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A Koala's Playground

I'll talk about dramas if I want to

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Zhao Lu Si and Liu Yu Ning’s Tang Dynasty Drama The Story of Pearl Girl Delivers Solid Production But Focus on the Trade Element Undermines the Audience Friendly Romantic Rizz

A Koala's Playground Posted on November 6, 2024 by ockoalaNovember 6, 2024
Two women in traditional attire, side profile.

So I finally started watching The Story of Pearl Girl after much expectation and hype and my takeaway is fairly mixed. Solid production values (aside from some dubbing not matching lip movement well), a methodical story about merchants and trade and jewelry and female empowerment, and a nice cast that are all doing well so far. But it lacks excitement … Continue reading →

Posted in TW & C dramas | Tagged Liu Yu Ning, The Story of Pearl Girl, Zhao Lu Si

Ju Jing Yi Gets Top Billing in Director Guo Jing Ming’s Next Drama Painted Skin with Chen Du Ling as Co-female Lead

A Koala's Playground Posted on November 5, 2024 by ockoalaNovember 5, 2024
Young woman in a satin dress, sitting gracefully.

The battle of the dual female lead billing has appeared to have a decision. C-actress Ju Jing Yi will be top billed over co-female lead Chen Du Ling in director Guo Jing Ming‘s next drama Painted Skin. The male leads will be Zeng Shun Xi and Tian Jia Rui but no one cares about that haha. The billing makes sense … Continue reading →

Posted in TW & C dramas | Tagged Ju Jing Yi, Painted Skin

Love Game in Eastern Fantasy with Yu Shu Xin and Ding Yu Xi Douban Ratings Opens with a High 7.5

A Koala's Playground Posted on November 5, 2024 by ockoalaNovember 5, 2024
Fantasy scene with two characters in motion.

Wow, this is such a wild start for xianxia C-drama Love Game in Eastern Fantasy with Yu Shu Xin and Ding Yu Xi. The first Douban ratings are out and it’s a very high 7.5, higher even than the actual rating considering it’s a xianxia drama and the genre usually scores lower than traditional period works. For comparison, Yu Shu … Continue reading →

Posted in TW & C dramas | Tagged Ding Yu Xi, Love Game in Eastern Fantasy, Yu Shu Xin

C-netizens Drag Zhang Ling He for Getting Tanned and Losing His Top Visuals

A Koala's Playground Posted on November 5, 2024 by ockoalaNovember 4, 2024
Young man standing in a street.

Well I guess the predilection for snow white skin in East Asian culture is not going anywhere in this modern age and second decade of the 2000s, not even for dudes. C-actor Zhang Ling He posted last week and C-netizens were dismayed and surprised by his new healthy skin color. He got a tan, gasp! Most don’t like it and … Continue reading →

Posted in TW & C dramas | Tagged Zhang Ling He

Xiao Zhan Leads Large C-star Contingent Posting Support of and Urging Viewers to Watch Zhao Lu Si’s New Drama The Story of Pearl Girl

A Koala's Playground Posted on November 4, 2024 by ockoalaNovember 4, 2024
Promotional image for a cultural event.

Wow, I don’t think I’ve seen so many C-stars supporting and posting about another star’s new drama in such fast and short period of time from the premiere. The Story of Pearl Girl with Zhao Lu Si and Liu Yu Ning was released on November 1 and almost immediately other C-stars went on their own social media to either post … Continue reading →

Posted in TW & C dramas | Tagged The Story of Pearl Girl, Xiao Zhan, Zhao Lu Si

K-pop Singer G-Dragon is Fully Committed to Chanel Couture Departing Incheon Airport

A Koala's Playground Posted on November 4, 2024 by ockoalaNovember 4, 2024
Person in stylish outfit arriving at vehicle.

This is one of the most wild branded airport looks I recall ever seeing and kudos for top Korean idol and singer G-Dragon for generating so much chatter over it. He was leaving Korea today and his head-to-toe look was Chanel as he’s one of the brand ambassadors for many years now. But his look was Chanel ladies couture completing … Continue reading →

Posted in Fashion | Tagged G-Dragon

Bai Lu Confirmed for Youku Mystery C-drama Strange Tales of Tang Palace with Likely Male Lead Wang Xing Yue

A Koala's Playground Posted on November 4, 2024 by ockoalaNovember 4, 2024
Young man and woman posing in casual attire.

C-drama Strange Tales of Tang Palace (唐宫奇案之血玉韘) was confirmed last week by streaming platform Youku and will be starring Bai Lu as the top billed female lead. The male lead was not announced but from casting insiders rumors it remains Wang Xing Yue and is basically locked in from his scheduling being available and also this drama being a major … Continue reading →

Posted in TW & C dramas | Tagged Bao Lu, Strange Tales of Tang Palace, Wang Xing Yue

Netflix Releases Poster and Preview for Thriller K-drama The Trunk with Seo Hyun Jin and Gong Yoo Premiering End of November 2024

A Koala's Playground Posted on November 3, 2024 by ockoalaNovember 3, 2024
Actors at a promotional event, smiling together.

It’s almost time to find out what’s in The Trunk as streaming giant Netflix heads towards year end 2024 with two big K-dramas on deck in totally different genres and tonality. First comes The Trunk with Seo Hyun Jin and Gong Yoo premiering November 29th, adapted from a novel of the same name. It’s a psychological thriller that has Gong … Continue reading →

Posted in K-dramas | Tagged Gong Yoo, Seo Hyun Jin, The Trunk

Love Game in Eastern Fantasy Slightly Tops The Story of Pearl Girl in First Reception Numbers After Opening Weekend

A Koala's Playground Posted on November 3, 2024 by ockoalaNovember 3, 2024
Fantasy scene with two characters in motion.

So the big November C-drama premiere actually had two high profile dramas arrive on the same first day of the month. Female empowerment Tang dynasty drama The Story of Pearl Girl with Zhao Lu Si and Liu Yu Ning and game play fantasy xianxia drama Love Game in Eastern Fantasy (The Guide to Capturing a Black Lotus) with Yu Shu … Continue reading →

Posted in TW & C dramas | Tagged Ding Yu Xi, Liu Yu Ning, Love Game in Eastern Fantasy, The Story of Pearl Girl, Yu Shu Xin, Zhao Lu Si

Versatile Male Lead Park Sung Hoon Transforms Once Again in First Look at His Role in Squid Game 2 as Netizens Think Another Cult Role is in the Works

A Koala's Playground Posted on November 3, 2024 by ockoalaNovember 2, 2024
Group of contestants in green tracksuits.

This weekend the promos for Squid Game 2 started rolling out and it’s certainly going to be a mega to astronomical hit depending on how good it is. There is a huge big name cast but one member is getting additional buzz thanks to a hilarious new look in the drama. Park Sung Hoon debuted what is best described as … Continue reading →

Posted in K-dramas | Tagged Park Sung Hoon

With Two Months Remaining in 2024 K-netizens Wonder What the Biggest “Thing” to Happen This Year is: From Queen of Tears to Byun Woo Seok Onward

A Koala's Playground Posted on November 2, 2024 by ockoalaNovember 3, 2024
Couple posing closely for a romantic photoshoot.

Oh this is a fun question to ponder! A recent hot post has K-netizens heatedly discussing what they think the biggest “Thing” to happen in 2024 is/will be. It’s basically what a top zeitgeist event is for K-ent and here are some of the contenders: mega hit and award winning movie Exhuma, new cable ratings champion Queen of Tears, the … Continue reading →

Posted in K-dramas | Tagged Byun Woo Seok, Culinary Class Wars, Exhuma, Lovely Runner, Queen of Tears

C-viewers Not Feeling Any of the Higher Profile C-dramas Airing in October 2024 as Douban Ratings are All Low-ish

A Koala's Playground Posted on November 2, 2024 by ockoalaNovember 2, 2024
Group of characters in traditional costumes.

So hopefully the November 2024 C-dramas will fare better than it’s prior month brethren as the Douban ratings are out for the slew of October airings. The Rise of Ning with Zhang Wan Yi and Ren Min opened with 5.8 and Kill Me Love Me with Liu Xue Yi and Wu Jin Yan was a teeny bit lower with 5.7. … Continue reading →

Posted in TW & C dramas | Tagged Fangs of Fortune, Kill Me Love Me, Snowy Night: Timeless Love, The Rise of Ning

Dilraba Dilmurat’s Fans Demand Director of C-drama Love Beyond the Grave Give Her More Action Scenes

A Koala's Playground Posted on November 2, 2024 by ockoalaNovember 1, 2024
Woman in elegant traditional dress, forest background.

Okay, now I genuinely feel bad for Dilmara Dilmurat. Yes, she’s absolutely insanely beautiful and has worked hard and has a rock solid fandom who is her ride and die. But it feels like the last two years or so her fandom has been a crutch more than support, in that way when your mom insists on calling your teacher … Continue reading →

Posted in TW & C dramas | Tagged Dilraba Dilmurat, Love Beyond the Grave

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Recent Posts

  • Jo In Sung, Han Hyo Joo, and Go Yoon Jung Confirmed to Return in Moving Season 2 But Lee Jung Ha Will Not Due to Enlistment
  • Zhang Wan Yi and Shen Yue Cast in Modern Family C-drama Adapted From Novel
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  • Rebirth of the Malicious Empress of Military Lineage Script Adjusted for Equal Male and Female Lead Screen Time as Filming Set Commence After Lunar New Year
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