This review may contain spoilers
This drama is haunting, dramatic and psychologically intense!
Finished this drama in just 3 days—completely hooked!
I was blown away by the acting, especially from both main leads. Narimiya Hiroki delivers a powerful performance—what a phenomenal comeback after his long hiatus. You can really feel the depth and intensity he brings to his character.
One of the things I loved most is how the drama allows us to explore the story from both the protagonist’s and antagonist’s perspectives.
It’s not just a mystery.. it’s a deeply emotional, psychological, and tragic love story.
The title “Dead or Love” couldn’t be more fitting. While an alternate title, “Love Me to Death,” might suggest a romantic couple loving each other until the end, this drama tells a much darker and more twisted story. It’s not about mutual love—it's about obsession, control, and emotional desperation.
Masato wants Mio to fall so deeply in love with him that she would die for him.... literally. Meanwhile, Mio, in her loneliness and naivety, just wants Masato to stay by her side and love her until the end, no matter what.
It's a battle of egos masked as love, where each tries to own the other's heart completely with different goal.
[MORE SPOILER]
The male lead’s murderous intent is chilling, rooted in a traumatic childhood full of abuse and bullying. He grows into a cold, calculating psychopath, driven by a twisted sense of love and revenge.
He kills without hesitation, hiding behind a mask of charm, believing real love doesn’t exist.
And yet, his tragic motivation: to save his sister no matter what, while punishing those who “love” him.. adds painful complexity to his character.
His plan to manipulate and ultimately kill his wife, Mio, is heart-wrenching. But the ending takes a dramatic turn as Mio, lonely and desperate yet still full of hope, softly whispers to him, “Live.” Her love, though born from manipulation, never fully dies.
This drama is haunting, dramatic, and psychologically intense. It’s one of those stories that lingers with you. I really hope there's a second season—it deserves one!
I was blown away by the acting, especially from both main leads. Narimiya Hiroki delivers a powerful performance—what a phenomenal comeback after his long hiatus. You can really feel the depth and intensity he brings to his character.
One of the things I loved most is how the drama allows us to explore the story from both the protagonist’s and antagonist’s perspectives.
It’s not just a mystery.. it’s a deeply emotional, psychological, and tragic love story.
The title “Dead or Love” couldn’t be more fitting. While an alternate title, “Love Me to Death,” might suggest a romantic couple loving each other until the end, this drama tells a much darker and more twisted story. It’s not about mutual love—it's about obsession, control, and emotional desperation.
Masato wants Mio to fall so deeply in love with him that she would die for him.... literally. Meanwhile, Mio, in her loneliness and naivety, just wants Masato to stay by her side and love her until the end, no matter what.
It's a battle of egos masked as love, where each tries to own the other's heart completely with different goal.
[MORE SPOILER]
The male lead’s murderous intent is chilling, rooted in a traumatic childhood full of abuse and bullying. He grows into a cold, calculating psychopath, driven by a twisted sense of love and revenge.
He kills without hesitation, hiding behind a mask of charm, believing real love doesn’t exist.
And yet, his tragic motivation: to save his sister no matter what, while punishing those who “love” him.. adds painful complexity to his character.
His plan to manipulate and ultimately kill his wife, Mio, is heart-wrenching. But the ending takes a dramatic turn as Mio, lonely and desperate yet still full of hope, softly whispers to him, “Live.” Her love, though born from manipulation, never fully dies.
This drama is haunting, dramatic, and psychologically intense. It’s one of those stories that lingers with you. I really hope there's a second season—it deserves one!
Was this review helpful to you?
