↓
 
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

Close-up portrait with red lips and earrings

Post navigation

← Older posts
Newer posts →

Namgoong Min’s Bulk Up for The Veil Generating Buzz as the MBC Drama Gears Up for September 17th Premiere

A Koala's Playground Posted on September 11, 2021 by ockoalaSeptember 11, 2021
Fitness enthusiast training in gym environment.

If MBC is banking on Namgoong Min to save the network then it’s as good a bet as any, especially the newly Hulked up version. Viewers have been buzzing over Namgoong Min’s look for the upcoming action revenge drama The Veil (Black Sun) solely on his visuals – he gained what looks like 20 pounds of muscle for the role … Continue reading →

Posted in K-dramas | Tagged Black Sun, Namgoong Min, The Veil

Hit J-dorama Heaven and Hell with Ayase Haruka and Takahashi Issey to Get K-drama Remake in 2022

A Koala's Playground Posted on September 11, 2021 by ockoalaSeptember 10, 2021
Japanese drama poster with smiling man and woman

J-doramas have been pretty lackluster in the last few years but as with all entertainment offerings if you build it (right), they will come. A shining light in 2021 has been the soul swap with a twist dorama Heaven and Hell: Soul Exchange, and now it’s getting a K-drama remake. Starring Ayase Haruka and Takahashi Issey, it’s the opposite of … Continue reading →

Posted in K-dramas | Tagged Ayase Haruka, Heaven and Hell, Takahashi Issey

Jung Hae In Continues His Resurgence as He’s Offered the Male Lead in Netflix Drama Connect Directed by Japanese Director Takashi Miike

A Koala's Playground Posted on September 10, 2021 by ockoalaSeptember 10, 2021
Young man in stylish cardigan poses confidently.

I hope this second brush with high fame is smoother sailing because I can’t handle the whiplash, and honestly if the worst thing Jung Hae In did was coming across as a presumptuous tryhard when he stood in the middle of the Baeksang winners picture then it’s time to move on. K-netizens have done so after his fantastic turn in … Continue reading →

Posted in K-dramas | Tagged Connect, Jung Hae In

SBS Makjang Behemoth Drama Penthouse Ends Final Season 3 with a Rocks Fall Down Even More Ending as K-netizens Curse But Still Can’t Stop Watching

A Koala's Playground Posted on September 10, 2021 by ockoalaSeptember 10, 2021
Four people in elegant attire, discussing.

SBS Friday mega makjang drama Penthouse, currently in the 3rd and last season, is one of those dramas I feel like nobody needs to watch but everyone can figure out simply by following along with news coverage and more important K-netizen rage commentary. Today was the final episode and lordy was it fun to watch the newspapers and also the … Continue reading →

Posted in K-dramas | Tagged Penthouse

C-ent Looks Forward as High Profile Fantasy Period Drama Novoland: Pearl Eclipse with Yang Mi and William Chan Gets Airing Approval

A Koala's Playground Posted on September 10, 2021 by ockoalaSeptember 9, 2021
Smiling pair in traditional Chinese robes

I haven’t been a fan of the Novoland series of dramas but this latest iteration has my interest because it stars Yang Mi rocking the period drama look HARD (i.e. gorgeously) and also because I’m hoping it saves this lackluster 2021 year in C-ent. Novoland: Pearl Eclipse was the shining positive news this week as it received official airing approval … Continue reading →

Posted in TW & C dramas | Tagged Novoland: Pearl Eclipse, William Chan, Yang Mi

Over 600 Stars Self Dissolve Their Own Production House in the Aftermath of the Chinese Tightening in Entertainment Industry

A Koala's Playground Posted on September 9, 2021 by ockoalaSeptember 9, 2021
Three individuals showcasing diverse fashion styles.

One of the unique to C-ent creations in the last two decades are the self-named “production houses”. When a star gets famous or ramps up in China, they usually leave their agency and basically create their own agency and call it a 工作室 or production house/studio. It’s a combo agency to sign contracts for dramas/movies and CFs with brands and … Continue reading →

Posted in K-dramas | Tagged Ariel Lin, Huang Xiaoming, Liu Shi Shi, Ruby Lin

C-ent Discusses Shackled Prisoner Escorted by Police to the Hospital Likely Fallen C-star Wu Yi Fan

A Koala's Playground Posted on September 9, 2021 by ockoalaSeptember 9, 2021
Image comparing two individuals' fashion styles.

Jailed C-star Wu Yi Fan (Kris Wu) likely kick started the entire crackdown by the Chinese government on the entertainment industry and entertainers in particular but his situation remains the most dire compared to getting projects shelved or losing CFs. He’s been in detention at the Chaoyang District jail pending trial which is a sign the prosecution has a very … Continue reading →

Posted in Miscellaneous | Tagged Kris, Wu Yi Fan

Kim Yoo Jung and Lovers of the Red Sky Top the First Week of September 2021 Good Data Search Rankings

A Koala's Playground Posted on September 9, 2021 by ockoalaSeptember 9, 2021
Woman in traditional clothing holding a lantern.

I’ve totally been revived after the lackluster summer 2021 with a sense of excitement headed into the last quarter of the year. The September 2021 start to the Good Data rankings are out and it’s a bunch of new names and new dramas so those bored from the summer can see what’s hot and buzzy in South Korea. For the … Continue reading →

Posted in K-dramas | Tagged Ahn Hyo Seob, Hometown Cha Cha Cha, Kim Sun Ho, Kim Yoo Jung, Lovers of the Red Sky, Shin Mina

Park Eun Bin and Ro Woon Bring Contrasting Serious and Swoony Vibes in First Stills for KBS Sageuk Affection

A Koala's Playground Posted on September 8, 2021 by ockoalaSeptember 8, 2021
Person in traditional attire with ornate details.

I feel like I’m cheating on my current love Lovers of the Red Sky by being SO EXCITED for upcoming KBS drama Affection (Yeonmo), but I have enough love in my heart for both mwahahaha. The first official stills are out showing Park Eun Bin as the princess pretending to be her dead twin brother the Crown Prince and Ro … Continue reading →

Posted in K-dramas | Tagged Affection, Park Eun Bin, Ro Woon, Yeonmo

Janine Chang Does Damage Control After C-netizens Accuse Her of Being Pro-Taiwan Independence Based on Past Statements

A Koala's Playground Posted on September 8, 2021 by ockoalaSeptember 8, 2021
Text and a young woman in nature.

I’m really tired from so much ado about what is so small of quibbles and issues, but then again I do have a job and a life and better things to do. TW-actress Janine Chang is this week’s target of C-netizen pitchfork mob after someone found her college BA thesis where she wrote about “Our Country’s Entertainer Management Legal Issues”. … Continue reading →

Posted in Miscellaneous | Tagged Janine Chang

tvN Confirms Early 2022 K-drama Twenty Five Twenty One with Kim Tae Ri as a Fencer and Nam Joo Hyuk as a Sports Reporter

A Koala's Playground Posted on September 8, 2021 by ockoalaSeptember 7, 2021

This drama and casting news has been around for awhile but this week is the first official confirmation of the entire project. tvN has confirmed the romance and life empowerment drama Twenty Five Twenty One which is set during the South Korean financial crisis of 1997. It stars Kim Tae Ri as a female fencer who overcomes adversity and becomes … Continue reading →

Posted in K-dramas | Tagged Bona, Choi Hyun Wook, KIm Tae Ri, Lee Joo Myung, Nam Joo Hyuk, Twenty Five Twenty One

SBS Mon-Tues Drama Lovers of the Red Sky Lock Step Up in Ratings in Episodes 3-4 as the OTP Reunion Blossoms Naturally

A Koala's Playground Posted on September 7, 2021 by ockoalaSeptember 7, 2021
Traditional Korean costume scenes in nature.

Gosh, this drama is totally the MOOD for me. Like, I’m enchanted by the whole shebang and after I watch it I’m in a good mood. Can’t ask for anything more, so thank you Lovers of the Red Sky (Hong Chun Gi) for bringing back the romance sageuk goodness. Because it’s anchored by a latent fantasy element as the Big … Continue reading →

Posted in K-dramas | Tagged Ahn Hyo Seob, Kim Yoo Jung, Lovers of the Red Sky, Red Sky

Yang Zi and Xiao Zhan’s Highly Anticipated Romance C-drama The Oath of Love Pulled Right Before September 8th Premiere on Hunan TV and Tencent Streaming

A Koala's Playground Posted on September 7, 2021 by ockoalaSeptember 6, 2021
Close-up of two people facing each other.

I think Yang Zi needs to go get an exorcism because girl is on a bad luck streak right now. But then again, it feels like every C-entertainer is walking on eggshells, along with HK and TW stars who regularly appear in C-shows. The Chinese government broadcast crackdown has hit another show as the highly anticipated romance C-drama The Oath … Continue reading →

Posted in TW & C dramas | Tagged The Oath of Love, Xiao Zhan, Yang Zi

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 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
  • Spears on CCTV and iQiyi Medical Drama Small Town Remedy with Xiao Zhan is the Most Well Received C-drama of October 2026
  • Mina 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

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 !!