I was surprised when I realized we were now in the month of June of 2018. That means 6 months have gone by, one half of a year that seems to have started just weeks ago. And during all this time, 2018 has already brought to us a lot of quality content in the most diverse areas – including, of course, the small screen! A lot of good dramas have aired meanwhile so I decided to list a few remarkable ones so far. Let’s take a look into Zediby’s drama favourites of the first half of 2018!
- Just between lovers (December 2017 – January 2018)
Original Title: 그냥 사랑하는 사이
Starring 2PM’s Junho and Won Jinha, Just between Lovers was the perfect way to begin the year. Although it wasn’t exactly light and easy to watch, this drama brought us a paced healing story in which the two leads rely on each other to make amends with a painful experience shared by both. It was sad at times, which definitely stirred up my feelings as a viewer but I found the way the leads supported each other’s emotional weight truly beautiful.
- Todome no Kiss (January 2018 – March 2018)
Original Title: トドメの接吻
As the only J-drama out of the bunch, Todome no Kiss played a crucial part in dramaland so far in the year. There are several aspects of this drama that made it stand out right from the beginning, as not only is it refreshing and daring when it comes to plot but also for its remarkable cast that includes Yamazaki Kento, Suda Masaki and Araki Yuko. This is a story of loss, acceptance, greed and love bound together by the supernatural factor and it worked perfectly. As a viewer I was deeply engaged with the story and its greatly portrayed characters. I must, however, point out the sudden ending that left me craving for more to this day. Nonetheless, this drama is a masterpiece with quality that truly transcends time – I’ll fondly remember it beyond 2018!
- The Great Seducer (March 2018 – May 2018)
Original Title: 위대한 유혹자
Although it received quite a lot of harsh criticism due to its lack of quality and professionalism, for me The Great Seducer (or Tempted) was quite different and enjoyable to watch. What I liked about this drama from the very beginning was its cinematography. The use of darker colours in not only settings but also wardrobe and makeup resulted in a classy display overall. In fact, this gave off a very seductive and slightly sensual feel to the drama that worked very well with the story. I personally liked the contrast between characters’ personalities, the pure and mischievous. Their interactions and attempts to comprehend each other were amusing to watch as well. I loved Joy’s chemistry with Woo Dohwan as well, both did well on their parts. Lastly, I’d like to point out that I feel the hate that was targeted towards this drama was quite exaggerated.
- Lawless Attorney (May 2018 – July 2018)
Original Title: 무법 변호사
Currently airing, Lawless Attorney has grown in me and is so far one of my favourite series of the year. I am fond of court based stories to begin with, but even more so when they feature cunning, defiant and good looking lawyers played by Lee Joonki and Seo Ye Ji. Everything about this drama is amusing. From the gangsters working for the main characters’ law firm to their fight against a powerful and evil small town judge, Cha Moon Sook. It’s a highly hooking and (to a certain point) realistic depiction of corruption and greed in the court. It doesn’t, however, neglect the romance factor which is well present in the leads’ relationship.
- What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim (June 2018 – July 2018)
Original Title: 김비서가 왜 그럴까
Last but definitely not least, What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim shows us a new angle of the infamous office romance. Contrary to the fear of many that Park Seo Joon would struggle with his character, the cast fits into its roles like a glove! The female lead is played by Park Min Young whose easy and pretty smile makes her truly the perfect secretary. I can’t say much about the plot since only 6 episodes have come out so far. It’s an extremely entertaining drama that seems to have yet to show its true charms in the form of a mysterious backstory to us viewers. The leads are very likeable, as well as their untypical personalities. The male lead seems to be our regular rich, full of himself and successful business man but truthfully, there’s something very innocent and childish about him. His secretary seems to realize this, however she is set on quitting her job to pursue newer goals. Seeing the pace the series is taking, love is bound to triumph soon!
