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If you are into romance stories, this is a must-watch.
Wow... An amazing combination of romance, wuxia and fantasy, this is a must-watch. I place this drama in the same league as Ten Mile Peach Blossom.The story development was filled with twists, turns and revelations throughout. The double twists in the ending were both heart-wrenching and beautiful. The script writer did an excellent job with the ending. I am a sucker for the underdog - for the couple who had gone through so much denial and trials... I shall not reveal too much of it. I felt really good after watching it and highly recommend it.
I love the music pieces especially the ending theme song, and the instrument pieces written for the zither and harp. The instrument music is very calming and the ending theme song is very sentimental.
And of course, the dashingly handsome Wallace Huo definitely mesmerises. He looked so cold throughout the drama until towards the ending when he broke down and a torrent of other emotions emerged. Zhao Liying was great too - you see her character develop from a playful silly young girl into a mature smart woman. MaKe was also very outstanding with his portrayal of the demon king.
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Following the footstep of 'The Untamed'
This drama follows very much in the footsteps of 'The Untamed' - a bromance, a cheeky 'fallen' hero, 2 gorgeous male leads, theme songs co-performed by the male leads, and the list goes on. And in a lot of pre-broadcast reviews, it has been marketed as its parallel. So I cannot help but make the comparison.Although I enjoyed this drama, I still think 'The Untamed' is much better produced - who could beat a combination of Wang Yibo and Xiao Zhan? Also, the dark scenes were a lot better crafted - the death valley Wei Ying (Xiao Zhan) fell into was eerie. The entire production was much better edited with the mystery and suspense very well built up. Wei Ying's fall off the cliff was dramatic - the Wei Ying's heartbreak at the death of his 'sister' and Lan Zhan's desperate attempt to save him. I must also say the theme song was very well sang.
In some of the early episodes in Word of Honor, I was about to write it off as just another average wuxia drama. But it got better. There were some humor in the drama, and some of the plots actually got me really mad. And the story was interesting.
Gong Jun's (Simon) acting was really good. One of the greatest skills of an outstanding actor is in his facial expression and Gong Jun is excellent in this. Mischief, anger, evil, caring, flirting - he did all of these remarkably.
Although I am not homophobic, I really do not appreciate romantic scene between same genders in dramas or movies - do not work up any sentiments in me. I respect the rainbow community but I do not share their romances. This drama was a little bolder in this regard but it did nothing for me. Any production of such dramas must make up for this lack of empathy with the general audience (other than the rainbow community) with good story, cast, scenery, cinematography and editing.
Considering all of these, I rated it a 9 overall.
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This review may contain spoilers
Who is the Dark Lord - the hero or the villian?
I watched this drama because of Joe Xu, after encountering him in Journey of Flower and Lost Love in Times. He acted really well in all these 3 dramas, besides being good-looking. He brought out the mischievous yet scheming character of the hero in this drama. This drama was entertaining and I burst into loud laughter during the comic scenes although some were quite slapstick. It captivated me to keep 'chasing' episode after episode. Overall, as with a lot of well produced Chinese drama, acting was excellent, story was interesting and scene setting was great. It is interesting to see how the hero of the story tricked the bad guys and upheld justice. The final episode was somewhat disappointing and more of an introduction to a sequel. Until the final episode, I still could not figure out who is the dark lord - the hero or the villain - since both were cunning and underhanded.To give some feedback to the production team if they were to read this, some areas could be improved. Music was not that great - the attempt to reproduce music of the south was dismal - it was neither opera nor folk music.
The tricks of the hero were quite underhanded and somewhat brutal. For example, he killed the five serial rapists - while I agree that since they were so unrepentant and arrogant, they might as well be dead - it is a little harsh by western standards - even though I am not a fan of western standards. I am highlighting this out of concern about the influence of such dramas on the moral values of young impressionable generations. Working in a university, I have seen some bad behaviours and questionable moral values. Themes of successful dramas tend to be emulated by later dramas and the consistent re-enforcement of this value is not necessarily good. I can tolerate the occasional drama for entertainment value, I am not keen on seeing a perpetuation of such production.
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A Bold Gamble
Hmmm… This is one of those dramas that is tricky to review.It feels designed for a very niche audience within the rainbow community who would truly appreciate this genre. For a Chinese production, that is a bold gamble. Given the subject matter, the drama is highly unlikely to be broadcast or streamed openly in China . That is a massive domestic market lost at the starting line. Unless you have a VPN, good luck finding it. Well on this matter, I cannot find it streamed anywhere outside of China, except on YouTube.
I cannot help but wonder if the actors knew from day one that this was a BL drama. If they did, hats off for their courage—because the career risks are real. If they did not, well… surprise. Either way, they could face their future projects being blocked in China. Hopefully, they were paid handsomely for taking the plunge, though I doubt anyone is retiring early off this.
On the bright side, the drama does have some strong points. The male lead is exceptionally handsome and delivers a solid performance—his talent deserves much bigger stages. The ending theme song is melodic and the costumes are visually stunning (as Chinese costume dramas rarely fail in this department). The sets look authentic, and the cinematography is commendable.
But now for the less flattering parts.
Firstly, while I am not homophobic, the extended same-gender kisses and sugary displays of affection just did not work for me. Honestly, I would have preferred if Duan Zi-Ang had been written as a female character. That would have made the romance far more convincing in my eyes, being not in the target niche.
Secondly, the story is painfully simplistic. Who would really risk starting a war for a same-gender lover?
Thirdly, the background music was poorly balanced—rather than softening during dialogue, it often competed with their lines.
Lastly, the stiff, awkward acting from much of the supporting cast makes it all falls a little flat. Then again, I have seen Luo YunXi in a much worse drama before (not BL, simply a very poorly produced show with weak co-leads and support cast). Thankfully, he has since risen to become a well-established name, and I remain a fervent fan of his work.
Compared with The Untamed or Word of Honor, which handled BL themes with subtlety and finesse, this one is like a sledgehammer where a paintbrush would have sufficed. The production quality cannot compete either, which only makes the comparison starker.
As for its origins, this drama was produced in China, even if it was distributed in Singapore to dodge the censors. Some fan insists it is “Singaporean” because of the investment. But that is like saying Teslas made in Shanghai are American cars just because Elon Musk is American - by this logic, Trump should have taxed them twice.
If Singapore is indeed becoming the safe harbour for dramas that cannot pass Chinese censors, then please—by all means—give us 'Immortality' next. Fans have been waiting far too long for its release.
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A far-cry from series 1
This sequel is a far cry from its prequel, not only because of a change in some of the cast but in the tempo and ending. The first 15 episodes were filled with time fillers as Ning Que and Sang Sang tried to escape persecution as her identity was uncovered. The new lead actor is good looking and acted well but does not make up for the lack of other elements. The last couple of episodes were a drag - with me hanging on just to find out the conclusion.There were intense moments as the battle against the Tang and the academy were underway and possibly the best part of the story. The story very much climaxed at this battle and then went downhill again. The ending was unimpressed.
The only thing that I am happy with this sequel is that the story is a continuation from the prequel, unlike a lot of other sequel where the sequel is an attempt to leverage on the name of its predecessor.
To make it worse, I was watching the Pillow Book along with this as they were released around the same time. I was glued to YouTube for the Pillow Book and watched this only to fill in the time in-between the releases of the Pillow Book. The contrast was immense. Although the Pillow Book had its occasional slow moments but it held my attention to the very end.
The script for all dramas should be carefully reviewed before production. This script did not keep up with the grandeur of the set and investment, and not worth the time of the audience.
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A Beautiful Blend of Fantasy, Mystery, and Romance
A joyous wedding at the Wei Manor is intruded by six highly skilled, uninvited guests: two cunning nine-tailed fox spirits, two Shilin guards from the temple of the Dragon Deity, and two formidable demons. Each serves a different master, each has their own agenda, yet all have come searching for the same person—Xiao Wei, a fugitive from the Formless Moon Fox Shrine and the prime suspect behind a series of brutal murders.The Shilin guards are particularly intriguing. One is the temple's respected commander, while the other appears to be an ordinary, seemingly powerless young man. Yet behind closed doors, even the commander obeys his every command. Who is he, and why does he command such unquestionable authority?
Their investigation soon leads them to a temple devoted to the God of Matchmaking, but this murder case is merely the first piece of a much larger puzzle.
What I enjoyed:
Veil of Shadows is a captivating blend of fantasy, romance and mystery, wrapped in gorgeous costumes, impressive visual effects, a beautiful soundtrack, and a cast that both looks the part and delivers strong performances.
The story is its greatest strength. Rather than ending with the resolution of Xiao Wei's case, that investigation opens the door to an even greater mystery. Powerful factions are secretly competing for the Dragon Deity's divine power. Can the current Dragon Deity—the last survivor of his dragon clan—protect that power with only a handful of human Shilin guards? And what terrifying force is Xiao Wei really running from?
The plot is cleverly layered. There is never just one secret waiting to be uncovered. Nearly every major character hides another identity, another past, or another truth—sometimes even from themselves. As the story unfolds through multiple timelines and repeated attempts to change fate, each journey reveals new consequences. Every solution creates another problem, keeping the suspense alive throughout.
Visually, the drama is a feast. Joseph Zeng and Tian Jia Rui are effortlessly charismatic, while Ju Jing Yi and Chen Du Ling are absolutely stunning in their costumes and styling. There are attractive actresses throughout the cast, but this is one drama where the handsome male cast almost steals the spotlight. More importantly, both lead couples share excellent chemistry, making the romantic moments genuinely enjoyable.
What I did not enjoy:
There are only a few shortcomings.
One mystery near the ending is left unexplained. Ji Ling brings the nine-tailed fox fairy back to the present, yet the present-day Ji Ling is still the innocent young man who has never experienced the tragic events of the earlier timeline. So what became of the older Ji Ling who brought the nine-tailed back? That loose end left me wondering whether it was intentionally left open or simply overlooked.
The plot can also become confusing at times. With its multiple timelines, intertwined storylines, and numerous hidden identities, it occasionally demands your full attention. Fortunately, most of the confusion is eventually resolved as the pieces gradually fall into place.
Final thoughts:
Although I would not place Veil of Shadows among the absolute top-tier fantasy dramas, it is still a thoroughly enjoyable watch. It offers an engaging mystery, memorable characters, beautiful production values, and enough twists to keep you guessing until the very end. If you enjoy fantasy dramas filled with hidden identities, ancient legends, romance, and time-bending mysteries, this one is well worth your time.
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Power, Corruption, and the Hunt for Big Mouse
I expected very little from 'Big Mouth'. From the title and synopsis, I imagined another light-hearted legal comedy in the style of 'Boston Legal', but featuring an incompetent lawyer stumbling from one lost case to another.I could not have been more wrong.
Big Mouth quickly transforms into a gripping conspiracy thriller that keeps you guessing almost until the very last episode.
Park Chang-ho is a third-rate lawyer with an embarrassingly low success rate. Nicknamed "Big Mouth" because he talks a big game but rarely delivers, he survives only because of the unwavering support of his devoted wife. An orphan with no influential connections, he struggles under mountains of debt while trying to keep his tiny law practice afloat.
Then comes the case that changes everything.
The city mayor unexpectedly hires Chang-ho to defend a group of wealthy elites implicated in the mysterious death of Professor Seo. The assignment seems suspicious from the start. Why would powerful men choose the city's worst lawyer unless they wanted him to fail?
Desperate to seize an opportunity, Chang-ho attempts to blackmail the man he believes orchestrated the murder. Instead, he walks straight into a carefully laid trap. Overnight, he is framed as the infamous "Big Mouse"—a legendary criminal mastermind and swindler who has manipulated the city's most powerful figures from the shadows.
From that moment, his life becomes a nightmare.
Thrown into prison, Chang-ho finds himself surrounded by dangerous criminals, corrupt prison officials, and inmates who either fear him or worship him. Outside the prison walls, his courageous wife risks everything to clear his name, unknowingly placing herself directly in the crosshairs of people who would kill to protect their secrets.
The drama becomes an exhilarating game of cat and mouse, where nobody can be trusted and everyone seems to be hiding another identity.
What keeps viewers hooked is the central mystery:
**Who really framed Park Chang-ho?** **Why did they frame him?**
And perhaps even more intriguingly:
**Who is the real Big Mouse?**
The drama constantly plays with your suspicions. Every few episodes, I found myself changing my mind. Could it be Jerry? The Mayor? The prison warden? One of the inmates? One of the city elites he was hired to defend? Someone inside the prosecutor's office? Every clue points in a different direction, while every witness who gets too close to the truth mysteriously disappears or dies.
At one point, I even wondered whether Chang-ho himself might unknowingly be Big Mouse. The way criminals obey him and events unfold around him makes the audience question everything they think they know.
Adding to the mystery are the bizarre incidents occurring inside the prison. Healthy inmates suddenly collapse. Others lose their sanity without explanation. Strange nutritional supplements are distributed throughout the prison, supposedly for health benefits.
But are they really just health supplements?
Or is someone secretly using prisoners as human guinea pigs for illegal experiments?
The deeper the investigation goes, the darker the conspiracy becomes. Politicians, prosecutors, businessmen, doctors, and criminals all appear connected through an invisible web of corruption that reaches the very top of society. Some wear expensive suits. Some occupy positions of authority. Some are respected influential member of society. Yet beneath their respectable appearances lurk monsters every bit as dangerous as the gangsters behind bars.
Despite the constant tension, the drama also provides moments of unexpected humour. Watching the terrified Chang-ho desperately trying to convince others that he is *not* Big Mouse, only to have everyone around him bow respectfully to their supposed leader, is genuinely hilarious.
Of course, there are moments that require a suspension of disbelief. Some characters make astonishingly foolish decisions, such as running towards explosions rather than away from them. The subplot involving terminal leukaemia developing almost immediately after exposure to radioactive waste water also stretches credibility well beyond reality.
Fortunately, these flaws are minor compared with the overall quality of the story.
Just when you think the mystery has been solved, the drama shifts gears again into a tense race between good and evil, where every move could cost someone their life. The suspense rarely lets up, and every revelation only uncovers another layer of deception.
I was completely hooked.
Despite a few far-fetched moments, I thoroughly enjoyed the intricate plotting, the constant twists, and the satisfying blend of legal drama, prison survival, political corruption, and psychological mystery.
Although justice is not entirely served. In one of the drama's most frustrating moments, a villain responsible for horrific crimes dies before his deeds are exposed and is posthumously awarded one of the nation's highest honours by the country's President. Instead of being remembered as a criminal, he is celebrated as a hero—a bitter reminder that truth does not always prevail and that appearances can outlive reality.
For me, this is an easy **10/10** and a highly recommended watch. If you enjoy dramas where nothing is as it seems and every episode leaves you questioning who can truly be trusted, **Big Mouth** delivers brilliantly.
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Every Puzzle Piece Leads Back to the Past
Nine Puzzles opens with a chilling mystery that immediately pulls you in. Yoon E-na, an orphan living with her uncle, returns home one night to find him brutally murdered. Traumatised by the horror, she loses fragments of her memory and undergoes psychological therapy. But Detective Kim Han Saem is unconvinced. He suspects that E-na herself is the killer, hiding behind supposed amnesia — yet without evidence, he can do nothing.Years later, E-na reappears in an unexpected role: a criminal profiler working for the police. Outspoken, sharp, and disturbingly perceptive, she quickly proves herself brilliant at reading crime scenes and human behaviour. Fate then forces her to work alongside Han Saem again when the owner of an upscale bar is murdered.
What begins as a single homicide slowly unravels into something far darker.
With every new murder, E-na mysteriously receives another puzzle piece — matching the one she picked up years ago in the blood-soaked house where her uncle died. Is a serial killer orchestrating everything? Is someone sending her messages? Or is the answer buried inside the memories she still cannot fully recover?
That is where the drama becomes addictive. Every episode raises more questions than answers. Why are these murders happening? Are the victims connected? Is the killer someone close to E-na? One of the senior officers? Someone who has been hiding in plain sight all along?
The atmosphere is thick with paranoia. E-na constantly feels watched, as though someone is tracking her every movement. Even the audience begins to feel uneasy for her, especially because she still lives alone in the very house where her uncle was murdered. The tension becomes suffocating — you start wondering not only who the killer is, but whether E-na herself is destined to become one of the victims in this chain of nine murders.
What makes the story especially compelling is that even E-na cannot fully trust herself. There are moments where she genuinely wonders whether she might have killed her uncle after all. The line between victim, witness, and suspect becomes dangerously blurred.
The investigation also slowly peels back layers of a long-buried past, exposing corruption, greed, and dark secrets that refuse to stay buried. Every revelation reshapes your suspicions. Just when you think you know where the story is heading, another twist changes everything.
I watched the drama dubbed in English on Disney+. While dubbing made it easier to follow the complex plot, hearing English dialogue over Korean performances felt slightly unnatural at times. E-na’s deliberately child-like voice was occasionally irritating given that she is already an adult, though I still preferred it over subtitles which often races pass too fast.
When the killer was finally revealed, the drama achieved something unusual — instead of pure hatred, I felt a degree of sympathy. Deep down, many viewers may even feel that some victims deserved their fate because of how corrupt and morally rotten they were. Yet the drama never fully justifies vigilantism, constantly reminding us that personal vengeance and justice are not the same thing.
For entertainment value, this drama scores highly. The plot is tightly woven, suspenseful, and full of psychological tension. Despite its dark subject matter, the cinematography prevents the series from becoming visually dreary or emotionally oppressive. That balance works well for me, because when a drama becomes too relentlessly bleak or suffocating, I usually find myself skipping scenes — or dropping the series altogether. It is the kind of thriller that keeps you guessing, keeps you uneasy, and most dangerously of all — keeps you clicking “next episode.”
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A selfish act of one throws the kingdom into chaos
Hmm… Pursuit of Jade is, without question, an outstanding production. From the superb acting to the exceptionally strong ensemble cast, complemented by beautifully executed CGI and a sentimental melodious soundtrack, the drama delivers on nearly every front. The lead couple, in particular, is perfectly matched—visually striking, emotionally convincing, and technically impressive in their performances. Their chemistry feels natural and compelling, elevating even the quieter moments of the story. In terms of overall production quality, this drama scores highly across the board.That said, it is not without its flaws. The narrative leans heavily on familiar tropes—palace power struggles, manipulative and distrustful emperors, and the classic “rescue leads to romance” arc. While these elements are executed well, they do feel repetitive at times, echoing a formula that seasoned viewers of historical dramas will immediately recognise.
The story begins with Fan Chang Yu at her lowest point—having just lost both parents, struggling to survive as a butcher while caring for her younger sister, and enduring constant bullying. Her circumstances are bleak, further compounded by her fiancé abandoning her after passing the provincial examination, with his family looking down on her impoverished status. She is, in every sense, downtrodden and alone.
Fate intervenes when she discovers a gravely injured man buried in the snow. Demonstrating remarkable physical strength and resilience, she carries him home, unknowingly saving Xie Zheng—the renowned general and Marquis. Concealing his identity, he introduces himself as Yan Zhen, setting the stage for one of the drama’s most compelling tensions: the slow, inevitable collision between truth and emotion as both begin to fall in love, but at the same time not wanting to become a baggage to the other.
What strengthens the narrative is the intricate web of hidden identities and shared histories. Unbeknownst to them, their families are deeply entangled in a long-standing political conspiracy. The imperial court is divided between the powerful Li and Wei factions, each harbouring dangerous secrets. Beneath the surface lies a far greater mystery—the death of the Crown Prince’s family in a mysterious palace fire 17 years ago, the betrayal that lead to the capture and death of Xie Zheng's father and the Crown Prince at the battlefield, and the quiet survival of a rightful heir seeking to reclaim the throne. Are these the act of one single person or more?
The stakes rise dramatically when Fan Chang Yu discovers her own father’s role in past events—branding her, in effect, as the daughter of a traitor and placing her in direct opposition to the man she loves. This revelation injects emotional weight into the story, forcing both characters into an impossible position where love, loyalty, and justice collide.
The drama thrives on tension—concealed identities, political sabotage, and the ever-present dangers of the battlefield keep the pacing tight and engaging.
What adds further interest is its reflective ending. The glimpse into an alternate outcome—where a single act might have changed the course of a life—adds a poignant layer to the story. The “would-have-been” Crown Prince is portrayed as a far more benevolent figure, raising a thought-provoking question: is cruelty shaped by circumstance, or is it inherent? This subtle exploration of nature versus nurture lingers after the drama concludes.
Overall, Pursuit of Jade is a richly layered and emotionally engaging drama that excels in execution, even if it relies on well-worn narrative devices. It is well worth watching for its performances, production quality, and its intriguing story. This drama fully deserves its strong rating on kisskh.
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The scalpel is to heal not as an instrument to win, says Kim
Season 2 of Dr Romantic returns to Doldam Hospital with a heavier burden. Kang Dong-Ju and Yoon Seo-Jung have departed to pursue their own paths, while Do In-Beom returns to the parent hospital. What remains is an overstretched Teacher Kim and a rural hospital few ambitious doctors would willingly choose — especially under a demanding, sharp-tempered chief who expects nothing less than excellence.Into this vacuum arrive three very different doctors.
Cha Eun-Jae, a cardiac surgeon of elite pedigree, carries a humiliating secret: she faints in the operating theatre — and if she stays conscious, nausea overwhelms her once surgery begins.
Seo Woo-Jin is a brilliant but ostracised surgeon, shunned after exposing a senior doctor’s unethical conduct. Burdened by debt and harassed by loan sharks, he needs the job more than pride allows him to admit.
Yoon Ah-Reum is the rare idealist, choosing Doldam voluntarily after being inspired by Teacher Kim’s reputation.
Eun-Jae arrives resentful and determined to escape back to the main hospital as quickly as possible. Woo-Jin is blunt: he is here for the money. Only Ah-Reum comes with conviction. Teacher Kim accepts all three — not because they are ready, but because Doldam is where broken doctors are reforged.
Meanwhile, the threat looming over Doldam intensifies. Director Do remains determined to shut the hospital and replace it with a lucrative rehabilitation centre for the wealthy. This time, he deploys a formidable weapon: Professor Park Min-Guk, an elite surgeon sent to take control.
What follows is not merely a power struggle but a clash of philosophies.
Professor Park is accomplished, disciplined, and ambitious — yet he finds himself overshadowed by Teacher Kim’s surgical brilliance, moral authority, and the loyalty he inspires. Kim represents everything Park cannot measure in titles or prestige: medicine practised without regard for wealth, power, or reputation.
The sequel sharpens the melodrama and intrigue. Evidence is quietly sought. Allegations surface. A VIP patient’s death provides the pretext Director Do needs to scrutinise Doldam for malpractice. Pressure mounts from all sides — and when help arrives, it comes from the most unexpected quarter.
At its heart, the season explores conscience. Park is repeatedly pushed to shift blame and sabotage Kim’s work. Whether he will surrender to ambition or heed his moral compass becomes one of the season’s most compelling tensions.
In this sequel, the operating theatre becomes a stage where pride and insecurity can be as dangerous as any scalpel. Senior doctors, blinded by ego, dismiss the warnings of junior staff and protect their authority even when a patient’s life hangs in the balance. Above them, insecure superiors guard their positions fiercely, suppressing capable subordinates rather than nurturing them — a reminder that hierarchy can suffocate truth.
The season also underscores a quieter but vital skill: tact. Woo-Jin’s integrity is unquestionable, yet his blunt honesty repeatedly lands him in trouble. One cannot help but wonder how different his journey might be if truth were delivered with diplomacy — proving that in medicine, as in life, saving lives sometimes requires not only skill and courage, but also the wisdom to navigate fragile egos and dangerous politics.
Romance, too, finds its way into the chaos. Eun-Jae stands between two paths: a former heartthrob representing status and familiarity, and Woo-Jin — her former classmate — who quietly supports her through every moment of weakness and doubt.
The finale delivers emotional satisfaction and moral resolution in equal measure.
With heightened stakes, deeper character growth, and the enduring question of what it truly means to be a doctor, Season 2 proves once again that Doldam Hospital is where medicine becomes humanity.
Another powerful and deeply moving instalment — highly recommended.
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The Silence That Protects the Guilty
Dr Romantic is not just a medical drama — it is a battle between conscience and corruption, idealism and ambition, and the quiet heroism of those who refuse to treat medicine as a business.The story begins with a furious teenager, Kang Dong-Ju, storming a major Seoul hospital after his father dies waiting for treatment while a VIP is prioritised. Subduing him, a calm doctor delivers a life-altering challenge: if he wants revenge, he must become better than those who failed him.
That doctor is Dr Bu Yong-Ju — a brilliant surgeon later forced out by colleagues eager to bury their own misconduct beneath his reputation. Betrayed by greed and jealousy, he vanishes to a remote countryside hospital and re-emerges as Kim Sa-Bu (“Teacher Kim”), a legendary yet eccentric physician who saves lives using unorthodox methods and an unshakeable moral compass.
Ten years later, Dong-Ju returns as the top graduate of his class — brilliant, ambitious, and determined to be a doctor for patients, not power. He falls for senior doctor Yoon Seo-Jung, only to lose her when tragedy drives her into disappearance. His ideals are soon tested when he is pressured by hospital leadership to prioritise a VIP over a scheduled surgery. The result is devastating: both patients die, and the very director who coerced him makes him the scapegoat.
Fate draws these broken but determined doctors together again at Doldam Hospital, a struggling rural facility where Kim Sa-Bu mentors outcasts and second chances. Here, they confront relentless emergencies, personal demons, and the suffocating interference of a parent organisation determined to convert the hospital into a lucrative rehabilitation centre for the wealthy — abandoning emergency care because it does not pay.
Beyond the operating theatre, the drama cuts sharply into workplace politics:
- Jealous colleagues waiting to undermine success or claim credit not theirs
- Senior management enabling bias and self-interest
- A rigid hierarchy where authority overrides ethics
- Systems designed to protect power rather than patients
Having witnessed organisational politics firsthand — and with doctors in my own family practising under vastly different healthcare cultures — these tensions felt strikingly real. Systems that protect doctors at all costs can hide errors; systems that protect patients encourage transparency. The world of Dr Romantic sits in a darker middle ground, where truth bends to authority.
The series is undeniably melodramatic — doctors shout, clash, and occasionally come to blows — behaviour difficult to imagine in real hospitals. Yet the heightened emotion underscores the stakes: lives hang in the balance, and moral compromise can be fatal.
Kim Sa-Bu himself is a paradox. He is brilliant yet harsh, compassionate yet uncompromising. His refusal to reveal the truth behind his own downfall is frustrating, even when justified as protection for others. One cannot help but wonder whether silence protects the innocent — or enables the guilty.
So can the Doldam team overturn a system rigged against them? That is a battle best witnessed firsthand.
The medical procedures feel authentic, the ethical dilemmas compelling, and the characters deeply human.
An intense, emotional, and morally charged drama — highly recommended.
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Poisoned just before the battle, she suffers her first defeat at the hands of the mysterious Ji Bo Zai of Jixing Abyss. Certain that foul play is involved, Ming Xian vanishes from the world she once ruled. Disguised as a dancer and adopting the name Ming Yi, she infiltrates enemy territory, determined to steal the antidote and exact revenge.
But nothing is as it seems.
As Ming Yi draws closer to Bo Zai, cracks appear in her certainty. The real culprit may not be the man she set out to destroy. Trapped between suspicion and necessity, the two are forced into uneasy alliances, navigating perilous trials to save Jixing Abyss, and sometimes each other. Mutual distrust slowly gives way to understanding, and something far more dangerous: affection.
The intrigue deepens on all fronts. Shadowy Seekers covet the secret behind Bo Zai’s ability to grow spiritual veins, suspecting the use of the mystical Golden Millet Dream, a legendary concoction of the Bo clan, the recipe of which is believed to be lost. Meanwhile, Yaoguang Mountain reels from the disappearance of its Crown Prince. Power shifts quietly, and Ming Xian’s brother, Ming Xin, appears ready to replace her permanently, ensuring she never returns.
Hovering above all this is an even greater threat. A ruthless, ambitious force moves in the shadows, seeking dominion over the Hexu Six Realm itself.
Frustration mounts as Ming Yi stubbornly clings to her lies. It is a classic spiral: one deception breeds ten more. As a viewer, it is agonising to watch her risk everything when the truth would have changed everything. Especially when Bo Zai’s love for her becomes unmistakable. Instead, she gambles her life, and that of her loyal white cat companion, as the petals of the Heavenly Grief poison fall away one by one, each marking the countdown to death.
By the final arc, revelations come fast and hard. True identities are exposed, some hidden even from the characters themselves, and past assumptions unravel spectacularly.
Yes, the drama embraces familiar tropes: rivals turned lovers, hidden identities, enemies forced into trust. But these tropes are handled with enough mystery and emotional payoff to remain deeply satisfying.
In the end, Love in the Clouds delivers a well-earned sense of closure. Evil faces its reckoning, though the villain’s tragic choices still evoke a flicker of sympathy. Wrong paths, after all, carry consequences.
This is a drama that blends romance, intrigue, and destiny into a compelling whole. It leaves behind a lingering, feel-good warmth once the clouds finally part.
Highly recommended.
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Backed into a corner and desperate to remain in Wei to protect herself and her hostage brother, Cheng Ping boldly schemes and offers herself as Shen’s concubine. Shen, however, wants nothing to do with her. He leaves her to survive the tangled web of jealousy, competition, and simmering hostility inside his household—his wife and existing concubines are no easy company. At the same time, Shen must fend off the Crown Prince’s political traps, all while navigating the enigmatic Third Prince, whose charm masks motives that are not immediately clear. Friend? Foe? Or something far more dangerous?
The plot is engaging and full of intrigue, although it does falter at times. Some plots feel cliche—the classic arc of two suspicious, reluctant individuals who slowly uncover each other’s hidden strengths and fall in love - the convenient loss of memory - and the use of poisons to secure someone's obedience. Yet if you stick with the narrative, it rewards you with emotional tension and a solid payoff. Cheng Ping’s stubborn independence is both admirable and exasperating. Her refusal to rely on anyone, including Shen once he begins to care for her, creates trouble for them both. More than once, you might find yourself wanting to knock some sense into her.
The latter half of the drama dips a little, especially when a few supporting actors begin to sound like they are reading lines rather than inhabiting their roles. Thankfully, there are standout performances to balance this. Gao Han’s Third Prince is a highlight—handsome, unsettling, and utterly convincing as a love-struck sociopath whose loyalties are never straightforward.
Still, the true anchor of the series is Liu Xue Yi. His versatility, emotional depth, and commanding presence carry the drama through its weaker moments. At times, it feels as though he is single-handedly holding the entire story together—and doing it with impressive finesse.
If you can forgive its occasional stumbles, you will find a story that grips you with political intrigue, emotional depth, and characters whose flaws make them all the more fascinating to watch.
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A Worthy Match for Nirvana in Fire – And a Villain Who Refuses to Fall
This drama is a gem. I rate it a solid 10/10 for its gripping story, compelling characters, and flawless execution. It has everything – an intricate and layered plot, electrifying on-screen chemistry between the leads, a truly formidable villain, an outstanding cast, stunning costumes, breathtaking cinematography, lively set designs, and a beautifully composed soundtrack.Chen Du Ling and Xin Yun Lai shine as the lead couple. Chen brings depth and vulnerability to Zhuang Han Yan, a girl wrongfully branded as the “barefoot devil” after a dubious Taoist priest blamed her for her grandfather’s death. Sent away to live with her father’s friend, she endures mistreatment at the hands of a mentally unstable guardian before finding her way back home. Yet her return is far from peaceful – her biological mother, the legitimate wife, wants her gone, and the priest resurfaces, threatening her life once again.
Enter Fu Yun Xi, deputy minister at the feared Investigation Bureau – an institution notorious for extracting confessions through torture. He pressures Han Yan to reveal the truth about her foster parents’ deaths, threatening to expose her involvement if she refuses. Throughout the series, he straddles the line between foe and ally – investigating her while secretly helping her. The tension between them is electric, their past shrouded in complexity. Is Fu Yun Xi truly her enemy, or is he the only one she can trust?
Once you press play, it is almost impossible to stop. At first, the villains seem clear – scheming concubines and their children – but soon, deeper layers unravel. The true mastermind is revealed as the adopted son of Pei, a once-powerful eunuch rumored to have hidden a vast fortune that vanished with his death. Tracking him down, gathering evidence, and bringing him to justice is no easy feat. He is one of the most challenging villains to defeat, and taking him down risks implicating many innocent lives.
This is what makes the drama so compelling – the moral dilemmas, the complexity of justice, and the sense that every decision comes at a cost.
I absolutely recommend this drama. Its current 8.3 rating on kisskh feels far too low for a production of this calibre – a score closer to 8.7 or even 9 would be much more fitting.
However, I find the English title 'The Glory' rather irrelevant and lacking the poetic resonance of the original. It feels somewhat disconnected from the essence of the story, as if chosen mainly to echo the success of other popular dramas. A title like 'The Return' would be far more fitting and much closer in spirit to the original Chinese title.
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Beyond The Untamed: Xiao Zhan Shines in This Gripping Tale of Revenge
The drama opens with a familiar yet gripping premise: Zhan Hai witnesses the brutal massacre of his entire family and fellow disciples. Left an orphan, he is rescued by a mysterious man—someone he comes to regard as his savior. Determined to avenge the bloodshed, Zhan Hai devotes himself to rigorous preparation, mastering the arts of deception, architecture, and geomancy under expert teachers—all in pursuit of vengeance.His path is perilous. While striving to earn the favour of Marquis Ping Jin—the man responsible for the massacre—Zhan Hai barely escapes death at the hands of jealous rivals. But soon he realizes that the Marquis is not his only enemy. There are three powerful adversaries, each more cunning and ruthless than the last, all hunting for an artifact his father allegedly brought back from Dongxia—a relic said to hold unimaginable power. To survive, Zhan Hai must outwit every one of them and uncover the identity of the third. But when the truth is finally revealed, it shakes him to his core.
Marquis Ping Jin himself is a formidable figure—a ruthless leader who trusts no one. Yet his fractured family dynamics provide Zhan Hai with opportunities to exploit. He even forges an alliance with the Marquis’ second son, only to discover that this ally is far more intelligent and calculating than he appears, dragging Zhan Hai into one precarious trap after another.
The drama is suspenseful and keeps you hooked as Zhan Hai maneuvers through layers of intrigue, deadly schemes, and shifting loyalties. Every move feels like a high-stakes game of strategy.
Xiao Zhan delivers an outstanding performance as Zhan Hai, exuding quiet confidence and emotional depth. Since The Untamed, this is his most compelling role—his nuanced portrayal and expressive range surpass many of his previous works.
The soundtrack is equally enchanting, with Xiao Zhan lending his voice to one of the theme songs, adding an extra layer of charm. Combined with stunning costumes, breathtaking cinematography, and a stellar supporting cast, the production is a visual and emotional feast.
If there is one minor gripe, it is the recurring trope where capable and righteous men choose to abandon political power for a carefree life instead of stepping into leadership—a choice that feels frustratingly familiar in historical dramas.
Overall, this is a masterpiece worth savoring. I debated between a perfect 10 and 9.5, I settled on 9.5—simply because The Untamed still holds that top spot in my heart. But make no mistake—this drama is excellent and comes highly recommended.
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