Despite repeated dire warnings to myself about watching currently airing K-drama, I watched many in my second year of viewing these shows. I think I can say I managed to watch more shows I enjoyed than ones I didn’t.

Last year I watched shows mostly based on recommendations from others; this year I ventured out to find more on my own and managed to watch 21 shows. I even completed a re-watch of City Hunter and A Gentleman’s Dignity.

Favorites aired in 2012

• A Gentleman’s Dignity
• Love Rain
• Wild Romance
• Ms. Panda and Mr. Hedgehog
• Shut Up Flower Boy Band (Shut Up and Let’s Go)
• To the Beautiful You
• Answer Me 1997

The Worst

For me this year’s two worst wastes of viewing time were Big and Flower Boy Ramen Shop. I hate saying that because I definitely enjoyed seeing Gong Yoo after his two-year military service, but Big was a big mess. It did have a lovely soundtrack.

Best of the best

The best of the best for 2012? A Gentleman’s Dignity. This is one I won’t tire of re-watching like I rewatch Kill Bill, Gladiator and LOST.  It’s also one I would recommend to others—even those who don’t usually watch K-dramas. You can watch it on Hulu, Viki or Drama Fever.

All shows I watched in 2012

1. Secret Garden
2. Full House
3. My Lovely Sam Soon
4. Wild Romance
5. Protect the Boss
6. My Girlfriend is a Gumiho
7. You’re Beautiful
8. Love Rain
9. The King 2 Hearts
10. Heartstrings
11. Marry Me Mary (Mary Stayed Out All Night)
12. Scent of a Woman
13. Shut Up Flower Boy Band (Shut Up and Let’s Go)
14. Big
15. A Gentleman’s Dignity
16. I Need Romance
17. To the Beautiful You
18. Panda and Hedgehog
19. Answer Me 1997
20. Attic Cat
21. Flower Boy Ramen Shop

And then there were the nine shows I started but for various reasons didn’t finish. And Full House 2. I wrote about how I wouldn’t watch it because of the awful hair. Well I relented a bit (when the hair improved). I watched from episode 21 until the end. But admittedly I fast forwarded through some parts so I can’t quite put it on my completed list.