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A Fun Ride with Missed Opportunities

Was it bad?? No. Was it that good?? Not exactly. Was it underwhelming?? Kind of.

I wont lie, i enjoyed this season of Squid Game but it still felt underwhelming considering the immense hype surrounding it. This was certainly the best sequel Netflix Korea has produced recently especially after the disappointing Sweet Home 2, Gyeongseong Creature 2 and others. However there are quite a few reasons why it left me feeling unsatisfied.

While it didnt reach the heights of Season 1, it was engaging enough to keep me watching till the end.


Here is what i liked and disliked about it:

What I Liked:
1. Front Man’s Direct Involvement in the Game:
I appreciated Lee Byung hun’s larger role in this season. After his brief cameo in S1, it was great to see him step into a main role. Having him directly participate in the games added much needed tension and intrigue.

2. Hyun Joo & Player 149 – The Heart of the Show:
Park Sung hoon and Kang Ae shim absolutely stole the spotlight. Their characters were well written with depth and emotional weight making them easy to root for. They were undeniably the standouts of the season.

3. Gong Yoo’s Extended Cameo in Episode 1:
I loved Gong Yoo’s performance in the first episode. His charismatic yet paychpathic portrayal left a lasting impression. Honestly his psychopathic energy made me wish he would star in a serial killer thriller. I also hoped his character would stick around longer, at least for a few episodes in S3.

4. New Games:
While most of the new games werent as thrilling, the carousel game in Episode 6 stood out. I appreciate the effort to introduce fresh challenges but i felt they lacked the intensity and depth of S1’s games. A bit more focus and creativity could have elevated them further.

5. Favorite Episodes - E1 & E6:
Although some found Episode 1 slow, i personally enjoyed it because of Gong Yoo. His presence carried the episode. Episode 6, featuring the brutal carousel game was another highlight for me.

6. Solid Acting Across the Board:
Even though several characters were underutilized, the entire cast gave strong performances.



What I Disliked:

1. Wasted Potential of Big Actors:
This was one of my biggest frustrations. Talents like Im Si wan, Kang Ha neul and others were severely underused. This seems to be a recurring issue with Netflix’s survival thrillers, bringing in big names for secondary roles without giving them enough material to shine.

While it wasnt as bad as Sweet Home 2, it still felt disappointing. Some annoying side characters received more screen time, while stronger actors were left with little to do. Im holding out hope that S3 will give these characters the attention they deserve.

2. Slow Start:
Despite enjoying Episode 1, i cant ignore how much the story dragged into Episode 2. I felt the content of both episodes could have been condensed into one allowing the games to start sooner in Episode 3.

3. Flat New Characters (Except Hyun Joo & 149):
Most of the new cast members felt one dimensional. It was hard to connect with them, they were just there. Hyun Joo and Player 149 were the only exceptions.

4. Annoying Characters Getting More Screen Time:
Some characters who should have been explored further were sidelined, while others, like Thanos were unnecessarily prominent. Lee Jin wook’s character arc felt incomplete and since he died in S2, there is no room for his development in S3. This imbalance was frustrating.

5. Gi hun & Front Man Felt Bland:
Gi hun occasionally came across as cringey, while the Front Man’s storyline lacked the twists we saw in S1. The big reveal about the old man in the first season packed a punch but there was nothing surprising about the Front Man here.

6. Lack of Game Exploration:
While the carousel game stood out, the others felt rushed and underdeveloped. S1’s games were meticulously crafted and filled with tension but S2 lacked that same level of care, possibly because more main characters survived diminishing the stakes.

7. Missing Intensity & Seriousness:
The emotional weight and tension of S1 were noticeably absent. The sense of dread when characters faced death just wasnt there.


Overall Thoughts:

I did enjoy S2, it was engaging for the most part and i watched it from start to finish with interest. However compared to the S1, it felt underwhelming. Still it far exceeded Sweet Home 2 and other recent disappointments.

Im hoping S3 will bring back the intensity and depth that made the first season what it is today.

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The Struggles of a Thriving Immigrant Family Continues in Foreign Land

The ongoing struggles of a thriving korean immigrant family continue to unfold in foreign lands. This poignant story picks up seven years after the events of Season 1, diving deeper into themes of racism, identity and the painful ways individuals begin to reject their own heritage in order to fit into society.

This season’s heart is Noa's story. Once a gentle, hopeful child, we watch as the harsh realities of his surroundings shape his future. The haunting shadows of the past never leave this family and ultimately, the painful truths from their history come back to ruin everything.

This season also intricately explores the lives of other characters with great depth. Gyeonghui and Changho’s forbidden love, Yoseb’s harrowing PTSD after the war, Gyeonghui’s sacrifice of her love, Han Su’s obsessive ambitions for his son and Solomon’s battle to belong in japanese society as a korean, each of these stories runs parallel, weaving together to make this show feel complete. Each story presents its own unique struggles and perspectives.

The entire ensemble cast delivered marvelous performances, with several scenes leaving a lasting impact on me. The confrontation between Han Su and Noa in the last episode was powerful and Noa’s farewell to his mother, Sunja, was utterly heartbreaking. This scene was even more painful if you know how things unfold in Book 3.

Every time i see the older Sunja, the actress's eyes seem to tell the story of her past struggles. Even after losing so many loved ones, she carries on for the sake of her remaining family. The emotions she conveys are extraordinary and Youn Yuh Jung's portrayal is a masterclass in acting. Its no wonder she is an Oscar winner, her performance makes that clear.

Lee Minho who had never particularly impressed me before, truly shone in Pachinko. In Season 1, i especially liked his performance during the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 scene, where he was outstanding. In Season 2, i was most impressed by his confrontation with Noa where his micro expressions were spoton after Noa left his house.

Kim Minha delivered a brilliant portrayal of the mother of two teenagers. Not once did i feel she was too young for the role. The fact that Kang Taeju, who plays the adult Noa, is only four months older than her in real life surprised me the most!!

This season covers the events from Book 2 and i cant wait for the next season, which will delve into Book 3.

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Weak Hero Class 2: A Gritty, Emotionally Charged Sequel That Lives Up to the Hype

Weak Hero Class2 was actually on par with S1, it maintained the same intensity and quality throughout. While S1 had its share of lighter, fun moments, S2 leaned heavily into a more serious, emotionally charged tone. It felt heavier, more tense and deeply affecting to watch.

Personally, the final episode was the highlight for me. The last gang fight was absolutely insane and intense. I especially loved how emotionally heavy it was, the scene where Suho wakes up from his coma and reunites with Sieun was easily my favorite moment.

S2 also placed a strong focus on the SML Baku. His storyline became the central anchor of the plot and his rivalry with his childhood friend, Na Baekjin, formed the heart of the narrative.

It was a pleasant surprise to see Jo Jungsuk take on the role of one of the main villains (although he was in guest appearance). He portrayed a shadowy mastermind, the real puppet master behind the scenes. I think Lee Junyoung, who played a secondary antagonist this season, will step into the main villain role in S3.

The new characters, portrayed by Ryeoun, Lee Minjae, Choi Minyoung and others made a strong impression in a short span of time. They didnt feel out of place or forced into the story, it felt like they belonged to the world of the show from the very beginning.

As always, the acting was top notch, especially from Park Jihoon but the entire cast delivered powerful performances across the board.

Overall, this was a worthy sequel to one of the best teen revenge dramas out there.

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Baek Kang Hyeok

This drama was an absolute blast from start to finish. It kept me hooked every single moment, without a shred of boredom. With its unique mix of medical, comedy and a hint of action, the show delivered an entertaining experience that felt fresh and exciting. Unlike most medical dramas, which tend to lean toward heavy drama and seriousness, this one had a fun, sitcom like energy that set it apart.

ML Baek Kang Hyeok was such a unique character and Ju Jihoon portrayed him to perfection. His impeccable comedic timing and natural chemistry with the other leads made every scene memorable. Baek Kang Hyeok was undoubtedly OTT, loud, foul mouthed and larger than life but he was the heart of the show. With him there was never a dull moment in that hospital.

While some parts of the story felt a bit illogical and unrealistic, especially in the first two episodes, it quickly became clear that this exaggerated style was part of the drama’s charm. At first i struggled to accept how loud and brash the doctors were but it soon became the defining quirk of the show. Even though certain moments felt ott, they worked perfectly to entertain. Baek Kang Hyeok was almost like a superhero doctor who could do anything and that larger than life persona made him all the more captivating.

I thoroughly enjoyed this drama especially the way it portrayed medical and surgical procedures, they were such a treat to watch. Honestly i ended up liking this even more than Dr. Romantic3 because it was simply so much fun.

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Finest Spinoff Ever

This show was absolutely hilarious, a riot from start to finish. The short spinoff takes place during the moment when Bokgyu tries to apologize to Jayeon outside the police station. He nearly gets into an accident and seeing him in danger causes Jayeon to faint. In that instant, she is transported into her own web novel waking up in the body of the main protagonist, Seo Yeon Seo. Shocked by Bokgyu's near accident, she starts seeing him everywhere as Kang Hajun, the character, Yeo Hajun was originally playing before her transmigration.

From digital billboards to movies, Bokgyu’s face appears in every role. He hilariously replaces Song Joong Ki and Cha Eun Woo on digital billboards and even steps into Lee Do Hyun’s part in Exhuma

Onnie guy from Behind Your Touch also makes several cameos and his scenes are equally hilarious.

Once transmigrated things take a comedic turn as she attempts to alter several plotlines only to fail spectacularly which leads to some truly funny moments.

This spinoff also explains when Nam Jayeon actually fell in love with Bokgyu in the original story.

Overall i enjoyed this spinoff even more than the original No Gain No Love.

9.5/10

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Melo Movie: A Beautiful tale of Love, Loss and Healing.

This drama was a perfect Valentine’s treat. Park Boyoung’s script choices never fail and she proves it once again.

Melo Movie follows two couples who reunite five years after their breakups. Though their journeys lead to different conclusions, it all feels natural given how their story arcs unfold throughout the show.

The main couple, Mubee and Gyeom have a storyline that is sweet, healing and humorous, while the second couple Ju A and Si Jun, navigate a relationship fraught with angst, miscommunication and misunderstandings. Each storyline explores different struggles that couples face, addressing them in a thoughtful and meaningful way, ultimately leading to satisfying conclusions.

Mubee and Gyeom come from vastly different backgrounds, Gyeom who has always been cherished by his brother Jun, longs for his brother to prioritize himself for once, whereas Mubee who has spent her life being ignored by her father, desperately craves his love but never receives it. Despite their differences, they share the same deep pain of losing someone dear. Their love story revolves around healing and the way they help each other mend their wounds is the heart of their journey. The execution of this theme is truly exceptional.

In contrast, Ju A and Si Jun’s story is more turbulent. After being in a relationship for over seven years, Ju Ah suddenly breaks up with Si Jun without offering an explanation. When she reappears in his life, viewers may initially resent her but as the story unfolds and the complexities of their relationship come to light, it becomes easier to empathize with both of them. Ju A had been sacrificing her own happiness and identity for Si Jun, slowly losing herself in the process. Her decision to walk away is portrayed with nuance making it one of the most compelling aspects of the drama. At first, i disliked her but as her perspective became clear, i couldnt help but feel that she and Si Jun were never meant to be together even though i wished they could have found a way. Their ending while heartbreaking was beautifully fitting.

Beyond the romance, i really liked how the drama explored grief, loss and the journey toward healing. Ko Gyeom and his brother Ko Jun’s storyline was especially moving. Until E7, i saw the drama as lighthearted and easygoing but from that point forward, it took a more serious turn, tackling profound emotional struggles. Ko Jun burdened by inner sorrow, lived solely for his younger brother which made his story all the more heartbreaking.

The performances were outstanding across the board. All four leads delivered compelling portrayals, and even the supporting cast shone in their roles. I particularly hope that Lee Junyoung gets more diverse roles beyond playing villains, he truly deserves greater recognition for his talent. Likewise, Cha Woomin, who played Jeong Hu, childhood friend of Mubee, excelled in this lighter role and i would love to see him take on more such characters rather than continuously being cast as a villain in his recent projects.

Cinematography and OSTs were top notch, elevating the drama’s comforting and relaxing atmosphere, making it feel like the perfect summer watch.

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The Most Beautiful Goodbye: A Drama That Feels Like Home

A few days ago, i discovered and watched Writer Noh Hee Kyung's this short drama The Most Beautiful Goodbye. Without a doubt, its one of the most realistic and moving dramas i have seen in a long time. The characters, story and situations felt incredibly authentic and the acting was outstanding. I found myself relating deeply to the characters, especially the FL. She reminded me of my own mother, the way she tirelessly gave her all to her family, her selflessness and her unwavering dedication. Anyone from a middle class asian family would easily connect with her or her family’s dynamics.

The characters felt so real, like people you would encounter in everyday life: the father who remains detached and oblivious to his wife’s sacrifices, the elder sister lost in her ambitions and tangled in her messy love life, the younger brother striving hard to get into university while being doted on by his mother and the grandmother struggling with dementia, lovingly cared for by her DIL who treats her like her own mother, even cleaning her diapers. Then there is FL’s brother, who is gambling addict and his kind hearted wife whose sweet relationship with the FL stood out. Every character felt like they were pulled straight from real life.

Even if you dont personally relate to all the situations, the emotional core of the story ensures that you will connect with the characters at some point.

The last two episodes were gut wrenching. I couldnt stop crying. One scene that truly broke me was when the FL attempted to kill her MIL after learning that she is soon going to die. Her only worry was who would take care of her MIL once she was gone.
To me, this show felt like one of the most heartbreaking short stories from Noh Hee Kyung’s Our Blues.

I downloaded the episodes from dramacool since they werent available on any official platforms. Despite the subpar video quality, the drama’s content was truly exceptional.

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KAWAII, KAWAII, KAWAII !!

KAWAII, KAWAII, KAWAII !! Thats the only word i can think of while watching every single minute of this drama. Its pure wholesomeness on another level. Every time i finished an episode, my heart felt so full and i instantly craved more. After finishing drama i have never wanted a new season of a drama this badly before.

The story follows the everyday lives of the Yuzuki family’s four sons capturing their small adventures in episodes that are only 15 minutes long. With 32 episodes in total, it amounts to about 8 hour long episodes. Each storyline spans one or two episodes and every one of them is packed with heartwarming, feel good moments and incredibly lovable characters.

What’s especially wonderful about this show is that there is not a single negative character. Along with the Yuzuki family, their neighborhood family also play a significant role in their lives and they are equally adorable. The bonds between these families are incredibly sweet and heartwarming.

The three younger brothers of Hayato are so adorable that i found myself wishing i had younger siblings like them!! Hayato, the eldest is a responsible 23 yr old schoolteacher taking care of his three younger brothers. Mikato, the second brother is the cleverest and most intelligent, while Minato, the third is the most outgoing, outspoken and mischievous. Surprisingly the youngest brother, Gokuto is the most mature of them all.

My favorite moments are when Minato, the third brother dotes on Gokuto and Mikato, the second brother, gets jealous. Mikato loves Minato a lot, they are only 11 months apart but his affection for his third brother is truly heartwarming. He even sees his youngest brother Gokuto as a rival because Minato adores Gokuto so much.

This drama is my TOP RECOMMENDATION OF THE YEAR!! Watch it if you are in the mood for something wholesome and heartwarming.

I wish I could rate this adorable show higher than 10.

10/10



Im definitely going to rewatch episodes of this drama whenever i feel down.

Along with this drama, Kotaro Lives Alone on Netflix is also super adorable. This is my second jdrama of a similar genre and i really wish they would produce more shows like this.

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Gannibal S2: Absolute Cinema - Chilling, Brutal and Unforgettable.

This was absolute cinema, straight up fire from start to finish. One of the best gore crime thrillers i have ever watched. From presentation to execution to direction, everything was top notch. I have seen many gore thrillers but this one was incredibly rich in storytelling, lore and impact right up there with one of my favorite zombie dramas Kingdom.

It kept you on your toes the entire time and often left you with a complex, chilling experience.

More than the protagonists, this was truly the story of the antagonists. At one point, you start forgetting who the victims were and who the perpetrators were. The primary antagonist, Gin Goto, is one of the most fascinating characters i have ever seen in a thriller. She was raped by the entire village, including her own family (the original Gotos) and was left to burn alive during a festival as a sacrifice to the gods. Later she encountered a group of cannibals, gave birth to a boy and returned to the village with this group. She annihilated the entire Goto family, established a new Goto bloodline and became its head.

Her only son somehow transformed into a zombie like creature, enormously large, undefeatable and dependent on human flesh. The Goto family began worshipping him and started sacrificing human children to satisfy his hunger. This is the core plot of the series. However in the end, the families of the victims also massacre the Goto clan in the most brutal ways, blurring the line between victims and perpetrators even further.

There were plenty of goosebumps worthy moments. One of my favorites was the episode that narrated Gin Goto’s story through flashbacks. In the final episode, after she is killed by the villagers, her son eats her flesh, realizes it mid act, starts crying and then continues eating her. Later, while fighting his own son, he suddenly begins to eat himself and ultimately ends his own life in the most horrifying way.

The only downside was that the protagonist made a few foolish decisions here and there, which could be frustrating. But the show was so powerfully carried by the villains and the second male lead that it hardly mattered.

This show was creepy, eerie, chilling, and absolutely terrific. This was real terror, true horror.
Absolute cinema. A masterpiece.

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Finest Mystery Thriller

Black Out: Snow White Must Die

This was one of the finest mystery thrillers i have watched this year. It started off with a bad impression due to its low production quality but the tightly woven mystery plot kept pulling me in more and more, to the point where i forgot about the cheap production. The story just kept getting better with each passing episode until the end.

The show also made my blood boil with its infuriating characters. What made it even more frustrating is how real they felt. They werent inherently evil like the typical psychopaths in crime thrillers, instead they were ordinary people trying to cover up one crime, only to commit more and more in an effort to save themselves.

Byun Yohan's acting was stupendous. He is an actor i usually dislike or at least he doesnt draw me to his projects but here his portrayal of a man falsely accused and unjustly punished for 10 years was outstanding. The way he conveyed the pain and suffering through his performance moved me all the way to the end. Even the supporting cast did so well that i wanted to jump into the screen and punch them.

The show started with a modest 2.8% rating and ended with 8.8%, which says a lot about how it grew on the audience. Like many others, i was initially disappointed but the script and story changed everyone's perception of the drama.

I loved this show and im really looking forward to the director's future projects. Hopefully, he gets a better budget for his upcoming work.

I would have given an extra 0.5 points if the production quality were better but i will still give a solid 9/10 to this excellent mystery thriller.

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❤️ Love Next Door ?

Eomma Chingu Adeul is a multigenre drama that does justice to each and every genre it tackles. It incorporates some of the most used cliche tropes of 2024, yet they are executed and concluded in a highly satisfying way, delivering meaningful life lessons. Whether its the terminal illness trope, quitting a job due to depression, the childhood friends-to-lovers arc or the exes storyline, each one is handled in a gratifying manner. Many shows i have watched this year that use these tropes tend to disappoint but this drama managed them far better.

The chemistry between the leads is exceptional. From the very first scene, they felt so natural together, as if they truly were childhood friends, the kind of vibe that made their bond believable. As the episodes progressed, their connection only grew stronger. There were plenty of ups and downs in their relationship but everything was justified. The progression of their relationship felt smooth. While some might say Seokryu jumped into a new relationship rather quickly after her breakup, i think the buildup was convincing, so it didnt feel strange at all.

The acting was phenomenal, especially from Jung Somin. She was incredibly natural in every scene, whether it was emotional, happy or sad. She absolutely killed it. Other actors like Jung Haein and Kim Jieun also impressed me. The supporting cast, who are veteran actors, delivered solid performances as expected. I never got a fake or forced feeling from anyone’s acting.

This slice of life drama excellently portrays the different phases of life in a highly believable way. Each storyline is given proper buildup and a satisfying conclusion, all while teaching that life is about growth. Every character has their own story to tell. The leads and secondary characters are depicted with their flaws, just like real people. I appreciate that the drama didnt idealize the lead characters like many others do. Here, they are shown with both their strengths and weaknesses and every action they take has a reason behind it. The more you try to understand things from their perspective, the more you will enjoy their stories. Whether its the parents, the brother or the leads themselves, each one follows their own moral compass. At times, you will see the parents at fault, while at other times, you will understand that Seokryu made mistakes by not being honest with them. Once you grasp where they are coming from, the show becomes even more meaningful.

Friendship and family are the highlights of this drama. Whether its the bond between the four neighborhood ladies or between the three leads, these relationships are cherished, though they also go through their ups and downs. The same applies to family dynamics.

The slow burn romance is executed perfectly. Waiting 10 episodes to finally see the leads romance unfold was worth it. Their sweet relationship, which began after weathering the storm, made it even more enjoyable. The show does an excellent job of handling the angst between episodes 6 and 10 and then giving plenty of time for their relationship to flourish from episodes 11 to 16, with plenty of sweetness. Most romance dramas fail at this, introducing conflict in the last two episodes, which often results in a rushed ending. But here, it doesnt feel that way at all.

I have watched plenty of romance or romcom dramas this year but honestly, this one has the most meaningful script. While there are a few romance/romcom dramas i liked more, i cant deny that this one has a solid story and script. There is so much depth to the characters and the story that the more you think about it, the more fresh perspectives you gain on various aspects of life.

All things considered, i would give this a solid 9.5/10. It satisfied me from start to finish and i even enjoyed the angsty phase between episodes 6 and 10, which was disliked by many viewers of this drama

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Mr. Plankton: A Bittersweet Exploration of Love, Loss and Belonging

I just finished this drama and i absolutely loved it. To my surprise, the more i watched, the more the series grew on me. Initially when i saw E1, i didnt like it at all. But as the story began to unravel, i found myself getting more and more invested. Im not sure why it didnt click with me at first, maybe i wasnt in the right mood but this time, the show truly resonated with me.

The leads are incredibly flawed characters, which made them both frustrating and fascinating. At times i really disliked Hae Jo (ML) for his selfishness and the way he dragged Jae Mi (FL) into danger for his own selfish reasons. His harsh breakup with her was downright cruel and just when he learned about his impending death, he kidnapped her to spend his final moments with her. His actions made it difficult to root for him initially but as the story delved deeper into his character, I found it impossible to hate him. His backstory was heartbreakingly tragic and despite his flaws, i couldnt help but feel for him.

Jae Mi also frustrated me at times. How could she overlook someone as perfect as Eo Heung (SML)?? He was easily the best character in the series alongside Bong Suk. But as i accepted that the Jae Mi and Hae Jo’s love for each other was unwavering, it became easier to move past the idea of her and Eo Heung. Some relationships are simply not meant to be and theirs was one of those. Once i came to terms with this, i could fully like the leads and their pairing.

Hae Jo and Jae Mi seemed cursed by the abandonment of their parents yet they were incredibly lucky to have people like Bong Suk, Kkari and Eo Heung in their lives. I wish they had focused on cherishing the love and support they already had rather than searching for the parents who abandoned them.

Eo Heung and Juri were undoubtedly the heart of the series. Their love and care for Jae Mi and Hae Jo were unmatched. Bong Suk, in particular stood out, she was like a mother, sister and even a partner to Hae Jo. She raised him when he ran away, embodying every role he needed just as he described her in the first episode. Her dedication was nothing short of extraordinary.

Hae Jo’s closure with his adoptive father was intense moment but i still cant forgive that man for abandoning the child he raised with so much love simply because he wasnt his biological son.

One recurring theme in the show that irked me was the overemphasis on biological connections. Jae Mi’s desperate longing to become a mother felt unnecessary. Was it so important to have her own children?? As someone who grew up as an orphan, she could have understood the importance of love over biology. There are countless children in need of families, why not adopt and give them the love they deserve?? Similarly Eo Heung’s mother’s obsession with having biological grandchildren to carry on the family lineage felt outdated and frustrating.

Despite these issues, the characters felt incredibly real with all their flaws and complexities. Most of them left me with a warm & bittersweet feeling which is a rare feat for any series.

The show also delivered some deeply emotional moments, especially in the final two episodes which were nothing short of tear jerking.

Overall, Mr. Plankton is one of the best Netflix originals of 2024.

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When Life Gives You Tangerines : Story So Raw, It Feels Like Memories Instead of Fiction

This is a story of love, life, joy, sorrow, struggle, healing and everything in between. It follows Ae Sun’s journey from the turbulent 1960s through more than 7 decades, capturing every stage of her life. We see her as a bright eyed child with dreams as vast as the mountains, a determined teenager whose eyes still sparkle with ambition, passionate lover who pours her heart into her soulmate Yang Gwansik, a young mother finding her way and finally a grandmother who has embraced every role life has given her. In her, you see a daughter, a wife, a mother, a grandmother, a friend, she is everything. IU and Moon Sori deserve a standing ovation, they didnt just play their roles, they lived them.

Yang Gwansik, her unwavering companion, is the definition of a true soulmate. He is the green flag every girl dreams of, standing by her side from childhood to his last breath, fulfilling every duty with quiet devotion and deep love. While his romantic and husband phases were beautiful, what resonated most was his portrayal of fatherhood. He embodied the kind of silent dad who loves his children fiercely but struggles to put it into words. Both Park Bogum and Park Hae Joon who played him delivered phenomenal performances.

Beyond the leads, every character, from free spirited Geum Myeong to the elderly couple who sheltered the main characters during darkest times, offers a lesson in life’s complexities. Growth is a recurring theme, and even morally gray characters get their moments of depth and redemption.

The cinematography and production design are flawless, recreating each era from the 1960s to 2007 with stunning accuracy. Every frame feels immersive, transporting you to the past in a way that makes the story even more poignant.

So far, this is hands down the best drama of 2025. Its also the first slice of life series since Our Blues that truly tugs at the heart. A drama to cherish for a long time.

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Resident Playbook: A Soft, Honest Look at Tired Hearts in White Coats

After being delayed for over a year, Resident Playbook, the spinoff of Hospital Playlist, finally aired and it really lived up to expectations. The story is told from a fresh angle, the point of view of residents. They are not complete beginners like interns and not yet experienced doctors either. They are in that tough middle stage where the real struggles begin and it was interesting to see the medical field through their eyes.

The story follows four OBGYN residents, each with their own distinct personality. They have their own ideals, fears and personal struggles making them feel real and relatable. Unlike most dramas where rookies are portrayed as overly enthusiastic and high spirited, this drama captures a more honest reality i.e. most residents are overworked, mentally drained and constantly questioning whether they should continue. Their emotional fatigue and lack of drive may come across as pessimistic or even frustrating but its a raw and accurate depiction of what many residents actually experience.

The slice of life charm and realism that defined Hospital Playlist are very much present here. Every episode highlights how residents navigate the challenges of patient care, the pain their patients endure, the lessons they learn and how they grow, not just as doctors but as people. Its a slow, deeply human story that quietly leaves a strong impression.


Each of the four main characters offers something unique:

Oh Yiyoung is laid back and seemingly unambitious, doing her residency only to repay a debt. As the lead character, she defies the usual bright and inspiring protagonist trope and instead leans heavily into pessimism. While that might be off putting at times, its a brave and unconventional choice.

Pyo Nam Gyeong, the fashionista of the group, maintains a balanced outlook. She isnt overly positive or negative, she exists somewhere in the middle, to whom people can relate.

Kim Sabi is the smart one, a total genius. But even though her IQ is high, she struggles to understand emotions. She doesnt always get what patients are feeling but she wants to improve, which makes her journey interesting.

Uhm Jaeil, my personal favorite, is the heart of the show. He is cheerful, kind, endlessly optimistic and hardworking. Though not the most brilliant academically, he makes up for it with compassion and effort. His desire to connect with patients and make them feel seen is both touching and admirable. His kind spirit, resilience and charm make him a standout character.

While romance wasnt the central theme, i wasnt particularly invested in the main romantic pairing between Yiyoung and Dowon. Their dynamic felt dull, both are quiet and emotionally reserved, which made their relationship feel stagnant. Dowon also appeared significantly older than Yiyoung, further reducing the chemistry. I couldnt help but think that pairing Yiyoung with someone like Uhm Jaeil, with a completely opposite personality, would have made for a far more compelling and dynamic relationship.

On the other hand, i really enjoyed the subtle hints of romance between Jaeil and Kim Sabi. Though their relationship was only beginning to develop by the final episode, i wish it had started earlier, it would have been lovely to watch their connection grow throughout the series.

Resident Playbook keeps the heart and warmth of Hospital Playlist alive. It tells a more realistic and emotional story about young doctors and it absolutely met my expectations.

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