10
17
1
1
The romance is fluffy and uncomplicated, with no stressful love triangle. There is a potential competitor for the female lead's love but no obvious second male lead here. I have to warn you that there are some heartache moments but the story is so well written as a rom-com, it made me switch my emotions back and forth and I had no time to dwell on the sad parts.
The plot line was interesting to me, and I thought it was well-developed. The male lead seemed rather naive in the beginning but that made sense given what he went through for the past years. I like that ultimately, they wove it into the story that he and everyone else acknowledged how unbelievably gullible he was initially.
It is my first time watching Yoo Seung Ho and he did an amazing job. I like that he did not portray a stereotypical Asian man who don't show his emotions. He cried so prettily and I find him incredibly charismatic. His gazes were definitely smoldering. Ultimately he came across as this intelligent and strong character who was not afraid to show his softer side.
Chae Soo Bin, the female lead was cute - she is not my kind of pretty but she played the role very well. She definitely had good chemistry with the male lead. Their interactions were so cute and fun.
The supporting cast did really well as well, and unlike other dramas, I found myself not skipping through the show because I was also interested in the supporting cast's stories. There could have been more character development for some of them. The villains were just evil enough but luckily not enough to make me stressed.
Music-wise, the selections were fitting but I don't find any pieces particular memorable. I did not try to look the playlist up in Spotify which is usually a clear indicator whether I truly was affected by the OST.
Overall, I highly recommend this drama because of its message about relationships and sincerity. It evokes all the emotions that you can possibly feel.
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Dark, Messy, Watchable
I went into Girl from Nowhere without having seen the original, so I’m judging it purely on its own—and overall, it lands somewhere in the middle. It’s not bad, but it’s not particularly good either.The show doesn’t feel like it has a firm sense of direction beyond its central idea: exposing social issues and the darker sides of human nature. That part is clear, and to its credit, each episode does carry a weighty theme. Some of those messages are thought-provoking, and I did find myself engaged by the moral questions it raises.
Nanno, the female lead, is the most interesting element. She starts off almost like a devil figure—avenging victims by punishing those who wrong them. As the series progresses, she shifts into more of a catalyst, someone who tempts and nudges people until they reveal their worst selves. It’s an intriguing evolution in concept, but the show doesn’t always execute it cleanly, which makes her role feel inconsistent at times.
Where the drama struggles most is in execution. The storytelling can feel messy and uneven, with episodes that don’t always fully land despite strong ideas. The acting is decent across the board, though the roles themselves don’t demand much range, so it’s hard to fully assess the cast. Becky as Nanno is ok, nothing impressive but I don't have much to criticize either. There’s potential there, but it feels like she and the others are still building experience.
One aspect that didn’t quite work for me was the character Sky. He starts off as a victim and then reappears sporadically without much clear purpose, only to have a more impactful role in the final episode. He leaves me confused because the buildup about him is too scattered.
At just six episodes, it’s an easy watch and works well as a filler series. If you’re interested in darker, morality-driven stories, it might appeal to you. Just don’t expect a tightly written or fully polished experience.
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I want him to be my first love and my last...
The Emergency Couple started with eloquent, fervent declarations of love and had the grand gesture of marriage between our main couple, but the story did not continue with a happily ever after. Instead, it explored what happened when love did not conquer all during the first round. The show's premise was about a second chance at love, focusing on a couple who got divorced and were thrown together again with their lives intertwined by a twist of fate.I found this plot appealing because it tackled various aspects of a relationship that otherwise would not be uncovered in a couple's first go-around. We don't get the thrill of watching the couple flirt, wondering when they will finally get together, and experiencing the big kiss. Instead, we get to see the more sobering effects of watching the marriage between the main couple fall apart in flashbacks throughout the show. There is a sense of discomfort when we find the couple, for frustrating reasons, could not make it work in the end.
That said, while there was some angst in this drama featuring Sean Jindachot and Bua Nalinthip, it was not an all-sob fest. Done with the flair that you would find only in lakorns, there was the feeling of hope and light silliness threaded throughout the episodes. The production of the show felt different, with a great vibe. The setting, pacing, lighting, and directing reminded me of American shows about doctors, but at the same time, had the Thai flavor. The show delivered the entertaining aspects of a workplace drama, served with the delicious anxiety of a romance story.
The major draw for me was the feeling of potential. The fact that there were redeeming qualities in the couple's relationship, as flawed as it may have been, suggested that it could be better than it once was and that the ex-husband and ex-wife could appreciate each other even more than they once did.
Pun Saksuan (Sean) and Punn Settan (Bua) portrayed a couple, divorced for six years, who found their paths crossing again as interns in a hospital. The play on the couple's first names must have been deliberate since the show took the opportunity to include scenes of confused identities. From the starting encounter, the viewers could tell that the story between them was not completely finished. The first few episodes highlighted their struggles in having to be in close proximity again and the messiness of their feelings of hurt and anger. There was some melodrama, featuring the typical annoying interfering (ex-)mother-in-law, but thankfully, the nang'ek (female lead) was not a screechy, clingy, crazy female. She was persistent indeed but still had dignity. The SML (second male lead) was tall, dark, and handsome. Sensitive and smart, I was rooting for the FL and SML quite a bit, especially when the ML (male lead) acted like a jerk initially.
As the story progressed, the couple rediscovered the lost love between them, and there were scenes set up to pull at the heartstrings. Lines blurred and crossed, romance wore different masks, and emotions were not as simple or neat as most of us like to believe. Mostly, the story development was fine, but something was lacking. I felt like I missed the turning point when the ML suddenly softened and decided he wanted to reconcile with the FL. The same thing happened with the second couple involving the SML, Mor' Gook (Dr. Cook), and Dr. May - they too had a history. Throughout most of the show, the plot hinted and teased at the attraction between the FL and the SML, but then, surprisingly and suddenly, feelings got redirected. I am not sure if scenes were cut or if it was simply some weak writing that did not connect the dots smoothly for me.
I have always liked Sean's acting, and his eyes are his biggest asset to me. It was again the case in this drama, where Sean delivered some great emotional scenes. Bua's characters tend to start off irritating but eventually become likable, and she did a great job during the poignant moments. The only drawback was that sometimes Bua faded into the background, with Sean drawing more attention. Still, together, they delivered good chemistry, and their visuals were, of course, attractive. Speaking of attractiveness, On Nophand Boonyai certainly caught my eye as the reserved attending surgeon responsible for the interns. Deliberately shown as scruffy, a doctor dedicated to his profession with no room for romance, he was the perfect choice to complete the love triangle of our main couple. Ultimately, he had his own story to complete with the lovely Dr. May, who was generally a wonderful character and by far the wisest and most mature among all. They too had their own second chance at love. While I was not satisfied with how the romance flowed among the characters, I was happy with the outcome.
The side characters added more interest, and the supporting cast did their jobs, some more exaggerated than others, but the over-acting was kind of expected in a Thai lakorn. The music soundtrack was not memorable for me, and I think it was pretty much one song throughout the show, along with some instrumental background music.
Overall, if you’re in the mood for watching romances rekindled with the push-and-pull and emotional turbulence that comes along with them, all set in an emergency room, and want a break from the typical Thai rom-com, this may be a good choice.
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Mario and Kimmy Showing Off Their Comedic Chops!
Another fun lakorn that proves that the Thai know how to mix comedy, romance, and drama well, and in this case, there's some dabbling in the supernatural. Using hilarious dialogue and effective sound effects, the show swings from romantic to dramatic to funny quickly and smoothly, and it keeps the entertainment level high throughout the show. While the humor is mostly slapstick and low-brow, the show also uses a gentle version of dark comedy to deal with grimmer topics like death, sickness, and plain evilness that lurks in human nature. Just be prepared to laugh, cry and then laugh again.The show follows our main couple, Thong Ek and Chaba, and their hate-to-love journey. In their case, opposites do attract. Thong Ek is an aspiring herbal master, knowledgeable and kind but being a hot-blooded young man, can be quite rascally, especially when encouraged by his equally flirty friends, Piak and Toon. Chaba is not your typical noble lady, expected to be soft-mannered and adept in managing the household. Instead, she is outspoken, brave, and more interested in wielding a sword than a ladle. Certainly not the kind of girl that Thong Ek fancies in the beginning. Thong Ek and Chaba start out as being hostile towards each other. Still, when Chaba gets inspired to study traditional medicine from Thong Ek, they gradually learn to meet halfway, and the feelings between the two eventually become mutual. However, the path they take to get there is full of humorous incidents, twists, and turns.
Mario Maurer is perfect as the goofy but charming Thong Ek, and really, he is simply adorable. So is Kimberley "Kimmy" Woltemas, who portrays the opinionated and plucky Chaba well. I like their characters, and together they do make a lovely couple. They are super super sweet after marriage! That said, I am not feeling the chemistry as much between them compared to other on-screen couples. Still, their romance is fun to watch,, and their antics, especially when Piak, Toon, and Chongko are involved, are guaranteed to bring on the laughter.
The show also features other cute pairings such as Perm and Glin as well as Piak and Chongko. Chongko totally rocks by the way! She is the kind of girlfriend that every girl should have, and I really want her to end up with the SML. Speaking of the SML, my poor Punjan Imanothai. He's hot, and his portrayal as Kla is sexy and sweet enough to cause me to partially root for him to win Chaba's heart. Plus the whole backstory of how they supported each other since childhood is endearing.
It's interesting that, like his character in BPS (Love Destiny), Punjan's Kla ultimately ends up with the girl who is in love with the ML initially. I did not mind it in BPS, but somehow, I really dislike the character Pong in this drama. I am not sure if it is Namwhan Supinchompoo's acting or the character is just one that does not sit well with me. She comes across as weak and sketchy; not obviously manipulative but at the same time not sincere. It is hard for me to believe that she has genuine feelings for Kla. After Thong Ek rejects her, she appears to shift her focus on Kla as a more viable option to live comfortably. Even on Kla's side, it feels more like Pong is a consolation prize, something to possess more than someone to love.
I appreciate the effort that the subbers made to provide the names of the herbs used in the traditional medicine. The show also delivers a good message about how the traditional way of treating illness can work together with the western methods.
I also like the instrumental music that underscores the emotional scenes. The opening credit song sang by Mario is light-hearted and upbeat, capturing the generally playful tone of this entertaining rom-com. According to a post I came across, Mario's ost is about "medicine to save nang'ek's heart from bruises".
Overall, this show is an enjoyable time well spent, especially if you are a fan of Mario or Kimmy. They both shine in this lakorn.
For posterity, I am recording the track list here:
1. Ya ya ya : Mario Maurer feat. Ayutthaya Cute Boys
ยา ยา ยา : มาริโอ้ เมาเร่อ feat. อยุธยา Cute Boys
2. Kord : Gun Napat
กอด : กัน นภัทร
3. Yood hai jai ngai kwa : Kala
หยุดหายใจง่ายกว่า : กะลา
4. Rak dee dee mai mee kai : Joke So Cool
รักดีๆไม่มีขาย : โจ๊ก โซคูล
5. Cross Love (V. Japan Rock) : Instinct
6. Mai rak khon eun : ETC
ไม่รักคนอื่น : ETC
7. Mai chai mai rak : Briohny
ไม่ใช่ไม่รัก : ไบรโอนี่
8. Hua jai hai ther : Ice Saranyu
หัวใจให้เธอ : ไอซ์ ศรัณยู
9. Hedpol kong khon mai dee : Opal Praput
เหตุผลของคนไม่ดี : โอปอ ประพุทธ์
10. Pror chanun : Zeal
เพราะฉะนั้น : ซีล
11. Pieng nai jai : Boy Peacemaker
เพียงในใจ : บอย พีชเมคเกอร์
12. Ja soo na ther yung ngai : Punch
จะสู้หน้าเธอยังไง : พันซ์
13. Yoo puer ther : Punjun Porrama
อยู่เพื่อเธอ : ปั้นจั่น ปรมะ
14. Rak tae mee kae krung diew : Nam Ronnadech
รักแท้มีแค่ครั้งเดียว : แหนม รณเดช
15. Rak chua nirun : Nan Satida
รักชั่วนิรันดร์ : แนน สาธิดา
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This show is off-the-charts crazy, but in the best way
The King 2 Hearts is a dark comedy, filled with tension, humour and heart. Starting from the first episode, the show did exactly what it was supposed to do - kept my interest and made me invested in the characters and story. The writing was solid and the directing sharp. The story moved fast but was executed smartly. Overall, the setup about the North-South conflict was dramatic, but the tone was farce.To me, what sets this drama apart is how it was able to fluidly change the tone from deadly serious to laugh out loud hilarity. One generally knew what will happen, but there were all these twists and turns along the way that kept me beyond entertained. I cringed and I laughed, I cried and I rejoiced, and I felt my heart swell up with love or pride only to have it shatter into a million pieces.
The cinematography was realistically rich and the show effectively used different angles like the fish eye and bird’s eye views of conversations. It also transitioned nicely from past to present and present to past (like Jae Ha with the window in episode 1 and Hang Ah with the compact in a later episode).
I appreciate the time the show took to develop its characters and making them multi-faceted. Across the board, the acting was solid and the casting was perfect.
Ha Ji Won’s portrayal of Kim Hang Ah, the tough Special Ops North Korean agent provided a nice blend of deadly force and girly innocence. I love her tough “I can beat any man in combat persona” while being so earnest and pragmatic when it came to finding a husband. Her acting was so good, transitioning from ass-kicking to being all girly in a flash. Her micro-expressions were so well-done like her hardening stare as she took down someone. She was also relatable - her fan-girl reaction when she saw celebrities on the billboards is how I would react, especially at the thought of training with them. BTW, nice job, Show for the nods to her other dramas - Jo In Sung from “What Happened in Bali” and Hyun Bin from “Secret Garden”.
I also admire the range that Lee Seung Gi got to play as Lee Jae Ha, our entitled prince. Spanning everything from being petulant, mean, and cowardly, to the complete opposite, where Jae Ha showed immense depth, strength and honor. These moments of maturity were often hilariously conveyed as unexpected pockets of goodness couched in lots of bratty behavior but when push comes to shove, our male lead ultimately stepped up and protected what matters to him.
Ha Ji Won and Lee Seung Gi were OTP gold! From reluctant teammates to friends to lovers, these two made a excellent romantic coupling. Their energy crackled and the show scored big by quickly scaling up the emotional tension between the OTP right off the bat in believable and meaningful ways. I was constantly at the edge of my seat, waiting for these two to either have a major showdown with punches thrown, or to make out madly. Either way, their chemistry was off the charts.
Ha Ji won proved her ability to bring out the sexy in her male co-stars. I thought that when I swooned over Yoon Kye Sang, her co-star in Chocolate, and now, who would have thought that Lee Seung Gi with his puppy look could look so manly next to her?! To give the male leads some credit, I am always so impressed by the actor who can alter my perception of his physicality - it's another level of skill entirely.
I enjoyed the hot-and-cold, push-and-pull between the OTP, especially when set against an international, political backdrop where their messages were conveyed through generals, kings and the press. Their banter tickled me immensely, both equally witty and idiotic and it was so refreshing to find a couple who actually possessed the chemistry to make their back-and-forth rapid dialogue sound so natural.
The drama also fleshed out the side characters very well, and this added much more depth to the story. I like that the North Korean characters were not presented as caricatures, and instead as relatable people with their own unique cultural background. It was fun seeing the comradery of the North Korean team, and having gruff Kang Seok become interested in SNSD added a funny touch. That said, I also like the through line of prejudice that the characters embodied. The show did a good job of pushing the envelope, using on-point comedic relief to lighten the serious premise. At times, the dialogue can be surprisingly offensive, but also honest. Even though the show was a fictional political farce, the feelings that were explored were real and interesting.
I just love that everyone’s family was so sweet on this show. Kim Hang Ah’s father was such a darling, a tough general who always trying to protect his daughter and doing what he thought she wanted. The way that the whole royal family interacted with each other was so cute and it was nice not having any family in-fighting for once. There was nobody out to steal the crown or trying to kill each other. The childish sibling interactions between Jae Kang, Jae Ha and Jae Shin were just so endearing.
Jo Jung Suk really does have a swoony voice and he is a great actor. His Eun Shi Kyung was so humorless and straight-laced, and yet so earnestly adorable and attractive. What happened to him left me feeling gutted and crying.
If there was one thing I dislike about this drama, it was anything related to Kim Bong Gu, played by Yoon Jae Moon who did well. Bong Gu appeared to be interesting at first as an absurd arch villain, but he lost his scary factor after too many pointless scenes involving him. Less is always more and had the show focused more on legitimately creepy moments with Bong Gu, it would have been more effective.
I would also like to add that the OST for this was well-chosen and the tracks fit the scenes perfectly. Some pieces were suitably tense, and the use of instrumental pieces for the poignant moments heightened the mood for me.
In general, I truly recommend this show - it was pitch-perfect, with great episodes up to the end.
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Well-executed story, great acting, and addictive music
This lakorn is definitely worth the 1.5-day binge-watching with little sleep in between. The story was a good one, and the pacing was just right forthe most part. Unlike many "hate to love" dramas where the lead couple starts off not liking each other due to personality differences or misunderstandings, the female lead, Paeng indeed did something awful that justified the male lead, Arthit's intense hate towards her. For me, that made the story more interesting, and the character development for both leads more compelling. What made the story even better for me was that I could not tell when exactly was the turning point for Arthit, and when he began to fall for Paeng. Like Arthit said, "by the time he realized it, he was already in love with her". That was a poignant moment, and the progression of their relationship felt so natural and so right.The cast was excellent, and the acting was on-point. As in many Thai rom-coms, the supporting characters can be over the top and at times ridiculous, but still, you cannot help but laugh. I have to single out Mark Prin for his excellent acting. Objectively speaking, Arthit was a total jerk during the first part of the show (although with good reason), but Mark managed to portray him in such a relatable and charismatic way that one cannot help but root for him. Kao Thanachart impressed me in My Secret Bride, and she did it again in this show except for some emotional scenes in which she did not quite nail them.
Some pairings just work, and lucky for us, the audience, this show got it right with Mark and Kao. Even though the kissing could be steamier, the chemistry between those two is terrific, and together, they make a gorgeous couple, likewise, for the second couple, Thanon and Ling. I really liked Punjan Imanothai in Bpoop Phaeh Saniwaat, and he played Thanon so charmingly in this show. Luckily he was not the second lead. Otherwise, I would suffer from SLS. Also, a shout out to Freud Chatphong Natthaphong, who played Kot for his comedic chops. I've seen him in quite a few lakorns. Deaw Suriyon Aroonwattanakul as Mark also did a great job playing a psychopath. He caught my interest in Nueng Dao Fah Diew and I hope that he will have a chance at being the male lead in the near future.
Another plus point is how well the show used music to enhance the mood and scenes. Using interesting sound effects typical of a Thai drama, the show almost always hit the right dramatic notes and then break the tension by transitioning smoothly to more light-hearted moments. I love all the music - the songs as well as the instrumental and vocal pieces.
I could not give this show a perfect 10 because of two main reasons - 1) the use of noble idiocy, a trope that should go extinct, and 2) the show skimped on romantic scenes between Arthit and Paeng. Instead of throwing in a subplot, we could have appreciated more scenes where Paeng fell back in love with Arthit after his confession.
Overall, I would recommend this lakorn to everyone, although I am probably among the last few who have not seen it earlier.
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Fun Rom-Com Done Perfectly, Thai Style
So I finally got around to watching this lakorn after so many recommendations, and I totally agree with the positive reviews! Despite some dark drama like murders, ghosts and human trafficking, this show has infectious, feel-good energy, thanks to the cast of characters that one cannot help but root for. The supporting characters are so over the top and at times ridiculous that you cannot help but laugh. Had this been a K-drama or C-drama, I would have called it cheap humor, but somehow it works in a Thai drama. I have nothing bad to say about the cast, and I enjoyed the chemistry between Kao and Great. They play off each other so well, and the dialogue and interactions between them just flow so smoothly. It's definitely a well-paced romance that is fitting to the plot. I love watching the sweet moments between them and how the sparks begin to fly as their relationship develops.I really like how the show incorporates natural skinship between the couples, family, and friends. It is not always about hot steamy scenes for the couples, and I appreciate watching the characters offer comforting hugs and closeness via hands touching or someone's head leaning on another's shoulder. The human touch is essential in a relationship, and the show does well showcasing this.
Kao really sparkles in this show, and you can see her acting range as Suam as she displays various emotions. She is such a natural beauty, and visually, she is such an excellent match to Great. They make a gorgeous-looking couple, especially with their height difference. Great portrays Rut, an intelligent, fair, but tough cop role very well, and I guarantee you that he would endear himself to anyone the minute they see him smile.
The secondary couple is also amusing to watch, and they have some great scenes together. It is cute that the second female lead is so into the Korean culture, and I love how the show uses that as a plot device and weaves it in so effectively, especially during the ending when they paid homage to a K-drama that I liked.
The OST is catchy - fitting for the scenes, and I read somewhere that Kao sang the main song. The starting song is fun to listen to and lends the same tone of fun that is infused throughout the show.
Overall, it was a well-done show, and the only reason I did not rate it a perfect 10 is that there is a scene where Rut displays some physical aggressiveness towards Suam. The scene is actually very tame compared to other Thai dramas, but I do not condone any acts of aggression or abuse, especially when in the context of a male dominating a female. Still, I hope that it does not deter the few who have not watched this show. Do give it a try!
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Letting Go of What Was and Accepting What Is
This show is not perfect, and at times, it can be a little slow but regardless, it is an enjoyable watch. It did a good job showcasing the romance between two people who have become jaded about love after suffering painful heartbreaks while delivering on good character development for all involved. The series balanced light and fun moments with witty and sophisticated dialogue. It also showed depth in dealing with heavier themes like mental illness and the pain of loss, and the struggles of moving on. Another plus point was the OST, and the show almost always hit the right dramatic notes during heartbreaking scenes while transitioning smoothly to more light-hearted scenes. I liked the tracks, all of them, including the instrumental pieces.I loved the references to 'Crash Landing On You", and I had a faint hope that maybe Seo Ji Hye and Kim Jung Hyun may reunite in 'Dinner Mate' with a happier ending for them. Of course, that was not to be. Instead, we have Seo Ji Hye paired with Song Seung Heon resulting in a lovely, heart-warming story of a man and a woman who found love and comfort in each other's company as they share their lives through having meals together. I love that the our lead couple's story started with them crossing paths on Jeju Island, and through a string of coincidences led to them choosing to be dinner mates with certain ground rules like not sharing personal information about each other. That kicked off a comfortable relationship that allowed them glimpses of each other's brokenness, and eventually to them letting go of their past and starting anew with their own sweet romance.
Seo Ji Hye shined as the unpredictable, cool, and energetic Woo Doo Hee. She played such a different character in CLOY, and I did not expect to like her so much as PD Woo. She was charming, natural, funny, and the role of a strong, sassy FL who held her ground fitted her perfectly. In my book, Seo Ji He has proven to be a note-worthy leading lady. Song Seung Hoon's chemistry with her was magnetic, and as the charismatic psychiatrist Dr. Kim Hae Kyung, his acting was on point. I find it refreshing to have a leading man who is a true dramaland Oppa; mature, good-looking, suave, sexy, and most importantly, caring. From the very beginning, he was kind and considerate to Doo Hee, looking after her and keeping her company on the day of her breakup despite them being practically strangers. Throughout the show, we can see the dashing doctor going out of his way to help others. Honestly, Song Seung Hoon made my heart fluttered so much that I am on a mission to watch more of his shows.
The supporting lead stars were equally and effectively great in portraying their roles. Lee Ji Hoon left a lasting impression on me as Jung Jae Hyuk, Woo Do Hee's ex-boyfriend, who had to deal with his own family troubles and the resulting trauma. He was so good at emoting, switching easily to tearful, heartbreaking scenes that made me cry along with him. We can understand why Jae Hyuk left Doo Hee so suddenly, and I think one can also relate to his desperation to winning her back. For a while, I was rooting for him; that's how good Lee Ji Hoon played his role. On the other hand, I felt more hate than love towards Jin No Eul, Hae Kyung's ex-girlfriend, who wanted him back after realizing that he was still the best catch for her. Son Na Eun did a good job as the possessive, self-absorbed social influencer who eventually came to accept her past mistakes that led her to lose Hae Kyung. Additionally, Ye Ji Won and Park Ho San as Nam Ah Young and Keanu, respectively, provided lots of hilarity during their quirky romance.
I thought this show was under-rated on MDL, and I noticed quite a few negative comments were about how the show focused too much on the exes. I disagree - I found that the exes provide the right amount of tension, and it's the kind of conflict that I have come to appreciate about K-Dramas.
Overall, I recommend this heart-warming show about second chances and acceptance, accepting that some things are not meant to be and that it is never too late to look for happiness.
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Solid plot, charming romance, well-timed comedy and enough political intrigue to chew on
This was indeed a well-executed show with a sophisticated and witty script. Good content filled each episode and the show balanced between political intrigue, romance, comedy, and drama nicely. The hilarious moments were well-timed, and using the OST and interesting sound effects, the show almost always hit the right dramatic notes while transitioning smoothly to more light-hearted scenes. I liked the OST, all of it, the songs and the instrumental pieces.I appreciated how the writers realistically weaved in the theme of female empowerment without using the cross-dressing trope. The women legitimately proved their intelligence and worth, ending up as historians in the palace after passing the civil exam. The show also handled the inclusion of various thought-provoking topics perfectly, like the clash between the Western and Korean cultures and religion, the embrace of modern ideas like science versus traditional beliefs, and gender and class inequality.
Shin Se Kyung mesmerized me throughout the show. She acted well as our plucky heroine, plus she is so lovely to look at, and I quite enjoyed admiring her gorgeous features, especially during her close-ups. Her voice suited her character, Goo Hae Ryung who was thoughtful, intelligent, well-read, brave, observant, and rational. Her rationality could be considered a point of frustration for our male lead, Prince Dowon, since Hae Ryung usually did not have a romantic bone in her body. That why I was pleasantly surprised that she initiated the first kiss while quoting a romantic phrase back to Prince Dowon.
The noona romance was another plus point for the show. The chemistry between the two leads was palpable, and the show was clever to leverage the age gap and shaped out the characters in a believable way. Cha Eun Woo portrayed the handsome and naive Prince Dowon perfectly, an adorable young romantic who wore his heart on his sleeve. His micro-expressions were on-point, from being love struck to showing determination and courage when confronting his antagonists. It was endearing to see the character growth of Prince Dowon and, through his coming of age, evolved into a man who consistently stood up for his beliefs, principles, and his love for Hae Ryung.
While I enjoyed watching the romance between the two leads, I did suffer from SLS. I honestly would not have minded if Hae Ryung ended up with Officer Min. For me, he was an excellent match for the FL - a mature, intelligent, principled man would have been a perfect partner for Hae Ryung. I first saw Lee Ji Hoon in "Dinner Mate", but he really caught my eye in this show. There was a certain charisma that I found attractive. I felt the same way about Park Ki Woong, who played the Crown Prince. Those two men totally rocked facial hair.
The downer for me was the dynamic between the Crown Prince and the historian Song. There was just something about the character, Song Sa Hee, that turned me off, and I did not want to see the Crown Prince develop feelings for her. So I ended up fast-forwarding through some of their scenes. This is the reason why I did not rate this show a perfect 10.
The whole cast did well, and even though there were over the top characters, they fitted well into the story. There were no superfluous characters; each one had a purpose and lent to the story.
Overall, if you are looking for quality production, a well-written story with a strong female lead, and a charming romance, you might want to give this show a try.
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Great rom-com featuring a mix of Thai Boran and modern Lakorn.
Featuring a time travel element, this show added a nice twist that gave equal screen time to two story lines set in different eras. Individually, the stories were nothing new - usual villains and plot set-ups, but still, it was an enjoyable watch and they were both pretty well-executed. My only criticism is that the transition between the two eras was a little jarring for me, especially since the switch was done rather quickly after a couple of scenes.A quick synopsis: Opal from the present era and Duangkaew from the Boran era look identical and even have the same parents and personal servant. Due to a prayer of help, they switched places on the night of a full moon. Ultimately, Opal fell in love with the man whose parents and her parents want Duangkaew to marry, and Duangkaew fell in love with Opal's best friend.
Namtarn Pichukkana is gorgeous! It is the first time I watched her, and to me, she did a fantastic job portraying the spunky, intelligent, bold Opal and the gentle, well-mannered court lady Duangkaew. Her chemistry with both male leads was great, although I was more drawn to Opal's and P'Mor's relationship. Opal was my favourite type of FL (i.e., not a simpering weak maiden) and who could resist a male lead like P'Mor. A royal doctor with exceptional warrior skills, he was a charismatic gentleman who can flirt so effectively using just words. What made it even better was that Opal had the fighting skills and bravery to match him, and she is super flirty as well in a modern, forward way. I loved watching her make P'Mor blush.
Puen Chobpradit is ADORABLE with the cutest smile! He portrayed the dignified Luang Osotworrawech (P'Mor) perfectly, and he was charismatic. His micro-expressions were on point, changing from flirty to fierce, from gentle to strong easily. Ting Kratingg, another fine-looking actor, did pretty well as PeePop, although I think the other lead actors were better.
The supporting cast was good too, and the parents of Opal and Duengkaew were hilarious. The show used sound effects well to highlight the comedic moments.
I enjoyed the music selection. Between the love songs and the fun rap, each piece fitted the scene/mood well. I was glad that I found the main ones on YouTube.
I liked learning a bit about the history of Ayutthaya, and the setting was just beautiful. I lusted after the Boran outfits - The silk clothing worn by the men and women were just so well-coordinated, and the colours were so lovely in the pastels and so rich in the brights.
It is too bad that it is so hard to find the dramas with English subtitles. I got lucky and found this gem on Telegram. You should definitely give this show a chance!
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Satisfying journey of unrequited love
After re-watching this show, I felt compelled to write a review even though there were already many written.Definitely one of my top 3 favorite Thai lakorns! The show used the OST effectively, and the music enhanced the scenes and moods. I enjoyed the story and the writing and thought that the usage of poetry was creative. I also liked the scenes where they highlighted Myanmar and its temples, although I read that the show painted a rosier picture than how the reality was in the Dawei SEZ.
What I appreciated the most was the character development of the OTP, and especially the ML. The chemistry between the couple was on point, and the actors did a fantastic job. They played off each other well and nailed every scene, including the crying ones. Superficial me was drawn to their good looks and how adorably they matched each other.
Mew Nittha portrayed Muey beautifully, indeed an iron fist in a velvet glove. Extremely smart (hacker-level), lovely in appearance and character, Muey displayed such grace in her unrequited love for Thien. Even though she tended to put Thien before herself, she was not a doormat. In contrast, Muey showed such strength, determination, and sincerity so pure that I enjoyed watching her grow further into her own. She never gave up on her love for Thien. Even when she decided that they should part, her ultimate objective was to confirm if they can truly love each other after some space and time apart. By the way, I loved how Muey delivered that blow to Thien in such a calm, gentle, but so effective way.
Mark Prin, as Thien, demonstrated how well he could flex his acting muscles, and his expressions were hilarious during the comedic moments! Thien was a jerk initially, which made it so very satisfying to watch him come around and realized how deeply he loved Muey. In Muey, he actually found his "perfect" woman, the one who loved him unconditionally. It was clever how the show weaved in scenes showing his character development and the evolution of his love for Muey.
The show did well in giving the audience scenes where the ML ended up working hard to win the FL back, and they did not do it in a rushed manner. It was most gratifying, and the ending was just awesome!
The supporting cast all deserved a big shout out! There was a great rapport between all the actors, and all of them did amazingly I was won over by Thien's and Mew's side kicks, and Thien's family (Aunt Satchi, Ri and Mon) were simply endearing.
All in all, I highly recommend this lakorn!
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While there were many great scenes between the OTP (mostly slaps and kisses in the beginning), the romance was not the show's primary focus. The show poster that featured the ML prominently clearly indicated this. The story was really all about Tor/Sila, and his singular desire to destroy the ones who wronged him and his mother. The other characters, including Minta, the FL, and Aunt Mam played pivotal roles in his life, but they were still side characters whose purpose was to convince Tor to move on from the past. Their goodness served as a foil to Sila's thirst for revenge against the villains.
The show was an emotional roller coaster for me, and I enjoyed the melodrama. The cast did a fantastic job, and almost all actors portrayed their parts with so much intensity. For me, Tor Leeluttanakajorn really carried the show. He completely got the character, Sila, a man who initially would stop at nothing to get his revenge. His expressions were on-point, and he emoted his scenes so well, including the crying ones. Sila was suave, sexy, charismatic, and had a swagger that Tor pulled off very nicely.
Also noteworthy were Noon Wattanajinda as Mam and Ann Siriam as Sida. They were perfect counterpoints to each other. Mam was the Queen, and I love her character. She was gorgeous, smart, and strong, not only mentally but also physically. That woman can kick ass! Noon portrayed Mam perfectly as a woman with so much dignity even though she was a mistress. Sida was the witch, so wicked with no conscience. I truly hated her, but Ann was excellent in her acting, being so deliciously evil. The two dads were also awesome albeit they showed their support much later in the show.
I can understand why there were many negative comments about the FL's character. Often, she was just the wide-eyed, crying prop. Ferny Nopjira, as Minta fitted the pretty picture of innocence and unbelievable naiveté that distracted Sila from his mission. Her acting was OK but I don't know if it was the writing that prevented her from displaying a wider acting range. They did not even give her good dialogues to work with.
I would have rated this show a perfect 10 if they had written in a better FL character. That said, since the romance was just part of the plot, I found it acceptable that Minta had little character development. Especially when it was her caring heart and her unwavering love for Sila that helped him find peace in the end. There was definitely chemistry between the OTP, and the height difference was so cute.
I have to admit that I loved how Sila carried out his revenge against the villains. He was intelligent and rational; most times, he was one step ahead of the game. Sadly, he did suffer a devastating loss as a consequence of his actions. When that happened, I cried buckets, especially since I did not expect the plot to take such a turn. The villains truly deserved to be hated, and I enjoyed seeing them get their retribution.
The OST was great, fitting for the various scenes. It is actually the first Thai lakorn OST that made it to my regular playlist.
All in all, it was a great show, and the rewatch value is high.
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Witty funny modern romantic comedy!
Great dialogue and scenes, terrific chemistry between the leads, and excellent rapport among the actors overall. I love that it is not only the male lead that can execute the grand romantic gestures! What Fang Yan did for Shi Meng totally stole my heart! If a girl does that in real life, lucky is the man who loves her! The romance between the OTP is so endearing and enjoyable to watch, and the kissing is very nicely done. I watched some BTS clips, and Ma Meng Wei and Ao Rui Peng are so naturally cute together.It's a light rom-com, but it does have a dark back story. Still, not too dark that it takes away from the romance and fun. Objectively, I know this is not the best-written show and is predictable at times, but the pacing is consistent and not draggy, and the story makes sense with no overly complicated plot-lines. There are certainly loopholes but nothing glaringly big that it dims my desire to binge-watch this show. Like most dramas, there are definitely tropes, but somehow they fit in this show.
As the ML and SML respectively, Ao Rui Peng and Luo Zheng acted well, but I think they could have done better with their micro-expressions. Still, they are both so effortlessly cool and good-looking. I like Ma Meng Wei's acting better than in "Love The Way You Are" but she is not styled as nicely in this show. Her hairstyle and outfits do not do her any justice. One can tell that she is much prettier than how she is presented. I just don't get the over-sized and old-fashioned outfits, with a combination of bangs and high ponytails (or shoulder-length hair) that are the signature style of many female leads.
The supporting characters are awesome, especially Osborn Chen, who is hilarious with his expressions and dialogue! I loved their antics, their unique personalities, and their roles in helping to progress the OTP's relationship. The Goose - LOL!
The OST is also nicely compiled and very fitting for the different scenes and moods.
Overall, I would rewatch this show since it is a simple story that is well written and executed.
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Hamo hamo
I truly enjoyed watching this emotional roller coaster of a show! It was so much fun, but filled with the right amount of heartache that pulled me in. I was laughing, sobbing and waiting in anticipation for the next scene. The writers know when to bring on a comedic moment and when to tug at one's heartstrings - everything was just perfectly timed!There's nothing original about the plot - CEO rich guy meets weak girl of a lower pedigree but end up falling for each other despite the circumstances. However, the story was very well-written and nicely produced. Unlike many other k-dramas in which the characters' illogical or unbelievably immature behavior make me roll my eyes and yell in frustration, I found myself being able to relate to the characters and why they acted the way they did. Even when I was raging at Lee Gun's obstinacy and his noble idiocy, I could follow his reasoning. Even the "villain or obstacle-creator", Se-Ra's actions could be justified.
The entire cast really delivered and had great rapport with each other. I like that there was a purpose for each character and the show did not resort to having irrelevant characters for filler or useless sub plots.
Jang Hyuk as Lee Gun showed that he had a wide acting range. It's my first time seeing him flex his acting muscles and I was totally blown away! I am now a fan and cannot wait to see his other works. As Gun, he transitioned so smoothly between intensely heartbreaking moments to insanely funny ones and like one reviewer said, he used laughter many times to show his pain. To be honest, I was never able to adjust to his laugh in the show - it was just too weird for me. However, that did not detract from his overall quality acting. I did enjoy watching the evolution of his hair - it seemed like the stylist had a fun time deciding what style he should take on for every episode. My favourite styles were during later episodes - the changes made a difference. I already found him attractive from the beginning but he looked really hot after one main change. I wish I discovered him earlier!
Jang Na Ra as Kim Mi Young was perfect. She was one of the very few meek female leads that did not irritate me. Even though Mi Young came across as being a doormat at the beginning, Jang Ra Na managed to evoke a sincerity so evident, that her weakness was actually a strength. She was such an earnest, generous, kind and lovely character that I, like Lee Gun and everyone else around her, fell in love with her. The two leads had great chemistry and I loved watching their interactions.
I experienced the Second Lead Syndrome strongly in this drama, and while I was rooting for Lee Gun, I so much wanted Daniel to be happy. Daniel was the perfect cool Adonis - the scenes with his proposal and the way he showed Mi Young that he was letting go of his feelings for her - so creative and touching! I can totally picture Mi Young and him together, creating the 'real' family that he wants. Let's just say I was 60% team Gun, 40% team Daniel. Choi Jin Hyuk is also another tall drink of manliness. I want to see him get the girl so his show "Devilish Joy" is on my watch list. I also added "Tunnel to that list.
Music-wise, to whomever who selected the tracks - GREAT JOB! Each piece fit the mood perfectly and the timing of when the music comes in, also nicely done.
Overall, I am so glad that I did not skip this drama just because it was not a newer release. The ending was so, so satisfying and I would re-watch the show for sure, even the scenes that made me an emotional mess.
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Fantastic rom-com that delivers in every aspect!
Such a wonderful atypical drama! With a great script, excellent acting, and a well-executed story, I could not find any flaws! Some may say that the show is a bit slow-moving, but for me, the pace is good, especially when this is a character-driven series. The dialogue between the characters is witty, unpredictable, and unconventional. Conversations often start on one thread and then get derailed as the characters focus on something else before they get back on track. I love the honesty and, in a way, the lack of filter between the characters. Often, someone would say something so unexpected that it raised the scene to a whole new level for me. Also, there are some epic scenes where the show balances so well between humor and poignancy. Visually, the drama is a feast for the eyes because no matter who you look at - either Oh Mi Joo, Seon Gyeom, Dan Ah, or Young Hwa, the good looks are blinding.At first glance, one may think that the male and female leads represent the "rich boy poor girl" trope, and on the flip side, the secondary couple is the "poor boy rich girl" story. However, there's nothing stereotypical about the characters. Each character is complex, with multiple layers to their personalities. Mi-Joo may be poor, but she does not do things just for the money. In fact, her motivation is often driven by her sense of fairness. She believes in her own self-worth and values herself above everything else. She may be frustrated with her life situation, but she is dedicated to her job as a translator. As for Seon Gyeom, he fascinates me. He is straightforwardly blunt and says things that may seem uncaring or cold, but his delivery and expression make him come across more as naïve and adorably curious. He is charismatic and 100% committed to doing what's right. Together, this couple fit so well, and you cannot help but cheer for them during their happy moments and cry with them when they suffer. Same thing for our other couple, Dan Ah and Young Hwa who have the more fun and quirky Noona romance. Dan Ah appears to be strong and have it all together but under her tough defiance lies a vulnerability that stems from the unfairness of being a female in her family. Young Hwa is the perfect counterpart to Dan Ah, so sweet and optimistic and in contrast to all three really, so open-hearted. His never-ending jars of honey are a source of constant comic relief.
Lucky for us audience, this show got it right with the casting, and some pairings just work. Shin Se Kyung and Im Shi Wan have the "it" factor, and their chemistry is palpable. I have liked Shin Se Kyung since I saw her in Rookie Historian Goo Hae Ryung, and she again impressed me in this show. This is my first time watching Im Shi Wan, but together with Se Kyung, Choi Soo Young, Kang Tae Oh, and the rest of the cast, everybody killed it! The acting was on point, and I have to single out Im Shi Wan for a job well-done, especially in his micro-expressions. I am officially his fan now!
I totally loved the vibe of this show! Since I watched this show while it was airing, I would definitely re-watch the whole thing, probably in a binge session. Music-wise, the OST is catchy and enjoyable.
Overall, the show has totally lived up to my expectations, and there are a depth and uniqueness to the series that I find satisfying in every episode. It has done an superb job balancing the two romances with comedy while delivering great content through the character development of those involved.
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