This is where the female lead kisses the guy and rescues herself.
Hello, welcome to my cozy nook of the internet! By Episode 10 is where I write about my tv drama adventures as a fan of K-drama and C-dramas! Whether it's binge session or a bit of a slog, I'll be watching a range of Asian entertainment and sharing my thoughts on the drama tropes, character chemistry, plot twists and palace schemes.
I grew up watching a lot of Asian dramas with my family, it was important family time just like eating breakfast and dinner together, we would have a plate of fruit ready to snack on before we pressed the play button. Eventually I stopped watching them as I grew older, and it wasn't until around 2018 that I rediscovered my interest, specifically K-dramas! I think it was "A Korean Odyssey" and "Memories of the Alhambra" that first piqued my interest on my Netflix feed; then shortly after, it seemed more and more new shows appeared (yes, the algo got me but I also think that's when more K-dramas were being licensed as well).
It was while watching 'Pretty Noona buys me food/Something in the Rain' that I became truly hooked. A well-crafted story and relatable characters, distinct from previous dramas I had watched, offered everything I'd come to seek in future shows: a great slice-of-life story, a journey of self-rediscovery, beautifully shot scenes, excellent soundtrack (I adore Rachel Yamagata's music in this drama), and a sweet, slow-burn romance with undeniable lead chemistry.
When it comes to Asian dramas, I have a pretty clear idea of what captures my interest:
- I'm a big fan of slice-of-life stories, especially when they're enriched by an endearing and memorable supporting cast.
- I love character-driven narratives with good banter, and the relationships feel genuinely fleshed out.
- Thrillers and mysteries are definitely my jam when I'm in the mood for something more serious, and I even enjoy it when a bit of of horror or paranormal elements are woven in to the story.
- Isekai or reincarnation tropes are always fun to watch – exploring the whole "new life, new you" concept.
- I'm constantly looking for dramas with a strong female lead who is actively overcoming adversity or breaking free from whatever metaphorical (or sometimes quite literal) chains bind her.
- And yes, I appreciate a GOOD romance, but it shouldn't be the entire point of the story or overshadow the main plot. We'll get to the kiss eventually, but the journey and the connection are infinitely more important.
- Finally, while I definitely enjoy common drama tropes (can you tell I have a soft spot for Noona romances? 😄), it's always refreshing to see a different approach, unexpected twists, or themes that aren't typically explored in the standard formula.
A last tidbit to share, when it came to naming this site, I brainstormed a range of names and finally decided on a insider "if you know then you know" blog name with a cheeky reference to rom-coms. K-drama's reignited my love for watching Asian dramas, and the name alludes to a common formula seen in many 16 episode rom-coms when fans can usually anticipate the leads sharing their first couple kiss.
