Your K-Drama Analyst

MOVED TO yourkdramaanalyst.tumblr.com || A lonely potato who spends most of her time by watching K-Dramas. NOTE: I am not an expert. People just get tired of me whenever my "K-drama Critic" mode is on. Unfortunately, I cannot turn it off, hence the birth of this blog because no one can shut me up here. Please be reminded that whatever I write is based solely on my opinions and preferences.  💖

[kdramaanalyst]

CAN'T ENGAGE, SECONDARY BLOG PROBLEM

EDIT: SO I DECIDED TO MOVE THIS BLOG TO A DIFFERENT PRIMARY ACCOUNT. FROM NOW ON, I WILL BE POSTING ON yourkdramaanalyst.tumblr.com. I DECIDED NOT TO DELETE THIS BLOG BECAUSE OF THE CONTENT I ALREADY POSTED. I HAVE RETRIEVED MY TWITTER ACCOUNT AS WELL, FOLLOW MY ACCOUNT @urkdramaanalyst. THANK YOU!!!

Not K-drama related.

I am so dumb. I wanted to engage with others so I can be corrected if I say anything wrong, have a fun conversation, share insights and so I can ask questions directly as well, but this is a secondary blog and I just learned that I can't reply to comments. :---( I actually made a twitter account but it's currently suspended due to another stupid thing I did. Lol. I will update you if it's already working and you can communicate with me through twitter instead. Or maybe I will just move to a primary blog... whichever is better.

No one probably cares 😂 it's just that I saw someone commented and I can't even reply, it makes me sad and it frustrates me!!! I hope I can figure this out. Will someone help this potato out??? 🥺

Thanks for understanding!

[kdramaanalyst]

THE KING: ETERNAL MONARCH REVIEW

EDIT: I AM SO SORRY, THIS IS A SECONDARY BLOG AND I JUST LEARNED THAT I CAN'T REPLY TO COMMENTS. PLEASE CHECK MY PINNED BLOG WHERE I WROTE ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. THANK YOU!

Spoilers ahead!!! Read at your own risk. Once again, I am not an expert and these are my personal opinions. If you have disagreements, let's talk it over. Don't judge me, let's judge the show together instead and have an understanding.

For the first drama that I am going to review, I chose The King: Eternal Monarch. A lot of viewers who supported the show with all of their hearts could still not get over its ending. Others who like to binge-watch are relieved because they can finally watch the entire series without waiting for a new episode to air. While some are still mulling over about watching it. Well, I hope I could help you with this review.

• Introduction to the Drama

Short gist:

The story revolves around Lee Gon, present King of Kingdom of Corea. He witnessed his father’s death when he was young, an incident that haunted him until he grew older. Due to unfortunate circumstances, a legendary flute with powers called Manpasikjeok that can open different worlds was cut in half. He was able to get hold half of the flute, while the other half was obtained by Lee Lim, his uncle who killed his father. Lee Lim had been going back and forth two different worlds, plotting foul pursuits to fulfill his evil desires, and disrupting the peace between the two worlds. In order to restore balance and order, Lee Gon also traveled between worlds, meeting Jeong Tae Eul who soon became a significant person in his life.

If you've been watching Korean Dramas for quite a while now, you must be familiar with some of the characters of The King: Eternal Monarch, especially the lead.

If you call yourself a k-drama fan and you don't know who Lee Minho is, give yourself a slap (just kidding, please don't take that seriously). Lee Minho has a good reputation because of his experience, acting skills and obviously, his gorgeous face. He has an impressive list of successful dramas and movies! Most of us probably knew him through his breakthrough role in Boys Over Flowers.

Meanwhile, Kim Go Eun, despite being fairly new to small screen (she first started appearing in movies), is also highly distinguished by a lot of k-drama fans. In all three dramas she starred in, including The King, she always got the lead role. His leading men are no joke either. And because of Kim Go Eun, many of us still wants to be the goblin's bride.

Among the cast also includes the familiar faces of Woo Do Hwan, Kim Kyung Nam, Jung Eun Chae, and Lee Jung Jin.

Anyway, I'll try to share every thought I have from the first time I watched it until it ended. I will also try not to give so much spoilers because the drama just ended. I will talk first about my experience watching it and then I will list at the very bottom some of the issues I have and that list contains major spoilers so watch out for that. As you notice, I always warn you with spoilers using red font color.

• The Experience

When I watched the first teaser of the drama, I got intrigued and a little confused. What worlds are they talking about? Do they have super powers? Is this a historical drama? Questions were instantly formed in my head.

It also reminded me of the drama Queen In Hyun's Man because of a similar scene where the leading man is riding his horse in the middle of the city and finding his woman. But that's just it, the two dramas are completely different. I just mentioned it because others may have felt the same way.

I don't usually watch dramas while it's still fresh. I wait for about two to three weeks before the schedule of the ending so I can binge watch without waiting so much. When I watched The King, there were already 12 episodes available on Netflix. Usually, I would finish 12 episodes in 1-3 days, and if the drama is really good and it's MY STYLE (i said that in an obviously fake Korean accent), I could watch it for an entire day.

However, I finished those 12 episodes in 2 weeks...

Why??? Why did it take me that long???

I wouldn't say I was bored, it's just that during the first few episodes, nothing caught my interest yet. I wasn't convinced that it was a good drama. There was nothing special and I didn't know what to look forward to that's why I couldn't watch it continuously. I got lazy. The pace was slow and the story build up was a little stagnant. It was too slow that I even started watching a long length saeguk just so I can watch something else.

I could have skipped some parts and dropped it but I continued watching and gave it a chance. Though it was a good thing that I didn't stop because as I watched more episodes, the story actually became more exciting. Finally, I saw some progress. I started to get invested in the drama after the eighth episode. That's when the story felt more alive. Finally, there were revelations, more conflicts arose, more emotions were shown, and the story got deeper. I began to appreciate the drama. However, I still don't like the fact that it took me 8 episodes before I started to like it.

• Points that I Liked About the Drama

1. The plot seemed like it's going to be too science fiction-y but it's just the right amount. I was worried that it might be too much for me to handle but it was just okay (i am a potato who dislikes thinking so much, but that depends on my mood lololol). I liked how there's a mix of history in the drama, as well as of politics but it still feels modern. There is a balance.

2. The distinction between the Kingdom of Corea and Republic of Korea is impressive. It's obvious that they put a lot of effort in building their vision of KOC to life.

3. Many people were saying that it's hella confusing and so much was going on. I don't think so. They actually made it easy for viewers to understand about parallel worlds. You don't have to study science facts just to get this drama's concept. I think the slow pace did its job well in this part.

4. The story is unpredictable. You never know what's going to happen next, that's the strength of The King's concept. Because of the two different worlds and the crazy number of characters, there could be a lot of possibilities and backstories.

5. The action scenes are commmendable. I liked the action scenes, the one during the last episode is probably my favorite.

• Points that I Didn't Like About the Drama

1. The slow pace. I don't think I still need to explain more but it totally ruined my whole experience of watching the drama.

2. Many characters didn't leave much impact. Their acting was great, however, I don't see a lot of personalities that standout. The most remarkable ones for me are the characters played by Woo Do Hwan. The other characters, especially the lead, the prime minister and the traitor were okay, too. The others were just bland and years from now, I probably won't remember most of them.

• The Ending (spoiler alert!)

The ending was good. It didn't feel rushed and everyone had a separate ending of their own. I just wished there was more Nari and Eunsup / Yeong and Seung A moment in the end, the conclusion was fine though. I don't like that Prime Minister Koo ended up in jail but Luna became a cop...

I just have one issue regarding the ending that they decided on. In the end they didn't show if Tae Eul became a queen. Well, it would be weird if she became one considering there is Luna in KOC. They can't be together in ROK, too because Gon's counterpart was able to live. So... what? They just kept traveling whenever they have time? Because if that's the case, doesn't that mean they will hide their relationship forever??? I liked that they ended up together but I wish they also kept this in mind. Because it kinda makes me sad. Lol.

• Final Thoughts

Overall, it was alright. It was over-hyped by netizens due to the amazing casting and promotions, but it's not bad at all.

Would I watch it again? No.

Would I recommend it? Yes. Give it a try! I honestly thought I wouldn't like it but I still did, even if it took me 8 episodes, I wouldn't say it wasn't worth it. If you enjoy fantasy dramas with complicated twists and conflicts, this drama is for you. Just have patience and prepare yourself mentally when you've reached the middle. This drama is gloomy and a little heavy, too. It was serious and has a very few humorous scenes.

I am giving The King: Eternal Monarch a 7/10. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

• The King: Eternal Monarch OST Top 5

There are 13 songs in total and everything is so good! I wish I got to hear more of the songs in the drama, some were just played briefly. I swear every song makes me feel things. Choosing just 5 songs is really hard. If you don't watch dramas but love music, give these a listen!!!

My Day Is Full Of You by Zico, Wendy

Orbit by Hwasa

I Fall In Love by Ha Sungwoon

I Just Want To Stay With You by Zion.T

Please Don't Cry by Davichi

Now I'll move on to some of my "issues". This section isn't really what you think. The word "issues" is just intriguing ㅋㅋㅋ but this is just a compilation of my opinions, observations, feelings and other stuff no one might care about in the series. If you have answers for my questions or if you can explain it for me, please enlighten me. Major spoiler ahead!!!

• Issues

1. During the time when Lee Gon was time traveling and finally got back to Repuplic of Korea, it probably took him a lot of time, right? He even took his time to take care of Tae Eul in the hospital. I wish they also showed what was happening in Kingdom of Corea during that time because he's a king and his absence might have caused a ruckus in his kingdom. I can even picture the palace lady Noh getting really worried as Lee Gon travels. The moment he came back, they only gave him updates as if everything was okay.

But since they didn't show it, I guess it is safe to assume that nothing much happened in his kingdom back then. 🤷‍♀️

2. When Gon and Tae Eul met again in Gwanghwamun, why did Tae Eul hug him? In my understanding, at that period of time, Tae Eul only met him twice—once when she was 5 and once when she was 27. So why did she hug him suddenly as if she knows he's going to be a significant person in her life? Their dialogue when they met again when she was 27 wasn't even enough for her to act that way.

3. I hope they also gave Nari more lines and importance. Maybe it's just me, but at first, I thought she and her KOC counterpart would have more significant roles. When I think of it, even without her, the story could still go on. Though this is just a minor issue. ✌

4. Prime Minister Koo. She was a villain, but I didn't really hate her until the last 4-5 episodes (can't recall the exact episode, sorry), though I wouldn't say I hated her so much. I actually liked her at first! She's ambitious, fierce, independent and intelligent. She just got blinded by greed.

My issue here is, am I really supposed to feel like that? In my opinion, her character has the potential to become more heinous and despiteful. I was wondering why they didn't turn her into someone like that? She was just greedy, bitchy, a little sly and annoying.

5. Lee Gon's and Tae Eul's love for each other was a little shallow. Sure, the man who saved Lee Gon when he was a child, had Tae Eul's ID. But how sure was Lee Gon that the woman who owns the I.D. is not a villain? The woman in the ID could lead him to the man who saved him, yes, but it still bugs me how easily they fell in love especially on Lee Gon's part. Maybe I'm just thinking too much. I am sorry. 😅

In spite of that, I still liked their love progression. I didn't ship them that hard but their chemistry wasn't cringey and forced.

6. The scene where Lee Gon gave Tae Eul flowers and then left, was a little confusing. It didn't break my heart, too. I just felt a little sad while watching that scene because Kim Go Eun's acting was good.

7. Who the f is thay yoyo boy??? My guts tell me he's a part of the flute or something because he knows a lot. But I wish it was explained more. It looked weird how he just suddenly appears sometimes and suddenly talks some sense. He remains a mystery.

8. Why the f is Jeong Tae Eul a flat earther??? Well, at least she had a character development in the end. It just annoyed me lmao

9. I don't get why people keep comparing The King: Eternal Monarch to Goblin. Why??? They don't even have the same plot or concept.

10. Court lady Noh was from Republic of Korea... What? Was that necessary?

Don't mind me. Don't mind me. Don't mind me.

Anyway I hate how tumblr wasn't able to save my draft when I was writing additional content. I lost half of it and it makes me furious!!! I had to redo the draft but I can no longer remember some of the things I wrote. I am sad because I lost something that can't be brought back again. This experience earned me a lesson.

That's it for my first review. What are your thoughts? I am a horrible reviewer, I know, but I will do better in the future. Thank you for reading!!!

[kdramaanalyst]

MY K-DRAMA CRITEREA

THE 56TH BAEKSANG ARTS AWARDS JUST HAPPENED RECENTLY. DID YOUR FAVE ACTORS AND ACTRESSES, DRAMAS WIN? WERE YOU SATISFIED WITH THE RESULTS?

AND SO, I AM WRITING MY OWN CRITERIA FOR JUDGING A K-DRAMA AS MY FIRST BLOG. LIKE I SAID, THIS IS MY OWN CRITERIA. I AM NOT AN EXPERT, I JUST LOVE SHARING MY THOUGHTS. IF YOU HAPPEN TO DISAGREE WITH MY OPINIONS, YOU MAY EXPRESS IT COURTEOUSLY AND MAYBE WE CAN HAVE A CONVERSATION ABOUT IT.

LET’S GO!!!

A GOOD K-DRAMA KEEPS ME GOING

A good drama for me is one that keeps me wanting to watch the next episode. If a drama keeps me curious about what’s going to happen next, keeps me thirsting for more episodes, and makes me look forward to the rest of the story, then, it is interesting enough to keep me watching and see how it progresses. As a viewer who enjoys binge watching, dramas that keep me going is what I enjoy most.

A GOOD K-DRAMA MUST HAVE CONSISTENCY

A story may have an impactful start, but, sometimes the excitement would gradually fall down the slope. That is one of the most disappointing things that could happen when watching a drama. Personally, I would feel betrayed upon encountering ones like this. I don’t like getting my hopes up only to end up downhearted.

There are also ones that are boring at first and seems like it’s not worth your time but would eventually become intriguing and would turn out to be pretty good. This kind of dramas is better than the one I first mentioned. However, they will never end up in my list of faves because the time I spent watching the beginning went to trash especially if it took half the time to get interesting. Worst case scenario, I would never reach the good part because I might have dropped it already.

Good ones, for me, are those that consistently feed the viewers with the same (if not more) energy as it did during the first time it caught the viewers'attention.

A GOOD K-DRAMA HAS A STEADY PACING

Korean dramas are typically fast paced because of having only an average of 16 to 20 episodes for short length ones in general. But some dramas are extra fast that you become exhausted after watching just one episode. I don’t know if it’s just me but I don’t like it when there’s so much complications going on in one episode just for the sake of making it seem “different” from other dramas.

A drama with a slow pacing is not any better as it makes me skip some dialogues and scenes that I find unnecessary or worse, I drop it.

Pacing is important for me because it helps me understand the situations in a drama better. Having a steady pacing, for some reason, avoids creating more questions and confusions. That way, I get to enjoy and focus more on the story.

A GOOD K-DRAMA HAS A DELIGHTFUL STORY TELLING

I am not a film major or anything related so I might lack some knowledge about the terminologies. Feel free to correct me and enlighten me if I write wrong stuff mainly on this part. Nevertheless, I will try my best to explain my thoughts.

Rather than watching because of the main storyline, I stick to a k-drama based on how a story is told. Why? Because there are k-dramas that don’t really have a strong storyline or plot but are still remarkable. Take Hospital Playlist and Reply 1988 for instance where there were no clear goal, no villains, and no in-depth conflicts. If a friend asks me to tell him/her what’s the plot of any of the series that I mentioned, he/she might think that it’s boring and will probably end up not watching it. He/she will miss the opportunity to watch a high quality drama because of focusing too much on the plot. (Seriously, I enjoyed these dramas so much).

While storyline is important for story build up, story telling is superior. My point here is that dramas, for me, don’t really need an extra complicated plot to get to the heart of the viewers. Sometimes, as long as the essence of the drama is conveyed properly and it is enjoyed by many, then I can conclude that the drama is not ordinary.

A GOOD K-DRAMA HAS REMARKABLE CHARACTERS

I said “characters” and not “actors/actresses.” Watching a drama because of your favorite actor/actress or even a k-idol turned actor/actress is fine. Whatever your reasons are for watching a k-drama is acceptable because it’s for everyone! But, as an avid fan of these dramas, I focus more on how the characters are portrayed rather than who are portraying the characters. Though some actors and actresses have already proven themselves in this industry, I must admit that I don’t really care who stars in a drama as long as he or she does the job well. Of course I have my favorites, too. Lots of them, actually. But they rarely become the reason whenever a drama becomes my favorite. Rather, the actors/ actresses become my favorite because of the roles they play.

A GOOD K-DRAMA HAS SATISFACTORY ENDING

Need I explain more? As long as an ending makes sense and the conclusion is in line with everything, then there’s nothing to complain about. I would really love it if every significant character gets a separate ending, though. Everyone deserves their own ending or conclusion. Period. Unless a story is a cliffhanger, then maybe I won’t have a problem.

But let me tell you this, a bad ending of a drama would piss me off, without a doubt. Especially if it progressed well and I invested so much emotions in it.

I might forgive and forget when I get stabbed in the back, but never when a k-drama’s ending is butchered hideously. (Me: stares at a distance)

A GOOD K-DRAMA MOVES YOU

What I am talking about here is the overall feel after watching the entire series. This may sound really cliche but I really cherish those dramas that made me feel like I was included in their world or I was a part of it. Whenever I think about such dramas, it would always bring me back to the moments I loved the most and it would make me feel all the emotions all over again. Love, sadness, guilt, heartache, anger, solitude and all other sensations, they feel alive. The realizations and lessons they impart have changed me, too. I was moved.

I get attached to those type of dramas and for sure their impact would remain strong even after many years passes. Those dramas might have ended, but in my heart, the stories still go on. (Me: stares at a distance part 2)

BONUS❗❗❗

CHEMISTRY

I’m not just talking about romance dramas, chemistry could also be applicable in other genres. It could be the cast’s overall harmony. Something that’s not forced and is not awkward to watch.

OST

Don’t even get me started on how much of a sucker I am for K-Drama OSTs!!! I am actually contemplating whether to put this in the bonus or in the main criteria. Lol.

OSTs capture the scences perfectly, they make the moments better. Be it a song, an instrumental or even just a sound effect (not an ost but I still appreciate them). The display of emotions in a scene, when accompanied by right music, makes a really great impact.

(might make a list of my fave OSTs soon so stay tuned for that!)

DETAILS

The perfect location, the lighting, the costume, the cinematography, everything! Some may not care about these stuff but these are vital and powerful tools in any kind of film or drama. For example, the character’s clothes and accessories help viewers get a grasp of the image they portray. Another is the tone or accent of their voice which is essential if a character is from a certain region.

Minor details should not be overlooked. They may not be noticeable but they make a good contribution to the entire drama.

THAT’S ALL!!! OR MAYBE NOT. FOR SURE, I HAVE OMITTED A CRITERION OR TWO BECAUSE I CAN BE A FORGETFUL POTATO SOMETIMES. BUT FOR NOW, THIS IS ALL. THANKS FOR READING!!!