Socialpulse

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.

Read More

Sometimes, it takes living someone else’s life to understand your own.

At first glance, this drama might seem like just another healing slice of life series. But it slowly reveals itself to be a deeply poignant exploration of survival, self worth and the invisible scars people carry. The themes it carries arent loud but they leave a lasting impact.

The heart of this story revolves around identical twin sisters, Mi Ji and Mi Rae, two souls alike in origin but vastly different in how they navigate the world. Mi Rae, the more reserved of the two, lives in seoul and works in an office where she finds herself silently battling a harsh and unforgiving corporate world. After becoming a whistleblower, she is socially ostracized and things spiral further when she is sexually assaulted by a colleague. Even then, she chooses silence, hiding her pain from her family in the countryside.

Mi Ji, on the other hand, was once an energetic athlete, a stark contrast to her introverted twin. But one small accident shattered her dreams and she spiraled into years of isolation and depression. Even as she slowly begins to heal, the echoes of that darkness never fully leave her. The drama shows this kind of internal battle so well, how even getting through the day can feel like climbing a mountain alone.

When Mi Rae reaches her breaking point and tries to end her life, its Mi Ji who steps in. And in that moment, the story takes a new turn, the twins decide to switch lives. Mi Rae finds peace in the countryside, pretending to be Mi Ji, while Mi Ji takes over her sister’s role in the city. Its not just a simple swap. Through living each others lives, they begin to understand one another on a deeper level and also slowly heal parts of themselves.

The character work in this drama is beautifully done.

Ho Su, the ML, is a kind hearted lawyer with a disability from a childhood accident that also took his father’s life. Raised by a stepmother he struggles to fully accept, Ho Su lives with guilt, pain and a feeling of being a burden. But he is honest, thoughtful and deeply loyal especially to Mi Ji, whom he has loved since they were younger. When he realizes she is now living as Mi Rae, he chooses not to confront her. Instead, he waits patiently until she is ready to tell him herself. Their relationship grows slowly and meaningfully, full of trust, warmth and understanding.

Whereas in the village, Mi Rae (posing as Mi Ji) meets Se Jin, a former city man who left corporate life after his grandfather's death to tend the family farm. Grounded, kind and also lively guy, Se Jin is drawn to her gentleness and vulnerability. Their bond grows in quiet companionship, rooted in the comfort of second chances and simpler living.

Park Boyoung is truly unforgettable in this. She plays both Mi Ji and Mi Rae so effortlessly that you never once question who is who. The way she captures their differences, not just in how they speak or move but in the weight they carry is so real and moving & Jinyoung quietly steals your heart as Ho Su. He doesnt need big emotional scenes to make an impact, there is so much feeling in his silences, his small gestures. He plays a complicated role with such honesty that it stays with you long after.

What sets this drama apart is how naturally it handles serious topics, mental health, trauma, workplace injustice, disability, societal pressure, even queerness without being preachy. Everything is shown through real life moments, like struggling to get out of bed, dealing with shame or just trying to pass time without breaking down. The idea that people often hide parts of themselves to survive whether its by staying silent, isolating or pretending to be someone else, is presented with so much empathy.

Sometimes, the drama reminds us that thinking too much about the past only brings regret and worrying about the future only brings anxiety. And yet, the answer isnt always grand or life changing. It can be something simple, focusing on small tasks, doing one thing at a time, holding on for just another day. These moments of just getting through are treated with quiet respect.

The supporting characters add even more heart to the story, Ho Su’s stepmother who keeps loving him even when he pushes her away, the twins grandmother, who has such warm soul and even their estranged mother who carries guilt and slowly begins to reconnect with her daughters.

In the end, this is not a story about big twists or dramatic endings. Its about people who are broken in different ways, learning how to keep living. Its about survival in all its forms whether it looks brave, messy or quiet. And sometimes, thats the most inspiring story of all.

Edit: I would also like to give a special mention to Kim Ro Sa/Sang Wol grandmaa's character. Her arc was so beautiful and heartwarming, tragically beautiful, in fact and her bond with both our leads, Miji and Hosu, was just so touching.

Read More

❤️ 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

Read More

The Ultimate Political Face Off in a Schoolyard

What a Show!!

This was hands down one of the most entertaining and unique dramas i have watched this year. From E1 to 8, not a single moment felt dull or dragged, it was consistently engaging and sharp.

I absolutely loved the concept of using a high school election as a miniature version of real life korean politics. The way they mirrored actual political processes, candidate selection, campaigning, approval ratings, final speeches, was done so well. But it didnt stop there. The show also reflected the darker realities of politics, deception, betrayal, strategic manipulation and character attacks. It was a smart, well layered satire wrapped in a school setting.

The performances were fantastic across the board, especially by the ML Noh Sehun and SML Kwak Sang Hyeon. Both the SML and the third ML Yang Won Dae were contenders for the student president position and both were manipulative, sly and strategic. While Kwak Sang Hyeon was more overtly evil, Yang Won Dae wasnt far behind. Still, between the two, the Yang Won Dae felt like the lesser evil and the better choice.

The ML Noh Sehun himself was more of a clumsy, passive figure throughout, with most of the political drama playing out between the SML Kwak Sang Hyeon and third ML Yang Won Dae. But Noh Sehun's final move, exposing the Kwak Sang Hyeon was so satisfying. Aside from the Noh Sehun, my favorite character was Kang Jae Won, one of the SML’s underlings and a kind hyung to the Noh Sehun. I loved his character development the most.

I also loved how the show used red and blue to represent the two election camps, just like south korea’s major political parties. It was such a thoughtful, symbolic detail.

Overall, Im Running Mate is one of the most refreshing and original school dramas i have seen, a bold break from the usual school bullying tropes.

10/10 for how much i enjoyed every episode!!

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

To Pull The Trigger or Not??

Trigger was a mixed experience, both compelling and frustrating at times. It had its strengths but also noticeable flaws. Overall, it took me on a journey filled with moments of admiration and disappointment.


What I Liked

1. Concept: The core concept was bold and morally complex. It constantly made you question, is it ever okay to take justice into your own hands?? Should ordinary people be allowed to punish criminals when the system fails?? Sometimes, it felt satisfying to watch people with guns punish those who truly deserved it. But the show also made you realize the danger of granting that kind of freedom. It presented both sides with balance and nuance. Unlike typical vigilante dramas where the hero is glorified, Trigger made you reflect deeply. It delivered a strong message, that even in the face of injustice, turning society into a lawless battleground isnt the answer. That made the concept not just unique, but impactful.

2. Action Sequences: The action scenes were intense and brilliantly choreographed. Every gunfight was executed with precision and Kim Nam Gil’s performance was phenomenal. Definitely one of the show’s strongest aspects.

3. The Villain: The villain was oddly entertaining and charismatic. He was a psychopath with typical tragic backstory but still managed to be engaging in his own way. Although his identity was predictable from the beginning (despite attempts to hide it) his presence still added a lot to the show.

4. Emotional Story Arcs: Several subplots really touched my heart:

*The old woman protesting for her dead son. (She acted as a mother figure to the ML.)

*The story of the bullying victims, which was portrayed with sincerity and pain.

*Most of all, the arc involving the ML’s team captain, who was pushed to the edge after what happened to his daughter. The flashbacks to his past with the ML were powerful. These arcs showed that people often dont understand the pain and desperation caused by injustice, until it happens to someone they love.


What I Disliked

1. Lack of Logic in the Final Episodes: While the last few episodes were exciting, they threw logic out the window. When the villain publicly announced he would distribute guns to anyone in South Korea, the police and military did nothing. With the ML injured, it felt unrealistic that no one else in the country could stop him. This stretch of plot felt forced just to heighten the drama.

2. Unnecessary Gangster Filler: The middle portion included a dull and unnecessary gangster subplot that took up 3-4 episodes. It dragged the pacing down and felt completely out of place compared to the more meaningful cases involving mass murderers or deeper psychological themes.

3. Unfair Resolution in the Bullying Arc: While the message against revenge was important, it was frustrating to see the main bully escape punishment while innocent students were killed. It made the resolution feel incomplete and unsatisfying.


Final Thoughts

Despite its flaws, especially in logic and pacing, Trigger stood out for its strong moral message, impactful story arcs and excellent action. Some parts i skipped but the overall impact of the show still stayed with me.

Read More