NatalyH

Chinese BL dramas are hard for me to watch I'm still not over Addicted from 2016! But after seeing so many TikToks about this series, I decided to give it a chance.

That being said, I have to admit I really liked the cast. The actors had amazing chemistry and looked stunning on screen. However, there was something off about the storyline. For example, Qi Lu’s parents’ behavior toward him was absolutely questionable and downright toxic, that’s putting it nicely. And don’t even get me started on Tan Yin’s relationship with the professor. Like, he reminds you of your deceased brother, but you’re romantically interested in him? That dynamic threw me off several times.

Then there’s the ending… those last episodes. They left me with no closure at all. The show builds up all these events and delivers a constant flow of bad situations, so you’d expect a satisfying, dramatic conclusion. But nope. The protagonists end up leaving and lying to each other. Then the series jumps to future clips, leaving viewers to assume they got back together. This is followed by a rushed explanation of seven years of their lives in quick text, capped off with just five minutes of happiness.

Again, while I love the cast, the storyline just didn’t work for me.

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Bittersweet! But 10/10

I didn’t realize we had to wait two years for season 2, and even though the wait was long, it was totally worth it! I was left with questions and wanting more, which honestly isn’t a bad thing.

Let me just say, brace yourselves—episode 2 broke me! I was crying like a baby. The cast, as always, was top-notch; everyone understood the assignment. Even the young actors, like young Mozazo, had me laughing all the time. And Mr. Kim (Kim Sung Kyu)—oh my gosh, he is incredible! His eyes alone convey so much anguish, love, pain—everything.

The way the storyline weaves between the past and present was done so magnificently that it’s impossible to get lost or confused. However, I will admit, Solomon’s plan and his entourage had me a bit confused at times.

Throughout the show, no one pissed me off more than Gyeong Hui. Like, sis, LIVE YOUR LIFE, LOVE WHO YOU WANT TO LOVE. But I understand her character was a reflection of how many women from that era depended on their husbands’ permission for everything—even to get groceries. I think that’s one reason she never followed her love for Mr. Kim. His love could’ve been her liberation, but she couldn’t take that step.

Now, please don’t hate me for this, but Ko Han Su really came through in the end. I don’t condone his behavior toward Sunja, but I think he’s already paid for his sins, at least when it comes to his wrongdoings toward her. Bringing her mother was such a big moment. To me, it was like saying, “I know you didn’t want to leave your homeland, and I know it broke you to leave your mother—but you had to, because of me. So, I’m going to find her and bring her to you.”

I really hope Lee Min Jin and Soo Hugh continue working together because wow!

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Unexpectedly Good!

I would like to start by congratulating the casting team. Each cast member portrayed their individual character magnificently. They did an amazing, terrific, and fantastic job! I really enjoyed watching the series, and I will definitely be watching it again. I personally had never seen the actors before, but they all deserve an award.

The writers also deserve praise. Each character is unique and complex in their own way. Despite the series only having eight episodes, you truly experience their hardships and grow alongside them.

From the very first episode, I knew that Sin Jae Min was plotting something. The fact that he practically served himself on a silver platter to Daon from the start seemed a bit odd to me.

To me, Kim Su Hyeon’s character is one of the most relatable. He was the living embodiment of so many common metaphors we hear growing up. For example: “You don’t know what you have until you lose it,” “A shrimp that falls asleep is carried away by the current of the sea,” and “Whoever has a shop should attend to it.” I felt bad for him, but his downfall wasn’t just due to Jae Min. He lacked the ability to see what was right in front of him the whole time, until the end. So if you ask me he was just dumb. However, I did appreciate his moment of realization at the end.

Jung Da On rattled me a bit, but I liked his journey. His struggles with his family and his confusion growing up felt so real that they reminded me of my own experiences.

And last but not least my lovely Ju Seong Hyeon! Ugh! He is the green flag we all deserve. Seeing Hyeon is a living reminder of what unconditional love should be. His character reinforced the idea that when you truly love someone, you NEED to be patient. Actor Cha Sun Hyung is a new face to me, but oh, do I want to see him again! I also loved the little background noises they included for him.

I highly recommend this show. Even though they managed to finesse it in just eight episodes, I would have loved to see a bit more. Again, phenomenal work from all the actors. I cannot wait to see them in future projects!

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Hopefully we get a part 2!!

I finished the show and I had to read reviews and shit because I was super confuse for a minute. Now, the cast was marvelous everybody understood their job and fulfilled it excellent. However, as always I needed more. The story had my questioning wether this was a romantic BL or if the protagonist are really in an sentimental relationship like whats up. Despite that I like the story. It was not rushed I think some scenarios were unnecessary but, I understand the portrayal. Like Sheng its only 17 so we definitely have a long way to go. On the other hand, what concerns me is the fact that we dont have a season 2 confirm lol. Definitely this series is a slow rollercoaster ride but I like it bc you grow with them to the point of even navigating and overcoming your own traumas. I really hope we get part 2 or more episode with them as adult and not just for the main couple if they make it to couple land. But also Pepper and Gao like I need to see that couple. In addition to Qi Jiahao issues there is still so much to see. So I will keep my hopes for the series.

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Stop pushing people to the edge!

Twists and unexpected turns — that’s exactly what this show is about. It is absolutely juicy, and everything is top-notch. The cast did an amazing job, and even the soundtrack was on point. The storyline was easy to follow, and it keeps you entertained episode after episode after episode.

The only thing I didn’t fully enjoy was how, at certain points, it felt like Lee Do was made into a bit of a one-man show. For example, why did he have to stop the funeral to go to the rally, while the other two characters were just there to assist? At times, it felt a little overdone.

That said, I really don’t have any major complaints. I enjoyed it so much and honestly loved every seonsaengnim in the show. Amazing job all around.

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Cute, warm, funny, and mature

I absolutely loved this series! That’s not even up for debate. From the opening scene of episode 1, I wanted to jump in and smack the ignorance right out of the interviewer grilling Shao Peng. The show had me hooked from the start!

One of my favorite aspects was watching the main couple’s relationship evolve. Their chemistry was so strong, it practically leapt off the screen. Jonathan and Xin Jia were hilariously cute together! However, I do wish the writers had given us more insight into their life in the States instead of leaving so much up to viewer assumptions.

On the other hand, I found myself confused by Nat Chen’s character. Why are you upset that your brother loves you? And why can’t you just accept that he doesn’t hate you? This dynamic felt under explored, and I think a bit more focus on these moments could have made the story even stronger.

Despite a few things I wish had been showcased better, I truly enjoyed watching this series. It’s definitely one I’ll be recommending!

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As I was finishing the series, I initially thought about not writing a review. However, the actors delivered such outstanding performances that it would feel disrespectful not to acknowledge them.

I enjoyed the storyline up until around episodes 7 or 8. After that point, it started to feel rhetorical and repetitive. Jack and Joke's love story was so brief, it left me wanting more. The fighting scenes, on the other hand, felt excessively long and dragged out.

Another missed opportunity was the introduction of love stories among some characters that were never fully addressed. It’s disappointing because the series had so much potential to be truly great.

That said, the cast was excellent. This was my first time seeing Yin and War, and I can confidently say they were fantastic.

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A Wicked Mess... Respectfully!

I know this one might be a little controversial because we’re talking about Daou and Offroad, but this series just wasn’t a favorite for me. I don’t know if I went in with really high expectations, if the show was overly hyped, or if I just expected more because the main leads are such a power couple. But overall, the story felt boring at times — it kept repeating the same beats: the brothers’ power struggle, the father who doesn’t care, and the same emotional cycles over and over. I honestly feel the script could’ve been much stronger.

The actors, as always, did a great job portraying their characters, even though some of them lacked real growth or development. And shoutout to Tongtong, I really liked his character. At some point, I was more invested in Jet and Park’s relationship. Their chemistry was so palpable through the screen. I wish the show had given us their backstory: Where does Park’s devotion toward Jet come from? Does he love him like a brother, a lover, a friend? No doubt he cherished him deeply.

Another thing that bothered me was the so-called “father.” He is literally the root of why the siblings hate or resent one another. And I say “resent” because there were moments where it felt like the rivalry between the brothers was actually jealousy planted by Jet’s mother and reinforced by a father who refused to be a real dad to Pheem.

And then there’s Risa… girl, what is your actual problem? You clearly have the brains to manage a company. If your dad doesn’t see it, prove him wrong and go start your own business. But okay, I get it — it’s all for the plot.

I will say, for me, Pheem was mean all the way until the end. He put Than through so much, despite constantly saying he was done hurting him. Right now, in the Thai BL world, he holds the spot for the most toxic main character. Again, the actors did a good job, but something in the story just lacked overall.

For me, Daou and Offroad’s chemistry definitely carried the show.

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Shit makes no sense!!

With all due respect, I was honestly just relieved when I finished this series. Wtf. At some point, I was literally watching only for the visuals of the actors and because I was curious about what would happen with ZeFang soul. But honestly? It felt like the series had no plot. No script. No real writing.

The actors themselves I actually liked, the whole cast was new to me, and to me they all had genuine chemistry. Everyone did a good job as actors. But the characters they were playing? They needed serious help. There was basically no character development. On the contrary, Hai Yuan seemed to regress instead of maturing, he got more childish as the episodes went on.

I fully get that love has no color, no age, no gender but, this story just didn’t land. Like… this guy has always known you, has always had a crush on you, and you never liked him back? But then suddenly, you fall for his grandfather, who ends up in his body someone you allegedly never even had feelings for before? The whole thing felt messy and inconsistent, and honestly, I’m still conflicted about it. Maybe I just didn’t understand the “purpose” of the show, but I feel like the plot had potential that was wasted. For example, the Thai series My Stand-In had a similar cross-body soul storyline but that one actually made fucking sense.

Again, my issue isn’t with the actors or their acting — it’s with the writing.

One character I did low-key like was Guan Ri Qing. He was clearly heartbroken, and even though his way of showing love was toxic, he still came across as one of the most relatable characters. I honestly wish we had gotten to see more of his relationship with Ze Fang, because my boy was really in love with him.

And lastly, one thing that really bothered me was Hai Yuan’s complete disregard for the loss of life and soul of Ze Fang. Like, one thing is not having romantic or sexual interest in someone but to not give a single fuck about another human being’s existence? That was too much for me.

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It was the turn of events for me!

When I started watching the show, I wasn’t particularly excited. By episode 3, I even thought, Did we really wait almost three years for this? But then things began to come together. Episodes 5 and 6 were fantastic they had me glued to my screen!

I haven’t read the webtoon, so for those who have, let me know if the adaptation is at least 85% accurate. I appreciated the way the show explores multiple characters rather than focusing solely on Jung Jin-Su. I had my suspicions about him since season 1,he was up to no good. Both actors portraying Jung Jin-Su did an incredible job. I've seen Kim Sung-Cheol in other roles, and he consistently impresses. You Ah-In is also an outstanding actor, and I’ll be eagerly awaiting his return as a better healthy individual.

I love shows that offer lessons. Without giving away spoilers, I’ll just say this: God and life do give second chances. Never lose hope in humanity, and always stay true to yourself.

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Fucking awesome!

I honestly feel sorry for myself for waiting so long to start watching this show like, I don’t even know what I was doing! First things first, you need to stop sleeping on my baby Park Ji Hoon. He is a top-notch actor, truly top notch. He’s absolutely fantastic in every role he takes on.
This series is honestly a 10 out of 10 .If you haven’t watched it yet, please tune in! I just finished season one, and I’m still a little confused about Oh Beon. I don’t really understand, was he jealous that Yeong I was attracted to Yeon Is Sun? Or was he mad that Su Ho bonded with her enough to let her stay over? Or was he attracted to either of them himself? Like, what was the issue?! To me, he comes across as a complete lunatic and a selfish individual.The soundtrack of the show it's really lovely too.
Again, the actors are all really fantastic, and I cannot wait to dive into season 2!

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Good cinematography

I went into the movie without any expectations and without knowing much about it. I hadn’t even watched the trailer. All I knew was that it’s a Netflix movie from South Korea, and the cast is strong.

While watching, I did skip through a few parts—some scenes felt a bit repetitive, and the fight sequences ran a bit long. As the story unfolded, I realized it was structured almost like chapters in a book, focusing on themes like war, revolt, chaos, and ultimately, uprising. That aspect was pretty cool.

That said, I have to admit that the story itself wasn’t particularly striking. It felt more like a series of events leading up to the uprising rather than a gripping narrative. Still, I understood the message of brotherhood, and Yi Jong Ryeo’s final words were beautiful and moving.

Overall, I wouldn’t say it was a bad movie, but it wasn’t exactly my cup of tea.

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