Here I am. And with an admission....I have become addicted to Korean/Taiwanese dramas. I'm still trying to figure out how this happened, but at some point, through mysterious circumstances beyond my ability to articulate, I ended up watching one and enjoying it enough to go into another. And another. And another. And though I may have to turn in my proverbial "man card" for doing so, I must admit that it's some of the best TV I have watched. The stories sometimes tend to be a bit formulaic, but the actors and actresses are all delightful, the plots very interesting, and the drama and intrigue compelling enough for me to keep on watching these, probably until the cows come home.
All the ones I have thus far seen have been on Netflix, and unlike the TV shows one can watch here or in other countries, these air for only one season. In this way the characters in the show maintain a warm reception each week without overstaying their welcome. The shows, while being primarily marketed as romances, tend to have a number of different subplots that undergird them (mainly business-related intrigue). They are
remarkably chaste...I mean generally if there's even a
hint that some sort of shenanigans have been suggested to have happened, the characters respond in intensely modest ways (covering their faces, averting their eyes, acting embarrassed, etc.), and it makes them much, much more endearing and emphasizes the romance over the physical. I cannot stress enough how this strengthens the romance subplots as it adds an undeniable sense of innocent longing into the mix. Typically they also have a lot of humor involved (generally centered around misunderstandings) which also adds another human element to an already highly enjoyable mix.
Recommendations here would be to start off with light fare....
Noble, My Love is the one that drew me in. It was apparently a web series, and the episodes clock in at 15 minutes apiece. If within the first episode or two the characters have not completely endeared themselves to you, then there's no reason to continue.
Beating Again and
Children of the Sun are also incredible shows, the latter will appeal to those of military dramas. I just finished
When I See You Again last night and I'm already looking for another series to start. And I haven't even gotten to the incredible scenery one sees in these shows, with clean cities and the loveliest landscapes. I physically want to go to South Korea now. Like yesterday. I might just stay.
Give it a go folks....I would not steer you wrong!