Nat

The amount of kissing this drama has...

This was the kind of drama I love when I watch xianxia: heartbreaking romance, reincarnation, worldbuilding, high stakes.

What I really liked is that this drama did not waste time setting up a lengthy exposition like we had in Ancient Love Poetry (15 episodes almost to get it going, as far as I remember).

Here we get right to the point without unnecessary bells and whistles. We get our FL, our ML, our antagonists, and go right to the love story. I actually liked that the story was heavily concentrated on the relationship between the leads instead of all other side characters and such. In all honesty, in C-dramas, it's very, very rare that I find the secondary CP or supporting characters interesting. Extra couple always seems like it's a filler to make sure there is enough content for the drama to lasts at least 30 episodes.

I liked the intimacy between the leads and the way the romance developed. I think the actors did a stellar job. I also adored the actress. Never seen her in anything, but she was so good in the first arc, playing the role of a clueless girl who just wanted to get by without getting involved.

Now, the amount of kissing this drama has shocked me a little. In a good way, of couse. At least half the episodes have kisses, which is rare for a C-drama. I loved the intimacy in general.

I believe the only complaint I have is that the last two arcs were a tad short. Especially the third one. I think either adding more episodes to make sure each arc has equal amount of screen time or shortening the first arc to make room for the other two stories would have been a better choice. I feel like there were a lot of wasted opportunities in the third arc in the mortal realm. I would have loved to see the relationship between the leads develop differently over a longer course of time in the last bit of the story. There was room to work with more palace intrigue too. As a writer, I would follow this guidelines. But again, I don't watch to critique professionally, neither do I write xainxia scripts. I'll watch for entertainment and to get away from my real-life problems before sleep. So for me, this was a chef's kiss.

Things I look for in the epic xianxias are always timeless love, character development for both ML and FL, chemistry, decent CGI and good worldbuilding and acting of course. This drama has it all.

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An In-Depth Exploration of Childhood Trauma Set Against a Romantic Backdrop

If you’re going into *Can This Love Be Translated?* expecting swoony romance (I mean Kim Seon Ho paired up with Go Youn Jung!), adjust your expectations accordingly.

While the drama features romance, it’s important to note that it’s more focused on the complexities of mental health and the healing journey for our female lead rather than a traditional K-Drama love story. It will be evident when you start watching and notice that Cha Mu Hui gets quite a lot of screen time as opposed to her love interest. And obviously, this is for a reason.

I typically divide K-dramas into two categories: the quirky, over-the-top madness that follows a typical formula and is a full-on cliche ride that’s totally a wild ride, and those that stray from it. Lowkey, slow-paced, and nuanced stories. And they can be real gems. *Can This Love Be Translated?* belongs to the second category and, while I often find these dramas can really stand out from the crowd (Worst of Evil, Somebody, Eat, Love, Kill to name a few), this one didn’t hit the mark for me.

To be honest, I’m disappointed because I truly enjoy both actors, especially Kim Seon Ho as Ju Ho Jin. I’ve been waiting for a new romance drama featuring him for a while.

The drama starts off slowly but the first episode sets up the story’s foundation really well and I think it almost does the drama disservice because I expected that we would progress in the same manner. But the pacing for some reason did not take off or kept up. I don’t mind the slow pace at first because I know sometimes Asian dramas like to get really detailed with their exposition. However, my expectation is that once the foundation is laid, we need to make sure we start building upon it rather quickly, or build towards something.

But in *Can This Love Be Translated?* the plot kind of just wobbles through the motions. Yes things are happening and yes, some of them are interesting and there is a secondary couple. That’s quite cute, and I liked that there was not a lot of drama around them and things got resolved pretty quickly. But I think our leading couple deserved a little bit more. While they had some really great scenes and dialogues, they also had some strange ones too.

The drama attempts to explore deeper themes like childhood trauma, mental health, and the complexities of human relationships. However, it stumbled in the execution, particularly in how characters communicated with one another. I understood what the writers aimed to convey, and why the communication was meant to be still good and not clear (I mean, the show is literally about translating and understanding), but some dialogues missed the mark and didn’t effectively get to the point. I'm pretty decent at reading between the lines, but even I struggled to get the idea behind their interactions.

While I appreciated the detailed portrayal of Cha Mu Hui’s character and the focus on mental health, Ju Ho Jin felt underdeveloped. He seemed to have his own issues to tackle, yet we barely got to understand him beyond the family drama presented, and the situation with his mother was resolved pretty quickly. But why he was the way he was (because let's be honest, the guy was kind of a dick 70% of the time) wasn’t explained. There was a lot to explore about him that was left untouched.

I’d say overall, *Can This Love Be Translated?* is a decent drama; it’s well-written with great acting and good storytelling. It’s a quality TV. However, I do think the pacing could have been faster to address the elements that would have made it more engaging. For those expecting a romance-centric story, you might want to adjust your expectations. While there’s a lot of romance, the focus is more on overcoming trauma and navigating human relationships and it feels almost one-sided because we are mostly going through it with Cha Mu Hui.

I think a lot of people will still love it. But for a seasoned Asian drama lover like me, I have seen better dramas.

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Sweet but Slow and Overhyped

"Shine On Me" is a typical sweet C-drama romance, that doesn’t bring anything new to the table. I personally feel it’s been quite overhyped. Probably because of Song Wei Long’s visuals in a suit.

If you're a fan of slow, sugary romance dramas with seemingly unnecessary characters, this one might be right up your alley.

The show starts off extremely slow—almost like a slice-of-life narrative. It lingers on conflicts that feel underdeveloped as the show progresses. The focus is primarily on our female lead, whose frustrating communication style detracts from the story. Her unrequited love for Zhuang Xu feels like it drags on for too long and for no particular reason, except for him being her unrequited crush. Honestly, if you haven’t had an intimate relationship with someone, why take years to move on? Maybe I’m just too Westernized, but this aspect felt unbelievable to me. And I’m absolutely fine with suspending my belief where it’s needed. I get what fiction is. I don’t watch romance for reality.

Zhao Jin Mai, usually praised for her acting skills, appeared somewhat unfocused in her role. At least at the beginning. She’s cast as an assertive and hardworking young woman with a family from a wealthy background, yet her behavior at times didn’t align with this characterization. The dialogue, especially between her and some other characters revolving around her in the first half of the drama, suffers from awkward pauses that made it seem as though the actors were struggling to remember their lines, which was frustrating. I get it. This was way of directors to show the characters and who they were at the beginning of their journey, but it made them look like they were teenagers instead of college graduates.

On the other hand, Song Wei Long certainly looks great in a suit. However, some of his early scenes seemed strangely mechanical, almost as if he was still rehearsing. By the later episodes, the acting improves significantly, which makes me wonder if it was a directing issue.

There are far too many characters introduced in earlier episodes, many of whom end up as mere afterthoughts rather than having substantial storylines. For example, Xi Guang’s college friends and even Zhuang Xu had screen time that was wasted, particularly when he spent far too long just staring out a window. If the writers chose to give characters like them significant screen time, they should have crafted deeper narrative for them. I think they did try, but Zhuang Xu had so much screen time and there are minutes and minutes of him just drinking and remembering the past. Writers should have given him a better, more rounded story. He should have gotten a love of interest for himself at the end.

As for romance, prepare for an extreme slow burn: it takes 25 episodes just for the couple to hold hands after they decided that they want to be together, and even longer for a proper kiss. The sweetness of the romance is undeniable, but the pacing makes it tedious at times. And to be honest, the issues I had are mostly with the first 20 episodes of the show. After that, the pacing and the storyline picked up and the acting was a lot better. Also don’t worry, even though the romance is very slow, they catch up in the last few episode. There’s plenty of really great kissing.

The family conflict could have been introduced earlier. Because once it came into the picture, the show felt more interesting. The stakes becamea lot more interesting as opposed to the episodes in the drama when we had Xi Guang try to get over some guy whose hand she’d never held when such a sweetheart of a man was right in front of her, ready to give her the world. Sometimes I wanted to scream at her: girl, are you stupid?

"Shine On Me" isn’t a horrible drama. I liked it. But again it wasn’t anything special to think about for days after you finish watching. It lacks the cinematic flair to make it a standout. The cinematography is just okay, with some bland color choices. The main couple is charming, but the unnecessary screen time wasted on unimportant plot points diminishes the overall experience. The happy ending is sweet and swoony, and honestly, I found myself needing a couple of attempts to finish the final episode. If you enjoy clean, sweet romance without the angst, this may be for you. I think the writing could have been better and if they were different choices made when it came to the script, I would have loved it a lot more.

I know a lot of people love this drama, but in my opinion, it’s is overrated and doesn’t deserve its high rating. For me, "Speed and Love," "The First Frost," or "Hidden Love" are by far better-written romances with the better central conflict.

PS I skipped a lot of scenes, in particular the ones with Xi Guang and her coworkers. And I did not miss a single thing.

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That’s how you do enemies to lovers romance!

This was really good. And I mean REALLY GOOD.

I was literally floored after I finished it. Admittedly this was my first Chen Zhe Yuan drama (I had never gotten on that Hidden Love bandwagon when it came out). And oh boy! The man can act. He is perfect for historical bad a$$ leads.

Things I loved:

Great character development, and in general character arcs for every character, including all the villains, made total sense. I liked that most of them were toeing in the shades of gray.

Great quality production too. Awesome fight scenes. Very, very impressive. Beautiful sets and costumes.

The romance part of the show was my favorite. The enemies to lovers’s vibe was real and so delicious to watch. Even though it started off quite violently, the way Fu Yi Xiao and Feng Sui Ge supported each other through the drama once they started to warm up to each other was very satisfying to watch.

This is basically everything I want from a historical drama. Heart pounding, dramatic, romance, and exciting execution of popular tropes, along with healthy relationship between the lead couple. Supporting characters all had great back stories. I was invested in many, wanting to know how it ends for some.

As far as entertainment value goes, it was just what I needed.

I do think some villains didn’t need to have that many draggy scenes. And the last few episodes could have been longer to flesh out certain events, but overall one of the better costume dramas I’ve seen this year. Plus, it has a happy ending for our lead couple. This is all I need.

Fated Hearts absolutely deserves the high ratings.

P.S. I’m totally enjoying all the new empowering female leads in C-dramas in general this year. I’m glad the immature bubbly ones are fading away.

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An Inside Look at the Harsh Truth of Idol Culture: Good Drama but Something Was Missing

I personally love stories set in the entertainment industry since I’m myself a former …(not an idol, no. Do not get any ideas. I will simply omit my profession here that had me working backstage to avoid my friends finding this page, haha).

In any case, this is not supposed to be any kind of teasing, but since I worked in entertainment for a bit, I have my own ideas about celebrity dramas. The key takeaway here is that I think up until this particular drama, we have only had watered-down versions of dramas about the actual issues celebrities face.

Idol I is an honest and raw take on the topic, which I really appreciated. I have been waiting for Kim Jae Yeong for years to get this kind of role. He’s a talented actor, and he deserves all the love he’s getting for the role of Do La Ik. He’s given us some superb acting here. I have seen some reviews online saying that the acting was subpar.

I disagree.

I do think that, as far as chemistry goes between Kim Jae Yeong and Choi Soo Young, it wasn’t anything special. Nothing like I’ve seen from other dramas, but it also wasn’t bad. I did not doubt their romance for a second as I watched the drama. They both did their job well, and I absolutely did not feel that it was flat or underdeveloped or anything in particular was wrong with their relationship. If anything, perhaps they could have had more moments together, but again, this is a fault in the script, not acting.

If you see others complaining online that the acting and the chemistry are not great, ignore it. Do not let it stop you from checking it out. Just watch it and decide for yourself.

I think the biggest issue with this drama was actually the script because it has given us an organic, slow-burning romance and great character development, but it failed in the aspect of the mystery surrounding the murderer. I think writers should have approached it differently. The investigation bits needed to be amplified. The court scenes should have been added. And the forensics… I was baffled. Does the CSI team in Korea not exist at all? One sweep of the forensics team would have found either fingerprints or other DNA traces of the actual murderer in the apartment. I think this part needed to be approached with more care when it came to writing. And I think this is what's missing from the show.

Overall, I enjoyed the approach to the exploration of the effect of early fame and being a childhood star on a person’s wellbeing, in particular, mental health. This is not discussed enough. And I think writers were very honest with Do La Ik’s character, not making him into a saint, but actually making him a person with his own demons and his own flaws. Which only made his healing journey of self-discovery more meaningful. Writers did Maeng Se Na’s character dirty by not including her own story into the drama properly. It was basically left as an afterthought for the last episode. Introducing her own fight for justice early on would have been better.


However, despite its flaws, this is still a really good drama that talks about the real price of fame.


Some of my personal notes on the (ridiculous) online controversy.

I believe people complaining about a romance drama between an idol and a fan should really not watch Asian romantic drama. Period. Fiction is fiction. Real life is real life. If you cannot differentiate between the two and constantly try to apply fictional scenarios to real life, you should not be consuming romantic fiction. Additionally, fiction also exists to explore topics and show us some truths that are hidden behind the glamour of stardom.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with this scenario because this is an extremely popular romantic trope. I don’t know why this is such a big deal for those who are watching not from the west but celebrity/regular person romantic fiction. Here is extremely popular and no one bats an eye. When we discuss romance between a celebrity and a fan in the realm of fiction, it's all about the power dynamics. When the power dynamics are not even, this tips the scales. However, here our characters actually have known each other since they were teens, since before both of them were successful adults, and the power dynamics between them is pretty even. As far as social standing, they are actually on the same level. Just because one of them is a celebrity does not make the other one less. She is an attorney (perhaps a better, more well respected and high earning job then an singer) and her own person. The situation would be different when one of them were a celebrity and the other—a suga baby who needed saving. I would complain about this scenario. You can be someone's fan and date them. As a matter of fact, you should be a fan of the person you're dating. That's how you support your loved one.

So, I’d say the snowflakes complaining about this being a taboo should check themselves or stop watching K-dramas. Or better yet-get a life. Just as Maeng Se Na said in the show, you support your idols from a distance and wish them well. That makes you a true fan. But if you think you own that person because you invest money in them, by buying merch and attending a show, that's not support. That's delusion.

Also, there are a lot of other idol/fan dramas, so criticizing this particular one seems strange.

I, in general, do not understand idol culture or why it's a requirement for them in Asia to stay single. This has never been something important here in the West. People ship their idols with their loved ones, or whoever they are dating, and that's normal.

Everyone deserves to have their private life. I don’t understand why two single people of age seen together is called a dating scandal. I know it’s an Asian only thing so I always adjust my expectations when I watch Asian dramas, but I think this drama showed us exactly why this culture is toxic and perhaps reasons why this needs to change.

To sum this up, just watch the show. It's not perfect and it does feel like it's missing something, at least for me. And I think after finishing it up, I understand what. I wanted more on the police investigation and courtroom politics. And this part was skipped, which I think made it a little bit less intense that I expected. But the acting is great, the character development is great, the romance is solid and the premise is fresh. It does make you think about certain things. Watch it with an open mind. A lot of people who loved it. You might love it too.

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Daou and Offroad Deserve Better Budget and Better Script

Oh boy, where do I even begin with this hot mess of a show?

As a big fan of Daou and Offroad, I was so hyped for The Wicked Game to drop, especially after loving their work in Love in Translation and one of my favorites—Century of Love. I mean, the chemistry between these two is off the charts, both on-screen and off.

But let me tell you, when I actually sat down to watch this latest offering, I was shocked at how hard it was for me to get through the first two episodes. From the very first five minutes, I was scratching my head, wondering if I had accidentally stumbled into some low-budget 2013 K-drama reject. The sound editing was like nails on a chalkboard, and the cinematography… I don’t even know. Seriously, who was in charge of the camera work and lighting? It looked like they had just grabbed the nearest intern to handle that!

And don't even get me started on the script. The script was the biggest problem with this show. Let's be honest, the premise had a lot of potential, with this whole morally grey character and ex-cop dynamic. They could have done so many great things with that story. But it felt like the writers just jotted down a bunch of random bullet points and then called it a day, without bothering to flesh anything out properly. Where was the depth for the rest of the characters? Some of the motivations of the main characters made little sense too, because there was not enough screen time to show/explain. I was expecting something like gritty realness we got in KinnPorsche.

I mean, sure, there were some decent moments sprinkled in here and there, but it just wasn't enough to save the rest of the drama. And for a show with such complex characters, I really think they needed more episodes to do it justice. Like, come on, how are you going to cram all that into a measly 10 episodes?

The romance part in the middle really suffered. It was just one or two episodes that they got together for, and then the fallout.

Honestly, I'm just really disappointed, you know?

Daou and Offroad deserve so much better than this. If only they had the same production team Khemjira had. Now that's the kind of quality I was hoping for in terms of camera work, sound and special effects and script. I mean, Khemjira had its own character arc issues, but that's not the point. The Wicked Game had no character arc issues, but script issues because characters were interesting to begin with. The writers didn't bother to develop them better.

Ugh, I don't know, maybe I'm being too harsh, but I just feel like this show had so much potential, and they completely squandered it with a script to begin with.

At least Daou and Offroad still have their undeniable on-screen magic to fall back on. But still, I can't help but wonder what could have been if they had a better team behind the scenes.

Also, what the hell happened with those hot scenes they gave us in the trailer? Final cut NC scenes felt like they belonged to a college romance drama. Not a crime drama. This was a bit of a letdown too.

Again, I love Daou and Offroad a lot. They did the best they could with whatever they were given.

Here's hoping their next project has a better team and a better script. I’ll still support them.

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Top-notch romance drama with great chemistry

Love Between Lines is a superbly well-written, quality TV that combines romance, family drama, and suspense in a way where it’s just the right amount of everything and you want to keep watching even when you have to get up for work at the crack of dawn.

Our main characters Xiao Zhi Yu and Hu Xiu meet during a murder mystery game. Then their lives intersect in reality. As they navigate their roles in the game, they also begin to uncover each other’s true selves in reality.

This part I absolutely adored—how the story masterfully intertwines their fictional interactions with their real-life encounters. Whoever wrote the dialogues between Xiao Zhi Yu and Hu Xiu is a genius. The fact that they could tell each other some things and could be what they wanted to be in the game when they couldn’t in reality was a very nicely set parallel.

You really feel for both characters as you watch the drama because they both have so much to overcome and deal with in their lives. Xiao Zhi Yu has been living his entire live pretty much as someone else. And Hu Xiu couldn’t do what she always wanted to do and things finally are starting to change when they meet each other.

You also know early on—as you witness them falling in love—about the revelation of how they are actually sort of connected through past events. You know it’s going to ruin them when you find out, but you keep on watching anyway through all your anxiety because their interactions are just so swoony.

Thankfully, the hated third act break up did not last long.

The best part is that the romance between the leads is very well executed.

It’s a healthy, mature kind of relationship you’d want for yourself. It has none of that nonsense about purity you sometimes see in a C-Drama where women are often portrayed like they’re just sitting and waiting for that one guy. I liked that writers left it up to our imagination in terms of their previous partners/relationships, if they had any. Sometimes when romance culminates writers like to show women in their 20s as very inexperienced, which is extremely unrealistic. The silly “shy the morning after” moments absolutely drive me nuts.

So I enjoyed the fact that here this was presented to us. We just had two people in love going with the flow and simply enjoying being with each other without being prude about it. Who and what came before did not matter.

Other aspect I appreciated in the romance was how Xiao Zhi Yu recognized Hu Xiu's talent and genuinely supported her, allowing her to shine in her own right. This dynamic added depth to their relationship and showcased a refreshing take on C-Drama romance. Yes, they in general had a bumpy beginning with him being that typical grumpy male lead that felt almost red-flag-ish but that never came to fruition. And I’m happy. There were some hurdles to overcome, his initial rejection of her, to be exact, but I liked that it didn’t take long for things to get resolved. I liked that they both fought and won their personal battles along the way too. I like that she was also assertive of what she wanted.

Oh, and I have to mention that Love Between Lines features one of the best on-screen first kiss setups. I literally squealed and had to rewatch that scene twice! It was very well done. The music, the moment, the emotions, the entire leading up to it, the background, the colors, the camera angles.

It’s also worth mentioning that the backdrop of the architecture business and the competitive spirit that surrounded it was very interesting and added another layer to the drama. I don’t always like the business aspects added to romance, but when they are well done, they end up being quite entertaining and interesting.

All the side characters were wonderfully developed (especially Pei Zhen; he had a great character arc and I’m glad to see he didn’t follow his father’s path) and had their right place in the story. The camera work was amazing, especially during the game scenes. The whole sequence was just so dreamy.

We also did not have any non-essential characters getting a bunch of screen time for no reason just to make sure there’s content. Every scene was important and easy to watch and I did not skip much except for maybe some of the scenes between Zhao Xiao Rou and her husband. I think too many episodes were wasted on their storyline just to set up the divorce, and if the plan was to pair her up with Gong Huai Cong, it felt kinda incomplete because we were sort of left hanging at the end. I would love a bit of a closure for her or perhaps a scene where she meets her ex later down the road and it’s clear that she has someone else (someone better) just to rub it into his face because he did her so dirty. But it’s not something that’s going to affect my rating.

It’s still a 10 out of 10 for me. If you want good romance, watch it. Definitely MY top 10 contemporary romance C-dramas.

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A Delightful Dive into Classic Sageuk Tropes with a Dash of Fantasy

*Moon River* is a standard sageuk drama that brings together all the classic themes: palace intrigue, power struggles, self-sacrifice, and of course, epic romance with just enough fantasy to make it interesting, but not overwhelming due to the world building.

While I wouldn’t say this drama stands out from the other historical K-dramas I’ve seen, its charm lies in not trying to reinvent the wheel, but in the simplicity, which ultimately appealed to me.

This story revolves around separated lovers, along with a central mystery behind the past events that triggered the current situation. The mystery slowly unfolds as the show progresses and is set against a power struggle in the royal palace. Again, this is nothing new, but it worked for me.

What I Loved About *Moon River*

Superb Acting

The acting was fantastic, especially during the body swap scenes—I laughed so hard! I also appreciated that both leads looked like regular people. After watching a string of Chinese dramas recently where everyone’s faces are heavily filtered and appear unblemished, it was refreshing to see actors who looked more realistic, especially during emotional moments. I mean, I could actually see pores in their faces.

Comedic Relief

The body swap parts were a great source of comedy, alongside the amazing side characters that added to the humor throughout the show. I know not everyone likes the body swap trope. I think the way it was done in Moon River was refreshing and it was driving the plot forward.

Well-Developed Characters

I liked that all the characters had their backstories, including the main antagonist. No matter how much I hated Kim Han Cheol throughout the show, I really felt sorry for him at the very end. He didn’t deserve to give that headpiece to the queen, but I think if he had been able to, it would have provided him some closure. Again, he didn’t deserve it, but I could understand what drove him to become who he was. He simply got lost in his revenge.

No Tragic Deaths

I liked that we had literally almost no significant characters who tragically died at the end. I am still not over Moo-yeon’s death from *100 Days My Prince* all these years later!

Somewhat Spicy Romance with Substance

Having seen tons of historical K-dramas, I was honestly surprised at how much skinship we got here, and we even witness bare bodies. I mean, seeing the bare female shoulders in any Asian drama is like seen UFO. While obviously all the interesting bits are cut off, it’s refreshing to see a K-drama that doesn’t make us guess whether the characters actually consummate their marriage. If you want a romance with more than one dead fish kiss and tons of spice, you’ll love this one. While the said spice is not featured in every episode, it’s incredibly satisfying compared to 95% of other non-Netflix K-dramas.

I also really like the OST. It was beautiful and added to the overall emotional atmosphere of the drama and was fitting in all of the scenes.

I don’t have much to add in terms of things I didn’t like. While this wasn’t a particularly wow or standout drama like *Alchemy of Souls*, I still enjoyed it. It’s a historical drama with good acting, great costumes and settings, and a little bit of comedy and fantasy sprinkled throughout. Plus, we get a very nice happy ending for pretty much every character, including the secondary couple, which had a really great backstory.

Another aspect I enjoyed—no filler scenes. I did not skip a single frame. It’s rare when I watch an Asian drama and don’t skip. I think 14 episodes was the right amount. If you’re looking for something new or fresh, you probably will not enjoy this as much. But if you just starting to get into historical K drama or simply looking for a romance drama with great acting and don’t want to think too hard, Moon River is perfect.

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The chemistry was chemistrying, but the romance wasn’t romancing for the main couple

As someone who's been dipping my toes into the Thai BL dramas for a few years, I have been expecting a lot more from Khemjira. Let me tell you, this series had me feeling some pretty mixed emotions.

On one hand, I truly enjoyed watching the rich cultural and supernatural elements woven throughout the story. The show's deep dive into Thai mythology, shamanism, and the paranormal was a refreshing change of pace from the typical BL fare.

It was like a crash course in fascinating local folklore, and I ate it up. The production quality was also top-notch, with the longer episode runtime allowing the narrative to unfold at a more leisurely pace. As someone who appreciates a slow burn, I definitely liked that we had a lot of fleshed out scenes.

However, despite all these enticing aspects, I have to admit that Khemjira didn't quite live up to the hype for me. When I saw that rating here was 8.8, I was really expecting something extra extraordinary, especially in the romance department.

And the biggest issue I had with the drama is the lack of properly developed romance between the main leads, Khem and Peem. While their connection was rooted in a past-life narrative, the present-day development of their relationship felt incomplete and almost one-sided. Khem, in particular, came across as a passive and rather uninteresting character, failing to garner my sympathy and investment in his journey.

Khem's character development, or lack thereof was very disappointing. Of course, I did not expect from him to be doing some unnatural acrobatics, but he was reduced to cooking and washing dishes. He didn't seem to have any other interests. I think if the storyline about him being into art was developed a little bit more that would probably make him at least a bit more interesting.

Compared to Knockout," where the physically weaker protagonist actively participates in problem-solving and team efforts, Khem's passivity and reliance on others felt frustrating. As a viewer, I found it challenging to root for a character who seemed to be merely a "damsel in distress" rather than an active participant in his own story. I basically agree with everyone that I have seen said the same thing about the character.

Acting:

Keng’s performance of the shaman was a particular highlight. His Master was way too believable. I also am not going to put down Namping’s acting because I think he had to work with whatever was in the script. And as I have mentioned above, his character was not written very well. So I am not going to compare their acting because I haven't seen them in any other drama before.


In contrast, the secondary couple's storyline felt much more well-rounded and engaging, with a stronger sense of chemistry and emotional investment. This disparity between the main and supporting narratives was a bit jarring. I mean, the writers missed an opportunity to truly capitalize on the potential of the central romance.

NC scenes: they were well done, especially Charn and Jet’s scene. I thought it was the best one of the series. The NC in the final episode for lead couple wasn’t as good as the first scene they had in the earlier episode. But that’s just me.

Let’s put it this way: the chemistry was chemistrying, but the romance wasn’t romancing for the lead couple.


That being said, I did like the series for its bold departure from the traditional BL formula. Its cultural depth and production value is great, but ultimately the drama falls short in the crucial area of the well-developed romance between the main characters. While it may not have lived up to the hype for me, the series still offers a unique and thought-provoking experience. With more attention to the main character development and a stronger central romance it could have been a 15 out of ten for me. It's still worth a watch if you like slow burn.

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Ignore the hate and the negative reviews for this show.

Deserves a Much Higher Rating in My Opinion

The Last Immortal is exactly the kind of xianxia I love. Initially, I hesitated to continue after the first episode because I read the reviews and saw some spoilers, but I’m so glad I decided to return to it.

This drama features all the classic xianxia elements: stunning costumes, a talented cast, good CGI, and genuinely heartfelt acting. The ensemble is truly remarkable.

If you made the mistake to read the reviews first, and they deterred you from starting this drama, I recommend to set aside any preconceived notions about the main male character you may currently have. I know last couple of years have given us some pretty damn good male leads, but they can’t all be possessive demon gods there should be room for other type of characters as well.

If you've watched dramas like TTEOM or LBFD, where the male lead is intensely flawed or vicious, approach The Last Immortal with a fresh perspective. This drama’s narrative focuses on a group of young, naive individuals navigating the world, making mistakes, and growing in the process. It’s a coming-of-age story that beautifully illustrates their development as they confront challenges and learn appreciation as they mature.

The central narrative revolves around a young man Gu Jin burdened by the weight of responsibility of being a true god, torn between his love for someone and the expectations placed upon him. Alongside him, A Yin, who is in fact not what she seems, faces her hardships and emerges stronger when her time comes. We’re introduced to a family dynamic steeped in manipulation, particularly a father who coerces his daughter into nefarious actions. The story also explores bonds formed between unlikely allies and the consuming desire for power—timeless themes of good versus evil.

I particularly enjoyed the camaraderie among the four leads. Initially, I felt A Yin should choose Hong Yi. Because I mean that guy was hubby material, but I guess because he was too young and too impulsive he came on too strong. But as the plot unfolds, it becomes clear why her fated match is meant to be. Plus, Hong Yi has his own love story, which develops nicely throughout. I wished the secondary couple had more scenes earlier on, but their relationship becomes increasingly engaging as the series progresses.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this show. I've learned to not let reviews dictate my viewing choices. The acting is stellar; there’s no slow pacing, and no dull episodes. It captures the quintessential essence of a xianxia C-drama, brimming with fantastical elements and intricate scheming.

I do agree with the sentiment that the ending for the main couple could have been more fulfilling. While it’s a happy ending, it doesn’t quite match the joy of the secondary couple’s conclusion. Despite this, their relationship was adorable, and I felt satisfied with their happy ending—quite a rarity for me, as I usually don't invest in second couples.

In conclusion, I believe The Last Immortal is an underrated gem that deserves higher praise. I’ve seen some lackluster dramas out there, with much higher score and poorer quality. I think if you said you’re expectations aside and keep an open mind you will enjoy this drama. For me personally, the drama is worth watching when I need to go to sleep and I keep telling myself another 10 minutes for the next two hours. this one was exactly like that.

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When the girl wants a specific man and goes after him before she even knows it

I’ll admit, I initially put off watching "Hidden Love" for almost a year. I first stumbled over “The First Frost" on Netflix while it was still airing. I clicked on it on a whim, and the cinematography drew me in. After finishing up The First Frost, I found out it was a spinoff of "Hidden Love”. I decided to start “Hidden Love” right after. But I can be a bit snobby when I watch a drama with really good cinematography. I'm looking for something of the same quality if I'm in the mood, so the difference in cinematography was actually what made me bench “Hidden Love” for a while.

I moved on to something else and then when I was out of all the quality dramas to watch, I decided to go back and give “Hidden Love another try mostly because I also liked Chen Zhe Yuan’s acting in Faded Hearts I watched last month.

Zhao Lu Si needs no introduction. I've seen her in a number of other works, and she's just so versatile – equally skilled at both comedy and more emotional, dramatic scenes. And that talent really shines through in her portrayal of Sang Zhi.

Now, I will say, the beginning of the story can be quite slow because we only get to see what Sang Zhi is experiencing and it's mostly pining after Duan Jia Xu for nearly 8 episodes. We don't really get to know Duan Jia Xu better until later in the drama.

Now, I'm also going to say that creating a romance story, where one of the characters is still a minor at the beginning of it, needs to be done very carefully because it can easily become icky.

We first meet Sang Zhi as a teenage girl who’s developing a crush on her older brother's friend. She is still in middle school while her crush is in college. But the writers handled that part really well, making sure there were no inappropriate reciprocated feelings or behavior from Duan Jia Xu while she was still a minor. He treats her as a little sister.

As the story progresses, we really get to see Sang Zhi's character develop and mature, transitioning from that spoiled, indecisive teenage girl with an obsession into a strong, assertive young woman who knows exactly what she wants.

In short, Sang Zhi is so mommy-coded and wifey-material even as a minor, it’s adorable. The way she offers money and help to Duan Jia Xu, the way she sneaks it into his wallet while at the airport, the way she takes care of him at the hospital or the way she returns that glass of water at the restaurant scene—it’s just swoony. She becomes a strong and emotionally intelligent young woman who stands up for herself and for her man.

And Zhao Lu Si absolutely nails that emotional journey.

The more we learn about Duan Jia Xu’s backstory, the more depth and complexity his character takes on. This guy has been through some serious trauma, yet he still manages to put on a cheerful, responsible front, especially in front of Sang Zhi. He slips just once in her presence before his departure right after college graduation.

He is a strong, resilient kind of guy who does not want to burden others with his problems. And I think with everything that has been happening in his life, it's very admirable that he manages to remain a decent, caring, and responsible person.

Now let's talk about acting. The two leads just absolutely killed it, especially in those gut-wrenching emotional scenes. I'll admit, I even got a little teary-eyed at a couple of points – which is saying a lot, since I'm not usually one to cry during dramas.

Special mention is the airport scene in episode seven, and then another airport scene at the end of the drama when they are already grown-ups.

One thing I really appreciated about "Hidden Love" is the lack of unnecessary side characters and their storylines. So often, dramas try to cram in too much, and it ends up slowing down the pacing. But here, it's really just focused on the central romance between Sang Zhi and Duan Jia Xu, and I think that works so much better.

Yes, of course, we have supporting cast. We have the parents and the brother and then we have her college girlfriends and his college friends. But they are only in the drama to do exactly what they're supposed to be doing—support our leads in their journey. They are given just enough screen time to make us understand what's happening with them, but they are not really slowing down the pace. I think it's also one of the reasons why this show is so highly rated.

Some of the things that really stood out to me is the banter between the leads and their friend group(s). It was hilarious. Those group gathering scenes were always a delight. Some of the jokes were ridiculously on point. The acting in those scenes was just natural.

I also wanted to share my thoughts on the age gap. To me, the age gap between the leads, especially when Sang Zhi went to college, didn't seem all that drastic. I understand that in the context of them being at different places in their lives when the story started, it really does matter. But I was almost wondering why the parents were exaggerating about the fact that he was older once she started college and became of legal age. But again, that's just me. Others may have different ideas so it's whatever works for you.

I want to talk about the chemistry because it's obvious that the chemistry is there. Both Chen Zhe Yuan and Zhao Lu Si are very talented and capable of giving us exactly what the characters are feeling.

Overall, "Hidden Love" is the kind of slow-burning romance that I can really get behind. It's got depth, it's got heart, it’s got a green flag male lead and it's got a female lead, who knows exactly what—or who—she wants and isn't afraid to go after it—or him. If you're in the mood for a sweet, uncomplicated love story without all the typical drama clichés, this one is definitely worth checking out. It's one of the better ones. I've seen in a long time and I really can't find a single flaw in it.

It'll give you butterflies without doubt.

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When the Chemistry is Chemistrying & the Storytelling is Storytelling-ing

Alright, ladies, gather 'round because I'm about to tell you about your next TV boyfriend. If you're a romantic fiction junkie like me, then Chinese drama "The First Frost" is about to become your new obsession.

All you have to do is find it on your Netflix and click Play.

Now, I'll be real with you—I’m a huge fan of Chinese fantasy, but I'm usually not one to venture into the world of contemporary C-dramas. The culture differences after watching so much Western TV is jarring and I do need to be in the right mood. But Netflix kept on showing "The First Frost" to me since I already watch a lot of international content, so I decided to check it out.

First of all, this show has all my favorite tropes (high school sweethearts, second-chance romance, forced proximity—hello, roommates!), plus an epicly (is this even a word?) swoon-worthy male lead.

And let me tell you, this drama does not disappoint. From the jump, the production value is off the charts. The cinematography is so dang stunning. For someone who has worked on sets and did years of photography, this was so visually satisfying. The angles, the bokeh, the tricks the crew used with lights and fixtures. My eyes were so happy.

Seriously, the way the production team uses the visuals to set the mood and really draw you into the characters' journeys? Chef's Kiss

Now, let's talk about our leading lady Wen Yi Fan played by Zhang Ruo Nan. Yes, she might come across as a little weak at the beginning, but remember, this is a different culture, with its own set of societal norms. So, you need to adjust your expectations accordingly. And typically, a couple of episodes is enough to get into the groove.

As we watch the show, we also see the progress in Wen Yi Fan. The way she's been shaped by her traumatic past reflects on her personality greatly. But she makes up for her weakness by standing up for herself when it counts. Her relationship with her high school crush Sang Yan and how it develops in the present is also showcasing her character arc. I’ve seen some unconvincing leading ladies and Zhang Ruo Nan does an amazing job playing a victim of domestic violence and assault. Her performance is nuanced and believable. It’s endearing to watch her come into her own, to make the right decisions for herself and her happiness, to learn how to trust again. She looks fragile, but she has a lot more power than the viewer expects.

Writers did an amazing job with her character overall, and I think the actress was able to bring it to life wonderfully.

And then there's Sang Yan, our male lead. Fans self.

Honey, this man has been simping for Wen Yi Fan since high school, and let me tell you, the actor they cast absolutely nails it. Just a small piece of info in case you didn’t know: “The First Frost” is a spin-off of another popular TV series “Hidden Love,” in which there’s a different actor playing Sang Yan. He was recast for “The First Frost” because someone with more experience in romantic roles was needed for this drama.

I am so happy with the casing choice. Bai Jingting is a total sweetheart. He is nonchalant where it’s necessary and caring in a quiet, brooding way, but no overbearing. He knows Wen Yi Fan is the one for him, and he does everything to make her life easier. As someone who’s been writing romance novels for ten years and publishing them for six out of those ten, I can tell when the actor really puts his heart into a role. Sang Yan does everything for Wen Yi Fan that a gentleman will do, including sneaking in that cat tree into her room. This was such a sweet moment.

I’m also going to say that no matter how good the actors are, if there’s no chemistry between them, then it’s just not going to be convincing. Well, this show has no chemistry problems. The sparks between these two are off the charts, and the little moments where he shows his devotion? Swoon central, I tell you.

Another interesting thing I noticed is that Sang Yan is a green flag. Mostly, there will be some red flags in male leads in Asian shows, at least if you watch them from the Western point of view. If you are used to Asian content, then you will not notice. I have to constantly switch my brain depending on what I watch and tune in my expectations, but that’s just me.

Lastly, I want to talk a little about intimacy in this show. C-dramas are pretty tame. You’re lucky if you get more than one or two kisses over the course of 40 episodes. There’s no skinship whatsoever. You will hardly see a woman in a bra. Male torso will most definitely be shown. So, knowing how it typically is, I was pleasantly surprised that while “The First Frost” didn’t go full-on Hollywood style and open bedroom scene, there was a lot more steamy moments overall between the couple than in most C-dramas I’ve seen, which will be pretty satisfying for romance fans. These moments are quite important because they don’t just showcase a couple getting closer, but the trust the female lead puts into the male lead, which is part of her character development.

Side notes.

There’s a second couple, and they are cute, but I think the storyline about the grandparents bogged down the main plot a little and took a lot of time. But I also know why it was there, so I just skipped the lengthy dialogues that were meant to be educational.

We also had this hiccup of an arc that happens on almost all Asian romance dramas, where one has to leave the other because they think that the other is better off. (I actually understand why, because I would have probably done the same thing in my current medical situation to let the one I care about lead a better life. But I’m not 26 YO, and these people are effing healthy). I always roll my eyes at this trope because it’s becoming tiring, but the rest of the drama was very good. Overall, the story is so well-crafted, the characters so compelling, and the romance so darn swoony, you won't even care about this bit.

My verdict.

If you're in the mood for a drama that's gonna make your heart flutter, and your eyes tear up, you gotta check out "The First Frost." And trust me, you're gonna be thanking me later when you've found your new TV boyfriend in Sang Yan.

Music.

I need to say a couple of words about the soundtrack. It’s amazing and I even saved a few songs into my playlist.

Favorite song from the show: 想悄悄住进你的灵魂 (Want To Quietly Live in Your Soul) - 萧秉治 (Xiao Bingzhi)


P.S. And yes, it’s in Mandarin and it has English subtitles.

P.P.S. I have been trying to bring myself to watch Hidden Love just to see what the hype is about, but I have started and stopped twice now, simply because the cinematography in Hidden Love is not as good. I will give it a try again at a later date.

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Finally, a K-Drama with lead who loves rock/metal music ?

If you're a sucker for K-drama clichés galore like me (and let's be real, who isn't?), "My Dearest Nemesis" is serving them up with a side of swoon and giggles for sure. And I would be lying if I said I wasn’t hooked from the very first episode.

Things I enjoyed: I really liked the delightful blend of humor and heart. The banter between the leads is sharp and witty. It's a wonder they didn't set off my smoke alarms. There’s no unnecessary fillers or any secondary plots. Writers waste no time, which is always a plus in my book (I skip/fast forward a lot when I watch).

The female lead is feisty and smart and can handle herself. Plus I’m a fan of Moon Ga-Young. I really loved her in “True Beauty” and she doesn’t disappoint here. As a character she is consistent.

Now let’s talk about the adorable male lead (played by Choi Hyun-Wook). He is nerdry, liked rock music, goes to concert, reads comic books, collects toys, and of course pining over his ice queen of a coworker? Swoon-worthy, I tell you!

Despite the drama only being 10 episodes long (a rarity in the K-drama world since they are typically 16 episodes), the character backstories and motivations were refreshingly well-developed. No needless separation at the end, either—just a wholesome, fuzzy-feeling conclusion that left me grinning like a sixteen year old.

Things that I think could have been better: Many longer K-dramas always wobble in the last quarter. Perhaps because writers run out of steam. Not sure. "My Dearest Nemesis" doesn’t really suffer from this much but the last couple of eposides could have used a little zing. While we get a lot of snippets of their HEA, the resolution with the main antagonist feels a little rushed and there seems to be no actual climax. However, I am not upset over this. This is better than that the separation trope where one of them disappears because he/she things it’s going to make their loved ones life better. Then magically appears 5 years later and everything is okay. Instead, in “My Dearest Nemesis,” the leads actually communicate (not without some secrets) and support each other like a real couple.

Overall:

"My Dearest Nemesis" is a solid 8.5/10 laugh-out-loud rom com with tons of cute situations. If you're looking for a rom com that's equal parts funny and heartwarming, this drama is the perfect antidote to all those angsty, melodramatic K-dramas out there.

Trust me, your inner K-drama addict will thank you.


P.S. Since I’m a music nerd, I want to say the soundtrack is amazing. Special Mention goes to Stay by NELL. I added it to my playlist.

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Loved it!

I loved it.

No unnecessary, lengthy dialogues from insignificant characters or villains. Fast-paced. Great chemistry between the main characters. Great couple dynamics overall.

I have no complaints. I don’t watch C-dramas for some other reason beyond being entertained and relaxing after work.

This drama did the job. Production value has also gone up compared to previous years, which really adds to the enjoyment of watching. I think this one goes to the top 20 of my favorite costume C-dramas.

I think romance, of course, could be romancing a bit more. There was too little skinship for my taste, considering that the couple has been married for the entirety of the drama. But again, I’m a gal who lives in the west, so I’ll take what I can get when I watch C-dramas, especially if they are historical setting.

I think this is a must re-watch for me in a few years.

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