Jason Patrick

"PERSONALLY" ONE of the BEST K-Drama in 2023.

First let me say that this review could be biased since I personally like the cast so much. But seeing the positive ratings from pretty much most of the people watching this drama, I hope that this review could relate to most.

Story, the story is so good. Perhaps saying that it is just good can't possibly show how good it is. This drama doesn't only provide entertainment, but also a lot of hidden messages that have meanings where we can relate in real life. I thought at first that it would be like 18 Again, but instead this drama actually went back in time and instead of the dad being the lead, the son will try to change his dad's fate and make sure that his dad would not change his love interest whilst also trying to prevent him from getting into the accident that made him lose his hearing. (My prediction is that I think him preventing his dad's accident is so when he returns to his timeline, he wants to perform in front of his dad knowing he could hear the music he's playing). The best quote on this drama is where Balsan shares what HEG has been doing for HYC without him knowing and says that he almost cried when he said,

"I want him to shine. First, on the stage. Then in life."
- Ha Eun Gyeol

Casting, there is no other words I can use to describe HOW each and everyone FITS exactly where they should be. I can't even imagine anybody else playing the main roles other than them. Both couples, Ryeorina (Ryeoun and Seorina) and Hyunsoo (CHW and SES)'s chemistry is so good. Even though I ship Ryeoun and Eun Soo more than... nvm since it would've been weird if the drama took that turn.

Music, I personally like both the OSTs and songs covered or used in this drama. For the OSTs a few that I personally liked the most is A Song For You by Joonil Joon, and Higher by JU-NE. But this drama also features Canon Rock, Walking to Heaven by Jang Hyunchul but I think in the drama they used Song Jin Wook's rock version, and much more (including their band's songs like Shining, etc).

Rewatch Value, I can't tell you how many times I've watched this drama from episode 1-8 while waiting for the 2 new episodes each week. I would rewatch this drama over and over again since I can't wait for the next episode. (And this is during my mid term exams as well..).

10/10 for me. If I could rate it higher I would.

UPDATE:
I just finished it and currently in the middle of debating whether I should be happy or sad that it's over. Even though in my head I had thought of a very different ending,
*SPOILER*
I half hoped that the accident that HYC had in episode 15 wouldn't be the same as what had happened before and he wouldn't be deaf, and the ending would've been them (HEG's band) performing in front of him and him being proud of his son's band.
*END OF SPOILER*
but the ending that happened in the drama didn't disappoint me at all, but I think that this is one of the most acceptable happy endings and didn't make me change the rating for it. Personally I felt that the ending was quite rushed, since a few things haven't been cleared up (Such as OEY's trip back, HYC's coping mechanism to his new condition, HYC and YCA's love story after the accident, and the band's fate ). But still a well deserved 10/10 drama near the end of 2023. Hoping that this drama would bring a few awards back home to either the production crew or the acting casts since this was a blast.

Currently waiting for Sweet Home S2, Squid Game S2, and All Of Us Are Dead S2 and hoping that they would come sooner and not end up as a disappointing season 2.

Dictionary for the Abbreviations:
1. HEG - Ha Eun Gyeol
2. HYC - Ha Yi Chan
3. YCA - Yoon Chung Ah
4. OEY - Oh Eun Yu
5. CHW - Choi Hyun Wook
6. SES - Shin Eun Soo

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What just happened??

I don't get the ending... at all.. When she goes back to the timeline and was reading the book. All that was changed is that the book was revised to have a happier ending for the book characters only, and her existence isn't even important or remembered anymore. If that's the case, then I don't get why she went in the book/gets inside the story if she wasn't even remembered (I mean they hinted that the male lead either misses her or knows someone is missing, but that's about it). Did she even change the plot of the story? Since the recap on the ending part just shows that when He Huan was performing the ritual he failed and they were exposed, blabla...

I sincerely loved it, had a few laughs here and there, the actors and actresses did their part (felt some chemistry with all 3 couples), and I finished the drama due to my curiosity and I was genuinely disappointed with what happened. I love happy endings and sad endings equally, BUT I really hate it when the ending just baffles me and the drama that I spend time watching doesn't even have a clear ending.

I would rather prefer a sad ending (since they more or less forced it to be one, since she suddenly without any reason at all goes to ML's brother and pretends to have a fake relationship until suddenly she was forced to get married and she regrets her decision?) Like girl, you should've just stayed put with the ML, have the children there, and done, the drama has a happy ending. But since she suddenly finds herself in the air thanks to a what it seems to be a hot air balloon that she rigged to explode, they should've just made it into a sad ending in the book (meaning that HER presence changed the storyline in the book), BUT they meet in her timeline and finally reunite (or something IDK, anything is better).

Edit:
Thanks to another user, @Suzette Ser, there is a better alternative ending (refer to their comment or go to this link: https://www.douyin.com/user/MS4wLjABAAAA8Gft2z08CjrLcEI3BGbNk6CLkePD5pUTxQbD0haYQBF7uU0hiAy4KW651lRC_yAL?modal_id=7360304476701396239 and if you're interested go ahead and look at it). Where her existence is not forgotten since the ML in the book remembers her, which gives meaning to him looking at that flower. Even though they did not interact in the real world, that is still a clearer and better ending than what we were given in the drama.

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Sincerity brings miracles..

I have no clue how to explain my current feelings right now. I'm on episode 32, and I can't believe this drama will end soon. This is one of the best Historical C-Drama I've ever watched. I've watched a lot of C-Dramas, particularly historical ones. I have always loved seeing Female Leads who can beat other people up using their martial arts, but this is definitely one of the rare cases where I loved the way a Female Lead can strategize her way out of danger.

I stumbled on this drama thanks to one Instagram reel, and I saw Song Zu Er, looking so... darn cute. I decided to give this drama a go right there and then, and I can't believe how it went. I went into this drama, hoping to only see Song Zu Er's beauty, yet was hooked to the story. I know that the plot is simply enemies to lovers, but I can't explain how I felt when I slowly saw that their quarrels are starting to be flirt attempts.

The story is basically resolving family grudges, Wei Shao, played by Liu Yu Ning, is known as a fierce warrior with a vengeance. Wei Shao's grandfather made an alliance with the Qiao family, vowing to live and die together. Due to this alliance, Li Su, a general from Bianzhou (a rival family), attacked Xindu, a Wei State, aiming to break their alliance. When Wei needed their help, the Qiao's decided to retreat, leading to the deaths of Wei Shao's grandfather, father, and older brother. Wei Shao has sworn to kill Li Su and the entire Qiao family, and after reclaiming Xindu and killing Li Su, aims to finally set his target on the Qiao family. But the Qiao family, sent a marriage proposal, aiming to cease hostilities and restore peace between Qiao and Wei. But of course, the history of their betrayal has left a huge grudge that cannot be easily erased. Yet to gain forces and Panyi, a Qiao state located strategically in the middle of all the other clans, Wei Shao decided to marry her just to gain Panyi. Not knowing that their love story had just began.

Both Liu Yu Ning (Wei Shao) and Song Zu Er (Xiao Qiao) have given their all in order to portray their characters. I know that the story was somehow different (I read from someone's review), but I didn't know where since I didn't read the Web Novel (Zhe Yao, by Peng Lai Ke). All I can say is that of course the adaptations will not completely match the novels and sometimes instead change it to a completely different one, making it lose some important parts of the initial story. But I personally (speaking from someone who didn't read the Web Novel, I emphasize this segment once more) loved it, to bits. The story has a lot of serious, comedic, and romance moments. Even though their romance is slow-burn, it makes it that much rewarding to see... -> (episode 29 [18:27], episode 32 [28:40]).

How they both see each other changes due to their experiences with each other. Both of them are smart and think like each other, making their bond grow due to their way of approaching and solving a problem. Some misunderstandings cause them to grow apart, but grow even closer after resolving them. That's a normal "plot" for enemies to lovers, yet the way they solve them, and how they trust one another even when they "hate" each other, is so... alluring. Makes my skin crawl on some moments since they will sometimes drop a casual flirt here and there jokingly.

As for the side characters, they are doing their part as well, mostly in the comedic relieve moments. Most of them are likeable and memorable, since they have a close bond to the leads and have their own personalities. Especially when Wei Shao is contemplating his feelings towards Xiao Qiao and the generals and advisors are there to either be his sand bags, or just disappointed at how Wei Shao is so gullible at "love". As for the Villains, I only have one principle, if they successfully made us hate them, they have succeeded in fulfilling their role. Both Lady Yu Lou and Liu Yan have sad stories, making us pity them, but we have to remember that they made their own choices, and of course have to take the consequences of doing them.

In the span of 2 years (last 10/10 was given to Twinkling Watermelon, a K-Drama), I have not given another drama another 10/10 (not that my rating matters). I have watched a lot of dramas, and I will say that this drama is the one that is worthy of another 10/10. I gave this drama a 10/10 because of how it made me feel when watching it. I can't describe it with words nor with actions. But I highly recommend you to watch it if you like Historical C-Dramas. That's all for my review, I will end it with a quote from the drama.

Edited my rating to 9.5/10, just because... I don't really like how the story goes nearing the end (this is my personal opinion).

"Even if peace lasts only for a moment, a sincere heart can make it echo for generations."
- Xiao Qiao

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Slow start, fast ending.

"...live well for me" - Tang Yi Xun

I've finished watching all 12 episodes, and as my headline and quote of my review suggests, it's gonna contain some spoilers. This was a good watch, didn't regret buying the express package at all to view the rest of the episodes.

I watched this drama with no expectations, since having expectations usually result in either making me rate it as normal or rate it as a disappointment since it doesn't match my expectations. But I did have my concerns, since usually short dramas that only have a few episodes will usually be rushed ending. Putting these thoughts aside, at first, the drama does hook me in a bit, some people might say that its not a good start, but the first 4 episodes provided a base (at least imo) to the leads' relationship. By watching the first few episodes, I thought that this drama would make me cry like More than Blue (the taiwan ver.), where both of the leads heal each other yet fate prevents them from being together. But they still fight fate and even though they failed, their love echoes and is not a forgotten memory. But it looks like this drama decided to not go that route I guess.

The story starts by showing the lives of both the main leads, a struggling orphan who uses his fighting skills to earn money by becoming a debt collector, and a girl who has a gambler father. Tang Yi Xun (Zhou Yiran), met Ye Hai Tang (Wang Ying Lu) on his usual day to collect debts. They forcefully took Ye Hai Tang's grandma money and left her to starve. Surprisingly, Tang Yi Xun's friend and boss, Zhang Hao (Zhao Run Nan) and Li Cha Dong (Jia Hong Xiao) are also actually decent people, who also has to resort to work as debt collectors to live on and get by their own lives. The main leads' first meeting was the worst way to meet your future "love interest", yet their next encounter was when Tan Xin (Chen Hao Lan), a teacher that Cha Dong liked, gave Tang Yi Xun an opportunity to finally come back to school so that he can one day have a legitimate job. They met again as "classmates" where they started as enemies, especially after Tang Yi Xun's presumed love letter towards her, that she took as a threat.

Their hate continues until one day Tang Yi Xun intervened on Ye Hai Tang's attempt to murder her own father, since Ye Yibo (Li Yi Xiang), took all of her money including the class funds, and used it for gambling. Seeing this, Tang Yi Xun saw that her condition was similar to him, and vows to help and protect her, no matter the cost. They tried to find out who wrote the "love letter", and found that the letter wasn't from their own timeline (1991), yet it came from 35 years in the future. Without knowing that the sender was actually himself (Tang Yi Xun) from 35 years in the future. They tried to send a letter, and it works, sending the letter to the future, also without knowing that the recipients are Yu Nian (Zheng He Hui Zi), Tang Yi Xun's adoptive daughter, and Shen Cheng (Ren You Lun), Ye Hai Tang's future son.

I've never heard or watched any drama's played by Wang Ying Lu, yet her performance here is superb. Her chemistry with Zhou Yiran is unexpectedly not that bad, successfully portraying both Tang Yi Xun and Ye Hai Tang's pain, sadness, and helplessness (especially in episode 8). Hui Zi and You Lun also plays a "big" role, giving the story from the children's perpective. I personally felt confused since they are only impacting their story nearing the end episodes, especially in the ultimatum, but I don't know what to say. Their appearance was a bit underwhelming, but I don't think it's personally their fault, they played their role quite well. Other than that all the other casts did a great job, especially Li Yi Xiang who successfully made me hate his character. And my philosophy stands, a good villain means that the actor/actress portraying them are talented and played their character well.

Based on the synopsis and seeing that it was their children from the future, I thought that they would impact their story a lot or at least a notable amount, yet they barely did anything until the last few episodes (this includes Shen Cheng's impact okay). I know that they did alter the future, but I think that this drama is super rushed. They basically had a lot of things to expand on, yet decided to call it a day. Which is okay, but I think it makes it lose A LOT of things. What about Yu Nian current future? How is she kinda living in luxury? Isn't her father in jail and will soon die of an illness there? Her grandma also died quite quickly and shouldn't have been able to take care for her that long with Tang Yi Xun's absence in the altered timeline. Who took care of her if Tang Yi Xun isn't there? Not to mention that Yu Nian's final reaction is only being sad that Tang Yi Xun and Shen Cheng is gone from her phone contacts without attempting to somehow connect/contact to Tang Yi Xun to see him in the current future (I mean it's literally her stepdad who she was trying so hard to find in the previous timeline, shouldn't you at least find out how he's living his life right now?). What happens to Tang Yi Xun and Ye Hai Tang is also left for us to imagine freely, since it's a "happy" ending considering their final letter sent through that mailbox. A lot of other things are also left out from the drama, but basically these are scenes that I think should've been inside of the drama IF they can somehow fit them in, which they didn't or can't fit them in since it's only 12 episodes.

I've said it before (in my previous reviews), I like both sad and happy endings, but I REALLY despise rushed endings. And I think this is a super "forced" rushed happy ending. I'm not saying this is a bad drama, it's still a good watch, but I personally felt disappointed in the last episodes.

Note that this is my PERSONAL opinion, and I am Human, so I can make mistakes, if I missed out/was wrong on a bunch of things I apologize. That's all for my review.

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Literally "Head over Heels" for ChooCho

"Her sleeping habit is... too dangerous" - Bae Gyeon U

I'm writing this review just because I haven't written one for any of Yi Hyun's other dramas. I know that this review will be very positive towards this drama and it can be super biased, but I'll write it nonetheless.

This drama has a unique concept where a shaman really goes out of her way, even putting herself in danger, to protect one of her "client" just because she fell for him at first sight. Both Yi Hyun and Young Woo play a character where both are "cursed" at birth. One being extremely unlucky, and one being able to see ghosts. Seong-A (Yi Hyun) was bullied and mistreated for being a shaman at middle school and was used and abandoned by her own parents, whilst Gyeon-U (Young Woo) was so unlucky that his own parents abandoned him and left him with his grandma. There is of course a usual love triangle, Jiho (Kang Yoon), who is basically Seong-A only friend, and secretly likes her, is one of the best characters I've seen as well. Instead of the usual jealous crush cliche, Jiho actually went out of his way to help her protect Gyeon-U, knowing she really likes him. And as for the so called "Evil Deity" who possessed Gyeon-U, or now called Bong Su, I really love that even with his appearance, the drama still keeps their original flow, meaning that it doesn't suddenly become a horror or super serious drama, yet he's just like a lost little boy. Can't wait to see his backstory, and why he became an Evil Deity. This drama is full of funny and serious moments that always go hand-in-hand, one moment you're laughing and suddenly they go serious. This drama is definitely a light watch, nothing too complicated, yet each episode will definitely make you hooked.

Casting-wise, there's Yi Hyun. What more can I ask for.

Nah I'm just joking, even though there's Yi Hyun, they picked the perfect role for every character. Let's start with Kim Mi-Kyung (Yi Hyun's spirit mother, or General Dongcheon), she is definitely the perfect fit to be Yi Hyun's spirit mother. I loved her in every scene she's in, especially when she's with Yoon Byung Hee (Flower Master), they're always so funny even in serious situations. I hope that she doesn't actually sacrifice herself to help Seong-A or Yeomhwa, her vibe is always to protect them no matter the cost, even though this is just my prediction, hopefully it doesn't happen. Next is of course Young Woo, he's the perfect first crush vibe that is so cold that looks super unapproachable yet is actually not like that when you get to know him. I've even heard that Head over Heels' rating went up after the release of episode 6 since people can't wait to see Gyeon-U but bolder at least towards Seong-A. As for Kang Yoon, the soon to be joining the second lead club. I can't say I relate but he's just like me, can't and won't say our true feelings to our crush, until it's too late. Our difference is that he is attractive and is actually interacting with his crush, even becoming her only friend. Choo Ja Hyun also plays Yeomhwa super good, and as I said before, actors/actresses that successfully made us hate them when playing a villain, is absolutely a good actor/actress. Since I can't really comment for the other casts individually, just know that casting wise, they have done a super great job.

I can't tell you how many times I've rewatched the previous episodes and how itchy it is to wait for 20:30 PM on Monday and Tuesday for the newer episodes to come on Prime. This is definitely one of Yi Hyun's best drama, and is one of the best K-dramas to come out this year. I won't say you will regret it if you don't watch it, but you will definitely be missing out on one of the best K-Dramas this year, at least for now, since we still have 5 months left to go. That's all for my review, I'll continue to wait for 21 July 20:30 PM and rewatch episode 1-8 for now ;>.

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I Wasn’t Ready for This Drama to Be This Good!

Let me start by saying—I had zero expectations going into this drama. I was just here for Li Landy’s newest project, hoping for something enjoyable. But what I got? A drama that pulled me into an emotional rollercoaster I didn’t even know I needed.

Sure, there have been a few new dramas this year that gave me tingles (Grab Your Love and Study Group comes to mind), but nothing has hit me quite like this one. I’ve been waiting for that one drama to completely absorb me, to make me feel something real. And this? This might just be it.

1. STORY — I'll only spill the story until Su Miao, you can watch the rest on WeTV or any other streaming platforms ;]
At first glance, the plot might seem simple: two people, Tang Qi and Su Cheng Cheng, who knew each other in the past, meet again as adults. Back then, Su Cheng Cheng had a crush on Tang Qi, but life took them in different directions—she abandoned her dream of becoming an athlete and pursued a career in beauty products, while Tang Qi became one of the co-owners of a start-up.

Their reunion at an alumni gathering takes a sour turn when Tang Qi casually calls her ugly (which, let’s be real, is a crime I still don’t forgive). The once-admired image she had of him instantly shatters.

But then, something magical happens.

On her way home, she buys flowers from an old lady, who gives her a mysterious bracelet. Su Cheng Cheng thinks nothing of it—until she saves a little boy chasing his balloon. In that moment, her entire appearance changes.

Tang Qi witnesses her act of kindness and falls for her at first sight, completely unaware that this woman—whom we come to know as Su Miao—is actually Su Cheng Cheng.

From that moment on, Tang Qi becomes obsessed with Su Miao, determined to win her over. He convinces her (unknowingly, his long-lost crush) to become the face of his brand.

At first, Su Cheng Cheng uses this opportunity as "leverage," playing along while keeping her real identity hidden. But as Tang Qi falls deeper, she starts questioning—does he love her because of her appearance? Or is there something more?

When Su Cheng Cheng’s sister (Su Qing Li) and best friend (Lin Yuan) decide to erase Su Miao so she can live as her true self, she witnesses something unexpected: Tang Qi’s complete devastation. He doesn’t just mourn Su Miao’s disappearance—he blames himself for losing her. And in that moment, Su Cheng Cheng realizes—Tang Qi truly loved Su Miao, not just for her beauty, but for her kindness and personality.

“That day... I didn’t even see her face. I didn’t know what she looked like, yet my heart was racing. For the first time, I understood love at first sight.” – Tang Qi

2. CASTING
👉 Tan Jian Ci as Tang Qi – Perfection. His performance is so immersive that you can feel every emotion—his jealousy, excitement, confusion, heartbreak, and love. He embodies Tang Qi in a way that makes you forget you’re watching a drama.

👉 Li Landy as Su Cheng Cheng – First of all, let’s address the real crime here: how is anyone calling Li Landy ugly in this drama? Unbelievable. That aside, she plays Su Cheng Cheng flawlessly—capturing her struggles and emotions perfectly.

👉 Supporting Cast – From her sister (Su Qing Li) to her friend (Lin Yuan) to Tang Qi’s friends (Gu Yu and Zhou Jin Li), everyone fits their role perfectly. Plus, the chemistry between Lin Yuan and Gu Yu? Adorable.

👉 Su Miao & Fang Jin – Since I’m writing this review while episode 15 is the latest, I’ve only seen two of Su Cheng Cheng’s personas, but they are fantastic. Each persona still feels like Su Cheng Cheng while maintaining distinct characteristics.

3. MUSIC
The OSTs are mostly playful, especially the opening and ending themes. While they may not be the most memorable tracks ever, they fit the drama’s overall theme perfectly—balancing humor, romance, and heartwarming moments.

4. REWATCH VALUE
If you’re like me, you’ll find yourself replaying certain episodes just to catch all the small details you might’ve missed the first time. The humor, the emotional beats, and even the subtle character interactions make this one worth revisiting.

I’ve already rewatched some episodes while waiting for new ones to drop, and I still find myself laughing at scenes I didn’t notice before.

5. FINAL THOUGHTS
If you love dramas that mix romance, identity shifts, and emotional depth without being overly complicated—watch this now.

It’s fun, emotional, and full of moments that will make you smile, cry, and scream into your pillow.

For now, I’m giving it a solid 9/10. But depending on how the story progresses, this could easily go either way.

My only hope? That it keeps up its amazing pace and delivers a satisfying ending. Please, no pointless fillers!

If you haven’t started this drama yet, do yourself a favor—go watch it. You won’t regret it. At least I didn't 😊.

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