Explore every episode of the podcast Dramabuds!

Not clickbait, sorry 🥲 The most buzz worthy show with the highest ratings ever from tvN is over… FINALLY. How did everything go wrong for a drama with a stellar cast, excellent PDs, and a writer famous for her iconic works? Short answer: bad writing is bad writing, and not even the best leads could save this.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/dramabuds_tkp

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

Email: dramabuds.tkp@gmail.com

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TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(3:18) (too much) Plot and (too many) Characters

(11:01) For Hong Hae-in Lovers Only

(20:24) Writer PJE was never THAT good

(26:17) 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

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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

Goodbye 2023, hello 2024! Our last episode on 2023 dramas is our annual awards for the best performances, best directing and music, funniest, saddest, most disappointing, and our overall rankings for the year 🏆 Twitter: https://twitter.com/dramabuds_tkp Discord: https://discord.gg/44gGwrSeN3 Email: dramabuds.tkp@gmail.com 🌺 EPISODES MENTIONED: My Dearest https://spoti.fi/44IQAx4, https://spoti.fi/46pLKXs The Guest https://spoti.fi/499ao03 Castaway Diva https://spoti.fi/47gkAm9, https://spoti.fi/48yXhnN Call It Love https://spoti.fi/3L9qywC Daily Dose of Sunshine https://spoti.fi/3SxfEou One Spring Night https://spoti.fi/43Tw3pp TIMESTAMPS: (00:00) Intro (2:32) Best Actor (6:02) Best Actress (8:52) Best Supporting Actor & Actress (10:58) Best Squad (12:45) Best Chemistry & Couple (15:33) Best OST & Best Score (17:41) Best Director (19:15) Funniest Drama, Most Tears, Most Disappointing (22:29) Top 15 (23:50) Top 10 (25:18) Top 5 (29:16) All-time Favorite Kdramas (32:50) Final Thoughts

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

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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

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

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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

Dramabuds is back with a quick episode about love triangles (in the year 2023?!?!?), how Francine never falls for second lead syndrome, and her thoughts on Castaway Diva and other dramas with famous love triangles.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/dramabuds_tkp

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

Email: dramabuds.tkp@gmail.com

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EPISODES MENTIONED: Castaway Diva First Impressions https://spoti.fi/47gkAm9

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(2:23) Prolonging the Inevitable

(3:47) Love Triangles that Worked

(7:42) Second Leads = Glorified Supporting Character

(9:22) Trust the Billing

(12:48) Castaway Diva Final Thoughts

(16:42) 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

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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

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

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TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(2:07) Portrayal of Mental Illnesses

(9:52) Instantly Lovable Characters

(15:08) Final Thoughts

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

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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

We love our silly little romcoms, but not everyone means well when they say it. Today, Francine unpacks the phrase and some of the common issues she’s had with recent romantic comedies in Kdramas. Twitter: https://twitter.com/dramabuds_tkp Discord: https://discord.gg/44gGwrSeN3 Email: dramabuds.tkp@gmail.com 🌺 EPISODES MENTIONED: Third Quarter Recap https://spoti.fi/46Z8ugD Crash Course in Romance First Impressions https://spoti.fi/3jpVttC Business Proposal Review https://spoti.fi/3vxvAK9 TIMESTAMPS: (00:00) Intro (3:20) Silly Little Romcom (affectionately) vs. (condescendingly) (7:10) “It’s just a silly lil romcom” ≠ Can’t Be Criticized (10:12) The MM in RoMcoM Stands for Murder Mystery (12:51) “Unnecessary” Conflict vs. Just Fun & Vibes (16:38) Romcoms I Liked (19:55) Final Thoughts

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

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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

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

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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

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

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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

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

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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

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

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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

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

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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

🎶 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

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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

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

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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

MOVING is the biggest Kdrama this year, and we’re loving the Korean twist on the superhero genre! Today’s episode is a recap of the first half: the characters we love, the unique pacing, and the epic conclusion that we’re hoping for.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/dramabuds_tkp

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

Email: dramabuds.tkp@gmail.com

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TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(3:18) Episodes 1-7: Kids’ Stories

(11:01) Episodes 8-11: Parents’ Stories

(17:46) Bringing Magic Back to OTT Dramas

(24:54) Final Thoughts

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

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TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(5:21) Moving

(9:50) Not Others

(19:02) Mask Girl

(20:45) My Dearest

(26:42) Final Thoughts

The grand finale of Francine’s Jung Hae-in review trilogy features ONE SPRING NIGHT, one of the first Kdramas she ever watched and fell in love with 🥰 Today, she discusses how the writer-director tandem from SOMETHING IN THE RAIN made huge improvements in a year and created this timeless romance melodrama with so much rewatch value.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/dramabuds_tkp

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

Email: dramabuds.tkp@gmail.com

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TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(3:39) Plot and Characters

(8:55) Less is More: Slow Directing, Toxic Parents

(14:37) More is Also More: Supporting Characters

(20:04) More is Also More: Real Conflict

(28:52) Final Thoughts

Are you ready for D.P. Season 2 on July 28? 🤩 For anyone who needs a refresher on the Best Drama award-winning 1st season, today’s episode features a full recap of all 6 episodes and some thoughts on how this drama manages to be fun without diminishing its very serious themes.

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

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

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TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(2:43) Season 1 Recap

(10:33) Pacing, Buildup, & Emotional Devastation

(16:36) Cool Factor vs. Social Commentary

(20:52) 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

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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

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

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TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(1:23) Revenant

(10:49) King the Land

(19:42) Final Thoughts

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

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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

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

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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

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

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

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

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

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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

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

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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

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

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

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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

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

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

On today’s episode, Francine ranks 30 couples from some of her top rated Kdramas and explains why some of them are her Dreams Come True, while others make her go…… Why Why Why………

Here’s the link if you want to do this tier list too (and share your ranking on Twitter or Discord with us!): https://tiermaker.com/create/kdrama-couples-ranking-15618775

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

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TIMESTAMPS: (00:00) Intro (6:26) 1-5 (11:12) 6-10 (15:50) 11-15 (21:42) 16-20 (28:08) 21-25 (34:01) 26-30 (40:55) 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

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

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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

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

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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

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

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TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(5:17) Quick Recap

(13:37) Part 1 Thoughts

(21:33) Part 2 Expectations

(24:46) 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

Are you tired of romcom Kdramas but still need a romance fix? Today, Francine reviews(?) two buzz-worthy Korean dating shows from last year: Single’s Inferno 2 and Transit Love/EXchange 2— with a brief segment on Terrace House, the Japanese reality show franchise that she once LOVED, back in the day 🥺

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

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TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(4:19) Single’s Inferno 2

(16:59) Interlude: Terrace House

(24:02) Transit Love/EXchange 2

(37:54) 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

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

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TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(1:59) Payback: Money and Power

(10:16) Crash Course in Romance

(20:29) Strangers Again

(25:40) Final Thoughts

ISLAND is Francine’s most recent guilty pleasure Kdrama! She’s hopeful that part 2 (coming to Prime Video on February 25) will continue to get better and better, even if Part 1 wasn’t exactly the greatest 🫣 She also rants about the recent trend of splitting Kdramas into 2 “seasons” and how much she hates it, especially for this Kdrama.

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

🌺  francine

TIMESTAMPS:
(00:00) - Intro
(6:35) - The Bad
(14:25) - The Good
(20:38) - 2-part Kdrama Releases + The Verdict & Recommended Audience
(30:58) - 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

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

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

4x10 | Mother feat. Little Women (Reviews, Recaps, and Rants) Today, Francine reviews MOTHER (2018), the highly-acclaimed thriller melodrama that won Best Drama in the Baeksang Arts Awards in 2018. She also briefly talks about how LITTLE WOMEN, by the same writer, wasn’t exactly the masterpiece drama that she was hoping it would be 😅 Talk to us on Twitter! https://twitter.com/dramabuds_tkp 🌺  francine TIMESTAMPS: (00:00) - Intro (3:21) - Plot and Characters (7:23) - Thriller-Melodrama; What is a “real” mother? (12:14) - The “villains”; Losing steam, ending well (19:10) - Little Women: a disappointment, both separately and in comparison (25:28) - 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