Warm Romances and Cold Shoulders

The summer-to-fall dramas are gearing up for release as the next drama season draws near. Fully pre-produced sageuk drama"Scarlet Heart: Ryeo"has dropped an impressive video filled with all the lovely things fans have probably been drooling over during its production. Speaking of Chinese stories and pre-production, I briefly consider the fate of this method in a future shaped by tensions between the countries. Lastly, I share goodies from"Incarnation of Jealousy"and other dramas.

"Scarlet Heart: Ryeo"Looks Bloody Good

As in it looks bloody and also good, if thefirst teaserfor it is anything to go by. There is action, romance, blood, tears, strange phenomena and anything else your heart desires."Scarlet Heart: Ryeo"is based on Chinese novel "Bu Bu Jing Xin". It tells the story of a woman from modern times who is transported to the past, which in this version is the Goryeo Dynasty. If the drama's production quality and writing match this early look, viewers will be in for a treat.

Are You China Break up With Me?

I am not qualified to speak about the political or economical ramifications of a possible South Korea and Chinakerfuffle, but it did spark an interesting conversation with fellow writer Lisa (Raine). What would happen to pre-production for Korean drama if its major motivator, which is Chinese money, disappeared? Is it even useful in its current form, given the shows which adopt it seem to be set up as popularity vehicles? What would happen to the industry in general? As foreign fans we can only sit, watch and hope for peace and good entertainment.

Incarnation and Transformation

Thefirst teaseris out for upcoming drama"Incarnation of Jealousy"and it looks light and fun.Kong Hyo-jinhas a knack of looking lovable and the first look showcases that. On the other hand, the concept of her character dating two men simultaneously looks like a romantic mess, but a potentially entertaining one. Some stills are out forKo Kyeong-pyo's "transformation", asthis articleputs it, although I am not sure a suit counts as one unless you are Superman switching back to Clark Kent.

Upcoming Drama Goodies

More transformation goes on in"Fantastic", which has releasedpostersfor its leads as well as ascript reading video. "Moonlight Drawn by Clouds" has released its owncharacter postersandthird teaserwhile "Cinderella and the Four Knights" brings usstillsofPark So-damand a seriesposter. Weekender"My Gap-soon"has itsfirst teaserand competing drama "Blow Breeze" has releasedstillsofOh Ji-eun. On the casting side, "The Legend of the Blue Sea"getsSin Hye-seonandHan Jae-seokiscastin "Searching for Work". Jtbc's"The Package"has itscastas well.

Followed Dramas

While I understand why a drama like"Wanted"is not very popular, it does sadden me that it does not get more recognition. Between this and"The Good Wife"I get my fill of good woman-led stories. Frustration over underappreciated women's shows aside, I get to marathon "38 Revenue Collection Unit" soon and then start choosing my new dramas. What are your upcoming picks?

Written by:Orionfrom 'Orion's Ramblings'