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

🌺

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

🌺

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

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

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 😅

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!)

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).

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.

1x19 | Black Dog (Reviews, Recaps, and Rants)

Today’s episode talks about BLACK DOG (2020), a Kdrama that likely slipped past everyone’s radar. Despite the (surprisingly) long runtime of today’s episode, this is not actually one of Francine’s favorite shows. On today’s episode, she talks about letting go of dreams, crying at unexpected moments, and Misaeng (yes, unsurprisingly).

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.

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.

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 )

1x15 | Live (Reviews, Recaps, and Rants)

Sometimes the right show finds you at the right time, and LIVE (2018) gave our host the right amount of sadness and slice-of-life feels when she needed it the most. On today’s episode, Francine talks about new perspectives, cognitive dissonance, and the worst case of second-lead syndrome she’s ever experienced (even if she still doesn’t believe in SLS and thinks it’s just bad writing).

1x14 | The Producers (Reviews, Recaps, and Rants)

With a wacky premise and a great cast of frustrating but likable leads, THE PRODUCERS (2015) is easily Francine’s favorite Kdrama comedy. On today’s episode, Francine discusses her general aversion for light shows, her exposure to the Korean entertainment industry, and her discovery of a female character that she completely relates to (with a dash of oversharing).

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

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.

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).

1x11 | Signal (Reviews, Recaps, and Rants)

With a unique time bending concept that has confused and intrigued audiences for years and years, SIGNAL (2016) is still one of the best Kdramas out there. On today’s episode, Francine talks about yet another work from her favorite Kdrama director and about the many aspects that makes it a masterpiece to this very day.

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*)

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).

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.

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)

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.

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.

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.

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

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?

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).

1x02 | Misaeng (Reviews, Recaps, and Rants)

On this week’s episode of Dramabuds, Francine discusses her all-time absolute favorite Kdrama, MISAENG (2014). This show, with its excellent ensemble cast and their touching journeys, all wrapped up in a bleak and mundane office setting, truly showcases the best of what Kdramas could be.

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)

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

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

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

🎶 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

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

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

🌺

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

🌺

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(5:21) Moving

(9:50) Not Others

(19:02) Mask Girl

(20:45) My Dearest

(26:42) 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

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

🌺

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

🌺

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

🌺

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

🌺

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

🌺

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

🌺

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

🌺

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

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

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

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