Sunshine17130522

"Summer Strike" is a series that requires a bit of patience to fully appreciate as it unfolds. Initially, I thought it would be a casual watch, one I did not anticipate to finish right away. But it was incredibly endearing; the pacing and the performances felt just right, and I found myself binge-watching late into the night.

The story begins with the female lead, who is exhausted by city life and the monotonous grind of work. After her mother passes away, she tries to continue her routine, but one day she takes a different path than everyone else. Her comments of noticing how beautiful the opposite direction the train was going was the start that made me stay. I knew this drama was going to be up my alley. And it was! She moves to a small town in the countryside and settles into a worn-down building with a dark history. Despite being a stranger, her kindness allows her to slowly connect with the townspeople, leading to a beautiful storyline filled with friendships that last a lifetime.

What I Liked About This Series:

• Relatability: Unlike many dramas where the main character is wealthy and seeks an escape from city life, this one features a gentle soul simply tired of the relentless pace and societal expectations.

• Kindness and Gentle Atmosphere: The series has a slow, thoughtful build that makes the relationships feel meaningful. It’s hard to describe without spoiling it, but this pace really resonated with me.

• Side Characters: I was pleasantly surprised by how much I loved the supporting cast, including the dog, Bom, the grandma, Jae Hoon, and Sung Min. Each character has their own story that beautifully complements the main narrative.

What I Didn’t Like About This Series:

This is a personal pet peeve of mine. While I recognize that many viewers might appreciate and find closure from this, I found the inclusion of murder and unresolved crime—foreshadowed early on—unnecessary for this type of story. It seems like many K-dramas incorporate crime or psychological twists these days, which isn't to my taste. However, it did provide a backdrop for exploring the main lead’s trauma, which added depth to his character.

If you’re looking for a drama that offers a casual slice of life with a heartfelt storyline about a gentle soul rebuilding her life in an unfamiliar place and making meaningful connections, I highly recommend "Summer Strike." It’s a series that might just bring a tear to your eye.

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The suspense was killling me

This series was super engaging. FL was set to marry a general she never met. She is a strong mind-independent individual. She runs away from home and set up her own "divorce office" in the guise of a match-making office. She encounters two males who help her along the way. Throughout the entire time, the series keeps you guessing as to who the ML. Unfortunately, I was disappointed, I really was rooting for the second lead.

Toward the end when both ML and FL were getting together the storyline and the pace just slowed down. Because of that, I felt there were just fillers thrown in to make the series longer than it should be. I forward through a lot so I know a missed a lot of details. Due to that reason, my rating for this was a bit low. I give it a 7/10 and rewatch value is probably at 3/10

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It's been a while since I binge-watch a jdrama. I love them for many reasons and the biggest one is the genre slice of life. Uchi no Musume wa, Kareshi ga Dekinai is a heart-warming series about mother and daughter.

Here is what I love about the series:

The cast. It's been a while since I’ve seen Kanno Miho work so I was super excited for this series. Plus I love Hamabe Minami, she was super cute in here. I love that she is not your typical cute innocent main lead. Instead she this fun, sarcastic, manga enthusiastic. I love the interaction between daughter and mom.

The age gap and the potential romance line for each character. It was exciting and I couldn't wait to see who ended up with who.

Screenwriter Kitagawa Eriko. I’ve seen a lot of her works and the one that I can watch on repeat is Orange Days. This felt like a story similar to Orange Days, in the sense that it focused on the relationship between the characters.

I was hoping to see more romance for mom and daughter. I think there was more that could have happened but I think that was for another story. This one is about the relationship between them as mom and daughter. I recommend watching it if you’re looking for a cute, fun and wholesome series.

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The reason why I dress up

I watched this without knowing the English title. It was only after finishing the series that I did some research. When I realized the title, I couldn't help but chuckle and think, What a cute and fitting name!

As an influencer, FL has to present the best parts of her life. But her struggles—whether it's crushing on her boss or navigating feelings for her new roommate—remain unseen. When you dress up, you want people to see the best version of you: chasing dreams, finding romance, and embracing life's beauty. But everyone has bad days, and people only see what’s on camera. Once the camera is off, behind the scenes, the pain and burden an influencer carries remain hidden from the world.

What I liked:
The cast: I've always had a crush on the boss! Seeing him in a different role—playing a cool-headed character instead of the usual hot-tempered, good-looking type—was a nice change. I've also followed a lot of Yokohama Ryusei’s previous works, many of which were memorable. I was excited to see him play a carefree guy who lives life by his own rules, and surprisingly, I ended up loving his character.

The OST: I searched the entire internet trying to find it—even asked Siri! 😊 The instrumental piece Your Story was my favorite, and it always played at just the right moment.

The chemistry between the characters: Whether it was between the main leads or the supporting cast, I loved how every character had depth. This is what I appreciate about J-dramas—they make sure both the lead and supporting roles have meaningful stories. The FL is uptight, always showing her best self, while the ML is the opposite—marching to the beat of his own drum. Despite their differences, food (and ahem, alcohol) brings them closer together.

Haruto & Ayaka’s relationship: I didn’t expect Haruto to have feelings for Ayaka, especially with the way his conversation with the ML about the FL played out. For the longest time, it seemed one-sided, so I was thrilled when Ayaka realized her feelings and went for it!

The dog!! OMG, the dog looked so much like mine—I couldn’t stop watching. So cute!

The meaningful dialogue: There were so many great lines, but my favorite was from the sakura picnic when Saotome Kouko mentioned the different stages of life. In your 20s, you chase your dreams. In your 30s, you think about marriage and starting a family. In your 50s, you start worrying about your parents’ health. Each stage hit me right in the heart! This is why I love J-dramas—their charm lies in these thoughtful moments.

I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys the slice of life genre. This is a cute, heartwarming series that beautifully portrays relationships and the struggles we all face, no matter our age.

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Sweet love

For a teenage love story, I find this very refreshing. It's not the typical macho-man-I’m-gonna-chase-you and you’re just gonna fall in love with me. There is a lot of character development from the struggles they go through to make them who they are.

What I like about the series:

The chemistry between the leads. Because of the relationship they developed in high school they have this support, love, and care for each other which I really like because it is different from “you’re good looking” let fall in love. I also like there a lot of gentle kissing scenes, almost like a cute peck stating "I adore you and you’re cute!" I also love how it differs from the strong passionate kiss we see often, this is a cute heart-fluttering moment I enjoy thoroughly throughout the series. Their relationship is very realistic and I love the way they handle it; with brains and hacking into systems, this is what you get when you get a brainy hot ML!!! Their relationship is so sweet, definitely on the sweet innocent cute side that you don’t see very often. It's one of those love stories where the ML doesn’t push to get it his way. He slowly and reassuringly lets her know he likes her and makes things work for her. I also like the parts where he is patient with her. He knows about the issue she faces and he can prevent it but he lets her figure it out, giving her the utmost respect, pride, and trust in her! I really like this kind of love story! It teaches you patience, kindness, respect, rightful pride, and rightful jealousy in a relationship. They communicate so well and so sweetly with each other, they try to make their relationship work and it just seems so genuine. I can say so much more about their relationship and why I absolutely adore watching it but I recommend watching it for yourself.

The side characters, some of my favorite are Boss Xie, Duan Ning, the professor, and Zhang Huai Wu. I love the bond and the chemistry male leads have with each one of them. I love how smart ML is for befriending and bonding, teasing, and get along with all of them, it was almost as if they were just like old friends.

The storyline. Even though it is a very typical love story and you know what going to happen, I still enjoy these once in a while. It is simple, ordinary, and very relatable which makes it appealing.

What I don’t like:

All these love triangles and is it worth mentioning a mistakenly love square (or is it pentagon or just a straight line??) between Chen Yi Chuan and Gu Xiao Man.

I also hate how passively senior Shi Ying handle her love life. She took advantage of a kind and naive Zhuang Fei and tried to create tension between her and FL. She also tries every opportunity to put FL at a disadvantage. For one so obsessed with a guy that won’t even look her way, I don’t know why she didn’t try harder to chase him instead of finding every opportunity to ruin FL. Just a small pet peeve of mine, I don’t get why girls hate on girls instead of trying to fix the issue between them and the guy. But I’m glad things clear up at the end.

Overall I recommend anyone looking for a cute and sweet love story. It has been on my watchlist for the longest time and I’m glad I finally made time to watch it.

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I wanted to like Shadow Love, but there were a few things that made the drama feel unbelievable for me. Normally, I start with what I liked, but this time I’ll begin with the things I wish had been different.

The Female Lead
As a general, I was expecting a strong, strategic woman who constantly showcased her skills on the battlefield. Instead, her character was often caught between family obligations and the burden of upholding her family’s name. That left her feeling less like a capable general and more like someone who leaned too often toward being a damsel in distress.

It makes sense, then, why the male lead was able to defeat her while he was still Prince Annang. I’m not sure if this was a directorial choice or just how Song Yi’s acting came across, but it reminded me of her role in Luoyang, where her character also felt heavily influenced by external obligations. To be fair, she grew on me in Destined, where she played a smart and resourceful woman who managed her household well. That’s why I struggled with her portrayal here. Don’t get me wrong—she is a strong character in this series, but not in the way I would expect from a “female general.” Half the time, I wanted her to win battles on her own, but instead, the male lead was always by her side. Maybe the writers intended this as a build-up for their bond later, but I just wasn’t feeling it.

The Storyline
I usually love dramas about two nations at odds, with leads from opposite sides. This series had that setup, but the plot leaned heavily into politics: wars with Yao, the throne struggle, and infighting between princes. For me, it was a little too much politics and not enough focus on the emotional stakes.

What I Liked

• The chemistry between the leads was fantastic. Cheng Lei always has great on-screen chemistry with his female co-stars, and I think it’s the way he conveys emotion through his eyes.
• Cheng Lei as the male lead really surprised me. I didn’t expect him to be so cute and aloof in certain scenes, yet he still nailed the cold, commanding prince persona when needed.
• The second half of the drama worked better for me. Maybe it’s because I was expecting more of an “enemies-to-lovers” arc from the beginning, instead of the memory-loss angle (which I didn’t realize was part of the story since I skipped the synopsis).

Overall, I think it's a great series if the enemies-to-lovers trope is your thing, especially if you're a fan of Cheng Lei and Song Yi. Honestly, I’m glad I watched Legend of the Female General first, because if I had started with Shadow Love, I don’t think I would’ve stuck with it. I do think Female General influenced how I view the female lead here, so I’m knocking off a few stars because I was hoping for more.

6/10

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This was a 10/10 for me

I watched this drama a while back but never got the chance to write a review. For me, reviews are a way to revisit the story, capture my lingering feelings, and keep the memory of a drama alive.

Growing up, I remember reading a book with the line “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” I don’t remember who it was by, but I do remember my teacher asking us why the story had such a title and what lemons symbolized. That lesson stayed with me, especially when she explained the true meaning. So, when I came across the title When Life Gives You Tangerine, I instantly knew this was going to be my type of drama—and I made sure to have a tissue box ready.

Set in Jeju, an island famous for its tangerines, the drama beautifully reshapes the familiar phrase into something new and meaningful. Instead of lemons, life gives you tangerines—symbols of resilience, endurance, and quiet strength. I didn’t expect to fall in love with this series as deeply as I did. In fact, writing this review makes me want to go back and rewatch it all over again.

At its core, When Life Gives You Tangerine is a story that spans multiple generations. We witness struggles, sacrifices, and growth through the eyes of the leads. IU, who I already admire for her ability to choose strong storylines, delivered a performance that was both heartfelt and unforgettable.

What I loved about this series:

The cast: Like many, I was drawn in because of IU and Park Bo Gum. But as the series unfolded, I grew attached to the entire cast—including the older generation. Their portrayals made the story feel rich, layered, and complete.

The lessons: This drama is both heartbreaking and uplifting. For anyone who has endured loss yet continues to show up every day—this story honors that resilience. One of the most emotional moments for me was when the family lost their youngest son. It was devastating, yet their journey of pulling themselves together and continuing life was deeply moving.

The music: The instrumental pieces are unforgettable. One that stands out is the scene when he decides to leave the island, and IU chases after him after turning down the rich man’s proposal. The music elevated that moment into something timeless.

The fan community: After finishing, I loved watching fan clips, edits, and interpretations. They brought back tears, memories, and reminded me of just how meaningful the series was to so many people.

If you’ve read my other reviews, you’ll know I don’t usually watch many Korean dramas unless they’re slice-of-life, have a strong storyline, or feature a cast I already adore. This drama met all three criteria. I’m so glad it won awards because it gave me the push to revisit why I loved it so much.

For once, I don’t have much to critique or wish had been different. When Life Gives You Tangerine was unique in the best way possible. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a heartfelt, beautifully told story. This was a 10/10 for me.

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"Blossom in Adversity" isn't just a title; it's a promise of resilience and triumph in the face of adversity. As the men of the Hua family face exile, the burden of survival falls upon the women and young boys left behind. At the heart of the tale is Hua Zhi, with her skills, courage, and bravery she steps up and brings the family out from the countryside back to the city life with her business propositions and tricks that wow the city. She makes enough money to get her family out of starvation and they bond over time learning to lean and love each other.

What I love about this series:
What sets this series apart is its authentic portrayal of human interaction. The chemistry between the leads feels refreshingly natural. Rather than being a constant savior, the male lead subtly supports Hua Zhi. Moments like their journey from the jailhouse back to the countryside lingers in my thoughts after it ends. I also loved every conversation they had. He told her enough not to reveal his identity but he never lied to her. And with FL, her intelligence and kindness she extends to strangers not only touched ML heart, it also touched mine.

The OST is also another favorite, I truly think they make or break the drama. I love Curly’s voice and was super excited to see her sing the opening. But the song that won my heart is Night and Day by Baby.j and Liu ZhiJia. I have to say Baby.j has been singing a lot of OST I love so I look forward to them each time. This particular song when it played each time it was usually when they were overcoming a situation, brave and strong. Just like the lyric “I don’t admit defeat or quit; I just run towards the first light” it just tears me up!

While the spotlight shines on the main characters, all the side characters shine just as brightly. I grew to love each one of them even though I couldn’t stand some of them to begin with. Personally love Shao Yao nuanced portrayal of autism and how her character grows as she later becomes a part of the Hua family. Chen Qing and Fu Dong mini love line is also another favorite! I’m rooting for them and hoping to see to grow.

What I didn’t like:
I’m going to get hate for this, but personally, I've seen some of the actors and actresses in other series and I had a hard time watching some of them in here because there was something different about them. And because of that, I felt some of their facial gesture just looked a bit stiff, so knocking off a star because I couldn’t thoroughly enjoy it.

Anticipating:
As the series hurtles towards its conclusion, anticipation hangs heavy in the air, especially for me. I truly hope the ending is not a disappointment.

In the meantime, the allure of the series proves irresistible, beckoning a rewatch as the countdown to the finale begins.

Update: finally finished the series and it did not disappoint. I highly recommend this series to those who want a casual and entertaining series. I love the storyline, the pace, and the characters. The first series in 2024 that I truly enjoyed!

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Be your own scriptwriter

It is like finding your first love in your thirties.

I think this line summarizes the series very well. Honestly, I first started the series dreading the pace and how it was going. I don’t really like corporate series, nor do I know much about the cast. I probably watched one series of Elvis but the storyline was confusing, so I didn’t get very far. I have never seen any FL work so I was not sure if I wanted to proceed. But I saw an edit and I knew these two had amazing chemistry, so I had to give it a try.

I’m glad I did. Like every good story, you just need to get over the introduction of the plot. It starts out with FL living in a competitive world for lawyers trying to make ends meet and later meeting ML. Their coincident meetings blossom into a friendship with FL confessing later to ML. What I love about this series is that it is a mature love with a lot of corporate work but very relatable. You get to see that love does happen even when you’re in your 30s. As I mentioned earlier, I had never seen any of FL but I adore her soft demeanor but strong justice character. She always fights for what she thinks is right. She plays her character just right so I might start watching more of her stuff.

The ending sums up pretty much the whole drama “The city is still bustling, and it won’t stop for anyone. Just like life. Recalling every person I met, who didn’t start with trying to get ahead? Between the gaps of pretense, giving oneself another shot of adrenaline. Boss. Subordinate. Rival. Friend. Trapping yourself in one role after another, saying what you should say and doing what you should do. And believing that this is our life. But they, as if they had agreed, when they have perfected their act, they see a layer of truth. Happiness, success, and joy can’t possibly be the result designed by the scriptwriter of life. It can only be your own tangible experience. I’ve met many people in this city and they eventually taught me that the world is big, too big to imagine. So walk your own path, not according to the written script. Throw away the script and struggle to find your own life. It’s okay to fail. It okay to take the wrong road. Live freely. Isn’t that the most stylish thing?”

I thought this was just a corporate love story, but as you watch the ending, it reflects back to each character she met and the growth or fall of each one. I can’t help but love how the series unfolds. The one thing I love about this series is that there weren’t a lot of episodes and that the pace of the story was just right. Live life how you want. Because at the end of the day, you are your own scriptwriter, and finding the true key to happiness, peace, and your needs is within yourself. You never know what will be thrown your way so cherish each moment.

I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a mature corporate love story. It has great chemistry between the leads, and you can’t help but fall in love with the female lead as you watch her grow. Knocking off one star because it was just slow at the beginning for me. But every great story is always slow, to begin with :D

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Go Ahead and watch it!!

I want this to be a long review but there are so many great reviews about this series already! So, I’ll just say if you haven’t watched it already, go watch it! This is a beautiful drama that is very wholesome. I personally love the slice-of-life genre and this touches home for me! It is a heart-warming story that focuses on family. For a lot of Asian cultures, family means the world. For a family of three siblings that have no blood relation, this is unusual. The way how the story unfolds, how each character is developed, and the way how it is directed is just perfect!

I can’t say enough about how I love this cast, the opening song, the storyline, and the characters. There are so many quotes that touched my heart that I plan to go back and re-watch them so I can write them all down. This is definitely a series I can re-watch over and over! Often, I skip the opening theme wanting to go straight to the series but this is probably the first one that I just let it play and listened. My heart aches and I cried each time I hear it. It reminds me so much of the struggle they all went through, especially He ZI Qiu. I often thought about when he confronts his mom, he asked “why is it me that is deserted every time? Did I do something wrong” I look forward to more of his work, as well as the screenwriter!

The only downside is that because the online version is a cut version, the end just felt a bit rushed. But again I didn't want this series to end!! T_T

10/10

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There is so much I want to say about this series but only one word really sums it up – masterpiece! It has been a while since I’ve been on edge, waiting, anticipating but thoroughly enjoying each episode! I end up binge-watching this within a short time because I couldn’t wait to see what happen next!

What I like about this series:

The chemistry between the leads. I know FL is a big star and she has done a lot of movies rather than series so I wasn’t expecting much. But I was taken by surprise. Being an experienced actor, she really did a great job here! Half the time besides admiring each and every different outfit she had on, I kept watching her expression and her gestures. I also enjoy ML performance. I forget what a great actor he is. He plays the great warlord, he is able to conquer all his enemies on the battleground as well as the emperor court. I can’t stop thinking about his love for FL. He was a man with principle, integrity, and love for his wife and his brotherhood. Often his choice was for the good of the country, his wife, or his army. Quite honestly, I was expecting a bit of a rough time when they got married. ML was not her first choice but as a chess piece, she was thrown into an arranged marriage. I love how the plot opens with them having an open heart to heart conversation, kicking off their relationship to a good start. I gotta admit I stayed because I knew from that point on, this was going to get good! I’m glad I stay for the whole ride! It was very impressive. There was so much that happened! It made you questioned who can you trust? Is blood thicker than water? Can you really hold your integrity as a poor humble being or will you fall for the beautiful temptation of what the emperor court offers? I’m actually glad we got seasonal actors because I don’t think a new face can pull off such beautiful acting, chemistry, and feelings!!

The plot and storyline. I was on edge and couldn’t wait for the next devious plot. If you read my previous reviews you know I don’t like fighting for the throne and emperor politics but this series got me thinking so hard I could barely sleep. All I can think about is, what are they planning next!

Cinemograph - the colors, the details, the outfits, everything was so appealing I didn’t know where to look.

The bad:

Just small little things that I chuckled at. There were a lot of scenes where it was slowed down to emphasize and heighten the emotion that was going through your head. One, in particular, got me chuckling, the scene where FL ran to the gate door after seeing that it was ML on the other end.

The other scene was when ML found out about her miscarriage, the doctor told him that she won’t be able to give conceive anymore and if she did, she can die from it. He grabs onto his heart from the attack. It was a bit over the top for me. His character was always this calm demeanor, no how bad the situation is. He took his time listening to the complaint, took his time understanding the issue, thought through the situation before taking action. I kept thinking about the time he stood outside waiting for her to respond.

What I often thought about:

The chemistry between the two. There is this mutual understanding, this love they have for each other. ML will do anything for her, even risking his life with his army to save her. They even had a fight for the first time about money, why can’t every couple's fight be this cute! I want and demand a Xiao Qi now!!!

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Prepare for the emotional rollercoaster ride

This was one series I hadn’t really planned on watching. Honestly, I wasn’t in the mood for a melodrama—but thanks to Sam Ock’s “Piece of Me,” I ended up giving it a chance. I kept replaying that song for days, and every time I watched the scenes in the music video, I felt this familiar sense of melodrama I grew up with. The yearning between the leads, the quiet acceptance from the female lead knowing she didn’t have much time left, if you grew up on 90s and early 2000s K-dramas, you know exactly the type. Back then, we often joke that it wasn’t a kdrama unless the female lead had terminal cancer or some tragic illness. Maybe it was the cold weather or the craving for nostalgia, but because of all that, I finally decided to start this series. I even read the summary beforehand just to make sure it was something I could emotionally handle.

I’m familiar with Namkoong Min and his work, so I knew what to expect from him as an actor. But Jeon Yeo-been was practically a blank slate for me, I’ve only seen her in one project, and no, it wasn’t Vincenzo but A Time Called You. I barely remember her from that series, which says more about my memory than her acting. So I was genuinely excited to see her here. My family adores her in Vincenzo and constantly tells me what a great actress she is, so I was curious to experience that for myself.

The drama begins with the familiar setup: the female lead is dying from an illness, while the male lead is a director who has stepped away from filmmaking for his own personal reasons. Oddly enough, I enjoyed how their encounters unfolded, it felt like little breadcrumbs dropped here and there, the quiet storytelling, and the directing choices that pulled me in. This series really kept my attention. I felt the butterflies, the flutters, and the wave of emotions you expect from a melodrama. I even teared up a few times. The longing and yearning between the two leads felt so real and so tangible.

I don’t know much about filmmaking, but I loved how the characters discussed each scene, making even small moments feel meaningful. It made me appreciate the details so much more. And one thing I really enjoyed about this version of a melodrama is its pacing. It’s steady—not so slow that my attention wanders. I grew up on slow-burn 90s melodramas, and while they were beautiful, they often dragged scenes out in a way that doesn’t work for me anymore. This series, however, balanced everything well. The “imagination” sequences were especially captivating—the black-and-white scenes, the moments where the characters saw themselves as the roles they were portraying, or as the versions of each other that existed only in their minds.

And the ending. I loved the symbolism of the cherry blossom petal drifting and touching every member of the production crew after she was gone. It was such a quiet, emotional way to say goodbye.

This is a series I know I’ll be thinking about for a long time. It’s been a while since I’ve committed to a melodrama, and because of how beautifully this one was executed, I’m giving it a pretty high score: 8.5/10. I definitely recommend rewatching it for the details—it’s such a thoughtful piece of work, filled with layers of filming, acting, and insight into the production world.

I honestly have to thank Sam Ock’s “Piece of Me.” Because of that music video, I gave this series a chance, and I don’t regret spending the last two days watching it.

Below are some quotes I loved:

“So tell me, how long do you think you have left?”
Her reverse-UNO moment completely caught me off guard, and I loved it.
“How long do I need to live?”
This line hit me so hard. Instead of dwelling on the negative or the inevitable, she reframed it with such hope—as if asking, How long should I strive to live meaningfully? That moment alone convinced me to stay with the series.

“everyone, you think you have a lot of days to live? You think you’ll live forever? You think you’ll stay healthy until you’re 40,70,80, and even 100 right? But life works in mysterious ways! You always forget, don’t you? but I never forgot! I’ve been preparing for this since I was eight years old, so every second of every minute is so precious and valuable to me that they’re all masterpieces! All the moments you just let slip away are like romance or fantasy films to me! But you’ll keep on living without knowing that! You idiots!”

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So, Gemini took me completely by surprise. I didn’t expect to get pulled in so quickly—after the first ten episodes, I ended up binge-watching the series within a few days. There were so many things I loved about it, so I’ll just go through them one by one.
First, the colors and cinematography. The opening scene alone—a snowy landscape with the female lead running in her striking red outfit—hooked me instantly. Throughout the series, there were so many beautifully shot moments: the slow-motion scene in the cave, the emotional reunion after the divorce, the fall that seemed to freeze time, and many more. The visuals added so much depth and emotion to the story.

Then there’s the twist of the story itself. I honestly expected the typical reincarnation plot where the main characters travel to the past to change the future. But instead, the narrative moves forward after the soul swap, which felt refreshing. Because it’s a short drama, the pacing is tight—there’s no dragging mystery about who’s who or what happened. Everything is revealed and clarified quickly, which I really appreciated.

I also loved how swiftly the revenge arc unfolded. The female lead becomes sharp, strong, and cunning after the soul swap, and her evolution as an assassin was so satisfying to watch. The story doesn’t waste time—it gets right to the action in a way that feels purposeful.

Another thing I appreciated is how this short series avoids the usual tropes. Many short dramas lean on the “cold, abusive male lead” formula, but lately I’ve noticed that projects with Zhou Jun Wei tend to break away from that, and Gemini is no exception. The story remains engaging without relying on unnecessary palace politics or dragged-out drama. It stays focused on the main leads, which works perfectly for the format.

And finally, I have to mention Zhu Li Lan. I recognized her immediately from Love in the Clouds. She was so beautiful in that series that it was impossible not to remember her, and she brought the same captivating presence here.

Sadly, all good things do come to an end, and we soon face another issue that’s revealed in the second half of the series. Honestly, after episode 18 I had a hard time continuing—personally, I just didn’t like this next arc. This last half reminds me of how short series often feel: a lot of issues thrown together—lost identity, schemes, and politics against the royal lines. I honestly fast-forwarded through most of this part just to see where things ended.

I’m struggling between giving it a 7.5 or an 8. I might have to go with the lower end since it’s not something I’d rewatch.

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I don’t know about you, but Osaki Ichika as Haruka completely won me over in this series. I love her clumsy charm and how genuinely naïve she is, especially in her friendship with Hikaru. I also love how the supportive male lead helps her pursue the man she thinks she’s in love with. At first, I thought she would only see Hikaru as a girl because of his cross-dressing, but I’m glad their date went well and that she eventually falls for all aspects of him—not just his pretty face.

Because of characters like Haruka and Hikaru, Cinderella Closet ends up being such a light and fluffy romantic series. My only complaint is that Netflix released the episodes so slowly that I had to put the show on hold a few times… and ended up rewatching episodes more than once. But honestly, it’s worth watching over and over.

I won’t repeat the full plot since MDL already has a solid summary, but one thing I’d add is that Hikaru isn’t just a fairy godmother figure, he instantly becomes Haruka’s best friend, someone she treats like family.

Besides the unrequited love storyline, one thing I really appreciate is how naïve yet genuine Haruka is. She even befriends her ex-boyfriend’s ex, Suzuki Mio, a famous makeup artist. Haruka is truly a girl’s girl, and that made me root for her even more.

I also have to mention the makeup and styling in this series. Hikaru’s looks both as a man and in his female persona—are consistently gorgeous. So many times I caught myself admiring his outfits, especially the orange sweater he wore on their first date!

Overall, I recommend this series to anyone looking for a quick watch that’s light, fluffy, and fun. It’s charming, entertaining, and full of heart. And honestly, you’ll end up loving Haruka just as much as I did. I truly wish I had someone like her in my life.

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Perfect binge watch for the weekend!

Romantic Anonymous was a series I binge-watched in a single day. It’s been a while since I’ve watched something like this, so I spent the week I had off catching up on shorter, fast-paced dramas—and this one was at the top of my list!

The story begins with Hana Lee, who struggles with anxiety and can’t look people in the eye. Our male lead, Fujiwara Sosuke, is a germaphobe. Both deal with their own challenges on a daily basis, but they share one thing in common: they both love chocolate. They end up working at the same place, and as they spend more time together—especially while trying to save La Sauveur after the owner’s passing—they slowly begin to fall for each other.

Below are some things I loved about the drama:

• The cast!
It feels like a collision of worlds. I grew up watching C-drama, lakorn, Bollywood, Jdorama, and K-drama, so seeing actors from different industries collaborating feels like a dream come true. I love every moment of it, and I’m so glad we’re seeing more Japanese actors working alongside Korean actors.

• Akanishi Jin’s return.
This deserves its own mention. Seeing Akanishi Jin acting again makes me so happy even nostalgic. The last time I saw him was during his idol days with KAT-TUN. If you know, you know what happened back then, and it’s been a while since we’ve seen him in a drama.

• The meaning behind each chocolate.
One thing I love about J-dramas is how they often focus on more than just the romance. Here, the emphasis is on the chocolate and the personal stories behind each piece. Because of this, each episode was unique and fun to watch.

Romantic Anonymous is perfect for anyone who loves chocolate and appreciates stories where even small things carry special meaning. There’s a sweet love line between the leads (and a second couple!), and the cast—many of whom are longtime industry veterans—makes the storytelling even stronger. I totally recommend this as a weekend watch if you want something quick, warm, and satisfying… because that’s exactly how I enjoyed it!

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