Stories without Borders
Note to my beloved subscribers: I’ve felt let down by the K-dramas I’ve watched recently. But I do have one recommendation just in time for Valentine’s Day—”Together with Me,” a new Thai drama (or lakorn, since “T-drama” was taken by Taiwanese drama). If you have suggestions who should play these leads in a Korean remake, … Read more
In one of the best scenes in Secret Love Affair, piano prodigy Lee Seon-Jae delivers a musical message to his older teacher and lover Oh Hye-Won that is equal parts rebellion and lament. It’s the third act and Hye-Won is trying to hold onto power by acting like a loyal wife to Professor Kang. Seon-Jae … Read more
First things first: I figured out it was reader Rouny who recommended Secret Love Affair, back in the September favorites thread. Thank you, Rouny! I’m excited to have any readers at all. And I’m extra lucky to have readers I can learn from and discuss with. In fact, that discussion thread added a few new … Read more
I spent half of October suffering various flu bugs. (As you can see, that’s slowed down my posting schedule. Sorry!) Last week, I felt doubly sorry for myself: 1) I was in bed with stomach flu and 2) there weren’t any K-dramas I wanted to watch. And then! Then, I started watching last year’s Secret Love Affair. … Read more
I originally started watching Korean television for the charming romantic comedies. But gradually I’ve grown fascinated with the melodramas as well. It’s harder to explain their appeal—vicarious suffering shouldn’t be as entertaining as vicarious laughter. Why do I find them so interesting? The currently airing series Mask and High Society are great examples of how … Read more
Note: It’s the truth. I haven’t entirely moved on from Kill Me, Heal Me. But that’s a good excuse to write about other dramas with Ji Sung, who definitely knows how to pick the odd, interesting projects. If you want to see Ji Sung playing a good guy, Secret (2013) isn’t your show. We first meet his character, … Read more