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  • If you’re impatient like me, waiting weekly for new episodes of Extraordinary Attorney Woo must be frustrating. Here are seven feel-good K-dramas you can watch while you wait. 

    Racket Boys

    I once thought sports dramas were boring, but K-dramas changed that for me. Racket Boys is the story of a boys’ badminton team going from worst to best. It’s a sweet drama about finding yourself and your community. Watching the kids tackle challenging situations and triumph will surely keep your serotonin levels high. 

    RELATED: 10 Best Feel-good Anime for Beginners

    Welcome to Waikiki

    This drama follows three different men — an actor, a director and a writer — a combination that works if you’re making a movie. But imagine theose three people running a guest house without prior knowledge? A disaster. This drama is funny, and if you love movies about friendship, Welcome to Waikiki does the job. Try it when you need to de-stress, and you won’t regret it.

    Hometown Cha-Cha

    What is more feel-good than a romantic comedy? Hometown Cha-Cha focuses on a dentist from the city, Yoon Hye Jun, who moves to a village by the seaside to start her dental practice. She meets the small town chief and jack–of-all-trades, Hong Du Sik, and we get our never-ending fill of the enemies-to-lovers trope. Their chemistry will make you desperate for love, but be ready to laugh when the nosy village people are on screen. On a scale of one to ten,  this drama is an 11. 

    Our Beloved Summer

    Choi Ung and Kook Yeon-Su filmed a documentary together about the worst and best students while they were in high school. Five years have passed, and they’d put it behind them, including the relationship they ended up having. Except, it’s suddenly famous, and now, they need to shoot a rerun. And these two are still in love; they just don’t know it yet. The gentle friendship each character has with the other makes this show a must-watch. 

    Hi Bye, Mama!

    Imagine dying but having the chance to become human again if you do different tasks for 49 days? Well, that’s Cha Yu-Ri’s story. She died five years ago, has silently watched her daughter grow and has decided her grieving husband and his new wife aren’t up to the task of raising her. This drama will have you calling the important people in your life to say I love you; it’s just that heartwarming.

    Business Proposal

    Business Proposal follows the life of Shin Ha-ri, who pretends to be her best friend, Young-seo, to make sure the latter’s rejected on an arranged date. Things go to shit when Ha-ri realises the man is her boss and is determined to marry her at all costs. Ha-ri ends up in several difficult situations in this drama full of cliches that’ll keep you laughing. It’s very rare for you to fall in love with both the first and second lead, but this drama makes it work. 

    Mystic Pop-up Bar

    Any K-drama with a balance of comedy, fantasy, and romance gets an A+ in my books. Mystic Pop-up Bar is about an ill-tempered ghost who runs an outdoor bar where the living and dead can come to find answers to their problems. If you also enjoyed Hotel Del-Luna, you’d enjoy this show.  

    READ ALSO: The K-drama Friend Groups We Wish We Were Part Of

  • If there’s one thing that’s become common with elections in Nigeria, it’s the announcement that one or two of our fave celebrities will be running for office. In 2022 alone, we’ve gotten announcements from Funke Akindele, Tonto Dikeh, Yul Edochie and Carolyna Hutchings — we’re sure there’s going to be more. 

    With politics also working as a popularity contest, I’ve taken it upon myself to investigate this transition from red carpet and TV screens to the corridors of political power. 

    Not the first time

    The celebrity to politician narrative is not new to Nigerians or elsewhere in the world. And in Nigeria, specifically, there’s a history of celebrities running for office — and winning — long before those running for office next year. 

    Desmond Elliot won a seat in the Lagos State House of Assembly in 2015, and way before him in 2003, NTA TV presenter Abike Dabiri contested and won a seat in the National House of Representatives. 

    These wins aren’t shocking. After all, elections are in fact popularity contests, and who better to excel at something like this than the actors, athletes and singers whose lives — fictional and otherwise — play out on our screens daily. 

    While the recognition may place celebrities one step ahead of some of their competitors, their political dreams don’t always come to pass, with top Nollywood stars like Kate Henshaw, Banky W and Kanayo O. Kanayo having lost elections over the years. 

    RECOMMENDED: Which Nigerian Song Accurately Describes Our Presidential Candidates?

    From endorsers to contenders

    Once upon a time, celebrities were only involved in politics whenever they were “inspired” to throw their weight behind a candidate in one of those cringe worthy videos that always felt forced. Another entry point into politics in the mid-2000s that also became popular was state governors handing out “Special Adviser” roles on random issues to Nollywood celebrities  like party rice. 

    “Celebrities aren’t much better or worse than any of the other types of people running for office,” says Zikoko Citizen Editor, Samson Toromade. “The reaction to celebs doing the same just stems from the fact they’re usually more well-known already and there’s a see-finish angle to it.” 

    But do celebrities taking up political roles work out well for the Nigerians they’re supposed to serve? 

    Looking at the cases of Desmond Elliot and Abike Dabiri — two veterans with infamous transitions — I have my doubts. Desmond Elliot is known more for his insensitive statements during the #EndSARS protests and that infamous wooden bridge than he is for achieving anything positive for his constituent. 

    Similarly, Abike Dabiri has sunk from being the icon who stood firmly against former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s third-term agenda to becoming a rally host who likes to famz and give and Twitter shoutouts in her spare time.

    This is not to say celebrities going into politics is bad, but when I look at the material before me, it’s not saying it’s a great idea either. But is it the celebrities or the trope that power corrupts? 

    Social media publicity stunts

    Social media’s chokehold on us as a people and, inadvertently, our political process cannot be taken for granted. Funke Akindele announced her bid on Instagram even before making an official statement to the press. Carolyna Hutchings, Banky W and Yul Edochie have all done the same. 

    But with social media and politics becoming new ways to get audience attention, Samson also thinks some of these announcements are nothing more than daylight clout-chasing. “I guess everyone wants a bite of the national cake? It’s hard to tell,” he admits. “Some of them also come off as publicity stunts because they’re mostly on platforms that don’t have any real chance of actually winning the election.” 

    Do voters even care? 

    Going by the number of celebrities that have won elections, I’m forced to consider that Nigerian voters back then weren’t swayed by celebrity ginger when it came to leadership.

    But in an era of increased social media penetration and more Nigerians having to choose the least  of evils when it comes to the major political parties, there’s a high chance things might change. 

    While I stand by my choice, Samson doesn’t see it that way, explaining that a celebrity on a ticket doesn’t significantly swing the contest in any party’s favour. According to him, “A meaningful portion of the electorate won’t be compelled to vote based on “I’ve seen this person on my TV before” energy — a fair point to make. But whether they win or not, every election cycle seems to bring more celebrities with little or no political experience. 

    While I’m not the biggest fan of this movement, I doubt it will stop anytime soon. 

    ALSO READ: What Regular Jobs Should These 7 Nigerian Politicians Have?

  • As a queer person, there’s no better pick me up than watching hours of queer shows during the weekend to make you feel better. The series on this list has some of the best reps and some of the most unforgettable characters. Not every time “we outside”, sometimes stay in and enjoy these seven underrated queer series; it’ll only take you two days anyway. 

    Our Flag Means Death

    My new favourite TV thing is when writers rewrite history. Black British royalty, Ariana Grande’s music in the 1800s, and Our Flag Means Death did not shy away. This show is a ten-episodes-too-short romantic comedy that follows the life of Captain Stede and his almost entirely queer crew. You get to enjoy a rarely seen fun yet tender relationship between two men where they end up together. Our Flag Means Death feels almost revolutionary with how effortlessly all the queer characters are portrayed, and that’s why it’s a 10/10. 

    READ ALSO: Here’s What Your Favourite Lesbian Movie Says About You

    Trigonometry

    If you had to pick one show on this list to watch, let it be Trigonometry. Gemma and Kieran are a couple who needed money to sort bills, so they rented their spare room out to Ray. It’s all good until they both fall in love with her and she with them. This show explores polyamory with no form of judgement, and it’s funny, clumsy, authentic, and well-rounded characters. BBC did a madness with this series, and if I had to rate it, I’d give it an 11/10. 

    Dickinson

    Again with the trope of rewriting history, ‌you can’t even complain about it. Dickinson is a historical comedy-drama based on Emily Dickinson, the famous poet who’s in love with her best friend/sister-in-law Sue. You can’t watch Emily talk about her poetry and not fall in love with her passionate personality. You might not finish this one in one weekend, but it’s too good to not be on this list. 

    Dead End: Paranormal Park

     Dead End: Paranormal Park is about a trans boy and his friends working at a haunted theme park full of the most foolish demons. It’s a sweet coming-of-age trans story about a boy dealing with a family who doesn’t support him but finds friends who love him for who he is and romantic love. The show might have taken fighting demons literally, but I love it and why you will too. 

    Feel Good

    Feel Good is like a long stand-up comedy, except sometimes you’re not laughing, sometimes you’re triggered, and sometimes you’re sad. Mae and Geroge might not be in a complicated relationship, but their individual lives complicate things for them. This series shows that sometimes queer relationships aren’t sweet and overly romanticised. The most significant turning point is Mae and Geroge learning to hold space for each other during all that, which makes Feel Good at least a 9/10 for me.  

    Heartstopper

    There’s no love story as soft as  Heartstopper, and I love that younger queer kids get to experience this. What happens when the school jock falls in love with the openly gay boy? Well, that’s Charlie and Nick’s awkward but beautiful schoolboy romance. The best thing about this series is exploring the queer joy and accepting one’s authentic self. While not avoiding homophobia and bullying, it doesn’t dwell on it either. Beware, his show will have you giggling like a 15-year-old. 

    First Kill

    First Kill hits the spot for people like me who love to read the cheesiest, low-key senseless lesbian paranormal books. This movie is Shakespeare meets Twilight and is written around Juliette and Calliope’s complicated love story of a vampire falling in love with a vampire hunter. It has all the tropes that make the series predictable, but that’s the appeal. Don’t go in expecting to have deep thoughts; it’ll end in tears. But, be ready to laugh, cry, and stan because you know it’s good when something is so bad, it’s good? That’s First Kill. 

    READ ALSO: These 7 Animated Shows Have the Coolest LGBTQ Representation

  • Recognising opportunity is one thing, but making the best of said opportunity is another story entirely. From aspiring basketballer to becoming a household name, Gulder Ultimate Search winner Odudu Ime Otu is a clear example of someone who recognised and utilised his opportunity to the fullest. 

    But how did he get here?  

    Odudu’s journey kicks off in Uyo, Akwa Ibom, where he was born and raised in a close-knit family comprising his two younger brothers and parents. Nursing dreams of one day becoming a professional basketball player, Odudu built his athleticism through primary and secondary school, shooting hoops and participating in another endurance-based sport, running. 

    Things, however, changed for  Odudu when he lost his dad at 15. Being the oldest child in the family, it became his responsibility to support his mother and step up as the man of the house. 

    But as challenging as this was, Odudu rose to the occasion, becoming an adult faster than most teenagers his age. But it didn’t end there. 

    By the time Odudu was 20, left the only home he’d ever known, Uyo, in search of greener pastures in Abuja. This move was fuelled by his drive and ambition for more. Odudu wanted to see what the world had to offer. 

    This move to Abuja paid off when he eventually auditioned for the 2021 edition of the popular Gulder Ultimate Search show with the theme: Age of Craftsmanship. 

    RECOMMENDED: 10 Things They Should Help Us Find On Gulder Ultimate Search

    Odudu recognised the once in a lifetime opportunity to help his family, going against over 20,000 Nigerians who applied for the 12th season of the show. With 16  contestants selected for the show, Odudu made it in as one of the four last minute wild card contestants added to complete the show. 

    Odudu remained an unassuming figure during the competition. While other contestants exerted most of their energy at the start of the competition, Odudu worked in a way that ensured he wasn’t viewed as a threat. As the youngest contestant, he performed just enough in the group tasks to ensure he remained in the game. 

    By the time individual tasks rolled in, Odudu began to shine, carefully navigating each intellectual challenge, while other contestants had begun to lose morale. 

    11 weeks and a series of  arduous tasks later, Odudu’s dream became a reality as he walked away with N50 million worth of cash and prizes, including an SUV and a return ticket to Dubai.

    Odudu’s first move after the competition was to buy his mother a house. As someone whose goals always revolved around taking care of his family, this decision felt like a no-brainer, “Family first, before every other thing. I get a feeling of satisfaction from seeing them happy,” Odudu said. 

    As a role model for young Nigerians worldwide, Odudu’s success story shows the importance of not just recognising opportunity, but being prepared to make the best of it when it comes along. Since his win, he’s also explored acting, with a role in Sparadise, a soon-to-be released sitcom. 

    Still holding on to old passions, Odudu’s love for basketball remains a permanent fixture in his life. He remains committed to going pro and maybe playing for the NBA someday. 

    The sky’s the limit for Odudu Otu, and going by his track record, we have a feeling he will soar. 

    ALSO READ: These Chaotic Reality Shows Need to Make Their Way to Nigeria ASAP!

  • When BTS announced their collaboration with Snoop Dogg, I was a little shocked. But then again, my boys have range, so I know it’ll slap. And to be fair, it’s not the first unlikely pairing to give us great songs. Here are some of the best K-pop and western collaborations of all time. 

    BTS x EVERYBODY

    I’m sorry, was I supposed to choose one when they’re all good? Come on. It’s not my fault everyone and their daddies want to sing with BTS. They’ve collaborated with Halsey, Lauv, Juice WRLD, Charli XCX, Megan Thee Stallion, Coldplay and Steve Aoki (thrice), and all those songs slapped. 

    RELATED: We’re Still Not Over BTS “Proof of Inspiration” Videos

    BLACKPINK x all the pop girlies 

    I love when talent recognises talent, which has been the case with every BLACKPINK collaboration. Imagine mixing BLACKPINK’s hyper pop energy with Lady Gaga, Dua Lipa, Cardi B or Selena Gomez, E for Energy. Nobody asked me, but my favourite is still Kiss And Make Up with Dua Lipa, and now the song will be stuck in my head for another two weeks. 

    Jason Derulo x LAY x NCT 127

    As a former fan of Jason Derulo, I scratched my head when I first heard about this collaboration because, how would it work? But Jason Derulo, Lay Zhang (formally of EXO-M) and NCT 127 created Let’s Shut up & Dance, and I, too, wanted to dance. Jason and NCT127 are huge on dance choreography, and the music video made sure we remembered.  

    Monsta X and Steve Aoki

    One thing about Steve Aoki, he’ll collaboration with K-Pop idols. Play It Cool is the ‌bop you listen to on those days when life feels extra happy for no reason. That’s until you watch the music video and MONSTA X’s always sleek choreography draws out beats you didn’t hear the first time. What a time to be alive.  

    G-DRAGON x Missy Elliott

    Do you know how iconic you have to be to sing with hip-hop icon Missy Elliott? This collaboration happened in 2013, but it deserves mention because it was so iconic. G-DRAGON’s new rap with that old-school Missy Elliot vibe on Niliria is a cultural reset, a serve and a moment in K-pop hall of fame.

    Chanyeol x Marshmello x Tinashe x Far East Movement

    Freal Luv is a fusion of R&B, electro and pop vibes, and if you know ball, that’s a top-tier combination. EXO’s Chanyeol’s English and Korean rap verse mixed with Tinashe’s sensual R&B and Marshmello doing his electro-pop thing, whew. 

    It’s a 10/10 for me. 

    PSY and Snoop Dogg

    No K-Pop collaboration list can be complete without mentioning PSY. The mix of English and Korean was such a smooth transition in their rap, and it makes sense PSY’s usually chaotic energy matched Snoop’s. I’m not the only one who thought this collaboration was brilliant, as it was used in 2018’s Black Panther.

    READ ALSO: QUIZ: Only K-Pop Fans Know Who Sang These Iconic Lyrics

  • One thing all anime fans will agree on is that white-haired anime characters are usually the strongest, most extraordinary and hottest. If a character has white hair or goes through problems that turn his hair white, be ready for some well-deserved action.

    Gojo Satoru – Jujutsu Kaisen

    At first, he gives off lazy energy, but real anime fans know characters like him are usually super strong. With his eyepatch on, he’s the playful and annoying sensei to his students, but the moment the mask comes off power pass power. Gojo is an arrogant but highly-skilled sorcerer no one should cross.  

    RELATED: QUIZ: Can You Unscramble These Anime Titles in 1 Minute?

    Ken Kaneki – Tokyo Ghoul

    To be honest, Kaneki was a loser until he had the “character development” that turned his hair white. He turned into a ghoul who needs to eat people to survive, but this man chooses to drink coffee instead to suppress his hunger, in his saviour era for real. Kaneki has that good-boy-gone-bad arch going for him, and I love it. His fight scenes are a pleasure to watch and watching him casually save the world like it’s another Tuesday never gets old. 

    Kakashi – Naruto

    The internet lost its mind when we realised this man just casually reads smut for fun in public. But there’s more to him than being a whore. Kakashi motivates his students to be their best selves. Imagine being the student of a Hokage, teaching the Hokage, and then becoming a Hokage yourself. Being as strong as the main character, whose power is half demon, is just goated. 

    Killua – Hunter x Hunter

    Don’t be deceived by his cuteness. Don’t even go near when he’s in assassin mode because that’ll be the end for you. Killua takes self-confidence to another level, but you’d do the same if you were undefeatable. He’s also a super great friend and is always amused for someone with an intensely tragic backstory.

    Todoroki – My Hero Academia

    To be fair, Todoroki isn’t purely white-haired, but he gets a pass because, if push comes to shove, he’d have pure white hair to erase the red that reminds him of his dad. He’s the epitome of calm and collected. His powers are dramatic but get the work down. His growth as a person is chef kiss, and he’s a safe space for fans with daddy issues. 

    Najenda – Akame Ga Kill

    There’s no way anyone would watch Akame Ga Kill and not fall in love with Najenda. She starts as this super cool general whose hobby is killing people. But… mention one anime hero who hasn’t killed someone. Exactly. She’s also funny and has this super cool “inspector gadget” arm that gives her character sauce. What’s better than a strong white-haired character? A funny badass one, thank you.  

    Shougo Makishima – Psycho-pass

    There’s no trope hotter than the white-haired, morally-grey character, which sums Shougo up completely. He’s always two steps ahead, and fear? What’s that, please? He kills people without a second thought and is such a sweet talker. You’d hear his voice in your head for days after watching Psycho-pass. But that’s a small price to pay to see him on screen, to be honest. That’s my sadistic, parseltongue king, and I stand by him. 

    READ ALSO: Annoying Conversations That Happen in Every Nigerian Anime Group Chat

  • We will remember 2020 for many things: a scary pandemic, a global shutdown in response to said pandemic, the rise and fall of the Houseparty app and, for music lovers, the surprise takeover of Omah Lay. 

    Armed with kickass melodies, relaxing mid-tempo production and romantic declarations like, “You don burst my eyeglass”, Omah Lay quickly became the year’s breakout artist. And in the same year big shots like Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy, Tiwa Savage and Olamide all dropped well-received albums, Omah Lay somehow managed to remain a major fixture in the musical conversation. 

    His debut EP, Get Layd, was a significant departure from what Nigerians were used to at the time. Carefully blending R&B and Afropop, Omah Lay wasn’t singing about shutting the club down or living his best life. Instead, he delved into honest conversations about love and sex. And with everyone stuck at home trying to figure life out, the EP felt like the comfort music we needed at the time. A classic case of the right time and place. 

    Unlike most of the habits we picked up during the pandemic (Is anyone still baking Banana bread every day?), Omah Lay’s music is one thing we haven’t been able to shake off. His second EP, What Have We Done, gave us the reflective Godly and Can’t Relate, as well as a fitting remix to Damn alongside 6LACK. Features with Olamide and Ajebo Hustlers followed, further cementing his position as a hitmaker. 

    RECOMMENDED: Halfway Into 2022 and These Are the Best Nigerian Albums We’ve Heard

    In all of this, Omah Lay has maintained a narrative of longing. He’s either longing for love on songs like Bad Influence, for understanding on songs like Can’t Relate, reciprocated feelings on Attention, closure on Understand or peace of mind on Godly. 

    Can Omah Lay maintain this emo boy narrative with the world back on the dancefloor? But most importantly, will it slap like it did two years ago? 

    The Breakdown 

    Omah Lay sets the stage with the album’s opening tracks, Recognize and I, in which he tries to convince his listeners he’s destined for greatness (although a part of me feels he’s trying to convince himself). The introspective tracks are followed by the sex-driven Bend You and the early single, Woman. On the Blaqbonez-esque Bend You, Omah Lay gets pornhub-level graphic, talking about all the ways he could make his girl “shake like say she get epilepsy”. While Woman also involves some backbreaking, there’s a promise of romance and a possible pregnancy since he has no plan of pulling out. 

    EmoLay (Emotional Omah Lay, get it?) makes a comeback to talk about using alcohol to escape imposter syndrome and loneliness on I’m A Mess, before admitting to another escapist vice, marijuana, on the reflective Temptation. He, however, finds himself, and some solace, on Never Forget and Safe Haven. 

    We finally get to vibe on Soso and How To Luv, which has a sprinkle of amapiano and lyrics that shout Kcee out for singing Limpopo. Omah Lay calls on Tay Iwar to assist him to the finish line with Tell Everybody, a song that successfully straddles the line between seduction and emotional yearnings. It might not get the love it deserves now, but best believe Tell Everybody is bound to be a fave after several listens. 

    After an emotional rollercoaster, Purple Song closes the 14-track album that still ends up with a run time of less than 40 minutes. It feels right to end this way as Omah Lay sings about not letting his love go no matter what. While the song sounds like an ode to a love interest on first listen, it’s better to picture it as Omah Lay’s love letter to music. 

    Final Thoughts 

    Omah Lay has always been honest with his music, but Boy Alone finds the Port Harcourt native digging deeper than he’s ever done before. His ability to create melodies and laidback music while addressing heartbreak, longing and loss sets him apart from most of his peers today. 

    While the production feels monotonous and makes the album sound like one long song sometimes, Omah Lay’s lyrics get the MVP title for deftly sharing stories that feel authentic to who he is. On Boy Alone, nothing feels contrived or made up. You can vibe all you want, but last last, you’ll listen to Omah Lay’s story. 

    ALSO READ: Do We Love Burna Boy’s “Love, Damini”?

  • The Duffer Brothers, who created and produced  Stranger Things, are remaking Death Note, and I have a lot of thoughts. With Stranger Things popularity and good reviews, it’s safe to say they do justice to their projects but enough to recreate anime? I don’t think so. This is a live-action anime remake, and Death Note has had seven remakes, each with worse reviews than the last,  since its release in 2006. 

    If the Duffer Brothers must put us through another torture of a remake, here’s everything we hate about live-action anime and what they can do different. 

    Death Note has a huge pop culture impact. Everyone, aka me, wanted to have a death note where they could write names of people they hated so they could die as the main character Light did. I even wanted to be friends with Ryuk; he was super chill. But, anime is a very tricky art form to turn into live-action. It’s popular enough that many Hollywood directors draw inspiration from it or remake it and, most of the time, ruin it for fans. 

    The thing about anime that makes it attractive to its fans are things that can never translate appropriately in real life, from fight scenes to breaks that introduce new scenes, or even weird characters Like Ryuk from Death Note, who looks like a sleep paralysis demon. 

    Live-action writers and producers either remake the anime with the budget of a Nollywood epic movie or deviate from the script entirely. I understand wanting to try something new, but does it have to become plotless? My G, please copy. Word for word, copy the anime to the best of your budget. 

    Don’t take something people love and ruin it. No one is asking you to make them speak Japanese, but don’t whitewash the characters or ruin iconic scenes with lousy acting. Trying to do too much while not doing enough will end in tears.

    It’s not like it’s impossible to make great live-action anime movies. Your Lie in April, Alita: Battle Angel and Speed Racer were some good ones, and that’s a lot because even they had their problems. But, we don’t talk about Dragon Ball: Evolution, Netflix’s Death Note, and the Devilman movie. 

    Watching a lot of anime has given me enough insight on things you need to note if, for any reason, you have to make a live-action anime. I am Nigerian, and sharing advice no one asked for is our thing. Anyway, here are questions I think producers and writers should ask themselves before making life-action movies. 

    1. Can my budget recreate those incredible fight scenes? 

    2. How do I make sure the original voice is not lost?

    3. Should I keep the intro and outro? The answer is yes, but if you don’t get the rights for it, don’t do the movie. Thanks. 

    4. How good am I at world-building?

    5. Should this be a movie or a series? 

    If you are adopting from a series, you already have your answer. Trying to fit a twenty or more episode anime into one movie will end in disgrace. 

    Sitting down to ask yourself these questions might just give insight into the original creator’s thought process. Doing good work is difficult and expensive, but what’s the point of creating if everyone hates your work just cause you couldn’t be bothered? 

    I won’t say I’m excited about this remake because live-action anime always disappoints. Still, I’d like to see what the Duffer brothers will do differently. They have eight reference points to look at. Fingers crossed it won’t become one of those things we pretend didn’t happen. 

    READ ALSO: Why Watching Anime With Nigerians Is Always Hilarious

  • K-drama writers are brilliant as fuck. They add these tropes on purpose, so die-hard fans like me can keep coming up with theories based on familiar tropes. They might be annoying at times, but they add spice to the plot, so we stick around. 

    Here are the six most recurring tropes you can’t miss in K-drama. 

    The main characters must have met as kids

    I’m not even going to lie; this trope slaps, and all the best dramas use this. It always works best when they don’t remember each other and hate each other’s guts. Like in Hometown Cha-cha-cha. Every time I see this trope, I want to fight my brain for forgetting all my kindergarten friends.  

    RELATED:  QUIZ: Where Are You Going to Find Love?

    Sudden illness or amnesia

    You thought Mexican series had this trope on lock, but them no do reach Koreans. When you’re watching a K-drama and things are going too well, just prepare for an accident that’ll give the main character amnesia or a sudden terminal illness. Have your tissues ready. You’re about to cry hot tears. 

    Episode 12 breakup

    I want Koreans to know that art doesn’t always have to imitate life. I didn’t come to watch a K-drama for them to break up. But what do they care about my feelings? It’s on schedule at this point. Isn’t 12 supposed to be a holy number signifying new things? Anyway, if your relationship is 12 seconds, days, weeks, months, or years old, my dear, good luck. Break-up na national cake, after all. 

    The best friend who’s in love with his best friend, who likes someone else

    This trope is annoying because if your best friend ever confesses that they like you because someone else is showing interest in you, you better run. These characters need to stop doing this nonsense sha. I like that K-dramas never lets him get the girl sh because that’s dirty behaviour. A closed mouth is a closed destiny. 

    The suspicious man dressed in all black with a black cap and mask

    There aren’t many things in life that upset me, but in what world  would anyone see a man dressed like this and follow him? What do these characters have against staying alive? I know it’s just to move the plot, but girl? Is everything okay at home? 

    Korean idols as main characters 

    And they always show out. When Bae Suzy, IU, Park Seo-Joon, or Choi Si-won are in a K-drama, I always expect perfection. This is one trope I can never complain about because we know they are great at singing, but watching them act is a whole other experience. I’m a simple person —  I see an idol in a K-drama and watch it. Life’s not complicated. 

    READ ALSO: How to Write the Perfect Romantic K-drama Series

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