My Favorite Dramas of 2014

This year was my first full year as a K-Drama addict. I thought it was a great year to be a fan of Korean entertainment and entertainment from other Asian countries such as Taiwan, China, and Japan.

I managed to watch an astonishing number of dramas from start to finish this year, and out of that astonishing number I completed 43 dramas that I consider to be 2014 dramas. Below is the full list of 2014 dramas that I've watched, some if which started in late 2013 and ended in January 2015.

Here's the list in alphabetical order:

A Witch's Romance	Emergency Couple	Joseon Gunman	Plus Nine Boys
After School Lucky or Not 2	Empress Ki	King of High School Life Conduct	Pretty Man
Aftermath	Fall in Love with Me	Love Cells	Pride & Prejudice
Angel Eyes	Fated to Love You (Korean)	Marriage, Not Dating	Prime Minister & I
Another Parting	Golden Cross	Misaeng	Sly & Single Again
Be Arrogant	Grandpa Over Flowers Investigation Team	Miss Korea	Surplus Princess (The Mermaid)
Big Man	Healer	Modern Farmer	The Night Watchmen's Journal
Birth of a Beauty	High School - Love On	My Love from Another Star	The Perfect Insider
Boarding House 24	Hotel King	My Lovely Girl	Tomorrow's Cantabile (Naeil's Cantabile)
Bride of the Century	In a Good Way	Mysterious Summer	Trot Lovers
Deja Vu	Inspiring Generation (Age of Feeling)	Partners by Blood	You Are All Surrounded
Discovery of Romance	It's Okay, That's Love	Pinocchio
Doctor Stranger

MY FAVORITES - In Alphabetical Order

Bride of the Century - This series was surprisingly enjoyable. I think my favorite part of the series was seeing a different side to Lee Hong Ki. The only thing I had seen him in before this series was You're Beautiful, so I thought he might only be cast in cute, funny roles. I thought his stern and cold side was a nice change of pace and showed his acting range. The show itself was actually an interesting one to watch. The mix of romance and horror is one that seemed to become really popular after shows like The Master's Sun. This one may not have been as ground-breaking but it had many good elements and also introduced us to a new leading lady in Yang Jin Sung who successfully carried two roles at the same time. I also thought that the writers handled the death of the first wife issue well, revealing sad family truths for both Kang Joo and Doo Rim.

Empress Ki - I have only seen like 3 productions with Ha Ji Won in it and I have yet to be disappointed. The best thing about this show was Ha Ji Won being her usual boss chick self. Though the cross-dressing element is a little overdone these days it was entertaining because unlike some of the other cross-dressing heroines she actually had masculine traits like being able to fight. However, as awesome as she was as Ki Nyang, I think we can't talk about how great this show was without talking about our two leading men. Joo Jin Mo and Ji Chang Wook literally fought to the death, not just for Nyang but for Goryeo. The political battles were just as heart-wrenching and dramatic as the romantic battle.

Grandpa Over Flowers Investigation Team - This was a really fun show with an impressive cast and an interesting plot. I enjoyed it, plus it was only 12 episodes so it was totally worth watching. One of the most entertaining things was watching Heechul being in an unrequited love. Not sure if that's ever happened to him in real life but it was fun to see his goofy self work through it. Also, watching the senior actors play young men who also had to act like old men was hilarious. The show also had a good bit of action because the characters were cops.

Healer - Ji Chang Wook went from whiny emperor to tough night courier. It was a really awesome transformation. Aside from that, this show was just all kinds of good. First off the OTP had my feels all over the place, I rooted with all my heart for little Park Bong Soo and Chae Yong Shin. The entire cast was amazing and did a good job at either making me laugh or sending chills down my spine. My favorite thing about the show was the smooth mix of Action, Romance, and Comedy. There were a lot of funny moments that grounded the show and made the show that much more enjoyable.

In a Good Way - I really enjoyed this Taiwanese drama. I liked the characters a lot. They were all so distinct even though were in the same place, and the same time, and experiencing similar things. One of the most noteworthy things about the show was the chemistry between the two leads Lego Li as Liu Shan Feng and Kristen Ren as Lin Jia En. They really had me shipping the two actors. The chemistry of the whole cast was one that was really enjoyable to watch, it made me want to hang out with my friends and have cool adventures. Though the show's characters had some fantastical experiences they were believable and enjoyable to watch.

It's Okay That's Love - Definitely my favorite show for the year. So far, following Gong Hyo Jin has not led me astray. I think we all have to admit that the chemistry between the lead characters had us all screaming with envy at our screens, but aside from that I think the show very successfully explored the lives of patients and doctors of psychiatric medicine. There were so many enjoyable and admirable elements to the show: both of the leads had mental illnesses, the bromance between Jo Dong-Min and Park Soo-Gwang, the romances, the dysfunctional relationships all the characters had with each other, and the soundtrack. This show really boasted one of the most enjoyable soundtracks I've ever heard. I also have to give big props to Lee Kwnag Soo for realistically portraying Tourette syndrome while still being his usual comedic self. Just know that I highly recommend the show.

Marriage, Not Dating - This show didn't turn out how I expected it to. From the title I expected a mix of Lie to Me and Fated to Love You, but it was different. It had all the familiar elements but there was a refreshing spin put on it. I can't pinpoint what it was but something about this show made it much more enjoyable to watch than I expected. I actually watched the show all in one go because I was that excited about it once I started. I think one of the things that I really liked was the tangled love hexagon that was put before us. I liked that nobody really hid their feelings for others from each other despite the fact that two of the people were supposed to be "engaged." I also found the friendship of Joo Jang-Mi, Kong Ki-Tae, and Han Yeo-Reum really funny considering that it was a love triangle. It was just a really fun show to watch and wasn't bogged down by too much drama.

Misaeng (Incomplete Life) - A really great show. After watching it I understood why it got such a positive response from audiences. It was amazingly clever and real. I liked that the show didn't try to romanticize the life of an office worker, and any fantastical elements they did add was presented in a such a way that you knew that the writers weren't taking themselves too seriously. The characters were also very special. For me, I could see a little piece of myself in every character and I liked that. I highly recommend it.

Modern Farmer - I think this show was really underrated. It was one of the most hilarious shows I've seen in a while. Just purely funny, not too much drama, not too much romance, but not lacking in those departments either. It was really enjoyable to watch and all the cast members did a great job being funny and endearing.

Partners by Blood (Bitter Blood) - Loved it! Definitely my favorite Japanese drama by far. It was hilarious and full of action. I really looked forward to every episode while watching because I knew that I was going to enjoy the experience of watching it. There were a lot of unexpected but really great elements in the show. For instance, the son, Natsuki Sahara played by Takeru Sato was more sensitive than the other detectives or his father. That difference alone made the contrast between the characters very entertaining.

Pinocchio - This one really gave It's Okay, That's Love a run for it's money. The main couple was just all kinds of sweet even though they had their ups and downs they just couldn't quit each other. The mix of the revenge plot and the life of reporters was an interesting mix that I think came out well. I have to say that my absolute favorite part of the show was the fact that Yoon Gyun Sang and Lee Jong Suk actually looked like brothers. I mean how often do siblings look alike on TV shows or in movies, like never unless they're siblings in real life. For two unrelated people to look so similar, I really never got over how perfect that casting decision was. Also, Kim Young Gwang killed his role as the perfect second male lead. All the characters were really special and had their own place in the show rather than just being background actors for Lee Jong Suk and Park Shin Hye. Example: Who can forget Jang Hyun-Gyu aka Nosy Jang with the headband? I loved it.

What Happens to My Family - A really enjoyable weekend drama. I started this show really late, but finished it just in time. It was enjoyable from beginning to end. Funny, endearing, and had one of my favorite casts of the year. There were popular veterans and impressive rookies who really made the show great with their talent. The writers also did a really good job at mixing in the realism of family with the slightly unrealistic drama that must exist in K-dramas. Although there was a lot of drama it came in digestible streams and didn't make me raise my hands in exasperation during every episode.

I am happy that I got through this many new dramas in my first full year, but this is only a portion of the dramas I wanted to see in 2014. I am hoping that I'll get to watch some of the ones I really wanted to see like Gap Dong and The Hours of My Life soon.

Hope everyone has an enjoyable and blessed 2015. 

12 Shows to Start Watching Before 2014 is Over

A lot of great shows were released in 2014 and though some of them were huge, some weren't so notable but still very entertaining. I was able to watch a great number of dramas this year and for that I am grateful. Now I have a slew of actors to watch as 2015 approaches. 

These are some television shows that I recommend checking out before 2014 is over if you haven't.

KOREAN

Birth of a Beauty

Birth of a Beauty stars Han Ye Seul and Joo Sang Wook and is about a chaebol designing the perfect beauty so that they can get revenge on the loves that betrayed them. The show is just the right mix of comedy, romance and revenge. The two main actors make a very charming pair. The pace of the show is also very enjoyable. The show is only 12 episodes in and slated for 20 episodes total. Each episode is just over an hour. I know for sure that the show can be watched on DramaFever and Viki.
Also Staring: Jung Gyu-Woon, Wang Ji-Hye, Han Sang-Jin, along with many others. 

Modern Farmer

Modern Farmer follows a rock band as they try to farm cabbages in order to gain the money they need to make their album. The show stars Lee Hong Ki, Park Min Woo, Honey Lee, Lee Si Un, Kwak Dong Yun, and several other familiar actors and actresses. It's a very enjoyable show. It's extremely funny, but also endearing, and in some regards quite suspenseful. The show is slated for 20 episodes and currently has 16 episodes released, which I know are available on DramaFever and Viki. 

Pride & Prejudice

Pride & Prejudice is Choi Jin Hyuk's last drama before serving his military service, so it must not be missed. Besides that it is an amazing show. It is about a rookie prosecutor played by Beak Jin Hee trying to piece together her brother's murder while still trying to be the best public welfare prosecutor she can be. The "sunbae" is played by Choi Jin Hyuk and there is some romantic tension between them but luckily the show is really good at trying to focus on the prosecuting process more than their possible dating life. The show also stars Choi Min Soo, Lee Tae Hwan (Surprise), Son Chang-Min, Choi Woo-Sik, Jang Hang-Seon, Jung Hye-Seong, Baek Su-Ryeon, and Kim Na-Woon. The show has also been receiving very good ratings and is slated for 20 episodes, 12 of which have been released. The show is available for Premium customers on DramaFever, and on Viki.

It's Okay, That's Love

Probably the best show of 2014. If you haven't seen it yet then you are definitely missing out. The show is about a couple struggling with their own psychological issues while trying to enjoy love for the first time. This is an epic show: it had an epic cast and even the premise of the show is epic. It stars Gong Hyo Jin, Jo In Sung, Lee Kwang Soo, Song Dong Il, D.O., Jin Kyung, Lee Sung Kyung, Yak Ik Joon, and Cha Hwa Yeon. The show has a very remarkable set of couples and shows the struggle of being in a relationship as well as the bliss. Another great thing about this show is that all the characters are extremely strong. No one is cowering to anyone just so they can feel love and acceptance. It also teaches viewers how tough dealing with mental illnesses can be but also how people with mental illnesses should be viewed and treated. I honestly think that anyone would enjoy this show. It was 16 episodes and is available on most streaming websites including DramaFever, Viki, and Hulu.


JAPANESE

Partners by Blood

Partners by Blood was a really great show packed with both action and comedy. It was also a very short series with only 11 episodes that were about 45 minutes long. It's the perfect series to marathon on a day off. I also think it's a great drama for Asian drama virgins. If you are just getting started or are looking for something that might interest your friends and family then I highly recommend this one. I know that it's available on DramaFever.

The Perfect Insider

The Perfect Insider is a relatively new drama that started in late October of 2014. It is a really entertaining and suspenseful crime drama. It is a bit far-fetched at times but the amount of suspense that this drama boasts will leave you hanging onto your seats and craving more at the end of every episode. Available on DramaFever.

VARIETY

Roommate

Although Roommate may not boasts super high ratings it does have a great cast and it is very funny and endearing. The concept of sticking celebrities that know almost nothing about each other together in a house is not a new one, but it never ceases to be entertaining no matter how many ways you spin it. The show is already in its second season and even though I as a viewer grew attached to the cast members of the first season I must say that the second season somehow feels more comfortable, not just for the housemates but also for the viewers. If you were thinking about checking it out but still haven't made the jump, I encourage you to at least check out the first episode. Available on DramaFever.

Superman is Back!

One of the cutest variety shows ever! Super Man is Back (or Superman Returns) shows celebrity fathers taking care of their children alone for a 48 hour period. It really is fun to watch the dads and their children become closer. The dads always seem to have so much fun watching their children grow and it's fun for the viewer to watch the family grow closer together with every new experience. The longest members of the cast are Tablo (Epik High) and his daughter Haru, Choo Sung Hoon and his daughter Sarang, Lee Hwi Jae and his twins Seo Joon & Seo Eon, and Song Il-Kook and his triplets Dae Han, Min Guk, and Man Se. Former members of the cast include Lee Hyun Woo and his two sons, Kim Jung Tae and his son, Jang Hyun Sung and his two sons, and Do Kyung Wan and his son. Most recently the cast has added Uhm Tae Woong and his daughter as Tablo and Haru depart. This show is very family friendly and you will find yourself smiling the entire show as you watch the children and fathers learn together. Available on YouTube.

SHORTS

Another Parting

This five episode mini drama packed quite the punch: from an impressive cast to an addicting story line. It packed that wallop in about an hour too. The show is about an alien that comes to earth to learn about humans. While trying to learn he encounters a woman and follows her in order to achieve his mission. It sounds sappy but it had a good bit of action and comedy that made it a touch better than your typical romantic drama. I reviewed the show already in a Monday Marathon post. You can watch this drama on YouTube with English subtitles.

Aftermath

This was another action packed miniseries made from a popular webtoon. The drama is about a high school student who wakes up after an accident with the ability to tell which people will die and which people will kill. The show is a total of 11 episodes with each episode being about 8-11 minutes long. It stars Kim Dong Joon of ZE:A and combines murder, mystery, and romance in a pretty enjoyable package.  I also reviewed the show for my Marathon Monday series. Available on DramaFever.

After School Lucky or Not

This is one of the most hilarious shorts I've ever seen. At times it can be a bit crude, but it was so funny that it was easy to not get annoyed by it. It stars the members of idol-acting group Surprise, and in the first season Kim So Eun, in the second season Song Joo Hee (Alice of Hello Venus) and Han Ji Suk. The show is about friends who complete missions after school as a bucket list. As you can imagine this creates some pretty hilarious antics that really shouldn't be missed. I reviewed the first season in a Monday Marathon post. Available on DramaFever.

Love Cells

This short wrapped very recently and it was a very cute and fun romantic comedy. The main character was in danger of losing all his love cells but with the help of his cat he tries to save himself by winning over the heart of a k-pop idol. It boasts quite an impressive cast which I listed out in my Monday Marathon post. It was 15 episodes long that were about 6-12 minutes long. Available on DramaFever.