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A Koala's Playground

I'll talk about dramas if I want to

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Yearly Archives: 2023

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Two Youth Romance Novels From Writer Zhu Yi Adapted to C-dramas in Summer 2023 Has When I Fly Towards You the Unexpected Better Reviewed Surprise Hit Over Hidden Love

A Koala's Playground Posted on July 19, 2023 by ockoalaJuly 19, 2023
Romantic moments and friendship in a series.

So the first time I heard of When I Fly Towards You were from viewers commenting here about how it’s so much better than Hidden Love and the two are being compared because (1) it’s from the same writer Zhu Yi, and (2) both C-dramas aired at the same time this June 2023. Hidden Love was the “bigger” drama because … Continue reading →

Posted in TW & C dramas | Tagged Hidden Love, When I Fly Towards You

Song Hye Kyo Takes Home the Daesang at the 2nd Annual Blue Dragon Series Awards with Suzy Winning Best Actress and Ha Jung Woo Getting Best Actor

A Koala's Playground Posted on July 19, 2023 by ockoalaJuly 19, 2023
Woman in black dress presenting an award.

Last year in 2022 was the first ever Blue Dragon Series Awards as the awards body until then was exclusively a movie awards ceremony. So this year in 2023 its only the 2nd annual Blue Dragon Series Awards and last nights in person ceremony was full of big name stars but devoid of any meaningful and well dressed fashion per … Continue reading →

Posted in Awards, K-dramas | Tagged Cha Eun Woo, Cha Joo Young, D.O., Gong Hyo Jin, Ha Jung Woo, Jeon Hye Bin, Jung Eun Chae, Jung Ryeo Won, Kim Go Eun, Kim Seo Hyung, Lee Elijah, Lee Jung Jae, Lee Kwang Soo, Lee Sung Min, Lim Ji Yeon, Park Hyung Sik, Park Shin Hye, Park Sung Hoon, Seo Hyun Jin, Shin Ye Eun, Song Hye Kyo, Suzy, Yoona, Yura, Yuri

Han Hyo Joo Offered Female Lead Role in Healing K-drama In Your Brilliant Season

A Koala's Playground Posted on July 19, 2023 by ockoalaJuly 19, 2023
Woman in black coat waving at event.

K-actress has a new K-drama coming out this summer with Disney+ production of school aged superpower drama Moving and she’s signed on for another drama with Joo Ji Hoon already. Now she’s considering an offer to star in healing romance K-drama In Your Brilliant Season, and just throwing in the word Brilliant got me nostalgic for one of the best … Continue reading →

Posted in K-dramas | Tagged Han Hyo Joo, In Your Brilliant Season

Youku Announces Premiere of Xianxia C-drama The Princess and the Werewolf with Chen Zhe Yuan and Wu Xuan Yi for July 20th

A Koala's Playground Posted on July 18, 2023 by ockoalaJuly 19, 2023
A romantic scene under pink cherry blossoms.

Oh my lord what fresh hell is this? I wrote about how C-ent was discussing the xianxia romance C-drama Go Princess Go 2 (also known as The Princess and the Werewolf) was also going to be part of the airing drop this summer of 2023. Well that rumor is true and Youku will premiere the drama going by the English … Continue reading →

Posted in TW & C dramas | Tagged Chen Zhe Yuan, Wu Xuan Yi

Filming to Commence Shortly for K-drama Although I am Not a Hero with Jang Ki Yong and Chun Wo Hee

A Koala's Playground Posted on July 18, 2023 by ockoalaJuly 18, 2023
Two individuals posing for a photo together.

K-actor Jang Ki Yong is back from military service and his first project will be the K-drama Although I am Not a Hero with costar Chun Woo Hee. The production just confirmed both leads and announced it will commence filming shortly. Jang Ki Yong plays a superhero who loses his powers after an illness. Chun Woo Hee is a woman … Continue reading →

Posted in K-dramas | Tagged Chun Woo Hee, Jang Ki Yong

Kim Ji Eun and Park Solomon to Headline Fantasy Romance Office K-drama Branding in Seongsudong

A Koala's Playground Posted on July 18, 2023 by ockoalaJuly 17, 2023
Portraits of a woman and a man.

So this is a fantasy/office/romance plus the noona-dongsaeng age difference which feels like a throwback only because it’s not being done as frequently as prior years. A new K-drama got cast this week called Branding in Seongsudong starring Kim Ji Eun and Park Solomon (Lomon) which is a weird pairing if any. She plays a top marketing executive who is … Continue reading →

Posted in K-dramas | Tagged Branding in Seongsudong, Kim Ji Eun, Park Solomon

See You in My 19th Life Turns Sageuk Life and Death Dramatic in Penultimate Weekend Episodes Leading to Conclusion with 12-episode Run

A Koala's Playground Posted on July 17, 2023 by ockoalaJuly 17, 2023
Young woman gazing at a carousel at night.

I had to double check and confirmed that tvN weekend drama See You in My 19th Life is ending next weekend, it sure is as the drama is only 12-episodes long. That makes for a very tight narrative and this drama has done so, and the only filler scenes for me are the OTP hanging out scenes because I still … Continue reading →

Posted in K-dramas | Tagged See You in My 19th Life

The Longest Promise with Xiao Zhan and Ren Min Concludes with an Ending Sure to be Polarizing

A Koala's Playground Posted on July 17, 2023 by ockoalaJuly 17, 2023
Fantasy characters in dramatic standoff.

I feel like xianxia dramas almost always have the exact same ending, and I don’t mean sad or happy ending but that the sad endings are the exact same set up and same goes for happy endings. It’s like there is only one playbook for either extreme. The Longest Promise ended today with its quick 40-episode run over two weeks … Continue reading →

Posted in TW & C dramas | Tagged Ren Min, The Longest Promise, Xiao Zhan

Cheng Yi Joins the Summer 2023 C-drama Party with Mysterious Lotus Casebook Rumored to Drop this Week on July 18th on iQiyi

A Koala's Playground Posted on July 17, 2023 by ockoalaJuly 17, 2023
Three young men in traditional attire.

C-actor Cheng Yi had one of the big summer 2022 C-drama hits with Immortal Samsara with Yang Zi so it’s only fitting he’s likely going to join this summer’s airing block party as well. Rumors are that iQiyi will premiere period drama Mysterious Lotus Casebook with three male leads Cheng Yi along with Zeng Shun Xi, and Xiao Shun Yao. … Continue reading →

Posted in TW & C dramas | Tagged Chen Du Ling, Chen Yi Han, Cheng Yi, Mysterious Lotus Casebook, Xiao Shun Yao, Zeng Shun Xi

Popular C-idol Cai Xu Kun Apologizes After One Night Stand and Forced Abortion Scandal Leading to Getting Cut From Variety Show Keep Running in a Soft Ban

A Koala's Playground Posted on July 16, 2023 by ockoalaJuly 16, 2023
Stylish musicians against a blue backdrop.

So I heard about this two weeks ago when the scandal first broke but since I don’t follow C-pop I didn’t realize how big it was because I didn’t know how popular this young star is. Idol-singer Cai Xu Kun (Kun) was named as the young top star who had a one night stand with an underage young fan and … Continue reading →

Posted in Miscellaneous | Tagged Cai Xu Kun, Kun

First Posters for jTBC Romance Drama Destined with You Pose Leads Ro Woon and Jo Boa Devoid of Chemistry

A Koala's Playground Posted on July 16, 2023 by ockoalaJuly 16, 2023
Actors attending a script reading session.

Lol, can I send this back and ask for a re-do? The first drama posters are out for jTBC romance Destined with You and it’s so flat and a big nothing-burger of chemistry and energy. Female lead Jo Boa is really hit or miss when it comes to her onscreen romantic chemistry with her male lead but she is still … Continue reading →

Posted in K-dramas | Tagged Destined with You, Jo Boa, Ro Woon

The Success of Junho and Yoona in King the Land and Ancillary Promos Has K-drama Fans Wondering Which OTP Shot the Best Drama Pictorials

A Koala's Playground Posted on July 16, 2023 by ockoalaJuly 16, 2023
Couple sitting together by a window.

The jTBC drama King the Land has been the unexpected success of the K-drama 2023 summer season and deserves it. Coasting on a flimsy script and recycled tropes, Junho and Yoona have delivered the ratings and buzz on their charm alone, there is no doubting it. The rumors of a real life relationship (denied) have added to the luster but … Continue reading →

Posted in K-dramas | Tagged King the Land

Tencent Inexplicably Rushes The Long Promise Airing as the Drama Wraps its Run on July 17th with 40-episodes

A Koala's Playground Posted on July 15, 2023 by ockoalaJuly 16, 2023
Two characters under an umbrella, number 27000.

Among the high profile summer period C-dramas so far I find The Longest Promise the best produced of the bunch, after the early low budget CGI it’s settled in nicely and my (and some other viewers) problems with female lead Ren Min isn’t a dealbreaker for the drama as a whole which has gotten better reviews as its progressed along. … Continue reading →

Posted in TW & C dramas | Tagged Ren Min, The Longest Promise, Xiao Zhan

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  • Mei on Zhao Lu Si Radiant in Burgundy Welcoming 2026 Lunar New Year of the Horse
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  • Mei on Tan Song Yun and Liu Xue Yi Lead Big Cast of Actresses in Family and Political Conflict Period C-drama Against the Current
  • Nena on Tencent Formally Announces Dylan Wang and Meng Zi Yi as Leads for C-drama Adaptation of Rebirth of the Malicious Empress of Military Lineage
  • Lilith on Tencent Formally Announces Dylan Wang and Meng Zi Yi as Leads for C-drama Adaptation of Rebirth of the Malicious Empress of Military Lineage
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  • Annette on Meng Zi Yi and He Yu Bring the Romantic Tension in Posters and Stills for Period C-drama Blossoms of Power
  • Rero on Tencent Formally Announces Dylan Wang and Meng Zi Yi as Leads for C-drama Adaptation of Rebirth of the Malicious Empress of Military Lineage
  • Gennita on Tencent Formally Announces Dylan Wang and Meng Zi Yi as Leads for C-drama Adaptation of Rebirth of the Malicious Empress of Military Lineage
  • Somebody on Meng Zi Yi and He Yu Bring the Romantic Tension in Posters and Stills for Period C-drama Blossoms of Power
  • Somebody on Zhao Lu Si Radiant in Burgundy Welcoming 2026 Lunar New Year of the Horse
  • Somebody on Tan Song Yun and Liu Xue Yi Lead Big Cast of Actresses in Family and Political Conflict Period C-drama Against the Current

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