2021 Watched List

Started: 2020   Finished: 1/4

Lee Joon Gi’s performance is the main event (and the little girl is cute). The drama was very emotional all around but the plot was a little heavy handed.

Started: 2020  Finished: 1/13

It’s a drama that plays it safe and was a little too predictable at times, but the lead characters were a nice change from the stereotypical ones and there were a lot of beautiful moments.

Started: 1/14   Finished: 1/20

Didn’t feel any connection to the characters…

Started: 2020   Finished: 1/20

I was looking for an “easy” watch and ended up being pleasantly surprised by this drama.  It’s goofy and fun with just a pinch of heartbreak and inspiration. The characters were fairly complex and grew a lot throughout, especially the antagonist (gotta feel for him).

Started: 2020   Finished: 1/21

This show was amazing at meeting expectations and subverting them at the same time.  While this show did a good job at breaking some gender norms (Nokdu as one example), it wasn’t perfect. I also felt like they dropped the ball on Kim So Hyun’s character.

Started: 2020   Finished: 1/22

I don’t think I’ve seen another kdrama were the battles are so epic and the emotions are so intense (a little too much sometimes).  The complicated and moving relationship between Hwi and Seon Ho is ultimately the highlight of the show.  Of course there were other high points and successful performances but those two are the quintessence.

Started: 2020   Finished: 1/24

Great all-rounder. The entire cast pulled off great performances.  Each character had their own history that helped motivate them which made the show feel more cohesive then dramas where only the main lead get a “story”. I also loved the superhero family vibes and the action was well done.  

Started: 2020   Finished: 1/24

This drama stands out in the crowd. Although comic/book characters coming to life isn’t new, this show put on a fresh twist by have the leads being “extras”.  Kim Hye Yoon and Rowoon really embodied their characters. Dan Oh and Ha Ru is, for sure, one of the top five cutest couples.

Started: 1/29   Finished: 1/29

Color Rush gets an “A” for effort.  I struggle a little with the short form drama style because they feel a little lacking in character development and often leave plot holes, however I was very intrigued by the world of Monos and Probes, and would have loved to be able to dive deeper into it.  It would make a great concept for a YA novel.

Started: 1/29   Finished: 1/30

Honestly, not sure why or how I finished, let alone how I finished so quickly.  MLS chemistry was good but there’s a lot of toxic issues within the show that weren’t handled well.

Started: 1/31   Finished: 1/31

I was on a roll and had nothing to do but binge dramas, that’s my only excuse.  I did appreciate that there was decent plot and they had a story to tell.

Started: 1/31  Finished: 1/31

I really loved the characters Qiu Zi Xuan and Xia Yu Hao; they had great chemistry.  If it had just been them it would have much better, however the second couple was not interesting to me (I think step-sibling relationships is problematic) and I skipped most of it. 

Started: 2/1   Finished: 2/3

This show is the quintessential slow-burn, epic romance. It was an impossible balance of super subtle and blatantly obviously. Was it perfect? No, When you have a show with 50 episodes you’re bound to have some flaws.  However, I don’t think any of those issues reduce the impact of this show.  It’s the kind of show that will have you thinking about it weeks after you’ve finished it.

Started: 1/4  Finished: 2/6

I love a soft, understanding ML and a strong, independent FL, but what’s even better is a balance of both in both characters.  Of course, without misunderstandings and conflict there wouldn’t be much of a show, but this drama proves that toxic relationships aren’t necessary and leads can disagree and still be supportive.

Watched: 2/6

A high quality production with subtle BL hints that leave everything to the viewers interpretation and imagination, which makes it so juicy.

Started: 2020   Finished: 2/15

The humor that saturates this drama varies anywhere from slap stick to satire, and is in everything, even some the most serious moments.  It especially does a good job of teasing itself. I really enjoyed all the characters, they all played integral rolls in show so no one was a “time filler”. It was also encouraging to see a show broach the subject of gender and sexual fluidly.  It wasn’t a perfect representation but they were smart about it.

Started: 2020   Finished: 2/17

Wasn’t thrilled by this.  The style of is very early 2000s American RomCom, which I’ve seen plenty of.  I thought the actors were convincing on their roles and the storyline wasn’t bad. Just felt old and overused.

Started: 2020  Finished: 2/19

Fun if not taken too seriously.  I felt like it was trying to find a balance between satire and serious but it needed to go full on either way, so it kinda missed the mark on either.  

Started: 2/6   Finished: 2/25

This show wins the award for most improved.  In the beginning it floundered some and felt low budget, however as the show progressed the storyline and characters really grew on me.  Right from the start there was enough mystery about the world to intrigue me but I stayed for the characters.

Started: 2/19   Finished: 3/1

This is like luxury brand wuxia.  The coloring and lightingis vibrant, the cinematography is smooth, the world building s complex and detailed, and the action is impressive. The only downfall to me was tha acting (good but not great) and the emperor.  I found myself getting board when it was his or his family’s screen time. Sang Sang made up for it though.

Started: 1/13   Finished: 3/7

A very cute drama with a great ensemble of characters, but I didn’t have a horse in the race where the love triangle was concerned.  I almost would have liked it better if she had ended up single, but happy and confident with herself.

Started: 2/26   Finished: 3/20

The beginning was clumsy at best, but it was able to improve and could have been better given more time.

Started: 1/18   Finished: 3/9

Watched it every week on the day it aired without fail.  But, unfortunately, I think it’s to “standard” to be memorable.

Started: 3/22   Finished: 3/23

……we will never know 

Started: 3/26   Finished: 3/30

Genuinely and pleasantly surprised by this little gem of a show.  It’s got a lot of charm and perfect for a fantasy lover.  They pack a lot of story in a short amount of time, with that being considered, it was well executed with very little to be critical about. Highlight: the visuals (cinematic as well as actors)

Started:  3/12   Finished: 4/24

Loved the atmosphere of this drama: the music, cinematography, etc.  I also love JoJo’s choice at the end, however the acting was definitely stiff.

Started:  2/4   Finished: 3/27

This drama definitely lacked some logic and tended to contradict itself, however it was pretty fun once I set aside expectations.  

Started: 3/4   Finished: 4/4

Fantastic up until the ending, which was so jumbled I don’t think even the creators knew what they wanted. I loved Bai Lu, though, she fit this role to a T.

Started: 4/9   Finished: 4/9

A good story about redemption and forgiveness. The romance is an added bonus.

Started:  4/10  Finished:  4/10

Definitely one of the better dramas from this genre.  They had a lot of chemistry and actually pulled off the enemies to lovers trope.

Started: 4/11   Finished: 4/11

Not as good as the first, but it wrapped the story nicely.  *not a fan of couch scene…*

Started: 4/12   Finished: 4/13

Cute, especially if you like BL.  They were a memorable couple.

Started 5/19   Finished:  5/20

Mostly just thought Lin Xun and Yuan Jun Kang had good chemistry.  Not really into the story or the other characters. It’s watchable though if you like BL.

Started: 4/22   Finished: 4/23

Maybe it was so bad it was good? I don’t know. Call it a guilty pleasure.

Started: 3/8   Finished: 5/5

Subs came out on different days on two different platforms so I was literally watching every episode twice. It just had that “je ne sais quoi” for me.

Started: 3/30   Finished: 5/9

You could tell the creators wanted so much more for this drama. I loved the relationship between the two MLs and the mysteries had plenty of intrigue. The ending had a interesting (although a little predictable) twist and I would definitely watch a second season if the cast came back. 

Started: 2/24   Finished: 5/12

Although it was a very cheesy, I looked forward to the new episode every week.  It was lighthearted and I often found myself giggling; Gene’s expressions especially tickled my funny bone.

Started: 4/1   Finished: 5/13

Engaging and entertaining.  Leo Wu and Dilraba were very convincing (especially Leo Wu), even if there wasn’t a ton of chemistry I still liked their interactions.  The second couple was what really upped the show’s romance came.  Main characters definitely had some plot armor but it was acceptable for the most part. I could have lived without the animated scenes.

Started: 5/9   Finished: 5/16

After watching WOH and The Untamed this one was a small let down.  I was hoping for butterflies in my stomach and sparks flying, but that didn’t happen.  I thought the story was interesting and the male leads worked well together, but most of the side characters left me wanting and the poor production value was hard to over look sometimes. 

Watched: 5/29

Classic zombie movie.  I can tell why is so widely liked, even my dad watched it and like it.

Started: 5/17   Finished: 5/29

Cinematically flawless.  The use of color and lighting was really smart.  I also appreciated how they captured Han Geu Ru’s thoughts and emotions using visuals.  Emotional as well; great character development and storytelling.

Started: 4/26   Finished: 5/16

I pretended that the second couple didn’t exist.  I was trying hard to look passed the stepbrother thing, but after the non-consensual sex I just couldn’t anymore.  But Li Cheng and Mu Ren were too cute so I finished it.

Started: 5/31   Finished:  5/31

Another guilty pleasure show. Definitely boarderline problematic but I really became “addicted”.

Watched: 5/30

Loved the organic, slow vibe.  Nothing was rushed or forced, so it felt realistic and emotional even when very little was going on.

Started:  4/14   Finished: 6/10

Jang Na Ra playing Hong Ji Ah was just too perfect to me.  I also love the ghosts/mystery set up, if it’s done well, and this one did it better than most. 

Started: 5/3   Finished: 6/10

There are some truly special performances  in this show. Bring a box of tissues.  From start to finish you will shed tears: happy and sad.  

Started: 3/22   Finished: 6/7

I was truly moved by this drama, and it hit home for me on a personal level. Deok Chul’s struggle and determination was inspiring. Definitely cried throughout this one.

Watched: 6/12

The final battle brought the rating of the movie down for me.  Everything very intense, but some of the creative choices at the end were kind of laughable to me and took me out of the story.

Started: 2/1   Finished: 6/27

If I could get my time back that I gave to this show I would. I really liked the concept and start was intriguing, but the longer it went on the harder and harder it become to watch.  There was very little logic to the characters actions and each episode repeated the same thing.  Also, worst written “strong” female character of the year.

Started: 5/10   Finished: 6/29

Fated/tragic love is my favorite kind of story and the leads had great chemistry. When Park Bo Young cries, we all cry, and who plays a bad/misunderstood guy better the Seo In Guk. However, it mostly seemed like they ran out of material to fill 16 episodes. It started out super strong but it got a little lost part way through. The two love stories didn’t really belong in the same show, even though the second couple story was fun it was clearly there to fill up time for our leads.

Started: 5/26   Finished: 7/15

Another fantasy drama that fell short of the mark. The plot felt awkward, like the writers didn’t know what direction to go so it included every trope and idea they had.  I watched for the second couple - they were cute. 

Started: 5/24   Finished: 7/18

They were able to address mental health within the framework of a comedy without it seeming like mocking. It was funny without making fun. I felt like it found a good balance between addressing serious issues, while also leaving room for the audience to laugh and enjoy themselves.

Started: 7/18   Finished: 7/18

An impressive, huge scale show. I didn’t like it as much as the first season but it was a great continuation of the story.

Started: 6/8   Finished: 7/26

Interesting enough for this type of story set up.  It’s been done before but the characters were compelling and it was enjoyable.

Started: 6/14   Finished: 7/29

A relatable coming of age drama.  I liked each characters’ individual story and how they slowly built a friendship together, but the main leads didn’t have much chemistry in my opinion.

Started:  7/16   Finished: 8/15

From the costume design and set to the acting and plot, everything was on point.  If there is anything to critique it would be that a few plot points didn’t get fully developed or explained. However, most of the blanks could be filled in with a little imagination, which can be fun for the audience.

Started: 6/2   Finished: 6/14

Better than first, but not enough to redeem itself.  

Started: 5/21   Finished: 6/25

So much second hand embarrassment.

Started: 6/18  Finished: 7/16

The whole cast and crew of this drama are magicians. They made an old overused plot feel fresh, and a fantastical concept into something that felt real, which takes some serious skills if you ask me.

Started: 6/16   Finished: 6/16

Favorite BL of the year.  It felt real and emotional and raw *chefs kiss*

Started 5/20   Finished: 8/10

Good but basic.  It felt rushed and untold.

Started: 8/12   Finished: 8/18

I skipped 95% of the second couples story which I found trite and unnecessary to the story, but the little make shift family was so enduring that I gave the show a high rating.

Started: 7/6   Finished: 8/19

Nothing unexpected, but a very sweet and light hearted story.

Started: 6/16   Finished: 8/22

Despite the tropes, it was so fun!  The humor was spot on, especially Kim Ji Suk’s portrayal of Yoo Ja Sung.  I was actually laughing out loud during a lot it. It also had positive life lessons and showed good character growth. Although it’s started out stronger then it finished, it was definitely a entertaining watch.

Started: 7/5  Finished: 8/24

It kinda jumped around genres, like it didn’t know what category it fit in.  Yet, I still found it touching and pleasant.

Started:  8/18   Finished: 8/27

Felt like holding hands on a porch swing while listening to the rain.  Very peaceful and nice.  Although, there was one plot whole that was like “wtf, are we really going to pretend that didn’t happen?”

Started: 8/29   Finished: 9/1

Two attractive people, plus a healthy practical relationship, and swoony romance as well…what’s not to love? It was just delightful and easy to watch. The only negative to me was I didn’t find the aerospace engineering stuff interesting, but I appreciated that they dedicated time to showing the audience a more realistic representation of what it might be like to work in that field. 

Started: 9/5   Finished: 9/10

Cute.

Started: 9/11   Finished: 9/17

I don’t know why, but this happens a lot: another Cdrama where I care nothing for the second couple and skipped through their scenes. The main couple was charming enough but the FL was a little babyish for being an “independent older woman”.

Started: 9/20   Finished: 9/24

A really interesting look into compulsory military service and it means to those serving.  Also,  Han Ho Yul played by Koo Kyo Hwan was so extra and 100% perfect for this show.

Started: 9/20   Finished: 9/26

Fun.  It was cool to see the game fighting first hand through the animation.  The entire cast had decent chemistry and the storyline was, for the most part, engaging.

Started: 10/3   Finished: 10/8

I get the hype. I really I do.  There’s nothing to criticize, but it just felt ok to me.  The acting was good, story was interesting, even the set design was perfect, but for whatever reason I wasn’t blown away like so many others.

Watched: 10/31

Rewatch 

Started: 7/31   Finished: 10/11

Oh, man, I wanted it to be good.  I really did.

Started: 10/23   Finished: 11/13

This show left me feeling like I was grasping at thin air.  It answered none of the essential questions when telling a story.  It’s gave us a small peek of the backstory of one character and he’s the only one you end up feeling even the slightest bit attached to.  But with the rest your left guessing at who they are and what are they motivations. 

Started: 8/28  Finished: 10/17

Watching it felt like going on vacation: no stress, just fun. 

Started: 10/23   Finished: 10/28

It was predictable and mostly just violent for violence sake.  Also, I felt that Han So Hee’s acting was stiff, but luckily Park Hee Soon pulled off a believable gangster. 

Started: 8/30   Finished: 10/30

A let down.  The set locations were gorgeous and I loved the younger prince, but the rest was just standard. Nothing wrong, but not impressive.

Started: 9/20   Finished 11/4

Honestly, I watched for the cells.  They were so cute and enchanting.  I did appreciate how realistic Yumi’s relationship was, but I could have been easily bored with the show if not for the cells.

Started: 9/24   Finished: 11/12

Moo Hak is life. Seriously, though, he’s very charismatic and funny.  If he’s on screen you’re going to be having a good time watching.  At first, Dali wasn’t my favorite but she grew a lot and I appreciated her struggle.  The only real fault of the show was one too many outrageous villain type characters that didn’t play any significant part.

Started: 10/29   Finished: 11/14

This show was like “he’s cute” and that’s it.

Started: 11/8   Finished: 11/23

Brilliant twisted performances by the actors and a well told story.  Not my typical type of drama but it sucked me in, made me curious, and surprised me by the end (that doesn’t happen often).

Started: 11/7   Finished: 12/12

Not your typical zombie story and had to potential the be a much deeper and complex show then it was, but despite its flaws I really liked it. I loved the leads and their relationship.  Sae Bom is a new fav FL.

Started: 10/23   Finished: 12/12

I’m so torn by this show. The production team made some really smart choices such as actors and location, but at the core of the show it’s not much different than a lot of things out there. Luckily, the mystery part was done well and kept me guess for a large part of it. I also dug the chemistry between leads, but only the past scenes.  I was majorly let down with how they handled them at the end.

Started: 11/1   Finished: 12/23

I watched it because I wanted to like it, but the best thing about it that it was “pretty”.  It had lots of captivating shots but there was no real plot.  I finished it being like “but why though?”

Started: 10/11   Finished: 12/25

It’s a Prince and Pauper remix with a fun gender role reversal.  I liked that ML didn’t have that typical male panic for “liking a man”.  It was refreshing to see a character that could be interpreted as pansexual or demisexual.  20 episodes was a stretch tho and it should have been either a pure romcom or political drama.  I enjoyed it more when it was a light hearted and silly romance.  Before the plot thickened it was easier to fall into the world they created.