Asian Dramas

Grabbed from the uproariously funny Drama Queen  

The enormous amount of time I spend in a day watching Asian dramas testifies that I am not your casual viewer. I watch Asian dramas as if it is the only pleasurable activity in my life (well along with reading and movie marathons of course).

There is no doubt that dramaland is my sweet escape whenever I am physically, mentally and emotionally worn out joggling life's activities in the real world. It serves as my personal paradise where I can forget facing tough realities and indulge myself munching fluffy fantasies. An hour dose of an emotionally engaging Asian drama can instantly pick me up no matter how terrible my day turns out. It may be exaggerated but at this point of my life, I can say that I can no longer live without this guiltless obsession. Just like breathing, watching Asian dramas is already a part of my body system that I have to do in order to survive this boring boyfriend-free world of mine.

In this corner of my wall, you'll find an overview of my Asian drama list. I compiled all the Asian dramas I've watched as a whole from beginning to end with some nuggets of information, personal views and ratings included to guide your way a little bit as you navigate the deep and colorful waters of dramaland. So enjoy and just keep sailing, you might find something that could rock your boat! ;)

Thank you  Drama Queen for being so wildly witty!

(FRIENDLY REMINDER : Okay, you can freely roll your eyes on me if you don't agree with my ratings and opinions but just remember that we all have different taste and filters so the series may be enticing to you but not to me or the other way around. To each their own.)

-> Because there's a huge difference between entertainment and quality, I decided to apply the sophisticated rating system from the ultimate bible of English-speaking drama fangirls and bloggers, Dramabeans (Note : There are dramas that I enjoy blindly, even if the story is far from the awesome line.) I've included two ratings on a scale of 1 (worst) to 10 (best), the first number shows "how much I enjoy"  the drama and the second one presents "how good I think it is"  objectively speaking.


UNDER RENOVATION

Korean Corner :

Rating : 8/8

Title : 49 DAYS (Pure Love)
Genre : Fantasy, Romance / Episodes : 20 / Release : 2011)
(LEADS : LEE YO WON, JUNG IL WOO, JO HYUN JAE & NAM GYU RI)

- Make three people unrelated with you by blood, shed tears for you out of pure love within 49 days, and you'll be granted a second chance to live. I filled up my emotional bag with heartwarming moments and deeply enjoyed a worthwhile 49-day journey charged with hope only to find out that the destination wasn't worth it. Lesson learned : Users are everywhere and some of them are masquerading as a friend or worse as a boyfriend.

Rating 7/7

Title : 9 ENDS, 2 OUTS 
Genre : Romance, Comedy / Episodes : 16)
Release : 2007 (LEADS : SOO AE & LEE JUNG JIN)

- Attraction is something hard to shake off. Platonic love veers in romantic territory, let's be real, you don't get to live in the same roof with your handsome guy best friend and feel nothing in the process. The daily adventure might be lightweight but the main pair's pleasing chemistry makes it a joyful and meaningful base-to-base run all through out.

Rating 8/7

Title : A GENTLEMAN'S DIGNITY

Genre : Romance, Comedy / Episodes : 20)

Release : May-Aug.2012 (LEADS : JANG DONG GEUN & KIM HA NEUL)

- Life indeed begins at 40. Four forty-something fabulous men who live their life to the fullest and experience love like no other. Watching it with my mom who shares the same fixation for Jang Dong Geun makes all the squashy love gimmicks more captivating. From romance to bromance, I love every bits of it even if it does a lot of missteps along the way.

Rating 9/7

Title : ALICE IN CHEONGDAMDONG (Cheongdamdong Alice) 

Genre : Romance, Comedy / Episodes : 16)

Release : 2013 (LEADS : MOON GEUN YOUNG & PARK SHI HOO)

- A reluctant gold digger with a heart of gold embarks on a journey to wonderland by landing herself a wealthy husband in the rich district of Cheongdamdong. The sparkling love story was unexpectedly jolly, heartfelt and gush-worthy. It was honest in portraying realities in the thick of lies covering the plot.

Rating 10/6

Title : ALL ABOUT EVE
Genre : Romance, Melo-drama / Episodes : 20)
Release : 2000 (LEADS : CHAE RIM & KIM SO YEON)

- Old but memorable. It's the classic duel of good versus bad set in the broadcasting world. It took me a while to fall for it but boy did I! No backing out even if the evilness went extreme. It was a regal gem in my heart given the fact that it was my first Korean drama, the vehicle that brought me to an immaculate place called K-dramaland.

Rating : 8/7

Title : A LOVE TO KILL
Genre : Romance, Action / Episodes : 16)
Release : 2005 / (MAIN LEADS : RAIN & SHIN MIN AH)

- Well-performed cast, conflicted love, tortured plot and rough-edged characters. The anti-hero's mission to punish his older brother's former lover turned upside down when the target of his revenge became the object of his affection. The bitter and sweet happenings pierced straight to my heart.

Rating : 6/5

Title : A MAN CALLED GOD
Genre : Action, Romance / Episodes : 24)
Release : 2010 / (MAIN LEADS : SONG IL GOOK & HAN CHAE YOUNG)

- Not as mind-blowing as other revenge dramas are but it tries to be sleek and smart. Though it fails to impress, there is enough goodness in it to make the tale of this avenging-hero interesting. Above everything else, it is the hot and captivating chemistry of the leads that makes the run tolerable.

Rating : 8/8

Title : ANSWER ME 1994  / Reply 1994

Genre : Romance, Comedy / Episodes : 21)

Release : 2013 / (LEADS : GO ARA, YOO YEON SEOK & JUNGWOO)

- First off, Team Chilbong to infinity and beyond! Living in a boarding house has never been this fun. More than the mind-boggling and exhausting husband-guessing game, I immensely enjoyed the crazy drinking sessions, gut-busting cohabitation hi-jinks, amusing breakfast gibberish, heart-rending family moments, banter-filled friendship and Chilbong's insanely adorable presence. I hated you show for grinding my heart into powder!

Rating : 10/10

Title : ANSWER ME 1997  / Reply 1997
Genre : Romance, Comedy / Episodes : 16

Release : 2013 / (LEADS : JUNG EUN JI & SEO IN GUK)

- Too precious beyond words. Reminiscing high school in dramaland has never been this nostalgic and witty. I never thought that a slice-of-life-coming-of-age story about love and friendship molded in an unfamiliar era and pop-culture can be this emotionally rewarding and highly entertaining. So who's the mystery husband? Hint : The guy you want the girl to end up with.

Rating : 8/7

Title : AUTUMN IN MY HEART
Genre : Romance, Drama /Episodes : 16
Release : 2000 (LEADS : SONG SEUNG HOON & SONG HYE KYO)

- They're siblings, they're not! Falling for the girl you lived with almost half of your life as your sister may sound icky and incestuous but trust me, there is so much emotional pull in this phenomenal first installment of the Season dramas that can draw you in. The tragic story may be ancient but the stellar cast and strong chemistry are hard to ignore.

Rating : 7/7

Title : BABY FACED-BEAUTY
Genre : Romance, Comedy / Episodes : 20
Release : 2011 (LEADS : JANG NARA & DANIEL CHOI)

- Lying about your age to get a job in the fashion world? It's a sure funny scenario in dramaland! Over-all, it is a good-humored middling rom-com product that catches my attention. Though the plot isn't presented fabulously, Daniel Choi is adorable enough for you to buy his stubbornly-unyielding noona-love to Jang Nara.

Rating : 4/5

Title : BAD GUY
Genre : Thriller, Melo-drama, Romance / Episodes : 17)
Release : 2010 (LEADS : KIM NAM GIL & HAN GA IN)

- It was beautifully filmed and skillfully executed but that hideously-crafted ending ruined my love for this darkly-twisted-revenge-filled-action drama. I appreciated that it went all-out-bad but show, you've got to give some long-standing goodies to make me emotionally satisfied.  I lurve him but dashing Kim Jae Wook ain't enough, yah know.

Rating 9/5

Title : BAKER KING, KIM TAK GU  / Bread, Love and Dream
Genre : Family, Romance, Drama) Episodes : 30
Relase : 2010 (LEADS : YOON SHI YOON, JOO WON, EUGENE)

- The ahjumma trapped in my body eats up this family drama hungrily. It has all the ingredients of a stupidly formulated underdog story that is so enslaving even if it doesn't makes sense. Infuriating but fulfilling, get ready to witness one-on-one battle of highly-skilled bakers competing not only for bread but also for love.

Rating : 10/7

Title : BOYS OVER FLOWERS
Genre : Romance, Comedy / Episodes : 25
Release : 2009 (LEADS : LEE MIN HO & GOO HYE SUN)

- Make way Cindy, Jandi is here to take your shoes. This hopeless romantic's trendy smash-hit-fairy-tale-worthy adaptation about a plucky poor girl who meets not one but four devastatingly handsome prince-like boys is out to sweep you off your feet. It's downright stupid but it is the kind of story that never gets old. Funny. Cheesy. Lovely.

Rating : 7/7

Title : BRAIN
Genre : Medical, Romance, Drama / Episodes : 20)
Release : 2012 (LEADS : SHIN HA KYUN & CHOI JUNG WON)

- A nerve-wracking medical drama about neuro-surgeons who treat operation rooms as their battlefields. More emotional than procedural, content-wise, it has more hearty family moments than brainy operations. It gets on my nerves after a series of vein-bursting arguments between rival doctors. Watch it for Shin Ha Kyun's performance.

Rating : 8/8

Title : CAN WE GET MARRIED
Genre : Romance, Comedy / Episodes : 20)
Release : Oct.2012-Jan.2013 (LEADS : JUNG SO MIN & SUNG JOON)

- Fresh, fun and flirty. You'll find one true love from the couple who wants to get married, rage and sympathy from the couple who wants to end their marriage, sparks and tension from the couple who doesn't want to get married and pure comic relief from the couple who gets married late in life. It was candidly sweet, mature and emotionally fulfilling.

Rating : 10/6

Title : CINDERELLA'S SISTER 
Genre : Romance, Melo-Drama / Episodes : 20
Release : 2010 (LEADS: MOON GEUN YOUNG & CHUN JUNG MYUNG)

- Cinderella lent the spotlight to her step sister in this whimsical tale of love. Story went heavy, flow got draggy and emotions grew angsty but my fascination survived. For whatever magic it had, I was under its spell with its hard-core drama, heartbreaking characters and sweeping romance. The first four episodes were the best chapters.

Rating : 10/10

Title : CITY HUNTER
Genre : Action, Romance, Comedy / Episodes : 20
Release : 2011 (LEADS : LEE MIN HO & PARK MIN YOUNG)

- Astonishing, gripping and exhilarating. Revenge-driven story done masterfully, plotted-tightly and performed edgy. Cliff-hanging episodes made me wait desperately for another week. It served as a testament that dark-themed dramas can be delivered with humor and heart without being shallow and off-the-track. Min-Min couple rocks!

Rating : 3/3

Title : CITY OF GLASS
Genre : Romance, Family / Episodes : 51
Release : 2008-2009 (LEADS : YOON SO YI & LEE JIN WOOK)

- Plain awful in so many ways. To think that I sat through it for 51 hours just meant that I must have gone haywire. Seriously, don't give me a wonderful couple with a cute courtship only to be corrupted by an over-bearing-satanic-mother-in-law. The most horrible parts after all the trouble? Money overpowered love. Ending failed bigtime.

Rating : 8/7

Title :  COFFEE HOUSE
Genre : Romance, Comedy / Episodes : 18
 Release : 2010 (LEADS : KANG JI HWAN & PARK SI YEON)

- Just the right amount of caffeine to serve it mildly addictive. I thought at first that the romantic set-up will be for the quirky-weirdo novelist and his clumsy-hard-working assistant but it turned out everything was just a preparation for his brewing romance with his bubbly-kind-hearted-long-time-friend-publisher. Mostly wacky, partly heavy, a rom-com to see!

Rating : 10/10

Title : COFFEE PRINCE
Genre : Romance, Comedy / Episodes : 17
Release : 2007 (LEADS : GONG YOO & YOON EUN HYE )

- Simply amusing, sweetly engaging and strongly convincing. The first ever cross-dressing drama that gets me hooked because of its real human relationships, likable characters and electrifying chemistry. You'll squeeze and squeal when playboy Han Gyul loves and accepts boyish Eun Chan  thinking she's a dude.

Rating : 6/5

Title : CREATING DESTINY
Genre : Romance, Family / Episodes : 31
Release : Oct.2009-Jan.2010 (LEADS : EUGENE & KI TAE YOUNG)

- Main pair who got on each other's throats. They were forced in an arranged wedding but even though they didn't love each other at first, destiny created its way through their hearts. Mediocre but adorable. It was such a delight to know that the main couple successfully translated their romance off-camera and even tied the knot in real life.

Rating : 10/10

Title : DAE JANG GEUM / Jewel in the Palace
Genre :Romance / Episodes : 54
Release : Sept.2003-Mar.2004 (LEADS : LEE YOUNG AE & JI JIN HEE)

- Well-cooked plot served by well-seasoned cast engraved this epic period drama in the history of Korean television. What begun to be an inspiring step-by-step journey of one woman, who overcame social discrimination and life's difficulties to achieve her dreams became millions of viewers' quest to downfall and success.

Rating : 8/8

Title : DAEMUL
Genre : Romance, Politics / Episodes : 24
Release : 2010 (LEADS : GO HYUN JUNG & KWON SANG WOO)

- Plain housewife turns South Korea's first female president. I find the political manipulation compelling, the central romance affecting and the heroine's dedication inspiring. The serious backdrop may not appeal to everyone's taste but as for me, it manages to hold my attention from start to finish. Girl power rules!

Rating : 9/8

Title : DELIGHTFUL GIRL, CHUN YANG
Genre : Romance, Comedy / Ep.17
Release : Sept.2003-Mar.2004  (LEADS : JAE HEE & HAN CHAE YOUNG)

- One-night visit gone wrong! In order to save their families reputation, two polar-opposite teenagers are forced to marry each other. From innocent-teen puppy love to selfless-grown-up-relationship, the delightful pairing of Jae Hee and Han Chae Young made this playful and lively re-telling of a classic Korean folktale enjoyable to watch.

Rating : 9/7

Title : DR. CHAMP
Genre : Sports, Medical, Romance / Episodes : 16
Release : 2010 (LEADS : KIM SO YEON & JUNG GYU WOON)

- Do you want interesting medical cases? Check. Encouraging sports stories? Check. Glowing camera work? Check. Stirring bonds and bromance? Check. But you know what these are just icings on the cake because the true charm of this drama lies on its main couple, their cute magnetic attraction, and their penchant for sweet fire lantern dates.

Rating : 10/9

Title : DREAM HIGH
Genre : School, Musical, Romance, Comedy / Episodes : 16
Release : 2011 (LEADS : KIM SOO HYUN, BAE SUZY, TAECYEON, IU & WOO YOUNG)

- Singing and dancing showdowns performed by highschoolers with so much heart and talent. Fresh faces, youthful goals, winning performances, stimulating soundtrack and moving stories of failure and victory. Seriously, what's not to like? It proves that in chasing your dream, you should never give up no matter what. Kim Soo Hyun is a revelation.

Rating : 3/3

Title : DREAM HIGH 2

Genre : School, Musical, Romance, Comedy / Episodes : 16
Release : 2012 (LEADS : KANG SORA & JIN WOON, JI YEON)

- A total letdown. Disappointing love-lines, displeasing characters and distressing match-ups : Don't dream again if you're going to crash our expectations by giving us a second-rate sequel as crappy and trivial as this. I loathe the writer for shipwrecking the blossoming romance of Yoo Jin and Hae Sung.

Rating : 6/5

Title : EAST OF EDEN
Genre : Family, Action, Romance / Episodes : 56
Release :  Aug.2008-Mar.2009 (LEADS : SONG SEUNG HOON & YUN JUNG HOON)

- Dear drama, you can't be epic just because you are tragic. Your star-studded cast win me over but the endless strings of misfortune in the lives of brothers switched-at-birth and their families is too disheartening for me to bear. Your first half is convincing but the second half is too redundant to watch. Also, it sucks that all the couples I desire don't end up together.

Rating : 5/3

Title : FAMOUS CHIL PRINCESSES
Genre : Family, Romance, Comedy / Episodes : 80
Release : 2006 (LEADS : KIM HYE SUN & CHOI JUNG WON)

- Four sisters and their crazy love lives. Watching an 80-episode family drama just because of the sole intention of seeing Lee Seung Gi's small acting stint sounds ridiculous but I'm quite surprised that it turns into a carefree afternoon viewing.

Rating : 3/3

Title : FASHION KING
Genre : Romance, Drama / Episodes : 20

Release : 2012 (LEADS : YOO AH IN, SHIN SE KYUNG, LEE JE HOON)

- When my sweet dream turns into my awful nightmare. This is a proof that granting your dream couple a drama with so much expectations doesn't guarantee pleasure. Subpar acting, insulting writing and gravely unsatisfying ending make this train-wreck a downright disaster. Next time, don't pretend to be a king when you're merely a pauper.

Rating : 5/4

Title : FEAST OF THE GODS
Genre : Romance, Drama / Episodes : 32
Release :  2012 ( LEADS : SUNG YURI, LEE SANG WOO & JOO SANG WOOK)

- Appetizing Korean traditional delicacies, fascinating cooking showdowns, sizzling leading men and frustrating romance simmering in unsure waters. I took a bite, ate it slowly then swallowed half of the plate in one go only to threw up the other half that got spoiled. Sadly the outrageous birth secret, extreme evilness and flat characterizations lost me in the end.

Rating : 6/4

Title : FIRST WIVES CLUB
Genre : Family, Romance, Comedy / Episodes : 104
Relase : Sept.2007-Oct.2008 (LEADS :  KIM HYE SUN & AHN NAE SANG)

- Cheat here, cheat there! Almost every testosterone bearers in this family drama are active participants of cheat exercise. Tuning in every afternoon with my two aunts who are both separated made this more fun to watch. A story about housewives who got cheated by their husbands, it's hysterical but hilarious.

Rating : 5/7

Title : FLOWER BOYS RAMYUN SHOP
Genre : Romance, Comedy / Episodes : 16
Release : 2011 (LEADS: JUNG IL WOO & LEE CHUNG AH)

- Woman-Boy-romance is not my bowl of noodles, and even my strong admiration for Jung Il Woo can't force me to root for his steaming romance with his naive-beyond-her-age teacher. The eye-candies are definitely delicious but no matter how tasty the ingredients of the love line are, the overcooked main couple turns soggy in my viewing eyes.

Rating : 7/7

Title : FORBIDDEN LOVE
Genre : Romance, Fantasy, Action / Episodes : 16
Release : 2004 (LEADS : KIM TAE HEE, JO HYUN JAE & HAN YE SEUL)

- He who she eats falls for him and she who he kills falls for her. Love that cannot be between a mortal and a nine-tailed fox ; they are destined to kill but instead they fall in love with each other. Although the acting is lacking, the story and the leads are enticing enough to keep me until the unforgivable ending .

Rating : 8/6

Title : FRIENDS
Genre : Romance / Episodes : 4
Release : 2002 (LEADS : WON BIN & KYOKO FUKADA)

- Supremely attractive leads pining for each other across the sea in a joint drama project between South Korea and Japan. It projects an ordinary but delightful long-distance relationship that surmounts language barrier, cultural differences and personal heavy baggage. I have to admit that simply seeing their faces together puts me in glee.

Rating : 9/7

Title : FULL HOUSE
Genre : Romance, Comedy / Episodes : 16
Release : 2004 (LEADS : SONG HYE KYO & RAIN)

- All around loveliness or maybe Song Hye Kyo is just too lovely that everything she does in this lighthearted cohabitation drama is pure delight. Nobody does bickering as petty, funny and sugary as this couple-in-fake-marriage. Trust me, it is so hip you'll find yourself singing and dancing along with Mama bear, Papa bear and Baby bear.

Rating : 7/6

Title : FUGITIVE  / Runaway : Plan B

Genre : Action, Romance, Comedy / Episodes : 20

Release : 2010 (LEADS : RAIN, LEE NA YOUNG, DANIEL HENNEY)

- Rich, playful and cocky Private investigator on the run. I met a gorgeous guy with a luxury car, branded clothes and high-tech-gadgets to show off. We went out together and I found out that he was pretty cool and funny but the longer I spent time with him, the more I realized that there was no romantic attraction at all. I had  fun but that was it.

Rating : 8/8

Title : GOD'S GIFT - 14 DAYS

Genre : Action, Crime, Thriller, Melo-drama / Episodes : 16

Release : March-April 2014 (MAIN LEADS : LEE BO YOUNG & JO SEUNG WOO)

- Not a drama for the faint of heart. A serial-killing, time-traveling crime solver that ridiculously man-handled a mountain out of a molehill of a kidnapping incident. Chills and thrills crawled in down to my spines and the effortless chemistry of the ass-kicking duo made me wish for a love-line. The ending left me dejectedly down in the dumps.

Rating : 10/10

Title : GOOD DOCTOR

Genre : Medical, Romance / Episodes : 20

Release : Aug.-Oct.2013 (MAIN LEADS : JOO WON, MOON CHAE WON & JOO SANG WOOK)

- Will you entrust the life of your kid or little sibling to the hands of a genius pediatric surgeon who has an emotional capacity of a 10-year old boy? Utterly intriguing, thought-provoking and emotionally uplifting. Every episode is a good-hour worth spending and it can be adorable without trying too hard. Hats off to Joo Won's believable acting. 

Rating : 8/7

Title : GOURMET
Genre : Romance / Episodes : 24
Release : 2008 (MAIN LEADS : KIM RAE WON & NAM SANG MI)

- First, I learn a lot about food and Korean style-cooking. Second, there is so much richness and comfort this culinary-oriented drama has to offer. Third, I thoroughly enjoy the intense cooking battles between adopted brothers. And lastly, I savor the heavenly-looking food parades to the fullest.

Rating : 8/8

Title : GREEN ROSE
Genre : Romance, Melo-drama, Thriller / Episodes : 22 /
Release : 2005 (MAIN LEADS : GO SOO & LEE DA HAE)

- I cannot put my thoughts in words without recalling my favorite classic The Count of Monte Cristo. After getting rich and powerful, the revenge-fueled hero comes back with a new identity and orchestrate a massive plan to get even at his tormentors who wreck his life.  Emotional, sympathetic and quick-paced, it won't waste your time.

Rating : 8/6

Title : HEIRS / The Inheritors

Genre : Romance, Comedy, Melo / Episodes : 20

Release : 2013 (MAIN LEADS : LEE MIN HO, PARK SHIN HYE & KIM WOO BIN)

-  Imagine wrapping-up your old, rusty item using an expensive gift wrap. The packaging is glamorous but the gift itself is a disappointment. Been there, done that. There is nothing to write home about its poor-girl-meets-rich-guy-premise, but there is no doubt that it is ridiculously entertaining and exciting. Kim Woo Bin mischievously steals the show.

Rating : 9/9

Title : HISTORY OF SALARYMAN
Genre : Romance, Comedy / Episodes : 22
Release : 2012 (MAIN LEADS : LEE BUM SOO & JUNG RYEO WON)

- Office shenanigans delivered by a wildly funny cast. It rocked my socks off with its humorous plot featuring a goofy salaryman, a foul-mouthed heiress, an eccentric businessman and a witty researcher rolled in the corporate world filled with comical execution and tricky narration. The cheery epilogues were beyond awesome.

Rating : 5/4

Title : I AM LEGEND
Genre : Romance / Episodes : 16
Release : 2010 (MAIN LEADS : KIM JUNG EUN & LEE JOON HYUK)

- So you think you're a legend? Sorry show, I hate to break it but you're not. A middle-aged housewife who realizes she wants to be a rock star and gets free from her cheating husband. You're pitch-perfect until you hit midway and fall flat. I'm still confused why a rock-band-chasing-dream-series transforms into a social-working-law drama.

Rating : 3/2

Title : I LOVE YOU, DON'T CRY 
Genre : Romance, Family, Melo / Episodes : 132
Release : Nov.2008-May.2009 (MAIN LEADS : LEE JUNG JIN & LEE YOO RI)

- I've endured hundreds of pathetic episodes only to be rewarded with a nasty ending. This family drama is so stressful to watch, I want to pull all the characters's hair out. Lee Jung Jin was the only reason why I bothered to finish it. Never-ending conflicts, complicated family ties, depressing love obstacles and absurd conclusion made this unbearable.

Rating : 8/8

Title : I NEED ROMANCE
Genre : Romance, Comedy / Episodes : 16
Release : 2011 (MAIN LEADS : JO YEO JUNG & KIM JUNG HOON)

- Sexy, bold, and straightforward. It's Sex and the City with Korean touch. Looking back, it's more than just a sultry adult drama that bravely tackles sex. It's an eye-opening journey with flirty humor about three 30-ish successful women who maneuver their messy love lives and gain maturity and wisdom about love and friendship in the end.

Rating : 6/4

Title : I NEED ROMANCE 2012

Genre : Romance, Comedy / Episodes : 16

Release : June-Aug.2012 (LEADS : LEE JIN WOOK & JUNG YUMI)

- A forgettable second season filled with entertaining kisses and make-out scenes. I spent hours figuring out why the guy can't be with the girl and it turned out the big reveal to the mystery was just a poorly-manufactured excuse. Decent enough to make you care but over-all, it was pointless, stupid and pretended to be more than what it really was.

Rating : 9/8

Title : IRIS
Genre : Action, Romance, Mystery, Thriller / Episodes : 20
Release : Oct-Dec.2009 (MAIN LEADS : LEE BYUNG HOON & KIM TAE HEE)

- The action-freak in me devoured the episodes of this block-buster drama nonstop. Powerhouse cast, heart-stopping action stunts, explosive scenes, exotic over-sea locations, and passionate romance are the factors that pushed this drama to be a huge success. I loved it to pieces although loose threads were present everywhere.

Rating : 5/5

Title : IT'S OKAY, DADDY'S GIRL
Genre : Family, Melo-drama, Romance / Episodes : 17
Release : Nov.2010-Jan.2011 (MAIN LEADS : MOON CHAE WON & CHOI JIN HYUK)

- Riches to rags story of a family who encountered a life-changing experience when the head of the family collapsed that resulted to a domino effect of misfortunes. The selfish, spoiled daddy's girl made it hard for me to root for her but her relationship with her dad was undeniably touching. It wasn't the kind of family drama I would be eager to recommend but it had some warm moments to watch for.

Rating : 9/7

Title : JANG OK JUNG : LIVE IN LOVE
Genre : Period, Romance / Episodes : 25
Release : 2013 (MAIN LEADS : KIM TAE HEE & YOO AH IN)

- Cemented in the Joseon history as a diabolical royal concubine, this re-imagination of Jang Hee bin's life builds a refreshing ground where evil is not always evil and good is not always good. Undying love, mesmerizing costumes and compelling heroine-all these lured me in and I never escaped despite the silly schemings, over-the-top acting and unreasonable motivation. In the end, the all-consuming love drove me nuts.

Rating : 9/8

Title : JUMONG
Genre : Historical/Period drama, Romance, Action / Episodes : 81
Release : May 2006-March, 2007 (MAIN LEADS : SONG IL GOOK & HAN HYE JIN)

- An epic drama for an epic hero. It is one of the greatest historical dramas in South Korea a sageuk-enthusiasts should not miss. It was victorious in giving a nod to the life of Jumong, the founder of Gugoryeo, by presenting the drama with impressive cast, smoldering performances, beautiful costumes and intense battle for the throne.

Rating : 6/6

Title : JUNGLE FISH
Genre : School, Drama, Mystery
Episodes : 1 / Release : May 5, 2008
(MAIN LEADS : KIM SOO HYUN & PARK BO YOUNG)

- Stealing exam papers just to accomplish good grades in order to get admitted into a good college. A single episode is enough to be an eye-opener. The drama successfully reflects the appalling realities about the stern high standard of education set by the society in South Korea.

Rating : 8/7

Title : JUNGLE FISH 2
Genre : School, Drama, Mystery / Episodes : 8

Release : 2010 (MAIN LEADS : HONG JUNG HYUN & PARK JI YEON)

- School is cool? Well, not for the over-achieving students of the gloomy Gahwa High where they take studying too seriously it can mean life or death. Have a quick lesson about suicide, teenage pregnancy, bullying, and peer-pressure. Eight hours is enough to leave me the impression that being a student in South Korea is draining and horrifying as hell.

Rating : 8/8

Title : KILLER GIRL K
Genre : Action, Sci-fi / Episodes : 3
Release : Aug-Sept.2011 (MAIN LEADS : HAN GROO & KIM JUNG TAE)

- Three hours in and you have a murky, bloody, sharply-written drama that butchers your screen with gruesome fight scenes, lead by a kick-ass heroine who's rockin' every weapon she touches. If gore and combat are up your alley, it's the perfect drama for you but make sure you're old enough for its adult content. The tinge of romance makes me ask for more.

Rating : 8/6

Title :  LET'S EAT

Genre : Romance, Comedy, Mystery / Episodes : 16

Release : Nov.2013-Mar.2014 (MAIN LEADS : LEE SOO KYUNG & YOON DOO JOON)

- Warning : Make sure you're stomach is not empty before you hit play. This is by far one of the most worry-free dramas I've ever seen. Everything is so easy to digest. There is nothing notable about its plot and the series of murder don't make any sense at all but the allure of food porn is exquisitely mouth-watering, it literally makes me hungry.

Rating : 8/5

Title :  LIE TO ME
Genre : Romance, Comedy / Episodes : 16
Release : May-June.2011 (MAIN LEADS : KANG JI HWAN & YOON EUN HYE)

- It brought me to heaven of happiness then dragged me to hell of boredom. What can possibly go wrong when a drama tapped a dazzlingly beautiful couple, laugh-inducing contract marriage and blazing hot sexual tension? Nothing, right? But unfortunately, recycled conflicts, weak second fiddles and predictably dry ending fizzled the initial magic that reeled me in.

Rating : 6/5

Title : LOVE RAIN
Genre : Romance, Melo-drama / Episodes : 20

Release : March-May 2012v(MAIN LEADS : JANG GEUN SUK & YOONA)

-  A heavy-handed drama redux of the movie, The Classic. It was visually breathtaking yet incredibly boring. The multi-generation love stories bored me to tears because it was so formulaic, I simply knew how everything will unfold. Props to the production's delicate touch to details but boo to the writer's failure to draw a glorious, heart-sweeping romance.

Rating : 9/8

Title : LOVE STORY IN HARVARD
Genre : Romance, Law, Melo-drama / Episodes : 16
Release : Nov.2004-Jan.2005 (MAIN LEADS : KIM RAE WON & KIM TAE HEE)

- The meet cute :  He mistakenly takes her as a call girl to rich sugar daddies and hilarity ensues. Absorbing mock trial, genuine chemistry and mood-improving moments. Two bright and accomplished students dueling not only in law school but also in one girl's heart. This is rivalry done right. It's serious and informative yet amusing to watch.

Rating : 6/5

Title : LOVERS
Genre : Romance / Episodes : 20
Release :  Nov.2006-Jan.2007 (MAIN LEADS : KIM JUNG EUN & LEE SEO JIN)

- She's a kind-hearted, happy-go-lucky plastic surgeon, he's a serious, hard-edged gangster. Two people from completely different worlds collide and find love and comfort with each other. It started off strong and stimulating but halfway through, the story suffered great setbacks that burdened the romance. Oh by the way, I am no fan of the ending!

Rating : 8/7

Title : LOVERS IN PARIS
Genre : Romance / Episodes : 20
Release : June-Aug.2004(MAIN LEADS : KIM JUNG EUN & PARK SHIN YANG)

- A ratings-monster that brought Park Shin Yang and Kim Jung Eun into super stardom. There was nothing unusual about it's poor-hardworking-girl-gets-torn-between-two-rich-guys-story but the undeniable chemistry of the leads which were sweethearts together successfully made this on the top. I still considered it a sweet treat although the absurd ending left me bitter.

Rating : 4/3

Title : MAN OF HONOR / Glory Jane
Genre : Family, Romance, Drama / Episodes : 24
Release : Oct-Dec.2011 (LEADS : PARK MIN YOUNG & CHUN JUNG MYUNG)

- No homerun for this Baker King version 2.0. It's okay to dress up as hardcore makjang but at least don it with style. The lackluster plot-devices and empty spark between the leads bogged down the story. Why did they have to turn the baseball angst to absurd office competition? I still insist that Seo In Woo is the perfect catch for Yoon Jae In.

Rating : 6/6

Title :  MARRY A MILLIONAIRE
Genre : Romance / Episodes : 16
Release : Nov.2005-Jan.2006 (MAIN LEADS : GO SOO & KIM HYUN JOO)

- Imagine the American dating program "The Bachelor" with dramatic-behind-the-scenes-actions that stars a dirt-poor guy getting a make-over as a well-off bachelor. The series gave the reality show an interesting backdrop that brought back the flame of old lovers. Creative plot and well-suited couple, give it a try and you might find it as your match.

Rating : 4/4

Title : MARY STAYED OUT ALL NIGHT / Marry Me, Mary
Genre : Romance, Comedy / Episodes : 16 /
Release  : Nov-Dec.2010(LEADS : MOON GEUN YOUNG & JANG GEUN SUK)

- Severely underwhelming. No matter how brilliant the leads are, the sloppy writing is beyond their power and charm. I was supposed to root for Mary and her good-for-nothin' rockstar fake lover but I ended up shipping her with the perfect-from-head-to-toe-arranged-fiancee. Sometimes, too much cuteness made me want to throw up.

Rating : 7/7

Title : MASTER OF STUDY
Genre : School, Romance, Comedy / Episodes : 16
Release : Jan-Feb.2010 (MAIN LEADS : YOO SEUNG HO & PARK JI YEON)

- The gist : A bunch of lazy and aimless students set to get accepted into the country's most prestigious college, to make it a reality is the goal. Amazingly adorable cast and cutesy classroom lessons, packed with good moral values and fun study strategies. It's a must watch for students who are going to take SATs.

Rating : 8/8

Title : MASTER'S SUN

Genre : Romance, Comedy, Horror, Fantasy / Episodes : 17

Release : Aug-Oct.2013 (LEADS : SO JI SUB & GONG HYO JIN)

- Equal parts spooky, funny and squee-worthy. I never thought broody actor So Ji Sub can be fantastically mushy. The palpable romance of the touchy-ghost-seeing heroine and the emotionally-damaged, sensitive hero tickled all my sweet spots in spite of eerie ghosts haunting the background. It got draggy but their awesome ending kiss made up for it.

Rating : 8/7

Title : MIDAS
Genre : Business, Romance / Episodes : 21
Release : Feb-May.2011 (MAIN LEADS : JANG HYUK & LEE MIN JUNG)

- So deeply serious, it can put the majority in a deep sleep. Well, I'm weird and part of minority who thoroughly enjoy the glamorous and tricky world of business, stock manipulation, mergers and acquisition. It's greedy and fetching and powerful and ambitious, I strangely can't get enough of it.

Rating : 8/8

Title : MISS KOREA

Genre : Romance, Comedy, Melodrama / Episodes : 20

Release : Dec.2013-Feb.2014 (LEADS : LEE YEON HEE & LEE SUN GYUN)

- This character-driven-fist-pumping success story of an elevator girl turned Miss Korea has beauty, brains and hearts, lots of them. It can be moving without being mopey and entertaining without being silly. It wasn't flashy nor polished but it had an assured story to tell and it didn't rely on cheap tricks to get the beauty-queen-making venture eye-catching.

Rating : 7/6

Title : MISS RIPLEY
Genre : Melo-drama, Romance / Episodes : 16
Release : May-July.2011 (MAIN LEADS : LEE DAE HAE & PARK YOO CHUN)

- Social climbing and gold digging done skillfully. Cunning, conniving, femme-fatale reaching the top at all costs while concealing her dark secrets and muddy past. It was so refreshing to see a heroine without the kind, innocent and high-spirited facade and I found all her scheming strategies extremely entertaining. Neither did I liked nor hated the ending. 

Rating : 4/4

Title : MY FAIR LADY
Genre : Romance, Comedy / Episodes : 16
Aug-Oct.2009 (MAIN LEADS : YOON EUN HYE & YOON SANG HYUN)

- The trailer full of pep got me curious and I thought it was poised to be a flirty fun ride but unfortunately it failed to capture my heart. Maybe it was only me but I felt empty chemistry between the spoiled ill-tempered heiress and her enthusiastic former gigolo butler. Moon Chae Won was wasted. Jung Il Woo was under-performed.

Rating : 10/8

Title : MY GIRL
Genre : Romance, Comedy / Episodes : 21
Release : Dec.2005-Feb.2006 (MAIN LEADS : LEE DA HAE & LEE DONG WOOK)

- Lying at its sweetest! Stiff chaebol hero hires bubbly con-master heroine to pretend to be his long lost cousin in order to grant his grandfather's dying wish. Uproariously funny, superbly romantic and emotionally satisfying. I want to switched bodies with Lee Da Hae because of two devastatingly good-looking rich guys vying for her heart.

Rating : 10/10

Title : MY GIRLFRIEND IS A GUMIHO
Genre : Romance, Comedy, Fantasy / Episodes : 16
Release : 2010 (MAIN LEADS : LEE SEUNG GI & SHIN MIN AH)

- The darling of my heart. So achingly sweet, so deeply amusing, so spectacularly adorable. If I were a guy and given a chance, I would kill to have Miho as my girl even if my liver's at stake. Only the hardest of hearts won't fall for this bewitching, quirky nine-tailed fox. Watch it when you feel blue and it will fill your belly with butterflies.

Rating : 9/8

Title : MY LOVE FROM ANOTHER STAR
Genre : Romance, Comedy, Fantasy / Episodes : 21
Release : Dec.2013- Feb.2014(MAIN LEADS : KIM SOO HYUN & JUN JI HYUN)

- I love you show to the moon and back. Can Cheon Song Yi be any funnier? Laugh-out-loud crazy, out-of-this-world-chemistry and pour-your-heart-out-lovey-dovey. Having an uptight, genius alien and a goofball, air-head top actress romancing each other is a blast to watch. My impression about aliens will never be the same again.

Rating : 8/7

Title : MY PRINCESS
Genre : Romance, Comedy / Episodes : 16
Release : Jan-Feb.2011 (MAIN LEADS : KIM TAE HEE & SONG SEUNG HOON)

- Pairing up Song Seung Hoon and Kim Tae Hee in a tasty-candy-flavored series is like a dream come true to me. This once-in-a-lifetime pretty power couple makes searching for South Korea's last princess a delectable 16-hour drama viewing. It's so fantastic to see this stunning pair sharing hugs and kisses on-screen even if the story has a flimsy plot.

Rating : 10/7

Title : NEW TALES OF GISAENG
Genre : Family, Romance, Comedy, Drama / Episodes : 52
Jan-July.2011 (LEADS : IM SOO HYANG & BANG SUNG HOON)

- I've started it out on a whim and little did I know, I was up for some colorful spin. Decent execution, gut-reacted emotions. Never did I picture that a conventional family drama about modern day gisaengs can be a heart-tugging tear-jerker. There was nothing exceptional about the central romance but it sure punctured every corner of my soul.

Rating : 10/9

Title : NICE GUY (The Innocent Man)

Genre : Romance, Melo-drama / Episodes : 20

Release : Sept-Nov.2012 (LEADS : SONG JOONG KI & MOON CHAE WON)

- Betraying a nice guy who loves you with all his heart could be the biggest mistake of your life. Right off the bat, it is primed to win my heart. Gasp-worthy, commanding, eventful and straight to the point. Every revenge-minded, melo-romances should take a page from this. It is shockingly devastating and gushing with strong emotions but it never feels depressing.

Rating : 6/4

Title : OH MY LADY
Genre : Romance, Comedy / Episodes : 20
Release : March-May.2010 (MAIN LEADS : CHOI SI WON & CHAE RIM)

- Weightless, plain, and forgettable but somehow it managed to be zippy cute. You don't have to take this seriously because it's not as problematic as other dramas are. The employer-employee-noona-romance between prickly top star and bubbly house cleaner is missing on chemistry department but Siwon's six-packed-abs made this watchable.

Rating : 9/8

Title : OJAKGYO BROTHERS
Genre : Family, Romance / Episodes : 58
Release : Aug.2011-Feb.2012 (MAIN LEADS : JOO WON & UEE)

- A high-spirited family drama that hits all the right notes in me. I found a hidden treasure box full of charming characters, touching love stories and heart-warming family affairs in the Ojakgyo farm. Although the love-lines move forward taking baby steps, I'm telling you, it's worth the wait when they finally get together and share promises of eternity.

Rating : 7/5

Title : PARADISE RANCH
Genre : Romance, Comedy / Episodes : 16
Release : Jan-March,2011 (MAIN LEADS : LEE YEON HEE & CHANG MIN)

- Young couple married, divorced, reconciled and proved that love is lovelier the second time around. The lead girl was the only lead I know that actually loved and gave the tragic second lead a legit shot in her heart. Although it lacked tight writing and strong acting, the bright vibe of the cast carried the show, well at least for me.

Rating : 5/5

Title : PARTNER
Genre : Law, Romance / Episodes : 16
Release :  June-Aug.2009 (MAIN LEADS : LEE DONG WOOK & KIM HYUN JOO)

- The leads have the chemistry but romance is missing. Cupid must be lazy during the production of this drama. I don't get why they can't simply throw two attorneys together and let them share some love. Appealing law cases are present but romantic scenarios are absent. Not even a single kissing scene in the entire 16 episodes if I'm not mistaken.

Rating : 9/8

Title : PASTA
Genre : Romance, Comedy / Episodes : 20
Release : Jan-March.2010 (MAIN LEADS : GONG HYO JIN & LEE SEON KYUN)

- An uneventful, long walk in the park where I meet endearing people along the way. Nothing really happened and to be honest, silly plot-machineries drove the whole workplace story but still, I found myself greatly hooked on the super duper cute couple. It was pure comfort food. It wasn't remarkable but absolutely pleasurable.

Rating : 6/6

Title : PERSONAL TASTE / Perfect Match
Genre : Romance, Comedy / Episodes : 16
Release : March-May, 2010(MAIN LEADS : SON YE JIN & LEE MIN HO)

- Just to win a big project, hot and dashing architect pretended to be gay in order to rent a room in a clueless, unkempt girl's house. It was cute, jokey and easy to the eyes. The cohabitation hi-jinks and she-thinks-he's-gay-antics delivered a good laugh. But even if both leads were exceptionally beautiful, I never warmed up with their brand of romance.

Rating : 7/7

Title : PLAYFUL KISS / Mischievous Kiss
Genre : Romance, Comedy, School / Episodes : 16
Release : Sept-Oct.2010 (MAIN LEADS : KIM HYUN JOONG & JUNG SO MIN)

- This opposites-attract-high-school-romance is a lovely reminder that hard work pays-off and miracles do exist, when the school's most intelligent boy falls for the most stupid girl in the campus. It's cotton-candy-kind-of-entertainment. Light, sweet and fluffy. Among all the live-action adaptation, it's not the best  but definitely the most visually impressive version.

Rating : 4/5

Title : PRINCE HOURS
Genre : Romance, Comedy / Episodes : 20
Release : Jan-March, 2007 (MAIN LEADS : SE7EN & HEO YI JAE)

- Surely, there are things that only a princess can do. I guess a reluctant prince can't be as funny and wonderful as clumsy princess. Was it the lack-luster couple? The lousy acting? Or the loose plot that slowed down the fun? This spin-off failed to live up the fairy tale Princess Hours imprinted in my heart. Nice try, though.

Rating : 10/9

Title : PRINCESS HOURS
Genre : Romance, Comedy / Episodes : 24
Release : Jan-March, 2006 (MAIN LEADS : YOON EUN HYE & JOO JI HOON)

- Too adorable for words. An ordinary school girl's world turned upside-down when she suddenly became a princess and married the country's future king. Enthralling fusion of modern constitutional monarchy, enchanting wardrobe, heart-fluttering couple moments with loads of cuddles and kisses ; it was royalty romance that owned me body and soul.

Rating : 10/9

Title : PROSECUTOR PRINCESS
Genre : Law, Romance, Comedy / Episodes : 16
Release : Mar-May 2010(MAIN LEADS : KIM SO YEON & PARK SHI HOO)

- Surprisingly fascinating. Park Shi Hoo stands out. It is a well-baked romcom-coated law drama with twisty revenge filling inside heat up by a fabulous pair oozing with solid sparks. The Legally-Blonde-inspired prosecutor who worries more about her weight than her criminal cases turns out to be an awe-inspiring heroine who just needs motivation to excel.

Rating : 7/5

Title : ROOFTOP PRINCE
Genre : Romance, Comedy / Episodes : 20

Release : March-May 2012 (MAIN LEADS : PARK YOO CHUN & HAN JI MIN)

- Just the idea of Joseon-era prince skipping forward 300 years into 21st century with his trusty vassals cracks me up already. Imagine how they will navigate the modern world with new technologies. It's such a shame that it shifts from boisterously funny to outrageously crazy, promising to aggravating. An awesome foursome drowning in a pool of crap.

Rating : 8/7

Title : SAVE THE LAST DANCE FOR ME
Genre : Romance, Melo-Drama / Episodes : 20
Release : Oct.2004-Jan.2005 (MAIN LEADS : EUGENE & JI SUNG)

- Hopelessly romantic with a flurry of recognizable set-ups and familiar characters. Rich guy got amnesia, met a poor girl, fell in love with her but his memory came back and he forgot everything about her. After all the sacrifices in the name of love, I was happy and contented about how the things turned out. The soundtrack made the drama viewing even more special.

Rating : 8/8

Title : SECRET / Secret Love

Genre : Romance, Melo-drama / Episodes : 16

Release : Sept-Nov,2013 (MAIN LEADS : JI SUNG & HWANG JUNG EUM)

- Hardcore, weepy melodrama populated by vengeful beings. Never ever take the fall for your lover because there is no guarantee that person will catch you in the end. Regrettably, the heroine learned her lesson the hard way as she hit rock bottom and wrecked her life in the most horrifying ways possible. It made tragedy so excruciatingly pleasurable.

Rating : 7/7

Title : SECRET GARDEN
Genre : Romance, Comedy, Fantasy / Episodes : 20
Release : Nov.2010-Jan.2011 (MAIN LEADS : HYUN BIN & HA JI WON)

- Gushy and mushy done right but something is missing. Who could have thought that a magical body/soul-switching drama that sparks a whimsical romance between an outlandish hotel president and a boyish stunt-woman can be a certified big hit. Until now, it still baffles me why it never gets me in the heart despite possessing a spellbinding pair.

Rating : 10/8

Title : SHINING INHERITANCE / Brilliant Legacy
Genre : Family, Romance, Melodrama, Comedy / Episodes : 28
Release : April-July 2009 (MAIN LEADS : HAN HYO JOO & LEE SEUNG GI)

- Classic Cinderella story with modern twists. It's a heart-wrenching drama that I will always remember fondly. It does a great job balancing sappy events and swoon-worthy moments. Riveting love square, hate-inducing villains and well-placed music. From enemies to lovers, the winning couple will show you that the more you hate, the more you love, after all.

Rating : 9/9

Title : SHUT UP FLOWER BOY BAND
Genre : Musical, Romance, Youth / Episodes : 16
Jan-March 2012 (MAIN LEADS : SUNG JOON & JO BO AH)

- I'm not a fan of rock bands. Not a fan of rebels with a cause. Not a fan of guys with eye-liner. Not a fan of messy hair. Not a fan of black-rugged fashion. But this cool and cheeky youth-oriented musical drama manages to convert me into a huge fan. Teenage angst, solid friendship, cute romance and enticing rock battles ; It has spunk, charm and heart.

Rating : 10/6

Title : SMILE YOU / Smile Honey
Genre : Family, Romance, Comedy / Episodes : 45
Release : Sept.2009-Mar.2010 (MAIN LEADS : LEE MIN JUNG & JUNG KYUNG HO)

- Characters who bicker like cats and dogs. It's a riot family series that you can consume easily. Lots of equally entertaining and annoying squabbling not only from the central couple but also from two families living under the same roof. The immensely adorable, saccharine main pair keeps the plot breezy and gratifying amidst all loud distractions.

Rating : 8/7

Title : SOMETHING ABOUT 1%
Genre : Romance, Comedy / Episodes : 26 /
Release : July-Dec.2003 (MAIN LEADS : KANG DONG WON & KIM JUNG HWA)

- Will you marry a complete stranger your grandfather chose for you just to get your share of inheritance? The unlikely romance of a mismatched couple earned my affection through their entertaining banter, amusing jealousy-filled interactions and sweet love declarations. I confess, I've watched this because of my fervent love for Kang Dong Won and I'm glad I did because I vastly enjoyed it despite being predictable and draggy.

Rating :77

Title : SPRING WALTZ
Genre : Romance, Melo-drama / Episodes : 20
Release : March-May, 2006 (MAIN LEADS : HAN HYO JOO & SEO DO YOUNG)

-  I am not a huge fan of the Endless Love season dramas but this one is the closest in my heart because it is the least tragic and the most satisfying installment for me. It tells the story of doomed lovers who fight for their happiness against all odds. More than the sappy love story, it's the alluring music and bewitching locations of the drama that really stand out.

Rating : 5/4

Title : SPY MYUNG WOL
Genre : Romance, Comedy / Episodes : 18
Release : July-Sept.2011 (MAIN LEADS : HAN YE SEUL & ERIC MOON)

- A North Korean spy has a silly mission : Marry a South Korean super star and bring him to her homeland. So much potential got wasted because of too much real-life dramas happening off-camera. I am pleased with the good start but disappointed with irresponsible Han Ye Seul and the frustrating flow of the story in the later part.

Rating : 9/6

Title : STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN
Genre : Romance, Melo-drama / Episodes : 20
Dec.2003-Feb.2004 (MAIN LEADS : CHOI JI WOO & KWON SANG WOO)

- The kind of sob-fest I would sign up for anytime. Evil step-mother, evil step sister, car accident, amnesia, blindness and terminal disease, this ill-fated Cinderella got it all but hey, at least she has a childhood Prince Charming and a hopelessly devoted step brother on both sides loving her unconditionally. Choi Ji Woo and Kwon Sang Woo are magical together, I would willingly let them bleed my heart dry.

Rating : 6/6

Title : SUMMER SCENT
Genre : Romance, Melo-drama
Episodes : 20 / Network : KBS (March-May, 2006)
Rating : 6/6 (MAIN LEADS : SONG SEUNG HOON & SON YE JIN)

- It's not as tragic unlike Autumn Tale and Winter Sonata but the ending doesn't pay for the time I've spent watching this.  I love the sunny sights and summer vibe but I hate Song Seung Hoon's hairdo! Yes! The hair matters to me the most!

Rating : 10/10

Title : SUNGKYUNKWAN SCANDAL
Genre : Period, Romance, Comedy / Episodes : 20
Release  :Aug-Nov.2010 (LEADS : PARK YOO CHUN & PARK MIN YOUNG)

- The ultimate ticket to enter the world of sageuk. I watched it for the pretty but stayed for its quality. This well-woven-gender-bender drama will tug at your heartstrings and make you grin from ear-to-ear. Addictive pace, engrossing chemistry and terrific quartet, it's incredibly romantic and shockingly good and oh, bro-mance is super cute to boot!

Rating : 7/7

Title : SWEET 18
Genre : Romance, Comedy
Episodes : 17
Network : KBS (Jan-March,2004)
Rating : 8/7 (MAIN LEADS : HAN JI HYE & LEE DONG GUN)

- An 18-year-old-high school student married a 28-year-old prosecutor. It's wacky, light, and sweet as the title implies. Well-paced plot, compatible main pair and hilarious scenarios, you'll find this pleasurable to watch.

Rating : 9/9

Title : TAMRA ISLAND
Genre : Romance, Comedy, Historical / Episodes : 16
Release : Aug-Sep. 2009 (MAIN LEADS : IM JOO HWAN & SEO WOO)

- Truly a hidden gem every sageuk-lovers should watch. Spending hours in this comical, adventurous, magnificently-shot race-fusion series featuring an off-beat trio and wacky villagers is like going on a dive under the sea, the deeper you get, the more you discover the beauties and treasures the drama hides. TEAM PARK KYU all the way!

Rating : 4/3

Title : TEMPTATION OF WIFE
Genre : Family, Melo-drama, Romance / Episodes : 129
Release : Nov. 2008-May 2009 (MAIN LEADS : JANG SEO HEE & KIM SUH HYUNG)

- Avoid at all costs unless you have a thing for infidelity, betrayal, oppression and revenge. If you are as young as me, skip it. Don't waste your youth and time dealing with a-full-blown, hardcore wickedness. It's an entertaining watch but it will make your blood boil. Expect here all the demonic acts a villain can do.

Rating : 9/9

Title : THE GREATEST LOVE / Best Love
Genre : Romance, Comedy / Episodes : 16
Release : May-June 2011 (MAIN LEADS : CHA SEUNG WON & GONG HYO JIN)

- Question : What will happen if a famous actor falls head over heels with a washed-up pop idol? Answer : You get a fun-filled rom-com brimming with insanely funny characters, sugar-coated-metaphors and side-splitting entertainment bound to keep your heart pumping. Trust me, either Cha Seung Won or Yoon Kye Sang will snatch a fan out of you.

Rating :

Title : THE KING 2 HEARTS

Genre : Romance, Black Comedy

Episodes : 20

Network : MBC (March-May 2012)

Rating : (0/0) (MAIN LEADS : LEE SEUNG GI & HA JI WON)

- ON GOING (Still-airing)

Rating : 8/6

Title : THE MOON THAT EMBRACES THE SUN
Genre : Romance, Historical / Episodes : 20
Jan-March 2012 (MAIN LEADS : KIM SOO HYUN & HAN GA IN)

- First loves, sibling rivalry, shamanism and lots of pining. It stunned me with its grandiose young portion that exhibited mind-numbing acting, earth-shattering teenage love and heart-breaking separation but as the characters grew, the story devolved and it lost its bite only to linger in a foreseeable narration and lucid complications.

Rating : 8/8

Title : THE PAINTER OF THE WIND
Genre : Period, Romance
Episodes : 20 / Network : SBS (Sept-Dec,2008)
Rating : 7/8 (LEADS : MOON GEUN YOUNG & PARK SHIN YANG)

- The heroine is a gifted-artist who disguised as a boy so that she can be successful in Art. Moon Geun Young's acting is superb! I can't believe that she and Moon Chae Won will have an onscreen chemistry knowing that they are both females.

Rating : 10/10

Title : THE PRINCESS'S MAN
Genre : Historical, Romance, Action / Episodes : 24
Release : July-Oct.2011 (LEADS : PARK SHI HOO & MOON CHAE WON)

- Solid on all fronts. Branded as Josean era's Romeo and Juliet, this life-ruining love story of forbidden lovers will trample your heart and keep you on the edge of your seat in every jaw-dropping episodes of it. Gripping political intrigue, powerful characters, poignant scenes, astounding musical score and charged acting, all in one drama package.

Rating : 4/4

Title : TREE OF HEAVEN
Genre : Romance, Melo-drama / Episodes : 10
Release : Feb-March,2006 (MAIN LEADS : PARK SHIN HYE & LEE WAN)

- If you are looking for your next melo-drama fix, I'm telling you, this is not the one. Your tears are precious, don't waste them by watchingPark Shin Hye here always has tears in her eyes because if I'm not mistaken, she cries almost in every episode. A sad drama, another tragedy!

Rating : 9/8

Title : TWO WEEKS
Genre : Action, Thriller, Mystery, Melo-drama, Romance, Family / Episodes : 16
Release : August-Sept-2013 (LEADS : LEE JUN KI, KIM SO YEON & PARK HA SUN)

- Flawed but well-balanced. An aimless gangster finds purpose in his life when he discovers he has a dying daughter who needs his bone marrow to live, but things get more complicated when he gets framed up for a crime he didn't commit and becomes a fugitive on the run. The two-weeks-worth of cat and mouse chase is pure adrenaline rush and all the father-daughter interactions deliver a ray of warm, fuzzy feels.

Rating : 8/8

Title : WHAT HAPPENED IN BALI / Memories in Bali
Genre : Romance, Melo-dram / Episodes : 20
Release : March-May, 2006 (MAIN LEADS : HA JI WON, JO IN SUNG & SO JI SUB)

- Love triangle at its craziest because even the female lead herself isn't sure who she really loves. The twisted love affair of the scandalous foursome toyed with my emotions. Dark, tense and deeply effective. This is the series that I love to hate but I can't because the leads are spectacular.

Rating : 9/9

Title : WHAT'S UP
Genre : Musical, Romance, School / Episodes : 20
Release : Dec.2011-Feb.2012 (MAIN LEADS : IM JOO HWAN & KIM JI WON)

- Perfect musical-romance-college drama. Period. Call me biased but this show sucked me in with no way out. Atmospheric, whimsical and gorgeously filmed. Striking back stories, wonderful characters and enjoyable performances made this a winner in my eyes. Kim Ji Won's quirky Tae Hee was a personal favorite.

Ratings : 6/7

Title : WHAT'S UP, FOX?
Genre : Romance, Comedy
Episodes : 16 / Network : MBC (Sept-Nov.2006)
Rating : 7/7 (MAIN LEADS : GO HYUN JUNG & CHUN JUNG MYUNG)

- To be honest, I don't enjoy older-woman-younger-man-relationship as much as I enjoy older-man-younger-woman-set-up but this drama pulled me out of my preference. I love the adult humor, the couple, the sweetness  and of course, Chun Jung Myung.

Rating : 5/4

Title : WILD ROMANCE
Genre : Romance, Comedy Episodes : 16
Jan-Feb.2012 (MAIN LEADS : LEE DONG WOOK & LEE SHI YOUNG)

- Cocky baseball hero hires an anti-fan as a bodyguard. Seriously, it has more wild conflicts than romantic set-ups. Bipolar ex-girlfriend, moronic stalking and weak plot instruments are the three strikes that make this drama out of the awesome line. The bizarre romance of Mr. Robot and Ms. Porn Addict totally eclipses the central romance.

Rating : 7/6

Title : WILL IT SNOW FOR CHRISTMAS?
Genre : Romance, Melo-drama
Episodes : 16 / Network : SBS (Dec.2009-Jan.2010)
Rating : 7/7 (MAIN LEADS : GO SOO & HAN YE SEUL)

- How can a first episode be the best of all episodes? The strong start with the young versions of Go Soo and Han Ye Seul is amusing and gushing. Most of the parts are sentimental and moving but later on, the series gets too upsetting to keep on.

Rating : 7/5

Title : WINTER SONATA
Genre : Romance, Melo-drama
Episodes : 20 / Network : KBS (Jan-March,2002)
Rating : 7/6 (MAIN LEADS : CHOI JI WOO & BAE YONG JOON)

- This drama is both the queen and king of Korean drama tragedy ; amnesia, incest, swapped-identities, fatal illness and truck-load of crying, name it! Watching this is the same as having a sob-fest! Tissues are not enough so use towels instead.

Rating : 7/5

Title : WISH UPON A STAR (Pick Up The Stars)
Genre : Romance, Comedy, Drama
Episodes : 20
Network :SBS (Jan-March,2010)
Rating : 7/5 (MAIN LEADS : CHOI JUNG WON & KIM JI HOON)

- It's good but not memorable. Plot-wise, it has a lot of flaws but there's enough romance to hold the attention of viewers. The kids are adorable, the heroine is charming but others characters lack substance.

Rating : 5/4

Title : WITCH YOO HEE
Genre : Romance, Comedy
Episodes : 16 / Network :SBS (March-May,2007)
Rating : 5/5 (MAIN LEADS : JAE HEE & HAN GA IN)

- Weak plot, loose writing and plain complications ; It's an un-challenging watch for me. I don't like this but I don't hate it as well, somewhere in the middle. Jae Hee is cute, Kim Jeong Hoon is good-looking and Han Ga In is pretty but that's all I can remember in the end.

Rating : 8/8

Title : WORLD'S WITHIN
Genre : Romance
Episodes : 16 / Network : KBS (Oct-Dec.2008)
Rating : 7/6 (MAIN LEADS : SONG HYE KYO & HYUN BIN)

- No one will argue on me that the main pair here is one of the best-looking couples in K-dramaland. Too bad the story line is not as beautiful as the leads are. But I pick-up some facts inside the world of drama production which are quite interesting.

Rating : 10/8

Title : YOU'RE BEAUTIFUL / He's Beautiful
Genre : Romance, Comedy / Episodes : 16
Release : Oct-Nov.2009 (MAIN LEADS : JANG GEUN SUK & PARK SHIN HYE)

- Sixteen hours of an absolutely guiltless marathon. Never a dull moment. I can't believe the giddy and silly cross-dressing story of a nun-in-training turned boy-band member can be my instant pick-me-up. I laughed so hard, I almost peed my pants. Speedy pace, adorable characters and ear-sticking songs. I'll be an A.N.JELL fan forever and ever!

Rating : 6/5

Title : YOU'VE FALLEN FOR ME / Heartstrings
Genre : Romance, Musical / Episodes : 15
Release : June-Aug.2011 (MAIN LEADS : PARK SHIN HYE & JUNG YONG HWA)

- Sadly, I didn't fall for it. I guess giving my You're Beautiful alterna-couple a drama of their own is not a good idea if the plot is lacking on so many levels. The main couple was cute, don't get me wrong but their campus romance made me cringe and the musical competition frustrated me. It was a musical-oriented youth drama that had no energy, passion and rhythm. Thank you Kang Min Hyuk for making me smile though.

Taiwanese Corner :

Title : 100% SENORITA (Twin Sisters)
Genre : Romance, Drama
Episodes : 40 / Network : GTV (November, 2004)
Rating : 9/8

- A heiress in a big company hired a girl who identically looks like her to pretend to be her when her face got damaged and changed because of an accident planned by her own boyfriend. Story is tight, cast are wonderful and romance is engrossing.

Title : AT THE DOLPHIN BAY
Genre : Romance
Episodes : 28 / Network : SET TV (2003)
Rating : 8/7

- A tale of two immortal lovers that fight for their love against all odds. Aside from the romance, different kinds and degrees of love are also shown. The plot is well-written and the musical score is memorable. I love the male leads the most!

Title : AUTUMN'S CONCERTO
Genre : Romance
Episodes : 21 / SET TV (Oct.2009-Feb.2010)
Rating : 9/7

- What the mind forgets, the heart remembers. It is the same-old and familiar amnesia catastrophe but the heart-melting scenarios and well-acted cast make the drama fresh and intense. Plus the adorable child actor adds charm to the upbringing of the show.

Title : BLACK & WHITE
Genre : Action, Romance
Episodes : 24
Network : PTS (Apr-June.2009)
Rating : 7/7

- A naughty, luxurious and playboy cop meets a serious, short-tempered and tough police. It rocks the action but sucks in romance. The police cases are great but the love line is so confusing and complicated.

Title : CORNER WITH LOVE

Genre : Romance, Comedy

Episodes : 16 / Network : CTV (Jan.-April 2007)

Rating : 7/6

- There's more story than the "poor-boy-meets-rich-girl" premise. I had the interest about this solely because I badly miss Barbie Xu due to my post-Meteor Garden obsession and I can't believe that this will introduce me to another must-watch talented actor named Show Luo.

Title : DEVIL BESIDE YOU
Genre : Romance, Comedy
Episodes : 14 / Network : CTV (June-Sept. 2005)
Rating : 7/7

- I am not a huge fan of bad boys but Mike He breathed life to his devilish role in an irresistible way that I can't possibly say no to him. Love is sure twisted especially if the object of your attraction turns out to be your new step-sibling out of your parent's new marriage.

Title : DOWN WITH LOVE

Genre : Romance, Comedy

Episodes : 16 / Network : CTV (Jan.-May 2010)

Rating : 6/4

- The recycled and draggy conflicts of the story in the later part ruined the exciting chemistry of the main couple. The first half of the drama is positively farcical but the writer's intention to elongate the series resulted to lack of creativeness that made the show a flop.

Title : FATED TO LOVE YOU
Genre : Romance, Comedy
Episodes : 24 / Network : SETTV (March-Aug. 2008)
Rating : 9/9

- No matter how slapstick the comedy turned out and no matter how ridiculously repetitive the couple played tug-of-war, this love story still deserved the title of 2008 Best Taiwanese Drama. The record-breaking rating of this show proves that it's popcorn worth to watch.

Title : HANA KIMI

Genre : Romance, Comedy

Episodes : 15 / GTV (Nov.2006-March 2007)

Rating : 9/7

- Back in high school, I can still remember my student-self always rushing to go home after my last class so that I can reach the dubbed version in our local channel on-time. That's how hilariously playful and cute this drama is. Wu Chun's mere presence is more than enough!

Title : HI, MY SWEETHEART

Genre : Romance, Comedy

Episodes : 14 / Network : GTV (Nov.2009-Jan.2010)

Rating : 8/7

- This is a certified drama crack of mine! The funny antics of the wacky pair delivers the jokey story a side-splitting entertainment. In this rom-com, Rainie Yang is at her best appearance, Show Lo re-defines himself in my actor dictionary and Pink Panther steals the show.

Title : HONEY AND CLOVER

Genre : Romance

Episodes : 14 / Network : GTV (May-Aug. 2008)

Rating : 7/5

- Thanks to this show, I got to know my favorite Janine Chang, got a glimpse of my Joe Cheng and got to see Eddie Peng for the first time. This live-action adaptation of the manga with the same title is the one nearest in my heart among the other versions.

Title : HOT SHOT

Genre : Romance, Comedy, Sports

Episodes : 16 / Network : CTV (July-Nov. 2008)

Rating : 7/6

- Add burning basketball action with sizzling hot players to get a combustible screen. I don't really care about the romance of the story because I don't have any will to share three handsome guys with anyone. This is good, though sometimes the court stunts went over-board

Title : IN TIME WITH YOU

Genre : Romance

Episodes : 13 / Network : FTV (Sept-Dec. 2011)

Rating : 10/10

- A passive but romantic hero who secretly loves his dominant and opinionated best friend for 15 years : This is the most realistic, natural and sincere series I've ever watched in my entire Asian drama viewing that owns me wholeheartedly. It delivers the best finale ever!

Title : IT STARTED WITH A KISS

Genre : Romance, Comedy

Episodes : 30 / Network : CTV (Sept 2005-Feb. 2006)

Rating : 10/10

- When I said that the Korean Playful Kiss is the most visually impressive, it doesn't mean that it is the best version because this Taiwanese adaptation owns the crown. No one beats the clueless, optimistic and jolly Xiang Qin and her serious genius and stiff love, Zhi Shu.

Title : LAVENDER

Genre : Romance

Episodes : 10 / Network : SETTV (Dec. 2001)

Rating : 8/7

- This sentimental series is included in the earliest line-up of dramas that I watched in our local channel when I was still in grade school. The remarkable performance of the cast, the smooth mood development of the story and the ear-sticking music made this mushy drama a success.

Title : LOVE OR BREAD

Genre : Romance, Comedy

Episodes : 12 / Network : GTV (Nov.2008-Feb.2009)

Rating : 4/3

- Love and hate are the two sides of this show. I gave my heart in this because it reunited my favorite Taiwanese pair but the show ripped it into pieces when they molded and turned Joe Cheng into a frivolous, lazy and broke Cai Jin Lai. To hell with the irritating story here!

Title : MARS

Genre : Romance, Action, Suspense

Episodes : 21 / Network : CTS (Aug.2004)

Rating : 8/7

- If you want to keep me sane, don't ever bring Vic Zhou and Barbie Xu again in my screen romancing each other in another drama. This dream couple of mine delivered an astounding chemistry in a dark, mature, sometimes creepy but always intense and heartfelt series called MARS.

Title : METEOR GARDEN

Genre : Romance, Drama, Comedy

Episodes :  27 / Network : CTS (April-Aug.2001)

Rating : 10/10

- No other Asian series can compare the depth of emotion I invested for this drama. If only watching this would make one earns money then probably, I am now a millionaire for the countless times I've watched this show. First love never dies and so does my eternal love for Meteor Garden.

Title : METEOR GARDEN 2

Genre : Romance, Drama, Comedy

Episodes :  31 / Network : CTS (Nov-Dec.2002)

Rating : 8/6

- I cursed and buried the word "amnesia" in my vocabulary because of this sequel. Why did they drag this memory loss tragedy for so long that it became a wound that kept on getting deeper every episode. But still, my ardent love for this show fought real hard and won in the end.

Title : METEOR RAIN

Genre : Romance

Episodes : 3 / Network : CTS (2001)

Rating : 7/7

- A delightful supplementary mini-series that projects three different stand-alone chapters focusing  the life of Mei Zuo, Xi Men and Dao Ming Zi individually. The side stories that happened at different times are really interesting especially the part of Xi Men and Xiao You.

Title : MISS NO GOOD

Genre : Romance, Comedy

Episodes : 14 / Network : CTS (Sept-Dec. 2008)

Rating : 6/6

- A bubbly fashion murderer meets a stern fashion police. The make-over deal of the two is the biggest and silliest challenge of the show. Watching the over-the-top-comedy brings some fun slack entertainment, though I don't find any visible flying spark between the main pair.

Title : MY LUCKY STAR

Genre : Romance

Episodes :  20 / Network : SETTV (March-July 2007)

Rating : 7/7

- This Taiwanese-Korean drama collaboration worked fine for me. I wasn't even aware until I watched it halfway that the female lead is a Korean actress. The steady-pace, compelling chemistry, lovely scenarios and well-casted characters made this drama a jewel in its own right.

Title : MY MVP VALENTINE

Genre : Romance, Sports

Episodes :  28 / Network : SETTV (2002)

Rating : 3/4

- Do you know what will be the product when a drama tries too hard to imitate the magic of Meteor Garden mixing it with Slam Dunk action using raw talents from an idol boy band but fails in the end? Watch this show and you'll get the whole picture.

Title : REAL LOVE PLEASE PRESS THE BELL TWICE

Genre : Romance

Episodes :  15 / Network : CTS (2011)

Rating : 5/3

- If a fatally-flawed drama like this presses the doorbell of your house, don't open even your window. The outrageous plot murdered the lively chemistry of the main couple. Randomness all over the story, it seemed like the writer was drunk when she wrote the script for this.

Title : ROMANTIC PRINCESS

Genre : Romance, Comedy

Episodes :  13 / Network : GTV (Sept-Dec. 2007)

Rating : 5/4

- I watched this for Wu Chun and the Cinderella setting, dropped it for the messy writing then picked it up again for Calvin Chen. This is the outcome when a fairy writer suddenly turned into a wicked stepmom lacking ideas on how to make and break spells that she created herself.

Title : SILENCE

Genre : Romance

Episodes :  20 / Network : CTV (May-Sept. 2006)

Rating : 9/8

- Though this drama lacks one character's voice, the story shouts a resounding romance that brings nostalgia in your screen. The poignant memories of this heart-splitting series still linger in my head. It makes sign language so sweet and moving that you'll be inspired to learn it.

Title : SUMMER DESIRE

Genre : Romance

Episodes :  14 / Network : FTV (May-Aug. 2010)

Rating : 7/7

- Want a bumpy ride that will make you clueless about the destination? Follow the road trip of these threesome having burning desires all sitting on the front seat. This is one of those rare dramas that will require you not to predict things because there's a tricky twist in every turn.

(I ALSO WATCH JAPANESE DRAMAS but right now, I can't find enough time to include them here. This list is still on-going and my Taiwanese corner is not yet complete : to be continued . . . )