Kes

Red flag with a face card is still a red flag. No excuses!

If a guy never listens to you, constantly talks about himself, takes you for granted and is self-centered, would you still stay with him? Without a doubt, the answer should be no. But if he has a charming face, all his bad qualities will vanish into thin air. But that shouldn't be the case, right? We shouldn't be bewitched by someone's looks. The same goes with this TV special.

The k-drama opens with Oh Jin (played by Shin Ye Eun) getting greeted by her boyfriend Cha Min Jae (played by Kang Tae Oh) with passionate kisses the moment she steps into his house. At first, this might seem romantic and sweet but Oh Jin stops kissing Min Jae midway and insists to put away the beer and freshen up first. He didn't even ask how was her day and instead asked why she was late. Min Jae then grabbed her to continue making out but she protested again to which he didn't listen to and wanted to do it his way.

It was pretty obvious from the opening scene that this relationship is doomed to end. Min Jae constantly dismisses Oh Jin's thoughts and feelings and would always point out that she's being too emotional. Oh Jin only realizes this when her boyfriend flicked her forehead too hard after losing in a bet. The finger flick is a wake-up call to Oh Jin that perhaps she deserves better than this. What was once little cracks in their relationship started to develop into a tremor that will make or break their connection.

Shin Ye Eun portayed Oh Jin with naturalism and nuance. We empathized with her as she navigates a breaking point in her relationship. It broke our hearts when she come to realize that her boyfriend is not cherishing and treating her right the way she should be. Ye Eun channels Oh Jin's confusion and ambivalence toward her boyfriend and a budding romance with the PE teacher. Ye Eun's maturity was also shown as the story progresses.

Tae Oh adopts a smug and broody approach to depict a self-centered and insensitive boyfriend. In reality, a possessive and cold-hearted guy turns out not to be hot at all. He constantly turns the tables and puts all the blame to Oh Jin for being too emotional. Thankfully, Oh Jin sticks to her guts and was firm on her decision.

Meanwhile, Hong Kyung plays Koo Won Bin, a PE teacher who is harboring a crush on Oh Jin. He is very soft-spoken and is straightforward about his feelings, a stark contrast to Min Jae's personality. He is sheepish yet has a way with words and it feels as though he is straight out of fiction books.

Overall, this is a quick, nice watch with a compelling storyline. This kdrama is not about getting pissed off over a finger flick, it's highlighting growing out of love and also touches on gaslighting which is a prominent issue nowadays in relationships. Watching this can also be a wake-up call to viewers that loving someone can just be something that is done out of habit without us realizing it. This sounds painful but it is the reality of love. The fact that this special episode was able to narrate a heartbreaking yet light-hearted story in a short amount of time is such a feat and is all the more reason for watching.

PS. If you were rooting for Kang Tae Oh, there is seriously something wrong with you. I bet you rooted for Song Kang in Nevertheless, too.

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Perfect balance of angst, romance and vengeance

The last quarter of 2023 saw a rise in time travel coupled with fake marriage k-dramas. Perfect Marriage Revenge is one of these. The kdrama blends romance and revenge but how does it set apart from the other shows?

The story follows Han Yi Joo (played by Jung Yoo Min) a naive and trusting woman who taught everything in her life is picture perfect. After learning her husband is in love with her stepsister and her stepmother is only using her, she suddenly dies in a tragic car accident. Moments later, she woke up but seemingly travelled back in time 1 year prior and she is now determined to take revenge on the people who have wronged her.

Jung Yoo Min effortlessly play the innocent and demure character as well as the fierce and strongheaded woman she has become when she was given a second chance in life. Watching Yi Joo get deceived and trampled by her stepmother and stepsister will remind of every cinderella remakes. But what I appreciate the most about this show is how Yi Joo came to realize her worth and she is not a damsel in distress who needs saving. She is determined in changing her destiny and living a life full of love instead. Yi Joo transforming from the naive girl into a girlboss will make the viewers rooting for her.

Seo Do Guk (played by Sung Hoon) is the epitome of a leading man - tall, deep voice and toned body. On top of that the way he talks and acts around Yoo Min just exudes good masculine vibes. He protects Yoo Min not because she is weak but because she is important to him. There is also a power balance here as Do Guk turns out to have a traumatic past that still haunts him. Later in the story, we learned that there is an invisible string between the two of them.

On top of that, there is also a palpable and sizzling chemistry between the leads which will keep you glued to the screen. Every time Yi Joo and Do Guk has a scene together, I bet viewers will be left with heart-shaped eyes.

This show was surprisingly entertaining and addicting to watch even if the plot is one that we have seen many times. There is lots of melodramatic turns that keeps you on the edge of your seats and drooling over Sung Hoon's deep manly voice.

The show also sometimes gives off classic sitcom vibes despite the turbulence going on in romance, revenge, sibling rivalry and traumatic pasts. It also offers larger-than-life stepmothers and their flamboyant dresses. Seeing them clash and go head-to-head is another hidden gem of this series. We have a wicked stepmother trying to look sophisticated but in truth, she's rotten and evil inside. Then, we have another stepmother who has a penchant for flashy color dresses but tries her best to treat all her children equally.

Conflicts and misunderstandings are also not dragged for too long. It's refreshing to see how smart and witty leads are able to catch up with the villain's evil plans.

All in all, Perfect Marriage Revenge is definitely a guilty pleasure watch with the perfect running time. It keeps the storyline short and easy to follow yet contains all your favorite romantic tropes and, of course, irritating villains. This show is certainly not groundbreaking but Sung Hoon and Yoo Min's earnest portrayal of a couple who will go against all odds and even destiny will keep you running back for more.

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'Destined with You' review: a spellbinding romcom falls flat with a lackluster story

With the number of psychopaths in this kdrama, its title should have been "Obsessed with You" ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Destined with You revolves around Hong Jo, a civil servant, whose life unexpectedly got tangled up with Shin Yu, a renown corporate lawyer. A mysterious box and several encounters later, they find themselves stuck with one another and they discover their unbreakable connection.

For starters, the plot was messy, loaded with uninteresting supporting characters and subplots. The series can't even create two episodes which tackles the same thing. Every episode is unrelated to one another. It is very important for a fantasy k-drama to steadily build the mystery and keep the thrill. Adding more confusion and questions to the bunch is certainly not one of the ways to do that.

Most of the episodes were merely fillers and keeps poking around the central conflict of the show. I'm not even sure if the main characters only have one main problem since they, too, are not searching for answers. The antagonists mostly did the work to keep the momentum going.

At the very beginning, the story is about spells and a century-old curse. Then, halfway through the show it became a secret office romance. Once again it changed course, the story became a thriller and that's the moment I knew the writers screwed up big time. It tries to have all genres at once. Honestly, the kdrama's only saving grace is Rowoon's visuals and his striking suits. At least the fashion department knew how to get the right work done.

Anyways, Rowoon and Jo Bo Ah had an undeniable chemistry here. Rowoon throwing funny puns while keeping a straight and handsome face certainly deserves a daesang. As for Jo Bo Ah, I kind of wished her character were more smart and strong. Hong Joo falls under the weak female lead stereotype category and I find damsels in distress intolerable. Her struggles of working and living alone definitely pulled some heartstrings. She also had some character development at the end but it felt too formulaic for my liking. Maybe it's just me who saw this issue. Perhaps I simply prefer smart female leads over the ones who needs saving and longs for a hero to realize her true worth.

On the other hand, I wish it had gone the same route as 'Extraordinary You' where the leads had one goal in mind and then conflicts appeared and the answers unfold one after another. We are solving the puzzle together with the main characters. That's the most simple structure of a fantasy drama.

In Destined with You's case, we don't even know what Shin Yu and Hong Jo want to do with their lives. They're simply flirting and encountering lunatics, that's it. The plot had so much potential. If only they stayed picked a lane, this fantasy k-drama could have been interesting and gripping.

This series could have also been way more short if it solely focused on Shin Yu and Hong Jo's past lives and their unbreakable connection. Up to now, I still can't figure if the spells were real or not. Shin Yu got better so the spell transcends through time? But why was Hong Jo never able to cast a spell if she were a direct descendant or even the reincarnation of Aeng Cho? We'll never know the answers to these questions because the show didn't even bother to acknowledge and answer them.

Episode 14 was not the resolution I was expecting. They could have given us glimpses of their past lives bit by bit throughout the series. However, they decided to dump the whole Joseon period in one go. I got emotionally invested in that episode but the sudden return to the present day only left me hanging. Aside from the talisman box, the show could have given more reasons why ML and FL were bound together by fate and how they gravitate towards one another even if they stay out of each other's lives.

Overall, 'Destined with You' both had its highs and lows. It was fun and swoon-worthy. However, the lackluster script made this show messy and incoherent. If only this story were written right, it could have been at par with What's Wrong with Secretary Kim and Business Proposal and will go down in the record books as one of the inventive and spellbinding office rom-com. The series is entertaining but doesn't quite put you under its spell.

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Spectacular dresses and world-building but falls short on screenwriting

Sadly, Hotel del Luna's fanciness couldn't make up for the story's lack of coherence and sincerity.

The extravagant hotel for the ghosts and the splendid clothes of its owner didn't quite impress me. Each episode has the same dreary pattern of spirits struggling and protagonists babbling at the end. After the first half of the show, I found myself neither interested nor thrilled.

The answers were already laid out so I didn't get the point of dragging out the story. The antagonists which I once thought of as formidable opponents were easily gulled and defeated. Indeed, there is a fine line between a show with a high-caliber script and one with a mere show-off wardrobe.

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Feel-good romance lacks distinctive voice and a real heart

I don't have much to say about this film except that it's cute, adorable and wholesome. Conversations are mostly backed up with whimsical music. I don't have a problem with this as the dialogues felt authentic and genuine at first. However, by the time we arrived in the second half the story became dragged and lacked the specifities I was hoping for.

The shots and cinematography could have been more creative to make it memorable. The story does not try to be groundbreaking either. This is just supposed to be a feel-good movie although I would have loved if there were more touching moments to evoke emotions considering the story revolves around deaf people.

The story starts with Yong Jun unsure of what he wants to do in life. He's surrounded with philosophy books but he doesn't know what job to apply for. By the time we get to the end, nothing has changed. He's the main character but we didn't get to know much about his thoughts and background except that he instantly fell for Yeo Reum when he saw her in the swimming pool. This is the moment where the puppy love story starts to unfold. The film also noticeably shifts it focus to Yeo Reum's point of view after this part. More or less, Yeo Reum is a more developed character than Yong Jun. We digged into Yeo Reum's background and personality but only to a certain extent and here is where my main issue lies. Her character lacks a distinctive voice and is not fleshed out as I want her to be.

The storyline is fairly simple and is quite the epitome of young love. Although, one would really expect that the film could have had more earnest and compelling scenes just to fully give us that warm, fuzzy feeling inside.

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'Yumi's Cells' review: Back for a second chance at love and dreams

Is love sweeter the second time around or more cruel?

Yumi's Cells Season 2 tells the story of Yumi and Babi's relationship from her brain cells' point of view. Will she get her happy ending this time or will another heartbreak be added to her list?

For starters, Yumi's Cells illuminates Yumi's conflicted emotional life with superb storytelling, animation and performances. This k-drama is very inventive and psychologically astute, witty, imaginative, and utterly relatable.

What sticked to me the most from Season 1 was the seamless transition between the animation and the reality. However, for this new season the show hardly shed light on Babi's cells. His thoughts and true intentions remained a mystery throughout the run time. Perhaps this was a plot device to keep the audience glued to their screens and constantly wonder if Babi is her endgame.

In contrast to Season 2, Woong's cell village had a fair share of screentime. Woong and Babi's personalities are in opposite spectrum after all. Woong is an introvert and is not expressive. Babi on the other hand is a straightfoward guy and always speaks his mind to avoid confusions and misunderstandings.

Woong ponders a lot before talking that's why the cell village can discuss what tactic to take on. He doesn't even have that much cells because almost everything acts according to a program. That speaks volume to how intelligent Woong is.

However, Babi is very eloquent with words (he's actually a marketing specialist) but we don't get to see enough decision making going in on at his cell village. We don't even get to see his naughty cell. All that Yumi's love cell saw in his village is that he is very romantic and sincere. Babi was at a very disadvantageous point because no one really knows what's going on in his head.

The two seasons also highlighted different concepts. Season 1 pointed out that opposites attract while season 2 condemns this by telling that same people attract each other. Woong and Yumi do not share the same interests, hobbies and group of friends. Interestingly, Yumi and Babi had a lot in common. This is what essentially draws Yumi to Babi. They both like reading books and listening to the same type of music. It seems logical that they attract each other as they think similarly. The absence of AI in Babi's village cell attests to this.

Going back to Babi's character development, I still had tons of questions about it. When the story reached its dilemmas, Babi's change of heart suddenly doesn't make sense to me.

Babi is someone who speaks his mind and it is very unlikely of him to hide secrets and get swayed by a young intern. Those were my first thoughts. However, looking back at Babi's past actions and relationships, it seems like he's not the green flag guy we all thought he is. He's actually the opposite.

If one can remember, Babi actually developed his feelings for Yumi even while they were both in a relationship. Reason and sensitivity cells tried so hard to hide this fact from Yumi. The alarming red flag about Babi is that he gets wavered easily whenever his girlfriend is not around which is a very unfaithful thing to do. I really felt defeated and saddened by this realization because who on earth can resist Babi's charming and alluring presence? He's simply irresistable and attractive.

I can't help but notice the similarities between Babi and Yijin from Twenty Five Twenty One. Everyone keeps telling that Yijin is a green flag for being a supportive and understanding boyfriend to Heedo. The same thing can be applied to Babi.

Both guys are very considerate towards their partners. However, kindness is not the foundation of being a green flag. Both main leads failed to be consistent, honest and maintain an open communication. Babi and Yijin kept secrets from their partners — the former not telling Yumi how he got affected by an intern's confession as well as when he got in an accident; while the latter not telling his SO that he is going through a rough patch and he doesn't want to share his burden, pain and sorrows.

Still, one can't help but feel that the writers did dirty on Babi by the second half of the show. The sweet and romantic moments between Babi and Yumi were actually based on Yumi and Soonrok's scenes in the webtoon. The directors and writers purposefully led us to the thinking that Babi is a wonderful and dreamy partner. We, the audience, got fooled and disappointed at the end. I personally really felt that it was hard to let go someone like Babi.

As for the performance, Kim Go Eun and Jinyoung's chemistry was insane to say the least. They portray immense love for each on-screen and it's undeniable that they would make such a great couple in real life. Their soft face features compliment each other. I hope that they can work on a project soon with a HEA.

Overall, Yumi's Cells is a lovely kdrama which transforms emotional conflict into an adventure. There's a beauty and care in every scene of this k-drama. As we tag along Yumi's self-actualization journey, we learn about the pain of growing up, heartbreaks and handling big, new emotions as they come and go.

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Mystery sageuk falls flat with underbaked story elements

Lee Jae Wook once again returns with a sageuk k-drama but this time not as an heir of a mage family but of a wealthy merchant. One might think this is just a repeat of his role in Alchemy of Souls but that is completely untrue because in Dear Hongrang, he presents himself as the long-lost son of the merchant family or so we thought.

It doesn't last long though until we discovered the truth. Kudos to Jae Wook's composed and guarded personality it was truly hard to decipher if he's just a charlatan or the real Hongrang.

The mystery surrounding Hongrang's disappearance got me hooked, however, little did I know the writer failed to put some effort in writing the background story about the child-snatcher creature. I actually expected some fantasy elements to unfold to create a more rich and engaging narrative but it turns out there is barely witchcraft involved? Perhaps I got this wrong because this was not explained clearly at all.

Jo Bo Ah plays the role of Hongrang's stepsister, Sim Jae I, who carries the guilt of her brother's disappearance and never ceases to look for him. Bo-Ah consistently acts out the misery and despair she felt in the household ever since her little brother brother never came back. Her family alienated her especially her stepmom who is distraught as ever and blames her for Hongrang's disappearance.

Jae I thought her sea of sorrow would finally come to an end when Jae Wook's character claims to be as Hongrang. With just one glance, she argues that he's just another fake in contrast with the physical evidences.

Now that I think about, I feel like this Hongrang was not thoroughly assessed at all compared to the previous wannabes. I would just like to think that he certainly pulled some strings to easily match Hongrang's physical attributes.

In the first episode, Jae I was shown running away from thugs and gamblers after tricking them to earn some money to continue looking for Hongrang. However, this aspect was never brought up again and it left me wondering how Jae I deceived these delinquents every single time. This would have added more depth and strength to Jae I's personality. Not that I dislike her fear towards her stepmom and her yearning for her little brother, it's just that I believe her character could be so much more–be the stubborn and headstrong sister than this damsel-in-distress she came to be.

As the largest merchant family in the Joseon era, we also had a glimpse of how influential and powerful Hongrang and Jae I's family is. A tangled web of deceit and betrayal is just a normal day for them. I enjoyed this portion of the show because they made parallels and metaphors about authentic and imitation paintings which feels like a hindsight to Hongrang's true identity.

You can't talk about Dear Hongrang without mentioning the fiery chemistry between Jae Wook and Bo Ah. Though they are step-siblings, some tension is formed between them because as Bo Ah doubts Jae Wook's character. This strong dislike gradually morphs into confusion and attraction. This is a huge dilemma for Bo Ah since the little brother who is very dear to her is now someone she sees as a man. All of Bo Ah's pent-up emotions left her distressed and overwhelmed more than ever. Meanwhile, Jae Wook is the very flame that beckons the moth, kindling the fire in Bo Ah's heart. They were supposed to have a siblings bonding time in the woods but Jae Wook being the horny and flirty man that he is made it more sensual and flirty. This scene was definitely an unforgettable moment in the show.

I was ecstatic for the ending because I would finally learn all the answers and secrets everyone is hiding. However, the resolution is the weakest point of the show. I was expecting they would have connected the plot points effectively but lo and behold everything went down the drain and felt rushed. There were too many loose ends to tie up, too many unanswered questions and too many WTF moments. I'm well aware that some explanations don't need to be spelled out and they are often up for viewer's interpretation. However, how are we supposed to connect the dots when the information that is doled out is inconsistent and ambiguous. It feels like the story never truly addressed the mystery and solely focused on Hongrang and Jae I being star-crossed lovers.

To sum up, what appears to be an intriguing mystery sageuk ultimately falls flat due to underdeveloped story and messy finale. With all that said, I still believe this is worth watching as I once again get to witness Lee Jae Wook's versatile acting and impressive swordmanship and of course, his face card that never declines which erases some of my criticisms about this show.

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Thrilling, fast-paced and loaded with gripping action sequences, Vagabond has certainly raised the bar for action-packed kdramas.

Vagabond starts off slow and sloppy with subtle plot holes and unimpressive lead characters. If only there were less talking and more of swift buildup on the first half, the pacing of the story would have been far from faulty. However, the flaws went unseen as the veteran actors help elevate this series while Seung Gi and Suzy Bae show off their charisma and chemistry. There are also fleeting touches of humour which made it a lot more fun to watch.

On the other hand, the elegance and visual coherence of the set pieces have given this kdrama a discernible impression. Although the big-deal stunts aren't that many, they will still make you jump up and down with exuberance.

Overall, Vagabond is a gratifyingly clever, booby-trapped thriller with the right amount of fun and swoon. Lastly, to those who are skeptical on watching this series, I will give you a piece of advice: don't let the first half's boring dialogues get into your nerves because the exciting action awaits on the later part.

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Interesting Concept but Poorly Written Story

Love Alarm's dull narrative voice and excessive flashbacks undermine the interesting concept the story has.

This series might have been better if it had more episodes to slowly unravel the plot and to let the viewers sympathize more with the characters. However, everything feels so hastened, from falling in love with a stranger to breaking up with hardly a closure that could have been easily fixed.

This drama is overhyped, to say the least. Sun Oh gives me chills because he is like one of those nice-looking stalkers. His stalking and unrelenting efforts to make Jo Jo his girlfriend should have terrified the viewers but it has done the exact opposite. Sadly, I was among those who fell completely under his spell. If it weren't for Song Kang's mesmerizing eyes and abs, this drama would have been a total flop so kudos to him.

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'Linlang' review: gaslight gatekeep girlboss in thriller drama form

When it comes to infidelity our first instinct is to blame the husband — he must have been the one who cheated or neglected his family.

Rarely it happens in real life and in tv shows that the wife is the one who is in the wrong. Hence, Linlang's plot comes across to me as a fresh narrative as it revolves around Juliana, our female lead, breaking everyone's lives, hearts and trusts.

This series is divided into three acts and I must say the last act is my least favorite. It felt anticlimactic and rushed.

The last few episodes didn't live up to my expectations. The story should have stuck up on being a makjang. I certainly enjoyed the dramatic plot twists and heightened feelings. All the rage and fury dissipated by the time we got near the ending. They also gave us a glimpse of the younger sister's dating life which no one asked for and is irrelevant and bland.

Despite these shortcomings, I must commend how the four main leads never fail to deliver great performances. What struck me the most is the pile of lies and betrayal and how each character stood their ground even if they are in the wrong. How audacious of them. The main cast made quite an impression to me and that's what I appreciate in this series the most.

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While Flower of Evil is sometimes less than the sum of its impressive parts, gripping performances from Joon Gi and Chae Won make this k-drama worth watching.

The premise of Flower of Evil is so promising that I expected it to have a never-ending cycle of entangled truths, lies, and deceits. However, this isn't a crime thriller but rather a melodrama romance. With an intriguing start and unpredictable plot, I was caught off guard when things went downhill after the first half. The last episodes are heavily laden with melodramatic turns. The narrative suddenly became formulaic and mawkish.

Despite the series' mediocre direction and perfunctory screenplay, the easy and quiet chemistry between the leads will keep you glued to the screen. Joon Gi inhabits the psychopathic role with every nerve in his body. He still exudes charisma as he plays his chilling character. It is also refreshing to see Chae Won completely turning the tables and putting damsels in distress to shame.

Ultimately, Flower of Evil may have failed to constantly deliver thrills-and-spills but it will certainly pull on some heartstrings.

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Love, lies and spies in the Hagwon world

Who would have thought a rumor in hagwon is more deadly than a rumor in the kpop scene?

Hagwon or private academy is ubiquitous in South Korea, indicating how competitive and intense the education system is there. Can I also just say how crazy this whole cram school thing is? Students attend hagwons on both weekdays and weekends. Don't they get burnout and mentally exhausted from studying 24/7? 😵

In addition, these academies are only for the rich and upper class because they cost a fortune. This is also why hagwon is a lucrative industry but a sink or swim work environment. A good track record and reputation can help you earn enough money to buy an apartment in Gangnam as Jun Ho once aspired in the beginning of the story. The show did an excellent job of conveying all this Hagwon information without making it feel like we are watching a documentary from Discovery Channel or National Geographic.

Naturally, a romance between a hagwon teacher and a former student is a ticking time bomb. After 10 years, well-known Hagwon instructor Seo Hye Jin (Jung Ryeo Won) crosses path with her former student Lee Jun Ho (Wi Ha Joon). They eventually became colleagues and worked together to attract more students in the academy only for the opposite to happen. Unfortunately, no amount of explanation could clear the air about their relationship especially in the cruel industry of hagwon where both your students and colleagues can turn their back on you in the blink of an eye.

Hye Jin is an intense and emotionally complex character. From the very first episode, we are immediately introduced to her brazen attitude while confronting a high school teacher over a question in a Korean exam. This scene was purposely drawn out to catch the viewers off guard and to emphasize Hye Jin's biting personality. The absurdity of this scene is definitely a make or break for viewers if they have enough curiosity to finish the show. Honestly, it's hard to hate her when she does her job so well. She oftentimes goes overboard because she wants to hold onto her job and reputation. Everyone is watching her every move and waiting for her downfall so Hye Jin unconsciously reinforces her power and influence in the academy. This is her way to survive in the highly competitive world of Hagwon.

Meanwhile, Jun Ho's confidence and refreshing candour definitely complements Hye Jin's fierce and intimidating nature—a match made in heaven indeed. There are hardly skinships here but Jun Ho oozes sexiness all throughout the show. He is young but he is a man enough for knowing what he wants and how to take care of his woman. On top of that, he's a man of his words. Can I just say how hot and charming Jun Ho is when he is making a point in arguments? That hella sexy brain of yours Jun Ho is such a turn on 🥵

The conflict does not feel contrived as the characters' actions are driven by desires and greed which makes them relatable. Everyone has a trick up their sleeves so you never know if the character is a friend or foe.

This kdrama is divided into four acts and sure enough the last act is powerful because the emotional buildup finally pays off and the climax was truly gripping and exciting. I totally get it if viewers drop this midway during which Si Woo's character was introduced. Whenever I think of dropping the show, I instantly miss Jun Ho's frankness and sense of responsibility and I keep running back for more of course.

The finale left so many questions unanswered. However, I think this is more realistic because there is no such thing as a clean break. In real life, people don't grovel to ask for your forgiveness once they realize they have wronged you because this bruises their ego. However, I still can't help but feel that the ending feels rushed. It was aiming for an open-ended ending, one that will still keep you wondering what happened to the characters long after you have finished watching.

Overall, the Midnight Romance in Hagwon stands out with its slow-paced but well-written narrative, fleshed out characters and subtle, nuanced acting from the entire cast. It exposes harsh reality of cram schools disguised as romance. This is not a thrilling, forbidden love story instead it centers on flawed, compelling characters standing up for what they believe in just to protect their dreams and build their reputation in the messy world of hagwon.

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'Call It Love' review: one of the most depressingly beautiful kdrama you'll ever watch

This modern retelling of Romeo and Juliet filled with misery will make your heart grow heavy. The first few episodes may seem dull and bleak at first but you will eventually get the hang of the pacing and follow the healing journey of Han Dong Jin and Sim Woo Joo.

The story revolves around Sim Woo Joo (played by Lee Sung Kyung) taking revenge against his late father's mistress who forced them out of their home. Fueled by resentment, she approaches the mistress' son. Han Dong Jin (played by Kim Young Kwang) is unaware of Woo Joo's motives as he leads a workaholic and lonely life. As the story unfolds, the two grow closer together and find solace in each other's company.

No doubt, this is Lee Sung Kyung's best acting performance to date. I really loved how she portrayed Woo Joo who is the sibling that holds the family together but is actually falling apart inside ever since their father cheated and left them.

Meanwhile, Kim Young Kwang's nuanced acting is chef's kiss. He inhibited Dong Jin's character with every heavy step he takes, every heavy sigh he heaves and even the way he slouches screams depression. His worn out bag also symbolizes the emotional baggage he has been carrying all these years. Dong Jin is vulnerable yet he's hiding this by constantly being stoic. The physicality of Young Kwang's performance was tremendous and at the very least deserves a Baeksang award.

The whole time I'm watching this show I can't help but think that this is a modern retelling of Romeo and Juliet but the depressed version. The Romeo and Juliet parallels are so interesting. Woo Joo's sworn enemy is Dong Jin's family. Interestingly, their lives became intertwined because of a house. We also have Rosaline in the character of Kang Min Young, Dong Jin's cheating ex who suddenly comes back and is running after our Romeo.

Woo Joo plans to take revenge on her father's mistress by ruining the life of the mistress' son. However, the second she laid her eyes on our Romeo, she thought he was living comfortable and content life when in reality it was the exact opposite. Dong Jin's slouch, heavy footsteps and unspoken words on his glaring face has proved that his life is everything but well. Her revenge plan has only made the two of them closer and empathize with each other.

Without him realizing, Dong Jin is beginning to lean on Woo Joo. The same goes for Woo Joo. She starts to root for Dong Jin and save him every time he feels like falling on the precipice.

It's like misery has brought the two of them closer unlike Romeo and Juliet who were only inseperable because of horny hormones. There is also something magnetic about characters who appears to be nonchalant and composed when in fact they are simply bottling up their emotions and a ticking bomb waiting to explode.

At the end of the show, you can't help but root for these characters and hope that their miseries will end. You will find yourself sincerely wishing them a good life and for them to stop loathing themselves. Then, you will realize you need to do the same for yourself.

This was such a masterpiece, a melo-romance with depth and fleshed-out characters. Although the antagonists' intentions (Min Young and Dong Jin's mother) are still questionable for me, I'll give them their due credit for succesfully making my blood boil.

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A delicious, addictive time-travel drama marred by a third lackluster villain

At first glance, Marry My Husband might just be a new addition to the ever growing list of time travel k-drama released this year. However, powerful and electrifying performances from Park Min Young and Song Ha Yoon will keep you running back for more.

The story revolves around Kang Ji Won (Park Min Young) getting killed by her husband Park Min Hwan (Lee Yi Kyung) after she learns he's having an affair with her best friend Jung Soo Min (Song Ha Yoon).

As if by miracle, Ji Won wakes up 10 years earlier and she is now determined to change her life and get back to those who have wronged her. She also gains an unexpected ally Yoo Ji Hyuk, played by Na In Woo and together they execute her revenge plan and transfer her fate to Soo Min.

The blood-boiling villains is one of the highlights of this k-drama. Min Hwan and Soo Min has constantly kept me at the edge of my seat and made me want to choke them through the screen. Every move they make, every word they speak will leave you seething with rage and will keep you rooting for Ji Won. This villanious duo never runs out of tricks up their sleeves.

The first act is over the top and melodramatic with its twists and turns. However, it failed to deliver interesting plots on the last four episodes. The story could have explored more variables regarding the rules of time travel and transferring of destinies to other people instead of adding another one-dimensional antagonist. We did not even get answers as to why Ji Won can easily pass her fate to someone else without any repercussions. It felt like Ji Won and Ji Hyuk can change anything to their heart's desires.

Once Ji Hyuk's fiancée O Yu Ra (played by BoA) took center stage, my curiosity to the show has diminished. She is nowhere near Soo Min's two-faced character whose actions are unpredictable and can seamlessly act kind or wicked as the situation calls for. Yu Ra is just a chaebol who kills people just for fun and to kill time. Her character is not even properly set up and she just came out of the blue.

Overall, this was very entertaining albeit only for its first act. The story is not trying to break new grounds but still strives on being a guilty pleasure watch. However, one thing is for certain—Soo Min will go down as one of the best villains in the k-drama world at par with The Penthouse's Cheon Seo Jin.

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Navigating one-sided love has never been this earnest and relatable

Don't get fooled by the kdrama's poster thinking this will just be about a girl continuously pining for her crush and then moving on and starting a brand new life without him. There is more to the More than Friend's story than meets the eye.

The plot revolves around Kyung Woo Yeon having a one sided-love for 10 years over her high school classmate Lee Soo. She seemingly gets over him after meeting the handsome and charming bookstore CEO Ohn Joon Soo. But fate seems to be playing cruel tricks on them as Woo Yeon and Lee Soo are brought together once again and old feelings have come to resurface.

For years, there has been a debate whether a man and a woman can be platonic friends. Is it really possible to maintain friendship without developing feelings for another? This show definitely answered this question although the ending was not entirely what I imagined it to be.

This was surprisingly an easy watch. Finishing an episode feels like you are just overhearing a conversation from a nearby table in a restaurant. Although I can understand if some viewers are not able to stand watching Woo Yeon and Lee Soo constantly crossing paths and eventually ignoring each other's existence. Lee Soo has his reasons but this does not hide the fact that his character is annoying yet intriguing.

As we know there are different flags in dating – red, yellow and green. Lee Soo is a yellow flag. He's not trying to control or manipulate Woo Yeon. But he still wants her to be always by his side. He's made it clear that he just wanted to be friends with her although she wants more. He constantly confuses Woo Yeon so he's definitely a yellow flag, being straightforward with his feelings but his actions are saying the opposite. He also never explains to Woo Yeon why he deeply cares for her which constantly catches her off guard. As someone who always puts malices in people's actions, I can relate to Woo Yeon haha.

Another thing I like on this show is how all of the characters are complex and well-written. Each of them faces struggles which they deal on their own without the ML and FL's inputs. The supporting characters have their own lives and they're not solely existing to just be a side-kick.

The trio of friends was also fun to watch as they portray the different stages of being in a relationship. Jin Joo being single but accomplished in life yet she feels lonely is so relatable. Woo Yeon always mingling and dating and never seems to be moving on from her first love is something that can also resonate with viewers. Young Hee is in a long-term relationship but her boyfriend doesn't have a clue on the real condition of her family.

Each character has their own arcs, own aspiration and their own complex personality. They are all fleshed out and you're never gonna know what their next move is just like how the people we know in real life are sometimes unpredictable. This is precisely why this kdrama is very entertaining to watch. It's a slice-of-life disguised as a love triangle. It has so much to offer and it got me very interested on how these characters will navigate their lives in their 20s.

The conflicts also don't seem forced. They look like a natural product of misunderstandings and selfishness. Nothing looks cheesy or corny because the characters are speaking from their hearts and stick to their personality. We watch them grow and realize their wrongdoings.

Watching how all the characters grow and learn before our eyes is very satisfying. Not that we want them to be perfect and faultless human beings, we just want characters who are sensible and who think rationally.

Another thing why I enjoy this show is because OSTs are not constantly blasting on every scene. It's not playing as if on cue. The way Shin Ye Eun speaks is so relaxing for some reason. Her character is always straightforward and speaks what's her on mind. Not interrupting these scenes with over-the-top soundtracks let us the viewers resonate with her feelings. Her confrontation scenes with the two male leads feels like the centerpoint of this show.

There is lots to love on this show. More than Friends is more than just romance. It celebrates camaraderie of strong friendship, strangeness of familial love, setbacks and bouts of sadness that comes along with it and the long arduous path of chasing your dreams and doing what you love. It is a one of a kind and relatable journey, one that I will be delighted to watch over and over again.

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