I usually don’t do first impressions because one, I tend to not watch airing dramas very often. And two, I don’t watch a lot of shows at the same time, fucks up my binging. But lately Viki has been signing all the contracts and getting a big wave of new shows. So I figured to take a break from my extreme watch of The Last Empress and give these shows a lookie-loo. And what to I find? Three shows all starring idols.
The Game: Towards Zero
When looking into someone’s eyes, Kim Tae Pyung sees the moments right before their death. He takes advantage of his gift to earn money by selling this information to rich people about whoever they want. One day, he crosses path with Seo Joon Young, a crime division detective, whom he can’t foresee the death. Not knowing what this might imply, he tries to avoid her. But his power gets him involved in a kidnapping case. Although he was never once wrong with his death predictions, he still helps the police find the body.
mydramalist
- Genre : Crime Drama, Fantasy, Melodrama
- Origin : South Korea
- Episodes : 32 (35 mins.)
- Aired : January 22 – March 12, 2020
- Where To Watch : Kocowa | Viki
- Starring : Ok Taec Yeon | Lee Yun Hee | Im Joo Hwan
Thoughts: Welcome back Captain Korea! I mean, Taecyeon of course. I was hoping for a cute rom-com to be his first work back from enlistment but I should have known it was going to be something on the darker side of things. I mean, the cold beginning was creepy as hell. And there was a random scene with Lee yun Hee’s character and a lake. Mind boggling. Anyway, Taecyeon went from playing a man who can see ghosts to a man who can see the moment before you die. I can see some similarities between Let’s Fight Ghost but not many. I can see some set up from having one person, the female lead, being the only person he can’t see their death but it doesn’t seem campy yet. The score and the cinematography really assist that. After watching the first episode and being amazed by the acting of Ye Soo Jung, I’m going to keep on with it. The pacing isn’t quick but that is actually a good thing for a 30 min show. Too fast and you feel overwhelmed, too slow and you’re bored in two seconds. This one is almost right. I am just hoping for some big bad to bring it all together. One line that I think will sit with me is this, “Didn’t you say that seeing death in advance isn’t always a good thing?”
Are You Still Watching? : Continue Watching
First Impression Score: 7/10 
How Are You Bread
A love story between a genius patissier and a variety show writer. Lee Se Young will be playing the role of Noh Mi Rae, who is the show writer of ‘Top 3 Bakery Kings’ and for the show, she must cast the genius patissier, Han Do Woo. But it won’t be easy as she tries any and every method to convince him to join her show.
mydramalist
- Genre : Romance, Fantasy
- Origin : South Korea
- Episodes : 10 (40 mins.)
- Aired : January 18 – February 15, 2020
- Where To Watch : Viki
- Starring : Suho | Lee Se young
Thoughts: This is clearly a movie theater’s worth of popcorn. And by that I mean it’s corny as hell. Honestly, I could see the end the moment I started. The acting? Over the top. The plot? Shallow as a bird bath and all over the place. The cliche’s of dramaland are EVERYWHERE. Lead with a tragic past and family issues AND an attractive rival. Triple whammy. My disappointment in this is so great because my expectations were high for this drama for MONTHS. I’m not sure if Suho’s acting is stiff cause of the role or if he’s always like this, but besides his visuals, I’m not blown away. Lee Se Young isn’t terrible, just her hair. Honestly, the best part of this so far are the baked goods. What I wouldn’t do for some souffle cheesecake.
Are You Still Watching? : To Be Determined
First Impression Score: 3/10 
XX
Yoon Na Na is a well-regarded bartender at XX bar. She takes pride in her work and position as the head bartender. She doesn’t involve herself in other parts of XX like selecting menu items or setup of the interior. Her dream is to open her own bar. One day, the new owner of XX appears in Yoon Na Na. She is Lee Roo Mi. The two women were best friends 5 years ago, but something happened between them. Yoon Na Na became upset at Lee Roo Mi. Now, Lee Roo Mi tries to make up with Yoon Na Na, but it’s not easy.
mydramalist
- Genre : Melodrama, Sismance
- Origin : South Korea
- Episodes : 10 (50 mins.)
- Aired : January 24 – March 27, 2020
- Where To Watch : Viki
- Starring : Hani | Hwang Seung Eon | Bae In Hyuk | Lee Jong Won
Thoughts: Well, well my girl crush is doing big things in her first lead role in a drama. I am feeling ALL of this. I am really feeling this female driven storyline and the hints of the past conflicts between the leads. The pace is a little slow and the vibe is very chill. It could be the score that puts you in that mood but from all the clues that they set up in the first episode, it gives you a good idea of the major conflict. I think the job this show has is making it entertaining. Right now it’s a show with very attractive actors who can scowl very well.
Are You Still Watching? : Eventually
First Impression Score: 5/10 
Unbothered Unnies 