2025 Kdramas

I honestly thought I had this show figured out, but it manages to subvert all your preconceived notions. I'm not too sure that's a positive thing. I was engaged enough to continue, but I did not find the story to be all that coherent. I think if they zeroed in on one aspect and let that spinoff smaller creative branches, it would've made for a more pointed series. That said, some really beautiful and raw display of emotions even if it's not adequately propped up by the storyline.

I found this moderately interesting, although not perfect by any means. I believe this series had the potential to be so much more if they had taken off the restraints and gone full steam ahead. You can't afford to play coy with these types of themes. There's a certain nerve you must possess, similar to that of the lead character on their quest to unmask the darkness. I don't expect this particular story to be attempted a second time, making this foiled attempt all the more sad. 

Doesn’t quite match up to season 1 and 2 but that’s to be expected. That said, they’ve done a pretty good job preserving the quality of the series and the essence of the characters with material that was written in the midst of its run. Where I’d rate s1&2 around 8/9. I’d say s3 was a solid 7 I just wish they there was a better handle on the plot line with the professor. I felt like that wasn’t so linear, in the sense that by the end his resolve was still unclear. Nothing felt proportional because it wasn’t fleshed out. I love that they were able to keep up the intensity of the games, that it made me sad it was only 6 episodes. There were games relegated to mere compilations which was disappointing as they looked incredibly interesting. I wouldn’t have minded another year of development just to get those. I also wish we got more insight into Usagi’s mindset as I sympathised but couldn’t fully understand her intentions. Maybe if we sat with the present world to understand how they were adjusting or rather, not adjusting would’ve been a better precursor. 

One gripe of mine was really just the long pauses and to bode time but did not at all feel realistic. I wish they could’ve reworked that as I don’t remember any of that in the prior seasons.

Overall, a decent job. If they had the time and the 8/10 episodes I genuinely believe it would’ve been on the same level as it’s predecessors.

The first episode saw me coming in and out of the story. However, in episode two, with the arrival of Lee Yoomi's character,  I saw a vibe shift, which made me take the project more seriously, but the little footing it had was lost about halfway through. It started to drift outside the drama confines and veer into melodrama. And I don't think that was the intention. I may be mistaken. I just feel like that last quarter cheapened what they built. 

I thought Lee Yoomi and her male counterpart did a really good job before the story took a mind of its own. Episode 2 was just so masterfully done that it almost feels out of place from the entire series. And that is in part due to these actors. They brought a sense of soberness to something that held gravity. I appreciated the intention behind not directly depicting the violence in shots and having it somewhat out of frame. It actually made it more haunting while feeling considerate (?).

The co-female lead, I'm not sure she was the best fit for this project. I found her acting really took me out of the scenes. It felt way too derivative. 

All in all, I was not a fan of where the plot went. I feel like the talent was mismatched. I think this is the one instance simplicity would've done the world. For that, it lies between 6 and 6.5. I have to emphasis Lee Yoomi was amazing, so it's unfortunate the project wasn't equally good.

Just like any other Netflix series, this show is easy on the eyes. The storyline was somewhat engaging, and I can't help but feel like this is what Good Partner was attempting. However, the leads are generally just pretty faces without any depth. For an emotionally driven legal drama, depth is necessary in pushing the story. 

Also, this outdated use of a fatsuit is so—

Yoo nah does have a knack for picking light and enjoyable shows, even if on the surface they don't seem to offer anything particularly exciting. I underestimated the little joys this show would bring me, a 3-episode long cooking competition included. Another win for the kdrama archetype that proves simple can be effective. 

I don't think it's quite an 8, but it's definitely a high 7.

This is the type of show I would have liked 5 years ago. Outside of the first two episodes being utterly stupid, I guess because they have so much to set up, it's entertaining but in the cheapest way possible. You can't just put on a Song Joong Ki wig and be Song Joong Ki! Writing aside, I think what this show is missing is finesse.

That said, a complete kee. Sometimes you watch for a laugh!

Fun, somewhat lighthearted show with a clear underlying message delivered through the metaphor of cash-activated superpowers. 

I did get the sense that the episodes would've benefited from being 30-minute bursts. The 40-minutes is already unorthodox, but I wanted them to maintain that fast-paced nature.

I don't know what it is about Park Min Young's drama selection as of late, but it's been far from the calls of her past. As much as I disliked Marry My Husband, I could somewhat understand the appeal. This, on the other hand, is really haphazard in execution. I'm not even quite sure what I'm meant to be following. It tries to be fun and flirty, but just feels like unwanted advances. 

My assumption was that it'd be a really fun and lighthearted show. I can't necessarily say we got the opposite, as that would mean angst and drama. There is drama, but it's not being delivered to a satisfactory level. Wouldn't recommend just because there are a dozen dramas with this same concept that do it 10x better.

My first impression was pretty weak as I couldn’t understand how this story would hold up. It felt flimsy at best and proved so early on. However, as the drama progressed and the side plots became more prominent, I found myself invested. That said, I found the writing to be very spoonfed and incredibly linear. There felt like there was little room for the viewers to critically think and explore developments for themselves. Despite that, it still culminated in a pleasant viewing experience 

I’m still sceptical about the main plot line in earlier episodes and would like to understand the mindset of the writer when developing it. I can’t possibly wrap my mind around the intent. I wanted the writer in jail if I’m being completely honest. 

Lastly, the series is incredibly well directed with beautiful cinematography. 

The series is completely overengineered. Manga's tend to stray from reality, but there's something so convoluted about the story structure. There's no shortage of twists and turns, which do nothing but to spiral us further from any tangible and redeemable plot. You can feel the desire to deliver something with punch and grit, but I'm afraid the undiscerning pen of the writers leaves us with a fruitless story. There's a precision they start with concerning Ah Jin's character, which is quickly abandoned and even caricatured, only a week in. She lends herself to a sloppiness that seems foreign and shortsighted. Shockingly (and unbelievably), the once omniscient becomes a victim of her own devices, further crumbling what little truth we held about the show.  The side characters are uninteresting in execution, writing and portrayal. I'm actually quite happy when they're not on my screen. 

Are fun, quirky romcom dramas back? This felt like such a breath of fresh air with all the halfhearted romances being churned out this year. On the romance end, I felt like jdramas were leading the charge, but there's some healthy competition. The premise so far seems interesting; it's snappy and to the point. The writers have also opted for a melting pot of tropes and cliches, which could be overwhelming if they don't play off the comedy well. I'm interested to see where this drama takes us. 

Update: So, what we were scared would happen, did indeed happen. I mean, this was never going to be an acclaimed series, but I think we reached solid ground only for that to be upended. The last segment became a series of charades. The "tropiness" could be justified for the development of the main leads relationship, but beyond that point, we actually needed structured and pointed writing. Romcoms, no matter how cheesy, do not have to be synonymous with substandard.

This is enemies-to-lovers perfection. Like, it literally pushes the boundaries of this trope to give you an epic love story. The writing slightly falters in the last quarter, but it still makes for a good viewing experience.

This is going to be a fun ride, and I'm excited for the weeks to come. Alongside Our Unwritten Seoul, one of the best show introductions to date. Very well fleshed out, and they didn't miss a beat. Super concise storytelling, and that's what we love. The sequence at the end of episode 1 was stellar and deserves discussion of its own.

Update: Another drama that has become romantic drivel. And more painfully so, it has become convoluted by nonsensical and frustrating developments for the sake of progressing the plot (might I add, lazily). Such a shame, as this was one of the most promising shows of the year following WLGYTs. Even if they reel it back in, I don't think I could give it anywhere past a certain score in good faith. To the point I've temporarily dropped it.

Every week, I'd check the mdl community and it seems like this show got progressively worse and less grounded in reality. I've been forced to lower my already low score.

This is really fun. A little silly, but super fun. I'm only halfway through, but it's been pretty enjoyable and not entirely predictable. I appreciate them taking a seemingly simple formula and doing it well. It's perfectly cast, the FL has the air of a lovestruck teenager while maintaining a level of responsibility (not too much) as a budding shaman. The ML is stoic without being boring or stiff, which has proven to be hard for recent dramas. And I don't hate the love triangle, and that eventually shifting to the background in favour of friendship, makes for a heartwarming watch. Really interested to see how they wrap this up. This might be one of my favourite shows of the year.

Overall, I thought this was a really solid show and think 12 episodes was a perfect fit. I found that the story was a lot more intricate and layered than I expected, especially towards the end. More so than your average drama, I think they did somewhat well given the complexity, and I would've liked to experience an alternate reality where they could've fleshed out some of these things in a less ill-fitted way. However, I say that loosely as I think it was a valiant effort. I believe it lies between a 7 and 7.5

The first episode was a kee. However, this took a slightly different turn than I anticipated, so I'm not sure how long I'll hold out. I assumed the FL would live as her younger self in the present, as her husband somewhat foreshadowed in his last days. I did not anticipate this being set in heaven for the entirety of the series.

This drama starts pretty unremarkable, but eventually displays the makings of a solid plot line. Unfortunately, the potential remains untapped.

Had to drop. I really tried. I can't take this girl seriously in adult/mature roles. I fear she has a perpetual baby face/young adult face.

I was expecting this to be a lot more witty and playful than it was. It culminated in an overdone mess. If you look past that you might have a viable series otherwise.

This feels like it could be interesting, but it can easily teeter on cringe. The series addresses quite important issues within fan culture, and I hope it doesn't feel the excessive need to make it lighthearted.

This was terribly slow. I could not get past the first episode. I do appreciate they were setting up the story, so maybe I'll pick it back up at a later date.

What a painful first episode. A 7 is pretty low for the ever-generous mdl community, so I fear I 'm giving it a pass.

I really have to give cdramas their props because they've provided me with ample entertainment this year. I'm certain I've watched the same iteration of a singular story in five forms, and I've not grown bored. It's addictive. I'm very much of the mindset, "If it's not broke, don't fix it". 

I was really fond of the leads for this particular drama. I think they did a great job, and they're now on my radar. In terms of critiques, and I wouldn't say this is unique to Legend of the Female General, but this highlights a general issue really well. Unless the female leads are suffering from amnesia, such as in Fated Hearts, I expect them to have some character continuity. It seems that because these characters are strong women, they often get stripped back a bit to still allow for them to adhere to gender norms. However, being a female general, elite soldier, defender of the realm, naturally defies these norms. It is then contradictory to almost strip them of their prowess. It's one thing to be a humble leader; it's another to have them shrink into themselves. 

The ending was non-offensive. I'm not particularly sure why another storyline was thrown in. We reached a solid point, so that was an interesting choice.

Last critique, again, for Wuxia dramas in general, I would love to see a script take itself seriously a bit. I don't know if the style of acting is part in parcel with the genre, but some of the stories are so intricate and layered, and I'd love for them to treat it as such while still having the comedy notes. 

This show starts at such an awkward intersection, whereby you can't help but think you've missed something. This is one of the less offensive cdramas I've watched this year, considering I was able to see it through. It has its moments, but it doesn’t quite scratch the itch following the likes of Fated Hearts and Love in the Clouds. 

Another enemies-to-lovers cdrama. At this point, it feels like a cheat code. I really enjoyed the world-building, which cdramas seem to be notable for. When watching, I didn't feel like I had to slowly accustom myself to the broader story; this is a testament to the writing.  I'm pleasantly surprised that the writers managed to maintain the quality of the story right til the end, considering all the characters' motivations and never once contravening how they were previously crafted. They seamlessly transitioned from each storyline, eventually allowing everything to culminate in the overarching plot. This is not a particularly easy feat with fantasy works.

They balanced the tone of the show incredibly well; the comedic moments never seemed to detract. Kudos to the cast, especially the leads. They all felt perfectly placed for their roles.

This started off well, but I'm somewhat nervous because anything that could drive the story or provide tension has been removed so early on, so I'm not completely sure where they are going with this.

update: really can’t stand the directing, not a fan of whatever filters they’re using, the long drawn out scenes that don’t actually portray longing just sheer awkwardness, there’s no concrete story, half the time I’m falling asleep watching, the random fated love story that I missed ‘cause I fell asleep (count my lucky stars), poor episodic mini plots that are interesting but not well-executed, lovely characters but the final realisation is poor. 

update update: I find the ml kind of stiff and I'm not particularly a fan of his acting, the story is also just too bland ? not subdued or subtle, just bland. Not a slow burn as the people on mdl would like to gaslight you into thinking... side couple had potential but it got little to no attention. My ranking lies at a high 6 or low 7

Don't let the rating fool you. This was a very fun 6. Just a lot of fun, scheming, romance and subversion, even if slightly long-winded.

I'm really struggling to engage. This has the potential, but things just aren't clicking.

Unironically, I didn’t know what to expect with the name, but I perked up when I saw some of my favourite actors trail onto the screen one by one. It’s both light and heavy, it doesn’t really seek to find a middle ground, rather it honours the spectrum of emotions the characters experience. The only way I can describe the pacing is a type of calmness, there’s a carefulness without being tedious. The writing is subtly comforting beyond simply watching the characters fulfil their arcs. I found myself rewinding line deliveries. Despite faltering a little at the end, this was genuinely a refreshing watch. High 7, possibly a scraping 8.

I haven't finished this yet, but 'linear' is the word that encapsulates this series. And not complimentary. I was hoping for a bit more depth. At most, something to pass the time.

Period drama with an amnesia plot. Two plotlines and backdrops I'm particularly fond of. I wasn't sure about the casting, but compared to what's airing, this has managed to be the show I anticipate. This says a lot, given it's airing alongside Dear X and The Manipulated. 

Update: This follows Dynamite Kiss' lead by incorporating various tropes, but rather than making for a fun ride (which ultimately met its own demise), it's scattered and haphazard. I fear they will never achieve what the writers of Mr Queen managed. 

Dropped. Disjointed story, not particularly engaging or captivating. Fatsuit incredibly irritating to look at.

This somewhat feels try-hard. It makes for an awkward watch that, oddly enough, I must continue.

I don't want this to be the second nothingburger of the year, but it's shaping up as one. It's slightly interesting and very boring. I think it's in part due to the flat delivery of the ML, but I suspect that may have been the direction given to him. They need to get rid of the dead air/space in the episodes. And the side's couple's story isn't remotely engaging past their first encounter. Even for webtoon adaptation standards, this show is pretty shallow.

I really did attempt this but I don't know? wasn't for me. Maybe when I need something to pass the time.

Update: Finally sat through this, and it's so reminiscent of the early 2010s kdramas in every way possible; the good and the bad ? A fun watch if you want something familiar.

I see what they were going for, but it lacks any whimsy to make it believable. I've finally progressed through a good majority of the show, and episodes 7 & 8 seem to be the clear standouts. I do wish they could've fleshed out the story a bit more, but it still works.

I feel like zombie apocalypses are such an easy sell show-wise. I'm genuinely surprised they flopped. Mind you, it's only the second week. 

Now that the show has finished airing, the consensus seems that the first half is pretty poor (I can co-sign), but there's a vast improvement with the second half. Overall, still pretty mediocre, if that.

I didn't know how much I missed a good mystery drama until I put this on. I will say, there is a slight watchers hump, but it does pay off. The series isn't perfect by any means, as I feel it still lacks that umph and bite, which I can't quite place my finger on, but it held my interest.

As for the ending, it felt a bit too on the nose, slightly heavy-handed. I do wish they had found a way for the culprits not to feel so caricatured. Lies between a 7.5 and 8.

This was quite hard to get into, but once it reached the real meat of the story, it was pretty interesting. Surprisingly, the show that has kept me going in this 3rd quarter. I will say it's a high 6, scraping 7 just because it does become very detached from reality, even if the premise is ghost. For example, them not evacuating a crumbling building for what seems to be 30 minutes??? huh

Once you've watched one high school fighting drama, you've watched them all, I fear. I think I've reached my breaking point with this genre. It started off promising, but my interest has since plateaued. There's been a shift midway, so hopefully that will revitalise the show.

The watcher's hump initially was insane. I fell asleep three times on my first attempt. That said, my investment slowly grew from episode 2 onwards. I was intrigued by the idea of pre-production and production being displayed on our screens. It's like pulling the curtain behind every show and film you've ever watched. There was an adjustment period for me and the leads because this felt like a unique portrayal compared to what I had seen from them previously. I'm so totally sold out at this point. They're doing a phenomenal job. I like that the show is gradually improving; a stark difference from the dramas hitting a sharp decline currently.

I must mention how beautifully this is shot, particularly the last five minutes of episode 4, which are pure whimsy. That alone sells the series. There’s just something so deeply personal about how the show is written and the characters are portrayed. They never once feel distant. I have to say, I especially liked episodes 7 & 8. I also appreciate the bypassing of a love triangle. This show is reigniting my hope in the second half of the year.

I did not know what to expect, but I did think the premise was quite daring, so it was on my radar. Honestly, from the moment I saw Park Bo Young, I should've known it would be a solid project. The first two episodes were one of the best introductions I've had to a kdrama this year. You can tell they had a clear vision; every scene served a purpose.

The story is incredibly layered. With every episode, the writers are reaching deeper in a way I didn't necessarily anticipate. And both the writers and actors have an excellent handle on the characters and how they're presented. Park Bo Young's nuances for the twins are clear and distinct, even with the whole switching places trope.

I have to give it to them for the romance; it's very subdued, but still fulfilling. I think there are some really important and healing takeaways from this show. Hence, they probably didn't want the romance to be all-consuming, and I think they've struck a nice balance which feels natural to the characters.

Update: they fell into the trap, and now we're witnessing a romance-heavy plot. They've forsaken the fragile yet perfect balance. The story feels somewhat lost. Hopefully, it will be able to ground itself with only a few episodes left. I enjoyed following the twins' unique struggles and perspectives on each other and their 'perceived' lives. It was a nice approach to shared empathy and understanding. I really wish they had continued on that trajectory, as it's a lot more fulfilling than a bog-standard romance, especially given how we've come to learn the sisters are each other's quiet and unassuming fortresses. 

Fun and quirky, it's a good time while also delivering emotional punches. Pretty standard law drama. 

lowkey fataphobic but I've been cackling all day during my incessant skipping.

At first glance, this is pretty interesting, but it lacks that bite to keep you fully engaged. You can't particularly go wrong with a crime drama, and the case this show centres has all the makings for an exhilarating experience. However, it doesn't have the urgency that is required to make your heart race or the stillness that brings an unwelcome discomfort. It's just there. 

I'm having a really tough time getting into this. I will attempt Hospital Playlist, and maybe the sheer nostalgia will carry me through. I'm quite surprised. I feel like it's hard to mess up a medical drama.

This started off so promising, but halfway through, it loses all its charm. The writers don't seem very concerned with the continuity of their characters, so they flail awkwardly, just about fulfilling the purpose of that episode. This is a stark contrast to how pointed and concise the writing feels initially. Particularly offensive is the side couple who are equally confusing as they are boring. They're meant to be aloof and detached, but I just don't feel there's enough investment to make their story feel worthwhile, especially given there's so much meat and body with the leads that is glazed over. The nail in the coffin has to be the *spoiler*... cooking competition. This sounds so benign in the list of crimes, but it's so horrendously cliché, and paired with the underutilised premise of the leads, it becomes jarring.

An exciting premise, lacking the execution. I liked the 3rd episode, but that's about it. The rest of the series fell flat for me. Didn't have the motivation to watch the last episode.

Attempted but dropped. I don't think it's for me.

This show did not require a season two, and this is a clear cash grab at the expense of a pretty well-told story. I'm not the type to downplay a piece of media once it has reached innumerable heights in an effort to distance myself, I thoroughly enjoyed season 1. Outside of the slightly cringe portrayal of the benefactors, it made for solid social critique. All of that is lost and made a joke with its return. I want to say it's cheap entertainment,  but given the majority of the games stay the same, it's not even that. I think it'll make a good watch for those who let season 1 go over their heads. But besides the lacklustre plot, you're also lacking engaging and heartfelt characters to buy into. Everyone is so throwaway and lacking of any real depth.

Anyone who believed s2 or s3 would be good is in a pure state of delusion. Better than s3 but marginally. 

Yeah, this is not for me, I fear. The fight scenes were incredibly ridiculous and that’s with me keeping in mind it’s based on a webtoon. This feels like another iteration of Weak Class Hero so will bode well with those viewers. I would watch an episode and be impressed by the blend of comedy and depth and then something utterly ridiculous would happen, and I’d disengage. This has a target audience, I just don’t think it’s me.

The driving force for this show genuinely feels so weak that I just can't immerse myself. Unfortunately, the first two episodes were its strongest. It's been a slothful decline that doesn't inspire much anticipation. I can tell the writers want to go deeper, but they don't quite have the language to get the series there.

Comedy isn't quite hitting the right notes. The story is moderately interesting. Not the best of these actors' repertoires. Beautiful cinematography when it comes to the food. I think this is the issue with an arbitrary number of episodes. Everyone on kdramatwt thought their problems would be solved if kdramas were capped at 10 episodes, but rather we saw a disintegration of storytelling. It's less about no drama being 16 episodes and every drama being 10, and more about the network's flexibility and experience in determining the right fit. Kang Full is a perfect example, with Moving being 20 episodes but not feeling any bit of it, and Light Shop being 8 episodes and telling an otherworldly story.

Going into the third season, I managed my expectations, considering my indifference to the previous one. However, the screenwriters have done a phenomenal job in capturing the life and spirit that the series previously inhabited. It's an ode to its origins while still showcasing the inevitable growth without the forced grandeur that made the second season so sterile. The cinematography to the storyboarding makes the TV-bound episodes feel larger than life, as if they could be their own standalone projects. They've truly reached a level of refinement that feels like the goal for any longstanding series. The storylines have been quite strong, interesting, but above all, simply well-written. I appreciate the balance of opening with a case that showcases their global infrastructure, but immediately stripping it back to the novelty and familiarity of a wronged taxi driver. They're just doing so many things right.

And we've had two strong villains; they've not skimped when it comes to rounding out their characters in such a limited time slot. They've actually added to the essence in tangible ways that I believe they'll become staple characters despite their short tenure.

How do I describe Tempest. It feels like it belongs on Netflix (not complimentary) but then it still has a place on Disney (still not complimentary).

That’s to say it feels like it’ll be something then you delve deeper and it’s pretty surface. It’s pretty uncurious if that’s even a word. However, things started to pick up around episode 7.  I do wish they had more episodes to execute the story.

The music is incredibly distracting. I'm shocked by the creative musical choices. Music aside, uninteresting.

Update: I've attempted to watch this 3 times with no success. Instead, I read some of the reviews and present thoughts; it's disappointing to find out there's not much emphasis on the negotiation, given the title. I thought this would be an incredibly slick drama so that's a shame. I read a comment that suggested Hot Stove League as an alternative, as you actually see the intricate nature of mergers and acquisitions and strategic negotiations throughout. I'm inclined to agree.

Again, a somewhat interesting premise, but it falls short in execution.

I'm finding this to be a very well-balanced watch. Although it's a comedy, the story is pretty well-defined and structured, which sometimes I feel can take a backseat with these types of shows. To the point that if we removed the comedy, I still believe it would be an equally interesting workplace drama. This simply speaks to how fleshed out the idea is. I really like the synergy between the characters, I feel like they set them up really well to the point that even in the first two episodes everything felt so natural and almost gave the illusion you were knee-deep into the drama.

Update: It hurts me to say this since the first 2 episodes were really entertaining. They don't have a very good grip on the story. The idea is there, but from week 2 onwards, it has become a real drag. Incredibly disappointing. In my opinion, they took the most uninspiring route for a plot.

I quite liked this initially, but I am sorting out my thoughts regarding how it concluded. It wasn't some grand triumph; life had its way, and he made peace with it. I really enjoyed the writing for those first four episodes, and I wish I could've been a lot more engaged for the remaining. 

This drama scratches all the right places. I have not watched a cdrama in a couple of years, so I wasn't sure what to expect, but this has all the angst you'd want from, let's say, a teen romance but in a more refined manner. I don't have anything against Wattpad-esque media; it's more what they devolve into. The First Frost strikes a decent balance, making for an enjoyable watch. I was pleasantly surprised by the FL as the story progressed, she retained a really good handle on her character.

HOWEVER, let us stop with the slow-motion and the drawn-out scenes. I'm using God to beg you. Those are the stark and unneeded reminders that you are indeed watching a webtoon adaptation.

My rating lies between a 7.5 and 8. For the sake of the voting system, I've rounded up.

If I'm being completely honest, I was not super engaged for a good majority of the show. However, from about the 6th episode, I started taking an interest. It's a new angle for a period drama focusing more on the supernatural and shamanism, with the palace as the backdrop. An overall cute and interesting watch. And very consistent, which I feel we've been lacking.

I think period dramas are carrying this year for now.

They wanted those prison break nachos so bad, and they came out soggy. Then the weird pivot in the second act with the illegal car racing. It's like they threw a bunch of dark concepts in a hat and picked one, then picked about 5 more and incorporated them all into a singular show. 

One thing I'm noticing with kdramas also is poor casting. Unfortunately, a bad casting choice can completely take you out of the show. Kyungsoo is a poor casting choice for me. However, the pitfalls with the dramas far surpass him, so it's almost a non-factor. 

The show doesn't know what it wants to be. It doesn't subvert, it just confuses.

The first 3 episodes were a great introduction, but then they slightly lose a handle on the story by episodes 4 and 5. This series feels way too short to be contorting itself the way it is, with no clear path in sight. 

Update: I don't think the writers knew what they wanted to present with this show and it undoubtedly comes through. A waste, as there were some great performances.

Really fun and does what it says on the tin. It's been a while since I've watched a whacky drama that has hit all the right notes. I genuinely find myself hysterically laughing. However, the reason I've settled on a 7 is because they lose a handle on the story a couple of times, which can be the case with comedy.  Luckily, they tie up all loose ends but in an incredibly abrupt fashion, leaving you no time to process. Such a shame.

Initially, I was hesitant going in. I know Kim Goeun is magnificent in every sense of the word. You and Everything Else had not wrapped up but a month ago. That experience of her was still very fresh. How could it not be? I'm glad I disregarded the somewhat mimicry trailer netflix strung together and forged ahead. There have been several dramas this year, in my opinion, that have attempted to take this route and broad concept: troubled, possibly psychotic protagonist, wielding those around them as tools. Queen Mantis, Hyper Knife, Dear X, just off the top of my head. None, however, has quite matched the execution of The Price of Confession. They've been a far cry. The cast alone sets it above, but how the writer perfectly gives these talented people the tools and foundation to expand on their vision speaks to a lack thereof in the present landscape. There's a synergy whereby I am reminded what it looks like for a drama to inhabit natural subtleties, even when breaching into a more heightened tone. 

I thought I was going to write off this show based on the sheer nature, but I'm so pleasantly surprised by how they managed to build on the story. My excitement and curiosity would peak with every new episode in a way that's been foreign this year. Really strong overall. If I had to tweak anything, maybe more refinement on the last episode when dealing with that last piece of the case, the killer's motive.

Slightly different from the period dramas I'm used to watching but had me engaged and eager to see how things played out.

I really enjoyed this and it made for an easy viewing experience, which feels rare these days. The story progressed quickly, making it nice and punchy, although there were moments I wished we could’ve lingered a bit longer. Certain things also felt like they resolved themselves too easily, but not enough to detract.

The end suffers slightly due to the writing but overall a fun watch. A strong 7, a low 8

When I saw the premise of this show, I was both sceptical and curious. Like many sports shows, this delved into an area I had no foreknowledge of. You really have to invest fully to bypass any watcher's hump if you're not a sporty individual, but it's so rewarding when you do. It feels like such a rare case to see a show be solid start to finish. There's a level of consistency that's impressive to me that you don't tend to find these days. Episode 3 has to be a standout for me because of the pace change. It trades in the laughs for something more sombre and introspective. In taking this to the next level, it would've been great to have several of those moments. And I'd say that's what slightly separates it from a piece like Hot Stove League, where everything is in its right proportion. For instance, Seong Jun's inferiority complex was a fleeting moment that could've formed the basis of a much richer storyline and an insight into his character. That's just one instance where more emotional grit could've shone through. That said, long live the sports drama genre.

When I first heard about this project, I was both excited and nervous. With the release of Light Shop (2024), I started to realise Kang Full takes a very unconventional route in storytelling, and it requires a precision that not everyone has. 

It feels unfair for me to say something is miscast when the writing/screenplay feels generally lacking. With the current casting, though, I think both have worked against each other. In the sense that the script does not do the actors any favours, but the actors do not necessarily lend themselves to the script. I know a lot of people are focusing on the FL, but I'm not sure I'm a fan of the ML's portrayal of the role. There's an endearing nature that hasn't seemed to break through. As of now, it's somewhat caricature. 

I think the FL has done an ok job, given her lack of lines. I think the directing sours her overall performance. Where the camera should linger, you find yourself in a never-ending shot that is then repeated in several flashbacks. I think they needed to strike a balance between impact and conciseness.

I don't think I've ever addressed the musical score of a drama unless it was to compliment it, but the scoring here stands out for all the wrong reasons. I didn't quite grasp its importance until I was faced with media where the music didn't work at all.

The latter episodes aligned more closely to the traditional kdrama model, making it watchable. I think the story itself is just really different and that  gives it a leg up. I think this was just a really difficult story to curate if you're not the original creator and it shows, but a solid attempt.

Really interesting premise.

I didn't completely warm up to this until episode 4, where I thought to myself, this has potential. Then the series seemed to regress in all the episodes that followed, with its repetitive nature. The driving interest of the show was the logistics and the volatility of trading, and the subsequent personal development of the lead, which all seem to be pretty stagnant. I'm not sure how a show like this manages to be so uninteresting. Unfortunate.

This is the type of show I think I would have liked 7 years ago. High school backdrop is so overdone that you really need to give people something to sink their teeth into. Mildly interesting, very typical.

I’m slightly upset because this could’ve been an amazing drama. Firstly, I feel like the actors are mismatched, particularly the FL and ML. Their acting and energy just aren’t aligned, which leads me to the script. None of the cases feel fully fleshed out despite being somewhat interesting. I do get that independent journalists/documentary writers have limited scope, but if that was the case, they should’ve opted for a different story.  They always hit roadblocks and seem to be on the fringe of any real information, but somehow get the story… another pretty unremarkable but passable show.

I started this, but I can't quite get through it.

Update: FL is acting her ass off, but I don't know what the disconnect is. I can't finish this no matter how hard I try. This rating is based more on what I've heard, the three episodes I watched, and the acting displayed.

Although I have an attachment to the characters in S1, this is an upgrade story-wise. There was a better resolution when it comes to the overall plot and the relationships between the characters, old and new. This was one of my pain points with S1, granted, it may be based on previous work, but there wasn't enough effort to make things develop logically, even if exaggerated. Overall,  a decent watch. Slightly dragged. I'm tempted to say it should've been 6 episodes, 7 at most. A high 6.

This drama encapsulates life in a way that is so attentive and personal that it almost fills you with dread from the introspection you're forced to engage in. It is a beautiful and very necessary ode to women at all levels of society.  This drama embodies and even breathes new energy into the slice-of-life genre by intricately weaving through the life of a small-town couple in a way that seems straightforward, almost aimless, but is, in fact, very precise.

The acting is phenomenal, as expected from such a cast. I'm pleasantly surprised that I'm not jarred by the use of IU for both mother and daughter; her clear distinction makes for an enjoyable and even technically impressive viewing experience. Park Bo Gum excels as usual, showing a side I've not seen before. The acting is really the driving force for the tsunami of emotions this project explodes with.

The writing is so worthy of praise and mention, especially contrasted with the current drama landscape. I can only describe it as beautiful and incredibly penetrating. To be so true to life's nuances without convolution or rudimentary language is a feat. There are so many aspects of life so accurately depicted and given life through words that it's almost unsettling, yet ultimately moving. A standout drama through and through.

My rating lies between an 8.5 and 9.

The only way I can describe this is a fun (not so much towards the end) waste of money. I don't know why a romance requires this level of budget and the backdrop of space. It feels like a pregnancy and childbirth PSA without an ounce of subtly. That aside,  it's okay-ish but I don't know if I'd be saying this if there was a healthy selection of good dramas airing. Really on the lower end of television.

Update: I want to knock the writers' heads together like a pair of coconuts.

My good sis does not seem to have an eye for projects. It's becoming abundantly clear with each release. However, she will settle on a cute, lighthearted comedy. I think Because This is My First Life set the bar extremely high. 

This drama is alright at best;  it slightly edged its way down to tolerable with the "childhood/first love" trope. So overdone. I'm begging writers to surrender the plot device because it is rarely executed well. 

All in all, just something to pass the time with.

This series is truly a gem among stones. I don't believe we're in any shortage of "beautiful" series; Netflix has made sure of that, but there are few scripts that have hit the mark until the very end. I'd almost forgotten what it felt like for a drama to not falter at the last stretch.

Everything exists in the grey with this drama, a near-perfect depiction of when human relationships are stretched to their limits and emotions aren't imagined in silos. I have immense respect for those who pen stories like this. There's a rare bout of honesty here that often gets overshadowed by boisterous, showy storytelling. In the writers' restraint, and in spite of their resistance to neat binaries, we're able to untangle this complex story between two lifelong friends, even if only in feelings.

This series opts for what I can only liken to a slow-cook recipe, trusting that steady pacing, subtleties and even silences will make us tender and receptive. This series is not ideal for those who think in strict dichotomies.

The film work was amazing, not that I'd expect any less from a series that pulls the curtain on the film industry, centres photography and speaks highly of art. I was enamoured by the lighting and watched every opening panel. These aspects read a melancholy, a lot of in-betweens; walls, doors, nature's natural chasms. Almost a struggle to grapple with their true feelings in the moment.

From the child actors to the seasoned professionals, remarkable. Go Eun and Jihyun showcase some of the most layered and intricate acting of the year. 

Spoiler: My main critique would be regarding the plot of the brother, also known as Monee. I'd be curious to understand people's sentiments around a trope that could be considered overused. I wonder if it was perceived as  "unintuitive" by the writer. Furthermore, I wonder if we needed such a literal depiction of Sang Yeon's passing.