Dramabuds! (Francine)

Repeat after me: awards don’t matter, unless they validate my faves 🧘

This year’s Baeksang Arts Awards will be held on April 28, so Francine is sharing her predictions and hopes on the winners based on her opinions and the overall hype these dramas got throughout the year. Prepare for spicier opinions, observations on the previous winners, and a lot of side-eyes on some questionable nominations 👀

Talk to us on Twitter! https://twitter.com/dramabuds_tkp

Join our new Discord server to meet other Kdrama (and other Asian drama) lovers 💕 https://discord.gg/44gGwrSeN3

🌺

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(3:37) Best New Actor & Actress

(7:05) Best Supporting Actor & Actress

(10:50) Best Actor & Actress

(22:33) Best Director & Screenplay

(32:25) Best Drama & Possible Daesang Candidates

(36:34) Final Thoughts

1x28 | Who are your favorite Kdrama couples? (Ask Me Anything)

Today's episode features our host gushing over all her favorite Kdrama couples (spoilers on which couples are in the featured shows below 👀). She also talks about her aversion to romcoms, her friends to lovers obsession, and the very few couples that she actually rooted for while watching their shows.

Features the following shows: Fight For My Way (2017); Be Melodramatic (2019); Hospital Playlist (2020); It's Okay, That's Love (2014); Dear My Friends (2018); Arthdal Chronicles (2019); Stranger (2017)

Feel free to send us questions that you'd like our host to discuss on the show! You can talk to us by commenting on Facebook, sending the page a private message on Facebook, or leaving a comment on YouTube. Thank you, and see you soon!

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/dramabuds.podcast
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBOVEJ6LJW2-cA3pPPowVcg

🌺 francine

Before we say goodbye to 2023, Francine recaps the dramas she watched from October to December, with her final thoughts on the dramas she shared her first impressions on. Bonus segment, only on today's episode: she dives into her 10-year love for EXO’s discography and her new Kpop obsession, RIIZE 🧡

Twitter: https://twitter.com/dramabuds_tkp

Discord: https://discord.gg/44gGwrSeN3

Email: dramabuds.tkp@gmail.com

🌺

EPISODES MENTIONED: The Guest https://spoti.fi/499ao03 Save Me https://bit.ly/3FKU9sx Daily Dose of Sunshine https://spoti.fi/3SxfEou My Dearest Rant https://spoti.fi/44IQAx4 My Dearest Midpoint Recap https://spoti.fi/46pLKXs Castaway Diva https://spoti.fi/47gkAm9 Lightning Round https://spoti.fi/3TochRi

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(1:40) Finished Ongoing: Daily Dose of Sunshine, My Dearest

(8:09) Finished Ongoing: Love Attack, Castaway Diva, Soundtrack #2

(13:30) Dropped + Currently Watching: Death’s Game, Hot Stove League

(19:31) Kpop Talk: EXO Renaissance + Discography Ranking

(29:02) Kpop Talk: RIIZE Rabbit Hole, the Seunghan Situation

(37:49) Kpop Talk: Seunghan-Sohee Bias Line

(46:17) Final Thoughts

4x3 | Mental Coach Jegal & One Dollar Lawyer (First Impressions)

Looking for (semi) stress-free Kdramas to brighten up your week? Today, Francine talks about her notes on 2 ongoing Kdramas: MENTAL COACH JEGAL, a severely underrated sports drama with a lot of healing words, and ONE DOLLAR LAWYER, a wacky law drama that brings new life to the most overexposed job in the Kdramas of 2022 (and also, Namgoong Min 😍)

Talk to us on Twitter! https://twitter.com/dramabuds_tkp

🌺  francine

TIMESTAMPS:
(00:00) - Intro
(2:01) - Mental Coach Jegal: The Good
(6:25) - MCJ: The Bad, The Verdict
(10:13) - One Dollar Lawyer: The Good
(17:29) - ODL: The Bad, The Verdict
(21:36) - Final Thoughts

2x06 | How are other Asian dramas different from Kdramas? (Ask Me Anything)

For fans of Chinese, Taiwanese, Japanese, and Thai dramas: today's episode of Dramabuds talks about dramas from different Asian countries!! Francine hasn't actually watched anything aside from Kdramas, so she invited a very special guest, Panjie, for light and fun talk about Panjie's favorites.

Features a lot of Kdramas, C-dramas, Thai dramas, and many others 😅

Follow Panjie on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/panjielegaspi/) and TikTok (panjielegaspi | https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSJWdvSur/) 💕

Feel free to send us questions that you'd like our host to discuss on the show! You can talk to us on Facebook or Twitter, leave a comment on YouTube, or send us an email. Thank you, and see you soon!

OTHER LINKS: https://dramabuds.carrd.co/

🌺 francine

No more excuses for bad writing and poor planning in this season, and the out of character decisions made by Eun-jae in recent eps have finally crossed the line for Francine. This episode is in defense of her favorite lead in the Dr Romantic series, Cha Eun-jae (played by Lee Sung-kyung), whose character is being butchered by the writers in their most lackluster season yet. Talk to us on Twitter! https://twitter.com/dramabuds_tkp Join our new Discord server to meet other Kdrama (and other Asian drama) lovers 💕 https://discord.gg/44gGwrSeN3 🌺 TIMESTAMPS: (00:00) Intro (2:27) Episodes 11 and 12……… (6:24) Cha Eun-jae: My Favorite Dr Romantic Lead (10:25) Butchering Character Arcs (20:06) Final Thoughts

Dramabuds is back to talk about her (very) unproductive Kdrama year so far + the third season of TRANSIT LOVE/EXCHANGE, the Korean dating show that’s been driving her crazy for months. How did the new PD team switch things up, and does Season 3 live up to the iconic Season 2 cast and stories? 🍿

Twitter: https://twitter.com/dramabuds_tkp

Discord: https://discord.gg/44gGwrSeN3

Email: dramabuds.tkp@gmail.com

🌺

EPISODES MENTIONED:

• Transit Love 2 https://spoti.fi/410F3IT

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(2:23) Q1 Recap

(6:11) Transit Love 3 Thoughts

(14:52) S2 or S3: Which is Better?

(19:26) Final Thoughts

1x30 | Who are your favorite Kdrama actors and actresses? (Ask Me Anything)

For the final episode of Dramabuds Season 1, our host talks about all her favorite actors and actresses. Prepare for a lot of gushing, a little bit of ranting, and a fair amount of fangirling :')

Features the following shows: Hyena (2020); Signal (2016); Dr Romantic (2016); Dr Romantic 2 (2020); Another Miss Oh (2017); Black Dog (2020); Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo (2016); My Mister (2018); The Producers (2015); Hotel Del Luna (2019); Goblin (2017); Cheese in the Trap (2016); Arthdal Chronicles (2019); Fight for My Way (2017); Start-Up (2020); Vincenzo (2021); Be Melodramatic (2019); Life (2018); When the Camellia Blooms (2019); Dear My Friends (2016); Taxi Driver (2021); My Love from the Star (2013); It's Okay to Not Be Okay (2020); 18 Again (2020); Sweet Home (2020); Misaeng (2014); Strangers from Hell (2019); Run On (2020); Stranger (2017); Stranger 2 (2020); Designated Survivor: 60 Days (2019); Live (2018)

Feel free to send us questions that you'd like our host to discuss on the show! You can talk to us by commenting on Facebook, sending the page a private message on Facebook, or leaving a comment on YouTube. Thank you, and see you next season!

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/dramabuds.podcast
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBOVEJ6LJW2-cA3pPPowVcg

🌺 francine

2x16 | Who are your favorite idol actors? (Ask Me Anything)

Idol actors get a lot of criticism from Kdrama stans, but there are a few that have stood out among the rest. Today, Francine talks about her favorite idol actors, the reasons why they get a lot of hate, and a little bit about the rising trend of idol dramas in 2021.

Feel free to send us questions that you'd like our host to discuss on the show! You can talk to us on Facebook or Twitter, leave a comment on YouTube, or send us an email. Thank you, and see you soon!

OTHER LINKS: https://dramabuds.carrd.co/

🌺 francine

3x5 | Thirty-Nine & Grid (First Impressions)

Today's first impressions episode features THIRTY-NINE, a female-forward feels fest, and GRID, a sci-fi mystery thriller written by Baeksang Award winning screenwriter, Lee Soo Yeon (Stranger, Life). Two very different shows, how will they fair under scrutiny? Francine weighs the writing, pacing, and direction of both.

🌺  francine

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) - Intro

(1:09) - Thirty-Nine: Background + First Episodes

(5:32) - Thirty-Nine: Friendship + Mi Jo + Chan Young

(14:03) - Thirty-Nine: Writing + Directing + Verdict

(22:37) - Grid: Background + Thoughts + Verdict

(30:48) - Final Thoughts

Hello, 2023! Before we start another year of (hopefully) amazing Kdramas, let’s recognize some of Francine’s favorites from the 31 dramas she watched in 2022. Some winners are predictable, given the dramas she’s talked about loving this year, but there are some surprise winners in the mix too 🫣

She also talks briefly about some dramas that premiered in the last 2 weeks: The Interest of Love; The Fabulous; Big Bet; Island; and The Glory.

Talk to us on Twitter! https://twitter.com/dramabuds_tkp

🌺  francine

TIMESTAMPS:
(00:00) - Intro + Recent Releases
(7:09) -  Best Actor
(10:58) - Best Actress
(14:18) - Best Supporting Actor & Actress
(17:16) - Best Squad & Chemistry
(23:17) - Best Score, OST, & Song
(27:25) - Best Director, Most Disappointing
(34:29) - Top 15
(38:28) - Top 10
(41:41) - Top 5
(49:58) - All-time Favorites
(58:31) - Looking Forward to in 2023
(1:01:37) - Final Thoughts

Today, we share our first impressions on DAILY DOSE OF SUNSHINE: a gem of a drama that does its best to educate about mental illnesses while still being hopeful and heartwarming ☀️

Twitter: https://twitter.com/dramabuds_tkp

Discord: https://discord.gg/44gGwrSeN3

Email: dramabuds.tkp@gmail.com

🌺

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(2:07) Portrayal of Mental Illnesses

(9:52) Instantly Lovable Characters

(15:08) Final Thoughts

Today, Francine talks about why she sometimes watches her Kdramas in 1.5x speed or fast forwards to skip scenes— and why she’s trying to kill the bad habit. No judgement here, even if you’re watching the Chipmunks remix of a Kdrama 😵‍💫

Twitter: https://twitter.com/dramabuds_tkp

Discord: https://discord.gg/44gGwrSeN3

Email: dramabuds.tkp@gmail.com

🌺

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(2:32)Why I Speed Up & FFW

(7:55) Disrespect to Creators vs. Consumer Freedom

(13:03)A Product to Be Consumed + Normalize Having No Opinion

(18:13) Final Thoughts

2x11 | What does Slice-of-Life even mean? (Ask Me Anything)

"What is slice-of-life? Are all chill shows necessarily slice-of-life? Does it have to be a workplace drama?" Today on Dramabuds, Francine talks about her favorite genre of Kdramas, slice-of-life, and the many misconceptions surrounding it.

Features the following shows: Misaeng (2014); Reply 1997 (2012); Reply 1994 (2013); Reply 1988 (2015); Prison Playbook (2017); Hospital Playlist 1 & 2 (2020, 2021); Live (2018); Black Dog (2019); Diary of a Prosecutor (2019); Dear My Friends (2017); Racket Boys (2021)

Feel free to send us questions that you'd like our host to discuss on the show! You can talk to us on Facebook or Twitter, leave a comment on YouTube, or send us an email. Thank you, and see you soon!

OTHER LINKS: https://dramabuds.carrd.co/

🌺 francine

Dramabuds is back! 💕 Today, Francine shares some life updates and her thoughts on all the dramas she’s currently watching and enjoying.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/dramabuds_tkp

Discord: https://discord.gg/44gGwrSeN3

Email: dramabuds.tkp@gmail.com

🌺

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(5:21) Moving

(9:50) Not Others

(19:02) Mask Girl

(20:45) My Dearest

(26:42) Final Thoughts

We’re throwing it back to 2018 with today’s review of SOMETHING IN THE RAIN, the iconic romance melodrama starring Son Ye-jin and Jung Hae-in! Francine gave this very polarizing drama her best attempt at watching it and… actually loved it? 🫢

Talk to us on Twitter! https://twitter.com/dramabuds_tkp

Join our new Discord server to meet other Kdrama (and other Asian drama) lovers 💕 https://discord.gg/44gGwrSeN3

🌺

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(2:12) Plot and Characters

(5:34) The Sloooooooowest Drama Ever

(11:05) Their Relationship + The Worst Kdrama Mom

(16:54) Episode 15 & Ending

(25:59) Final Thoughts

1x10 | Dr. Romantic & Dr. Romantic 2 (Reviews, Recaps, and Rants)

On today’s episode of Dramabuds, Francine talks about her journey with the DR. ROMANTIC series (2016 & 2020), which is less of a journey and more of a rollercoaster ride. She talks about her least favorite protagonist, her newfound appreciation for certain actresses, and her hopes for the series’s future (*manifests another Kim Hye Soo cameo in Season 3*)

4x6 | (In Defense of…) Goo Yeo Reum from Love is For Suckers

For the podcast’s 2nd anniversary, Francine is doing a classic Dramabuds episode: pure, unfiltered ranting 😀👍 She stands in defense of Goo Yeo Reum (played by Lee Da Hee), the female lead of LOVE IS FOR SUCKERS, and why we need female leads who are hot messes and who make reasonable mistakes, given terrible situations that keep the plot moving.

(This also features a small segment talking about My Liberation Notes, and we SWEAR it all connects back to LIFS)

First Impressions episode on Love is For Suckers (for context): https://spoti.fi/3SCyVkI

Talk to us on Twitter! https://twitter.com/dramabuds_tkp

🌺  francine

TIMESTAMPS:
(00:00) - Intro & recap of first impressions
(1:12) - Thoughts on episodes 7-8
(1:56) - This show is so messy (affectionately)
(3:39) - It’s not bad writing just because you don’t like it
(8:56) - Park Jae Hoon is not a saint
(12:58) - Being the “giver” and the “taker”
(14:31) - My Liberation Notes = worship couple is the template
(17:31) - Let female characters be complex!
(19:54) - Final Thoughts

3x6 | My Country: The New Age (Reviews, Recaps, and Rants)

Today on Dramabuds, Francine gushes over her discovery on Netflix, MY COUNTRY: THE NEW AGE (2019), starring Yang Se Jong and Woo Do Hwan. With excellent writing portrayed by a stellar cast, she talks about the drama’s direction and plot points and what makes this series a possible contender for her favorite sageuk of all time.

🌺  francine

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) - Intro

(1:52) - Plot and Characters

(10:45) - Good: Directing + Writing

(16:56) - Good: Acting

(20:52) - Good: Arthdal Chronicles comparisons

(24:35) - Bad: Han Hui Jae + Romance

(29:24) - Bad: Political Parts + Suspension of Disbelief + Low Points

(32:06) - Final Thoughts

Part 2 of ISLAND finished airing, and……… well. 🫥 Here is Francine’s very critical (but very affectionate!) review of the entire drama, and despite its many flaws, we can see just how much the cast and staff poured into trying to make this show work— even if it didn’t.

Talk to us on Twitter! https://twitter.com/dramabuds_tkp

Join our new Discord server to meet other Kdrama (and other Asian drama) lovers 💕 https://discord.gg/44gGwrSeN3

🌺

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(5:25) Writing and Pacing

(11:10) Character Arcs

(18:21) Shonen Anime + Video Games

(22:24) The “Forced” “”Romance””

(25:06) Final Thoughts

1x12 | Stranger & Stranger 2 (Reviews, Recaps, and Rants)

Today’s episode of Dramabuds features Francine’s latest Kdrama obsession, STRANGER (2017 & 2020). It’s less of a recap and more of an endless stream of praise for this amazing show, its excellent writing, and the actors that brought this murder-mystery-thriller ride to life (feat. more praise for Cho Seung Woo, as a sequel to the previous episode on LIFE, 2018).

3x2 | On the Verge of Insanity (Reviews, Recaps, and Rants)

On this episode of Dramabuds, Francine is On the Verge of Insanity as she reviews the widely funny and severely underrated 2021 office drama. A show that manages to hit all the right marks, make people laugh, and stay consistently engaging— all the while humanizing Human Resources.

🌺 francine

TIMESTAMPS:
(00:00) - Intro
(1:31) - Plot and Characters
(11:22) - Good: Tight Plotting (for a light show)
(16:02) - Good: Fun Side Characters
(19:00) - Good: Manages Humor + Serious Themes
(23:40) - Bad?
(26:49) - Final Thoughts

(feat. Francine’s thoughts on the Single’s Inferno 2 finale and the final couples 🫣)

UNDER THE QUEEN’S UMBRELLA is Francine’s top 3 drama of 2022— and possibly has one of the most satisfying endings she’s watched in a long, long time in Kdramas. Today’s episode is her overdue review of the show, her favorite character moments, and her mini-rant about why not all good endings need to be happy endings.

Talk to us on Twitter! https://twitter.com/dramabuds_tkp

🌺  francine

TIMESTAMPS:
(00:00) - Single’s Inferno 2 Finale Reactions
(5:36) - Intro
(8:08) - Plot and Characters
(16:01) - Sageuk for Sageuk Nonfans (like me!) + Pacing
(23:57) - Character Spotlights
(33:53) - Best Finale of 2022
(41:38) - Final Thoughts

3x13 | The Sound of Magic (Reviews, Recaps, and Rants)

The Sound of Magic attempts to make its viewers believe in, well, magic. With its musical numbers, charming leads, and Disney-esque fantasy story, Francine celebrates her 100th—yes you read that right—drama by talking about the experimental genre and, of course, the music. 👏

🌺  francine

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) - Intro

(2:21) - Plot and Characters

(8:31) - Managing Expectations

(12:08) - The Good

(17:18) - The Bad(?)

(22:53) - Final Thoughts

After 4 years of waiting, ARTHDAL CHRONICLES is back— with new faces for some of our favorite characters. How have the new actors portrayed the changes their characters went through in the 8-year timeskip? Has the first half lived up to the hype?

Twitter: https://twitter.com/dramabuds_tkp

Discord: https://discord.gg/44gGwrSeN3

Email: dramabuds.tkp@gmail.com

🌺

EPISODES MENTIONED:

Arthdal Chronicles S1 Review https://spoti.fi/44XEZKI

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(4:35) Tagon

(9:02) Taealha

(14:27) Eunseom

(20:08) Tanya

(25:14) Saya

(29:18) General Comments + Verdict

(33:07) Final Thoughts

4x9 | Reborn Rich (First Impressions)

Francine shares her thoughts on the first 6 episodes of Korea’s hottest new drama, REBORN RICH. With a star-studded cast and the writer of DESIGNATED SURVIVOR: 60 DAYS, she talks about whether or not she’ll continue tuning in, despite the promising premise and stellar performances.

Talk to us on Twitter! https://twitter.com/dramabuds_tkp

🌺  francine

TIMESTAMPS:
(00:00) - Intro
(3:27) - Eps 1-2: Slow Start
(7:25) - Eps 3-4: Steady, Not Stellar
(12:32) - Eps 5-6: Finally, Some Stakes!
(22:09) - Writer of Designated Survivor: 60 Days
(28:17) - The Verdict + Final Thoughts

For marriage of convenience & cohabitation lovers, Francine discusses the similar tropes—and her similar feelings—for a Kdrama (Because This is My First Life) and a Jdrama (The Full-Time Wife Escapist) together for the first time on the podcast 💍 Talk to us on Twitter! https://twitter.com/dramabuds_tkp Join our new Discord server to meet other Kdrama (and other Asian drama) lovers 💕 https://discord.gg/44gGwrSeN3 🌺 TIMESTAMPS: (00:00) Intro (2:37) Thoughts on Both Shows (10:52) Robotic Male Lead (14:20) Love Under a Contract, Progressive Themes (22:38) Final Thoughts

What a devastating finale to MY DEAREST PART 1 and a cliffhanger that’s making viewers beg for October to come faster 😭 Today, Francine defends some of the main leads’ frustrating choices and gushes over the powerful character arcs that led to this tragic ending (for now). Full recap of part 1 will come right before the 2nd part airs!

Twitter: https://twitter.com/dramabuds_tkp

Discord: https://discord.gg/44gGwrSeN3

Email: dramabuds.tkp@gmail.com

🌺

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(2:45) Quick Recap

(9:41) In Defense of Gil-chae

(15:42) In Defense of Jang-hyun

(21:42) Final Thoughts

3x1 | What are your favorite workplace dramas? (Ask Me Anything)

Happy new year, everyone! We’re back, and today on Dramabuds, Francine talks about her favorite workplace Kdramas (even if they aren’t typical office dramas 😮) Features the following shows: On the Verge of Insanity; Hot Stove League; Designated Survivor: 60 Days; Dr Romantic 2; Misaeng https://dramabuds.carrd.co/

🌺 francine

TIMESTAMPS:
(00:00) - Intro
(4:50) - On the Verge of Insanity
(12:07) - Hot Stove League
(16:13) - Designated Survivor: 60 Days
(23:56) - Dr Romantic
(33:40) - Misaeng
(38:17) - Final Thoughts

1x24 | What makes formulaic Kdramas good (or bad)? (Ask Me Anything)

After finishing PINOCCHIO (2015), our host figured out that writer Park Hye Ryun's personal writing formula is both her greatest strength and the downfall of her most recent work. Today's episode features a detailed analysis on the tropes and plot devices that some Kdrama writers use, how that formula helps them deliver great works, and how veering away from their formula could expose their writing weaknesses.

Features the following shows: REPLY 1997 (2012); IT'S OKAY, THAT'S LOVE (2014); PINOCCHIO (2015); REPLY 1988 (2015); DEAR MY FRIENDS (2016); WHILE YOU WERE SLEEPING (2017); LIVE (2018); HOSPITAL PLAYLIST (2020); START-UP (2020)

1x18 | 18 Again (Reviews, Recaps, and Rants)

18 AGAIN (2020) is more than just a remake of the 2009 American movie, 17 Again; it’s a 1000% improvement from the original work. Today on Dramabuds, Francine talks about cultural differences, relationships, and being a motivational speaker.

4x11 | Fourth Quarter Recap: Weak Hero Class 1, Summer Strike, Single’s Inferno 2 (?!?!?), and more

Today on Dramabuds, Francine recaps the dramas she watched (and dropped) in her unproductive October to November and her ongoing Kdrama slump 😢

Features the following shows: Little Women, Under the Queen’s Umbrella, Unicorn, Yonder, Weak Hero Class 1, Mental Coach Jegal, Reborn Rich, Curtain Call, Behind Every Star, Summer Strike, Love is For Suckers, Recipe for Farewell, The Smile Has Left Your Eyes, Single’s Inferno 2

Talk to us on Twitter! https://twitter.com/dramabuds_tkp

🌺  francine

TIMESTAMPS:
(00:00) - Intro
(2:09) - Finished Ongoing: Unicorn, Yonder, Weak Hero Class 1
(9:52) - Mental Coach Jegal
(17:19) - Dropped: Curtain Call, Behind Every Star
(21:46) - Summer Strike, Love is For Suckers
(31:27) - Currently Watching: Recipe for Farewell, The Smile Has Left Your Eyes, Single’s Inferno 2
(37:17) - Non K-drama Media
(46:53) - Final Thoughts

2x14 | October - November Premieres (First Impressions)

So many Kdramas to watch, too little time 😢

This week on Dramabuds, Francine shares her first impressions on all the ongoing shows she started watching recently: Now We are Breaking Up, Melancholia, Dr Brain, IDOL: The Coup and Jirisan.

Feel free to send us questions that you'd like our host to discuss on the show! You can talk to us on Facebook or Twitter, leave a comment on YouTube, or send us an email. Thank you, and see you soon!

OTHER LINKS: https://dramabuds.carrd.co/

🌺 francine

TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 - Intro
1:37 - Now We are Breaking Up
6:25 - Melancholia
13:44 - Dr Brain
17:52 - IDOL: The Coup
28:31 - Jirisan
43:16 - Final Thoughts

We’re celebrating our 3rd anniversary by sharing our first impressions on CASTAWAY DIVA: writer Park Hye-ryun’s newest drama starring Park Eun-bin 💚 Enjoy this full circle moment of talking about old favorites (and old enemies) on the podcast!

Twitter: https://twitter.com/dramabuds_tkp

Discord: https://discord.gg/44gGwrSeN3

Email: dramabuds.tkp@gmail.com

🌺

EPISODES MENTIONED: Musical Episode https://spoti.fi/3WmC0cb IDOL: The Coup Review https://spoti.fi/47q6PkM Writer Park Hye-ryun Dramas https://spoti.fi/49tSSDY

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(3:11) The Good: Pilot, Emotional Core

(7:14) The Good: Potential Brainrot Ship, Ran-joo, Ki-ho

(10:49) The Bad

(13:58) The Park Hye-Ryun Redemption Drama?: Stakes + Unlikable Female Lead

(21:03) Love Triangle? + The Verdict

(25:33) Final Thoughts

4x5 | Love is For Suckers (First Impressions)

Today’s quick episode of Dramabuds is all about LOVE IS FOR SUCKERS, an ongoing Kdrama that’s satisfying all of Francine’s romcom needs 🥰  She talks about her first impressions on the drama and her hopes (and fears) for the rest of the show!

Talk to us on Twitter! https://twitter.com/dramabuds_tkp

🌺  francine

TIMESTAMPS:
(00:00) - Intro
(2:48) - The Good
(13:04) - The Bad + The Verdict
(19:49) - Final Thoughts

4x2 | If You Wish Upon Me (Reviews, Recaps, and Rants)

On this episode, we celebrate Ji Chang Wook’s amazing performance in IF YOU WISH UPON ME, one of Francine’s (surprising) top Kdramas of 2022 🤍  IYWUM is a heartfelt, tearjerker Kdrama that brings viewers back to the classics— and a show that you shouldn’t miss out on!

🌺  francine

TIMESTAMPS:
(00:00) - Intro
(2:04) - Plot and Characters
(7:46) - Trauma & Tropes
(10:06) - 99% Heart, 1% Logic
(14:33) - Ji Chang Wook Showcase
(19:04) - Finale
(22:37) - Final Thoughts

1x27 | I Hear Your Voice (Reviews, Recaps, and Rants)

Today's episode of Dramabuds starts with our host's reactions on the winners of the 57th Baeksang Arts Awards. She then goes on to talk about I HEAR YOUR VOICE (2013), the first (and hopefully not the last) work of writer Park Hye Ryun that she genuinely enjoyed. On this episode, she talks about her new favorite 2nd lead, the pitfalls of noona romances, and why Jang Hye Sung (played by Lee Bo Young) is the female lead template that writer PHR hasn't been able to recreate 7 years down the road.  

Features the following shows: I Hear Your Voice (2013); Pinocchio (2015); Start-Up (2020)

Feel free to send us questions that you'd like our host to discuss on the show! You can talk to us by commenting on Facebook, sending the page a private message on Facebook, or leaving a comment on YouTube. Thank you, and see you soon!

🌺 francine

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/dramabuds.podcast
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBOVEJ6LJW2-cA3pPPowVcg

3x3 | The Red Sleeve (Reviews, Recaps, and Rants)

Today, Francine is joined by Ross from Kdramarama sa Gabi! as they talk about The Red Sleeve, a novel turned K-Drama. Featuring: a king, a court lady, a whole bunch of other kingdom officials and some angst, as a treat. Tune in as they talk about the no thoughts, head empty approach, production value, and other technical aspects of the series.

Listen to Ross (and friends)’s podcast here! https://spoti.fi/3H8TWxH

🌺 francine

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) - Intro
(2:05) - Starting the journey with TRS
(5:52) - The female focus
(8:19) - Lee Se Young as Sung Deok Im
(13:12) -  Lee Jun Ho as Yi San
(16:28) - Supporting cast
(25:15) - Cast chemistry
(27:34) - Production
(29:23) - Writing
(35:30) - Romance(?)
(38:44) - Nitpicks
(43:21) - Deleted scenes + more nitpicks
(47:10) - Historical events vs modern sensibilities
(49:51) - The sageuk that prevailed
(56:25) - Lee Jun Ho appreciation
(57:36) - Final Thoughts

1x16 | Mr. Sunshine (Reviews, Recaps, and Rants)

MR. SUNSHINE (2018) is a Kdrama masterpiece and is possibly the most tragic show our host has ever watched. On today’s episode, Francine talks about Kdrama comparisons, visual storytelling, and ghostwriters. (spooky :o )

1x20 | Be Melodramatic (Reviews, Recaps, and Rants)

BE MELODRAMATIC (2019) is the perfect example of how quirky and chatty can be done perfectly right. On today’s episode, Francine discusses her favorite comedic genre, sudden epiphanies, and the benefits of complete creative control.

1x08 | Hospital Playlist (Reviews, Recaps, and Rants)

Let’s end the year by talking about the Kdrama that saved this year: HOSPITAL PLAYLIST (2020), made by the much-acclaimed Shin-Lee PD-Writer duo. This episode also features another guest on the show, Francine’s friend Louie (please forgive the rambling, the fangirling, and the spoilers for Reply 1988 and Prison Playbook because we have no self-control)

1x21 | How do you judge Kdramas? (Ask Me Anything)

Today’s episode features a new segment on Dramabuds: Ask Me Anything, where Francine answers Kdrama-related questions from the listeners (or from herself). Today is all about how she judges and forms her opinions on Kdramas and the actors/actresses that she watches. It’s long and it’s a lot, but hopefully, it explains why our host has so many opinions on everything she watches. (Feel free to comment on Facebook or YouTube to suggest more topics for this segment!)

A new Kdrama cycle has just started, and Francine is kicking off a series of First Impressions with her quick thoughts on SEE YOU IN MY 19TH LIFE, a fantasy romance streaming on Netflix. Has the first half of the show lived up to its A+ pilot? 🫢

Talk to us on Twitter! https://twitter.com/dramabuds_tkp

Join our new Discord server to meet other Kdrama (and other Asian drama) lovers 💕 https://discord.gg/44gGwrSeN3

🌺

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(2:58) The Good: Pilot of the Year, Grief, Shin Hye-sun

(8:37) The Bad: Ji-eum vs other 3, Plot Direction + The Verdict

(14:41) Final Thoughts

3x9 | Soundtrack No 1 & Pachinko (First Impressions)

Today’s first impressions episode features Soundtrack No 1, a Kdrama about besties-turned-roommates, and Pachinko, an epic family story about survival.

🌺  francine

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) - Intro

(1:08) - Soundtrack No 1

(7:54) - Pachinko: Background + First Impressions

(12:37) - Pachinko: Main Characters

(17:13) - Pachinko: Favorite Moments + Verdict

(28:32) - Final Thoughts

1x06 | Stove League (Reviews, Recaps, and Rants)

On today’s episode of Dramabuds, Francine discusses STOVE LEAGUE (2019), this year’s winner of Best Drama in the Baeksang Arts Awards (a well-deserved award!). It’s a sports anime in Kdrama form, and all its fans will be eagerly waiting for a season 2 with the Dreams.

4x8 | One Dollar Lawyer (Reviews, Recaps, and Rants)

What could have been Francine’s top comedy Kdrama sadly fizzled out at the end… 😢 BUT on today’s episode, she talks about the highs and lows of ONE DOLLAR LAWYER and why the creators can’t entirely be blamed for the drama that it ended up being. (Also, she briefly talks about Hyena & Vincenzo and how ODL has managed to make her give wacky law dramas another chance.)

Talk to us on Twitter! https://twitter.com/dramabuds_tkp

🌺  francine

TIMESTAMPS:
(00:00) - Intro
(2:48) - Namgoong Min Star Vehicle
(5:01) - Episodes 1-8: WAY better than expected
(12:02) - Episodes 9-11: …………
(16:18) - Finale: What happened???
(21:43) - ODL vs. Other Wacky Law Dramas
(27:49) - Final Thoughts

3x4 | Twenty Five Twenty One / Forecasting Love and Weather (First Impressions)

February was the month of love that, naturally, spawned a bunch of new series on Netflix. Francine talks about two popular ongoing dramas in particular: Twenty Five Twenty One & Forecasting Love and Weather. With prolific casts and interesting premises, how do the first few episodes hold up? Francine talks about her likes, dislikes, and her final verdict: to drop or not to drop?

🌺 francine

TIMESTAMPS: 

(00:00) - Intro 

(1:43) - Twenty Five Twenty One: Background + Main Characters

(13:56) - Twenty Five Twenty One: Supporting Characters + Writing + Directing

(19:19) - Twenty Five Twenty One: Romance + Verdict

(21:35) - Forecasting Love and Weather: Background + Stakes + Investment

(25:33)  - Forecasting Love and Weather: Themes + Leads + Supporting Characters + Verdict

(34:39) - Final Thoughts

4x4 | Through the Darkness (Reviews, Recaps, and Rants)

Has Francine finally found her all-time favorite Kdrama thriller? THROUGH THE DARKNESS takes a slower and more cerebral look into the minds of Korea’s most heinous criminals, and it’s a drama you should NOT miss out on— especially if you don’t think you’re a fan of thrillers. 😮

Talk to us on Twitter! https://twitter.com/dramabuds_tkp

🌺  francine

TIMESTAMPS:
(00:00) - Intro
(2:47) - Plot & Characters
(7:03) - Thriller for a Non-thriller Fan
(13:28) - Song Ha Young Appreciation
(18:08) - Finale Arc & Ending
(22:48) - Final Thoughts

2020 SPECIAL | Year-end Recap and Awards

Surprise, it’s the Dramabuds Awards! On today’s special episode of Dramabuds, Francine looks back on all the Kdramas that made this year just a little bit better. From some of the best to some of the worst, this episode is all about appreciating the Kdramas that took over her life.

2021 SPECIAL | First Quarter Recap

On today's special episode of Dramabuds, Francine talks about her very productive first quarter of 2021. She gives flash reviews on the 21 shows she finished from January to March and not-so-quick thoughts on the currently ongoing shows she’s subscribed to. Potential spoilers ahead for many, many Kdramas (literally 21 shows I am so sorry).

1x05 | Start-Up (Reviews, Recaps, and Rants)

This show recently took the Kdrama community by storm, so today’s episode is an unscripted rant session on START-UP (2020), featuring the very first guest on Dramabuds: Francine’s sister, Ilene.

2x01 | Designated Survivor: 60 Days (Reviews, Recaps and Rants)

The first episode of Dramabuds Season 2 features our host's new favorite Kdrama of this year: DESIGNATED SURVIVOR: 60 DAYS (2019). She talks about the fine line between mysterious acting and ambiguous acting (aka not knowing how to act), her newfound fave protagonist, and why Korean remakes are (almost) always better than their American counterparts.

Features the following shows: Designated Survivor: 60 Days (2019); Hot Stove League (2020); Sisyphus: The Myth (2021)

Feel free to send us questions that you'd like our host to discuss on the show! You can talk to us by commenting on Facebook, sending the page a private message on Facebook, or leaving a comment on YouTube. Thank you, and see you soon!

Skip 38:16 to 40:23 to avoid major spoilers!

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/dramabuds.podcast
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBOVEJ6LJW2-cA3pPPowVcg
SUPPORT THE PODCAST: https://ko-fi.com/fllpcreatives 

🌺 francine

3x7 | Crazy Love & Business Proposal (First Impressions)

There’s a lot to be said about Rich CEO Male Leads. And office romances. And men in suits. Crazy Love & Business Proposal showcases a return to form in the classic trope, which proves once again why the formula still works. (Or does it? 🤔) 

🌺  francine

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) - Intro

(1:04) - Crazy Love: Background + Plot

(4:52) - Crazy Love: Pacing + Tone + Verdict

(8:05) - Business Proposal: Background + First Impressions + Pacing + Supporting Characters

(14:06) - Business Proposal: Leads + Chemistry

(26:23) - Business Proposal: Writing + Directing + Verdict

(31:41) - Final Thoughts

Goodbye(?), Kdramas— Francine is finally entering the world of Jdramas ✈️  She’s kickstarting her Jdrama phase with some new selections available on Netflix:

❄️ First Love: Hatsukoi

🍚 The Makanai: Cooking For The Maiko House

🎻 Quartet

Talk to us on Twitter! https://twitter.com/dramabuds_tkp

🌺

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(2:49) First Love: Hatsukoi

(11:34) The Makanai: Cooking For The Maiko House

(19:04) Quartet

(30:32) Final Thoughts

The most devastating sageuk romance of 2023 is coming back, and Francine is more than ready to suffer (and love every minute of it) 💔 Here’s a full recap of the events of MY DEAREST PART 1, for those who need a refresher before we jump into the long-awaited Part 2!

Twitter: https://twitter.com/dramabuds_tkp

Discord: https://discord.gg/44gGwrSeN3

Email: dramabuds.tkp@gmail.com

🌺

EPISODES MENTIONED: In Defense of My Dearest Part 1 https://spoti.fi/44IQAx4 Currently Watching https://spoti.fi/3OKEgGH Arthdal Chronicles S2 First Impressions https://spoti.fi/45pv9So

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(2:43) Part 1 Recap: During the War

(12:53) Part 1 Recap: After the War

(25:13) Thoughts & Criticisms + Expectations for Part 2

(32:51) Final Thoughts

Lots of love and hate in today's episode of Dramabuds! Francine’s January to March recap is full of the dramas she’s gatekeeping (for now), the actors she’s personally blacklisting, and many more hot takes on the following dramas: Dream High; Recipe for Farewell; Payback: Money and Power; Love to Hate You; The Interest of Love; Crash Course in Romance; Divorce Attorney Shin; Call It Love; The Glory (+ an almost-full review of Daisy Jones and the Six???) Talk to us on Twitter! https://twitter.com/dramabuds_tkp Join our new Discord server to meet other Kdrama (and other Asian drama) lovers 💕 https://discord.gg/44gGwrSeN3 🌺 TIMESTAMPS: (00:00) Intro (1:46) Reviewed + Completed (15:57) Finished Ongoing (21:22) Dropped (28:37) Currently Watching + Other Media (40:32) Final Thoughts

After months of waiting, Part 2 of THE GLORY is finally coming on March 10! Join Francine as she recaps the first half of the show and shares her thoughts on Part 1 and her expectations for the much-anticipated Part 2 🍿 

Talk to us on Twitter! https://twitter.com/dramabuds_tkp

Join our new Discord server to meet other Kdrama (and other Asian drama) lovers 💕 https://discord.gg/44gGwrSeN3

🌺

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(5:17) Quick Recap

(13:37) Part 1 Thoughts

(21:33) Part 2 Expectations

(24:46) Final Thoughts

Today, Francine enters the world of movie reviews?!?! This is Part 1 of a 2-episode recording with a guest where they gush over and rant about Makoto Shinkai’s 2 major films, YOUR NAME (2016) and WEATHERING WITH YOU (2019). Next week’s episode talks about SUZUME, his latest work!

Talk to us on Twitter! https://twitter.com/dramabuds_tkp

Join our new Discord server to meet other Kdrama (and other Asian drama) lovers 💕 https://discord.gg/44gGwrSeN3

🌺

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(3:54) Your Name

(25:25) Weathering With You

(49:49) Final Thoughts

Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

Things are starting to look up in Kdramaland recently, and today, Francine recaps the dramas she’s watched in the past 3 months. Here’s to a more exciting second half of the year! 🥂

Features the following shows: Anna; What’s Up; One Sunny Day; Something in the Rain; The Glory; The Good Bad Mother; Doctor Cha; Dr Romantic 3; Queenmaker; Race; One Spring Night + more

Talk to us on Twitter! https://twitter.com/dramabuds_tkp

Join our new Discord server to meet other Kdrama (and other Asian drama) lovers 💕 https://discord.gg/44gGwrSeN3

🌺

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(1:30) Reviewed + Completed

(9:17) Finished 2023 Releases

(17:58) Dropped + Currently Watching

(20:07) Other Media

(29:15) Final Thoughts

Kdramas have been feeding fans of all types of genres: fantasy-romance (See You in My 19th Life), horror-thriller (REVENANT), and classic Cinderella story romcom (KING THE LAND). Today, Francine talks about the latter two, some thoughts on writer Kim Eun-hee’s other dramas, and what she’s looking for in a romcom.

Listen to our See You in My 19th Life first impressions here: spoti.fi/46yFn4x

Talk to us on Twitter! https://twitter.com/dramabuds_tkp

Join our new Discord server to meet other Kdrama (and other Asian drama) lovers 💕 https://discord.gg/44gGwrSeN3

🌺

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(1:23) Revenant

(10:49) King the Land

(19:42) Final Thoughts

1x07 | Life (Reviews, Recaps, and Rants)

Today’s episode of Dramabuds features LIFE (2018), a medical drama for those who want less “medical” and more “drama.” It’s a show that talks about hospital management, the morality of doctors vs. businessmen, and the grey area where both sides are neither wrong nor right.

1x13 | Arthdal Chronicles (Reviews, Recaps, and Rants)

Today’s episode is 1/2 a Kdrama review and 1/2 an info dump on the crazy world of ARTHDAL CHRONICLES (2019). Francine discusses her love for morally grey characters, her absolute adoration for PD Kim Won Suk’s works (yet again), and the reason why seasonal formats for Kdramas are a terrible idea.

🎶 Oh, I got better things to do with my time than you 🎶

Today, Francine talks about why some dramas are so hard to drop, even if they’re not as good as they initially seemed. Should you let them go or keep giving them a chance, hoping it gets better? (No hugot intended 👀)

Also, she’s looking for Kdrama recs for a First Impressions challenge! Send your recs through Dramabuds’ socials or through the answer box on Spotify 👇

Currently on her list: Life on Mars, Delightfully Deceitful, Matrimonial Chaos, The Guest, & Salon de Nabi

Twitter: https://twitter.com/dramabuds_tkp

Discord: https://discord.gg/44gGwrSeN3

Email: dramabuds.tkp@gmail.com

🌺

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(6:12) Cast + PD/Writer

(14:12) Potential, Faith in the Creators

(20:50) Rules for my First Impressions Challenge!

(25:11) Final Thoughts

1x25 | Who are your Baeksang bets? (Ask Me Anything)

Today's episode talks about all of the nominees for the 57th Baeksang Arts Awards. Our host is joined by her sister, Ilene, and together, they discuss their personal bets for who might win in each category, the many reasons why some nominees have a good chance (while others don't), and why these award shows aren't the be all, end all of quality Kdramas.

Is season 3 of DR ROMANTIC a worthy follow-up to one of Francine’s favorite Kdramas of all time? She weighs in on the first 10 episodes of DR ROMANTIC 3: the fresh spin on old themes, the new (and sometimes controversial) side characters, and the episodes that keep getting better and better.

Talk to us on Twitter! https://twitter.com/dramabuds_tkp

Join our new Discord server to meet other Kdrama (and other Asian drama) lovers 💕 https://discord.gg/44gGwrSeN3

🌺

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(2:41) The Good: Coming Home, Humanism

(9:01) The Bad: Filler, New Characters

(14:48) The Bad: Cha Jin-man

(19:27) Final Thoughts

2021 SPECIAL | Fourth Quarter Recap + 2021 Year-end Awards

Goodbye, 2021 👋

Today on Dramabuds, we talk about all the Kdramas we watched from October to November. We also award some of the bests (and the worsts) to all the Kdramas we’ve watched, a grand total of 56 shows this year 😮 Thanks for joining us in 2021, and we’ll see you next year!

Features the following shows: IDOL: The Coup; Birthcare Center; Squid Game; D.P.; Inspector Koo; The Silent Sea; Police University; Dr Brain; Hometown Cha Cha Cha; Yumi’s Cells; Jirisan; One Ordinary Day; and many more

Feel free to send us questions that you'd like our host to discuss on the show! You can talk to us on Facebook or Twitter, leave a comment on YouTube, or send us an email. Thank you, and see you soon!

OTHER LINKS: https://dramabuds.carrd.co/

🌺 francine

TIMESTAMPS: 

(00:00) - Intro
(1:59) - Reviewed Shows (IDOL: The Coup)
(13:51) - Completed Shows (Birthcare Center; Squid Game; D.P.)
(19:43) - Completed Shows (Inspector Koo; The Silent Sea)
(26:39) - Finished Ongoing (Police University; Dr Brain; Hometown Cha Cha Cha)
(30:00) - Finished Ongoing (Yumi’s Cells; Jirisan; One Ordinary Day)
(39:30) - Dropped Shows + Currently Watching
(44:45) - Best Actors + Best Actresses
(52:15) - Best Supporting Actors/Actresses
(58:22) - Best Couple
(1:01:44) - Best OST (Album & Songs)
(1:04:49) - Best Writing & Best Directing
(1:12:54) - Most Disappointing
(1:14:55)- Top 15 of 2021
(1:17:33) - Honorable Mentions for All-Time Bests
(1:22:02) - All-Time Top 5
(1:26:17)  - Final Thoughts

We’re officially starting our Jdrama Journey with LIFE’S PUNCHLINE, a 2021 drama about a failed comedy group and their biggest fan. Francine talks about their amazing cast chemistry, the Kdramas that tackle similar themes of failure & change, and all the dramas and idols that gave her comfort when she needed it the most 💖

Talk to us on Twitter! https://twitter.com/dramabuds_tkp

Join our new Discord server to meet other Kdrama (and other Asian drama) lovers 💕 https://discord.gg/44gGwrSeN3

🌺

TIMESTAMPS: (00:00) Intro (3:48) Character-driven Shows (7:57) Chemistry & Comedy (11:21) Failure, Change, and Levity (14:17) When Fandom Changes Your Life (22:15) Final Thoughts

2021 SPECIAL | Third Quarter Recap

We're back with another recap of all the Kdramas that Francine watched in the last 3 months! She gives short reviews on each of them and dishes on the many (MANY) Kdramas she's looking forward to in the rest of the year.

Features the following shows: Misty (2017); Into the Ring (2020); One Spring Night (2019); Racket Boys (2021); Hospital Playlist 2 (2021); Police University (2021); Hometown Cha Cha Cha (2021); Lost (2021); Yumi's Cells (2021)

Feel free to send us questions that you'd like our host to discuss on the show! You can talk to us on Facebook or Twitter, leave a comment on YouTube, or send us an email. Thank you, and see you soon!

OTHER LINKS: https://dramabuds.carrd.co/

🌺 francine

1x22 | What makes you rewatch Kdramas? (Ask Me Anything)

With the hundreds (possibly thousands?) of Kdramas to watch out there, what makes rewatching shows even worth your time? On today’s episode, Francine talks about the various Kdramas she’s planning on rewatching and the reasons why. She also delivers a soliloquy on the masterpiece that is MY MISTER (2018), and yes, she is fully aware that she already talked about this show before 😅

July to September wasn’t a productive watching quarter for Francine, but recent dramas are keeping her optimistic for the rest of the year! Listen to this recap episode for her thoughts on:

D.P. 2, Not Others, Mask Girl, Moving, Revenant, See You in My 19th Life King the Land, A Time Called You, Salon de Nabi, Arthdal Chronicles: The Sword of Aramun (+ The Bear, Oppenheimer, Barbie)

Twitter: https://twitter.com/dramabuds_tkp

Discord: https://discord.gg/44gGwrSeN3

Email: dramabuds.tkp@gmail.com

🌺

EPISODES MENTIONED: Something in the Rain Review https://spoti.fi/43srthr One Spring Night Review https://spoti.fi/43Tw3pp Watch Challenge https://spoti.fi/45Uf1ZZ D.P. S1 Review https://spoti.fi/3DvZTWc Currently Watching https://spoti.fi/3OKEgGH Revenant & King the Land First Impressions https://spoti.fi/44B5ZAF See You in My 19th Life First Impressions https://spoti.fi/46yFn4x

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(1:27) D.P. S2

(7:58) Not Others

(12:53) Mask Girl

(16:52) Dropped: Revenant, SYIM19L, King the Land

(18:29) Dropped: A Time Called You

(20:47) Currently Watching: Salon de Nabi, Arthdal Chronicles

(23:11) Other Media: The Bear

(26:02) Other Media: Oppenheimer, Barbie

(31:43) Final Thoughts

Is Francine’s Kdrama slump finally cured? Today, she shares her first impressions on THE GOOD BAD MOTHER, a tearjerker and an acting masterclass. It has some of the best written morally grey characters she’s seen in a while, even though some scenes are VERY hard to watch 🥲

Talk to us on Twitter! https://twitter.com/dramabuds_tkp

Join our new Discord server to meet other Kdrama (and other Asian drama) lovers 💕 https://discord.gg/44gGwrSeN3

🌺

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(3:48) The Good: Acting Masterclass, Moral Ambiguity

(8:40) The Good: Conflicting Characters, Pacing

(15:09) The Bad + The Verdict

(19:41) Final Thoughts

Part 2 of our Makoto Shinkai Massive Movie Review is here, and we’re finally talking about SUZUME, his latest work! Beware of major spoilers in one segment, sorry 😅 Also includes quick (and maybe controversial) reactions to the winners of the recent Baeksang Arts Awards in the intro.

Talk to us on Twitter! https://twitter.com/dramabuds_tkp

Join our new Discord server to meet other Kdrama (and other Asian drama) lovers 💕 https://discord.gg/44gGwrSeN3

🌺

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro + Baeksang Reactions

(10:48) Suzume: Synopsis and First Thoughts

(18:06) MAJOR SPOILERS

(23:19) Suspension of Disbelief, Urban Fantasy, Music

(28:07) Emotional Depth

(36:04) Daijin, Theories, Plot Vehicles, Length

(41:41) Final Thoughts

1x26 | Dear My Friends (Reviews, Recaps, and Rants)

Reviews, Recaps, and Rants are back! On today's episode, Francine talks about her current favorite Kdrama that she watched this year: DEAR MY FRIENDS (2016), a Baeksang Best Drama and Best Screenplay winner. She talks about platonic love, familial love, and her endless love for writer Noh Hee Kyung's works.

Features the following shows: Dear My Friends (2016); It's Okay, That's Love (2014); Live (2018)

2x08 | Nevertheless + You are My Spring (Reviews, Recaps, and Rants)

Join Francine and her sister, Ilene, as they host an unfiltered rant session about two recent Kdramas: NEVERTHELESS (2021), the most talked about Kdrama of the past season, and YOU ARE MY SPRING (2021), their underrated fave.

Features the following shows: Nevertheless (2021); You are My Spring (2021)

Feel free to send us questions that you'd like our host to discuss on the show! You can talk to us on Facebook or Twitter, leave a comment on YouTube, or send us an email. Thank you, and see you soon!

OTHER LINKS: https://dramabuds.carrd.co/

🌺 francine

2x04 | Goblin (Rewatch Retrospective)

Rewatch Retrospective is a new segment on Dramabuds where Francine revisits shows she watched but hasn't reviewed before. Today's episode features GOBLIN (2016), a modern classic that was hugely popular in Korea and in the rest of the world. Francine tackles her rewatching experience, her newfound appreciation for the show, and how Goblin paved the way for fantasy Kdramas. Features the following shows: Goblin (2016); Dear My Friends (2016); Run On (2020); 365: Repeat The Year (2019); Doom at Your Service (2021) Feel free to send us questions that you'd like our host to discuss on the show! You can talk to us on Facebook or Twitter, leave a comment on YouTube, or send us an email. Thank you, and see you soon! OTHER LINKS: https://dramabuds.carrd.co/ 🌺 francine

For our second Super Special Spooky Episode, we review SAVE ME: a creepy psychological thriller Kdrama about a cult in a countryside town.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/dramabuds_tkp

Discord: https://discord.gg/44gGwrSeN3

Email: dramabuds.tkp@gmail.com

🌺

EPISODES MENTIONED: Horror episode: The Guest https://spoti.fi/499ao03

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(1:51) Plot and Characters

(8:21) Villains > Protagonists

(13:46) Creepy Factor: Why do people fall for cults?

(20:47) Final Thoughts

3x12 | My Liberation Notes (First Impressions)

Could this be the next Kdrama masterpiece of 2022? 👀 Francine weighs in on the first half of MY LIBERATION NOTES and her hopes for the show and the characters’ futures.

🌺  francine

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) - Intro

(4:03) - Yeom Gi Jeong & Yeom Chang Hee

(14:52) - Yeom Mi Jeong & Mr Gu

(23:04) - Mi Jeong & Mr Gu (together)

(32:13) - General Comments + Verdict

(37:23)- Final Thoughts

2x18 | IDOL: The Coup (Reviews, Recaps, and Rants)

For the longest solo episode EVER on Dramabuds, Francine does a deep dive into IDOL: THE COUP (2021), the recently-concluded Kdrama that has consumed her mind for the past month. Get ready for a complete recap of the show's plot, an extremely detailed analysis of everything we loved and hated about this show, and a loooot of fangirling over the Kdrama (non-)couple that have set our new standard for explosive chemistry 😍

Feel free to send us questions that you'd like our host to discuss on the show! You can talk to us on Facebook or Twitter, leave a comment on YouTube, or send us an email. Thank you, and see you soon!

OTHER LINKS: https://dramabuds.carrd.co/

🌺 francine

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro
(4:46) Plot and Characters (Jenna, Jaehyuk, Jihan)
(17:40) Plot and Characters (Cotton Candy)
(23:09) Emotional Foundation
(29:51) 1% Potential; Troy and Elle; Mars Collaboration Stage
(41:28) Elle Defense Squad
(46:54) CEO Cha is not a Toxic Male Lead
(1:04:46) Plagiarism arc (aka the Jihan arc)
(1:16:12) Stella arc
(1:26:20) Finale
(1:32:55) Acting
(1:36:55) CHEMISTRY!!!
(1:44:23) Directing + Music
(1:49:09) Writing
(1:54:57) Final Thoughts

Francine has discovered another slice-of-life gem in the Jdrama world: MY DEAR EXES/Omameda Towako and Her Three Ex-Husbands 💕 Highly recommended for anyone looking for a light and wacky drama with a lovable female lead, like the protagonists of Doctor Cha and Crash Course in Romance! Fun fact: this is written by her current favorite Jdrama writer, Sakamoto Yuji, who won the Best Screenplay award at Cannes Film Festival this year 👏 Talk to us on Twitter! https://twitter.com/dramabuds_tkp Join our new Discord server to meet other Kdrama (and other Asian drama) lovers 💕 https://discord.gg/44gGwrSeN3 🌺 TIMESTAMPS: (00:00) Intro (2:17) Pacing, Banter, Monologues, Criticisms (8:43) All-Time Top 5 Female Protagonist (16:30) Final Thoughts

To build her currently watching list up again, Francine tries 4 ongoing dramas and shares her very quick thoughts on the first two episodes of Soundtrack #2, Maestra: Strings of Truth, Welcome to Samdal-ri, and My Demon!

Twitter: https://twitter.com/dramabuds_tkp

Discord: https://discord.gg/44gGwrSeN3

Email: dramabuds.tkp@gmail.com

🌺

EPISODES MENTIONED: Love Triangles https://spoti.fi/4a4wXUf

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(1:24) Soundtrack #2

(4:30) Maestra: Strings of Truth

(8:32) Welcome to Samdal-ri

(15:16) My Demon

(18:54) Final Thoughts

3x16 | Second Quarter Recap

For the final episode of this season, Francine is recapping all the Kdramas she watched (and dropped 👀) from April to June!

Features the following shows: Lovestruck in the City; Twenty Five, Twenty One; Soundtrack No 1; Pachinko; Love All Play; Our Blues; Money Heist: Korea - Joint Economic Area; Temperature of Love; Again My Life; Sh**ting Stars; Woori the Virgin; Why Her?; Link: Eat, Love, Kill; Insider; Yumi’s Cells 2; Misaeng; Healer

🌺  francine

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) - Intro

(1:57) - Reviewed + Completed: Lovestruck in the City + Finished Ongoing: Twenty Five, Twenty One; Soundtrack No 1; Pachinko; Love All Play

(12:04) - Finished Ongoing: Our Blues; Money Heist: Korea - Joint Economic Area

(27:29) - Dropped: Temperature of Love; Again My Life; Sh**ting Stars; Woori the Virgin; Why Her?; Link: Eat, Love, Kill

(31:27) - Currently Watching: Insider; Yumi’s Cells 2; Misaeng; Healer

(41:43) - Top 10, Final Thoughts, Announcement

2x02 | Hospital Playlist 2 (First Impressions)

In First Impressions, Francine talks about the first few episodes of the show she's watching and what she thinks of it so far.

Today's episode of Dramabuds features HOSPITAL PLAYLIST 2 (2021), the much anticipated second season of Francine's favorite Kdrama from 2020. As much as she loves the show and the cast, today she talks about her thoughts from rewatching Season 1, her love for this show's band scenes, and the emotional devastation that the first episode made her feel.

Features the following shows: Hospital Playlist (2020); Hospital Playlist 2 (2021)

Feel free to send us questions that you'd like our host to discuss on the show! You can talk to us on Facebook or Twitter, leave a comment on YouTube, or send us an email. Thank you, and see you soon!

OTHER LINKS: https://dramabuds.carrd.co/

🌺 francine

3x14 | My Liberation Notes - Part 1 (Reviews, Recaps, and Rants)

Today’s episode is part 1 of the mega review for MY LIBERATION NOTES, Francine’s current top Kdrama of the year! She talks about the brilliant writing of the show and its characters, their individual journeys, and her feelings about the open (or happy?) endings for everyone.

🌺  francine

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) - Intro

(2:29) - Setting Expectations

(9:05)  - Yeom Gi Jeong (EL)

(15:45) - Yeom Chang Hee

(24:25) - Yeom Mi Jeong (Kim Ji Won)

(34:21) - Mr Gu (Son Suk Ku)

(43:37) - Episodes 13 & 14

(51:15) - Episodes 15 & 16

(56:59) - Ending

(1:12:06) - General Comments - Writing

(1:17:52) - Final Thoughts

1x09 | Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo (Reviews, Recaps, and Rants)

With a brand new year comes a brand new episode of Dramabuds! Today, Francine talks about the absolute classic, the tragedy among all tragedies: MOON LOVERS: SCARLET HEART RYEO (2016). It’s a polarizing show, with its many good and many bad points, but you can’t deny the impact it made on the Kdrama community (and the pain everyone felt in that ending).

3x11 | What are your Baeksang 2022 Predictions? (Ask Me Anything)

The Baeksang Arts Awards nominees have a few obvious (and not so obvious) choices to pick from. Francine places her bets on the final list of nominees. Let’s see who gets her vote!

🌺  francine

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) - Intro

(2:16) - Best New Actor & Actress

(5:36) - Best Supporting Actor & Actress

(10:51) - Best Actor & Actress

(17:28) - Best Screenplay & Director

(21:46) - Best Drama & Possible Daesang Candidates

(25:28) - Final Thoughts

Korea’s most controversial survival show series is back, and it’s as overdramatic as ever 😵‍💫 On today’s episode, Francine talks about all her favorite trainees on BOYS PLANET, the ones that Mnet clearly wants in the group, and those that they’re trying to evil edit out of the show. She also hypes up the much better ongoing survival show that deserves all this attention and buzz instead: PEAK TIME ✨ Peak Time Twitter thread: https://twitter.com/dramabuds_tkp/status/1626469779858145282 JTBC Music: https://www.youtube.com/@JTBCMusic PEAK TIME Official Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PEAKTIMEOFFICIAL Join our new Discord server to meet other Kdrama (and other Asian drama) lovers 💕 https://discord.gg/44gGwrSeN3 Talk to us on Twitter! https://twitter.com/dramabuds_tkp 🌺 TIMESTAMPS: (00:00) Intro (4:50) Star Level Test (16:10) K vs G Group Battle (33:48) Current Top 9 Picks (36:01) Peak Time!!!! (44:35) Final Thoughts

2021 SPECIAL | Second Quarter Recap

Before we officially start Season 2 of Dramabuds, let's revisit all the shows our host has watched for the past 3 months. Be prepared for a lot more rants than usual, including but not limited to: calling Vincenzo overrated, defending Kang Ha Na (Esom's character from Taxi Driver), and giving her two cents on Song Kang's acting.

Features the following shows: Pinocchio (2015); Fight for My Way (2017); Move to Heaven (2021); Sisyphus: The Myth (2021); Navillera (2021); Beyond Evil (2021); Vincenzo (2021); Taxi Driver (2021); Law School (2021); Youth of May (2021); Mad for Each Other (2021); Mine (2021); Doom at Your Service (2021); My Roommate is a Gumiho (2021); Dark Hole (2021); Racket Boys (2021); Hospital Playlist S2 (2021); Nevertheless (2021)

Feel free to send us questions that you'd like our host to discuss on the show! You can talk to us on Facebook or Twitter, leave a comment on YouTube, or send us an email. Thank you, and see you soon!

OTHER LINKS: https://dramabuds.carrd.co/

🌺 francine

4x1 | Third Quarter Recap: Extraordinary Attorney Woo, Yumi’s Cells 2, Little Women + more

DRAMABUDS IS BACK! We’re kicking off the new season with a recap of all the Kdramas we’ve watched from July to September and our thoughts on some of the most buzz-worthy dramas from the past 3 months.

Features the following shows: My Unfamiliar Family; Alice, the Final Weapon; Yumi’s Cells 2; Extraordinary Attorney Woo; Insider; Our Beloved Summer; Today’s Webtoon; Because This is My First Life; If You Wish Upon Me; Salon de Nabi; Unicorn; Mental Coach Jegal; One Dollar Lawyer; Little Women

🌺  francine

TIMESTAMPS:
(00:00) - Intro
(3:48) - Complete: My Unfamiliar Family; Alice, the Final Weapon
(9:21) - Finished Ongoing: Yumi’s Cells 2
(13:30) - Finished Ongoing: Extraordinary Attorney Woo
(22:11) - Dropped: Insider; Our Beloved Summer; Today’s Webtoon; Because This is My First Life
(26:55) - Currently Watching: If You Wish Upon Me; Salon de Nabi; Unicorn; Mental Coach Jegal; One Dollar Lawyer; Little Women
(33:09) - Other Media
(36:46) - Top 10 + Final Thoughts

2x17 | Is it better to binge watch Kdramas? (Ask Me Anything)

Today on Dramabuds, Francine talks about binge culture, streaming services, the Kdramas she loved binging, and (finally) her thoughts on Squid Game— another great series to binge.

Features the following shows: Designated Survivor: 60 Days; The World of the Married; SKY Castle; Squid Game

Feel free to send us questions that you'd like our host to discuss on the show! You can talk to us on Facebook or Twitter, leave a comment on YouTube, or send us an email. Thank you, and see you soon!

Enjoy discovery+ for only P129 per month. Subscribe via https://www.discoveryplus.com/ph, download the app, and start watching!

OTHER LINKS: https://dramabuds.carrd.co/

🌺 francine

TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 - Intro
5:58 - Traditional Kdrama Structure
11:15 - Pros of Binging
25:25 - Cons of Binging
29:43 - Kdramas I loved binging: Designated Survivor: 60 Days
32:51 - Kdramas I loved binging: The World of the Married
35:52 - Kdramas I loved binging: SKY Castle
39:16 - Kdramas I loved binging: Squid Game
43:29 - Final Thoughts

CALL IT LOVE is proof that the romance melodrama genre isn’t dead! ❤️‍🩹 Today, Francine dives into the drama’s characters, her initial fears about the show, and how this slow melo managed to become her (current) fave drama of 2023.

Talk to us on Twitter! https://twitter.com/dramabuds_tkp

Join our new Discord server to meet other Kdrama (and other Asian drama) lovers 💕 https://discord.gg/44gGwrSeN3

🌺

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(3:14) Plot and Character

(9:02) A “Revenge” Story?

(12:18) Trust the Process

(16:09) The Romance Melodrama Genre Isn’t Dead!!!

(22:13) Final Thoughts

We’re celebrating the 100th episode of Dramabuds by talking about Francine’s ultimate love: musicals! She quickly recaps a bunch of musical dramas, the kind of music they feature, and pitches 3 of her dream musical dramas + casting 🫶 Thank you to everyone who has listened to the pod and shared it to other drama lovers!

Talk to us on Twitter! https://twitter.com/dramabuds_tkp

Join our new Discord server to meet other Kdrama (and other Asian drama) lovers 💕 https://discord.gg/44gGwrSeN3

🌺

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(2:57) Why I Love Musicals

(8:33) Dream High (2011)

(11:39) What’s Up (2011)

(16:39) Monstar (2013)

(19:39) Persevere Goo Hae Ra (2015)

(21:34) Hospital Playlist (2020)

(23:23) The Sound of Magic (2022)

(25:47) My Dream Musical Dramas

(33:13) Final Thoughts

1x03 | It’s Okay, That’s Love (Reviews, Recaps, and Rants)

This episode of Dramabuds talks about IT’S OKAY, THAT’S LOVE (2014), a Kdrama that touches on intimacy, mental illness, and much, much more. It’s an emotional punch in the gut hidden behind a quirky, lighthearted vibe, and it’s made even better by exceptional performances from the main couple (and their amazing chemistry).

There are a LOT of things going on in each of the Kdramas we’re currently watching 😵‍💫  Here’s our first impressions on them, if you want to know if they’re worth checking out!

You can stream Payback: Money and Power on Prime Video, Crash Course in Romance on Netflix, and Strangers Again on Viki 🍿

Talk to us on Twitter! https://twitter.com/dramabuds_tkp

🌺

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(1:59) Payback: Money and Power

(10:16) Crash Course in Romance

(20:29) Strangers Again

(25:40) Final Thoughts

1x04 | My Mister (Reviews, Recaps, and Rants)

Some Kdramas touch your heart so deeply that it’s a struggle to even come up with the right words to describe it. On this week’s episode of Dramabuds, Francine attempts to discuss MY MISTER (2018), a masterpiece of a Kdrama that truly starts making you question: what is life, and what is it worth living for?

2x05 | Reply 1994 (Reviews, Recaps, and Rants)

Today's review features the neglected middle child of the Reply series, REPLY 1994 (2013). Surprise, surprise: it's actually Francine's favorite among the three! Today, she talks about what made her like this Kdrama (even if many didn't) and the common sickness of all the Reply shows.

P.S. Is anyone interested in a full comparison episode for these shows (+ other Shin PD works)? 👀

Features the following shows: Reply 1994 (2013); Reply 1997 (2012); Reply 1988 (2015); Prison Playbook (2017); Hospital Playlist (2020); Mad for Each Other (2021)

Feel free to send us questions that you'd like our host to discuss on the show! You can talk to us on Facebook or Twitter, leave a comment on YouTube, or send us an email. Thank you, and see you soon!

OTHER LINKS: https://dramabuds.carrd.co/

🌺 francine

3x8 | First Quarter Recap

The first quarter of 2022 is almost over, which means it’s recap time! ✨ Francine looks back and reminisces about all her dramas (so far). With a total of 8 dramas, there were more misses than hits and we’re here to appreciate them. The good, the bad, and the boring. 

Features the following shows: Just Between Lovers; Persevere Goo Hae Ra; Dr Romantic 2; Miss Korea; Thirty But Seventeen; Juvenile Justice; Uncle; Clean with Passion for Now; Rookie Cops; Suits; Forecasting Love and Weather; Military Prosecutor Doberman; Thirty-Nine; Grid; Twenty Five Twenty One; Business Proposal; Soundtrack No 1; Pachinko; Temperature of Love

🌺  francine

TIMESTAMPS: (00:00) - Intro

(1:23) - Reviewed + Finished: Rain or Shine; Persevere Goo Hae Ra

(4:32) - Finished: Dr Romantic 2; Miss Korea; Thirty But Seventeen

(13:54) - 2022 Releases: Juvenile Justice

(17:25) - Dropped: Uncle; Clean With Passion For Now; Rookie Cops; Suits

(23:16) - Dropped: Forecasting Love and Weather; Crazy Love;  Thirty-Nine; Grid 

26:54) - Currently Watching: Twenty Five Twenty One; Business Proposal

(29:35) - Currently Watching: Soundtrack No 1; Pachinko; Temperature of Love

(33:04) - Final Thoughts

1x01 | Do You Like Brahms? (Reviews, Recaps, and Rants)

On the first episode of Dramabuds, Francine discusses the SBS drama, DO YOU LIKE BRAHMS? (2020). An underrated Kdrama that concluded to a sweet and satisfying ending, this drama is way more complex and engaging than its complicated love triangles. (please give this show a chance i love it so much thank you)

We’ve taken all your Kdrama recommendations, and Francine is kicking off her watch challenge with 4 dramas:

• The Guest
• Mad Dog (@DingooDramas on Twitter 💕)
• City Hall (@OnionMok on Twitter 💗)
• Salon de Nabi

Twitter: https://twitter.com/dramabuds_tkp

Discord: https://discord.gg/44gGwrSeN3

Email: dramabuds.tkp@gmail.com

🌺

EPISODES MENTIONED: First Impressions Challenge https://spoti.fi/45Uf1ZZ

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(1:24) The Guest (2018)

(4:09) Mad Dog (2017)

(8:21) City Hall (2009)

(13:24) Salon de Nabi (2022)

(21:19) Final Thoughts

1x17 | Run On (Second Chances)

Introducing the newest segment of Dramabuds: Second Chances, where Francine watches shows she dropped and tries to understand why people liked them (with no guarantee that she’ll end up liking them as well). Today’s show is RUN ON (2020), a slow and chill Kdrama that should have been her cup of tea but somehow wasn’t what she wanted and how she wanted things done. It’s definitely much-loved by most people though, so let it be known that this is totally just Francine’s opinion and everyone’s feelings are valid.

Looking for a thrilling Kdrama to binge this Halloween season? For the first of our Super Special Spooky Episodes, Francine reviews her first ever horror Kdrama: THE GUEST. No jumpscares here, so enjoy this drama (and this episode) before you sleep tonight 😈

Twitter: https://twitter.com/dramabuds_tkp

Discord: https://discord.gg/44gGwrSeN3

Email: dramabuds.tkp@gmail.com

🌺

EPISODES MENTIONED: First Impressions Challenge Part 1 https://spoti.fi/45QY6a5 Third Quarter Recap https://spoti.fi/46Z8ugD

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(1:59) Plot and Characters: Yoon Hwa-pyung (Kim Dong-wook)

(5:13) Plot and Characters: Kang Gil-young (Jung Eun-chae)

(7:45) Plot and Characters: Choi Yoon/Matthew (Kim Jae-wook)

(10:32) Plot- AND Character-driven Thriller

(15:07) Horror Factor: Can I watch this at night?

(19:31) Final Thoughts