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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Zhou Yu Tong
Chinese
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Wakaba Ryuya
Japanese
Maybe I'm running off the high of finishing Unmet*, but I'm infatuated with this man, haha. Really tender and true emotions shown, and from his filmography, On The Street, Wonderwall, and Ichiko seem just up my alley in terms of vibe. Would love to see him in some dramas / movies with some more happy fluff though!! Just a few percentage points more, haha.
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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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Kawaguchi Haruna
Japanese
apparently chooses banger after banger haha: Kikazaru Koi ni wa Riyuu ga Atte*, Silent*, 9 Border*
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Bai Yu Fan
Chinese
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Chae Jong Hyeop
South Korean
