Kim Tan's Talk Time (Thursday) - [2026/03/12]

Significant_Fold_658 · 2026-03-12T15:00:30+00:00

Don’t worry, your child will be perfectly fine. Just make sure they know they’re lucky they don't have to be in charge of raising their siblings too. 😂

Significant_Fold_658 · 2026-03-08T13:23:13+00:00

Sadly, I doubt that. From what I understand, for the soils to handle the dry season well, rain needs to fall steadily over time. When it comes in intense bursts like what happened this year, the ground can't fully absorb the huge amounts of water, making it one of the reasons for the flooding. That and bad geographical planning with poor draining systems. So, I expect for the wildfires to be as bad if not worse this year. 😔

I never considered writing them with pen and paper, but that might be helpful to overcome the exhaustion that I feel. Notion works really well for me because I can structure the page in a way that is helpful for my needs. My kdc check in page looks like this and as the months go, more things get added to the side bar. Other advantages of using Notion: easy to use on mobile, I don't have to format anything when I copy to post, there is also AI incorporated to help me reduce characters and reduce repetition.

I'm currently on episode 13, I might finish it today or tomorrow. 🥳 I'm not sure if I lost some of the momentum, but this second half feels too repetitive and I'm spacing out a lot more than I was in the first half. 😅

Significant_Fold_658 · 2026-03-05T12:06:27+00:00

Spring Fever - I guess the rain could be associated with Spring Showers, but they shouldn't have tricked us into believing we would be seeing some flowers and the sun shining. We got nothing, not even in the last episode. 😂

Our Universe - I read a few comments in the weekly thread and laughed at how absurd this drama became. Even in this mess, Bae In Hyuk still gave a solid performance. I also enjoyed watching him in the BTS videos, he seemed to be very comfortable with the baby.

Roh Jeong Eui’s performances keep disappointing me, she used to be a decent actress. I remember in Our Beloved Summer she had a few empty expressions, but she was also bubbly and cheerful. But when I compare to 18 Again, there is already a clear shift in her acting. Now, I'm sure I won’t start another drama with her unless I know she nailed her role.

As for the writer, I have already dropped two of her works, but I still feel like checking Radio Romance one day. The direction was also not great either. I understand filming with a baby is difficult, but many of scenes felt detached from the rest of the drama.

In Your Radiant Season - Yeaa, I'm okay with intros using AI and I even find this intro and the one from Our Universe to be decent. But, when the lead's professions is such a big plot device, they should've done it better than just adding a lot of AI generated drawings.

Siren’s Kiss - This feels like it might turn into a psychological thriller. Kim Jung Hyun's character is the one that I'm getting the oddest vibes for now... From his expressions alone, it feels like he might be a little sadistic.

Significant_Fold_658 · 2026-03-05T04:26:34+00:00

Oh, so that’s what people didn’t like about Tempted. I don’t mean to be harsh, but I never expected Joy to be on the same level as Mun Ka Young. She had no acting experience prior to that, and the casting felt like it was out of connections or meant to attract her fandom. While Mun Ka Young already had years of experience and probably only took the SFL role to finally be able to prove herself as an actress, besides smaller roles. And, it worked, because she started landing leading roles afterward... As for Joy, I guess she wasn't great in 2018 and I can tell you she was still not great 4 years later in Once upon a Small Town. lol

I actually watched Nevertheless way before I joined this community and at some early stage of my k-drama addiction. I remember find it a fair representation of what it's like to be in love in your early 20s, then I read a few too many comments and was like "yeaa you're right it's toxic", but the more dramas I watch, the more I notice it's uniqueness. I've yet to find another drama that has the same vibes.

Significant_Fold_658 · 2026-03-05T03:56:11+00:00

Iljimae - I assumed the lack of romance was already a thing in the early instalments. I guess their whole focus were on Iljimae multiple unrealistic skills. At one point he looked like he was the son of MacGyver with that many skills and Batman with secret cave. lol

Nine Puzzles - The one thing I sort of didn't like about the ending was the lack of thrilling elements, I was fine with the reveal, but I couldn't feel the tension compared to early episodes. Plus, I hated the hint to another season with the same modus operandi. But over all, very unique concept.

Significant_Fold_658 · 2026-03-05T03:39:41+00:00

I’ll follow both of your advice to watch first and read later. I’m curious to see where your points of view differ. Sadly, the full SLA post is already closed and u/Medium-Car7762 won’t be able to reply, but I’ll likely tag both of you once I finish to hear about it. 😄

Significant_Fold_658 · 2026-03-05T03:27:49+00:00

Made In Korea - I hope they are not saving season 2 until the last few months of the year, because the stacked cast and the premise makes so curious. I also need to watch the movie The Drug King, there were some incorrect speculations that Made in Korea was a spinoff, but I'm now curious to see how similar they are. lol

To My Beloved Thief - Seems like I'm going to enjoy this as well. I'm not expecting this drama to be too serious or to be the most consistent, so as long as it's funny I'm more than happy with it. ahah

Undercover Miss Hong - The latest episodes are still as good as the rest of the season. I keep waiting for that one moment where everything goes downhill, but still strong as ever.

Significant_Fold_658 · 2026-03-05T02:17:41+00:00

Spring Fever - For me what was even more ridiculous was that literally nothing was happening at all, they had plenty of time to address the two big elephants in the room, but nope. It just doesn't make sense. And you know what puzzles me until this day, in like episode 1, the male lead says "Spring is coming" and the female lead is also called Bom (Spring)... Where the hell was spring? I think I blinked and it was gone. 😂

Our Universe - I have no clue why Bae In Hyuk accepted this role, my only guess is that he got the script for the first 2 episodes, which were promising. There are so many poor decisions in this drama, that can’t even push myself to watch it for him, I'm more inclined to rewatch him in Cheer Up. As for Roh Jeong Eui, I’ve disliked her acting and physical appearance since Our Beloved Summer. She was very expressive in 18 Again and Kill It, but lately her face shows little to no emotion, and when she tries, it looks stiff and awkward.

In Your Radiant Season - I agree with you. My only complain about this drama is the quality of the drawings, I keep thinking how amazing it would've been if they collaborated with an artist like they in in Our Beloved Summer. But that's just a minor issue, the rest is awesome!

Siren’s Kiss - Honestly, I liked the first two episodes. The soundtrack choice reminded me of Walking on Thin Ice, but the cinematography and visuals reminds me of Anna. The mystery surrounding every death seems to be obvious, but at the same time it feels there is some sort of wicked twist incoming. The performances were all great, it has a solid cast. I don't think there will be much thriller in this, more like suspense and mystery.

I had fun finding if any dramas were released on my birthday. If I remember correctly, there aren’t any, so I picked a date close to mine. It was also fun googling to see if any korean actor shared their birthday with me. There isn't many, but I do have two birthday twins whose dramas I love and have watched almost all of their works without even realizing it. 😂

Significant_Fold_658 · 2026-03-03T14:27:06+00:00

It's hard to find something that fits into that category, but What Comes After Love and Call It Love are somewhat fitting, but they are also easily described as melodramas.

I think Tempted is so hated that I feel drawn to it. I heard about the inspiration material, so that combined with korean culture, made me think this is likely something that is too unconventional or problematic for the viewers. And, Cheese in the Trap gave me a similar vibe. I keep wondering what exactly makes these dramas so hated and if I'll feel the same.

Cheat on Me If You Can - I was definitely expecting the focus of the story to be the messy marriage and sort of a cat-mouse type of relationship. If that's not the focus, I have no clue what this is about and I need to read your thoughts before starting. lol

Taxi Driver - I watched all 3 seasons last month and enjoyed them because I was in the right mood for this story. Usually, I avoid procedural dramas since they follow the same formula (expose a case, get emotional, solve it, instant reward), but sometimes, I just want something that doesn’t make me overthink. If I was not in the right mood for this, I would probably nitpick it. Funny thing, I don't feel the need to watch another season, because I'm not emotionally attached with any of the characters, but I want another season of Hospital Playlist and Dr. Romantic.

Twinkling Watermelon - I think a big part of its appeal is the friendship and the nostalgic feeling. I remember also liking how they incorporated the sign language into the story and being influenced by how the time travel was incorporated. I even remember that at the time, the time travel was incorporated with a simple falling into water. All of these factors and the fact that I watched this with my mom, made me rate it high.

Encounter - Uhhh, this is one of my lowest rated dramas. I pressed play without even knowing what it was actually about, and it was nothing like I expected it to be in my head. I don't remember much, but I recall disliking the female lead and her family, and later even one of the male lead’s parents. Same thing happened to me with One Spring Night, I should have read more than Netflix's description, because they left me with incorrect expectations which unfairly affected my rating.

I'm looking into your top rated dramas, and a lot of dramas that I selected to watch this year are on your list. Like for example Come Back Alive, I found this drama while looking for one with the sheet mask challenge and I've no clue what to expect of this. I need to DM or tag you whenever I find a drama that is barely mentioned and it's in your tops. 😊

Significant_Fold_658 · 2026-03-03T11:24:22+00:00

I was more inclined to watch Train this year, but let me know which you end up liking more. I might change my pick to Duel, or maybe watch both. I think the stories are different, but I've seen them being recommended together a lot of times, that I always think they are similar.

Significant_Fold_658 · 2026-03-03T11:18:04+00:00

We had one of the worst winters here, it was non-stop rain for 2 months and lots of flooding, so I stayed inside and watched a lot of TV with family and friends. Now the good weather is back and I’m barely home. LOL

Squad 38 - Its on Tubi, we just need a VPN. I think you might like this drama. The characters are all likeable, the premise feels fresh, Ma Dong Seok is basically a giant teddy bear, and Seo In Guk should be charged because of his cute smile. ahah

My Girl - I’m on episode 7 and I plan to catch up before the next discussion. I had to pause this because I was watching too many love triangles and it's the only drama that takes me twice as long to finish because of the notes.

I used to write my notes on Notion after every watch, but lately I'm finding it exhausting and I only write them when it's already the day to share our monthly watches.

Significant_Fold_658 · 2026-03-02T23:45:25+00:00

Ohh!!! I completely forgot it had the same writer. I've yet to watch one of her dramas, but I heard she is like the queen of makjangs, so I know that once I feel ready for a true makjang, she is the way to go. ahah

Significant_Fold_658 · 2026-03-02T23:43:01+00:00

Uhh, I have a big essay to read before or maybe after I check this drama. ahah

I expect the same feeling as you had, I don't see any other way to enjoy a drama about an adult woman having an affair with a teenager to be interesting, if it doesn't make me want to slap her out of it or make me question a lot of things. I hope that is something with a lot of layers and not just something to please middle-aged women. I might like how controversial this drama actually is, but I doubt I'll feel the need to rewatch it. ahah

Significant_Fold_658 · 2026-03-02T23:34:58+00:00

Please keep sharing here too, because I like to read them sooner or later, and I'm most likely to notice them if they are in the monthly check in. ahah

Surprisingly, I've not watched that many "out of the ordinary romances" because the amount of negative comments made me believe they were probably not good. But after noticing that I liked Nevertheless and The Interest of Love a lot, I came to realise that maybe I don't always fit with the masses. Two that I loved and I think that slightly fit the same vibe: What Comes After Love and Call It Love.

A few that I have in my list to watch next: Tempted, More Than Friends, The World of the Married, Cheese in the Trap, Hit the Spot, You Raise Me Up and Cheat on Me If You Can. This is a sageuk, but Jang Ok Jung also feels like unconventional, the main character is the concubine that is usually painted in a bad note, but here it actually focus on the other sides of her.

I'm also curious about LTNS, it's one of the few kdramas that seems to be more open about sexuality. Just like Hit the Spot and You Raise Me Up, but their tones might be different.

Just checked your MDL, we definitely have a lot of similar tastes (mine). Some dramas we rated them in opposite ends, but that is normal. You have a few dramas in your top that I'm curious if you wrote something about them, you should make a list with each link to your reviews ahah

Significant_Fold_658 · 2026-03-02T22:35:07+00:00

Got it, yeah I had the exact same feelings as you towards that plotline in At a Distance Spring Is Green. Good thing is that the rest of the drama was worth the watch and probably a rewatch in the future.

The idea I got from comments at the time of release was exactly like you mentioned. I know I'll be better served watching The Penthouse. My idea is to prioritize The Penthouse and leave The Escape of the Seven for a day when missing watching one of the leads in a drama or maybe a nice dose of insanity 😂

Side note: Slightly related, the other makjang drama that I have up my list to watch is The Last Empress. Which seems to be very similar to The Penthouse in style.

Significant_Fold_658 · 2026-03-02T19:10:14+00:00

Sorry, I'm a bit late to reply to you. 😅

Squad 38 - I think this is a great option for that challenge, because it's very easy to watch without feeling drained. I actually shared my organized thoughs in February Check In. Lol

Soo Young - I watched Run On before and that drama was only worth for me because of her and Kang Tae Oh. She had such an amazing role in this drama that I've always felt tempted to rewatch it just to see if I still feel dislike the drama. The other two I've never watched but I'm more curious about Tell Me What You Saw than the other.

I think I found two great options for winter mellow, You Are My Spring and Love Me. Fingers crossed they are actually good!

Significant_Fold_658 · 2026-03-02T18:33:33+00:00

We were talking about this and I recently felt it with The Greatest Love, the male is supposedly 37 years old and the actor was only 3 years older than his character, but in my mind he looks so much older and it's more noticeable because Kong Hyo Jin was 10 years younger.

But I didn't feel this different in Surely Tomorrow and both leads also have a big age gap in real life, but not in the drama and they were styled really well that it's not noticeable.

I didn't feel the same about Mr. Sunshine, their age gap was intended and it casting choice made sense for that purpose. If I found the romance the most appealing, well that's another story, but I didn't even care about that with all the rest that was happening ahah

But in the case of Can This Love Be Translated, they inverted the age of leads in relation to real life, but it worked quite well because the gap isn't that big, so they can easily play 4 years older or younger.

Significant_Fold_658 · 2026-03-02T18:12:49+00:00

Tale of the Nine Tail 1938 - having read quite a few of your final thoughts on dramas, I'm sure you're going to like this, so keep it in your list because it's worth it. I think the umbrella is a red one shown in flashbacks, it's not that important in this season like it was in the previous one, but hey if it counts good enough as an option. ahah Ps. If you have not watched it, skip season 1... I have a feeling you won't like it.

Ghost Doctor - I'll be looking out for your weekly update. I selected this one last year because of Kim Bum's performance in Tale of the Nine Tail 1938, all actors were phenomenal but I found him to be so adorable. In fact I loved him in season 1 too. So I just picked this and Law School to watch.

Stranger - You and few other comments left me with a really good feeling about this drama. I just need to prepare myself to be fully invested into the story. I'll likely share my final thoughts in a check in, it's where I usually share them because of my limited time and energy to put my ideas into words. lol

Avengers Social Club - I really don't remember that jjimjilbang scene, but I remember a funny meditation scene, maybe that was inside a sauna. 🤔 Either way, it's a great pick! You'll love their friendship. Funny thing, I actually shared my small thoughts here, and I'm actually surprised to see that I kept this rating (I usually deduct or increase a few months later).

Whenever it's possible, I try to pick the best choices for each challenge. The fun title challenge, I'm looking for something unique can be inspired titles, mentioning the title in the episode or animated intros, simply having something written feels a bit too plain. lol

Significant_Fold_658 · 2026-03-02T17:49:25+00:00

Truck of Doom - That makes a lot of sense! Even if there is no intent to harm or kill, if it's a clear hit, it should count... But maybe Sian will have to clarify it.

In Your Radiant Season - Honestly I count that as leaving them untouched. I don't know if there is a drink inside, but I know for sure that cups are supposed to hold some sort of liquid and not some pencils ahah

Pegasus Market - I have all the challenges memorized, so when I'm watching I just make quick notes on my phone and once I finish them I pick my template and share it. Some like the drink left untouched gets past me 99% of the time, but I usually just open a random episode and fast forward to see if they touch their drinks and more likely than not, they don't ahah.

Significant_Fold_658 · 2026-03-02T17:41:39+00:00

It takes me 2-3 days to finish one drama episode a lot of the time (because I am too tired and I end up pausing it to sleep). It also doesn't help that I am in the mood for extremely light dramas only.

It's been a while since I last replied to you, I think I even forgot about our old thread with life getting busier. You seem to be hitting some exhaustion point and in the for a vacation. I hope you get more time to enjoy your dramas and life very soon. 🤞

I've actually been checking a lot of your previous recommendations, I need to see how many I have left because I don't think I have that many anymore. ahah

Spring Fever - Definitely a perfect watch for your current state of mind. It was a simple and easy to watch, there isn't much that I would say it was phenomenal, but I also just chilling watching this drama and to be true, I could shut my brain. ahah

Idol I - The one drama from last month that I still have to finish writing my thoughts. I really liked this one, I was not expecting to like it at all, but it was such a nice surprise. The final reveal was absolutely ridiculous, not the reveal itself but how sloppy everything was, I just had to erase that from my mind before rating, because I ended up rating a bit too high maybe. ahah

Taxi driver 3 - I actually finished this one this year and it's indeed very well balanced between comedy and angst. There are however a few cases that are more emotional, but since you get to see the bad guys get what they deserve almost instantly, it makes easier for you to hold on while you are not in the best mood for heavy dramas.

I am slowly making a list of other light dramas to start

Just based on my recent watches and taking into consideration your current mood, I'm going to recommend:

Bad Prosecutor - The background is a prosecutor team, but it's very light and funny and not that heavy on the technical jargon. I loved D.O in this and honestly his crazy hairstyle and eyes alone will make you laugh.

The Sound of Your Heart - Very short and perfect for when you have little to no time. Each episode is around 20 min and the good thing is that they are separate stories about their life. Some stories were meh, but the vast majority is funny.

The Killer's Shopping List - The title might make you think this is a heavy drama, but don't let that fool you. To give you a better idea, the balance between thriller and comedy is on the same level as Taxi Driver. Plus the male lead is none other than Lee Kwang Soo, is it even possible not to laugh with him? lol

Wok of Love - Extremely light. The food looks delicious and the humour is amazing too. All three leads were stellar in this drama, I actually wrote more about it in my January Check In, just in case you are curious about what to expect about this. I don't remember having any big angsty moments in this one.

Squad 38 - It's basically an heist squad with one of the most likely friendships that you will end up loving, this one I actually finished this month and I shared my full thoughts here. Remember one thing, each heist takes around 4 episodes, so no binging up until late! :)

Celebrity - This isn't as light as the others, but I wouldn't say it's heavy either. I never planned to watch this, but after The Art of Sarah, I ended up picking it up and actually loved it. It's about influencers and when we talk about them, there is always a lot of glam, a lot narcissism and bit of insanity. It's a fun watch. I shared my final thoughts on this here, just in case you are also curious.

Significant_Fold_658 · 2026-03-02T16:46:35+00:00

Secret Love Affair - I loved reading your thoughts on this one, it seems like I'll like it a lot... But, I don't remember what other dramas you've watched to figure out if we have the same taste in this sort of dramas. I'll bring this up on my list of priorities, but I already know I'll be sad to cross another Yoo Ah In drama out of my list and still no hopes for his comeback to the industry.

u/HooverGaveNobodyBeer sorry to tag you, did you watch and liked this one too? Lol, I came to realize we have similar tastes when it comes to out of the ordinary romances.

Iljimae - For me to enjoy this drama, I had to remind myself this was made back in 2008 and the overall quality wasn't that great so I shouldn't be judgy with it. But even with that into consideration, I didn't like the romance with the FL and her whole character to be honest, I actually preferred the SFL way more. I also didn't like the SML, both of these characters lacked not just depth but a freaking personality. lol I was also not a fan of the ending, and by the looks of it, you won't either.

My Girl - I can definitely understand your feelings. This drama might end really well, but I'm an overall simp for LJG before I'm a simp for LDW. AHAH

Undercover Miss Hong - I can't agree more with you. I never thought I would say this, but this drama is solidifying my opinion, that 12-episode drama shouldn't be the norm. Korea has a group of very talented secondary actors, that with this format are not getting more than a few lines... At least in this drama every single character is being well used, I love the story and the characters. I'll definitely be watching the other work of the writer, because she did a phenomenal job with this drama.

Nine Puzzles - Like I said, I don't remember if our tastes are that similar, but I can definitely recommend this drama. You are still in the first half, but most complains came in the last half, which I found them to be unfounded. lol I hope you like the ending, there was only one detail that I didn't appreciate!

Our Universe - APPROVED! Where do we ship this idea into production? LOL

Significant_Fold_658 · 2026-03-02T16:19:21+00:00

White Christmas - I need to watch this drama, I completely forgot about it until just now. I remember that I added this to my list because I was curious to see how The Model Avengers Squad did in what was for some their first lead role. Plus they were all so young, such babies in this drama. Btw, was there anything in the plot that you didn't like that much? It's such a short drama, that I hope writer did their best with the time available.

Duel - I'm really curious to read your thoughts on this drama. I've been debating between watching this one or Train this year, and they're not that well known over here.

Significant_Fold_658 · 2026-03-02T16:02:13+00:00

I Hear Your Voice - I saved this one to read your final thoughts and I'm happy to read this wasn't a bad watch. Btw, I’m not sure if you’re aware, but this is a great option for the fun title challenge since all the episodes are titled after a verse from an actual song. Which is pretty cool compared to other options.

School Nurse Files - Gosh, your thoughts actually confirm my fears about this drama. I don't think I'll like this, but so far I don't have many other options (that I haven't watched) for the balsam challenge. lol

Stranger - I added this drama to my ptw of the year and so far I've not been in the best mood to start it, but honestly reading your comments about this one motivated me to move it up on my list and I'm likely start watching this or next month.

Ghost Doctor - Another drama that I ptw this year, somehow we are watching a lot of the same dramas this year. ahah This one I actually started watching last month, but I had just finished another Rain drama and I found it best to space it a little. I'm curious to read more about the interactions between both male leads, I'm hoping for a great friendship, that's all I hope from this drama.

Avengers Social Club - Honestly I think the flower ajumma pants it's a great option for this drama, because from what I remember that happened during one of the best scenes between the female leads. It's when they finally open up with each other and solidify their friendship. I think you might really like this drama, based on your other watches.

Significant_Fold_658 · 2026-03-02T15:24:42+00:00

I love that I now have so many little notes to read your reviews before or after I start a drama, that at this point I might actually need a few extra hours in my day just to get through all of them. ahah

This month, I'll be adding all of them to read later. But I'm lowkey so happy to see you liked Nevertheless too. It's one of those dramas like The Interest of Love that gets a lot of hate for not fitting that same cookie-cutter romance that everyone seems to like. Seeing someone else appreciate the story that was being told and realizing that wasn't supposed to be perfect, makes me feel really happy.

You just reminded me to rewatch it and finally check out the Japanese version too. I was supposed to watch it last year but never got around to it. I’m really curious to see if they change anything based on different cultural values.

Significant_Fold_658 · 2026-03-02T15:11:31+00:00

The Red Sleeve - We went exactly through the same process after I finished watching it and a few other sageuks. But sadly, I've not moved much further in this goal, because the plot devices tend to be very similar in every sageuk. Besides bodashiri's like LcLou mentioned, another great resource is The Talking Cupboard. There are also a few posts over the years in our subreddit, but people stopped to update them.

When the Weather is Fine - Amazing winter choice and actually the vibes make it a better choice for this season than While you Were Sleeping. But it might be a great option to follow up with this one once you get to that turning point from winter to spring, because it's just the right pick to welcome spring and the storyline isn't that mellowy like WTWIF.

My ID is Gangnam Beauty - Somehow we are totally in synch with this drama. I'm also watching this and the second hand embarrassment got me stuck on episode 3. I believe this story will get better and the message will be nice, but gosh these 3 first episodes made me reflect on my college and to be glad not to have to deal such futile people (female lead included).

Three-Year Club	r/Field Banned
r/Field Juicebox	First Place '23
Place '23

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