A Good Treasure Finding Tale
Just a good old fashioned treasure finding story. A mystery abounds in trying to use clues to find the treasure. Along the way the ML falls in love with a helpful (and smart) damsel. There are plenty of bad guys and one sinister femme fatale who put kinks into the treasure hunting. There are twists and turns, a mystery to solve, teenage drama, overly comedic scenes, and plenty to keep you tuned in. This is good 'ol Kdrama at its finest.Loved the actors!! The casting director really got the right actor in the right part. It is just entertainment in its purest sense. This reminds me of one of the first Kdramas I watched, and why I got hooked on Kdramas in the first place. Try it. I guarantee you'll enjoy it if you are just looking to be entertained.
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A Gripping Blend of Action, Emotion, and Social Commentary
The drama's centered around Jeong Hae Seong, an NIS agent who goes undercover at an elite high school to track down a hidden national treasure. It has a mix of suspense, emotional storytelling, and strong social themes that kept me hooked from start to finish.What I Liked:
1. Strong, Multi-Layered Characters
Jeong Hae Seong is such a compelling lead. He’s not just an action hero. He’s vulnerable, haunted by his own past with school bullying, and constantly evolving. His relationship with Oh Su A, a teacher having it rough at workplace too, adds an emotional heartbeat to the story. Their slow-burn relationship was great.
2. A Well-Woven Plot with Unique Twists
The whole treasure hunt tied into ghost stories was so clever. The mystery is built up with care, and each episode drops just enough clues and twists to keep you engaged.
3. Thoughtful Social Commentary
This isn’t just a spy-thriller. The drama digs into the toxic school hierarchy, bullying, and corruption, all rooted in real social structures. It doesn’t sugarcoat things.
4. A Solid Supporting Cast
Everyone added depth and complexity to the story.
What Could’ve Been Better:
1. Too Many Tropes
Just way too many tropes.
2. Character Choices
Hae Seong and Director Kim (not together) both made decisions at some point which threw me off. It wasn’t a dealbreaker, but it did pull me out of the story now and then.
3. Romance Left Me Wanting More
There was definitely chemistry between Hae Seong and Su A, but the romantic payoff felt a little rushed. A few more meaningful scenes could’ve made it even more satisfying. Hey, I'm not mad at it but if you were looking for an intense romance tied into the plot, this isn't it.
There were other things to play on our emotions with. It has a gripping plot, and real-world themes. While not perfect, it’s a powerful story that’s both entertaining and thought-provoking. If you're into dramas with action, mystery, and meaningful character growth, this one’s definitely worth your time.
Would I recommend it?
Yes, especially if you love undercover plots with heart and a touch of romance.
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It’s been a while
It’s been a while since I’ve seen an “old school” K-Drama, at least for my liking. I needed an entertaining, unrealistic, wholesome but well executed drama. I’ve been having some troubles to find a K-Drama with this perfect formula of fun, lighthearted and a well written story despite being just 12 episodes. Most of shorter dramas nowadays tend to be mediocre cause they can’t build nor the plot nor the characters. This one was the perfect example of a well done story in just 12 episode: it doesn’t have plot holes, they closed the series and all the characters’ arcs in a good way, without leaving you with unanswered questions, it didn’t waste precious time screen on useless scenes… This is what I want from a drama of this genre.I also loved the focus on the friendships rather than the romantic relationships. Bonus point: I’m so glad we got to see Seo Kang-Joon in a role where he could showcase different sides for his character, the troubled and the goofy one, it suited him to well.
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Seriously what was that?
When I saw the ratings and hype around this show, I was so ready to enjoy a good action comedy. However, I finished feeling underwhelmed and annoyed. Let’s start with the good; I loved the male lead. He brought a lot of charisma to the role. Observing him move around the school and engage with the students was entertaining. The students were also a fun watch, particularly Ye Na, as she was probably the only major deviation from the typical tropes. Now the negatives. I did not care for the romance in this show. It felt forced, with very little romantic chemistry between the leads. At first, the female lead made me feel really irritated and uncomfortable. It took quite a long time for her to grow on me and she ended up being lukewarm at best. The villain was a lifeless caricature that left me feeling indifferent. The actress gave a decent performance, but you can only do so much with poor writing. She wants money, she wants power, yawn. There was an opportunity to make her more layered. Speaking of the writing, the numerous plot holes made me feel as though I was watching a children's film. When they revealed the picture of the male and female lead “dating,” I was wondering how it took so long. These are probably the sloppiest NIS agents ever. Some might say I’m taking this comedy too seriously. You might be right. I think I’d be less critical if they leaned a bit more into the over-the-top and campy nature of the drama. However, tonally they were all over the place. Overall, the show is just fine; albeit rather predictable (down to the final reveal about the gold), but it has moments of entertainment.Was this review helpful to you?
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it’s okay… that’s pretty much all I have to say
It served its purpose as a background drama while I work on some things… sooo yeah.. (I really don’t know what else to say)The biggest problem I have is like… how does nobody suspect Seo Kangjoon?? As handsome as he is he does not look like a high schooler and I really can’t get over that.
The story is fine, nothing special, but interesting enough to keep you watching. Acting is fine too, I have nothing bad to say.
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nice and refreshing plot!
as the title says, the plot was quite unique and honestly enjoyable. but as other reviews said, seo kang joon really steals the show. his acting is flawless and i really think he suits action sort of roles! the plot wasnt too complicated to understand and all the characters were enjoyable especially their acting!! everyone pulled off their part perfectly and i'd love to see them in other dramas. and im glad romance was a secondary theme to this. it was a really fun watch and i'd recommend it to someone who is in a drama slump right now.though i do have some criticisms:
- the supporting characters backstories should have been more in depth, especially Su A's
- Su A's character should've been way more significant
- the NIS team needed a backstory
- the comedy and plot needed to flow together more seamlessly
- romance should've also been done better. there wasnt enough to be extremely rooting for them as a couple, them getting together made little difference to me tbh, but the plot and chemistry makes up for it. im glad the romance didnt get rushed tho!
- i know its meant to be a light hearted watch, but there was way too many "gotcha!" moments. realism has left the chat.
These couldve all been solved if it was a 16 episode drama, its a shame it was so short.
- probably the most insignificant criticism but my biggest pet peeve is the random childhood friends moment. it actually boils my blood you dont understand!! drama wouldve been a solid 9.5 for me without it. i notice this in a lot of east asian dramas and somehow people eat it up every time. do you all have some unforgettable childhood crush from when you were 6 like what??? but i was able to look past it because it was only mentioned like twice.
nevertheless a lot of these criticisms are forgiven because it was an enjoyable watch. highly recommend.
it was the first drama i finished without dropping in a long time so my rating might seem a little biased haha
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An entertaining enough watch
June 2025Pretty enjoyable overall; character Hae-song as an older high schooler was believable enough.
Plenty of intrigue and even though the baddies were unmasked pretty early on, it was still an at times gripping watch.
What spoilt it somewhat for me, was the FL's character, whom I found annoying. I think the story was, in part, highlighting her hypocrisy of being someone who wanted to do better by her students, yet at the same time not seeing past Hae-song's background, and automatically seeing what was expected of "someone like him", rather than what was in front of her, if she'd looked even a tiny bit deeper. Not the best character development either, tbh, and I'd have preferred it if she, and other adults at the school, were just decent teachers for a change.
Some aspects were pretty silly, but there was also humour. I found it an easy watch.
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Excellent show
I am totally obsessed with this drama.Awesome story - funny, serious, romantic, there is everything. FL and ML have palpable chemistry and this hooked me on the screen. Seo Kang Joon is on fire, he just eats screen as well as his interaction with Jin Ki Joo is absolutely adorable. Their acting is excellent. I am rewatching a lot of scenes because they are so funny or find something missed first time.
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funny & still funny
This is one of those shows where you can see the ropes, but you still fall for the story... It's so crazy funny, "normal" and over the top at the same time, it packs comedy, action, ordinary life etc all in one, so that you cannot but go for it! It's entertaining, relaxing, not at all gloomy or anything... and the details are executed with finesse!Handsome faces, hot topics, settings are anything but cheap. Of course, there is nothing serious abt it, even a school teacher can see through the cover of a NIS agent. The said agent cant even avoid the surveillance cameras or fight an old civilian!
Hidden advertising is a given.
Not by far a realistic journey, but a fun ride. Count me in!
Later edit: Too bad the director couldnt keep the funny note till the end. It turned into some average melodrama.
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This review may contain spoilers
seo kangjoon and jin kijoo need to meet in future project(s) please
This is the type of kdrama where you can just seat back, relax, and enjoy it. Just like what the actress said in one of her interviews, a comfort-bingeable series.The drama really worked for me being marketed as an action comedy with a mix of other things. I loved all the casts, they worked well together. Love miss Kim Shin-rok as the villain. Seo Kangjoon's Haesung and Jin Kijoo's Sua were nice to watch. Loved the Team 4. The principal and the school stuff. The students were all so cute. Even the NIS director was quite funny to watch.
some things i loved:
- that they didn't make the father figure (team leader) a traitor. could've easily gone down that route but they didnt. im glad they didnt. although it did make it easy to pinpoint who the rat was.
- Sua, as a character, had her own agency. maybe because im so used to kdramas years ago where the FL barely made any impact (havent watched many recent ones)
- the friendship between yena and yujeong, love how they didnt make them enemies
some minor complaints of mine, nothing big:
- wish they expanded more on the students, especially yena kim minju's character in contrast to yujeong
- the childhood trope was cute i'll admit but it didn't really add anything to the story especially since they keep holding back on the romance aspect of it. ESPECIALLY when they revealed that had history together, the reactions were so lackluster like whatt??? i expected a bit more reaction from that you know. especially since they keep showing childhood flashbacks.
- on that note, i really wish they had more romance scenes together.
- i cant remember the rest but for now that's it
if you're expecting a grittier and more in-depth drama, this is not for you. but if your just looking for something to chill, id recommend this one.
also, ive never had such a visceral reaction of wanting two actors (aka seo kangjoon and jin kijoo) to be together again in some future projects. please directors/writers whoeever has the power, make them work togehter again.
also another weird thing is that there barely any promotional stuff for this kdarma???? like not a lot of interviews or variety shows. is that normal?
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Undercover, charming ML
This drama is very good at the beginning. I like to see the efforts of Hae Seong and his team to complete the mission because it is their last chance so that their team will not be disbanded. And i also like the FL, Oh Su A, who was initially curious, changes into a cooperative person who is very helpful for hae seong's mission. But starting in the middle of the episode, it starts to get boring, I start skipping some scenes after eps 7. There is no denying that there are many clichés and predictable things throughout this drama. But imo, if those things don't affect the story too much, this drama still unique and good to watch.+ for me mi jeong and yeong hun are the scene stealer for this drama.😂
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There's something rotten in Korean schools
Boys over Flowers - School bullyingWeak Hero Class - School bullying
Pyramid Game - School bullying
Study Group - School bullying
Hierarchy - School bullying
Squid Game.... Uh huh, un huh.... the beginning of everything was ... yes .... School bullying...probably
The school is dangerous. Mathematics, physics, french. Тhe french language is my mortal enemyand given the chance I would burn its grammar rules to the ground. Je suis désolé. Le français est la langue la plus romantique du monde.
Yep, yep to the series
This was a interesting, fun, a little dramatic and really enjoyed it. My highlights of the show include:
Loved you since childhood
Fabulous friends group
Treasure hunt
Characters who communicate with no manufactured drama
Romance *cough* between a history teacher and a NIS agent
School bullying
The only problem I had with this series was that I wished it was longer... but I think it was the perfect length. Nothing dragged out and nothing cut too short. An intriguing, suspenseful and full of humour, riddles and action. There were moments in the story that had me laughing out loud, and moments where I was on the edge of my seat but had an undertone of sweet.
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