Dramas/Drama Specials completed in 2024
Dramas (32) / Drama Specials (13) completed (in order of rating) with links to posts/comments.
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1. Unmet: Aru Nogekai no Nikki
Japanese Drama - 2024, 11 episodes
Masterfully crafted in any way: neatly written, exemplary produced, exquisitely acted, this drama is a wonderful, wholesome journey of romance, friendship and camaraderie full of heart, hope, humanity and healing.
Sugisaki Hana and Wakaba Ryuya were fantastic in their roles and their chemistry dominated the screen every time they appeared together.
Highly recommended!
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2. Pu Kou Shan Liang Te Wo Men
Taiwanese Drama - 2024, 8 episodes
A wholesome women-centered story with a raw, painfully realistic depiction of their relationships, love and work life, growing and aging, inner thoughts and demons.
A beautifully crafted study on choices and decisions, lingering feelings and regrets, as well as an honest take on women's insecurities, anxiety, rivalry and competitiveness - and the 'ugly' side of their marriage, family and work environment.
Ariel Lin and Tiffany Hsu were fantastic in their demanding and very complicated roles, while their chemistry and bonding was more impressive than any romance.
A perfect drama about imperfect people.
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3. Ossan's Love Returns
Japanese Drama - 2024, 9 episodes
This series is one of the best rom-coms (not just BL, but rom-com in general) Japan has to offer.
Heartwarming slice of life, cute romance, adorable friendship and bonding, all presented in a refreshingly funny and touching way.
Tanaka Kei, with his animated, cute and over-dramatic reactions, expressions and inner monologues was the star of the 1st season, but this time Yoshida Kotaro and his unique mannerisms was also a real delight.
The addition of Iura Arata and Miura Shohei's characters was a pleasant surprise and inserted some interesting dynamics in the plot.
Highly recommended!
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4. Kinou Nani Tabeta? Season 2
Japanese Drama - 2023, 12 episodes
A great continuation of a heart-warming rom-com about a mature gay couple in a long-term relationship, in a realistic, honest and emotionally deep depiction, without the usual fluffy, fan-servicing and exaggerated situations found in most BL mass-production dramas, cleverly seasoned with slice of life elements and delicious food.
Wholeheartedly recommended!
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5. Shinnyushatachi no Bansan
Japanese Special - 2024, 1 episode
Bakarhythm never fails to deliver unexpected and very entertaining stories.
Witty and quirky black comedy with brilliant matter-of factly dialogues, a well-matched cast and some clever plot-twists that no one could see coming.
Highly recommended!
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6. Kotaro wa 1ri Kurashi
Japanese Drama - 2021, 10 episodes
A wholesome found family story, with a wonderful bonding and some bittersweet life lessons.
Kawahara Eito as Kotaro was the cutest bundle of joy, the brightest ray of sunshine, and a catalyst that led to a significant character growth for all the people around him.
Highly recommended!
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7. The Killer's Shopping Mall
Korean Drama - 2024, 8 episodes
Fast-paced, action-packed and full of tension story of survival, revenge and camaraderie.
An unusual but very engaging plot with beautifully built suspense -through flashbacks, bits of information and background stories-, amazing action scenes and a great cast made this short drama a pleasant surprise and a bingeable watch.
P.S. 1 Amazing performance from Kim Hye Joon
P.S. 2 Lee Dong Wook should do more dark roles than romcoms.
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8. Say You Love Me
Korean Drama - 2023, 16 episodes
Delicate, subtle, healing and mellow.
With soothing silences, poetic words and genuine feelings, this was a slow-paced romance story, as well as a slice-of-life and character study that focused on the value of friendship, communication and second chances.
Superb acting from Jung Woo Sung, who could convey all his emotions without speaking a single word, and wonderful cinematography that complimented elegantly this down-to-earth and heartwarming melodrama.
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9. Dominant Species
Korean Drama - 2024, 10 episodes
With an intriguing and thought-provoking premise, compelling storytelling and exceptional production, as well as exceptionally written characters and acting - and a sizzling chemistry with subtle but strong romance vibes, this drama was a pleasant surprise and a great addition to the thriller/sci-fi genre.
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10. Drama Special Season 14: Half a Lie
Korean Special - 2023, 1 episode
A heartwarming family story with two adorable little girls, and some great family and friendship bonding. Highly recommended!
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11. Analog Squad
Thai Drama - 2023, 8 episodes
An intriguing concept of true love and support among lying, fake family members!
A bittersweet and very touching story of a found family, with a nuanced nostalgic vibe, engaging characters and many strong, heartfelt moments.
Beautifully written, filmed and acted, with well-balanced comic and dramatic moments, this little gem is highly recommended for those who love family and found family tales.
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12. Doki no Sakura
Japanese Drama - 2019, 10 episodes
A delicate and considerate depiction of neurodivergent people, their struggles to fit in their working environment, social relationships and friendships while trying to be real to themselves and follow their dreams and aspirations.
Though sometimes too convenient and simplified, the story does have many life lessons, some great friendship goals and a few very powerful emotional moments.
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13. At the Moment
Taiwanese Drama - 2023, 10 episodes
An interesting omnibus of ten unique love stories and relationships set during the pandemic.
One different take on love per episode: unrequited, reciprocated, forbidden, mature, suffocating, liberating, new or old, ending or blooming.
With a great cast and production, watching those ordinary people struggling through life and yearning for love was time well-spent.
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14. Drama Special Season 14: Confession Attack
Korean Special - 2023, 1 episode
A wholesome and cute story of a fake dating student romance.
Predictable, with many classic romance tropes, but so adorable and very entertaining.
Time well-spent!
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15. Drama Special Season 14: TV Cinema - Shadow Confession
Korean Special - 2023, 1 episode
Three childhood friends balancing between friendship, unrequited love, longing and despair.
A sad, very emotional story, beautifully acted and filmed.
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16. Evol
Japanese Drama - 2023, 6 episodes
An underrated supernatural action story on the surface, but dark, infuriating, desperately painful and heavily emotional underneath. Watch with caution.
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17. Welcome to Samdal-ri
Korean Drama - 2023, 16 episodes
With a superb cast, engaging storylines and the undoubtedly breathtaking beauty of Jeju island with its landscapes, people, traditions and fascinating haenyos, this was a smooth, heartwarming and comforting watch.
In spite of a few over-simplified plot devices and weak character dynamics, this healing slice of life story was engaging, with its strongest elements being the beautiful friendship, camaraderie and family aspects.
Time well-spent.
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18. Tsukuritai Onna to Tabetai Onna Season 2
Japanese Drama - 2024, 20 episodes
Happiness is sharing delicious food with the ones you love!
Soothing and comforting, with a delicate as well as considerate approach to some serious, deep and complicated matters, and a wonderful (even if a bit beautified) depiction of a slow-burn romance and sismance.
Nishino Emi did a fantastic job depicting the fascinating character of Kasuga, with her reserved persona, her pragmatic thoughts and actions, her warm and compassionate feelings, and her sad backstory.
A heartwarming and rewarding watch.
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19. Castaway Diva
Korean Drama - 2023, 12 episodes
An inspirational coming of age / found family story full of dreams, emotions, talent and heart.
Park Eun Bin’s acting and singing performance was exceptional, and the solid core of this powerful yet comfort drama.
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20. Park's Contract Marriage Story
Korean Drama - 2023, 12 episodes
A historical romcom fusion story with some far-fetched inconsistencies and more cringe and melodrama than necessary, but overall enjoyable thanks to the charming and charismatic main leads, as well as the beautiful scenery, settings and hanboks.
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21. Shinobi no ie: House of Ninjas
Japanese Drama - 2024, 8 episodes
Not as fast-paced and action-packed I thought it would be, but still an entertaining, fun watch.
The storytelling might had some issues, the music choices might have been much better, the villains might have been fleshed-out with more depth, but the shinobu family members and their bonding, interactions, secrets and fight scenes were enough reasons to make this refreshing, satirical intake of ninjas' code and life in modern era a pleasant watching experience.
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22. Marry My Husband
Korean Drama - 2024, 16 episodes
An intriguing concept of second chances, revenge and making amends.
Although it had some issues with a few subplots and characters introduced towards the end (e.g. unfortunately it couldn't avoid the trope of a clingy ex), it still was an enjoyable watch, mainly thanks to the scene-stealling antagonists, some interesting supporting characters and their cute romance, as well as the endearing character of Yoo Ji Hyuk, who was by far a rare boyfriend material, and Park Min Young's classy wardrobe.
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23. Flowers that Bloom at Night
Korean Drama - 2024, 12 episodes
A whimsical, entertaining historical drama, with lots of romance and comedy, some scheming and manipulation (as expected from every sageuk), spiced with some action.
Fast paced, light and fun, it was an easy -though not to be taken too seriously and rather predictable- watch.
Lee Ha Nee was a real beauty and delivered her cheeky, witty character in a believable, charismatic way.
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24. Drama Special Season 14: We Were There
Korean Special - 2023, 1 episode
A piercing social commentary on school bullying in a sad story told from the victims and bystanders perspective. Watch with caution.
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25. Drama Special Season 14: Heat Wave Advisory
Korean Special - 2023, 1 episode
A sweet coming-of-age story about a transferred school boy who loves basketball and hates heat.
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26. Drama Special Season 14: Overlap Knife, Knife
Korean Special - 2023, 1 episode
Dark and sad, with some unexpected twists and a compelling story.
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27. Ossan's Love Returns Telasa Spin Off: Forbidden Gout Temps Nouveau
Japanese Special - 2024, 2 episodes
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28. KBS Drama Special 2023
Korean Drama - 2023, 10 episodes
There were some really good episodes/stories in this season.
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29. Chief Inspector
Korean Drama - 2024, 10 episodes
A police investigation story with strong retro vibes, interesting cases and satisfying wrapping up.
Even though I found the comedy elements a bit off sometimes, and Lee Je Hoon overacting and trying too hard from time to time, it was an enjoyable watch with its great bromance and camaraderie being the strongest elements.
The scenes with the original Park Young Han, Choi Bool Am, were the most touching and a clever and valuable addition!
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30. Money Game
Korean Drama - 2024, 8 episodes
A fast-paced and very bingeable death/survival game, showing the depths of human darkness, greed and desperation.
Focused mainly on the graphic depiction of the participants' struggles and mentality rather than their character development and background stories, with some difficult to ignore plot-holes and a lukewarm ending, it was saved by its high production value and exquisite cinematography, as well as the exemplary acting of some of the leads.
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31. Crash
Korean Drama - 2024, 12 episodes
An enjoyable procedural police investigation drama with some thrilling car chase scenes, nice team work and satisfying closure.
This kind of role suit Lee Min Ki perfectly and I'd like to see him in something similar again.
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32. Yunikon ni Notte
Japanese Drama - 2022, 10 episodes
A business drama spiced with friendship, character development and some hints of romance.
Though it had some heartwarming and inspiring moments, it felt bland and predictable, with some unrealistic, too convenient and bubbly situations.
Not bad, but not to be taken too seriously.
Worth watching for its three charming and talented main leads.
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33. LTNS
Korean Drama - 2024, 6 episodes
The provocative premise of a realistic depiction of married couples' everyday struggles, love and sex life, as well as the study of emotional and physical infidelity, fizzled out towards the end, but what kept me invested were the brilliant, bold and brave performances from the main couple, Esom and Ahn Jae Hong, who were very convincing in their demanding, surreal roles.
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34. Drama Special Season 14: Do Hyun's Confession
Korean Special - 2023, 1 episode
A heartwarming and healing story about sports, second chances and sismance bonding.
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35. Drama Special Season 14: Why Did the Lady Give Meat to Madangsoi?
Korean Special - 2023, 1 episode
A simple yet funny story of marital miscommunication and misunderstanding in Joseon era.
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36. Suunjapbang
Korean Special - 2023, 1 episode
Based on true historical events, this is a funny and lighthearted depiction of scholar Kim Yu's coming-of-age journey that led him to write 'Suunjapbang', a cookbook and a national Korean treasure recording the food of early Joseon period.
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37. Wonderful World
Korean Drama - 2024, 14 episodes
An emotional and healing journey of two wounded, mourning people to find truth and justice, through revenge, anger, repentance, forgiveness, and many obstacles on their way.
Kim Nam Joo gave a splendid performance as a mother who tragically lost her precious child, while Cha Eun Woo showed a real effort to improve his acting skills - and that he is maturing to a very handsome and attractive man.
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38. Although I Am Not a Hero
Korean Drama - 2024, 12 episodes
Intriguing premise in a story with an atypical multi-genre blend about a dysfunctional family with various superpowers.
Despite its strong and promising beginning and some very engaging arcs (especially Bok I Na's school life and romance), somewhere in the middle it lost its spark as it relied mainly on the different timelines and an endless back and forth.
And, call me shallow but I have to say it: they did Jang Ki Yong dirty by giving him this awful and very distracting haircut!
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39. The Best Ending
Korean Drama - 2019, 8 episodes
A bingeable short romcom with a cute couple.
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40. Separate Lives at Hyosim's
Korean Drama - 2023, 51 episodes
With too many frustrating characters and substories (especially that one towards the end), this family weekend drama had a lot of potential in the beginning that the writer couldn't fully develop and utilise. Most of the actors did a good job, but eventually this wasn't enough to make this drama a memorable watching experience.
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41. Eye Love You
Japanese Drama - 2024, 10 episodes
In spite of the weak writing, using every japanese and korean trope available, and the annoyingly childish and poorly acted FL character, this was an easy cute and fluffy watch, mainly due to the scene-stealing MVP Chae Jong Hyeop and his charming character.
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42. Ikitoshi Ikerumono
Japanese Special - 2024, 1 episode
An emotionally charged road-trip of two wounded and aching souls, who find solace and purpose in life through their confrontations.
Though it was heavy on dialogues and dealt with many depressing themes, such as terminal illness, euthanasia and trauma, the great cast and especially the strong bromance between Watanabe Ken and Tsumabuki Satoshi, made this an engaging watch.
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43. Mr. Goodbye
Korean Drama - 2006, 16 episodes
A predictable story with many typical cliches of its time, large doses of melodrama and some really unnecessary subplots, this wasn't Lee Bo Yong's best work, and it was worth watching only for Ahn Jae Wook and his charisma.
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44. Drama Special Season 14: The Extreme Night
Korean Special - 2023, 1 episode
A frustrating, sad story where everything that could have gone wrong went wrong.
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45. Young Marshal's Cold Wife
Chinese Drama - 2023, 107 episodes
Low budget, low quality, low logic in a story full of frustration, toxicity and nonsense.