tiring, endless accusations, but acting was great
a series of mysterious, unsolved murders in a small town where the killers cut off the fingers of the victims? just right up my alley. i think the mystery was well-developed.at the beginning, i found Lee Dong Shik very hard to read—i couldn’t tell what his intentions were, why he did what he did. he really did look crazy to me. but, this was explained at the end of the series, and i guess he did what he thought was best in his situation, even when it made people questioning his actions.
this series contains endless accusations, which gets tiring as the story goes. since the beginning, the murder investigations from 20 years ago already started out wrong. it was kinda surprising to know that that many people were involved in tempering evidence and covering up the murders. despite the tiring and endless accusations, it was interesting to see how a tight-knit group in a small town started to suspect one another, and later, worked together to catch the killers. speaking of teamwork, i loved it when Lee Dong Shik and Han Ju Won worked together. they were unstoppable!
there is one character that i couldn’t stand, and that person is Park Jeong Je’s mother. she wanted to have her ways and keep her son safe. she is the type of mother who will do anything for her son, even when her son is in the wrongs. unbearably annoying, even more so than the antagonists in this series.
anyway, the acting in this series was superb.
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giving this series A SECOND CHANCE
when this series first aired, i wanted to love it, but halfway through, the story didn’t compel me enough to continue, so i dropped it. fast forward to 2024, i was in a drama slump, and when i saw the series on Netflix, i decided to give it another try. and i’m glad i did.the reason i dropped it initially was that the story felt quite mundane. there were no surprising twists or moments of intense drama to keep me on the edge of my seat. ironically, that same quality became the reason i grew to love it after giving it another chance. as the years have passed and i’ve gotten older, i’ve come to appreciate stories about everyday life more. a story doesn’t always need to be extravagant or packed with thrills–just like life itself.
the entire cast of this drama truly delivered. Kim Da Mi and Choi Woo Shik had amazing chemistry and looked so good together. however, my favorite was Park Jin Joo; her character brought so much joy to every scene she was in! and oh how i felt bad for Kim Sung Cheol’s character. he deserves love and happiness.
at the end of the day, i’ve realized that everything comes down to mood and timing. if a drama doesn’t resonate with you now, consider revisiting it in the future—you might find yourself appreciating it in a whole new way.
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This review may contain spoilers
I’m usually not a fan of korean crime and detective dramas, as they often feature characters making unrealistic and idiotic choices. However, ‘Flower of Evil’ really had me sitting on the edge of my seat.The suspense escalated as Jiwon began to suspect her husband, Do Hyun Su. I loved watching the tension unfold as he lied to her, all while she was acutely aware of his true identity. The buildup to the moment when Do Hyun Su realized that Jiwon had uncovered his secret was incredibly satisfying, and that scene did not disappoint. The emotional depth showcased by Lee Jun Ki and Moon Chae Won was nothing short of remarkable, perfectly capturing the intensity of the moment.
However, I felt that the pacing slowed down significantly after the real Baek Hee Seong woke up. From that point on, the story dragged a bit, and I found myself skipping through many of Baek Hee Seong’s scenes, largely because I couldn’t stand his parents and their impact on the narrative. This shift in focus detracted from the overall tension that had been so engaging earlier in the series.
I doubt I would rewatch this drama, as the thrill of the experience relies heavily on the suspense surrounding Do Hyun Su’s secrets. For that reason, I would rate its rewatch value a mere two out of ten. Overall, it’s a captivating watch, but once you know the twists, the excitement diminishes.
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A Frustrating Love Triangle Overshadowed by One-Dimensional Characters
First and foremost, the villagers in this drama were extremely annoying. From the very beginning, the ahjummas barged into the male lead’s home uninvited. When he expressed his discomfort with their intrusion, they took offense, which felt entirely unjustified. It seems the writer aimed to portray the villagers as wholesome and family-oriented, but instead, they came across as rude and intrusive.It was challenging to invest in the lead characters, including the second male lead, due to their one-dimensional portrayals. The acting didn’t help much either, as it often felt monotonous and lacking in emotional depth. You know how sometimes you find yourself rooting for the second male lead over the main guy, or vice versa? In this series, I didn’t feel that connection at all, which was disappointing, especially since the love triangle was supposed to be the main conflict.
Ultimately, I found myself indifferent to the romance. I was just watching for the dogs and puppies.
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A NOSTALGIC GEM!!!
I am and will always be biased toward ‘Goong’, as it was one of the first dramas I watched back in elementary school (I’m 27 now). Revisiting it brings back a flood of wonderful memories, and I remember every girl in school was obsessed with Lee Shin. And let’s not forget the unforgettable OSTs. I listened to them on repeat, jamming out with my walkman (I feel so ancient, lol).While the acting leaves much to be desired and can often be quite cringeworthy, the story perfectly encapsulates every young girl’s dream at that time. The plot is delightfully light and whimsical, making ‘Goong’ my go-to drama whenever I want something easy to watch without diving into more serious or complicated narratives.
‘Goong’ is fun and simple—you don’t have to strain your brain to follow the story, which is a refreshing escape when you just want to unwind. It’s a nostalgic treat that reminds me of a simpler time, filled with youthful romance and fantasy.
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main cast is SPOT-ON! off to a good start!
Hwang In Yeop totally nails the eldest sibling vibe—he’s responsible, serious, and caring, but he has this distant, mysterious vibe. Bae Hyun Sung, as the playful older brother, always has a smile on his face but you can tell he’s hiding some deeper, painful feelings. and Jung Chae Yeon is such a perfect fit for the youngest sibling! i’m really loving the trio and their dads.i love the original Chinese drama, and since the original has 40 episodes, i’m excited to see how they’re going to pack everything into just 16 episodes. definitely looking forward to seeing how they adapt it!
btw, Bae Hyun Sung reminds me a bit of Park Bo Gum in ‘Reply 1988’ with that hairstyle and especially his eyes. is it just me? haha
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This review may contain spoilers
A CRYING FEST
OMG IT’S SO GOOD!i’d say the first four episodes are an introduction to the whole story. it could get a bit confusing since the narrative jumps from one character to another without warning. so at that point, i was just as confused as those characters in the series. the first half of the series feels more like a mystery thriller, while the second half becomes a sad story without any mystery or thriller elements.
the story of each character and how they are connected started to unfold in episode 5. it was kinda cool since we, as viewers, were figuring out the place and the light shop along with the characters. Lee Jung Eun’s and Ju Ji Hoon’s acting was sooooo amazing. the final episode, for me, was a crying fest.
i liked the idea of Seolhyun’s character becoming a lingering ghost—it’s understandable since she technically died to be with Hyunmin, but he doesn’t even remember her at all, both in the afterlife and in real life after he woke up from the coma.
i also liked how, at the end, the camera zoomed out and we could see other light shops around the neighborhood.
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A ROMCOM DELIGHT, but 12 episodes are just too short!
It’s been so long since I’ve found myself giggling and squealing over a K-drama, but ‘No Gain No Love’ brought back all those emotions. While the story itself was pretty mid and followed familiar rom-com tropes, the drama still exceeded my expectations. And even though certain plot points didn’t always make sense, it remained entertaining throughout.One of the standout elements of this drama is how much I rooted for both the main and secondary couples. Both pairings were incredibly charming, and their chemistry was off the charts. Visually and personality-wise, they matched perfectly.
Shin Min Ah was, as always, a delight. She truly doesn’t age! Her character in this drama was irresistibly adorable, and her acting felt effortless. As a woman, even I fell for her! Her expressions, energy, and overall presence added so much warmth to the show. Honestly, she carried a large part of the charm.
I was a bit skeptical about Kim Young Dae initially, as I haven’t been his biggest fan in the past. While there were moments when his acting felt a bit stiff, he still won me over. His chemistry with Shin Min Ah was undeniably sweet, and together, they really made my heart flutter. For me, this drama showcased a new side to him that I didn’t mind at all.
Lee Sang Yi and Han Ji Hyun brought some much-needed comedy to the series. They were pure entertainment, and Han Ji Hyun was absolutely adorable. I totally understand why Bok Gyu Hyeon (Lee Sang Yi’s character) fell for her—I would too! Their dynamic was so fun to watch, and I can’t wait for their spin-off! It would be a lot of fun!
While the show delivered on the romance and comedy fronts, it wasn’t without its flaws. The story started out strong but became disappointing midway through as the trajectory seemed to shift. A major example is how Ahn Woo Jae—who was a key figure in the first few episodes— just disappeared midway through the story. It felt like the storyline was dropped entirely.
With only 12 episodes, the drama simply didn’t have enough time to unpack all the storylines it introduced. The ending felt rushed and unfinished, and I wish they had given the plot more room to breathe. An extended episode count could have helped smooth out these issues and provided a more satisfying conclusion.
In the end, ‘No Gain No Love’ is an enjoyable watch that delivers on its rom-com promise. Despite its imperfections, the charming cast, delightful chemistry between both couples, and genuine moments of comedy kept me invested.
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This review may contain spoilers
too easy; police always one step behind
One day, I stumbled across a post somewhere discussing how people just started to recognize Kim Nam Gil only now through his newest drama 'Trigger', like "He is such a great actor and people are just now starting to recognize him?! Where have they been?? Living under a rock?!" Calm down, sister, but I agree. I didn't know he had a new drama, but I was intrigued by the premise, so why not give it a try?Kim Nam Gil absolutely delivered as expected. From the beginning, we get to see what kind of policeman his character is - compassionate and gentle, but fierce when handling guns. If I were his subordinate, he would be my role model. I was really touched and cried a little bit during his last scene with his captain.
The action scenes were plentiful and I loved them! They weren't over the top, and really showcased how skillful both Kim Nam Gil's and Kim Young Kwang's characters are. I also found Kim Young Kwang's acting quite good. You know whose acting bothered me the most though? The foreign actors. Why does the acting of foreign actors in K-dramas always suck? So unnatural and takes me out of the scene every time because of how noticeably bad they are. Thank God they only appeared for a moment here.
Out of all the different story of the perpetrators, I liked the background story of the high schools students and the gangster. They had clear motives, and I understand why they chose the guns, not that I justified their actions. The gangster was stupid tho. After their extensive efforts to outplay their boss and steal his money, they were celebrating and throwing money in the air instead of escaping smh. The grandma had a clear motive too, but it wasn’t explored deep enough so it didn’t leave much impression on me.
Unfortunately, the story itself became more meh as it progressed. The police are always one step behind and only Kim Nam Gil can catch up with the antagonists. This happens repeatedly, so it gets tiring. Another point is that I don’t understand why Kim Nam Gil involved Kim Young Kwang in some of the chases (although the first time was unplanned) when 1.) Kim Young Kwang is not a police and 2.) Kim Nam Gil barely knows him. Moreover, the ending was really weak. My reaction was literally "That's it??" It's difficult to explain why I find the story disappointing, maybe I will update this review in the future when I'm more awake and not sleepy.
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MY HEART IS FULL
This drama truly warmed my heart. I loved the sense of community among the villagers—it felt like one big family. I especially appreciated how they gradually accepted Yeoreum, the newcomer, into their lives. The character development throughout the drama was well done, making the relationships feel authentic and meaningful.I really enjoyed the story. It tackled everyday life problems and family drama, yet it never became boring. The acting was also natural.
One detail I particularly liked was how Yeoreum repeated outfits a few times. It was a small touch, but it made her feel more realistic and relatable as a character.
❎What I disliked:
Bom’s father was an alcoholic, selfish, and abusive, yet the people around him seemed so quick to forgive, especially after what he did to Bom. The grandmother, while generally kind, was selfish in this situation. She was only thinking about herself, completely ignoring the fact that her grandchildren were suffering because of their father. His existence was more of a burden, and it was heartbreaking to see how it affected Bom and her sibling.
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SO ANGSTY, JUST WHAT I NEED!
if you ever wanted to cry and feel pain, Saguek dramas always delivers. they are filled with miscommunications, secrets, plotting, and yearning–ah, the perfect formula for tears.i was desperately in need of something angsty because i just wanted to feel pain. i wanted my heart to be ripped apart, thrown under the bus, and stomped on. and YES! this drama gave me exactly that! why does someone’s love story have to be filled with so many hurdles??? while watching this series, i couldn’t help but wonder: what would i do if i were in Chaekyung’s shoes? would i choose love over family? and if i were Prince Yeok, would i choose love over friends and my people?
i have to say, the most confusing character for me was the king. his decisions were often contradictory, and he was so toxic, but i could understand why he became the way he was.
overall, i enjoyed this drama more than i expected, and i loved the character development of each individual. i also have to mention that the casting for the younger Chaekyung and Prince Yeok was spot on! they resembled the older actors perfectly and gave off a similar vibe.
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This review may contain spoilers
Action-packed, but watching once is enough.
Action mode: ON!Romance: ZERO (which is a good thing).
Bromance & Friendship: 100%!
While the acting was outstanding and the friendship between Gunwoo and Woojin was heartwarming, a few things bothered me throughout the series.
1) They used a Mustang for stakeouts. I mean, come on—everyone knows that a Mustang draws too much attention, making their stakeout efforts practically pointless! It seems like Mustang is a sponsor for this series, but it really detracted from the realism.
2) Mr. Choi’s house was inexplicably unguarded, despite him being incredibly wealthy. He repeatedly emphasized that he wanted to protect his granddaughter, yet it seemed like he made little effort to ensure her safety or the security of his home.
3) Mr. Choi’s knifers met a pointless death. They were introduced as skilled fighters, yet their potential was never fully showcased before they were quickly dispatched. I was genuinely looking forward to seeing more action from them.
It’s unfortunate that Kim Sae Ron had to leave the show due to controversy. Her character played a crucial role, and her absence resulted in some awkward plot developments.
Another point of frustration was Kim Min Jae’s brief appearance. His character was introduced with an air of mystery that piqued my curiosity, yet ultimately, we were left with very little information about him. It felt as though his character was underutilized, despite being important to the storyline. I wanted to learn more about his background and role, but instead, he seemed to fade into the background without making any significant impact.
Overall, this series is decent for passing the time, but I likely won’t watch it again. Once was enough for me. I do have to give props to Woo Do Hwan and Lee Sang Yi for their dedication to building impressive boxer physiques, though!
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was good, but i still like the webtoon more <3
The story unfolds at a slow pace, likely due to the frequent flashbacks that, while necessary for character development, can sometimes feel drawn out. These flashbacks are essential for helping us understand the characters, particularly as we anticipate when the other characters will realize that Ban Ji Eum is actually Yoon Joo Won (her 18th life). However, I can’t help but feel that the narrative has been a bit flat thus far. In the first four episodes, not much has happened, and we often find ourselves revisiting the same flashback scenes repeatedly.I also believe that Moon Seo Ha could benefit from seeking help from a psychologist or psychiatrist to address his trauma and mental struggles. His character’s depth could be greatly enhanced with a more nuanced exploration of these issues. Despite these concerns, I’m not ready to drop this drama just yet! If you do choose to stop watching, I highly recommend reading the webtoon instead, as it offers a much more enjoyable and heart-fluttering experience.
On a brighter note, Park So Yi, who plays the younger Ban Ji Eum, is a talented actress and incredibly cute—I can’t help but have heart eyes whenever she’s on screen! Additionally, I’m rooting for Cho Won; she and Ha Do Yoon have a lovely chemistry that I can’t wait to see develop further.
And here’s some good news: the story begins to pick up momentum in episode five! YES! I’m excited to see the sisters reunite, and I’m eager to continue this journey with them!
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HYUNOH, the walking RED FLAG
I liked Shin Hae Sun and Kang Hoon in this, but Lee Jin Wook? Couldn’t stand him.The more I watched, the more I hated his character.
1) He had the same expression no matter the scene. Even in what should have been emotional moments, there was just… nothing. ZERO!
2) Hyunoh is toxic. By the last few episodes, it’s obvious he KNOWS how attached Eunho is to him and how “important” he is to her, and he abused that.
The doctor Eunho’s been seeing? Completely useless. She didn’t do a thing and honestly looked so unconvincing the whole time. And then there’s Jeon Jae Yong—what was even the point of his character? Totally absurd and added nothing to the plot.
There were also some really odd camera angles that were just distracting. Like when someone was talking, instead of showing their face, we were shown the back of their head..?? What kind of information and emotions should I get from the back of their head?
Overall, the storyline fell flat and was just boring. Safe to say, I wouldn’t recommend this one.
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THIS IS THE ONE!
I like how the story is light and cliché yet straightforward — there’s no dragging and no complicated twist and turns. And it has only 12 episodes in total!Its greatest strength is the chemistry between the characters. Kim Se Jeong and Seol In Ah have previously worked together, so I think it partly helps build up the chemistry with the other two leads. Plus, all actors are around the same age and have similar vibe.
Thanks to the great chemistry and light story, I am able to enjoy this drama a lot. It has been my source of happiness these past few weeks. Every Monday, I feel alive again and already looking forward to the next week.
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