Stories without Borders
I wrote in part 1 about video editing—how Korean TV tends to use relatively lengthy scenes and shots. This is one reason K-dramas sometimes recall Hollywood movies of the thirties and forties. (K-dramas also resemble Asian movies, but non-Asians like me are usually struck first by the resemblance to old Hollywood flicks.) But I felt … Read more
My brother-in-law recently had his first encounter with a K-drama. And it was a certain rom com about a woman weightlifter. I want to share his reaction with you. But first, a question that haunts many K-drama fans—and every K-drama producer looking for a big ratings hit: What are good K-dramas for men? Now and … Read more
The first time I watched a K-drama, something just felt different. Besides obvious stuff like the language and culture, there is something else, a difference in the rhythm of the shows. A rhythm that draws us into the everyday lives of the characters and leaves us refreshed afterwards. This is partly because the K-drama style … Read more
I’m grateful to everyone who reads this blog. To all my readers: Happy Valentine’s Day! Also, Happy V-Day to everyone who put in the time and effort to make some amazing 2016 K-dramas. I love you! 사랑해요! When I finish watching an interesting show, I want to write a full essay, but I usually don’t have … Read more
Dear readers, I’m sorry! I haven’t written for many months, while I’ve been tending to real life. But nothing brings me back to the world of K-dramas faster than Ji Sung. My heart beats for you, oppa. Ji Sung’s new 16-episode legal thriller, Defendant, is getting great ratings in Korea right now. Perhaps President Park’s … Read more
I’m not rational when it comes to Ji Sung, so how can I review his new show The Entertainer? I might just start babbling about how great he looks in that ridiculous white suit in episode one. Or in that black leather jacket in episode four. The show raises deep issues. Does he look better in … Read more