#yi chang

[sacredwhores]

Edward Yang & Yi Chang & Ko I-Chen & Tao Te-Chen - In Our Time (1982)

[jessiesjaded]

kingdom x text post memes

[thepersona]

A non-romantic K-drama starter pack

If you're interested in K-dramas but don't know where to begin, and aren't interested in (or would like to take a break from) romantic storylines, then this is for you!

P.S.: Some of these dramas may contain romantic side plots that don't necessarily define the main storyline. List not sorted in any particular order, and only includes completed dramas.

Gifs not mine!

Stranger (2017; 2019)

A political crime thriller full of red herrings, "Stranger" (Season 1) follows an investigation into the murder of a man who has bribed countless officials from multiple levels and branches of government. Led by stoic prosecutor Hwang Shi Mok (Cho Seung Woo) and feisty detective Han Yeo Jin (Bae Doona), this well-paced, well-acted drama is full of twists and turns that will make you suspect everyone at some point.

Kingdom (2019; 2020)

Historical political drama meets zombie thriller in the 2019 hit "Kingdom" (Season 1). The story follows Crown Prince Yi Chang (Ju Ji Hoon) as he investigates an outbreak of a mysterious plague that turns average citizens into rabid monsters while fighting to keep  his rightful place as heir to the throne. The hit series has led to a second season and a prequel TV movie "Ashin of the North" (2021).

Signal (2016)

Featuring a mysterious walkie-talkie that links the past to the present, "Signal" is one of the most beloved police dramas of the last decade because of its refreshing take on the genre and the top-notch performances of its three leads: Kim Hye Soo, Lee Je Hoon, and Jo Jin Woong. 

The Uncanny Counter (2020)

"The Uncanny Counter" is a comedy-drama about four "counters", or grim reapers who have been lent superhuman abilities by a group of spirits. Their main job is to stop demons who possess violent criminals that become more powerful by consuming the souls of their victims. Funny, colorful, and action-packed, the show features wonderful performances from the main actors: Jo Byeong Gyu, Yoon Joon Sang, Kim Se Jeong, and (my personal favorite) Yeom Hye Ran. The hit series has been granted a second season.

Racket Boys (2021)

If you need a feel-good drama that's not too heavy on the tears, crime, and lovey-dovey tropes, then this may be for you. "Racket Boys" is about an underdog middle school badminton team that dreams to make a mark on the national level and beyond. The rural setting and endearing ensemble cast, led by the talented Tang Jun Sang, allow for lighthearted moments but are never too cartoonish. A puppy love storyline exists between the leads, but it's very wholesome and innocent, and given far less importance than the struggle surrounding the national tournament.

Squid Game (2021)

International smash hit "Squid Game" is about a mysterious organization that selects individuals with impossible debt to participate in a series of children's games to have a shot at winning 45.6 billion won. The catch: only the winner gets to live. Features an amazing ensemble cast led by Lee Jung Jae, Park Hae Soo, and impressive newcomer Jung Ho Yeon.

Dear My Friends (2016)

A slice-of-life comedy drama featuring a stellar ensemble cast of the most accomplished Korean actors and actresses over 60, "Dear My Friends" follows 40-year-old writer Park Wan (Go Hyun Jung) as she chronicles the stories of her mother, her aunts, and their families. There are two romantic side stories here but the overall plot is more invested in how your friends can become your family especially after you reach a certain age. Think "Golden Girls" but in Korea. Praise-worthy acting from everyone involved, especially the main quintet: Na Moon Hee, Kim Hye Ja, Go Doo Shim, Park Won Sook, and Oscar winner Youn Yuh Jung.

Live (2018)

"Live" is a slice-of-life, police procedural drama that tells the story of rookies and veterans at Hongil Station in Seoul, where there is no shortage of petty and violent crimes. The crimes featured examine the decisions that South Korean cops have to make especially in dangerous situations wherein the gray areas become even grayer. There are romantic storylines between the four leads but they never overshadow the cases. Wonderful acting, especially from Bae Sung Woo and Bae Jeong Ok who play the veterans Oh Yang Chon and Ahn Jang Mi, respectively. Also stars funny man Lee Kwang Soo and the angelic Jung Yu Mi (Train to Busan).

Vincenzo (2021)

Born in South Korea, adopted into an Italian family, mafia lawyer Vincenzo Cassano (Song Joong Ki) flies back to Seoul after falling out with his adopted brother following the death of his boss/father-figure. His mission is to retrieve gold hidden beneath the dilapidated Geumga Plaza before it is ultimately demolished by the evil Babel Group that constantly harrasses its tennants to move out. Teaming up with the feisty lawyer Hong Cha Young (Jeon Yeo Been, Vincenzo uses mafia tactics in his war against the conglomerate that thinks itself above the law. What sounds like a heavy premise is offset by the physical and witty comedy provided by the charismatic leads and supporting cast. There is romance between the leads (who share great chemistry nonetheless) but it is by no means the driving force of this story. They could have recasted this with two male leads as more of a bromance story and the outcome would be quite similar, but Jeon Yeo Been gives a unique, quirky flair to her character that makes her difficult to replace.

Hyena (2020)

I know I said this wasn't a list for romantic K-Dramas but hear me out. There's romance but it's not what you think (the leads kiss a grand total of 3 times, twice in the first ep then once a little later). "Hyena" explores the world of corporate lawyers who serve the South Korean 1%. It's a dog-eat-dog world where the most conniving and least picky hyena reigns supreme. The hyena in question would be the brilliant renegade lawyer Jang Geum Ja (Kim Hye Soo). Sparks fly as she goes head to head with the by-the-book, elite lawyer Yoon Hee Jae (Ju Ji Hoon), whose ideals are constantly challenged as his world unravels around him.  The cases are challenging and the solutions that the leads come up with are intriguing. Romance doesn't drive this drama, but the chemistry between the leads is undeniable. 

[meltingangels]

[mdpthatsme]

E: This looks like the place I think. A: You think?

D: What do you expect from a gnome like him? E: Shove off, shorty, or we’ll finish that fight. D: The one where I was kicking your ass?

A: All right, keep it together. Remember we are on the same team. E: Are we though? D: I think you tried to kill me and helped the Leones get Gwen.

E: You killed my auntie and abandoned us all for a hooker and weirdo? D: Say that again. I dare you. A: Enough. Get your heads in the game.

[yasbxxgie]

[...]

As is the case with many Korean dramas, this Netflix series was adapted from a webtoon series, The Kingdom of the Gods, the first webcomic written by Kim Eun Hee. Kim is also a screenwriter, having written the dramas Signal, which may return for a second season, as well as Three Days, and Phantom.

Netflix agreed to a second season of Kingdom before the first six-episode season even aired. It was a rare move by the streaming giant, but one that seems to have been a sound decision in terms of the positive reviews for the first season.

In an interview, Kim Eun Hee, said she had been wanting to produce Kingdom since 2011.

“I wanted to take modern-day fears and horror and put them in a Joseon era setting.”

Kingdom is set in the middle of the Joseon Dynasty (1392 to 1897). Fans of historical Korean historical dramas, also known as sageuks, will know that it was not easy being a monarch during the Joseon era, when endless plots for power attempted to overthrow or reign in monarchs. In Kingdom, Crown Prince Yi Chang, played by actor Ju Ji Hoon, becomes the target of a coup just as a mysterious plague ravages his country. Even his father, the king, who is rumored to be dead, has been turned into a terrible monster by the plague.

The Crown Prince tries to uncover the source of the illness and he’s helped by a doctor, Seo Bi, played by Bae Doo Na, his aide Yeong Shin, played by Kim Sung Kyu and his guard, played by Kim Sang Ho. As if dealing with zombies was not enough, the prince must also be on his guard for the machinations of one of his ministers, played by Ryu Seung Ryung.

The story has a social message since those affected by the plague are starving due to the indifference of those with money and power.

“That period in history was grim and people were treated unfairly by those with authority through the taxes they had to pay,” said Kim Eun Hee at a Seoul press conference. “I wanted to depict that hungry and ragged period through the zombies.”

The policies of the very villains who would depose the prince are thus responsible for the plague. Both the terrifying plague and the prince’s need to defend himself keep the plot moving at a breathtaking pace.

The series has been praised for offering a fresh take on the zombie genre, while at the same time introducing new viewers to Korean history and some excellent cinematography.

Because of the positive reviews it earned, Kingdom has been touted as a potential new wave of the Hallyu or Korean wave, which describes the global popularity of South Korea’s exported pop culture. The series has been released in 190 countries so far.

Most of the cast members will return for a second series. Actors Kim Tae Hoon and Park Byung Eun have been added to the second season and are expected to play important roles.

Ju Ji Hoon is best known for his role in the drama Goong and he can soon be seen in another Korean drama The Item. Bae Doo Na has appeared in both U.S. and Korean productions. She had English speaking roles in the Wachowski films Cloud Atlas and Jupiter Ascending, as well as their U.S. TV series Sense8.  She recently had a role in the Korean drama Matrimonial Chaos. Kim Sung Kyu has appeared in several films, including Tunnel and The Outlaws. Ryu Seung Ryung is a veteran actor, who has appeared in dozens of films and TV dramas. Kingdom is directed by Kim Sung Hoon, a Baeksang Arts Award-winning director and screenwriter.

Filming for the second season is expected to be completed in June.

[twilightronin]

Lady Whirlwind (1972)

[kansassire]

Kuei-mei, a Woman, 1985, Yi Chang