My Top 10 Underrated Korean Dramas

So here are ten of my favorite Korean dramas that no one talks about! I've given you my rating next to the title, but do not pay too much attention to that. They're not all 5 stars, but I still enjoyed them and they're ones that I still think about today!

Of course I'm posting this on a Friday to give you something to binge over the weekend.

If you've seen any or want to, let me know.

1. What's Up, Fox? | ☆☆☆☆☆ | Aired: 2006 | Watch on: Viki or Dramafever
   I have no idea why I started this drama. I guess it just sounded interesting, but I'm glad I did. Chun Jung Myung became a favorite for me after this one. This also has one of my favorite OST's in a drama. The song styles are very different from anything else--very indie vibe. I watched this so long ago, that I don't know how I would feel about it now.  But when I did watch it, I loved it. Give it a shot!
2. Haundae Lovers | ☆☆☆½ | Aired: 2012 | Watch on: Dramafever
   Don't let that lower rating fool you, I did enjoy this drama. It was cheesy as hell, but there was something about it that I absolutely loved. I remember hating this drama the first few episodes, but I kept on going, and I'm glad I did. This is an amnesia drama (ew), but the drama started getting better after the lead male loses his memory. And for whatever reason, I'll always remember my favorite scene, using my favorite Korean quote (I just like the way it sounds): "머리부터 발끝까지." Which translates to "from head to toe." But the best part is when he regains his memory. . . you'll just have to watch.
3. I Do, I Do | ☆☆☆☆☆½ | Aired: 2012 | Watch on: Viki or Dramafever
   No one, and I mean no one I talk to or even on tumblr has seen this drama....WHY!? I fricking loved it. I loved the role reversal, rich woman, poor guy, older woman, the chemistry, the fun! I mean, the dude carries a freaking table umbrella for her! I feel like that because this drama is not widely talked about or highly rated, Lee Jang Woo has not had another lead role. But he needs it. He's so frickin' adorable! And he saved the drama Bel Ami for me, because whoo that was a bad one! Let me know what you think! (And yes, that is 5 and a half stars)
4. 49 Days | ☆☆☆☆☆ | Aired: 2011  | Watch on: Dramafever
   I have only watched a very very small handful of melodramas, I cannot stand them. But even though this is classified as one, I wouldn't call it one. It never dragged and it kept you guessing and rooting for the female lead to win in the end. This does border on fantasy with a spirit inhabiting another woman's body for 49 days while said spirit's body is in a coma. There are a lot of sad moments, but also a lot of lighter moments. And you get Jung Il Woo. So...you're welcome!
5. Ex-Girlfriend Club | ☆☆☆☆☆ | Aired: 2015 | Watch on: Viki or Dramafever
   I need more from this lead right now! I adored him in this drama. His physical acting is perfect. Song Ji Hyo is amazing, Lee Yoon Ji's facial expressions are fantastic. This cast is just so so good! The chemistry between all of them is so good. I remember seeing one gif set on Tumblr and decided to give it a try. Uggghhh, so glad I did. I need Byun Yo Han in another romcom--like now! There are only 12 episodes, so you'll fly right through this one.
6. Hogu's Love (or Fool's Love) | ☆☆☆☆½  | Aired: 2016 | Watch on: Dramafever
   Choi Woo Sik and UEE, need I say more? I probably do... I watched this drama with my little brother and nephew. They were so into it, I rarely had to read the subtitles for them. We all three laughed, cried and just loved this show to pieces. Why is there not more love for it!? As with many dramas, the plot is a bit far fetched, but it is well done, imo! This writer also did one of the best dramas of 2017, Because This is My First Life. She's very into the whole feminist thing. Sooo I already love her!
7. Heart to Heart | ☆☆☆☆½ | Aired: 2015 | Watch on: Viki or Dramafever
   I went in to this drama because of Chun Jung Myung, but came out the biggest fangirl for Lee Jae Yoon. Holy guacamole, I'm obsessed!! I related to this main girl so hard. I'm very introverted, but I know I need to go out in the world to work. Unfortunately, I can't disguise myself as an old lady, nor am I going to meet two super cute guys who will swoon after me. But a girl can dream, eh? Choi Kang Hee can hold her own in a drama. She's such a versatile actress.*Squeals* It's just so cute.
8. Lucky Romance | ☆☆☆☆☆ | Aired: 2016 | Watch on: Viki
   Talk about a surprising drama. The synopsis makes it sound like such a whiny melo drama that I would give 3-4 episodes and give up. I needed to watch Hwang Jung Eum in something else after She Was Pretty (which was a major let down), so I gave this one a shot. And...the feels. All the feels. She's so dedicated to helping her sister, but her heart wants more out of life, and you just feel for this girl! Especially when she meets someone like the lead male, who gave me Sheldon vibes, but cuter and less annoying. An all around fun ride. 
9. Save Me | ☆☆☆☆½ | Aired: 2017 | Watch on: Dramafever
   I just finished this drama a couple of weeks ago, so I'm not sure if I should really put this on this list. But if you want something that's different than your typical romcom, this might be for you. Action, suspense, friendship, and thrill--scare factor in the real world sense, not ghost sense. This is just about a group of guys trying to help a girl who is trapped in a religious cult. I'll be honest, I went in to this because of Ok Taecyeon, my ultimate bias, but that thought left my head once I got into it. It did take a few episodes, honestly about halfway through, before I really got into it. The country(Busan) accent in Korea is sometimes absolutely unbearable, but I got over it and started focusing on the content. Gosh this drama was so creepy and good!! Though there isn't any romance, it is implied. I will note there are scenes of suicide, almost rape and captivity. Just a warning!
10. Oh My Venus | ☆☆☆☆☆☆ | Aired: 2015 | Watch on: Viki or Dramafever
    Ohhhh man, let's talk about this one! I can't even form words for this drama. Everything that frustrates you in a drama doesn't happen here. Something happens between the couple that would normally pull them apart, pushes them together. They fight for each other with each other. The amount of skinship, kissing, romance, real love is just...yesss! If Shin Min Ah wasn't with Kim Woo Bin (get well), I'd say she needs to be with So Ji Sub, because that chemistry ya'll. The people surrounding Kim Young Ho are amazing, and Kang Joo Eun's feisty attitude is everything. There are some of the best gifs from this drama, if you don't mind a little spoilery (honestly it's just some incentive to make you watch) then click here!! We won't talk about the fact that when the lead is "overweight" her dimple goes away, because that's not how that works. But everything else. Yes!

Okay, that's it! Those are my Top 10 Underrated dramas!
If you were to ask me which of these I would go back and rewatch, I would say:
Hogu's Love, Whats Up, Fox?, and Oh My Venus. I would rewatch them all, but those are the ones that really stuck with me. Let me know what you think, and happy new year.

If you'd like to see a list of every (mostly) drama I've seen and my rating,
click here!

Drama of the Week - Two Cops

»Two Cops | 투깝스«

Genre: Crime/Romantic/Comedy/Sci-Fi | Episodes: 32 [35min each]
Air day: Mon & Tue | Air dates: 11.27.17 to 01.16.2018
Starring: Jo Jong Suk, Hyeri, Kim Sun Ho, Hoya

It's Friday, so I'm giving you my drama recommendation of the week. Just in time for a weekend binge!! I can't remember when I first noticed this drama, or why I decided to start watching, but I'm so so glad I did. It is so good!! Jo Jong Suk has officially become one of my favorite male actors. He is such a good versatile actor! And Hoya and Hyeri are in this?! #Win.
The episodes are about 35min each, so you feel like they're going by faster as you watch. I ended up watching all 20 episodes in two days! I can't think of anything I do not like about this!! I cannot find a single synopsis that does this drama justice. Which is probably why it took me so long to get to it. Just ask me about it, if you'd like!! I highly recommend this one.

Summary of the drama:

This is a story about a swindler who is forced to share the body of a justice-loving detective in the Violent Crimes Unit. This drama depicts an interesting collaboration between two ill-matched individuals who work together to fight for justice. On top of this, a cheeky, female reporter joins them on their investigation to solve crimes. As individuals, the three of them may lack in many ways, but as one, they are the most invincible and hilarious heroes there can be.

You can watch on: Viki
(you have to have a full pass to watch every episode. I had to find the remaining episodes on other sites.)

What dramas do I need to check out?! Let me know, below!

Drama Review: WEIGHTLIFTING FAIRY KIM BOK JOO

Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo

Original Title: 역도요정 김복주
Language: Korean
Genre: Romance, Comedy
Watched On: Viki
Number of Episodes: 16

Overall: ☆☆☆☆☆

Summary: What else could there be to life than barbells and heavy weights? Kim Bok Joo (Lee Sung Kyung) is a weightlifting phenom who has only focused on barbells her entire life while growing up with her father, Kim Chang Gul (Ahn Gil Kang), is a former weightlifter. She attends Hanwool College of Physical Education, a university full of top-notch athletes who are driven to succeed in the hopes of representing their country in national and international competitions. She went to the same elementary school as Jung Joon Hyung (Nam Joo Hyuk) but reunites with him in college. He is now a competitive swimmer who is having trouble recovering from the trauma of being disqualified for a false start in his first international swim competition. Song Shi Ho (Kyung Soo Jin) is a fiercely competitive rhythmic gymnast who won a silver medal at the Asian Games when she was 18, but the pressures of her sport drive her to break up with Joon Hyung. Bok Joo’s tunnel-vision life starts to change when she falls in love with Joon Hyung’s older cousin, Jung Jae Yi (Lee Jae Yoon), a former athlete who became an obesity doctor after suffering a career-ending injury. Will Bok Joo learn that there is more to life than weightlifting? “Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo” is a 2016-2017 South Korean drama series directed by Oh Hyun Jong. The story is inspired by the life of weightlifter Jang Mi Ran, who won the gold medal in the 2008 Summer Olympics, the gold medal in the 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games, and four world championships.

I'll try to write this review without being completely gushy... but let's be real here! I honestly didn't know how well I would like this drama, I only went into it because of Lee Jae Yoon--who isn't even a lead--and Nam Joo Jyuk. But dammit if every single character wasn't just 👌!!

My first issue with this drama was the casting of the female lead; she does not look like a competing weight lifter, and I thought that would annoy me the whole time. But Lee Sung Kyung's acting made up for it on so many levels. The writing of the drama made up for it. Bok Joo is a kind, caring and hard working person. The lead male Joon Hyung does nothing but support her and their friends throughout the entire drama. The family dynamic behind the drama is A+ as well.
I can only find one thing to fault this drama and that's the lack of actual schooling considering they're college students...but everything else is just so so good that there's no point!
I cried so many times in this drama, laughed, squealed and just felt the intense feels! One of my favorite parts of this drama from any drama ever is the portrayal of someone being depressed--what that feeling is really like. And the fact that the people surrounding this character didn't shun her for it, but supported her so much was absolutely beautiful! That's the best way to describe this drama...beautiful. I highly highly recommend it!

I looked into the other dramas that this writer has worked on and two of them are also some of my all time favorites (Oh My Ghostess and High School King of Savvy), so it's no suprise that this drama was as good as it was. I cannot wait to see more from Yang Hee Seung.

Have you seen this drama? What is one of your recent faves, please let me know!

Drama of the Week - Fated to Love You [Korean Version]

» Fated to Love You  |  운명처럼 널 사랑해«

I've watched the original Taiwanese version of this drama and absolutely loved it. In fact it's probably my second favorite Taiwanese drama [right after Devil Beside You]. When I read that there would a Korean version, I was both nervous and excited. I feel like Korean dramas just aren't as free as Taiwanese ones... especially in the touchy feely, sexy, lovey dovey parts.

I've watched the first two episodes and I can tell I will like it, but I'm still not sure if I'll love it. I don't feel like the lead male fits the part. [I think that Choi Jin Hyuk would have been better as the lead and not a second character, or Goong Yoo, Lee Dong Wook, So Ji Sub, Cha Seung Won...] Although it could just be his hair. In the original the lead is said to have "curly hair"...(well, it's not) so I guess they were going for that sort of statement.

Either way, I just hope this lives up to the original! Have you started watching? And have you watched the original? (If not, get on it! Watch the original on Dramafever, Viki, Hulu.)

Summary of the drama:

Making a mistake after having way too many drinks can change everything. Lee Gun (Jang Hyuk) is the successor to a large company run by his family. Kim Mi Young (Jang Na Ra) is an average-looking secretary in a law firm who earned the nickname “Post-It” for her inability to say no to her colleagues who dump work on her. When the two cross paths one night after having too much to drink, they end up having a one-night stand. When Mi Young finds out afterwards that she is pregnant, what will become of them? And will Nam Se Ra (Wang Ji Won) and Daniel (Choi Jin Hyuk) just stand by and let Gun and Mi Young deal with the situation in their own way? “Fated to Love You (Korean Version)” is a 2014 South Korean drama series that is a remake of the popular 2008 Taiwanese drama by the same title.

This drama is posted every Wednesday and Thursday.
If you'd like to watch too, and get totally hooked, check out these websites with English subtitles: Viki

Drama of the Week - My Love from the Stars

» My Love from the Stars | 별에서 온 그대 «

I have been waiting for a drama with Kim Soo Hyun for a very long time. I'm not a fan of historical dramas, so I avoided his last one, Moon That Embraces the Sun.
I read the synopsis for this one and instantly got extremely excited. It kind of sounded like a Superman-esque vibe and for that reason alone, I was sold. 

This is definitely the best thing I've watched since The Master's Sun. Kim Soo Hyun's character, Do Min Joon is actually an alien who has been stuck on this planet for 400 years and he's more than ready to return home. He's done everything from being a doctor, to a lawyer, and now a professor. Now that he may actually be able to go back to his planet, he meets the crazy, funny and adorable actress Cheon Song Yi [played by Jeon Ji Hyun] and he slowly becomes attached to her. 

Min Joon's apartment is absolutely breathtaking. The library he has is to die for. 400 years of collecting books? Let me in there!! I would feel like Belle in Beauty & the Beast, with a slightly smaller room!
This drama is on every Wednesday & Thursday; there are only 3 episodes left until the finale. *bites nails*

Summary of the drama:

Do Min-Joon is an alien who landed on Earth 400 years ago during the Joseon Dynasty period. Do Min-Joon possesses a near perfect appearance and enhanced physical abilities involving his vision, hearing and speed.
Do Min-Joon holds a cynical view to human beings, but he falls in love with actress Cheon Song-Yi.

via: asianwiki.com

If you'd like to watch too, and get totally hooked, check out these sites with English subtitles: Viki | Dramafever | Hulu

If you're enjoying this drama as well; please tell me what you think!! ^_^"

Drama of the Week - The Master's Sun

»The Master's Sun | 주군의 태양«

In Korean dramas, directors and writers fall into trends. Historical, time travel, body switching medical... and ghosts. When I first read about this one, it didn't appeal to me until I saw the cast. Seo In Guk. Gong Hyo Jin. Those two were the deciding factors for me and funny enough, they're not even the reason I continued to watch.
I love the way this drama is put together! It is adorable, funny, dramatic and a bit thrilling (or scary to others... but I don't get scared so I just kind of feel a thrill when some of the very well acted ghosts show up), as well as visually stimulating. The cinematography of this one is just beautiful to look at. Including the ghosts. The chemistry between Gong Hyo Jin's character, Tae Gong Sil and So Ji Sub's character, Joo Joong Won is palpable. Tae Gong Sil can see ghosts and it actually frightens her until she meets Joo Joong Won. I love that the only reason she really wants to stay beside him is because his physical touch makes the ghosts disappear. So her romantic focus is on Seo In Guk's character Kang Woo. But with any drama, something sketchy is going on with him and 6 episodes in, I'm still unsure what/who he is.
[l-r in the pic: Tae Yi Ryung, Tae Gong Sil, Joo Joong Won, Kang Woo.]
Tae Yi Ryung's character is kind of witchy, but I can't help but like her. Even if the only reason she's around is to bring down Tae Gong Sil for a few reasons I won't spoil.
This drama is currently airing (every Wednesday and Thursday) and we are up to episode 6. I am watching another ghost drama, Who Are You, but between the two... this one is my favourite! Start this drama now!

Summary of the drama:

The Hong Sisters, famed romantic-comedy screenwriters, flirt with horror in this unique take on opposites. Joo Joong Won (So Ji Sub) is a rapacious CEO who is only concerned about money. His secretary, Tae Gong Sil (Gong Hyo Jin), is a dark and reticent insomniac who is burdened with the ability to see ghosts. Joong Won and Gong Sil are an unlikely duo in every regard, but they share one thing in common: they are both intensely crippled personalities that need a lot of help. Can the money hungry Joong Won recognize priorities beyond the dollar sign, and can the lonely Gong Sil ever live a life without fear? Together, strange as it may be, it’s possible in this unique dance between yin and yang.

If you'd like to watch too, and get totally hooked, check out these sites with English subtitles: Viki | Dramafever | Hulu

If you're enjoying this drama as well; please tell me what you think!! ^_^"

Drama of the Week - Level 7 Civil Servant

» Level 7 Civil Servant | 7급 공무원 «

I tried to watch the first episode of this drama and gave up because it bored me. I wanted to like it because I liked the lead female, Choi Kang Hee, in Protect the Boss. But after about 20 minutes I gave up. Being addicted to Tumblr and following a few Kdrama related blogs means I get gifs, photosets and screencaps from a lot of dramas. There were plenty that kept showing up for this one, so I decided to give it another shot and ended up watching the first 8 episodes in just about 3 days! It is seriously hilarious and adorable. I thought the NIS aspect was going to be too much. Too much action, drama, yawnnn... but it actually adds to the comedy and sometimes, the drama is a nice break.
Definitely a win, and I'm going to continue watching this one!

There is romance, comedy and just enough action and drama to balance it all out. I don't necessarily see a lot of connection between the actors, but it's so adorable that I end up looking past that and just enjoy the show.
If you're a fan of the Kpop group, 2PM, you'll be happy to know the member Chansung is in this drama as well. I'm not in love with his character, but I don't mind looking at him. ;-)

Summary of the drama:

Love and espionage collide in this drama of the National Intelligence Service’s rookie agents. Han Gil Ro (Joo Won) realizes his dream of becoming an international man of mystery, after a childhood spent pouring over James Bond films. Kim Seo Won (Choi Kang Hee) spices things up as a goofy, yet determined agent, but it's not all 007 glamor. Both Gil Ro and Seo Won must learn what it takes to uphold their sworn duty, even at the sacrifice of their happiness — and lives.

If you'd like to watch too, and get totally hooked, check out these websites with English subtitles: Dramafever | Hulu

Drama of the Week - School 2013

»SCHOOL 2013 | 학교 2013«

I'm currently watching two dramas that are weekly dramas, meaning I get a new episode and then have to wait a week for the next ones...So to fill that time [because I totally needed to], I picked a drama that had every episode released, but was still new.
I had watched the first couple of episodes of the Korean drama, 학교 (or School) 2013 when it was airing, and liked it well enough, but not enough to want  to wait every single week, so I stopped. After seeing a ton of gifs on tumblr I knew I had to continue with the show. And I am so glad I did.

The show is not a romance drama, at all. [Of course that may change.] It's just a teen drama with a bit of comedy. Luckily it's not a melodrama, it seemed to be a melodrama season in Korea. I love the characters, especially Teacher Jung (and her amazing variety of boots), Go Nam Soon, Song Ha Kyung & Lee Kang Ju. Their other teacher, Teacher Kang was fun at first, but now he just seems like a pretentious douche.

There is action, comedy and lots of friendship and drama. I'm only about 10 episodes in, [of 17 episodes] but I am hooked!

Here's a quick summary of the drama:

Story about Seungri high, a troublesome school that houses students from the most eligible to the most problematic. 'School 2013' shows different life stories of teachers and students as they grow up through conflicts and compromises.

If you'd like to watch too, and get totally hooked, check out these websites with English subtitles: Dramafever | Viki | Hulu

If you watch (or have already watched), make sure to tell me what you think!

K-DRAMA REVIEW: King of Dramas

The King of Dramas

Korean Title: 드라마의재왕
Genre: Romance, comedy, drama.
Number of Episodes: 18
Watch on: Dramafever | Viki
Starring: Kim Myung-min, Jung Ryeo-won, Choi Siwon, Oh Ji-eun, Jung Man-shik.

Synopsis: Set against the backdrop of the Korean entertainment business, The King of Dramas revolves around Anthony Kim (Kim Myung-min), the brilliant CEO of a drama production company who will do anything and everything for the sake of money, fame and success. He is known to possess the Midas touch as he has created blockbuster dramas and Hallyu stars. When a death on the set precipitates his fall from grace, Anthony attempts to regain his former status by putting the drama Kyungsung Morning on air. And to accomplish that, he needs the help of idealistic Lee Go-eun (Jung Ryeo-won), who dreams of becoming a top writer someday, and the handsome but egoistic actor Kang Hyun-min (Choi Siwon).

Thoughts: *WARNING: Some of the pics towards the end may be a spoiler*

When I first started this drama, I expected it to be a romantic comedy, but the first five minutes are nothing but action and excitement. Meeting Anthony, I wasn't sure if I'd like him, he seemed to be quite an ass. He lied to Lee Go-eun to get her to help him with a drama then makes a man drive way over the speed limit to get the tape to the studio in time, which resuted in his death.
He is fired, obviously, and I thought it rather funny. I did not care for his selfishness.
Lee Go-eun was immediately a favorite, if not for her character, than her fantastic hair! Seriously, I was jealous the entire 18 episodes.
I digress.

Lee Go-Eun is an aspiring writer and wants nothing more than to get her drama on the air. After a promise from Anthony that he'll get it on the air if she helps him, she believes her dreams are coming true. But of course, being the selfish one he is, he lied to her. And I lost a little more faith in him.

Things started picking up when Anthony decides he will use her drama and does everything he possibly can, despite his nemesis every attempt to bring him down, to get this drama on air. They go on a hunt to find the biggest stars in Korea. Enter Choi Siwon and his character Kang Hyun-min, and now we finally have the comedic relief. His laugh. His faces. His body. [Whoa there.] And his excessive use of the phrase "Oh my God, Jesus Christ."
Almost every other drama Choi Siwon has played in, he's been the lead actor, so it was nice to see him in a completely new role while not being the lead. He's probably my favorite singer-to-actor in Kpop, so of course I was excited to see him in this.

When they finally get their leading lady, the gorgeous Sung Min-ah--who happens to be with a rival company as well as Anthony's ex (hello drama)--they have all they need to make the drama.
And finally I start to get a feel for Anthony being a human with feelings after we meet his blind mother and learn about how much he struggled in the past without a father.

The romance in this drama seems obvious but at the same time isn't quite canon, and for a lot of the drama I really didn't know who would end up with whom or if there would ever actually be a full on romance.  With that being said, I loved when Lee Go-eun spent any time with Anthony and the very....very rare times she was with Kang Hyun-min were as entertaining. He always managed to make a joke, even if she didn't find it funny, and he always made me laugh.

Towards the end when I heard there would be an extension from 16 to 18 episodes, I wasn't very happy. It's very rarely a good thing. They end up stretching things out and adding a plot that is so left field it makes you wonder if they changed writers, directors, locations, actors or if it's all a joke.
But to my relief, though there was a plot change, it was actually nice. I was expecting one thing to happen and they completely surprised me. Anthony learns devastating news and I was just sure everything would work out how he thought it would. But surprisingly, it didn't...but that didn't stop a beautiful ending. I got a little emotional, but no tears were shed.

The bickering between Sung Min-ah and Kang Hyun-min is perfect. The relationship between Lee Go-eun and Anthony was perfect.

 

At the end of the drama, I was satisfied. I felt like I got a full drama and I couldn't really think of anything that was left unsaid or open ended. I plan on watching more dramas starring all of these actors, especially the lead actors!

Rating:½