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 interesting. Extra couple always seems like it's a filler to make sure the trauma lasts at least 30 episodes.

I liked the intimacy and the way the romance developed and the chemistry between the characters. 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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Great Character Development

This was really good. 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. As far as entertainment value it was good.

I do think some villains didn’t need to have that many draggy scenes. And last few episodes could have been longer but overall one of the better costume dramas I’ve seen this year. I’m 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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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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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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Cute Romance Story That Doesn't Take Itself Seriously with Beauty and The Beast Vibes

"The Princess and the Werewolf" is the perfect drama for those who aren't looking for anything overly extravagant or complicated. As a straightforward, fluffy romantic fantasy, it delivers exactly what you'd expect - a 70% romance, 30% adventure tale that doesn't try to reinvent the wheel.

It's obvious that this drama did not have a huge budget, so the quality of costumes, makeup, and CGI aren’t going to be top-notch here. So I adjust your expectations accordingly.

However, this did not take away from my viewing experience or overall enjoyment.

There were a few things that stood out to me, for better or worse. Like, the camera work had some really strange close-up angles that seemed to be the director's attempt to capture Kui Mulang’s emotions. Since I do have production experience, some of the camera work seemed like it didn't fit in this type of drama or at least in the scenes. But since this only happened a few times, I really do not think that's going to be a detriment for the fans of Chen Zhe Yuan. And let's be honest, most people will find this gem because they have seen something else with him. There aren't any other big names in that drama.

Now, some of the things I really liked is the amount of bare legs we got to see from Qi Pa. It was just hilarious. Or her antics. I thought she was funny and unlike most of the female leads I’ve seen in dramas. It was a little refreshing, to be honest.

The banter between all the characters was super fun, and I loved watching the female lead constantly trying to find her way back home. I think it started to slow down the romance part of the drama at some point. But again, since the drama is only 30 episodes long, it didn’t have enough screentime to get draggy.

I have to admit, I liked the "beast" look over Kui Mulang’s human form. There was just something about that red flag-esque vibe, haha. I also appreciated that Qi Pa kissed both of Kui Mulang’s forms. In a nutshell, this story shows you that looks don't always matter. Or that while you chase after something that may not be real can make you miss out on something that is very real.

Now, I will say, the drama did get a little heavier towards the end, and I was a bit surprised by the writer's decision to kill off one of the side characters. That felt a little brutal, considering the fluffy, feel-good vibe of the first three quarters of the drama. But it wouldn't be a true C-drama without somebody dying, am I right?

At least the story wrapped up with a happy, fluffy ending.

Overall, if you're in the mood for a light, uncomplicated fantasy romance and can look past the questionable CGI, "The Princess and the Werewolf" is definitely worth checking out. Just don't go in expecting anything too elaborate or complex – this one's all about the simple pleasures.

I am also going to add that this drama had a surprisingly great soundtrack. Some of the higher-budget dramas don't have such great music.

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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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Great light fantasy show with weird pacing

This is the kind of sea drama. I love. It’s got all the favorite tropes I enjoy. Hidden identity. Amnesia. Just enough fantasy elements to make it stand out. the lead had great chemistry. And I think for the first 20 episodes it was a perfect 10. Then the pacing of the show slowed down a lot and I had to skip a lot of scenes just to get through lengthy unnecessary dialogues. If they kept that editing the way they kept it in the first part of the show, mostly concentrating on the leads and with little attention on the rest of the unnecessary characters, it would have been perfect.

I can tell they did not have a lot of budget for this, but the overall story was good. And I am glad they didn’t end it the way the did Till the End of the Moon or some other of my favorite shows. I liked most character arcs in the way everyone’s story ended. I would have probably rewatch it again if not, the really draggy second part. Maybe I’ll come back and rewatch my favorite parts later on.

Side note: Ryan Chen should have stayed in Prince Annan’s headspace more. Guy had some aura. But I obviously understand the direction of the story was completely different. As long as it didn’t end they way a few ones I recently watched ended.

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A Story About War With A Sprinkle Of Romance And Brotherhood

This has been on my watchlist for two years now.

You need to go into watching this drama with the right mindset. This is not a drama about love, friendship, or place intrigue. This is a serious drama about war and sacrifice. Everything that happened in the last 5 episodes was on par with the reality of the world the characters lived.

Things I loved: soundtrack, acting, costumes, decent CGI (C-Drama is nowhere near Hollywood level CGI but it’s gotten better in recent years).

There was a lot of character development.

Also, I skip a lot when I watch C-Dramas during lengthy dialogues. I didn’t in this one. Which is a sign.

Side note: I wish the romance between main leads wasn’t as tame. But that’s just me. I could be spoiled by too much BL content haha. They do ski ship way better. The kind of romance we had in Till the End of the Moon was actually right up my alley (considering how tame C-Dramas are in general). But that’s just my personal preference. Others will have their own thing.

Watch it for quality, acting, and soundtrack.

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Nine Years Later, This Time-Slip K-Drama Still Rips Your Heart Out ?

Genre: Historical, Slight Fantasy
Tropes: Transmigration, Love Triangle (that turns into some other weird shape later in the series)

I’ll start by saying that I have no words after finishing this. I had to take some time to process everything before sharing my feels.

If you are an international K-Drama fan like me, you probably know that for the longest time, "Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo" remained unavailable for viewing on any major streaming platforms.

It’s also important to note that it’s not a new drama. It was released in 2016, and while the quality of K-dramas has gotten way better in the past 9 years, this is still an ambitious series with a larger-than-life story, and it’s currently one of the most searched series on Viki.

At the heart of the story is a young woman in the present day who, after a
drowning incident during an eclipse, finds herself transported back in time, inhabiting the body of a noble lady closely connected to the royal family. As she navigates the unfamiliar customs and expectations of the Goryeo era, our heroine must forge new relationships with various people to survive. I’d like to mention that Goryeo dynasty was a significant period in Korean history that lasted from 918 to 1392. So, it’s important to understand this was the time of strict societal norms and a power struggle that knew no bounds.

Our heroine makes friends with several princes, ultimately falling for two of them simultaneously. So, the first half of the show we are invested in the love triangle.

But as the drama progresses, the narrative takes a dark turn. The love story becomes entangled in a complex web of family feuds, as the princes vie for the throne (and a few more vie for our heroine’s heart), their ambitions eclipsing any notion of a happily-ever-after. It's a harrowing, emotionally draining journey, yet one that we simply cannot tear ourselves away from. At this point, we are too invested in the characters and their fates because they are fleshed out and real, and we can’t help it. It’s almost like watching a trainwreck in slow-motion. There’s absolutely no comedic moments left, just lots of anxiety and some foreshadowing.

Things I enjoyed:

Acting and star-studded cast. And I do mean star-studded. This show gave a boost in popularity to a lot of beloved Korean actors. We even have a small cameo from Byeon Woo Seok from “Lovely Runner.”

I know the opinions on IU’s acting are divided. I think it has nothing to do with her skills but with the way her character was written. Historical setting and rules women had to adhere at the time also play a big role in her behavior. She essentially had to forget where she was from and try to make it work in her current situation. I have no problem with her character or acting. I think she did a great job. I think any woman in such circumstances would have done the same.

Lee Joon Gi, who played 4th Prince, carried the show on his shoulders. But… I am also not upset about some of the things that happened in the last two episodes. Yes, there’s romance but it’s not going to end the way you think. (SPOILER) For some reason, I rooted for 14th prince because he gave our heroine what she wanted. Not all, but the most important things that mattered in the end, in my opinion.

I loved all the other couples and how the relationships between the characters were portrayed.

Things I think could have been done better:

The ending. It’s not a secret this show doesn’t have a happy ending. This is ultimately a historical show with a dash of fantasy (and I mean just a dash) and it reflects the harsh realities of the time period it’s set at. I can definitely deal with some of the open endings where it’s easy to guess what could happen. Knowing what the deleted scene at the end of the last episode would have been, it gives me a little comfort. But leaving it the way it is is weird because if the writers are alluding to what we think they are alluding, it needs to be shown somehow. I think the ending definitely needed some finesse.

In a nutshell, “Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo” is a romantic historical drama about the price of power.

I suppose, you’re asking yourself why watch it if it doesn’t have a HEA.

Some shows are there for pure entertainment and to make you feel good. “Moon Lovers” is a show where you enjoy the journey not the destination. Not every work of fiction is going to give you fuzzy feelings. Some are there to show you other things.

Even years after its release, the series remains a staple of what a Korean historical drama, or "sageuk," should aspire to be. Its ability to seamlessly blend romance, political intrigue, and gut-wrenching tragedy has cemented its status as a true classic of K-drama.

It's finally available to watch on Viki.

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A Delightful Blend of Laughs, Romance, and Superpowers

If you're in the mood for a romantic comedy that's firing on all cylinders, then look no further. The 2017 K-drama "Strong Woman Do Bong Soon" delivers just that.
This is one of those rare shows with no bad/boring episodes. It has it all: plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, sizzling chemistry between all three leads, swoon-worthy romance, and a dash of superhero-esque fantasy.
The premise is simple. Do Bong Soon (played by Park Bo Young) is a petite and kind-hearted woman who just so happens to possess Herculean strength, a gift passed down through the women in her family. When she catches the eye of the handsome and eccentric CEO of a gaming company Ahn Min Hyuk (played by Park Hyung Sik), who is in need of a bodyguard, Bong Sun's life is thrown into chaos.
Ahn Min Hyuk is a simp for our girl from the moment he sees her. He probably doesn’t even get yet that’s he’s fallen, but it doesn’t take him long. What’s stopping their relationship from flourishing early on is her crush on her childhood friend, policeman In Guk Du (played by Kim Ji Soo). Gu Do however keeps our girl Bong Soon in the friendzone while seeing someone else. Still, he’s a caring friend and when Ahn Min Hyuk enters the picture, we have a crash of that alpha energy… and really hilarious moments between all three due to the little misunderstanding about Ahn Min Hyuk’s sexual orientation. There are so many opportunities here to make it entertaining and the writers do just that.
Love triangle (if done right) is my favorite trope and this drama delivers. Our heroine is confused and has to make a choice between the two and they are both equally great man.
We also have a serial kidnapper in the neighborhood and our characters get entangled in that as well. This add a little more flair to the show.
The writing is top-notch, with countless little details that all come together in a cohesive and compelling way. Bong Soon is an incredibly relatable heroine, and we can't help but root for her as she undergoes a wonderful journey of self-discovery and empowerment, learning how to use her powers for good. The two male leads—the playful Min Hyuk and the earnest police officer In Guk Du—provide the perfect foils, each bringing their own unique charms to the table. I’m also going to say that the chemistry between male leads is amazing. Sometimes, I had no idea if I wanted either one of them to end up with our girl.
Check out what I’m talking about here.
Park Hyung Sik was born to do comedy, in my opinion. He’s a charming, silly, smitten, and adorable in this role. He and Park Bo Young sparkle on screen, delivering gut-busting moments that never feel forced. And the way the show balances the humor with heartfelt themes of family, friendship, and justice is nothing short of masterful.
I honestly, enjoyed this drama so much, I can talk about it for days. I can’t remember when I laughed so hard when I watched romantic comedy. K-dramas also tend to get all mushy toward the end with the comedic elements being pushed back to give room for other things. Here, it’s not the case and I think this was the right choice.
Kim Won Hae who played Team Leader O and his gangster doppelgänger needs an award for his dual role in this. He nailed it. I think Team Leader O is my favorite side character in all of the K-dramas I’ve seen. And I’ve seen a lot.
Overall, if you're in the market for a romantic comedy that will keep you thoroughly entertained from start to finish, "Strong Woman Do Bong Soon" is an absolute must-watch. With its winning combination of relatable characters, swoon-worthy romance, and just the right amount of superhero flair, this drama is pure perfection. We also have a really good wrap with with everyone involved and no loose ends or unnecessary break up between the lead couple. You’ll have that awesome fuzzy feeling after finishing that will lift up your mood for sure.
P.S. I do have to say that while I’d like to see Ji Soo (he was great in Moon Lovers) return to screen, you need to make your own decision about the actor and if you want to support him. In 2021, school bullying and assault accusations were made against him and his career stalled. While, it appears that most of the accusations were cleared out, the controversy caused him to lose his contract. I find it sad. I think there are worse (and proven) things actors in Korean industry has done. Compared to some, this is in my opinion is not worth losing a career if the person is truly sorry and tries to somehow atone for what he’s done. In any case, this is just my opinion. I encourage everyone to think for themselves.
Otherwise, enjoy the drama and laugh a little.

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Great Character Development

I'll start by prefacing this by the fact that I live in the west and I'm not a 23-year old. My kids could be in college now, so I understand the complexity of human emotions and why things were the way they were in this drama.

For me, this was perfect. First part gave us the foundation to build upon. Second part allowed us to see Ming's character development. I adored the chemistry between the lead actors. And Up's acting skills are superb here. If you watch him in Lovely Writer, you'll what I'm saying. I'll probably rewatch in the future.

If you're into simple BLs with flat, green flag love interest, then this is not for you. If you're looking for a serious drama with complex, a little morally gray characters with their own faults and want to see proper character ARCs and don't get your panties twisted in a bunch, then this is for you. I appreciated the writing. One of the better BL's out there.

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