Ahjumma Reviews: Kdrama Inventory 2025 to May 2026

I have been putting off Ahjumma Reviews posts since... OK. It's been a while. But, here goes my list and short reviews or annotations of the Kdramas I have finished watching since middle of 2025 up to the present time. I can't remember the specific month I finished watching them, but I did enjoy each drama in their own way.

So, here we go!

1. Tastefully Yours - Kang Ha Neul and Go Min Si together has chemistry, but it dissipates for me. Yoo Yeon Seok's character as third wheel made the pairing interesting. I wrote a short review on my Insta here.

2. The Murky Stream - Forget the pristine and decadence of palace life in Joseon era Korea. This drama took me to a place of structural corruption and class hierarchies that remain in the here and now. It is a brave drama for doing so and Rowoon took his role to heart.

3. Would You Marry Me - The slow paced romance and fake marriage trope, plus the wholesome pairing of Choi Woo-sik and Jung So-min are recipes I love cooking !

4. Study Group - Misfits, nerds and geeks unite! The action scenes and martial arts choreography are superb! Season 2 please, Kdrama gods!

5. Family By Choice - Now here is a Kdrama where the  mothers are problematic and the fathers go over and above their parenting roles. I love the food aesthetic and how it symbolizes care.

6. Lovely Runner - Here is a Kdrama where time travel is plausible and logically presented. I have since bought a yellow umbrella.

7. Buried Hearts - Park Hyung-sik essaying the role of the anti-hero is so sexy. There. That's the review.

8. Trauma Code -Season 2! Season 2! Season 2!

9. The Lighthouse Keeper - This drama got me really, really scared. But also, it got me thinking about love and how it transcends time. In between life and the afterlife is a Keeper of Lights who stays and watches. This ambiguity is what makes the drama unforgettable.

10. Bon Appetit, Your Majesty - Korean cuisine is the star of this drama. That's why, on our trip to South Korea, I'll be checking out the spices and that black version of samgyeotang. 

Right now, I'm on episode 2 of Phantom Lawyer and episode 4 of Pro Bono. And somewhere in between, I wished it was just one drama put together. 

Ajooma Reviews: Chicago Typewriter

Chicago Typewriter

Writer: Jin Soo-wan

Director: Kim Cheol-Kyu

Studio Dragon, 2017

Ajumma Reviews is back after a long while. Let me tell you what I think about Chicago Typewriter (CT)

CT is, I think, one of the better written Kdrama of that year/era. It does not have an electrifying cast that Goblin had nor does it have the alluring chemistry of BinJin in CLOY. But it succeeded in several aspects both as a genre of literature and media format. Here are three points that make CT one unforgettable drama that I will be recommending to friends and family.

1. The storytelling is layered and well scaffolded. It begins at present day America with an old typewriter, an object that is a powerful metaphor all throughout the series, affecting the life of a young writer and a fan girl of his. How this "haunted" object was used to reveal and unravel secrets of the past connecting to the lives of the lead characters in modern day Seoul is strategically done per episode.

2. Yoo Ah In’s irresistible charm is enough to carry the cast till the end.

3. I love the message of redemption, second chances and accountability. The only way to save yourself is by being accountable. This is a noble thing to do and very human.

P.S. The message that art and literature are not frivolous things to be pursued but essentials to living a full life and in shaping national identity are well rendered in cultural and historical contexts. I wish I could live in a mansion filled with books!

Ajooma Reviews: True Beauty Ep 1-10

True Beauty 

Studio Dragon / TvN

Written by Lee Si-eun

Directed by Kim Sang Hyeop

Right after the finale of Tale of the Nine Tailed, we decided to watch True Beauty for three reasons namely:

1. Moon Ga Young 

2. Cha Eun Woo

3. And GFRIENDS' revival of The Nolans I'm In The Mood for Dancing

And well, we are not disappointed at the turn of events and how the story has progressed thus far.

True Beauty touches on very serious issues like self worth, bullying, dysfunctional family structures, suicide and peer pressure but the campy and hilarity in the writing gives the entire drama a lift that is strangely uplifting and inspiring at the same time. Credit goes to the cast. Moon Ga Young is endearing and Im-Semi is the older sister everybody deserves. Cha Eun Woo is an adorable tsundere but it is Hwang In Yeop who is turning out to be a revelation. 

It is a tug of war in the romance department and in one episode, the love triangle turns into a quad angle with three good looking guys pining after Ju-Kyung. And yet, she stays on course not losing her north star. She knows who she likes and she isn't one to play around. Also, having found joy and security in make-up and glamour, she is pretty content having that as her security blanket. So, when she and Su Ho finally started dating, her self confidence wanes and Su Ho is the supportive and reassuring boyfriend. 

Sounds good? Caveat. If you are not comfortable with and adult sensibility permeating the romance and the drama among characters who are still in high school, well, might as well watch Lovestruck in the City instead.

We are excited to watch the next six episodes as we are eager to know the reason behind Se-yeon's death, cheer-on Im-Semi and her lover and find redemption or at least a just closure for the wayward parents in this drama. It's an entertaining drama nonetheless. Aren't we all hard pressed for entertainment these days?

Ajooma Reviews: Tale of the Nine Tailed Episodes 15-16 Finale (2 of 2)

 Tale of the Nine Tailed

Studio Dragon, 2020

Written by Han Woo Ri

Directed by Kang Shin Hyo

Here is part two of my TOTNT review and the insights I have gathered from watching the drama.

1. All those little things done with great love can encompass the entire universe.

The day before Yeon and Ji Ah battle the Imoogi, they spent a day together eating ice cream and sharing a kiss, playing at the arcade, watching the day turn into night until the city lights shine and sparkle like the stars. They were running against time knowing the possible ending would mean death for either of them. Though, Yeon is more calculating and clever as he could see from miles away. A skill and power of a benevolent mountain spirit.

I am fascinated by this. How simple yet it means everything!

How the ordinary and the small things, those little acts of love that seem mundane can actually measure up to grand gestures! Time spent with a spouse, a partner, a lover or a friend and basking in his/her presence in the most simple of ways can mean the entire humanity and the universe put together. Go hug the person or the pet you love as often as you can! Tell them you love them. Go the extra mile for them. Listen and just be there. And forgive. Forgive. Forgive. Forgive.

Life is too short, too precious to be angry and indifferent.

2. Why we need to let go, especially of our attachments and the people we hold dear.

In episode 1, Yeon and Sunhoo met at the park as another kid was chasing after a balloon. Yeon, being a mountain spirit wielded the wind to bring back the balloon which Sunhoo witnessed. He then asked Yeon if he was an alien. It is here where Yeon first speak of these lines, "I'm saying that life is short so try your best in life...but know when to let go when something's too unbearable."

Wow. That packs a punch.

Relating this to the drama after seeing the entire season unfold and take a bow last Friday, I could not help but think if Yeon is saying this to comfort Sunho. Could it be that having seen too many human years pass him by, he too feels the pain of mortal men and women who get attached to their dreams and ambitions, to position and social class or status and even to the people they love that it destroyed them completely. It must have exhausted him to witness such internal and personal destruction that could only lead to the imbalance of society and the universe at large. Or is he, at this point in episode 1, thinking about the things and attachments that have burdened him for hundreds of years? For how long has he contemplated on the desires of his own heart?

With a finale that seemed to have rushed on a schedule, my questions were not answered. But, this I know, that letting go of things when it has become unbearable can be liberating. But I have to add, that discerning when to let go is the beginning of this freedom.

3. Life and death all but flow in one sweep of justice.

Now, we go to Rang.

Many could not understand Yeon's happy ending and, to this day, a few remain broken hearted at Rang's sacrifice. First of all, Yeon's choice to save Ji Ah is to save the world too. The Imoogi is so evil, he corrupted A Eum to go after Yeon to become the mountain spirit. For the second time around, Yeon is bent to correct this by saving Ji Ah and the world from evil. But Rang, being abandoned by his mother, has yet to grow up and understand what tough love means. It took him a while.

Sadly, the choices he made along the way immersed him further down to evil. Remember, Rang took the side of the Imoogi's cohorts to bring him back to life and deprive Yeon of his happily ever after. What Rang did not see at the time, is the pestilence and malice the Imoogi brings along in its wake. So, we had an amazing run in episodes 11-12 making Yeon the ultimate hero and Rang, the anti-hero we are all rooting for to change for the better. And with this, our own hopes for his redemption and happily ever after.

But in the TOTNT universe, there are deals and there are judgements.

Rang's only redemption is death. His sacrifice was appraised worthy by the Judge of the Afterlife in exchange for Yeon's thus, the elder gumiho brother got his happy ending. Finally, Rang has learned how to love other than himself. This makes life meaningful and, according to the Fates of Korean myth and folklore, such a life is worth letting go of.

I don't think I will begin watching a new Kdrama (one that has been released this year) in the next few days until January 2021. TOTNT resonated with me on many levels. Some scenes, events and characters brought me delight as well as sorrow. For all its inventiveness, TOTNT affirms a personal belief I discovered during my wandering years. The people who brings me great joy are also the sources of my deepest pain.

This makes life worth living.

Rating: 4/5 One of the best of 2020

Ajooma Reviews: Tale of the Nine Tailed Episodes 13-14

Tale of the Nine Tailed

Studio Dragon, 2020

Written by Han Woo Ri

Directed by Kang Shin Hyo

I begin this review feeling afraid for the drama.

I am afraid that TOTNT will end up like TKEM (The King Eternal Monarch). The cast is strong but many of them were left unused and their stories left open with no closure or agreement to the main plot.

I am afraid that TOTNT will service the fans. I am fine with a Goblinesque ending. Bittersweet. Reasonable. Unforgettable.

I am afraid to be disappointed. Yeon has reconciled with Rang. He is bound to take the ultimate sacrifice while Rang remains as the wild card. Ji Ah is turning out to be a better villain than Imoogi. But the main villain is looking like a misplaced K-Pop idol in this fantastic tale of love and vengeance. Come on, guys. Give us a fight!

I am still not over that well directed love scene between Wookie and Bo Ah but I want to see the intensity of Imoogi against Yeon. It is not working. 

So... let us see how Writer Nim and Director Nim wrap up the story and tie the loose ends of TONT.

In case you missed it, here are the links to my reviews and recaps of previous episodes.

Episodes 1 -2  - The LDW and Jo Bo Ah ship has sailed!

Episodes 3-6 - The strong folkloric elements are smoothly integrated in the drama.

Episodes 7-10 - That kiss in the rain... It is a masterpiece!

Episode 11 - 12 - Lee Yeon's is the best brother but he is not the perfect boyfriend to bring home and meet the parents. And that is perfectly alright. 

Ajooma Reviews: Tale of the Nine Tailed Gumiho Episodes 11-12

This took me a while to write. Busy. Busy. Busy. Let's cut to the chase.

Episode 11-12 hits the ground running with Yeon and Imoogi sparring and testing each other's strengths and weaknesses. Yeon definitely knows this Imoogi has evolved somewhat and he needs more than brawn to defeat his brand of evil. Ji Ah has not given up on her hopes of finding her parents so Yeon made it possible. Rang seemed to have turned for the good by working with Yeon weaken Imoogi through depriving the CEO of ground cherries. Shin Hoo and Yu Ri's relationship is a promising story waiting to bloom but the cracks in Granny and Granpa's relationship is falling through the cracks.

Well. Well. Well.

Three things I liked about these episodes are the Rang-Yeon team up, the Shin Ju-Yu Ri dynamic and the Yeon-Imoogi preview of a fight. Two things I am confused of though are Ji Ah's parents being brought back to life and Granny's game.

The gumiho brothers are exciting to watch. I don't know if its LDW or Kim Bim, but their personalities, though different fit each other's. It would be a shame to see which of them die in the end. As for Shin Ju and Yu Ri, I find them on opposite ends that pull each other like a game of tug of war. I wonder if Shin Ju can bring any sense of maturity out of Yu Ri. And then, there is the awakening of Ji Ah's parents. Why can't I suspend my disbelief in their resurgence? As for Granny, I am awaiting the sacrifice she will have to make for Yeon. It seems that she loves him like her own son, a replacement for the one she lost to suicide.

Now after 14 days of no new episodes, I look forward to seeing how Yeon will defeat Imoogi knowing the possible demise of Ji Ah since her blood spilt on the well in the earlier episode. Their romance is already at the heart of the series and everything seem to coalesce towards them be it a brush with danger or an act of salvation from one of their friends and allies. Needless to say, as many people are dying, (Imoogi, you evil brat!), Yeon and Ji Ah carve moments to share with each other as normal couples do. The meeting with the parents, the couple rings, the shoes all point to an impending doom or separation.

As I said, I am ready for whatever will happen in the end. I just hope that if any of my favorite characters die, it is justified.

Ajooma Reviews: Tale of the Nine Tailed Gumiho Episodes 3 - 6

 

Tale of the Nine Tailed, Studio Dragon 2020 

Written  by Han Woo-ri

Directed by Kang Shin-hyo

By now, Tale of the Nine Tailed has been compared to Twilight and Inuyasha. There are also parallels to folkloric and fantasy elements of the Harry Potter series. Needless to say, TOTNT has plenty of fantasy and romance tropes found in the aforementioned stories and series. 

Lee Yeon, an immortal falls in love with a half blood. He vows to protect her for the rest of his life but tragedy struck (and this is slowly being revealed as the series progresses). Talismans, spells and superstitions, magic and mayhem abound in modern day Seoul as Lee Yeon finally recognized his past love in the reincarnation of Nam Ji Ah. In between are stories of ghost trying to find their way to the light, animals being mistreated, friendships and brotherhood going through the test of time. Oh, and yes, there is the serpent and his minions at his beck and call. Thanks to Ji Ah's blood, an orphan who appears to be the "chosen one", Lee Yeon's nemesis is back in the form of a young boy. 

Sounds familiar. Of course. TOTNT is a tale as old as time and while it follows the same tropes of fantasy series we love (except for Twilight), TOTNT remains Korean. I am not only referring to the language, but also to the character of the entire drama thus far. There have been references to Disney favorites as well, but it is Korean in culture, identity and beliefs. You will know this through glimpses of history in the architecture, clothes, food and art. Notice how the dialogues, though subbed in English, express sensibilities that reflect respect for elders, social class and hierarchy. 

How they have kept this intact for generations is an amazing feat. The same can be said of their Kpop idols. The foreign influence is strong, but the look, the movements and the sound -- all Korean. Ah, I digress.

So, what have I been enjoying in TOTNT despite the parallels and its predictability? Three things namely, the use of folk lore, Lee Dong Wook and men who are rendered helpless because of love.

1. The use of folk lore is well done. We may look at our modern cities as sophisticated dwelling places, but the story of our folks and their belief systems are deeply rooted in our collective consciousness we see traces of it in daily life. We will forever be fascinated by legends and myths. This is why the tropes of fantasy and romance are very evident in TOTNT. It forms the fabric of our lives and we yearn for this at a time when humanity is losing so much of itself in this pandemic. We need to believe again. We need to be amazed. We need to know that we can still hope and live amidst challenges big and small.

2. Lee Dong Wook. LEE. DONG. WOOK. Shirtless. Wounded. Eating ice cream in his bath robe. LEE. DONG. WOOK. Holding an umbrella for his lady under the rain. Hiding a smile. Definitely enjoying the moment. LEE. DONG. WOOK. Kissing the love of his life on a bridge framed by billowing sheets of cloth only to be challenged in return. 

"See me clearly for who I am," Ji Ah says. A look of amusement washes over his face and in my mind, I could imagine hundreds of Filipino viewers sighing and wishing, "Sana all..."

3. TOTNT has men characters rendered helpless in the name of love. Granny's husband is a hen pecked spouse but there is adoration for her in his demeanor. Also, marrying Hades' sister despite his claims is an act of great love if you ask me. Shin Joo, Lee Yeon's servant and housekeeper, loyal friend and veterinarian is brimming with care and compassion for Yu Ri. And Lee Rang... ah. Lee Rang. His anger is love unchanneled. 

We see so many faces and phases of love in the men of TOTNT. So far, the narrative has been honest, straightforward, silly but sincere, in its rendition of love as an all powerful force in the universe. At a time when there are more men who red tag women for speaking their minds, let us watch men who are unashamed to lay bare their soul for women and the object of their affections. 

This is Kdrama, you say. I know. 

But life can be stranger than fiction. The answers to questions we grapple in real life can be found in the fantasy and the romantic stories of old. 

Kdrama is life ajooma!

Venturing Into Kdrama Land: My Top Ten Takeaways on Goblin: The Lonely Guardian

The first Korean Drama (Kdrama) that I watched in Netflix is Crash Landing On You (CLOY). I enjoyed it. Kinilig ako, sobra! I shipped #RiRi on social media. I clipped photos of Hyun Bin and so far, I have seen two of his Kdramas Memories of Alhambra and Hyde, Jekyll and Me. Yes, I am on my way to being a full fledged Kdrama Ajooma.

If CLOY gave me all the romantic feels, Goblin, on the one hand, reminded me of what love is all about. CLOY is inspiring. It encouraged me to dream and to appreciate the simple things in life. It is an ode to living life to the fullest despite challenges and hardships. Goblin, however, is something else entirely. 

Goblin is epic. 

So, when my Kdrama support group asked my opinion of Goblin, I gave them my Top Ten Takeaways. 

1. No one else can wear a turtleneck the way Gong Yoo does.

2. Lee Dong Wook is the most adorable Grim Reaper ever. I was rooting for him from start to finish!

3. What difference a killer lipstick can do kaya pag gusto kong magtaray in a given day, I should be wearing blood red lipstick!

4. I will take more walks with the hubby when this (pandemic) is all over.

5. I will not wait for a good day or a remarkable moment to eat steak with a salad on the side. Seize the day!

6. I love the official sound track (OST). Bigla kong naisip at naalala ang mga favorite songs namin na naging anthem na ng aming buhay. We should sing them more often!

7. It takes time to forgive. Dumadaan sa proseso ang pagpapatawad. Wag pilitin kung hindi pa ready. Pero wag namang hintayan ang 900 years para magpatawad. 


8. Second chances are precious. Value them like your life.


9. There is destiny and fate, but to achieve forever is hard work. In fact, investment ito, mare! Kaya, mag risk ka at wag matakot.

10. Our God is a generous and loving god. He allows us to live our lives the way we want it. Life (and death) is how we make it. 

Last, there are no new stories under the sun. But there are many ways to fashion them into exciting and engaging narratives. The producers of the recent three K dramas I have seen know this so well. 

To date, I have seen Touch Your Heart, which stars Lee Dong Wook  and Yoo In-na who played the Grim Reaper and Kim Sun respectively in Goblin. Right now, I am watching Itaewon Class, Life and The King Eternal Monarch. I intend to watch more Kdramas in the future!