People I'm in a Long Term Relationship with
Joking aside, this is a list of actors, directors, and screenwriters I've developed a fondness for, as they have a track record of choosing and working on productions that are interesting and happen to align with my tastes repeatedly, instead of just working on loveable one-offs. I almost always give their work a try, even if every piece isnt a winner for me. This list is also for me to keep up to date with these wonderful people. (Different than people who I think are phenomenal actors-- but whom I may only have seen once or so.)
*asterisks for ones I've actually watched, not just ones of interest.
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Kim Tae Ri
South Korean
The Handmaiden, Little Forest, Mr. Sunshine, and Twenty-Five Twenty-One*. While I didn't watch all of these, they have all been on my Plan to Watch. Little Forest is next. :) She's a phenomenal actress who chooses intriguing projects. Super hyped to see what she'll choose next.
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Bae Doo Na
South Korean
I admittedly didn't know about her until Stranger, but I absolutely love her filmography. Looking forward to Broker. No more words needed.
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Park Hyung Sik
South Korean
Strong Woman Do Bong Soon*, Two Lights: Relumino*, Suits*, Juror 8, Happiness*. Ever since Strong Woman DBS, almost every single role he's been in has been so interesting to me. I'm into law dramas, into a bit of crime/action, and into some cheesy romances. Great actor with great taste.
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Kim Go Eun
South Korean
Cheese in the Trap*, Yumi's Cells*, Tune in for Love*, Sunset in My Hometown*, Canola, Coin Locker Girl. One of the first Korean actresses whose filmography I began to follow.
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Han Ji Min
South Korean
Two Lights: Relumino*, Miss Baek, Keys to the Heart, Josee*, Default, The Light in Your Eyes*, One Spring Night*, Here.
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Kim Seok Yoon
South Korean
I was surprised when I found out that I had watched his last 3 dramas. The Light in Your Eyes*, Law School*, and My Liberation Notes*. While I had some qualms with the writing and plot in The Light In Your Eyes, I specifically remember loving the directing. Law School is also a great, well executed show.
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Nam Joo Hyuk
South Korean
So I've seen him since Surplus Princess hah, but really started liking his work since Cheese in the Trap*. Josee*, The Light in Your Eyes*, The School Nurse Flies*, Twenty-Five Twenty-One*, Here.
Really did not expect that I'd like and watch so much of his work, but here I am!
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Cho Seung Woo
South Korean
Like Bae Doona, his filmography speaks for itself. Stranger* being a big one for me, hah.
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Gong Yoo
South Korean
Really grew a respect for him when I heard about the story behind Silenced* and watched it. A Man and A Woman, Train to Busan*, Kim Ji Young: Born 1982, The Silent Sea*. He definitely doesn't feel afraid to stray away from more mainstream subject matter.
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Kim Chul Gyu
South Korean
Emergency Couple*, Chicago Typewriter*, Mother, Confession, Flower of Evil
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Lee Soo Yeon
South Korean
Not only is her story inspirational to me, her debut work Stranger* is my favorite drama of all time. And Life, Stranger 2*, and Grid are all up my alley. Very thoughtful writing.
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Kim Jae Wook
South Korean
It'd feel like blasphemy not to include Kim Jae Wook in a list of people I liked, hah. While he hasn't been a very, very beloved show of mine yet, I really like his acting. Who Are You* was what put the sinker in for me, with Voice*, The Guest*, Another Way,, supporting it. I mean, I watched Antique Bakery* for him, hah. Definitely not afraid to take on unconventional roles. Really want to see him in a slower slice of life or romance drama though. Or maybe a crime drama.
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Zhou Dong Yu
Chinese
I always try to watch more c-dramas to balance out my consumption, but I tend to have a hard time finding productions I like or even want to watch. She definitely is talented and has a good eye-- and a heart for exploration. This is Not What I Expected*, Us and Them, Soul Mate*, Better Days.
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Ahn Gil Ho
South Korean
While his dramas tend to be hit or miss for me, (Memories of the Alhambra*, Record of Youth*, definite misses), Stranger* and Happiness* really make up for it. And I can't say that the reasons I didn't like those dramas was because of the directing-- may have been the writing.
He has such a good eye for story and how to show the viewers information.
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Shirasu Jin
Japanese
Saw him first in Animals* as the second male lead-- didn't think much of it-- but it was a decent j-drama that I enjoyed, which hadnt happened in a while. I then coincidentally started I Don't Love You Yet*, an In Time with You remake, and absolutely loved his role and execution. Also a solid drama based on the plot they were given in the original. Kojinsa Arimasu and Life: Senjou no Bokura also look super interesting. He has an eye for interesting projects. Would love to see him in another serious romance role (that is less frustrating plot-wise than I Don't Love You Yet).
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Zhang Xin Cheng
Chinese
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Li Xian
Chinese
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Li Mo
Chinese
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Jung Ryeo Won
Australian
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Gong Hyo Jin
South Korean
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Chae Jong Hyeop
South Korean
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Meguro Ren
Japanese
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Kim Kyu Tae
South Korean
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Ahn Pan Seok
South Korean
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Zhou Yu Tong
Chinese
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Bai Yu Fan
Chinese
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Leo Wu
Chinese
