Daily Dose of Sunshine 2023

 

Watched this drama over the last week. It was a cry fest. Every episode would trigger your tears. Mental health is not something people should take for granted. It is very important to stay mentally healthy. 

The female lead is a nurse assigned in the psychiatric unit of the hospital. There, she encounters unique cases of patients suffering from mental illnesses. Every episode will feature how the patients acquired the illness, to the diagnosis, to the treatment, towards the journey of healing. All is good until, the female lead becomes sick herself. The latter half of the series focused on her journey to become better. 

I really enjoyed all twelve episodes of the series. I really appreciate works that showcase the importance of mental health and the support and love of people around you. 

Move to Heaven (2021)

 

05.16.2021

I was browsing yesterday for something to watch and came across this drama. Every episode was really emotional. I mean, I was crying. Literally, crying. The actors did a great job portraying their characters. The story was somewhat similar with the drama Chocolate. It dealt with death and coping up with loss. Every episode featured a person with a different story that the mains will have to deal with. It also introduced me to a profession quite foreign to me, trauma cleaners. It is a tough job. Kudos to people who are doing their best in the profession.

Every person has different struggles. Every person has his/her own way of coping with problems. One can deal with struggles better when you have family and friends around. 

I really appreciate my family and friends for being there for me, for putting up with me. Sometimes, I get lost with my thoughts and succumb to negativity. I manage to get on and pull through the dark times because of their help.

KDramas watched in 2020

1. Chocolate 

I wasn't watching anything new and this drama seems to be popular on twitter. So, I gave it a shot. And boy, did it capture my heart. All the feels for this drama. I mean, this one had one my of favorite storylines, childhood friends turned to lovers. It gave me all the kilig. Subtle but deep. The drama also made me realize some things. That we only live once in this world. We should treasure the time we have with the people dear to us. We should appreciate our one chance at life and never shy on expressing our love to the people we care about. And the OST for this drama was awesome.

2. Crash Landing On You

I started this one, mainly because of the male lead, Hyun Bin. Been a fan since Kim Sam Soon, then followed by Secret Garden. Oh, how I love Secret Garden. I didn't watch his drama with Han Ji Min, just didn't feel like it. Going back to CLOY, this drama was very pleasing to the eyes. The cinematography was on point and the visuals of the leads were stunning. They were perfect for each other. The chemistry of the leads were amazing. The supporting characters were very lovable, as well. The storyline was also good. Hayysss. This drama was super kilig.

3. Prison Playbook

Binge watched this one for three days, and it was really good. The story was well written, the actors' portrayal of their characters was  super good. It was funny, entertaining and heart wrenching. A pure masterpiece. The dynamics of the characters with each other was amazing. The actors were quite unknown to me. Most of them did theater. They were really amazing in the series. I'm looking forward to more dramas with them as leads.

4. Itaewon Class

I liked the storyline of this drama, as well. It was really good to watch the journey of a man fulfilling his dream despite all the hardships he faced. It was kinda encouraging to see how one should not give up and just continue to do his best to achieve his goals. The drama was really good from start to finish. One downside was the romance between the leads. It was not that convincing to me, I guess. I would've liked it if the main male lead ended up with his first love.

5. Forest

This one, I watched out of boredom. The story was good for the first half of the drama. It kinda went downhill in the second half. I guess, the story was not that great overall. It didn't give me any impact, whatsoever. It was kinda so-so, for me.

6. The Fiery Priest

This drama was aired last year but I didn't watch it. I thought it was not for me. Given the amount of free time I have during the quarantine, I decided to give it a shot. And boy was it good. It was a well mix of fun, drama, and action. The characters were all amazing. It was up to the point that I was really, like literally angry at them. If the audience can feel that, well the actor did a good job portraying a bad role, right? I am so in love with the lead actor, having watched this drama. I even watched his travel program.

7. Live Up To Your Name

Watched this one because of the main male lead, Kim Nam Gil. I really enjoyed his performance in The Fiery Priest, so found this drama which aired last 2017 to watch more of his projects. This drama was really amazing, too. It's a medical drama with a mixture of modern day medicine and traditional medicine. It was really a fun watch being it funny, entertaining, and cute at the same time. The sweet moments between the lead couple were really cute.

8. Designated Survivor

This one was recommended to me. This drama was really good. It showed the works of the people in the government. It was full of mystery and plot twists. Well portrayed characters and good script were some of the things I liked about this drama. It was a good watch.

9. Hi Bye Mama

This drama will leave you emotionally wrecked from start to finish. You can't hate the characters. Everybody had their reasons. The storyline focused on the maternal love. How a mother will do everything for her child. It will make you appreciate your own mother and all the sacrifices she had to make just for you.

10. When the Weather is Fine

This one deals with loss, grieving and overcoming it. It shows how it is hard for some people to express their feelings and that they need a lot of courage just to be able to tell other people how they feel. It is a slow paced drama. Some people may not like it, but it was a really good watch for me. The characters took their time to really process their emotions and think how they would deal with its effect to the people surrounding them. I also loved the blog postings of Eun Seop at the end of every episode. I liked the idea of having to write your thoughts, just like I'm doing in this blog. The storylines of the supporting characters were also good.

11. A Piece of Your Mind

If you don't like slow-paced dramas, then this one's not for you. Despite being slow paced, I liked the drama overall. The leads were lovable. The downside of the drama for me, is that the story was not really established. I mean, the device represented a piece of someone's mind but its purpose was kind of lost along the way. Also, the other characters were not really given enough screen time to establish their stories. I guess, it was because the network cut off four episodes from the original 16 episodes.











12. Chief of Staff S1 and 2

I watched this one because I really enjoyed Designated Survivor. I liked watching the dynamics of the people in the government. While Designated Survivor focused on the President, this drama highlighted the work of the Chief of Staff of an Assemblyman. How he played with politics to attain his goal. I really enjoyed this one. The characters were portrayed by seasoned actors, definitely won't disappoint the viewer.

13. Doctor Prisoner

I was browsing for dramas with good reviews and came across this one. This one's a good revenge story. The drama showcased the dysfunctional system inside of a prison. How one man can take over the whole place thinking he is the king and then suddenly stripped off of his authority.

14. The Good Wife

I liked this drama. It was kinda political in a way and it dealt with laws and also, relationship problems. I loved the female lead character. I liked how she handled all of her problems. She was strong and dignified. One of the male lead characters was the actor from Chocolate. Also, loved him here in this drama.  

15. Find Me In Your Memory

I started this one because of Moon Ga-young, I liked her in Tempted. She's very pretty in this drama. The male lead was way older than her. I was kinda skeptical at first because I don't like dramas with romantic relationships that have a huge age gap. But, I will make an exception with this one. The age gap was not really noticeable. They were a really cute couple. I love their chemistry. The supporting characters were lovable, as well. The story line was also good. It was a good watch. I enjoyed it.    

16. Defendant

I haven't watched Ji Sung in a while, so I gave this drama a shot. I liked how the story was told. It showed the present while uncovering what happened it the past. Scenes that showed the past were inserted in between present day scenes to answer questions. It was really interesting and exciting to really find out what really did transpire that lead to the demise of the lead character. It was really a good watch.   

17.Hospital Playlist S01

This drama's first season only had twelve episodes. Twelve episodes of pure joy. You will learn to love each character and their squad's dynamics. As expected, from the writer and director, who teamed up for the Reply Series and Prison Playbook, the characters of HP had great relationship with each other. I will not expect anything from the love lines of the drama, I just hope that their friendship will last long and they maintain their squad dynamics. I've learned not to trust the writer of t this drama. The Reply Series, taught me to expect the unexpected. I'm hoping for a great season 2 next year. 

18. Reply 1994

Out of sheer boredom, I decided to finally watch this drama. The squad goals were there, as expected from a Reply Series. This drama concentrated in the life of college students and what they go through after graduation. The love line was really established from the very start that you will have no doubt who the husband actually was. I was really hoping for the other guy to get the girl but oh well, he didn't. Overall, a good watch. 

19. Hot Stove League

Watched this one because of Nam Gong Min, also, this drama have nice reviews on twitter, so I gave it try. It's a sports drama about a pro baseball club. The lead was a General Manager of the club determined to save the from getting disbanded. This one's kinda political in a way. Conflict of authority and whatnot. I enjoyed watching the journey of the baseball club from being in last place to preparing their team to become the best club there is.

20. The King: Eternal Monarch

Started this one, not because of the main lead, but because of Woo Dohwan. I love the guy. First watched him in Mad Dog, then on Tempted, then on big screen with Park Seo Joon. His roles were really good. He played two characters in this drama and he did a great job with it. Going back to the drama, you'll have to do a lot of figuring out while watching this drama. It deals with a lot of science concepts. One downside for me about this drama was they attempted a lot of concepts that sometimes, they didn't do a good job in trying to explain what really transpired in the drama.

21. Mystic Pop-Up Bar

Twelve episodes are not enough for me. This drama was so good. It had life lessons, comedic bits, and interesting plot line. Never a boring episode with the Mystic Pop-Up Bar trio. The leads were veteran actors that did a great job with their roles. There was also a mystery hidden that will unfold as the story progresses. This one's really a good watch.

22. Oh My Baby

This one's about a woman who wants to become a mother. She tries to find someone to have a baby with, may it be a sperm donor or a man who loves her. She struggles in finding the right person and is racing against time, as she is getting older having a baby will become harder. This drama also had comedic bits. I enjoyed watching this one. It's something light and enjoyable.  

23. My Unfamiliar Family

I loved the story with this one. The mystery behind each one of the family member was something to look forward to in every episode. You will appreciate more your family when you watch this one. Also, you will realize that having good relationship with your family is very important. You will have no one backing you up no matter what but your family. They will be there with you when you really need them. We can't choose our family but we can choose to love them unconditionally. They are God's blessing to us, to accompany us while we're here on Earth.  

p.s. I loved the love line of the second noona. hihihihi. Friends turned to lovers. Fave storyline ever. 

24. It's Okay To Not To Be Okay

This one was worth the hype. The drama delivered good storyline, good acting, top notch visuals, amazing cinematography and so much more. You will learn a lot about mental health from the drama. And will make you understand some things people with mental issues go through. This is worth your time. Every episode was well thought of. This one's a great watch.

25. To All the Guys Who Loved Me

This one was good for the first half. The second half, not so much. It was about reincarnation and remembering your past life. It had a promising  start but didn't deliver for the latter half. It's about remembering your past life and the person you were destined to meet. 

26. Was It Love

I enjoyed watching this one. You will be curious, as to who is the real father of the child but it gets pretty obvious halfway through the drama. You will also love the supporting characters, as well. This one was a good watch. 

27. Do You Like Brahms

I super duper loved this drama. It's subtle, you can feel the characters emotions as if it's your own. This one was a great watch. I loved the characters. The actors did an awesome job. They were so lovable in the drama. The romantic scenes of the main couple were absolutely perfect and the aesthetics, as well.  

28. 18 Again

This one is based on the American Film 17 Again. It shows the importance of love and family. The importance of standing up for your choice and doing your best for your family. Also, that it's not too late to reconcile and be in good terms with your family members and friends. 

                                                                         

                                                                             

29. Search

This one was a good watch. It told the story in just 10 episodes but it delivered well. The story was good. It was about a strange creature that's been roaming the dmz. The characters were all well portrayed. 

                                                                    

30. More than Friends

I just finished watching this one just for the sake of it. The male and female leads' characters were not very likable. I mean, I can understand their feelings in the first half of the drama, but halfway through the series, I was kind of annoyed by the characters. I can't seem to grasp the reason for their choices and principles in the series. I just finished this one just for the sake of it. It was a downside because I love the actors in the series.  

31. The Spies Who Loved Me

I enjoyed this one. I love the actors in this one, especially, Eric It's about spies and their personal relationships that are intertwined. It is funny and an easy watch. 

I am looking forward for 2021 dramas. :) 

My 2019 KDrama Roundup

***This is solely based on my opinion. ***

1. Angel's Last Mission: Love 

This one is good. The storyline is nice for a fantasy drama. I love the lead female character. She's a strong independent woman. Women empowerment!!! Their chemistry is also on point. The lead male character brought comedic bits to the drama as well.  

 2. At Eighteen

This one is really good too. It's a coming of age story of high school students and the challenges they face in this age and time. It's a cute story. The actors really did a good job portraying their characters. 

3. Be Melodramatic

This one's really great. It's just sad how underrated this is in SoKor. The viewers there don't really appreciate this kind of drama. It is focused on the life of people in their 30s and the challenges they face.  The characters were really fun and their dynamics with each other is on point. This drama is a must watch for people my age. I realized so many things in this drama, to be honest. 

4. Catch the Ghost

I binge watched this drama for two days and it was good. The chase was really fun and thrilling. The characters did a good job trying to solve the mystery while being funny sometimes. It's a fun and interesting drama for those who like mystery and crime genres. 

5. Extra-ordinary You

This drama will confuse you at first, but when you get the hang of it, you will really enjoy the misadventures of the characters. The characters were really good-looking, too. 

6. Graceful Family
Femme fatale. I love the female lead character. She is very brave and does not let anybody get in her way to accomplish her goals. The supporting characters were also interesting. I enjoyed the drama.

7. He is Psychometric
I think this one's a science fiction kind of drama. I totally fell for the supporting characters. They were mysterious and I was really curious about the true reasons for doing some actions.  

8. Her Private Life
This is a cutesy drama. The story is just light and fun. It's perfect if you want to feel giddy and kilig. The lead characters were also fun to watch.

9. Hotel Del Luna

Ahhhhhhh. I love this one. It's one of IU's masterpieces. Her take on the role was really great. Her hair, make-up, and most importantly, her outfits, were all perfect. The story was also one of a kind. It shows the journey of a soul after death. You should definitely watch this one.

10. Leverage
I liked this one for its action and thrill. Bunch of con-artists. This one's based on its US counterpart of the same name. I liked the dynamics of the team. Also, this included an actor I liked in He is Psychometric. He's the reason I watched this drama.

11. One Spring Night
Sorry, Jung Hae In but this one is not your best role. I just finished this just for the sake of it. Some scenes were enjoyable but overall, it felt somewhat similar with Pretty Noona. I felt the same vibe given that they had some family problems and issues that hinders them to be together.  

12. Pegasus Market
I really loved and enjoyed this one. It was quirky and unique and really, really funny. This one's a must watch. The characters were never boring and you will be mind blown by the reveals for each episode.

13. Search: WWW
Women represent. This one's another women advocate drama. I liked how the female leads were the total representation of strong, independent women. Even when faced with trials, they still overcame. Plus, the male counterparts had chemistry with their respective partners.   

14. VIP
I'm not gonna lie, I was really pissed watching this one. You will be kept longing for the next episode trying to figure out who was the mistress. I encouraged some of my friends to watch it as well, just so I could have someone to rant with about the villain of the drama. Yeah, I did that.

15. When the Camellia Blooms
This one's another must watch. Every girl would totally fall for the male lead character. He's just so romantic and never shy of expressing his feelings to the female lead. This one's another Gong Hyo Jin masterpiece. The total mystery that engulfed every character of the drama is something to look forward to, as well. This one's definitely worth your time.

16. Sky Castle
This drama will showcased the education system of SoKor's elite. The drama will show you pure evil. If you want something with a heavy storyline, this one's for you. 

17. Touch Your Heart

This one's another cutesy drama. If you just want to chill and enjoy something light and romantic, this one's for you. This drama is a redemption drama for the couple in Goblin that didn't get the happy ending we wanted. 

Credits to Google Images for the photos featured in this post. 

p.s. This list is quite an achievement for me. Imagine all the hours I spent watching all of these dramas. But, I have to say, they give me a sense of tranquility. After a day's work, I look forward to the time I get to enjoy an episode or two and relax.  So, fighting SoKor!. Make more dramas for me to enjoy this 2020.