↓
 
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

A woman standing in a natural setting.

Author Archives: ockoala

Post navigation

← Older posts
Newer posts →

The Mermaid and Her Conman Settle into the Seoul Narrative as Legend of the Blue Sea Episode 4 Ratings Hits 17.1%

A Koala's Playground Posted on November 24, 2016 by ockoalaNovember 24, 2016
Young woman and man in an intense conversation.

The ratings tide is headed in the right and upward direction for Legend of the Blue Sea, and rightly so as I liked this week’s two episodes more than the action heavy character thin episode 2. While the competition remained steady in the low single digits, Legend rose again in episode 4 to hit 17.1% AGB nationwide, a good sign … Continue reading →

Posted in K-dramas | Tagged Jeon Ji Hyun, Lee Min Ho, Legend of the Blue Sea

Moon Geun Young and Park Jung Min in Elle Korea and Press Conference for Romeo and Juliet

A Koala's Playground Posted on November 24, 2016 by ockoalaNovember 23, 2016
Couple posing on a sofa indoors.

I’m always impressed with stage actors even a step above their screen brethren, it takes an immense amount of confidence and practice to act live in front of an audience. I try to watch as many stage productions as available and always bemoan not living in a city with more offerings. Seoul is vibrant with theater culture in both stage … Continue reading →

Posted in My Loves | Tagged Moon Geun Young, Park Jung Min

First Stills of Liu Shi Shi and William Chan in Fantasy Period C-drama Lost Love in Time

A Koala's Playground Posted on November 24, 2016 by ockoalaNovember 21, 2016
Woman in traditional dress with butterflies.

Chinese drama-watching netizens can be hilariously snarky and in this case they overwhelming hate the K-remake of Bu Bu Jing Xin as much as I did. Moon Lovers doesn’t even hold up as a K-drama in its own right, much as as an adaptation of the source novel the Chinese did amazingly well already. Lots of viewers have been missing … Continue reading →

Posted in TW & C dramas | Tagged Liu Shi Shi, Lost Love in Time, William Chan

Ratings Stay Relatively Steady for Legend of the Blue Sea at 15.7% for Episode 3

A Koala's Playground Posted on November 23, 2016 by ockoalaNovember 23, 2016
Man above, woman underwater, aquatic scene.

The reception for Legend of the Blue Sea doesn’t yet have the legs to show that it can be the vaulter hits like Descendants of the Sun and You From Another Star. So far I would be thrilled beyond thrilled that it break 20% but I’m relieved it’s staying steady as episode 3 came in at 15.7& AGB nationwide for … Continue reading →

Posted in K-dramas | Tagged Jeon Ji Hyun, Lee Min Ho, Legend of the Blue Sea

Puff Guo Takes On First Period Role in C-drama Shuttle Love Millennium with Wei Da Xun

A Koala's Playground Posted on November 23, 2016 by ockoalaNovember 22, 2016
Woman in traditional dress carrying a suitcase.

I’m going to check out Shuttle Love Millennium for Puff Guo, and for all the pretty early Republic era costuming and set pieces in this just premiered new C-drama. It’s the so-called sequel to the Zheng Shuang and Jin Bo Ran hit drama Love Through a Millennium, which was the C-drama adaptation of the popular K-drama Queen In Hyun’s Man. … Continue reading →

Posted in TW & C dramas | Tagged Puff Guo, Shuttle Love Millennium, Wei Da Xun, Wen Yong Shan

Audiences Preferring Joseon Era Romance to Modern Day Slapstick in Legend of the Blue Sea

A Koala's Playground Posted on November 23, 2016 by ockoalaNovember 22, 2016
Collage of intense romantic and dramatic scenes.

It’s week two for Legend of the Blue Sea, with ratings to come in episodes 3 and 4 to show whether this drama is on the upswing or slowing down. I enjoyed the first two episodes but that was despite the seriously distracting elements of the modern day narrative. It was indeed too slapsticky for me, focusing too much on … Continue reading →

Posted in K-dramas | Tagged Jeon Ji Hyun, Lee Min Ho, Legend of the Blue Sea

Goblin Holds Pretty Press Conference and Releases Stunning 6-minute Long Preview

A Koala's Playground Posted on November 23, 2016 by ockoalaNovember 22, 2016
Two men engaged in a friendly conversation.

Oh my gosh does Goblin look ahhhhhmazing in the long 6-minute preview. I was making nnnngggg incoherent noises at every mesmerizing frame and couldn’t look away for a second. Whatever Kim Eun Sook has up her sleeve I’m certain it’s worth a first look on visuals alone rather than outright dismissiveness over some of her flaws in narrative and characterization. … Continue reading →

Posted in K-dramas | Tagged Goblin, Gong Yoo, Kim Go Eun, Lee Dong Wook, Yoo In Na, Yook Sung Jae

L and Yoon So Hee Join MBC Drama Ruler: Master of the Mask with Leads Yoo Seung Ho and Kim So Hyun

A Koala's Playground Posted on November 22, 2016 by ockoalaNovember 22, 2016
Two young adults at a promotional event.

This casting will definitely limit the possibility the second leads will steal the thunder from the main leads, but will also double up on the visuals for this drama so overall a win-win. Yoon So Hee and L (Kim Myung Soo) are confirmed for next year’s sageuk drama Ruler: Master of the Mask, which has already inked leads Yoo Seung … Continue reading →

Posted in K-dramas | Tagged Kim So Hyun, L, Ruler - Master of the Mask, Yoo Seung Ho, Yoon So Hee

Poster and Press Conference for Lotte Duty Fee Star-packed Promo Drama First Kiss for the 7th Time

A Koala's Playground Posted on November 22, 2016 by ockoalaNovember 22, 2016
Multiple actors featured in a romantic drama.

Lotte Duty Free is packaging a seven-for-one deal in terms of Hallyu stars and I find myself impressed with their ingenuity and willingness to go big. The poster is out for the brand’s tie-in web drama called First Kiss for the 7th Time, formerly First Kiss for the 6th Time but now one more K-actor has been added to the … Continue reading →

Posted in K-dramas | Tagged Choi Ji Woo, Ji Chang Wook, Lee Jong Seok, Lee Jun Ki, Lee Min Ho, Park Hae Jin, Taecyeon

Yoon Si Yoon Bundled Up for Arena Magazine and Offered KBS Drama The Best Deliveryman

A Koala's Playground Posted on November 22, 2016 by ockoalaNovember 22, 2016

I love Yoon Si Yoon and if you do too then this post is a double treat. Yoon Si Yoon is reportedly in talks to do his first prime time network drama in three years, coming back in early 2017 with the KBS drama The Best Deliveryman, with the PD of Come Jang Bori and the screenwriter of Joseon Gunman. … Continue reading →

Posted in K-dramas | Tagged Yoon Si Yoon

First Teaser and BTS Video of Hwarang Filming Continues the Awkward Cringe Factor

A Koala's Playground Posted on November 22, 2016 by ockoalaNovember 21, 2016
Behind-the-scenes moments from a drama filming.

The level of likely fail headed our way with less than a month from the premiere of KBS sageuk Hwarang appears to be inching higher. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t want the drama to suck and was quite looking forward to this tale of Shilla era pretty boy warrior scholars, but then it’s become impossible to ignore the ridiculous … Continue reading →

Posted in K-dramas | Tagged Go Ara, Hwarang, Minho, Park Hyung Sik, Park Seo Joon

Legend of the Blue Sea Accused of Copying Elements from Sherlock and Splash

A Koala's Playground Posted on November 21, 2016 by ockoalaNovember 21, 2016
Two people, one eating, one on phone.

I’m not even surprised anymore when a drama becomes a hit and immediately encounters some sort of backlash. I do think this one may have some merit solely resting on the shoulders of the screenwriter. Netizens are buzzing about potential plagiarism issues with SBS drama Legend of the Blue Sea, and how valid it is depends on the degree of direct copying … Continue reading →

Posted in K-dramas | Tagged Jeon Ji Hyun, Lee Min Ho, Legend of the Blue Sea

Hallyu Ban in China Causes Song Joong Ki’s High Profile Vivo Ad Campaign to Switch to Eddie Peng

A Koala's Playground Posted on November 21, 2016 by ockoalaNovember 21, 2016
Man in suit holds smartphone, promoting Vivo.

Watching this happen feels like an adult on the sidelines gaping at the pettiest slap fight between two man-children. The Chinese authority “ban” on Hallyu entertainment is apparently still in full swing, and reportedly went into effect September 1, 2016 and the trickle down is only now hitting the airwaves. At least K-actor Song Joong Ki‘s hit Hallyu drama Descendants … Continue reading →

Posted in Miscellaneous | Tagged Eddie Peng, Song Joong Ki

Post navigation

← Older posts
Newer posts →

Currently watching:

K-dramas: When the Phone Rings

Recent Posts

  • C-actress Wang Chu Ran Lands Big Budget Female Lead Centric Hunan TV Period C-drama General Chang Ning Set for 2027
  • 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




Latest Comments

  • lev on C-actress Wang Chu Ran Lands Big Budget Female Lead Centric Hunan TV Period C-drama General Chang Ning Set for 2027
  • K 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
  • arlene on Meng Zi Yi Reportedly Selects Republic Era Revenge Drama Jing Gui as Next Project and Male Lead Rumored to be Cheng Lei
  • Jeannie 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

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 !!