Coroner's Diary

The art of uncovering the truth through autopsy | Upholding justice in the world | Lovely CPs! <3

"What parents should give their children isn't just blood ties, but love and education." - Shen/Qin Wan

Something I am truly grateful about this drama is how they kept the death toll at the lowest and never really killed any of the main cast. I appreciate it so much since unnecessary deaths are often used by some writers as a plot device to make the story more heavy and dark, thus creating areas to insert their crazy plot twists—to me that's simply a nasty and outdated way of writing which plays on the viewers feelings and emotions—so I wanna sincerely thank the director, producer and writers for making this story this way—full of compassion, rationality and magnanimity. That's one hell of a fascinating and awe-striking story right there. <3

The investigation scenes were all impressive! I expected a lot and they delivered. I love how they carefully walk us through the investigation and problem solving process till we reach the mind-blowing resolutions. Just wanna mention that the 1st case "Headless Bride" is my most favorite. It was truly unsettling and an insanely diabolical case. And when Qin Wan patched the charred and broken/dismantled skull up, I lost it...she was spectacular, no doubt about that, but that scene is just heartbreaking for me to watch. A job well done! ~ Also, the puking scenes were overly dramatized yet I find them really funny. Haha!

I also want to talk about some issues/plot holes I find frustrating about Qin Wan. First, on Ep.19 instead of calling for help since someone was stabbed and is dying, she resorted to asking the dying victim who's at fault/murderer...It was accurate but why does she didn't ask for help or to at least get people's attention first? I know that she is the "doctor" but her responding that way is one of the reason why the arson even proceeded—since it's an opportunity. Second is the safety measure tools (whistle & fire signal) that Yan Chi gave her but she never use. I was palpably pissed at every opportunity she could have used it but never did. Grr!

Next topic I wanna talk about is the most significant yet tragic message of this story—There's no "family" within the Imperial family. Watching this drama reminded me how wealth and power feeds on one's greed and how it can completely consume anyone who gets overly exposed to it. It is the source of all evil capable of influencing even the kindest soul to be scheming, cold-hearted and cruel.

"Trusted yet doubted, loyal yet slandered." - Prince Rui/Yan Lin

On a side note, I just wanna say how much I hate Prince Rui (Yan Chi's father) for being stoic and unaffectionate. He made his son suffer till the end just because he's adamant of his views and promises. Men who are proud is fine but men who are unyielding is plain stupid to me. And no, his little diary plot device just doesn't work out very well for me. Outright lame and cowardly.

The other CPs on this drama are great! Although they gave us the bare minimum of their stories yet everything still feels satisfying enough. Yan Li and Yue Ning gave us this love-hate relationship that gradually develops into companionship to lovers. Then Bai Feng and Fu Ling gave us this cute slow-paced progress that fills up my heart whenever they're on screen. P.S. Thank you for not killing any of them. <3

Lastly, thank you for giving us a worthy and satisfying ending. All issues has been addressed (although mostly off-screened) + they provides us updates of the main characters and how their life unfolded after all the chaos.

P.S. I love the main leads kissing scenes—shallow and feather but exudes intensity of their feelings for each other.

"When once virtue doesn't match the position, disaster will surely follow." - Yan Chi

Story - 10, I initially thought of giving this a 9.5 because of the little issues I mentioned above, however, looking back on how I enjoyed it so much, I just don't think it deserves it. I love this drama for its excellent investigation scenes but above more for its beautiful and compact storytelling.

Acting/Cast - 10, I love everyone on this drama and I enjoyed their individual executions as well. Acting is great and so is their synergy as a whole team.

Music - 10, All songs used are wonderful and sounds great. Specially the song used on Ep.15 (Headless Bride case).

Rewatch Value - 10, A drama I won't mind watching again. Will surely recommend.

Overall - 10, Despite the issues I mentioned above, I have decided that it wasn't really that big of a deal to affect my rating of this drama. After all, the story was splendidly narrated and acted; and I am satisfied on how they resolved the conflicts of the story. Wonderful ending as well.

IF you find my review helpful please let me know.

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Forensic mystery and romance is surprisingly addictive.

The mix of forensic investigation and romance works way better than I thought it would. The FL is such a strong and clever lead, and watching her skillfully solve cases while navigating the tricky palace politics is honestly so satisfying, she’s smart, determined and never lets anyone underestimate her.
And the ML, I’m completely obsessed with his calm demeanor, intelligence and the moments when his genuine emotions peek through, especially in how he supports and trusts the FL in her investigations.
Their relationship is incredibly well-developed, filled with subtle glances, mutual respect, playful banter and emotional moments that make their connection feel natural and really engaging.
The story slows down a bit when they move to the capital but the romance and character development keep things interesting. I do get why some people have issues with pacing or the predictability later on but for me the first half alone was enough to make me binge. Honestly, it’s refreshing to see a drama that balances mystery, emotional depth, and just a little bit of palace drama without going overboard. It’s the kind of drama that sticks with you long after the last episode ends.

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Love The Female Lead

Amazing female lead. Very good male lead. Amazing writing. Overall, an amazing drama with well written characters, plot, and a smart female lead. Loved it! I love a smart female lead , who isn’t boy obsessed more than anything and this drama delivered on that.

90% of cdramas for some odd reason (sexism) write pathetic female leads or they like to torture the female lead with never ending trauma. Or the worst, is when they write a grown adult female lead that acts like a child and speaks like a toddler. I personally think it’s fetish of sexist writers and it needs to stop.

This drama was so well written. I loved the plot and every character, even the bad ones. Just really mature writing. Pair the writing with the amazing acting and this is one of my top shows of the year. Loved it.

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Agents of the Justice

Coroner’s Diary tells the gripping tale of Shen Wan, the daughter of Shen Yi, a high-ranking official of the Supreme Court. After her entire family is tragically massacred due to their alleged involvement in a case tied to Prince Jin and the royal power struggle, Shen Wan escapes to Jingzhou under the guise of Qin Wan, the Ninth Lady of the Qin family.
Gifted in medicine and skilled in forensic autopsies, Shen Wan is determined to root out injustice and clear her father's name. In Jingzhou, she crosses paths with Yan Chi, the crown prince of King Rui, who is himself entangled in the political turmoil surrounding the case of Prince Jin. Impressed by Shen Wan’s intelligence, skills and integrity, the two join forces—bound by a shared sense of justice—to uncover the truth buried deep within palace conspiracies, solving one crime after another along the way.
The drama consistently emphasizes the primacy of law: no matter one’s status, every crime must be judged fairly and legally. Autopsies are shown as a vital means of giving voice to the victims—allowing truth to be heard beyond death. The forensic and investigative aspects of the show are handled with both respect and realism. Each case is well constructed and resolved (though there is still room for improvement), keeping viewers thoroughly engaged, particularly during the earlier investigations set outside the capital.
The true highlight of the series for me, however, lies in the relationship between the leads—Shen Wan (Qin Wan) and Yan Chi. Their partnership is built on mutual respect, trust, commitment and unwavering support. From start to finish, their bond remains strong and drama-free—no petty misunderstandings or unnecessary conflicts. They stand side by side as equals, communicating openly and facing every challenge together. Yan Chi, as portrayed by Ao Ruipeng, is almost too good to be true—a man of unwavering respect and love, the kind every woman would dream of having by her side. Ao Ruipeng delivers a standout performance, especially in the action scenes, which are both polished and intense.
Li Landi also impresses as Shen Wan, bringing to life a smart, capable, and composed woman who never wavers in the face of adversity. The supporting characters—Yue Ning, Yan Li, Bai Feng, Fuling, and others—each add their own charm and dimension to the story.
The series concludes on a high note: not only do Shen Wan and Yan Chi end up together, but they continue working side by side, solving cases and upholding justice. It’s a more meaningful resolution than just a romantic union—it’s a lasting promise of order and righteousness. As long as they’re around, justice will prevail.

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FRESH STORYLINE, NEEDED BETTER EXECUTION

This drama has every component to make it great;
1) The plot is fresh, having the FL be a Coroner is not something I've seen done in Chinese dramas.
2) Love and Romance, very sweet and the leads had me squealing
3) Side plots, very interesting and engaging
4) Conflicts for our main leads
5) Likeable Characters
It had everything to make it great but these things were not executed well enough.
Where this drama "failed" the most was the acting, it was not that good. Acceptable? Yes, but it could have been so much better.
The pacing was also off, too much time was spent getting to the unravelling of the conspiracy and not enough time on the unravelling itself.

Everything that happened was just convenient.

For a drama that is heavily focused on romance, I thought the boundaries of the conflict the leads faced in their relationship could have been pushed further.

The second leads' relationship also happened so fast and wasn't built steadily to make it easy to believe their love.

And it fell off in the last few episodes.

I just found myself wanting more.
In conclusion, it's a good drama, it did enough but it could have done so much more.
I rated it this high in part because of how much I enjoyed it in the beginning and middle parts

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A Well Balanced Mystery Forensic Drama and the Greenest Flag Male Lead

This drama tops all the mystery, crime solving dramas that I have watched. The story was well written and well paced, leaving no plot holes or unanswered questions. The plot centers around solving cases through forensics, along with romance on the side. I particularly love how there are no misunderstanding plots throughout the drama.

The actors did really well in acting out their roles. Ao Ruipeng was great as Yan Chi and trust me when I say this, Yan Chi is the greenest male lead in Chinese dramas. The admiration, respect, understanding, and love that he has for Shen Wan was honestly, inspiring. Also, the scene of him falling for her at first sight in episode 1 was beautiful and definitely worth looking forward to!

Li Landi was also made for the role of Shen Wan. As a coroner, she was really set on solving cases through forensics and she was not afraid to correct the wrongs, even if it’s someone dear to her. I have to mention that her eyes were captivating. Not only the two leads, Yu Chengen and Shen Yujie also did well in their roles as Yan Li and Yue Ning, respectively.

All in all, this is definitely one of my favorite dramas that I have rewatched multiple times! The cases in this drama were also able to get me hooked and on the edge of my seat.

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I watched the drama because of the hype (heat index), but it was really disappointing. :((((

I'm someone who doesn't usually write reviews for C-Dramas I've watched—especially when the story isn't that great. But since I was drawn in by the "heat index" popularity, I had higher expectations. Sadly, this drama was quite disappointing—though not necessarily in terms of the plot. Here's what made it fall short for me:

1) The plot starts off strong and promising, but the execution is poor.
– The idea is unique: a smart female coroner determined to uncover the truth behind her parents' deaths, hiding her identity and solving cases in each episode (which sounds fun). But... everything feels rushed. It’s like watching a short drama clip you'd find on TikTok, Reels, or other short-form platforms—quick, surface-level, and lacking emotional depth.

2) The cast is attractive, but the acting is weak. :(((
– I’m not sure if it's due to rushed production, but the cast—while promising—fell below my expectations.
– The pacing is too fast, making it hard to connect emotionally with the characters. For example, in episode one, the female lead’s parents are killed, but I couldn’t feel her grief or desperation. She showed some anger and sadness, but it didn’t come across as convincing.
– In another scene where she helps a grandmother in the market, her expression was flat—again, no emotional depth. She’s undeniably pretty, but her performance lacked nuance.
– The male lead is also handsome, but his character portrayal felt off. He’s described as strong, fierce, and cunning... but he really isn’t. Sure, he has power, but "fierce"? Not quite.

3) They tried to portray a strong, intelligent female lead, but some parts felt unrealistic and made her come off as arrogant at times.

4) The romance is rushed.
– The pacing just doesn’t make sense. I don’t understand how the male lead fell in love so quickly—especially given that he’s a military leader who’s supposed to be “cunning” and “fierce.”
– There's a scene where the female lead tries to lure out the villains but ends up in danger—until the male lead rescues her. Sigh. It’s such a cliché and rushed romance. I don’t mind clichés as long as they don’t feel forced or unnatural. The moment the male lead told her she didn’t need to sacrifice herself during the lantern festival, I knew a typical rushed romance scene was coming.

I haven’t finished the drama yet, but the first five episodes were already so disappointing that I’m considering dropping it. It just goes to show that a high "heat index" doesn’t necessarily reflect the actual quality of a drama.

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Just like that

I didn't like it at all. I couldn't get into the series. I tried really hard, but it just wouldn't work. I just can't get into it, I can't commit.Landy Li was great in Love of Nirvana, but She's terrible in this one. Her acting is dull, cold, lifeless, and unmotivated. They might have told him to give him that kind of image. I mean, okay, there's a seriousness to her work, but otherwise, we see a slightly different face. Something happens, we change. She's always the same.
Ao Rui Peng has almost no energy. It's as if this series wasn't for her. It just didn't work. I couldn't see any warmth, or any chemistry, between the two. They just didn't work for me. They didn't work. I don't know why. These roles are obviously not for them.
What about the supporting roles? They're completely nonexistent. They're just random. They're like outsiders.
I'm not going to nitpick. I just couldn't get into the series. I dropped it.

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Love to solve cold cases and seeking for revenge...

Coroner’s Diary follows Shen Wan, daughter of a high-ranking court official, whose entire family is annihilated in a political cover-up. Escaping death, she reinvents herself as Qin Wan, a coroner in Jingzhou. Armed with her keen mind and a thirst for justice, she delves into corpse investigations, exposing one hidden crime after another—all while unraveling the conspiracy behind her family’s slaughter.

What It Does Exceptionally Well
1. Mystery That Respects Your Intelligence
This isn’t just fluff wrapped in silk robes. Each case Qin Wan investigates has real forensic depth. Clues matter. Logic matters. She’s not solving crimes by coincidence or charm—she’s a methodical thinker using anatomy, deduction, and intuition. If you enjoy piecing things together, the show feeds your mind without spoon-feeding.

2. Revenge With Moral Weight
This isn’t petty vengeance—it’s righteous fury tempered by reason. Qin Wan wants justice, not just for herself but for all the voiceless victims she examines. Her path isn’t easy or clean, and that’s what makes it compelling. Her decisions often cost her something—friends, safety, even love.

3. Atmosphere That Draws Blood
The visuals are dark, elegant, and purposeful. Candlelit autopsies, silent halls drenched in tension, and shadowy alleys echoing with secrets. The show doesn’t rush—it breathes. Each shot builds tone. If you like your thrillers with ambiance and dread, this delivers.

4. A Lead Actress Who Owns It
Li Landi (as Qin Wan) carries this show. Her performance is all restraint and resolve, like a flame burning under ice. No hysterics, no over-the-top drama—just sharp eyes, surgical tools, and inner war. It’s rare to see a female lead in historical C-dramas who’s this calculated, calm, and commanding.

Where It Falters
1. Pacing Isn’t For Everyone
If you want constant action or fast romance, this isn’t it. Some middle episodes slow down, especially during political exposition or side character arcs. The show takes its time unraveling threads—it’s a slow burn, and if you’re impatient, it might test you.

2. Side Characters Get Uneven Attention
While a few allies and antagonists stand out, many of the side characters fall into stereotypical traps—loyal friend, corrupt official, scheming concubine. They serve the plot but rarely evolve.

3. Romance Is Subtle to a Fault
The chemistry between Qin Wan and Yan Chi is more intellectual than emotional. There’s respect, trust, and shared goals—but don’t expect heavy romantic drama. If you’re here for love stories, this one plays it in the background.

Final Verdict
9/10 – A smart, brooding, slow-burn historical thriller for those who crave depth over spectacle.

Coroner’s Diary doesn’t chase trends—it carves its own path. It’s not a drama for passive watching. It demands your attention, rewards your patience, and delivers justice not with swords, but with scalpel and mind. For fans of The Imperial Coroner, Under the Power, or The Longest Day in Chang’an, this belongs in your top tier.

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