↓
 
A Koala's Playground 
 
  • Home
  • About
  • Drama/Book Recaps
  • Favorites
  • Glossary
  • Headers
  • Privacy Policy
  • Ratings/Top Ten
    • K-dramas Ratings/Top Ten
    • TW/C dramas Ratings/Top Ten
  • Reviews

A Koala's Playground

I'll talk about dramas if I want to

Text and profile of a man in a logo.

Author Archives: ockoala

Post navigation

← Older posts
Newer posts →

Ha Ji Won, Joo Ji Hoon, and Ki Hong Lee Offered Lead Roles in Big-budget K-drama Prometheus

A Koala's Playground Posted on February 19, 2018 by ockoalaFebruary 19, 2018
Female in white dress and man with microphone

When I heard of this upcoming K-drama I almost keeled over from laughing too hard. I can’t even K-ent is still trying to do a tense big-budget politics and war themed drama after failing so many times prior. IRIS is probably the pinnacle of execution and a tight story line but then it had plenty of flaws, not to mention … Continue reading →

Posted in K-dramas | Tagged Ha Ji Won, Joo Ji Hoon, Ki Hong Lee

Suzy Wrapping Up Solo Comeback and Turns Down K-drama Come and Hug Me with Nam Joo Hyuk

A Koala's Playground Posted on February 19, 2018 by ockoalaFebruary 18, 2018
Thoughtful person sitting in a cozy setting.

This may really be the epic height of wooden acting heretofore never seen in K-dramas and if it’s going to happen then I’m all in to watch it unfold. Actress-singer Suzy has been busy promoting her solo music comeback from January until now and is reportedly winding down her music activities. The latest industry chatter is that Suzy has accepted … Continue reading →

Posted in K-dramas | Tagged Come and Hug Me, Suzy

jTBC Continues Win Streak as Fri-Sat Drama Misty Breaks 7% Ratings by Episode 6

A Koala's Playground Posted on February 18, 2018 by ockoalaFebruary 18, 2018
Couple in elegant attire with dramatic backdrop.

Congrats to cable network jTBC for having the first big K-drama hit of 2018. It’s Fri-Sat night drama Misty went from a solid premiere episode rating of 3.473% all the way up to episode 6 bringing in 7.081%. Last year’s two biggest cable dramas were on jTBC with Strong Woman Do Bong Soon and then even higher with Women of … Continue reading →

Posted in Musings | Tagged Ji Jin Hee, Kim Nam Joo, Misty

Hwayugi Episode 15 Drops Huge in Ratings Down to 3.586% as the Narrative Loses Steam

A Koala's Playground Posted on February 18, 2018 by ockoalaFebruary 18, 2018
Young man holding a sword outdoors.

The hammer has dropped for me with this weekend’s episodes of Hwayugi. I wanted so badly to love this drama but it’s gone down the exact same trajectory as While You Were Sleeping. First episode love slowly seeping away due to a meandering narrative and a lack of growing depth in writing the main characters with the side characters the … Continue reading →

Posted in K-dramas | Tagged Hwayugi

Dylan Wang and Shen Yue Shine in First Scene Stills From Meteor Garden 2018

A Koala's Playground Posted on February 18, 2018 by ockoalaFebruary 18, 2018
Young woman smiling in stylish sweater.

I have a soft spot for Meteor Garden not because I love the Hana Yori Dango story all that much, it’s entertaining enough but the original Taiwan adaptation spawned the idol drama craze that gave us a decade of great TW-dramas. It’s also been the source material for many dramas to launch new faces thanks to the story line being … Continue reading →

Posted in TW & C dramas | Tagged Dylan Wang, Meteor Garden, Shen Yue

Kimura Takuya Reunites Onscreen with Most Famous J-dorama OTP Yamaguchi Tomoko From Long Vacation

A Koala's Playground Posted on February 17, 2018 by ockoalaFebruary 17, 2018
Smiling couple standing in a bar setting.

I had to do my math a few times to confirm that it’s been 22 years (22!!!) since the career making J-dorama Long Vacation that launched into J-dorama leading man super stardom Kimura Takuya. It’s not his highest rated J-dorama but it was definitely the one that put him on the map and made him a heartthrob throughout Asia for … Continue reading →

Posted in J-doramas | Tagged BG, Kimura Takuya, Long Vacation, Yamaguchi Tomoko

Selina Jen Effortlessly Chic in Michael Kors Heading Off to Fashion Week

A Koala's Playground Posted on February 17, 2018 by ockoalaFebruary 17, 2018
Smiling woman in red dress and leather jacket.

A thorough win for Taiwanese singer Selina Jen, gorgeous in head-to-toe Michael Kors at Taipei airport last week flying out for New York Fashion Week. I love the pop of the bright red dress accentuated with a thin camel colored belt and topped with a classic ladies cut leather jacket. She’s even got sensible and stylish kitten heels to complete … Continue reading →

Posted in Fashion | Tagged Selina Jen

Shin Se Kyung is a Luminous Joseon Hanbok Fairy in New Pictorial

A Koala's Playground Posted on February 17, 2018 by ockoalaFebruary 16, 2018
Woman dressed in traditional layered attire.

Nobody can say that Shin Se Kyung isn’t a beautiful woman. But everyone can have differing opinions on whether she’s a good actress. For the sake of this pictorial it’s the unanimous side at work as Shin Se Kyung recently posed for a hanbok photo shoot that is nothing short of breathtaking. Reminds me of Suzy‘s hanbok shoot and even … Continue reading →

Posted in Fashion | Tagged Shin Se Kyung

Park Han Byul Takes Wedding Pictures in Hawaii for InStyle Korea

A Koala's Playground Posted on February 16, 2018 by ockoalaFebruary 16, 2018
Woman in elegant white dress, soft lighting.

Other than the picture above of actress Park Han Byul in a wedding dress, which is exquisite and she is absolutely stunning as a bride-to-be, the rest of this Hawaii shot pictorial doesn’t give off any engagement photo vibes. Park Han Byul has been enjoying a steady acting career these past few years, not as dogged by the bad actress … Continue reading →

Posted in Fashion, Miscellaneous | Tagged Park Han Byul, Wedding

Korean Stars Send Lunar New Year 2018 Greetings to Fans

A Koala's Playground Posted on February 16, 2018 by ockoalaFebruary 16, 2018
Three individuals holding signed messages.

A very Happy Lunar New Year 2018 to everyone! It’s the year of the dog, and also eight years since I started blogging and I can’t believe I’ve kept at it for so long. It’s been long enough to have seen the rise, fall, wane, and consistency of many Korean actors and actresses, making it even more impressive for those … Continue reading →

Posted in Miscellaneous

Son Ye Jin and Jung Hae In Enjoy a Coffee Date in First Still from Pretty Noona Who Buys Me Food

A Koala's Playground Posted on February 16, 2018 by ockoalaFebruary 16, 2018
Two smiling actors holding script pages.

I’m going to have words with the production team member who chose to release as the first still for upcoming jTBC romance drama Pretty Noona Who Buys Me Food a picture where half of male lead Jung Hae In‘s face is obscured by his coffee cup. This is not a coffee CF, and definitely detracts from setting the whole tone. … Continue reading →

Posted in K-dramas | Tagged Jung Hae In, Pretty Noona Who Buys Me Food, Son Ye Jin

Return Continues Onward This Week with Leading Lady Switch From Go Hyun Jung to Park Jin Hee

A Koala's Playground Posted on February 15, 2018 by ockoalaFebruary 15, 2018
Two women in stylish black suits.

It was a surprise to see new episodes of SBS Wed-Thurs drama Return airing this week, what with last week’s epic onset fallout with the PD and leading lady Go Hyun Jung getting into a tiff and then SBS firing her. The show must go on but the surprise is how quickly the production was ready to start airing again … Continue reading →

Posted in K-dramas | Tagged Go Hyun Jung, Park Jin Hee, Return

First Teaser and Stills for tvN Drama Mr. Sunshine Brings the Stirring Visuals and Narrative Intensity

A Koala's Playground Posted on February 15, 2018 by ockoalaFebruary 15, 2018
Forest scene above, river scene below.

Yeah, imma just going to give credit where credit is due but once again screenwriter Kim Eun Sook has unveiled a drama preview that looks phenomenally kickass. The first teaser is here for upcoming summer 2018 tvN period drama Mr. Sunshine, where I’m wondering where the sunshine is because all I see is exquisite cinematography and a crap load of … Continue reading →

Posted in K-dramas | Tagged Byun Yo Han, KIm Tae Ri, Lee Byung Hun, Mr. Sunshine, Yoo Yeon Seok

Post navigation

← Older posts
Newer posts →

Currently watching:

K-dramas: When the Phone Rings

Recent Posts

  • Cast Confirmed for Royal Revenge Drama Sister, I am the Queen in This Life with Kim Tae Ri, Ha Yoon Kyung, Jo Han Gyeol, and Moo Jin Sung
  • Meng Zi Yi Reportedly Selects Republic Era Revenge Drama Jing Gui as Next Project and Male Lead Rumored to be Cheng Lei
  • CCTV and iQiyi Medical Drama Small Town Remedy with Xiao Zhan is the Most Well Received C-drama of October 2026
  • Where the Mask Ends Completes Airing with 19th Consecutive Days of Over 10,000 Heat Index on Youku Surpassing 18 Day Record Set By Legend of Zang Hai and The Immortal Ascension
  • Agent Kim Reactivated Chosen by K-ent Industry Insiders as Best Drama of 2026 Followed by Teach You a Lesson and We Are All Trying Here
  • Vertical Mini C-drama Male Lead Dai Gao Zheng Breaks Out with Mainstream Hit C-drama Where the Mask Ends as the Oft Beaten Beefcake Antagonist
  • K-ent Industry Insiders Vote on Worst K-drama of 2026 and Royal Romance Drama Perfect Crown with IU and Byun Woo Seok Leading the Ignominious List
  • Republic Era War and Romance C-drama The Lament of Autumn with Cheng Lei and Xu Ruo Han Peters Out From Hot Start and Frustrates Viewers with Ending
  • Reunion of Blossom Leads Li Yun Rui and Meng Zi Yi in C-drama Tigers Sniff the Rose is Heading Towards Flop Territory Midway Through Airing
  • C-actor Song Zu Er to Ditch Her Stage Name and Go By Birth Name Sun Fan Qing Going Forward as Confirmed by Promos for New Dramas The Palace Stewardess and Wish You All the Best




Latest Comments

  • Jeannie on CCTV and iQiyi Medical Drama Small Town Remedy with Xiao Zhan is the Most Well Received C-drama of October 2026
  • Biedronka on CCTV and iQiyi Medical Drama Small Town Remedy with Xiao Zhan is the Most Well Received C-drama of October 2026
  • Jeannie on Cast Confirmed for Royal Revenge Drama Sister, I am the Queen in This Life with Kim Tae Ri, Ha Yoon Kyung, Jo Han Gyeol, and Moo Jin Sung
  • Rina on Cast Confirmed for Royal Revenge Drama Sister, I am the Queen in This Life with Kim Tae Ri, Ha Yoon Kyung, Jo Han Gyeol, and Moo Jin Sung
  • Somebody on Where the Mask Ends Completes Airing with 19th Consecutive Days of Over 10,000 Heat Index on Youku Surpassing 18 Day Record Set By Legend of Zang Hai and The Immortal Ascension
  • Somebody on CCTV and iQiyi Medical Drama Small Town Remedy with Xiao Zhan is the Most Well Received C-drama of October 2026
  • Somebody on Meng Zi Yi Reportedly Selects Republic Era Revenge Drama Jing Gui as Next Project and Male Lead Rumored to be Cheng Lei
  • Rero on Meng Zi Yi Reportedly Selects Republic Era Revenge Drama Jing Gui as Next Project and Male Lead Rumored to be Cheng Lei
  • Lmao on Meng Zi Yi Reportedly Selects Republic Era Revenge Drama Jing Gui as Next Project and Male Lead Rumored to be Cheng Lei
  • Simon Johansen on Tencent Period Drama The Road to Splendor with Ding Yu Xi and Deng En Xi Gets More Good Reviews than Viewership with Solid 7.1 Douban Ratings
  • prettyautumn on Meng Zi Yi Reportedly Selects Republic Era Revenge Drama Jing Gui as Next Project and Male Lead Rumored to be Cheng Lei
  • Raya on Meng Zi Yi Reportedly Selects Republic Era Revenge Drama Jing Gui as Next Project and Male Lead Rumored to be Cheng Lei

Categories

  • Awards
  • Books
  • Discussion Forum
  • Download Links
  • Drama Previews
  • Fashion
  • Films
  • First Impressions
  • J-doramas
  • Japanese Manga
  • K-dramas
  • Miscellaneous
  • Music
  • Musings
  • My Loves
  • Oldies but Goodies
  • Recaps
  • Recess
  • TW & C dramas
  • Year End Reviews

Tags

Dating Gong Hyo Jin Gong Yoo Ha Ji Won Han Ji Min Hyun Bin IU Jang Geun Seok Jeon Ji Hyun Ji Chang Wook Ji Sung Jung Hae In Jung So Min Kim Go Eun Kim Ji Won Kim So Hyun Kim Soo Hyun Kim Woo Bin Kim Yoo Jung Lee Dong Wook Lee Jong Seok Lee Jun Ki Lee Min Ho Lee Seung Gi Liu Shi Shi Married Moon Geun Young Nam Joo Hyuk Park Bo Gum Park Min Young Park Seo Joon Park Shin Hye Shin Se Kyung Song Hye Kyo Song Joong Ki Song Seung Heon Son Ye Jin Suzy Wedding Yang Mi Yoo Ah In Yoona Yoon Eun Hye Yoo Seung Ho Zhao Lu Si

Archives

Blogroll

  • Dramabeans
  • Jomo's Findings
  • Mookiehyun
  • Thundie's Prattle
  • WaterOB

Favorite Book Translations

  • Da Mo Yao (Ballad of the Desert) Da Mo Yao (Ballad of the Desert)
  • Lost You Forever Lost You Forever
  • Yun Zhong Ge (Song of the Clouds) Yun Zhong Ge (Song of the Clouds)

Favorite Drama Recaps

  • In a Good Way In a Good Way
  • Nice Guy (The Innocent Man) Nice Guy (The Innocent Man)
  • The King 2 Hearts The King 2 Hearts
©2026 - A Koala's Playground - Weaver Xtreme Theme
↑
error: Content is protected !!