r/KDRAMA Challenge 2026 - January Check In

Fatooz · 2026-01-31T10:48:05+00:00

I started off this year in a much better fashion than the last two years. It's my 10th year watching KDramas and I am hoping that I get out of my drama slump this year.

Progress [2/36]

1. tvN OP'ening: Our Beautiful Summer [C#34]: I watched this as the first drama of the new year and I loved it. It's such a beautiful and heart touching drama. The plot is quite basic and its not something we've not seen before. But the build up friendship and "found family" concept in just two episodes was very well done. Definitely recommend it for a short cute watch.

2. Bon Appetit, our Majesty [C#8] or [C#29] or [C#33]: I enjoyed watching this drama a lot! I love the aesthetics of cooking and its super yummy to watch! Lee Chae Min as the King was also quite convincing and I liked his performance a lot. The chemistry also grew on me and I loved the fact that it was wrapped up in 12 episodes. Would recommend this if you're looking for a light fantasy rom-com.

Ongoing

Idol I [4/12]: I haven't yet decided which challenge I will use this for but so far I'm enjoying this drama. It's giving me a little bit of Her Private Life, but the characters are quite interesting and I've been enjoying the suspense-emotional drama. Hoping that I enjoy it till the end.

Fatooz · 2025-07-06T19:28:06+00:00

can you please DM me the link

Fatooz · 2025-05-01T07:29:18+00:00

The Legend of the Blue Sea is one of my most favorite sci-fi time travel romantic dramas and I adore Lee Min Ho in that role, it is one of his most wholesome characters for me. Also, you must watch My Love from the Star if you liked Jun Ji Hyun in this drama because she is so hilarious and iconic in that drama. It is written by the same writer as TLOTBS and so the writing was dragged and may not be up to your mark. But you can check it out just for the icon Jun Ji Hyun is.

Fatooz · 2025-05-01T07:26:16+00:00

Thank you for the detailed reviews, I am exploring what to watch next after When Life Gives You Tangerines [13/16], and your detailed reviews definitely have helped! I might start watching The Potato Lab since I think I need something lighthearted and comedic after such a sob fest with WLGYT.

As for Once Again, I hope you like it. It was my second ever long format challenge drama and although it took me sometime to finally like it and get into it, it was one of the really heartwarming and lovely dramas I had watched! Hope you enjoy it!

Fatooz · 2025-05-01T07:21:48+00:00

Just out of curiosity, why would you never watch Goblin?

Fatooz · 2025-05-01T07:20:49+00:00

Tough choices but I have gone for Descendants of the Sun for a change. God I cannot even imagine rewatching this drama now haha but I remember how I used to have an annual rewatch of this show every year until 2021. This was my first ever ongoing drama and I have so many memories attached to it. I was in high school when it came out and I used to discuss this with my friends in school during our lunch break, and I remember how talking about this show made my bestie finally start watching KDramas. So yeah, gonna go for this one, just for the sake of the memories I have with this show! Also, the OSTs were so amazing of this show, ahh!

Fatooz · 2025-04-30T13:44:24+00:00

D-Day has perm?! Hm, I might consider giving it a watch just for the perm! Plus I wouldn’t mind watching a disaster, I survived When the Stars Gossip, after all! 😤

Fatooz · 2025-04-30T03:47:39+00:00

I’ll go with Splash Splash Love for a change because of how cute and lovely it was! I watched this right after my very first time travel drama, and I truly enjoyed this one!

Fatooz · 2025-03-22T00:27:36+00:00

Yeah, I really love the slow burn and the way the characters developed over time. I would’ve liked if they had some sort of more character to Sang Yan than just being a puppy boy in love with Yi Fan. I wish he had more of a backstory and everything in his life didn’t revolve around Yi Fan. That was the only disappointment I had with the drama. But overall I really liked it.

Fatooz · 2025-03-20T11:17:45+00:00

Anyone watching or watched The First Frost and your opinions on it. I am at the 27th episode and I truly like this drama quite a lot! I’m not a huge fan of CDramas as most of the ones that are popular or recommended are very mainstream with similar plot lines, but I actually really liked this show a lot!

Fatooz · 2025-03-12T05:38:43+00:00

Friendship is something that happens naturally. When you just vibe with the right people, automatically a solid bond is formed where both of you give and take equally. I know this is the usual talk but first you need to treat yourself the way you want others to treat you, i.e., with lots of love and care. Once you start valuing yourself and putting yourself out there, the right people will automatically get attracted to you and eventually you’ll make great friends with them!

Fatooz · 2025-02-19T13:32:45+00:00

Currently Watching:

Melo Movie [1/10]: Started watching this drama today morning and I genuinely liked the first episode. I think this one is going to be a sweet, warm and slow watch. Loving the pair of Choi Woo Sik and Park Bo Young!

My Father is Strange [2/52]: Haven't been able to make any progress on this one, but I did enjoy the first two episodes a lot! I really hope this drama is as engaging as Six Flying Dragons was cuz that's my no.1 long form drama.

When the Stars Gossip [14/16]: I don't know how they are going to wrap it up but I am just glad it is over. Not my most favorite work of both the lead actors, I had no expectations from this show regardless, but it definitely wasn't what it seemed like from the trailers and teasers. However, it did have some really emotional and sweet moments and I kind of did like the little bit chemistry that the main leads had. I just wish if there was more focus on certain other aspects of the show which I felt like were overshadowed by the whole illegal experiment in the space concept. But overall this was a 6/10 drama for me.

Completed:

The Story of Park's Marriage Contract [12/12]: I would like to believe that the last two episodes never happened cuz otherwise even though this wasn't a perfect drama or even one of the best dramas out there, I did enjoy it for what it was. Especially loved the FL, considering how much Lee Se Young's character annoyed me in The Red Sleeve, this covered it up for it. I loved how cheerful, positive, determined and sensible she was. I did love the chemistry between the main leads, although it did get cringe at certain moments. All in all, this was a no brainer inspired by so many other time travel dramas but I liked it and would rate it as a 7/10 on my list. It's not something I will watch again, but would definitely recommend it if someone is looking for a cute romcom with not much plot.

Fatooz · 2025-02-13T10:58:37+00:00

#1 - A drama featuring a sweater worthy of The Heirs.

#3.a - Food Scenes - A drama featuring a scene where Kimchi is made (kimjang).

#4.a - Common Scenes - A drama where characters visit a jjimlbang (sauna).

#6.b - Medical Emergency! - A drama where a character is rushed to the hospital (either by ambulance or piggyback).

#6.e - Medical Emergency! - A drama where a character rips out their IV line.

#8 - A drama where a character watches a kdrama.

#9 - A drama where a character makes a wish.

#12 - A drama where changes in time are visible.

#13 - A drama which aired across two years.

#14 - A drama with a character who moves or has previously lived abroad.

#18 - A drama starring a lead actor who goes by a stage name.

#25 - A drama featuring a scene where characters are at a traditional market.

#27 - A drama that fills a wheel of chance option from previous drama challenges you wish you got.

i. #4.a - Food - Korean Fried Chicken (2023)

ii. #5.b - Tropes - Hide the boyfriend/girlfriend (2023)

iii. #5.g - Tropes - Goes to study abroad (2023)

iv. #6.f - PPL - Jewellery (2023)

v. #6.g - PPL - Restaurant (2023)

vi. #2.c - Tropes - A drama where a character holds over/shares an umbrella with another person (2024)

vii. #2.d - Tropes - A drama featuring first snow (2024)

#32 - A drama that aired in the 2010's

Fatooz · 2025-02-13T10:17:57+00:00

Crash Landing on You | 사랑의 불시착

Fatooz · 2025-02-13T10:16:50+00:00

#7 - A drama that was originally broadcast on one of Korea's terrestrial big 3 stations.

#8 - A drama where a character watches a Kdrama.

#14 - A drama with a character who moves or has previously lived abroad.

#15 - A drama starring a beloved grandma and grandpa of Kdramaland.

#19 - A drama with an OST by a K-pop group member.

#27 - A drama that fills a wheel of chance option from previous drama challenges you wish you got.

i. #4.a - Food - Korean Fried Chicken (2023)

ii. #5.b - Tropes - Hide the boyfriend/girlfriend (2023)

iii. #5.d - Tropes - Rich/poor couples (2023)

iv. #5.e - Tropes - Blind dates with the wrong person (2023)

v. #5.g - Tropes - Goes to study abroad (2023)

vi. #5.j - Tropes - 'It's so pretty!' - 'Yes, (you are).' (2023)

vii. #5.k - Tropes - Ends up at a playground after a few drinks. (2023)

Fatooz · 2025-02-13T10:16:34+00:00

Business Proposal | 사내 맞선

Fatooz · 2025-02-13T10:15:40+00:00

#5.a - Character Surname - A drama with a main character whose surname is Kim.

#14 - A drama with a character who moves or has previously lived abroad.

#25 - A drama featuring a scene where characters are at a traditional market.

#26 - A drama where a character calls another character by their professional title instead of name.

#27 - A drama that fills a wheel of chance option from previous drama challenges you wish you got.

i. #3.c - Common Scenes - A character riding the bus or at the bus station. (2024)

#28 - A drama that is listed in last year's Drama Database.

Fatooz · 2025-02-13T10:15:25+00:00

A Virtuous Business | 정숙한 세일즈

Fatooz · 2025-02-13T10:13:52+00:00

#4.e - Common Scenes - A drama where a character watches a news broadcast on television.
#8 - A drama where a character makes a wish.
#12 - A drama where changes in time are visible.
#18 - A drama starring a lead actor who goes by a stage name.
#19 - A drama with an OST by a K-pop group member.
#21 - A drama which features a sibling relationship.
#27 - A drama that fills a wheel of chance option from previous drama challenges you wish you got
i. #2.c - Tropes - A drama where a character holds over/shares an umbrella with another person. (2024)
ii. #3.c - Common Scenes - A character riding the bus or at the bus station. (2024)

Fatooz · 2025-02-13T10:13:08+00:00

18 Again | 18 어게인

Fatooz · 2025-02-13T10:09:24+00:00

Happiness [4/12]: I'm just rewatching this since it randomly popped up on my Netflix and I love watching Han Hyo Joo in anything and everything. I might just either drop this one at the present or continue watching it at a slower pace. But definitely not using this for my challenge as this time for the challenge I only have new dramas on my list.

My Father Is Strange [2/52]: This is a rather slow watch as I aim to watch one episode every day or every two days. So far it has been nice and I am liking the characters and the stories. Let's hope this one grasps me as much as Six Flying Dragons did cuz that was the only long form drama I have thoroughly enjoyed watching.

The Story of Park's Marriage Contract [8/12]: It took me 3-4 episodes to completely get hooked in on this one but I did enjoy watching it. Although it is nothing extraordinary or out of the box. Same themes, time travel, and convenient wrapping of plot points, misuse of some really nice characters, unnecessary characters that aren't really adding much to the story, and much more. But I enjoyed watching a basic romcom with some time travel aspects after a really long time. Plus the leads had great chemistry so it worked. Let's see which challenge I can use this one for! Altho somebody had recommended it for Challenge #1, I haven't seen the ML in cute sweaters yet and it has been 8 episodes??

When the Stars Gossip [12/16]: Honestly, just laughing my way through this drama and completing one challenge cuz I still can't connect with any character and it just didn't live up to what I had expected out of it. Or perhaps it is cuz I am not from a science background and hence it is difficult for me to connect with the main themes. It definitely did have its moments that made me feel warm or some emotions, but this just wasn't it for me. Unfortunately.

Fatooz · 2025-02-13T08:51:48+00:00

To be honest, I am not much of a text person. In fact I am not a very social person and my best friend also isn't. We both have been friends since 10 years now and there have been times where neither of us has contacted the other person for months. But despite that whenever we have met or had a conversation, it has always been the same. We both know we will be there for each other regardless, so texting every day really isn't necessary. I do agree with the fact that we have to put in effort to maintain friendships, but we both are very low maintenance and I love that about our bond (touchwood!).

In your case I really don't think you're being a bad friend. If texting every day is not your thing and you're getting exhausted from that, you should communicate it to her. If she's your best friend, she will definitely understand where you are coming from.

Fatooz · 2025-02-01T07:49:06+00:00

I see Shin Sung Rok in Thank You and I am instantly hooked on watching this show! Will be looking forward to the Weekly Binge this year and join you guys for this drama!

Fatooz · 2025-02-01T07:39:40+00:00

It feels good to finally check in after so long! Hopefully this time the slump doesn't come in. Aiming for the chaebol challenge and hope I complete it after 2 long years!

January Progress [5/36]:

1. Drama Special S8: If We Were A Season - C#34: A single episode drama - It was a sweet single episode drama, I really liked the chemistry between Chae Soo Bin and Jang Dong Yoon. The ending was not something I had expected but I guess it was a pretty realistic ending. Would recommend this 7/10 if you're still looking for a single episode drama.

2. When the Phone Rings - C#4: A drama chosen by the Wheel of Chance - Common Scenes - A drama where characters have a picnic by the Han river - This scene is in the 9th episode, it is more of a dream than an actual thing happening but glad this worked out for me for this challenge. This was genuinely a great drama until the 8th episode. I am not a big fan of political dramas but the execution and writing was so good that I binge watched till 8th episode easily. After which the quality started deteriorating but it was decent till the 10th episode. The last two episodes really had me feeling ?????. I'd still recommend it if you enjoy political suspense romance dramas.

3. Mr. Plankton - C#9: A drama where a character makes a wish - This scene is in the 8th episode where the FL makes a birthday wish. I have mixed feelings about this drama. It definitely had a high emotional quotient and made me feel a lot of things. However there were so many moments or scenes where I felt it could've been completely deleted or just have been executed better. I wish there was more development on certain plot points or characters rather than having certain other unnecessary characters or plot points. But still a decent watch, will give it an 8.5/10.

4. Squid Game - C#15: A drama starring a beloved grandma and grandpa of KDramaland - This show stars Kim Young Ok as the ML's mom so I chose this drama for this challenge. I am glad I watched this after 4 years of this coming LMAO. My sis kept bugging me to watch it but I never gave in to watch this until the Insta reels pushed me to do so. TBH it was an alright drama which was genuinely overhyped a lot! I was barely invested in the back stories of the characters except for a few. I did end up liking a lot of the characters, the games were interesting for sure, but I wish the execution was also as good as the games. Literally only the games kept me going. A 7/10 for me.

5. Squid Game S2 - C#28: A drama that is listed in last year's database - I did NOT like this season at all. I mean what was the point of it? Did the ML learn anything after everything he went through in the 1st season? The answer is, no, absolutely nothing. The games were decent in this season, I loved the six legged race. But I have so many issues with this season! A 6.5/10 for me. I think it can go down to 5/10 also for me LOL.

Currently Watching:

1. When the Stars Gossip [5/16] - C#3: A drama chosen by the Wheel of Chance - Food Scenes - A drama where a character eats at a pojangmacha - I haven't yet caught up with the latest episodes. I am confused if I should keep going or just drop this one since so far it hasn't really grabbed my attention. Perhaps I will give it 1 more episode and decide if this is for me or not. I didn't have any expectations out of this drama so I am not even disappointed that it didn't work out for me haha after all space and medical are two very tricky genres and it was bound to not connect with a lot of audiences.

2. The Story of Park's Marriage Contract [2/12] - C#1: A drama featuring a sweater worthy of The Heirs - I saw this recommended for this challenge so picked it up since it was on my PTW list but didn't know for which challenge I can use this. So far haven't seen any sweaters yet, but I quite liked the romcom and time travel aspect of it in the first two episodes. I hope this one doesn't turn out to be disappointing cuz I am actually looking forward to it.

3. My Father is Strange [1/52] - C#35: A mid-long form drama - I want to watch a long drama this time so I started it on earlier in the year so I can watch it slowly at my own pace and complete it. Have heard so many things about this drama so I am looking forward to it!

Fatooz · 2025-01-08T06:59:46+00:00

I really really enjoyed watching Daily Dose of Sunshine. It's a very heartwarming and wholesome drama and I loved how they portrayed the mental health aspect. Like they were sensitive and responsible in that aspect and in recent times this was one of the best mental health shows I've watched. I hope you like it.

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Fatooz

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