21 Anticipated Kdramas (Update)
Since it’s somehow already the middle of the year, I thought it would be fun to refer back to my 21 Anticipated Kdramas list that I wrote back in December of last year, and see what has come out and if any of the dramas that I predicted that I’d like were correct. It was fun looking back on this list, but a lot of the dramas on this list have yet to air, and there are no updates as to if and when they will. This list also doesn’t reflect the dramas that were announced after making it that would have been more a priority than the ones below.
I used MyDramaList to find these dramas initially. While they are good, the information is not perfect. I knew that I’d probably also miss listings. Along with new dramas that would be popping up after I created the list, I knew that it would have some flaws. I also have a full list of over 30 dramas that I had made when I was writing the original list that I had used to whittle down to the 21 below, and I know there is at least one drama on that list that I’ve watched and completed (Vincenzo).
Currently Watching:
-Voice 4 / 보이스 4 (airing)
-Hospital Playlist 2 / 슬기로운 의사 생활 2 (airing)
Completed:
-Sell Your Haunted House / 대박부동산
I actually love that this drama in particular was a drama that I didn’t think I would like and yet it has ended up being one of my top dramas. I was wary that it was going to be a comedy, and the drama unexpectedly caught me off guard about how good it was. I loved every episode, the characters had great arches and worked well with each other. I highly suggest watching if you haven’t yet.
-Taxi Driver / 모범택시
I suspected this one to be good back at the time I wrote the post, and I was right. Another one of my current top dramas for the year, Taxi Driver was engaging, had a good amount of action and I really respected the direction it took in focusing a lot of the injustices with current laws and how they affect the citizens unnecessarily. Check out my blog post on the true stories behind the stories in the drama here.
-Joseon Exorcist / 조선구마사
Oh the drama that could have been. I really loved the first two episodes of this one, and that’s sadly all we got. I was really into it. I even have a first impression post up that I was working on when the news broke that you can find here. I wasn’t expecting this kind of disappointment.
-Dark Hole / 다크홀
I joked that this one was going to be my X-Files drama, and it started out being that. The first two episodes could have been from The X-Files and I was so into it but the story was lacking a lot. The middle was boring, and there were storylines I just didn’t care about and felt didn’t bring anything to the drama. The first part and the last part would have made a great movie.
On Hold/Undecided:
-Luca / 루카
I haven’t gone back to this one after the first two episodes that I watched, but there was something that intrigued me about it to not fully drop it from my list. I know that the general consensus was that this one fell flat, but I still have a hope that it’s a drama for me. It’ll stay on my on-hold list for now.
-Doom At Your Service / 어느 날 우리 집 현관으로 멸망이 들어왔다
Probably the most talked-about drama right now, and very divisive. I have yet to start it, and don’t plan to for a bit just the way that my watching list falls and what I’ve been prioritizing. I’m still intrigued and have heard that the drama might turn out to be a better binge.
-Times / 타임즈
I ended up not making time (ha) for this one, and I don’t think I will. Maybe if I do something towards the end of the year to come back to some dramas that came out as some sort of thing, maybe. But right now it’s not a priority.
-Busted 3 / 범인은 바로 너! 3
I’ve sadly used this as one of those shows I just kept pushing back to make room for others. I really need to make the time for it soon, I promise I will watch it before the end of the year.
Dropped:
-Sisyphus the Myth / 시지프스: The Myth
While I was entertained by the first bit of this one, I haven’t picked it up since I stopped watching it on episode 4. Or 6. At any rate, while I don’t think it was terrible, I just don’t think I will ever want to come back to this one and ultimately decided to drop it.
-Mouse / 마우스
Oh, this one was such a disappointment. The first episode was phenomenal and I loved loved it…but then it just tanked the following episodes. It switched from a great thriller-horror to a makjang and I just hated the kookiness of it all. I tried, but it wasn’t the same drama from the first episode and it’s probably the greatest letdown on this list.
Hasn’t Aired (good chance for this year):
-Cliffhanger / 지리산
Currently scheduled to start airing end of October, and has already started filming.
-Island 1&2 / 아일랜드
Seo Ye Ji has left the project, and Lee Da Hee is slated to replace her. No word when this will start airing, but they’ve had several cast announcements so I would assume fairly soon, especially since one of the cast - Cha Eun Woo - just left his gig on Master in the House.
-Hellbound / 지옥
No date on this one, but the cast has been solidified. As it’s a Netflix drama (and only 6 episodes), I’d assume this one is probably already in post-production.
-The Silent Sea / 고요의 바다
I just don’t believe in any world that this drama hasn’t been completely done since last year. I really don’t know why there’s a delay on this one for any news. I would have expected at least a date since this was part of the lineup Netflix had shared during their summit they had earlier this year.
-All of Us Are Dead / 지금 우리 학교는
Another drama that we have no word from. Maybe it’ll show up soon? Or maybe Netflix is trying to push this as an October release? Again, it was talked about, so it’s got to come soon, right?
No Update/Delayed (potentially not airing this year):
-Duke City / 공작도시
This is currently scheduled for January 28, 2022.
-Link: Eat, Love, Die / 링크: 먹고 사랑하라, 죽이게
No word on this one. I have no clue if it’s going to end up coming out this year. The only person it had attached to it for the cast, Kim Seon Ho, declined the offer.
-Bloody Finger / 블러디 핑거
Also no word on this one, I’ll be surprised if this ends up being released this year. Again, a drama without a cast as most of the actors given contracts have declined the offer.
If you know any more information on any of the dramas that are scheduled to come out let me know in the comments.
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