Drama Watchlist of 2025

Start Date: January 1 2025

Completed Date: January 23 2025

Favorite Ep(s): 6, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 18, 19, 20, 22, 23, 30, 32

My yes's: 

• FML is strong, resilient and levelheaded. In her first scene, even with act of betrayal in the midst from her current husband, she’s able to see clear from the pain.
• Plot is refreshing, something i haven't seen before.
• Slow and intriguing build-up to Song Mo and Dou meeting
• Its interesting watching how the female lead uses the book of truths and strategize a peaceful ending
• Song Mo/Dou's relationship. They understand and trust each other.
• Chemistry >>>
• Ending

My no's: 

• Dou’s communication issues and lack of asking for help
• Pacing can become extremely slow sometimes. 

Review: Blossom was the drama to end my month long drama slump. I thoroughly enjoyed the writing of this drama from the characters, Dou Zhao (Meng Zi Yi) to the relationship dynamics. There was a moment in the middle of the drama where I felt like the pacing was becoming slow but even this wasn't enough to shake the immense love that I had for how the story was told. There are so many elements that Blossom did right that I rarely see in other dramas but what really sold me on the show was the trust and understanding that Dou Zhao and Song Mo shared. I also felt in awe of the strength Dou Zhao possessed as his strategist and she's truly become one of my favorite strong female leads. Highly recommend for anyone looking for an entertaining love story and tale of redemption. 

Start Date: February 3, 2025

Completed Date: February 20th, 2025

Favorite Ep(s): 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 14, 16, 17, 23

My yes's: 

• The idea of women as the leaders was a solid change of pace compared to other period dramas.
• Zhao Lu Si and Ding have excellent chemistry with both actors doing good at conveying their emotions.
• Han Shou. Once he falls for Chen QianQian, he is way more tolerable and when looking through the lens of romance, I love that he doesn’t give up on her despite how insufferable she can be.

My no's: 

• Portions of the comedy were cringeworthy. 
• I felt nothing for the first sister’s character. I don’t think she nor her love interest, Su Mu were needed for this story.
• There are too many misunderstandings that could've turned the situation around if Chen Qian Qian worked together with Han Shou instead of consulting other authors. Too much screentime was spent on her trying to fix her story instead of living in it. 
• Too many second chances for the bad characters. Let them burn. 
• THAT scene in episode 19? Was there no other way to test her martial arts? Really writers?

Review: The Romance of Tiger & Rose is truly a romantic comedy if I've ever seen one. I've felt a mixed bag of emotions while watching this drama as there are moments where I've downright cringed, moments where I've found myself laughing and moments that I thought were adorable. I think that the shining point of this drama is the chemistry between Ding Yu Xi and Lu Si. These two were the main reason I watched this drama and although it took me longer than normal to finish, I don't regret the watch because I can also appreciate the growth that both our leads have underwent since this drama aired. 

Start Date: March 3 2025

Completed Date: March 10 2025

Favorite Ep(s): 4, ending of 6, 7, 9, ending of 12

My yes's: 

• I loved the bonds the FML made as she slowly warmed up to the new town. Reminiscent of Hometown cha cha cha.
• Yeo reum’s relationship with Bom felt the most precious to me because in a way they both needed each other.
• Dae-bum is so adorable. He’s like a golden retriever and the greenest of all flags.
• Unexpected mystery/thriller element that keeps you on your toes
• Each character has layers to them that when put together make an interesting story. 

My no's: 

• I wish there were a bit more romance than it let on.
• The premise of the show is for Yeo Reum to find herself after all the cards she’s been dealt with and while the thriller aspect of the show was interesting, I feel like it takes away from that process of growth and finding out what’s next for Yeo Reum.
• Dae-ho was an unnecessary plot device for Bom’s story. I believe there was already enough going on in her story and I don’t think another potential “love interest” was needed to show her what she truly wants.

Review: Summer strike is idyllic. This drama initiially gives me similar feelings to Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha when Yeo-Reum, our female lead, takes charge of her life and leaves behind all of the toxicity that she's been experiencing. For the most part, I enjoyed this drama. Every episode is interesting and I looked forward to how our FL would form friendships with the new people surrounding her and how she would forge a new path for herself. There are some obvious pitfalls that do not make Summer Strike a perfect 10 for me but, it's a solid drama overall. Would definitely recommend to those who want a drama where characters are finding themselves at a pace that makes sense for them.