Spoilers endure for thousands of years!
As the Covid pandemic rages on with no end in apparent sight, the thought of romance and spending time together with the vestiges of humanity makes Moxie’s scrubbed skin crawl, so instead we’re diving into a story of Korean monsters, mythology, murder, and redemption over a thousand years in the making!
Most people are familiar with the semi-standard tropes of monsters known more or less around the world – vampires, shape-shifters, and the like – but with all the popularity South Korean television has garnered in the last decade, the rich monster mythology Korea has to offer has yet to be explored – til now!
As the show readily explains more than once, a Bulgasal is a vampire-like being, forced to feed on human blood and cursed with immortality, for a monster with no soul simply cannot reincarnate. Our primary Bulgasal is Dan Hwal (Lee Jin-wook), though it does take him some time to give his name, for when our story begins in the modern era, Hwal is effectively running around as the monster who kills other reincarnated monsters, nameless. Hwal doesn’t need to eat, not people food anyway, he gets regularly scheduled deliveries of beef blood from adorable Ajumma Lee Hye-suk (Park Myung-shin) whom he saved from a different monster when she was a girl, Hwal barely sleeps or even rests, he’s simply waiting. What’s he waiting for, you ask? For a woman, for the woman, specifically the reincarnation of the woman who killed Hwal’s family and made him into Bulgasal, some 600 years ago. Yes, Bulgasal is big into themes like reincarnation, fate, and destiny.
Then there’s the woman Hwal’s been waiting forever for, Min Sang-woon (Kwon Nara), and by extension, her sister Min Si-ho (Gong Seung-yeon). Her childhood was forever shattered when her parents were slain by, what else, a monster of the Bulgasal variety, yes, but why? Because some six hundred years ago, when Sang-woon was a terror herself apparently, she purportedly slew Hwal’s adoptive father Dan Geuk (Jung Jin-young), his wife Dan Sol and their poor blind son, and to add insult to injury, stole Hwal’s soul and turned him into Bulgasal. Inevitably here in the modern world, Hwal’s adoptive father, wife, and even son have all reincarnated and are about to get themselves involved in the hunt for the real Bulgasal boogeyman! Did I happen to mention that Bulgasal is huge into, like, inevitable destiny?
So if it wasn’t an appalling Sang-woon from a previous life or any of these other reincarnated humans with monstrous ancestry that Hwal happens to be interim killing while he waits for his intended to reincarnate so he can kill her yet again, who’s the really-real villain of this story? Rich and powerful and effectively immortal, his name is Ok Eul-tae (Lee Joon), he’s been associated with Bulgasal and Hwal in particular for a long time now, and has been holding a grudge against Sang-woon for pretty much this entire time. The why of his grudge against both Sang-woon and Hwal, the gaping void hole in his chest, the miserly way he hoards secrets only to deploy them like a bomb for max effect decades later, all conspire to demonstrate how unstable and volatile Ok Eul-tae really is. Like the brutal and atrocious consequences of a disastrous decision made a very long time ago, Ok Eul-tae glories in bringing maximum destruction to those he considers secondary roles in Hwal’s life, which is pretty much everyone, but especially that damnable woman that keeps reincarnating and getting in the way of him and Hwal going off into the darkness together forever! (Sure sounds an awful lot like a previously scorned lover to me!)
Sure, there’s plenty about the fate and destiny of love, even hundreds of years and lives lived later, but what makes Bulgasal Immortal Souls different is showing the consequences of the hurt and pain we cause those we claim to love around us, sometimes even decades or lifetimes later. Some people hold grudges tighter and more precious than Faberge eggs, especially against those they claim to love, and the ripples that spread out from that have a tendency to affect those only innocently associated on the periphery, too. Hwal finds himself shocked and horrified to see the reincarnated versions of his loved ones be hurt and even die as a direct result of his actions, and we feel every single second of his immortal suffering with him. (In case it wasn’t obvious, Bulgasal is also big-big-big into suffering – physical pain, emotional torture, mental agony, seeing our loved ones tormented in our own place, etc.)
The show also emphasizes the thought that true families are made, people gather ‘round each-other and choose to be together, to call each other ‘brother’ or ‘auntie’ or ‘Ajumma’, to chide each other over not eating, to share in heartbreaks and triumphs with people you chose to love, not because destiny said you shared blood ancestry and therefore have to care about them. In particular the performance of modern-day Detective Kwon and previous-life General Dan Geuk, the man who rescued a cursed, nameless boy from the machinations of a shaman and the idiocy of villagers and helps Hwal run around investigating Ok Eul-tae in the modern world, and the love and care of Ajumma Lee Hye-suk, who was that same shaman who cursed Hwal in a previous life and could be accused of starting this entire cycle of suffering and pain around him, in this life she became the Mother figure of the strange little family Hwal gathered ‘round himself.
Bulgasal Immortal Souls breaks the chains of destiny, and proves that real love – familial, platonic, romantic, whatever – is something you fight for, with your own hands and heart and mind! Catch the blood-drenched struggle against the madness of fate on Netflix now!

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five quintessential Indian love stories that have left an indelible mark on audiences.
I’ve curated a list of five quintessential Indian love stories that have left an indelible mark on audiences. Each film is a testament to the rich tapestry of romance in Indian cinema, blending compelling narratives with stellar performances.

1. Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995)
Genre: Romance, Drama
Runtime: 3 hours 9 minutes
Actors: Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol
Writer: Aditya Chopra
Director: Aditya Chopra
Studio: Yash Raj Films
Synopsis: A timeless tale of love, the film follows Raj and Simran, who meet during a European vacation and fall in love, only to face familial opposition upon returning to India.
Where to Watch: Available on Netflix.

2. Jab We Met (2007)
Genre: Romance, Comedy
Runtime: 2 hours 18 minutes
Actors: Shahid Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor
Writer: Imtiaz Ali
Director: Imtiaz Ali
Studio: Shree Ashtavinayak Cine Vision Ltd.
Synopsis: A heartwarming story of a depressed businessman who finds a new lease on life after meeting a spirited and talkative girl on a train journey.
Where to Watch: Available on Netflix.

3. Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (2013)
Genre: Romance, Drama
Runtime: 2 hours 40 minutes
Actors: Ranbir Kapoor, Deepika Padukone
Writer: Ayan Mukerji, Hussain Dalal (dialogues)
Director: Ayan Mukerji
Studio: Dharma Productions
Synopsis: The film explores the journey of four friends, focusing on the evolving relationship between Bunny and Naina, as they navigate love, dreams, and friendship.
Where to Watch: Available on Netflix.

4. Barfi! (2012)
Genre: Romance, Comedy, Drama
Runtime: 2 hours 31 minutes
Actors: Ranbir Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra, Ileana D’Cruz
Writer: Anurag Basu
Director: Anurag Basu
Studio: UTV Motion Pictures
Synopsis: Set in the 1970s, the film tells the story of a mute and deaf man named Barfi and his relationships with two women, highlighting love beyond societal norms.
Where to Watch: Available on Netflix.

5. Manmarziyaan (2018)
Genre: Romance, Drama
Runtime: 2 hours 35 minutes
Actors: Abhishek Bachchan, Taapsee Pannu, Vicky Kaushal
Writer: Kanika Dhillon
Director: Anurag Kashyap
Studio: Phantom Films, Aanand L. Rai
Synopsis: A contemporary love triangle that delves into the complexities of modern relationships, commitment, and the choices individuals make in love.
Where to Watch: Available on Netflix.
These films encapsulate the essence of Indian romance, each offering a unique perspective on love and relationships. They are readily available for streaming, allowing viewers to immerse themselves in these captivating tales.
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the Top 10 List of Korean Romance Dramas with details on where you can stream them


1. Crash Landing on You (2019–2020)
Cast: Hyun Bin, Son Ye-jin
Director: Lee Jung-hyo
Writer: Park Ji-eun
Episodes: 16
Where to Watch: Netflix
Summary: A South Korean heiress crash-lands in North Korea and is rescued by a North Korean officer. Their love transcends borders in this heartfelt drama.
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2. Goblin (Guardian: The Lonely and Great God) (2016–2017)
Cast: Gong Yoo, Kim Go-eun, Lee Dong-wook
Director: Lee Eung-bok
Writer: Kim Eun-sook
Episodes: 16 (+ 3 special episodes)
Where to Watch: Viki, Amazon Prime Video
Summary: A goblin cursed with immortality seeks his bride, the only one who can end his eternal life. This story is packed with humor, heartache, and breathtaking visuals.

3. Descendants of the Sun (2016)
Cast: Song Joong-ki, Song Hye-kyo
Director: Lee Eung-bok
Writer: Kim Eun-sook, Kim Won-seok
Episodes: 16 (+ 3 special episodes)
Where to Watch: Viki, Netflix
Summary: A soldier and a doctor navigate love amidst war zones and life-threatening decisions.

4. Itaewon Class (2020)
Cast: Park Seo-joon, Kim Da-mi
Director: Kim Sung-yoon
Writer: Gwang Jin (based on a webtoon)
Episodes: 16
Where to Watch: Netflix
Summary: A determined young man opens a bar in Itaewon to seek revenge against a corrupt company while discovering unexpected love.

5. What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim (2018)
Cast: Park Seo-joon, Park Min-young
Director: Park Joon-hwa
Writer: Jung Kyung-yoon (novel), Jung Eun-young (screenplay)
Episodes: 16
Where to Watch: Viki, Netflix
Summary: A narcissistic CEO is baffled when his loyal secretary announces her resignation, leading to a romantic and comedic journey.

6. My Love from the Star (2013–2014)
Cast: Kim Soo-hyun, Jun Ji-hyun
Director: Jang Tae-yoo
Writer: Park Ji-eun
Episodes: 21
Where to Watch: Viki, Hulu
Summary: A centuries-old alien living on Earth falls for a famous actress, creating a love story that blends sci-fi with romance.

7. Hotel Del Luna (2019)
Cast: IU, Yeo Jin-goo
Director: Oh Choong-hwan
Writers: Hong Jung-eun, Hong Mi-ran
Episodes: 16
Where to Watch: Viki, Netflix
Summary: A mystical hotel for ghosts, run by a cursed and captivating woman, sets the stage for a love story that spans lifetimes.

8. Twenty-Five Twenty-One (2022)
Cast: Kim Tae-ri, Nam Joo-hyuk
Director: Jung Ji-hyun
Writer: Kwon Do-eun
Episodes: 16
Where to Watch: Netflix
Summary: Set during the 1997 financial crisis, a teenage fencer and a young man bond over dreams and hardships in this nostalgic romance.

9. Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo (2016–2017)
Cast: Lee Sung-kyung, Nam Joo-hyuk
Director: Oh Hyun-jong
Writer: Yang Hee-seung
Episodes: 16
Where to Watch: Viki, Netflix
Summary: A young weightlifter navigates love, friendship, and self-discovery in this charming romantic comedy.

10. Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha (2021)
Cast: Shin Min-a, Kim Seon-ho
Director: Yoo Je-won
Writer: Shin Ha-eun
Episodes: 16
Where to Watch: Netflix
Summary: A big-city dentist moves to a seaside village and finds love and healing with a local handyman in this heartwarming tale.
These dramas are available on popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Viki, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu, making them easy to access for fans worldwide.
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Top-five list of romantic Japanese anime


1. Your Lie in April (Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso)
Director: Kyohei Ishiguro
Writer: Takao Yoshioka (screenplay), Naoshi Arakawa (manga)
Animation Studio: A-1 Pictures
Genre: Romance, Drama, Music
Runtime: Approx. 22 minutes per episode
Number of Episodes: 22
Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll, Netflix, Hulu
Synopsis: A talented young pianist, Kosei Arima, loses his ability to hear the piano after his mother’s death. His world changes when he meets the spirited violinist Kaori Miyazono, who teaches him to embrace music and life again.

2. Fruits Basket (2019 Reboot)
Director: Yoshihide Ibata
Writer: Taku Kishimoto (screenplay), Natsuki Takaya (manga)
Animation Studio: TMS Entertainment
Genre: Romance, Fantasy, Slice of Life
Runtime: Approx. 23 minutes per episode
Number of Episodes: 63 (3 seasons)
Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll, Funimation, Hulu
Synopsis: Orphaned Tohru Honda moves in with the mysterious Soma family, who harbor a magical curse: members transform into animals of the Chinese Zodiac. Amid unraveling secrets, she finds love and healing.

3. Toradora!
Director: Tatsuyuki Nagai
Writer: Mari Okada (screenplay), Yuyuko Takemiya (light novel)
Animation Studio: J.C. Staff
Genre: Romantic Comedy, Slice of Life
Runtime: Approx. 25 minutes per episode
Number of Episodes: 25
Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll, Netflix, HIDIVE
Synopsis: Ryuuji Takasu and Taiga Aisaka strike an unlikely alliance to help each other win over their crushes, only to discover their feelings for each other along the way.

4. Violet Evergarden
Director: Taichi Ishidate
Writer: Reiko Yoshida (screenplay), Kana Akatsuki (light novel)
Animation Studio: Kyoto Animation
Genre: Drama, Romance, Slice of Life
Runtime: Approx. 25 minutes per episode
Number of Episodes: 13 + Special + Movies
Streaming Platform: Netflix
Synopsis: Violet, a former child soldier, seeks purpose as a ghostwriter and learns about love and human emotion through her clients’ stories.

5. Snow White with the Red Hair (Akagami no Shirayuki-hime)
Director: Masahiro Ando
Writer: Deko Akao (screenplay), Sorata Akizuki (manga)
Animation Studio: Bones
Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Drama
Runtime: Approx. 24 minutes per episode
Number of Episodes: 24 (2 seasons)
Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll, Funimation
Synopsis: Shirayuki, a herbalist with red hair, flees her kingdom after catching the attention of a lecherous prince. She finds a new home and love with Prince Zen of the neighboring kingdom.