I must admit that watching Asian dramas, mostly Kdrama, has been my guilty pleasure in the past few years. I don’t think I am a drama addict, since I don’t watch THAT much, but I like watching some that my best friend who’s a drama queen (expert) recommends or the ones that receive good reviews or buzz from drama critics 
I knew that eventually I had to create this page. So here’s the inventory of Asian dramas I’ve watched and my quick personal rating (“5″ is the highest). I know that at least I have one friend that would read and care to leave a comment (^_~)
Where do I watch all these? try: www.mysoju.com and www.viikii.net
K-dramas :
[2010]
Oh! My Lady [오! 마이 레이디, 2010] – {4} – My Memorial Day weekend drama marathon! I wasn’t so fond of the premise of the story, but I wanted to watch it so badly because of Chae Rim. I’ve always loved Chae Rim – she’s like my intro, my gate to the K-Drama world. I watched her for the first time 10 years ago, in the first series I’ve ever watched: All About Eve. I found a nice surprise in this drama: Choi Siwon, whom I’ve never seen acting as a leading role. He has a good smile and many more facial expressions that are quiet amusing. This drama has many antagonist characters that are super annoying and ridiculous (good job on casting!), but they’re all mild and non-malicious compared to “regular” villain characters in other K-dramas.
Pasta [파스타, 2010] – {4} – I like Lee Seon Gyun. That’s a good start for this drama. The chemistry of the two main characters in this drama are quite interesting – feels like everything flows on, no awkward moments between the two. Some of the kitchen scenes remind me of a J-drama: Bambino. Can’t wait to watch the rest of the series.
[after the finale]: 4 points because of Lee Seon Gyun’s act and character, and the soundtrack. After the drama, I actually looked for Pasta Aioli recipe and made some on my own. They talked about it so much, I even followed the tips from “chep-enim”
Personal Taste [개인의 취향, 2010] - {4} - Though this series has a typical and predictable K-Drama storyline, it has fun characters and scenes. The whole drama is based on misunderstanding, assumption, stereotype, and past baggage — people who need to find redemption and given a chance to shine. I enjoyed watching Lee Min Ho (with his cropped pants costume) and Son Ye Jin — they had the chemistry. I just realized that Son Ye Jin is the leading actress in one of my favorite movies: A Moment to Remember.
Queen of Housewives [내조의 여왕, 2009] – {4.5} – Bringing in the reality of life after marriage, this drama presents struggles, challenges, and joys of work, relationship, organizational politics, gender role, and friendship. The characters were well acted, not too complicated plot, and easy to relate to. The whole idea of “behind every great man, there’s always a strong woman” was prevalent in this series. Temptation (for money, power, and affairs) was another theme in this drama. A lesson learned from this series was not to take love and relationship for granted – we must remember to treat each others with respect and honor, always appreciate their love. I would have not enjoyed this drama as much if I had watched it 5 years ago.
The Woman who Still Wants to Marry [아직도 결혼하고 싶은 여자, 2010] – {2.5} – I was reluctant to start this drama, and still reluctant to continue watching… so, we’ll see if I’d finish the series.
[after the finale]: I didn’t watch the whole series – the first 3-4 episodes weren’t too inviting for me: slow plot, so-so acting… I know, some people watch this drama because of Kim Bum, but something about his character and acting weren’t just right. I abandoned this drama and waited until it’s all done and watched the last 2 episodes. Yup, 2.5 stars were all I could give.
[2009]
A Man’s Story [남자이야기, 2009] – {5+} – there’s a big chance that it will be one of my favorite dramas. So far it has an interesting story (though somewhat predictable), and great acting! It’s not the typical drama I watch
[after the finale]: I was wrong earlier when I wrote “it has an interesting story (though somewhat predictable)”. It’s not predictable at all! I’ve enjoyed the story line & twist, acting, direction, editing, and script of this drama — even the ending. Speaking of acting and character, this one has the best character development out of all K-dramas I’ve watched this far. I love the fact that it featured and stretched the main actors’ (Kim Kang Woo a.k.a Do Woo, Park Yong Ha a.k.a. Shin, and Han Yeo Woon a.k.a. Eun Soo) skills. speaking of Eun Soo’s character, wow… what a girl – stood by her moral value and even though she looked weak, she was one of the strongest people in the whole story. At this point, I would tell people who would only watch one k-drama or never watched any and wanna see a good one, to watch A Man’s Story. Anyways, I could keep on writing and it seems like I’ve given this drama a special spot and highlight in this list. I was just pleasantly surprised how good this one was! Bravo!
Boys Before Flower [꽃보다 남자, 2009] – {4.5} – ADDICTING. I think it’ll be a BIG 5 star drama for me Compared to the Taiwanese and Japanese versions, this one is the best drama adaptation from the Hana Yori Dango manga so far.
[after the finale]: it’s a good teenagers drama – nice f4 cast, but don’t expect great acting at all time throughout the series. The twists from the original story were nice. Just wish they paced the last 2 episodes better.
Shining Inheritance (Brilliant Legacy) [찬란한 유산, 2009] – {4} – knowing that it was a Cinderella story, I was hesitant to watch it, but curious since it had one of the best ratings during its time on air and was the most popular drama in 2009, besides Boys Before Flower. This drama has a lot of nice lines/quotes and some lessons to learn. Nice cast – well acted. Introduced me to Bae Soo Bin and reminded me of Ha Hyo Joo, whom I first saw in Spring Waltz.
Smile, You [그대, 웃어요, 2009-10] – {5+} – I don’t usually watch a drama that’s longer than 28 episodes. This one has 46 45 episodes and it’s still going strong. I love every little things on this drama – from the story, the casts, the character development, the scenes. It made me cry, laugh, smile, happy, sad, hurt all at the same time. I especially enjoyed the dynamic of family and relationship, loved the main couple: Lee Min Jung and Jung Kyung Ho are perfect match! This is one of those dramas that I wish the story would continue on and one… I wish it would not have a finale because I want to watch it for a long long time. This will be one of my 5+ dramas and I wouldn’t mind watching it again from the beginning.
[after the finale]: Until the end, I could not wait every week for the next episode to watch. If you want to giggle, sincerely laugh out loud, be touched at the sam time, this is the drama to watch. Without I realized, I found myself giggling and then tears just flowing on my cheek the next minute, without feeling bad. It teaches values of family, living within one’s means, love, persistence, and simply being happy and enjoying life. I love the ending too. Highly recommended!
Style [스타일, 2009] – {3} – It wasn’t popular, but I was curious… interesting characters, though the story line is somewhat weird and unlogical, which is pretty normal for Kdrama, but it’s different.
Take Care of the Young Lady [아가씨를 부탁해, 2009] – {3} – I expected more because it’s Yoon Eun Hye’s first drama after Coffee Prince. Though it’s well acted, something was missing from this series.
The Man Who Can’t Get Married [결혼 못하는 남자, 2009] – {4.5} – a hilarious and touching drama series. I love the personality of the main character (the 40-year-old man) who is OCD, socially awkward, rude & careless about his surrounding, talented architect, full of curiosity, and super smart. Another thing I love is that the set has Herman Miller’s Eames chairs and clock! This was easily one of the favorite drama series.
Triple [트리플, 2009] – {3} – Not sure where the storyline goes, which makes me curious. It’s not a super exciting drama for me, but it has some light and fun vibes & good soundtrack. I like the three main actors – they have great chemistry together. I don’t think I like the “twisted” story though.
[after the finale]: If not for the good soundtrack, Lee Sun Gyun, and Yoon Kye Sang, I wouldn’t finish watching this. I would not watch it again.
You’re Beautiful [미남이시네요, 2009] – {3.5} – funny and light drama. It’s one of those that made me laugh for its super silliness and the impossible situations in real life.
[2008 and before]
18 vs 29 [열여덟 스물아홉, 2005] – {2.5} – super unrealistic, it has some funny scenes though.
9 ends 2 out [9회말 2아웃, 2007] - {4} – I cried a lot and laughed a lot. I watched the last 2 episodes several times. The storyline is believable and somehow I could make a connection with it.
All About Eve [이브의 모든것, 2000] - {5} – what can i say… this drama opened the gate to the Kdrama world to me – the very 1st one I watched, it’s a classic. YouTube, mysoju, crunchyrolls and others didn’t exist yet. So, my best friend sent me a whole set of VCD from Indo to Indiana! This was when I met Jang Dong Gun and Chae Rim for the first time.
Dal Ja’s Spring [달자의 봄, 2007] – {3.5} – I like the somewhat-realistic story line. Also like the main character’s (Chae Rim) outfits, though I might be biased because Chae Rim was the main character of the 1st kdrama I watched, so I liked her since then.
Delightful Girl, Choonhyang [쾌걸 춘향, 2005] – {2.5} – It’s an interpretation of Chunhyangga, one of the traditional Korean story. But the elements of the drama – the acting, the story, the cast – for some reasons, were not the right composition.
Exhibition of Fireworks [불꽃놀이, 2006] – {2} – it was boring. not good.
Friends [프렌즈, 2002] – {3.5} – it’s a kdrama + jdrama combo. good story of determination and courage to overcome cultural and language barriers.
Full House [풀하우스, 2004] - {3} – it’s not bad. funny, not a very good acting, but ok.
Goong [궁, 2006] - {4} – I enjoyed the wardrobe, the teddy bears, and some funny & touching scenes.
Gourmet [식객, 2008] – {3.5} – so far I think I know how it’s going to end. The story itself isn’t interesting, but I have fun watching it because of the gourmet/food lessons I get to learn.
[after the finale]: It’s a fun drama to watch, really loved the food talk and scene. That’s all.
Hotelier [호텔리어, 2001] – {3} – one of those first dramas I watched. Not a very memorable one, but it’s a classic perhaps because Bae Young Jun is in it.
Love Story in Harvard [러브스토리 인 하버드, 2004] – {0} – I started watching it, I stopped on episode 2 and my curiosity of how the story evolved went away.
My Girl [마이걸, 2005] - {3} – funny.
My Love Patzzi [내 사랑 팥쥐, 2002] – {3} – The drama that introduced me to Kim Rae Won & Kim Jae Won.
My Name is Kim Sam Soon [내 이름은 김삼순, 2005] – {3.5} – three and a half star because: the main character’s occupation was a baker & she went to Ball State U. for grad school, Jung Rye Won and Daniel Henney are in it, and overall it was a pretty good & funny kdrama
Spring Waltz [봄의 왈츠, 2006] – {3} – nice casts’ wardrobe, awesome scenery and location, good soundtracks, but i don’t like the story.
Sweet 18 [낭랑18세, 2004] – {3.5} – a drama version of my favorite kmovie: my little bride. One of the characters was too extreme in the first half of the series and I was ready for her to change. Overall, it’s a good drama of being an adult and balancing tradition, family, relationship, and career.
Thank You [고맙습니다, 2007] - {4.5} - Highly recommended drama to watch. Not only that it’s touching, the character development is also great.
The 1st Shop of Coffee Prince [커피프린스 1호점, 2007] – {5+} – perfect cast. loved it. so much.
The Snow Queen [눈의 여왕, 2006] – {3} – sad story, but i kinda liked it.
The Vineyard Man [포도밭 그사나이, 2006] – {3.5} - i just like to watch Yoon Eun Hye, partly because we have the same name: 은혜 :p
The World that They Live in [그들이 사는 세상, 2008] - {4} - The story was somewhat predictable, but it was not just about a blind love that isolate the individual in a relationship. I also appreciate that they brought up the issue of women being independent and strong.
Which Star are You from? [넌 어느 별에서 왔니?, 2006] – {3.5} – Even though it’s not that good, I like it – for some reasons I like Kim Rae Won and Jung Ryu Won acting together.
Who are you? [누구세요, 2008] – {3} – touching and i guess i kinda like it when there’s a story of hope and change of character in the series.
Winter Sonata [겨울연가, 2002] - {2.5} – The 2nd drama I watched. I would not watch it again, although it’s one of the classic Kdramas.
Wonderful Life [원더풀 라이프, 2005] - {3} – child actor always makes a drama fun and enjoyable to watch.
J-dramas:
101 Proposals [1991] – {5} – one of the classics of Asian drama, very touching story and unforgettable.
Bambino! [2007] – {3.5} – acting was ok, story was not bad. I gave 4 stars for the cooking part of the drama
Beautiful Life [2000] – {4} – I think I’ve watched this drama 4 times…
Bus Stop [2000] – {3} – pretty good.
Friends [2002] – {3.5} – it’s a kdrama + jdrama combo. good story of determination and courage to overcome cultural and language barriers.
Hana Yori Dango 1& 2 [2005] – {3.5} – I felt like watching an anime with real human acting in it. They didn’t try to make it as a real story, which was good.
Oshin [1983-1984] – {*} – I don’t know how I could rate Oshin – she’s “the great-grandmother of Asian drama” for me… I think I should re-watch it again from the beginning.
Summer Snow [2000] - {4} – touching story.
Tokyo Love Story [1991] – {4.5} – the unforgettable kanchi and rika’s story. another classic of Asian drama.
Under the Same Roof [1993] – {5} - a story of courageous orphaned siblings that has stuck with me for all these years.
p.s.
- I think I watched more than this, but I can’t remember the titles. Obviously, I don’t watch many recent Jdramas either. I found the acting in Jdramas are awkward and not-belivable.
- I’ve watched some Taiwanese drama, but I only remember a couple of them, so I don’t think I’ll list and rate them.
Source : DramaWiki
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travel more work less . culinary explorer . petite . geek . restless . eclectic .
“I know that at least I have one friend that would read and care to leave a comment (^_~)”
HERE I AM TO COMMENT! mwahahaha.
), I don’t even know that you’ve watched that many K-dramas! Maybe there’s other reason why you like Korean-dramas? You don’t cheat on me, right!!!!!!!!!! 
)
Well since we’ve already on LDR ( long distance relationship ) for too many years now (
Anyway.
Eunhye is the korean version of your name, heh! You must be happy to share same name with her, huh!
Did I send AAE for you! How could I forget about that! I still love AAE, it can’t be replaceable. I still watch it sometimes just to see JDG. He’s just perfect there. PERFECT.
I am also addicted to BBF!!!!!!! I agree that this is probably the best F4 casts ever. I mean this drama is full of flaws ( I’m starting to hate the OST. Why they have to play it again and again, in whatever situations, “Almost Paradiseeeeeeeeeeee” Ugh ), but still I hardly can’t wait for the next week for more! Lee Min Ho, I adore you.
Joy, reading this makes me miss you more. Oh, I wish you can be here. We can talk some more, not only dramas, but everything.
Sigh.
Why don’t you come back to Indo! WHY!
xoxo,
THE “best friend who’s a drama queen (expert)”
yay! you truly are a drama queen! thanks for the comment, my friend
iya nih, bikin list ini jadi kerasa kalo udah nonton mayan banyak jg. it’s an evident of how much time i’ve wasted in front of the monitor :p
ah, you don’t remember? you sent me AAE, winter sonata, my love patzzi, and i think also hotelier in one big CD bag – i still have them too. see, i even dragged them all from indiana to california. they’re part of my “treasures”
I miss you too… miss you lots. I wish YOU could be here too! I’ll show you around and we could chat lots. we’ll see about going back. you’ll be the first one outside of my family who’d know
sambung di email de, djes… *hugs*
Oh my, my. You should be a writer for an Online Entertainment magazine covering global soap opera shows. That would be sweet. You could watch Russian soaps, Romanian soaps, Italian soaps, Spanish soaps….so many others. It would be so interesting. Could you get a PHD in this? I think so.
good idea… maybe i should start researching the social, economical, and cultural implications of the dramas in our society and their impact on nation branding and cultural transformation epidemic. is this a good dissertation title?
you know, suddenly I miss you.
and I have neglected my own dramas’ list long time ago. I can’t count how many dramas I’ve watched and dropped anymore..T_T
yea, story of a Man! it should changed to Story of Men – i don’t know which one I like better, Shin, Jae Myung ( because Phillip Lee is so sexy,my! ) or the devilish one Do Woo!
I see you never watch Dae Jang Geum heh? should I find the dvds for you?
For someone who loves to cook, it’s a must watch drama! hahaha, how ridiculous is that? but all I remembered while watching it, I have to wipe drools in the midnite just by watching Jang Geum cooking.
About Chae Rim, I thought I’d never say that she’s my favorite K-actress, but now as I’m watching “Job Well Done”, I keep thinking, hell I just have to admit she IS my first love from K-dramaland.
djes: I just finished A Man’s Story and updated my thought above. man, this drama was really good or what? I even wanna watch it again from the beginning! I wanna write about it too, but I don’t even know where to start. I love the characters – the complexity and twists – whoever wrote this drama, did a stellar work!
no, I haven’t watched Dae Jang Geum, isn’t it a loooooong one? emmm.. lemme check it out. although there are some new ones that look interesting too, like Job Well Done
miss you too! maen2 ke sini dong….
I haven’t seen Brilliant Legacy, and Smile You.
BL – i’m kinda interested, but dunno when will I ever watch it though. Too many dramas on my plate right now!
S,Y – well, I’m addicted to other weekend, long run drama, 54 episodes Assorted Gems. Very good. Go try!
The Man who can’t get married – itu kan remake dari dorama Kekkon Dekinai Ottoko..yg mana lebih lucu n lebih pendek. Male leadnya lbh awkward, and better acted.
Dramas on my plate, at the moment : Pasta ( Lee Seon Kyun – the Voice! ), Wish Upon A Star ( the child actors are awesome! try it!!! ), Still, Marry Me ( aka The Women who still want to marry , and there is KIM BUM! with hotter look and better casting! about 30s women who want to marry…sounds familiar?
) and Assorted Gems.
Hm… I love Smile You. Tapi udah mau kelar
so maybe after that’s done I’ll check out Assorted Gems. Judulnya aneh bener sih.
I wanna watch Pasta, but I can’t – no resources, nothing is streamed yet. Wish Upon a Star and Still, Marry Me – I’m interested, but cannot find good streaming either.
aih, spt biasa, too many things to watch. but seriously, Smile You is really good, djes.