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Wonderful show which flopped its' ending

If you have seen your fair share of rom-coms, this is going to feel very typical especially in the first episode, while they're establishing the characters well. With all that said, there is magic in the script: I feel like the writers want to say about fandom culture or they at least want to touch on it because they represent the fandom culture not only positively, that it's a community, it's a way to bond with people in a way to support the artists you love, but also some of the negative sides which is obsessive tendencies and how those can lead to crossing the line and becoming a stalker. I really love how the writers are balancing the whole fandom culture exploring many different facets of it.

The show's big problem that really turned me off was near the end when the show started to focus primarily on the male lead's past and how that connects in such a dramatic way with the female lead. I thought the writers of the show really lost sight of what the show was about and I was hoping the show should have focused more on the fandom side of things because, in the end, the fact that she is a super fan doesn't contribute a lot to the main story, and I was quite disappointed because the portrayal of fandom culture and a commentary on fandom culture part is the thing that I was very excited to watch.

Overall, I really enjoyed Her Private Life, I think it has many wonderful qualities loved the characters, and I love the interactions between the characters. The romance is incredibly mature and I love how they support each other, it is wonderful. All the leads and the side characters, everybody is perfectly cast and doing a wonderful job. The leads have such strong chemistry together. This is a show you could very happily binge or at least I was very happy to binge.

I would recommend Her Private Life to you if you like shows like What's Wrong with Secretary Kim. They both have the same female lead, and she's great in both of them as well as The Liar and His Lover or Touch Your Heart. So if you liked any of those three shows I would give this one a chance.

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Great characters, great moments, and a great story of Woo Young Woo

An autistic attorney Woo Young Woo works at one of the top law firms in the country. Her life is eccentric and weird, but meaningful and valuable. Despite having a disability to interact, she manages to defend her plaintiffs in court cases with her creative reasoning and wit. These cases are unique as they tackle a lot of really important social issues that are rarely discussed, such as false homicide, defamation, patent battle, North Korean defector issues, and heritage tax issue... and they're handled in a very organic and non-preachy way. There are a lot of character development moments that happen thanks to these cases. For example, our female lead is given a case with another autistic person who she's defending and she had some challenges dealing with that because some people said her thought process is not justifiable because they're both autistic but of course just because two people are on the autism spectrum does not mean that they're the same.

Each episode hinted at Woo Young Woo's parent's backstories and it doesn't end with suspenseful cliffhangers, yet I want to keep watching. Without giving away any spoilers, her mother's backstory is a bit of a mystery and all the clues we have throughout the episodes lead to some wonderful interactions and moments. The mother-daughter relationship is not what you think of and I love that it's a really refreshing part of the show and it's not following any stereotypical kdrama formula.

I love the subtle adorable romance because it's very rare to watch an autistic lead in a romantic relationship. But beyond the romance, what I enjoy most is the whole cast with great strong personalities. I really enjoyed her friend Dong Geu Ra Mi, the episode when she became friends with Woo Young Yoo is so cute. Woo Young Woo's colleagues, friends, and everybody else included got their own satisfying arcs on their work-life balance and dating. The most memorable one is her direct boss, he's just such a wonderful person. At first, he was a bit ignorant and pessimistic about Young Woo's autistic behavior, but quickly apologizes and makes adjustments to interact with her. It's like really nice to see that kind of character on screen, he's also had issues with work-life balance and his ex-wife later on in the series. Attorney Woo herself also learns to understand her coworkers' points of view and communicates her thought process.

The humor is very genuine and believable when characters interact together, because they introduced lots of little character quirks and mannerisms in episode one to look at that left a good impression on me and they use these details as a source of nitpicks and icebreakers. The fact that our female lead takes three counts before she walks into a new room and keeps organizing everything to be perfectly tidy. Later on, her boss also tries to do it at one point and he quickly gave up. It's really funny, it's such an inside joke moment.

Acting, I want to highlight our female lead. Without discrediting anybody because they are all great, Park Eun Bin deserves a standing ovation. She is Attorney Woo! I'm so happy the show waited for her because I can't think of anybody else who could be Woo Young Woo. She originally turned this role down because she wasn't confident to portray the role correctly and she didn't want to hurt anybody so she turned it down and then she went off and did The King's Affection (Btw, she's amazing here too!!). When she was done with that the offer was still valid and that's when she took it.

All of that said, even though I like the romance, there is a small miss I feel from our male lead's role. Don't get me wrong, I really like him 90% of the time, his love and care are very sincere, like when he's trying to care for our female lead or calm her down when she's having an episode or when she's over-stimulated, also when they're just hanging out on really unique dates. But there's a part that is missing is that he is sometimes quite stiff and his subtleness isn't coming across as perfectly. He just stands there and smiles at her it doesn't work for me but nevertheless super cute romance I love what it represents and overall I ship them wholeheartedly.

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It's a nice story but lacks external conflicts.

My strongest opinion being the OST ruins the mood. I was ready to feel sympathetic for Yeo Joon's pitiful backstory, but the problem is that these emotional scenes are presented with happy cheerful music. I wish they had put one more sad song to save this issue!

The story feels flat, it lacks external conflict. The fact that they're dealing with a group school assignment issue for more than 10 episodes is too long. Furthermore, there's no real character development despite their many screentime. I appreciate the friendship between Nam Soo Hyun and Yeo Joon, but it feels very lukewarm.

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I like how authentic and vibrant Yumi's cells are, only the story is a bit lackluster

Yumi develops a crush one day, long after being dumped by her boyfriend. This awakens her love cell, which sends her to literally run after him. Our story continues as we see Yumi's cells embracing her new love with the ups and downs of her emotions.

I like the creativity of Yumi Cells for these personified cells with such diverse emotions and that they are given a real city. They even got a legal justice system and my favorite is the endorphins band stage! So epic! The fun color tone also adds to that youthful kind of bubblegum fun feeling.

At first, not all the cell moments land because they ruined the emotional momentum of the real-life scenes. But as the show went on the pacing and the balance between characters and the cells really smooths out. I’m having fun with Wung cells' teamwork and his algorithms towards unexpected situations, they were so random yet unique 🐻 #IYKYK

No doubt acting is excellent, but I’m not so happy about the romance arc: it’s too youthful; with strong egos, naive, miscommunications, which is not a bad thing IF they resolve it. The two supporting girls who were jealous of Yumi are very annoying like nasty mosquitoes… and their roles suit best as a spice to develop our lead's growth, but they weren't really use this potential.

The ending is proper but feels very incomplete. I don't think they're given enough closure, besides getting to know Yumi and the people around her, and their flaws.

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I'm struggling to continue since there are so many filler scenes

Going in to this drama I was apprehensive. The first 2 episodes weren't the best. It's jarring, it's a bit icky... I think there's enough consensus to say that it's not the best. I completely agree. I wasn't sold on Rowoon as well. Then, I get to Ep 3, I started to see the fantasy rom-com tone, it's more cute and fun, although I can't believe the romance, it's only set up because of the curse, and the stake is not gripping anymore after they are together. I'm also a bit bitter because I think the second male lead really deserves the female lead much better than the male lead.

For the past two years, I think we've seen these law dramas with past lives connection, time travelling, time slips, too often already. I think we're done with this trope, right?

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Not everything I love, but there's so much goodness in it.

Yoon Gyeo Rye (Ji Chang Wook) is a brusque ex-convict on the run from gang members. He almost end his life, if not for an encounter with Kang Tae Shik (Sung Dong Il), who leads Team Genie, a committed, enthusiastic team that ensures that the final wishes of their terminally ill patients come to fruition. Due to an incident, Gyeo Re ends up joining Team Genie and that's when a new and better life begins for Gyeo Re.

"If You Wish Upon Me” is inspired by an actual hospice center in the Netherlands. Realizing about its’ existence is heartwarming and I'm grateful to know it through this drama. The drama itself is emotional, heart-wrenching, full of humanity and faith. Due to the subject matter, it might not be for everyone; it deals with deaths, illnesses, child abuse, violence, also, Gyeo Re’s dog is dying since ep 1. Those all sound depressing, but this drama brings a lot of comfort. As Tae Shik tells one hospice patient, “We started this to bring comfort in one’s last moments, when people need each other most.”

The OST is beautiful, the setting is beautiful, and the acting never let's us down. Ji Chang Wook shows once again how versatile and talented he is. Gyeo Re has an awful start to life and from all this unhappiness he evolves into a gentle, caring man. Then, the incredibly talented Sung Dong Il steals the show as Kang Tae Shik. Gyeo Re and Tae Shik brought out the best from each other. Sonny has my heart throughout and I love how he's being treated by everyone and that his story gives a meaningful character growth to Gyeo Re. Choi Soo Young is just delightful as a committed nurse, though the romance was not memorable to me. Also, the overly dramatic mystery subplot, I think it was unnecessary. Having said that, I think it's a wonderful drama that should be on your list!

June 2024
Find me on Instagram: @kdramajudge

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Regardless of its' flaws, Adamas is cool, stylish, and it was fun to watch the twins!

The story of twin brothers (Ji Sung) tracking down the truth behind a murder 22 years ago. Prosecutor Song Soo Hyun searches for the real culprit to clear his father's name for killing his stepfather, and his younger brother, a writer Ha Woo Shin, searches for the evidence of the murder, Adamas.

Adamas has all the elements that makes it an intriguing mystery thriller; greed, lies, conspiracy, shady characters, etc. Though I was not sold with the lack of urgency in the premise, of why now after 22 years they need to investigate this case, I was curious to find out what’s behind the mysterious mansion people and about Adamas.

I had a great time watching the high-class cinematography, editing and Ji Sung. As always, he’s a captivating performer. Playing the twins, an angry-bird-but-soft-at-heart prosecutor Song Soo Hyun and a calm & collected novelist, Ha Woo Sin, who gains entry to the museum-like mansion of a CEO to write his biography, while carrying his own personal agenda; looking for the diamond-crafted weapon Adamas. Both of them have their own quirks and were really fun to watch! :)

The story unfolds slowly, but the twists maintain a good momentum. Unfortunately for me, it wasn’t satisfactory that the later part focuses too much on the villains. The ending could’ve been more conclusive as well. Regardless, Adamas is cool, stylish, plenty of ulterior motives and power play.

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The intro was hot! Yohan!! XD *out-of-context* title

Unable to feel pain within his own body but skilled at diagnosing others, an anesthesiologist doctor John (Ji Sung) consistently faces challenges of his philosophy on life and death. People acknowledge him for saving a lot of patients, but they also think he causes others deaths, so if the patient wants death, should the wish be granted?

The story of a doctor who can’t feel physical pain, with an anesthesiologist who is full of love and tries to reach his heart. It presents an interesting viewpoint of euthanasia. Thought-provoking debates, patient stories, emotional healing, complemented with very peaceful and calming OSTs. The depth of the storyline and characters played by Ji sung and See Young inspires us to never give up to life challenges. I got chills from Ji Sung’s intensity when delivering his dialogues. You will be awed by his performances! Plus, he looks very kind-looking & charming in this show, beautifully styled & very swoony.

I enjoyed how the stake gets higher during patients’ critical situations. When they’re discussing the symptoms, the doctors are like detectives, giving thriller vibes. What I less enjoyed was how the female lead’s trauma flashbacks were repetitive and I’m annoyed with her emotional breakdown when it happens during the patients’ emergency situations. I also didn't think the romance was a stand out, but it definitely didn't spoil the show.

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Tense & gripping, it kept me anxious all the time!

In the process of solving a suspicious suicide case, prosecutor Park Jung Woo (Ji Sung) gets charged for killing his wife and daughter. As he seeks to recollect his memory, will he succeed to prove his innocence and the truth before time is up?

Tense and gripping, Defendant is a drama that is dangerously emotional, but guaranteed satisfying plot twists. It’s one of my favorites because of the performances! Ji Sung went through a lot to his role as Park Jung Woo physically & mentally, and it really shows! He tapped into raw griefs and anguishes of emotions that horribly torn me apart… T.T Uhm Ki Joon as Cha Min Ho, perfect! His face-to-face arguments with Jung Woo, their fist-fights, chasing & scheming each other were so powerful! Another highlight is the entertaining cellmates. They were unassumingly funny and I think if they’re not there, the drama would have been too painful to watch.

In stories, when all hopes are lost and the dark tunnel seems too long, it can make me frustrated, especially with memory loss trope, but they're doing a great job to keep me guessing whether Jung Woo’s inner thoughts are reliable narratives, so any slightest hope keep me rooting for him. Finally, really enjoyed the energetic OST. I'm clapping excitedly whenever the song “To the End” plays in powerful scenes very fittingly. Brilliant!

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Not one of my most memorable shows but it's a meaningful and fun story after all

Shin Suk Ho was a music producer at a large entertainment agency, wanting to start his own company. However, this new journey starts on the wrong foot and his plan falls flat on his face. As he's finding his way back, he meets Ha Neul, who gave up dreams to become a singer after losing his parents and being wrongly convicted of a crime. Will he be able to regain confidence and realize his abandoned dream along with Suk Ho?

Entertainer is surprisingly bold in presenting the shady side of the entertainment and music industry. The best part of it was undoubtedly Suk Ho's storyline, from cunning to sincere and the show gave it as much attention as it did. I enjoyed his hijinks with the boys of the Entertainer Band, without all the stress but lots of laughs and tears. The bonding that developed as they went through obstacles in pursuing their passion for music was touching, especially between Suk Ho and Ha Neul. The whole cast made their characters relatable and lovable in their own right. However, I didn't enjoy Hyeri's whining and crying that were so over the top, and it doesn't help her character being naive and rather foolish.

While the show had parts where I get bored (mostly due to pacing), it still delivers a lovely life-lesson well, that no matter how hard life gets, your friends can help realize your dreams. Regarding the ending, it was a little too perfect and fairy-tale-like, but the story made me happy with the everyone's journey.

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Halfway and I lost interest, too much self-pity and crying

I wasn't loving part 1 as I found the dynamic between the lead is a bit childish and drags. Part 2 comes and first 4 episodes hit me with massive emotional train wreck, so painful yet so beautiful. What stands out to me compared to the previous season is this new dynamic among the hunter woman, Jang Hyun ang Gil Chae. She has so much passion and her motivation is interesting, so she elevate the stake. I'm in for their painful future stories.

Cinematography is just as stunning as the previous part. The shots are very captivating, that you can't help but admired. Trigger warning: the torture scenes realistically gruesome, comparable to few historicals Mr. Sunshine and Empress Ki. I guess it is to highlight the degradation that Joseon went through during this historical time. Great and emotional acting by all cast! Namkoong Min has rightly been receiving praise for his accolade and I enjoyed his chemistry with Lee Chung Ah. Honestly, they look great together in all situations.

Even if it won't happily ever after, at least I hope the struggles of our heroes come to an end soon because all of them goes through so much pain already. Every little hopeful moment counts, even though I don't know how it's going to end.

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A fun and weird experience, not necessarily a memorable one

Each member of the Bok family had a unique special power that they lost due to modern life crises. One day, the grandparents arrange a second marriage for their son/single father, Gwi Ju (Jang Ki Yong), with Da Hee (Chun Woo Hee) who might be able to bring their powers back. However, she and her family's true intention is to take them for all their worth.

Just like the title, the vibe and characters of Atypical Family are unique. Certain things gave me cringe, like the obesity portrayal throughout the story and the one-note annoying characters, but the plot’s unpredictability and the complex flawed characters managed to keep me tuned in each week.

Gwi Ju and Ina's father-daughter bonding were heartfelt, and I love the developing friendship between Da Hee and Gwi Ju’s sister, Dong Hee. The chemistry between Da Hee and Gwi Ju was great, although at first I wasn’t rooting for their romance. Sometimes the pacing was slow, but it is never boring because the hijinks were hilarious! XD

I didn’t like how they keep throwing-in angsty cliffhangers in many episodes towards the ending, which makes the story felt drawn-out, but in the end it was very heartwarming. Overall, it was quite a fun watch!

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A complex political thriller with family drama and personal growth

While the show is dark and serious, it's really engaging. There are numerous plot threads weaving through this series, centering around three sisters characters. The eldest sister who is an outcast at her company because she's poor, lacks a higher education, is divorced, and is also attractive. She forms a unique friendship with another outcast who hides her luxurious alter ego. This relationship leads to our eldest sister gaining possession of a significant sum of money, tainted by corruption. The middle sister is a passionate reporter investigating the background and family connections of a politician running for Seoul's mayor. However, she struggles with alcoholism and often becomes emotional on camera. The youngest sister is an exceptionally talented artist who won a scholarship to a prestigious art school in South Korea. She forms a close friendship with a wealthy girl from the school, essentially becoming part of the rich family. This doesn't sit well with her elder sisters, who suspect that the rich family has ulterior motives. Furthermore, the rich family connected to the youngest sister is the very same family that our second sister, the reporter, is investigating. The connections become increasingly messy as the story unfolds.

Now, this show has an exceptional cast. They delivered outstanding performances, with the eldest sister standing out due to her character's development and screen time. The cinematography is a masterpiece, the set design and overall color grading are meticulously crafted, with subtle clues woven into the details. Also the music is as beautiful as the visuals.

What I don't like are the characters and the story all throughout. The sisters seem so unlikeable and dim, they keep making choices that put them in jeopardy. It was painful to watch them being played over and over again by people around them, it feels that the plot just keep happening around them just for performances. While plot twist after plot twist keep happening, the last 4 episodes do not round the story very well.

-Oct 2023, Yovita
Find me on Instagram: @kdramajudge

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Yumi Cells 2 was a very cute watch and I will cherish all the sweet moments :)

After moving on from her heartbreak, we see Yumi (Kim Go Eun) and her colorful cells deal with the courage to step out on her own as a writer as her new romance blossoms with Yu Babi (Park Jin Young).

The arc that bridges Yumi Cells 1 and 2 felt natural. In season 1, Babi has been around as her coworker but he never was presented as another love interest option for Yumi. So after breaking up with Woong and we see her moving on, Babi’s presence just fits as someone who is there for Yumi. The flow of both relationships were just as refreshing because Woong and Babi’s personalities were very different. I also appreciate seeing a more dynamic journey of Yumi as a writer since it was always been her dream.

Although I think season 1's cells were more charming, there are still hilarious, emotional moments. Also, surprisingly naughty moments between Yumi and Babi's little cells, I love those! XD That's a testament to how vibrant Yumi and Babi's chemistry were. I love every time he convinces her in his blunt and swoony manner, and when he was so sincere when he takes care of her. What I don't understand is the annoying side characters and the conflicts that seem to stem from out-of-character decisions, which makes me upset till the ending. Other than that, Yumi Cells 2 was cute and I will cherish all the sweet moments! :)

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