosy and fun.
The illness will be the only time when I rewatch something (W: Two Worlds). That way, I feel more comfortable skipping ongoing dramas.
I added this to showcase how badly it aged... The start was so good and thrilling, but the end was a complete disaster... Not only the storyline, but also the whole scandal with Palestine's mention...
Be careful of saying the drama is good before finishing it!
If you want to read my review of the drama: January Watched
It feels like my whole K-drama experience is just waiting for Lee Jong Suk to have another project, and it's true.
"Law and the City" wasn't a drama for me because of its slowness, but with a trembling heart, I'm waiting for "The Remarried Empress". I feel scared because I have read the webtoon, and we know how it usually ends (with the adaptation being bad), but Lee Jong Suk is there!
My full opinion on "Law and the City".
The dramas I've watched have changed in the way that they're new ones. However, my taste in it or schedule doesn't change much anymore.
Maybe I have a bit less fomo every time there is a popular drama that I don't care to see, which makes me drop dramas without much guilt.
I have to admit that I'm very behind dramas this year though... Like a full month behind at this point, but I'm trying my best to catch up while doing other stuff.
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