Chen Zen

Don't waste your time, don't be misled by overrated ratings driven by a handsome male lead.

The first four episodes are almost entirely unnecessary. They could have easily been condensed into a single episode without losing anything important. If you're planning to watch this drama, you can safely skip Episodes 1–4 and miss almost nothing of value.

More broadly, the first 10 episodes feel bloated with filler and repetitive conflicts that go in circles instead of moving the plot forward. The pacing is painfully slow, and much of the runtime feels like a complete waste of time. Even in the middle of the series, the drama throws in several completely unnecessary episodes that add nothing to the story. They exist solely to pad the runtime and artificially extend the drama, making the overall experience feel even more dragged out.

For a drama starring such well-known actors, the CGI is surprisingly poor and often distracting rather than immersive. It's well below the level you'd expect from a production with this kind of cast.

The biggest issue, is the overwhelming amount of filler. Many scenes contribute little to either the plot or character development, making the viewing experience feel far longer than it needs to be. I ended up watching at 2× speed and frequently skipping scenes because so much of the runtime felt unnecessary. Rather than building suspense or emotional investment, the sluggish pacing made the drama genuinely boring, I even found myself struggling to stay awake.

Another aspect that frustrated me was the romance. The female lead doesn't seem to deserve the male lead's unwavering devotion because she never truly moves on from her previous crush (It goes up to 30 episodes—that's absolutely insane.). Even when the story expects viewers to root for their relationship, she's still emotionally tied to the past. After the male lead finally confesses his feelings, she continues to hesitate and leaves him hanging instead of giving him a clear answer. She seems content to let him keep chasing her without committing to a relationship, all while still being unable to move on from her old crush. To make matters worse, whenever the male lead makes even a small mistake, the female lead immediately gets upset and gives him the cold shoulder. Yet she never seems to reflect on how hurtful her own actions are. She expects understanding from him while she herself is still emotionally attached to her former crush, even looking visibly heartbroken whenever she sees him. The double standard is hard to ignore and makes her behavior incredibly frustrating.

At the same time, the male lead's refusal to be straightforward only drags the conflict out even further. Instead of clearly telling her what happened in the past, he remains vague, allowing the misunderstanding to continue for far longer than 24 episode's.

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Overhate and Overhype at the same time.

This drama generated a lot of early hype. The teasers, pre-release photos, gorgeous costumes, and early plot hints created incredibly high expectations. The Republican era visuals looked stunning, and the cast seemed perfectly chosen for their roles.

After waiting for months for this drama to finally air, I ended up feeling disappointed. Putting aside the AI-generated opening sequence. Even though an opening is the first impression of any drama, especially one that so many fans were eagerly anticipating, I found the story itself to be the biggest letdown.

To be honest, I think the drama has managed to keep a lot of its viewers thanks to Zhang Linghe's popularity after The Pursuit of Jade. I was already struggling to continue after the first 10 episodes, but I kept watching because I wanted to see if it would eventually prove the haters critics wrong and become better in the second half.

But sadly the overall pacing and storytelling style felt more like a short drama than a large scale Republican era production. Important plot developments happened too quickly, while other scenes dragged on without adding much to the story.

Because of that, I think it's best to watch this drama with moderate expectations and simply enjoy the parts that work for you. If some scenes feel slow or fail to hold your attention, there's nothing wrong with skipping ahead. Fans of the main lead actors like me will probably still find plenty to enjoy, as both of them deliver solid performances and look absolutely stunning on screen.

I'm a fan of both Wang Churan and Zhang Linghe, which honestly makes this disappointment even bigger. Their acting is good, but in my opinion, a weak script prevents them from showing their full potential. I don't mind the ending where the male lead sacrifices his life for his country. In fact, I thought it was a meaningful and fitting conclusion for his character. My issue is everything that came before it.

For some reason, I never felt the chemistry between the two leads. I didn't truly believe they loved each other enough to make the sacrifices the story asked of them. Their relationship looked beautiful visually, but emotionally it never convinced me.

I also feel that Wang Churan once again chose a role that didn't showcase her strengths, similar to LHF. In many of her previous dramas, she completely captivated me with both her performance and charisma, but here I found myself appreciating her visuals more than her character. As for Zhang Linghe, he's as handsome and charismatic as ever, and I sincerely hope he gets more diverse roles in the future with stronger scripts that allow his talent to shine.

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Overrated? You've got it completely wrong !!!

This drama is a drama that perfectly showcases why YangDi are considered one of the most visually stunning pairings in Chinese dramas. Their chemistry is undeniably the biggest highlight of the series, and it only gets stronger as the story progresses. By the final episodes, their interactions feel incredibly natural, warm, and heart-fluttering, making them one of the best drama couples I've ever watched.

The first few episodes can be quite boring, especially if you know nothing about MOBA games. A significant amount of screen time is dedicated to promoting Honor of Kings, so viewers unfamiliar with the game may struggle to stay engaged. Likewise, if aerospace and space engineering aren't topics you're interested in, the drama may feel slow because a large portion of the story focuses on the male lead's career as an aerospace engineer.

Many people criticize the drama as propaganda, but I don't really see that as a problem. Almost every country's entertainment industry takes pride in showcasing its own achievements, Hollywood and many other film industries do the same. The purpose of this drama is clearly to promote two things: Honor of Kings and China's rapidly advancing aerospace industry, which was reaching remarkable milestones at the time. Considering the drama was produced by Tencent, that direction isn't surprising.

Fortunately, once the romance takes center stage, the drama becomes much more enjoyable. There are countless subtle romantic moments that will leave you smiling, while the story gradually reveals how the two leads were connected in the past and how fate brings them together again in the present.

The male lead initially appears almost perfect—handsome, exceptionally intelligent, highly accomplished in his profession, and even skilled at gaming. However, beneath that image lies someone with very real flaws. Despite his high IQ, he struggles to express his feelings, isn't very good at social interactions, can't cook, and even faces financial difficulties, which become one of the main conflicts early in the story. These imperfections make him feel much more believable and relatable.

The supporting cast is also wonderfully written. Rather than existing solely to push the romance forward, they each have meaningful relationships with the main characters. I especially loved the interactions between the leads and their respective parents. Those family moments are wholesome, heartwarming, and add emotional depth to the drama. The friends and colleagues surrounding both leads are equally supportive, encouraging them in their own unique ways.

Without a doubt, the greatest strength of this drama is the visual appeal and chemistry between the two leads. The combination of a reserved, emotionally awkward man and a cheerful, confident woman creates countless adorable moments. As they slowly learn to understand each other, their relationship becomes even more convincing and satisfying. By the end of the series, it's hard not to believe that they are one of the greatest couples ever portrayed in a Chinese drama.

If you can get through the slower beginning and don't mind the strong focus on gaming and aerospace, you'll be rewarded with a mature, heartwarming romance featuring exceptional chemistry, beautiful cinematography, lovable supporting characters, and one of the most memorable couples in modern C-drama.

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The first few episodes can be a little confusing, especially as the story slowly reveals the male lead's true identity as a prince. Once that mystery is uncovered, the plot becomes much easier to follow and far more engaging.

The CGI is decent, the martial arts choreography is well executed, and the story is packed with political intrigue, strategic battles, and power struggles. As expected from a cast filled with well-known actors, the performances are excellent. Every major character delivers convincing emotions and adds depth to the complex storyline.

My only complaint about the visuals is the female lead's hairstyle. Especially when she's wearing military armor. The hairstyle often feels awkward and doesn't match her overall appearance, making her look less graceful than she could have.

Unfortunately, the romance is only a minor subplot. For most of the drama, the relationship between the main leads feels more like close companions who enjoy teasing and arguing with each other rather than lovers. Their romantic development only becomes apparent in the final episodes, so their chemistry as a couple never feels fully developed from the beginning. If you're expecting a romance-heavy drama, you may be disappointed.

I haven't read the original novel, so I'm judging the drama on its own. Sadly, the ending feels rushed and ultimately unsatisfying. The male lead sacrifices so much throughout the story to fight his way to the top and achieve his position, only to give everything up in the end, making all of those hardships and sacrifices feel almost meaningless. To make matters worse, he is left with only ten years to live after sacrificing his own life force to save the female lead. It almost feels as though the male lead exists only to suffer, with nothing more than a brief moment of happiness alongside the woman he loves before paying an enormous price. That bittersweet conclusion left me feeling more frustrated than satisfied.

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Never-Ending Misstreatment

The high school arc was reasonably satisfying, as the two leads gradually formed a bond and their backstories were revealed.

However, the story getting worse after graduation. The female lead, previously portrayed as assertive and intelligent in high school, suddenly became foolish, implausible character development.
Whereas the male lead grew for the better, even willing to sacrifice himself for her. Meanwhile, the female lead became indecisive and even abandoned the male lead for a trivial reason, despite ML deep love for her.

As for the secondary couple, the second female lead was overly selfish and refused to voice her true desires directly, even though the second male lead had told her to speak up, displaying such immaturity that she filed for divorce, despite the situation being her own fault for not communicating openly with her husband.

The reason this story is ruined was Jiang Yan (the female lead's childhood friend). He exposed the female lead's whereabouts, leading to the male lead getting stabbed, yet faced no punishment or fitting karma. The female lead's mother also escaped retribution for her past actions, even though she ultimately helped the female lead resolve the case regarding the father's past.

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As someone who has read the webtoon, I think this is a solid live-action adaptation. In fact, one thing the drama does even better is the comedy. The interactions between Manager Kim and the other ahjussi's feel much more natural and entertaining here than they did in the original webtoon. Their chemistry adds a lot of charm, and many of the funniest moments landed better in live action.

My biggest disappointment is how little they showcased Manager Kim's signature weapon, the eun-sa (silver thread). It's one of the most unique aspects of his fighting style in the webtoon, so I was hoping to see it used much more often. Instead, the action focuses on other combat scenes, which are still enjoyable but don't fully highlight what makes Manager Kim so special.

The ending clearly leaves room for a second season. If they continue following the webtoon, I just hope they improve the pacing. Personally, I think the strongest part of the original story was the opening arc, where Manager Kim rescues his daughter. After that, the story became less engaging as the world expanded, introducing more organizations, more characters, and eventually connecting to other webtoon universes. It started to lose the grounded emotional focus that made the beginning so compelling.

The only later arcs that I genuinely enjoyed were the ones exploring the past of the ahjussi's. Those stories added emotional depth and made the characters much more interesting than the endless expansion of the shared universe.

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Don't waste your time

Don't waste your time watching this drama. The premise is just like any other, the ML has long harbored feelings for the female lead (he just being a coward simp) but never dared to speak up because FL was already in a relationship with her fiancé. Even after repeatedly discovering her fiancé's infidelity, she clung to the relationship because his mother had raised her since childhood. Despite maintaining the engagement, she ended up sleeping with the ML while drunk and frustrated over her fiancé's cheating. This ambiguous situation dragged on for nearly two-thirds of the drama.

It took a full two hours and fourteen minutes before this foolish FL finally decided to call off the engagement. FL doesn't deserve to end up with the ML, who is portrayed here as incredibly handsome and the heir to the wealthiest family.

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Everything happens for a reason ! Watch carefully, and you will understand.

I never really understood why this drama received so much hate. Most of the criticism centered on the male lead being labeled a "red flag," the female lead chasing him after abandoning him years ago, and the story being called slow pace and boring. However, if you watch the drama with patience, you'll find that nearly every criticism is addressed as the story unfolds. The characters' actions are carefully explained, and their motivations become much more understandable.

The male lead initially comes across as cold, dismissive, and emotionally distant toward the female lead. But honestly, who wouldn't be deeply hurt after being abandoned without a single explanation by the person they loved the most? On top of that, he also carries painful memories of how the female lead's family humiliated and mistreated his own family in the past. Those wounds never truly healed. He spent years trying to forget her and move on with his life. Even after they reunited, he didn't immediately accept her back. His hesitation wasn't because he had stopped loving her, it was because he knew exactly how difficult their relationship would be. More importantly, he wanted to protect her. If they were going to rebuild their relationship, she first had to be willing to face her controlling family and accept the consequences of choosing him. He refused to repeat the mistakes of the past.

Many viewers also describe the male lead as arrogant and self-centered because of the way he treats his fellow firefighters. In reality, his strict attitude is a product of his harsh upbringing and the dangerous profession he chose. He pushes his team hard because he knows that even the smallest mistake during a rescue operation can cost lives. His discipline isn't driven by pride but by responsibility. As the story progresses, his colleagues gradually come to understand that his harshness is simply his way of protecting them and ensuring everyone returns home safely.

The female lead also had strong reasons for leaving him years earlier. She was only a recent high school graduate with no power to stand against her controlling adoptive family. She believed leaving him was the only way to protect him from her manipulative and abusive adoptive mother. Choosing to continue her education instead of rebelling was probably the wisest decision someone her age could make. After all, despite her adoptive mother's cruelty, it was still her adoptive family that had raised and protected her since childhood, making her situation far more complicated than simply walking away.

Both leads also experience meaningful character development through their careers. The male lead gradually earns the respect and understanding of his team as they realize the true purpose behind his demanding leadership. Meanwhile, the female lead is initially viewed as an emotionless doctor who relies on her family's influence to advance her career. As the drama unfolds, the reasons behind these misconceptions are revealed, allowing her to grow into a more compassionate doctor who earns respect through her own abilities rather than her family background.

Perhaps the most frustrating aspect of the drama is the female lead's family. Her stepbrother is genuinely unsettling. His obsession with his stepsister goes far beyond normal sibling affection, becoming possessive and unhealthy (WTH he love her stepsister, he has a sister complex. it's absolutely disgusting). Because their mother controlled every aspect of their lives, he became terrified of being abandoned and desperately wanted his stepsister to remain trapped beside him. His overprotectiveness stems from years of emotional manipulation, but that doesn't make his behavior any less disturbing.

The female lead's adoptive mother is the true source of almost every conflict in the story. She is incredibly controlling, stubborn, and manipulative. Whenever things don't go according to her wishes, she is willing to hurt anyone, including her own children to get what she wants. The only disappointing part of the drama is that even by the final episode, she never receives consequences that truly match the pain she caused. That lack of justice leaves a bittersweet feeling.

The supporting cast is another major strength. The interactions between the two leads and those around them feel natural and entertaining. Yang Yang's bromance with Wang Yan Lin is especially enjoyable to watch, particularly for viewers who previously loved seeing them together in You Are My Glory. The firefighters, doctors, and hospital staff all contribute meaningfully to the story, while the male lead's family, especially his cousin, adds plenty of warmth and humor throughout the series.

Visually, the drama is outstanding. The cinematography during the rescue missions is particularly impressive. Whether it's flood rescues, earthquake disasters, or large-scale emergency operations, every sequence is filmed with remarkable realism and intensity. These moments showcase not only the technical quality of the production but also the courage and sacrifice required in both professions.

The chemistry between Yang Yang and Wang Churan is also far better than many people give it credit for. Their romance isn't built on instant forgiveness or dramatic confessions. Instead, it slowly rebuilds from years of heartbreak, misunderstanding, and lingering affection. The pacing may feel slow for some viewers, but that's exactly what makes their emotional journey so rewarding. As they gradually learn to understand each other's pain, they rediscover the love they never truly lost. By the end, they finally choose to face the future together, supporting one another through every challenge instead of allowing fear and family pressure to tear them apart again.

This drama is not a flawless drama, and its deliberate pacing won't appeal to everyone. However, much of the criticism directed at its characters ignores the emotional context that the story carefully develops. If you're willing to look beyond first impressions and give the characters time to grow, you'll find a mature second-chance romance about healing old wounds, overcoming family trauma, accepting responsibility, and finding the courage to choose love despite overwhelming obstacles.

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Getting better each episode's, but flop in the end of episode.

The plot are quite good for comedy drama, but at the same time are too serious. The story are getting better each episode's, however the footballer's inner soul journey isn't treated very seriously, it only appears in the last 2 episodes. There is no visible character development, and as if by magic he suddenly becomes an expert in the blink of an eye.

The ending was very unclear and felt forced, likely due to the 12-episode limit. The time skip felt overly contrived, and the villains didn't receive a fitting comeuppance. What's even funnier is why ML's soul was swapped again, so he will continue to suffer from exchanging souls without showing his true soul, what a joke.

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Soft boy versus hot mess girl.

This drama has a very unique dynamic between its main characters, with a gentle and emotionally wounded male lead paired with a bold, unpredictable, and complicated female lead.

Seo Ye-ji delivers an outstanding performance as Ko Moon-young. Her character is difficult, intense, and sometimes frustrating, but Seo Ye-ji manages to make her fascinating to watch. Her expressions, voice, and unique presence make the character unforgettable.

On the other hand, Male lead extremely kind and patient person. He is almost too good for his own sake, always prioritizing others' feelings while hiding his own pain. While this makes him a lovable character, there were moments when I felt his kindness was unrealistic and his character development was overshadowed by the stronger personality of the female lead.

Surprisingly, my favorite character was actually the older brother of the male lead, Moon Sang-tae, played by Oh Jung-se. His performance was incredible and emotionally powerful. He brought so much depth, innocence, and warmth to the character, making Sang-tae one of the most memorable parts of the entire drama. His portrayal felt genuine and respectful, and he often became the emotional heart of the story.

The drama's visual style is also one of its strongest aspects. The cinematography, fashion, and fairytale-like atmosphere create a unique identity that separates it from typical Korean romances. The storytelling about trauma, healing, and emotional wounds is also meaningful.

However, the romance itself may not work for everyone. The relationship between the leads is intense and unconventional, and some viewers may find the female lead's behavior too extreme or difficult to accept. The drama sometimes focuses more on style and symbolism than natural character progression.

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One of the most anticipated Korean dramas of 2024, especially because it featured two top actors. With such a strong cast and a promising premise, I had high expectations going into this drama. Unfortunately, it did not fully meet those expectations.

Main leads deliver excellent performances, especially in emotional scenes. Their portrayal of a married couple who slowly reconnect after losing their way feels convincing, and their acting is strong enough to carry many scenes.

The first half of the drama was enjoyable, with an interesting setup about a broken marriage, family conflicts, and the hidden feelings between the main characters. The emotional moments worked well, and the audience could easily understand the pain and struggles of both leads.

However, from the middle episodes toward the ending, I started to lose interest. The story became repetitive, and some conflicts felt unnecessarily stretched. Instead of maintaining the emotional intensity from the beginning, the drama started to feel predictable and slower than expected. Several plot developments could have been resolved more naturally without extending the conflict for so long.

The supporting characters also had mixed results. Some added entertainment and humor, but others felt exaggerated and distracted from the main relationship. The drama sometimes relied too much on dramatic situations rather than allowing the characters' emotions to develop naturally.

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I honestly don't know why I enjoyed this drama so much. Maybe it was because I simply loved Shin Min-ah character, or perhaps it was because the time-travel concept felt fresh for modern Korean dramas at the time.

Unlike many time-travel stories that focus on changing history or creating complicated paradoxes, this drama centers on love, fate, and the choices people make when they know what the future holds. The mystery unfolds gradually, keeping me curious about what would happen next without becoming overly confusing.

The chemistry between main leads is one of the drama's biggest strengths. Their relationship feels mature and sincere, growing naturally as they learn to trust and support each other. Shin Min-ah once again delivers a lovable and emotionally expressive performance, making it easy to become attached to her character.

The pacing can be slow at times, especially during the middle episodes, and the time-travel rules are not always perfectly explained. However, the emotional moments and romantic development make up for those weaknesses. Rather than being a fast-paced sci-fi thriller, this drama is ultimately a heartfelt romance with a fantasy element.

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One of the things I enjoyed the most was how the drama introduced the idea of a company dormitory specifically for female employees. I honestly did not know that such a system existed during that era, so it was interesting to learn about how women in the workplace experienced life at that time. The drama successfully combines entertainment with small historical details, making the setting feel more unique.

The comedy is one of the biggest strengths of this drama. The situations are often funny and unpredictable, but they still feel natural because the humor comes from the characters and their interactions. The undercover elements also add excitement while keeping the overall tone enjoyable and easy to watch.

I also liked how the drama portrays the struggles and dreams of women during that period. Behind the comedy, there are meaningful messages about independence, friendship, and finding one's own path in a society with certain expectations.

Although the story may not be the most complex drama ever made, its charm comes from its refreshing concept and entertaining execution. It is the kind of drama that makes you smile and keeps you interested without feeling too heavy.

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A very disappointing ending.

As someone who has been reading the original webtoon for a long time, I think this adaptation did a great job bringing the story to live action. The episodic format works well, with each episode focusing on a different bullying case and delivering satisfying justice against the perpetrators. Watching bullies face consequences that match their actions is one of the drama's biggest strengths.

The series also highlights the harsh reality of school violence in South Korea. Of course, bullying exists everywhere in the world, not just in Korea. However, considering how many Korean webtoons and dramas revolve around this issue, it gives the impression that the problem has become serious enough to inspire so many stories based on it.

My biggest disappointment was the final case. The ending felt underwhelming compared to the rest of the drama. This case involved the student responsible for the death of the male lead's fiancée, making it the most personal and emotionally significant conflict in the series. Unfortunately, the student never received consequences that truly matched the severity of their actions. After all the satisfying resolutions throughout the season, the finale lacked the sense of justice that made the earlier episodes so rewarding.

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Yes, this is the drama you've been looking for.

This drama is truly a masterpiece and one of the best dramas I have watched. What surprised me the most was that I never expected the story to be this deep. At first, I only judged it from the title and poster, which gave me the impression that it would be a simple drama with a nostalgic retro setting. I thought it would be just a warm and ordinary story, but it turned out to be something much more profound and emotionally powerful.

From the beginning until the end, this drama touched my heart with its beautiful storytelling, unforgettable characters, and meaningful messages. It is not just a love story, but a deeply human story about family, sacrifice, loyalty, dreams, and the journey of life itself.

The acting in this drama is absolutely superb. Every actor delivered a performance that felt genuine and full of emotion. The characters did not feel like fictional creations, they felt like real people with their own hopes, struggles, regrets, and memories. Their expressions, small gestures, and emotional scenes made every moment feel incredibly personal and believable.

What I loved the most about this drama is how beautifully it portrays family. It shows that love is not always expressed through big words or dramatic actions, but often through silent sacrifices, unconditional support, and the courage to endure hardships for the people we love. The story captures the reality of ordinary people who continue fighting for their dreams while carrying the responsibilities and struggles of life.

Every episode has its own emotional impact, and I found myself crying many times while watching. The drama explores different stages of life, love, separation, aging, dreams, disappointment, and hope. Each story carries a deep meaning and reminds us to appreciate the people around us before it is too late.

The themes of sacrifice and loyalty are especially powerful. Watching the characters support each other through difficult times was incredibly touching. The drama shows that a person's greatest achievements are not always measured by success or wealth, but by the love they give and the memories they create with others.

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