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3 Reasons to Watch Pump Up the Healthy Love
How many rejections does it take to break confidence?Just one. It takes one NO to break everything that makes you.
This latest GYM love story chronicles the journey of two different individuals seeking their true selves. Do Hyeon Jung is determined to promote health and has even given up his love life for that. And there is Mi Ran, who has given up her body and health after facing immense rejection. Their paths crossed, and a vow was made.
It's been almost half of the year, and the Korean drama industry has delivered another underrated yet striking story. It's been the seventh episode, and love has appeared in a subtle note. MLs and FLs are in lov,e but they are lingering over it. For the first time, a director has treated love like it happens in real life. The rejection, the dilemma, and the pain felt so connected. Mi Ran is like the inner child who does not whisper breath and tries to survive in a sarcastic society.
The sister bonding is realistic and plays a good charm in bringing happy twists. Ji Ran is the sweetest yet convincing sister ever. Lee Da Eun adds blood and flesh to such a character who needs to be supportive, yet not lose herself in the process.
The story, as the title suggest,s reflects the need to build yourself first before falling in love. In today’s society where competition and comparison thrives, building of such story is of utmost importance.
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A thriller that will churn your belly
Karma has been stirring the audience for the past few weeks ever since it dropped its curtain. The reason behind its impeccable popularity is because of its gripping storyline and jaw-dropping plot.The series' inception ignites the catapult as a firefighter is rushed to a hospital in a flammable state. A pair of doctors saved his life. The scene swiftly shifts to a rented apartment where a man is dragged out by the goons of a loan shark. He gets saved before his organs are chopped apart from his body. The hunting does not end here as a son kills his father to earn insurance money and save his ass.
This six-episode miniseries is drenched in love and hunger. The craving more more and fear of losing cripples human more than they expect it. It's a truth that we all are driven by our lust for survival. Nothing can get in between the need. And when our needs get threatened, our power to make decisions gets clouded.
A witness to a serious crime finds his life turning upside down. Park Hae Soo, in the shoes of a tentative witness, breaks the stereotype and carves a snowball through multiple shades.
The director does not even use the name to bring characters alive. They are called debtors, loan sharks, and witnesses when they arrive on the scene. To reflect on the intricacies of life, the name holds no importance. The story kept on getting darker with the passing of each episode.
Korean dramas pay extra care when they build a thriller. Karma, just like its meaning suggests, is a dark tale laced in life’s sarcasm. It is bitter and gruesome, but intriguing more than ever.
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A thrilling ride amid lawful chaos
Cha Eun Kyung is a star divorce lawyer who finds herself embroiled in pain as her husband of fifteen years is caught cheating. Newbie Han Yu Ri who does not want to be a divorce lawyer takes her case and starts defending.Countless legal dramas ranging from Juvenile Justice, Again My Life to Lawless Lawyer, mostly delve into solving crimes and resolving childhood trauma. But this latest offering chronicles the bitter-sweet emotion of an institution called marriage and looking what breaks it. This is where the drama becomes unique. Instead of solving crimes or offering the same thriller story in a new envelope, it goes through real life and identifies the different definitions of love.
Jang Na Ra as Eun Kyung is glamorous and powerful. Her enactment of a determined star lawyer is conniving and convincing. The arc she selected in her mature years is more promising than her romantic days. Nam Ji Hyun as Han Yu Ri as the bitter-sweet persona, thinking unlikely of Eun Kyung is the much-needed determination in the tale. The chemistry between these partners is a wholesome meal served right dose of kimchi. The moment when Eun Kyung says she is aware of her husband's affair before Yu Ri implies the strength both of them hold in their thought process. Kim Jun Haan as the subordinate of Eun Kyung adds layers of love to the story. The gentle charismatic lawyer is responsible for adding layers of love to the story. Pyo Ji Hoon, the ghost from Hotel Del Luna is a fresh breeze. His love for Yu Ri is the break she needs from her strict life.
As the star lawyer wants to hide her loss and make her divorce story a tale of the decade, the story delves through the inner life nuances of people who make and break life. Directed by duo Kim Ga-ram and Ahn Ji-sook, The Law Ride offers a murky journey wrapped in quirkiness. The story misses beats at few steps, but the journey offered is strong and fun.
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A cute and innocent tale of love and redemption
IntroductionGo Eun Ha works as a child content creator. She gets blacklisted as her promoted child's milk leads to creating sickness among many children. Losing her job, and home, she bumps into Ji Hwan who starts looking after her.
Prosecutor II Yeong is looking for evidence to dig up the dirty past of Eun Hwa. Chaos starts as the lives of these three different people from different worlds meet.
Review
Directed by Kim Hwang Yoon, this soft romantic story goes through the lives of people who have faced criminal charges before. Ji Hwan used to be a thug and has been in the money extortion business. His connection with Prosecutor Yeong shares insight into the dark past Ji Hwan has been fighting to move ahead. This conflict between good and bad stirs the tale ahead. Eun Ha's hard work and achievement this afr melt away at one single mistake. Another content creator Ye Na comes into action which is a blend of positive and negative light.
The biggest thumbs-up for the drama is that it is very much today's story. Eun Ha's journey reflects the turmoil of every content creator who is making money in this business. Han Sun Hwa as Eun Hwa is warm and vivacious. She is trying to understand the human Ji Hwan is and the life he has been into. The romanticism identified in this character is discreet which matches up with the graph of the story. Tae Goo, the man seen in critically acclaimed films has been debuting as lead for the first time. He is soft in heart and is a clumsy person who is trying to fit in the polished world. The Goo rubs off sweetness ever since his appearance in the tale. He is someone with a golden heart and the door of his house is open for all. The way the director distinguished between the two worlds adds subtle nuances to the tale, like thugs calling Ji Hwan Hyungnim instead of Hyung. The altercation between two universes is satisfying and humorous.
Conclusion
The overall story is heartwarming and light. While dueling in the past, the story goes through a laugh and love lane as two charming hot heroes vie for the innocent-hearted girl. Though the concept is not unique, the story will make you laugh and have fun deeply. Give it a try if you want to have a laugh ride.
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Mi Jin is on the verge of reaching thirty but has yet to crack her dream civil service job. In the process, she gets scammed and bumps into Prosecutor Gyu, who is harboring a dark secret in his sleeve.Review
What is the benefit of working so hard?
This is the question Mi-Jin asks herself when she fails the civil service examination again. In her last ten years, she did nothing other than study for it. But all she got in return was to hear that she is in her thirties now, without any experience, so getting a job is difficult. Her best friend Chon Hui is her only confidante. Her never-ending plight takes an unprecedented turn when she finds herself in the body of a fifty-year-old woman every morning and only returns to her true self at night. In between a serial killer is on the loose.
Helmed by Strong Girl Bong Soon director Lee Hyung Min, the story is a perfect blend of romantic comedy with a big dose of horror. Mi Jin is strong and has an effervescent attitude. Even in the darkest hour of her life, she chose to live. This is where director Lee plays his cards. He never makes the story monotonous and cold. In the process of looking for the serial killer, Prosecutor Gyu and Mi Jin form a bond and even find solace in each other. The journey of love is not cliche but resonates with the life of this genre. The mother of Mi Jin resembles Bong Soon- she wants to see her daughter settled and is unaware of her true condition. They are sweet but self-centric. A supportive yet spineless father and an unannounced second lead in the form of idol Jo Won make the tale intricate and intriguing.
Reply 1997 girl Eun Ji is brilliant as the night girl Mi Jin. Her banter with her friend, feeling attracted to the charming prosecutor - the girl brings out all effortlessly as always. Lee Jin Eun as fifty-year-old Lim Sun- the alternate identity of Mi Jin is the twist of the tale. The woman who mostly dons the character of a helpless mother has brought out the invisible kitty from her bag. Her enactment of the twenty-eight-year-old in body of fifty is hilarious and melancholic. Jin Hyuk as prosecutor Gye is remarkable. The man is one of the versatile actors in the Korean drama case. He knows what he is doing. He is effortlessly hot and equally cold - which is needed for this dark role. The supporting cast adds humor mostly, but Byung Hee Ajushhi is the cherry on top.
Conclusion
Korean drama directors always do brilliant in bringing out supernatural stories. This Miss Day and Night is no different again. A fantasy element packed in delving into solving a cold crime case is not just magnificent but more than that.
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Second Shot at Love is a fair take on alcohol dependency
Han Geum Ju and Seo Ui Jun are childhood friends who have been out of contact for more than a year. Now, after calling off her marriage, Han Geum Ju has returned to the village. She has even vowed to become sober.This story is not just another childhood friend turned lovers story.
It is a fresh attempt at assessing the influence of alcohol. Han Geum Ju, her elder sister Hyeon Ju, and their father, Jeong Su, have been alcoholics for years. But their denial has only made their mother’s life more complicated. However, Han Geum Ju's decision to become sober made these other two take the vow as well.
Their chaotic vows, unfilial attempts jeopardize their mother’s face in the entire village.
Through the lens of Seo Ui Jun, the director attempts to give colour to the lives of people who have been trying to get rid of this disastrous habit. Alcohol consumption above the limit endangers the life of the drinker and also of the people they are surrounded by.
A subtle love story, which builds in as a background, gained the affection of the audience. Ui Jun’s sudden love confession made Geum Ju go awry all by herself. Her chaotic intervention all by herself made the journey funny and cute. The parallel love story between Hyeon Ju and the brother of her friend, Seon Uk is equally gripping. The hesitation yet the yearning, Hyeon Ju is feeling is the perfect graph every divorced woman faces before falling in love.
It is a fresh take on love, redemption, and life.
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A mundane take on espionage
An elite NIS agent is forced to take up the role of a high school student to cover up failure in his previous mission. In the aim of rediscovering the hidden treasure of Emperor Gojong, he comes close to the secret behind his birth father’s disappearance.Borrowing similarities from our endearing Main Hoon Na, this Korean drama takes a loud and mighty take on an espionage love tale. Just like Major Ram had her heart flutter for Ms. Chandni, Hae Song’s homeroom teacher O Su A finds herself attracted to her student. But here the mystery gets resolved fast and she gets in the process of helping the NIS agent.
The opening was quite dramatic and alluring. Skidding a bike and retrieving treasure by breaking through the sunroof was a high element to bring in an adrenaline rush. But the graph fell flat in the third and fourth episodes. Creating a typical villain out-of-school principal and a dramatic and greedy teacher who only pours cold water into the story.
The twist in the form of a mysterious and prestigious school council is a good idea. Since it is a Korean school drama, how can they miss showing bullying and depression?
Like in previous dramas, the school queen here also suffers immense pressure from her villain mother and starts developing a crush on the agent as he makes his way inside. She is conniving and misery-stricken like all dramas. You will find her pathetic and vicious at the same time. These types of shallow and copy subplots need to be handled more carefully. Also, O Su A should have been sketched better. Though the backstory behind her hiding her real name and learning kung fu deserves sobbing applause, it was still cliche.
ML and Fl share a poor chemistry. Your heart does not burn when they lock eyes. The villains are too predictable and their greed does not make them heinous. It appeared more like a 90s gimmick than a 2025 rush. If you are bored, give it a watch, but you will start anticipating the next moment after two or three episodes.
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3 reasons to watch K drama Heo's Diner
Heo Gyun not only enjoys cooking but also understands the process. He plays with flavour and encourages experimentation. However, he does not belong to the noble class, so his approaches have been limited. Discrimination is crystal clear, and talent is not recognised in this era. It is his desire and effort that help him to keep moving. Prince Gwang Hee loathes his bravery and is scared of his knowledge. He traps him in his plot, but unaware of destiny’s ploy.K-dramas love to set stories that travel through time. Dramas like Moon Lovers, Mr. Queen kept the audience hooked with their gripping tale over time. Heo's Diner is a fresh attempt in the genre.
1. A political fiasco brewing outside the palace and a thought-driven male lead make the story intriguing from the very first episode.
2. Other than reflecting on the lives of love-sick leads, the story is narrated through the lens of a social perspective. It is a bold attempt.
3. Maintaining a parallel line in both worlds is a tough job. However, makers here played an appropriate role.
Overall, it's a good attempt and a nicely crafted story to watch.
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"Motel California" ending is perfect and endearing
The journey of Yeon Soo and Kang Hee has ended. As they traversed through immense pain and heartbreak the pinnacle they met was warm and full of love.Past gets resolved
The story starts with a complicated point where Kang Hee’s mother finds solace in the friendship of Yeon Soo’s father. Even Yeon Soo felt guilty for wanting a human as his mother. He kept on punishing himself for not being there for his mother. He visited Seol in those ten years but never reached Kang Hee. Instead, he returned to the village. Kang Hee who kept on running away from the situation and life finally decided to face it, head high. She never cheated, nor betrayed. Yet, she is the one who kept on getting bashed. Yeon Soo’s mother poured her frustration over the little girl. She never let her live fully. She did the same with her son. Her incompleteness got spread among those children.
Story of Little Heart
It feels so nice when the second lead does not get love-coded. Korean drama is finally shifting its notion. We see the second lead Seok Kyung emerging as a new horizon for Kang Hee. He gave that perfect dose of support and maintained a soft distance. His camaraderie with his childhood friend Esther evolved equivocally as the story progressed. They defined love in a whole new layer even though they were always standing beside each other.
Happy happy happy
It's a rare moment when all of them residing in the same frame get a happy ending. As Kang Hee and Yeon Soo encapsulated their forever, Esther decided to have a fresh story. Though Seok Kyung’s confession is yet to come, his confession to Kang Hee gives an inkling of what future they are eyeing. Nan Woo finds her heart wavering for Seok Gyeung. Their common love for cows made them a pair.
A journey set in the backdrop of a countryside town weaves tales of people coming from multiple backgrounds. Love is not easy for any of them, because love does not depend on criteria. Love happens when it's meant to be. And if your heart matches the tune, you emerge a winner.
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3 Reasons you can skip Serendipity's Embrace
The eight episode mini series Serendipity's Embrace recently ended on a happy note. The Jong Hyeop and So Hyun starrer made quite an impression ever since it went on air. But the charm left visibly in the third episode.Here are 3 reasons why you can skip it.
1. The shallow plot
Who does not love childhood friend turned lovers. It's one of the favourite genre of Asian story. And this one is no different than that. However, given the writer is taking the favourite theme of audience special attention was necessary for the narrative. Keeping the FL naive and ML too loyal made it cliche and unconvincing. The over supportive best friend and light interested second ML was only water on the fire.
2. Thin twist line
When Hye Ji falls for Mr. Son it not only gave frown to Hye Sun but also us. Just why? If her love for Hoo Yeong was that shallow and meaningless, it should not have been dragged till the date. She also never tried her luck with anyone. Why all FL and ML are trying this hard to be pious and thus making themselves appear unconvincing.
3. Smallest story ever
Right episode series.....this is too much. Korean dramas are reducing episode number every year. But eight episode chronicling life from school days to present time is too much. Lack of time is another reason for the poor story frame. Neither characters nor plot got time to get a shape to keep audience hooked.
If you love childhood friend turned lovers there are bunch of beautiful stories out, go and check them. You can start with Casteaway Diva and Love alarm ;)
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Watch your tongue
Song Ki Baek works as a TV announcer. Eyeing for the chair of the prime slot, the sweet talker is everyone's favorite. But his dream comes crashing as he loses his ability to self-censor on air. Enters Han Na who is struggling to keep her position as a variety show writer. As Ki Baek catches her attention, she gets the scoop for her next show.Cliche Boring Not so happening
Isn't it obvious since inception? Well as Han Na works with him she will find herself drawn toward him. Helmed by Jang Ji Yeon this story has nothing to make the audience feel butterfly or adrenaline rush. The plot is easily decipherable ever since the second episode. Choi Kyung Sun- the person behind the pen knitted a disappointing story overall. The leads lack the professing chemistry which makes the audience want more. They also seemed to be forcing themselves while going through it. Ki Baek's illness seemed to be inspired by Pinnochio and extraordinary Woo- he got stuck in between. It lacked the much-needed power to push the story.
The only beautiful element is Jung Heon. After his shady performance in Extraordinary Woo, the man stole heart in this gummy story. Ever since his appearance he took the burden on his shoulders and made the show watchable. His attraction for Han Na, his genuineness, and his struggle- are all felt through the charismatic performance. Also, the bromance between main leads helps in keeping the spontaneity alive.
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Love meets eye
Shim Cheong , a mermaid crosses path Joon Jae and an unfinished tale from last life starts.A mermaid comes to village and there is one boy who can hear his thought. They get killed and a new life begins.
The director delivers a classic job in knitting a fantasy romance story with a murderer in sleeve. In this fantasy tale, it is essential to keep the spark alive till the last . The narrator does a fantastic job in keeping audience glued and not skipping any part.
The unbeatable chemistry and the hooking plot makes it a rewatchable story.
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Gyeongseong Creatures: A rough monologue watch
Time is 1945 and place is Gyeonseong which is old Seoul. Just few years left before getting free from evil holds, and Spring has arrived arrived earlier this year. A girl comes in Seoul, hiding behind a huge hat and learning the truth that has never been sold. Boys are complied to join the force if want to live. If you deny, you will not be beaten but will be tortured to death.Jang Tae Sang- self made man, heart of every celebration and the hand behind golden treasure gets caught as a suspect of secret donor of the independence army? The golden house- from things received in dowry to Italian suit — everything is bought here for mere won. Jang Tae Sang is the hand behind the house and also is the one whose finger operates everything in Bonjeong. They use the saying “if you want anything in Bonjeong, go through him”. Now the question is — is a good person or a bad person?
Fear sucks human life. It is worse than death. Fear makes you do things which even you don’t know you are capable of. It brings out your darkest side and makes you nerdy You forget what you are capable of and instead crouches down even before trying. In the earnest hour of 1945, old Seoul witnesses people getting missing from their homes, leaving no trace behind. With Japanese army nestling all over Joseon, people are biting own family, it is difficult to distinguish between evil and bad.
Adapted from a Japanese manga, this morose series focuses in the Japanese occupied Korea in late 1940s. Helmed by Jung Dong Yoon-the man behind psychological thriller Its okay to be not okay the series consists of only ten episodes. Historical dramas presented by Korea have always came with an unexpected twist. Kingdom already gained immense popularity with zombies in Joseon time. Now the pre-independence time comes with unsung creatures that are disrupting lives through their impeccable abilities. Unlike creature showcased in two installments of Sweet Home, this latest creature who are developing in 1940s still have heart inside. The fight of Chae Ok’s mother will melt your heart.
Park Seo Joon, after delivering stellar performance in critically acclaimed The Concrete Utopia, and the slow burner Dream, the man has returned with an expected grey shade this time. His Tae Sang has been born out of greed-the greed for recognition and acclamation. His eyes speaks of the pain which he hides behind his expensive outfit. Han So Hee is becoming the new charmer with magic wand. After her effervescent performance in Soundtrack, she is back as dark Chae Ok, who is in a lookout to find her mother missing for more than ten years. She brings in the nuisance and touch of arrogance that Chae Ok needs. Kim Hae Sook as the filial subordinate to Tae Sang fills the mother space just as much needed. Im chul Soo, Jo Han Chul, Choi Young Joon as supportive cast adds as the perfect hem to this storyline. After playing the bad guy with silver lined heart in The worst of Evil, Ha Joon is back with another thriller. Learn his character as you watch the story.
Though the fantasy thriller played utmost in weaving every element-from romance, horror to political mix throughout this historical remix, it failed in balancing the taste as the story shaped up. The love story between Chae Ok and Tae Sang failed to bring the taste we hope in war love. And then the political crux which is just as we calculated felt not so necessary in the trail.
If you are a fantasy series fan, just rewatch Kingdom, All of us are Dead and even Duty after school. Zombies are still panache than this crux creatures who appearing less convincing.
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3 Reasons Crushology 101 can skip your watch list
“Crushology 101” stirred hypes ever since its arrival date was announced. Jong Eui, who captivated the audience through her stellar act in Hierarchy and paired again opposite her co-star from the same story, Chae Min, has been instigating the interest of the audience.A sculpture student who had her eyes only for handsome men started dating a nobody because she felt beautiful men did not like her. But the real intention of the doofus gets aired, and she dumped him hard. In her era of a new chapter, she breaks the tablet of Jae Yeol, and he starts using her support. Also, the arrival of a new student in the frame, Ji Won, starts to stir emotions.
Crafting a good and intriguing school drama is not just plain tough, but a hard task. But this story, helmed by Kim Ji Woon, tells why the audience still watches The Heirs. From failing to craft an intriguing plot to creating meaningful and swoonworthy twists, this series is more gullible than its name.
Lack of strength exhibited by characters and poor cinematography- this story fails to keep the spark alive, even at the tiniest level.
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Tale of love wrapped in time travel
"Let's Kidnap Sun Jae and run".Wearing this on her headgear, Im Sol arrives to attend a concert of her favorite star Ryu Sun Jae. Bound on a wheelchair the thirty-something lost her ticket and was forced to enjoy the show from outside of the auditorium. Her agony vanishes as she meets the star on her way home. But was it their first time meeting?Ever since its inception, the love of Im Sol and Sun Jae has undergone more changes than the weather itself. Im Sol who has been fangirling over Sun Jae finds him as her next-door neighbor as she travels back to 2009. Seeing her dead K-pop star alive makes her feel alive again and the chaotic love story begins.
Attempting to time travel love is not a big thing for Korean dramas. The list is endless, from Scarlett Heart Ryeo to Go Back Couple, to recently ended Marry My husband.
Then, why Lovely Runner is creating so much hype:
1. The timeline
Sol is not living in a fixed time zone. She has travelled through various time of her life, while looking for ways to save Sun Jae. Some time, she is living for few months and sometime she is living for few days. It is like a staycation and not a total shift to that time zone.
2. Differences in characters
Characters are different. Modern Sol is polar opposite of her eighteen year old self. In fact, as she is going back to modern time, her cackling eighteen year old self is coming back. Sun Jae is not aware, so his character is not facing any transition in the process.
3. Constant changes
It is very important to keep audience hooked. Monotonous storyline make audience wander whether to watch the next episode or not. However, in this story, the suspense is getting bigger with the magic of time travelling. Whether Sol will have her feet or Sun Jae will live...the answer is still uncertain.
The story deserves an extra credit for giving space to additional characters of the story.
The new arc of character of Seo Hye Won and Song Ji Ho not only add humor to the tale but also add perfect love dose in the story of Sol and Sun Jae. As the story grows, not only love blooms but the threat intensifies. Now a days, Korean dramas loses track after the twelfth episode, but lovely runner ahs successfully kept the charm and suspicion alive. The future of the endearing couple is still behind clouds. Song Geon Hee in the role of sweet and savory Tae Sung has got little to do. The second lead got back seated by the shine of Byeon Woo seok. The director should have drew his role in a better light. His bromance with Sun Jae looked warm but is not creating goosebumps. We still miss our Jun Pyo and Ji Hoo. The supporting cast including well known ajumma and ajusshis are brilliant in their shoes but it is Im Sol and Sun Jae who are eating the cream in chunks.
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