This review may contain spoilers
Cinderella at 2AM proved that even 10 episodes can feel long when nothing happens.
I write really long reviews but here's a summary. Keep in mind this is just my opinion and I don't mean to offend anyone ❤️
This one's a bit long- so if you like slightly detailed reviews, you're gonna (hopefully) love this.
❗SPOILERS AHEAD❗
The Good
Moon Sang Min as Joo Won
Let’s be real—Moon Sang Min carried this drama. His character was the only reason I powered through. Joo Won was so my type, and I don’t care what anyone says!! He was adorable, loyal, and had me seriously questioning my own standards. The casting? Chef’s kiss. He fit the role perfectly.
Si Won & Mi Jin’s Side Romance
Si Won and Mi Jin’s relationship was the real saving grace of this show. Their romance was way more entertaining than the main couple’s, and they stole the spotlight every single time they were on screen. Si Won was hilarious, Mi Jin had charm, and together they made every scene better. Usually, side character arcs bore me or feel like filler, but not this time—I was all in.
The Bad
Boring Story & Endless Loops
This drama was painfully slow and uneventful. Like… how does a show with fewer episodes than usual still feel like a marathon? From episode 3 to the very end, it was the same tired loop: Joo Won chasing, her pushing him away—and not in a flirty, will-they-won’t-they way. Just… pushing.
Her Unbalanced “Love”
Their love felt more like 20/80 than 50/50. Joo Won was out here treating her like his entire world, while she was giving the emotional equivalent of dry toast. I get that she was the one who ended things, but come on—where was the longing? The late-night breakdowns? The “almost called you but didn’t” scenes?
Sure, she mentions her feelings later, but by then it felt like a random info drop. There was no emotional buildup, so it didn’t land. And don’t get me started on the wedding. She put zero effort into planning and genuinely thought work achievements were more important than showing up for their future together. Like girl, be serious. He was rightfully upset, and I felt zero sympathy for her.
Underwhelming Acting Choices
No shade—it’s not easy being an actor—but I needed more range from Yoon Seo. Every time she was annoyed or uncomfortable, it was the same expression. If you’ve seen it, you know exactly which one I’m talking about. It got repetitive fast.
No Antagonist & Wasted Trauma
The show dragged because there was no real antagonist or tension. Joo Won’s mom? A minor inconvenience at best. No external pressure, no urgency—just vibes.
And the abuse storyline? Wasted. It could’ve added depth, but instead it felt like a sympathy card that went nowhere. Her trauma was barely explored. Her parents die off-screen, and the whole thing is forgotten. If they’d actually shown how that trauma affected her current relationship—maybe fears of repeating past patterns—it would’ve brought some much-needed emotional complexity.
Everyone Felt Like a Side Character
No one in this show had real development. It felt like everyone—even the leads—were just floating through. No character arcs, no personal growth. While Si Won & Mi Jin came close, the rest were flat and forgettable. It made the show feel hollow.
The “Block” Button?
This one's short: why didn’t she just block the number? Before she knew it was the artist, she had no reason to keep responding. Watching her get mad at texts she could’ve stopped instantly? Infuriating. Girl, just hit “block” and move on.
Final Thoughts
Cinderella at 2AM somehow made 10 episodes feel like 20. I didn’t go in with high expectations, and it still managed to underwhelm. By the end, I was half-watching—just trying to get through it.
Joo Won was perfection, and Si Won and Mi Jin brought some much-needed life, but it wasn’t enough to save a flat plot and one-sided romance. The pacing dragged, there were no real stakes, and the “other lover” subplot was as weak as the rushed wedding.
Honestly, the only reason I’d revisit this show is to remind myself what true loyalty looks like—because Joo Won really set the bar. So for that… I guess I owe it a tiny thanks. Just a little.
This one's a bit long- so if you like slightly detailed reviews, you're gonna (hopefully) love this.
❗SPOILERS AHEAD❗
The Good
Moon Sang Min as Joo Won
Let’s be real—Moon Sang Min carried this drama. His character was the only reason I powered through. Joo Won was so my type, and I don’t care what anyone says!! He was adorable, loyal, and had me seriously questioning my own standards. The casting? Chef’s kiss. He fit the role perfectly.
Si Won & Mi Jin’s Side Romance
Si Won and Mi Jin’s relationship was the real saving grace of this show. Their romance was way more entertaining than the main couple’s, and they stole the spotlight every single time they were on screen. Si Won was hilarious, Mi Jin had charm, and together they made every scene better. Usually, side character arcs bore me or feel like filler, but not this time—I was all in.
The Bad
Boring Story & Endless Loops
This drama was painfully slow and uneventful. Like… how does a show with fewer episodes than usual still feel like a marathon? From episode 3 to the very end, it was the same tired loop: Joo Won chasing, her pushing him away—and not in a flirty, will-they-won’t-they way. Just… pushing.
Her Unbalanced “Love”
Their love felt more like 20/80 than 50/50. Joo Won was out here treating her like his entire world, while she was giving the emotional equivalent of dry toast. I get that she was the one who ended things, but come on—where was the longing? The late-night breakdowns? The “almost called you but didn’t” scenes?
Sure, she mentions her feelings later, but by then it felt like a random info drop. There was no emotional buildup, so it didn’t land. And don’t get me started on the wedding. She put zero effort into planning and genuinely thought work achievements were more important than showing up for their future together. Like girl, be serious. He was rightfully upset, and I felt zero sympathy for her.
Underwhelming Acting Choices
No shade—it’s not easy being an actor—but I needed more range from Yoon Seo. Every time she was annoyed or uncomfortable, it was the same expression. If you’ve seen it, you know exactly which one I’m talking about. It got repetitive fast.
No Antagonist & Wasted Trauma
The show dragged because there was no real antagonist or tension. Joo Won’s mom? A minor inconvenience at best. No external pressure, no urgency—just vibes.
And the abuse storyline? Wasted. It could’ve added depth, but instead it felt like a sympathy card that went nowhere. Her trauma was barely explored. Her parents die off-screen, and the whole thing is forgotten. If they’d actually shown how that trauma affected her current relationship—maybe fears of repeating past patterns—it would’ve brought some much-needed emotional complexity.
Everyone Felt Like a Side Character
No one in this show had real development. It felt like everyone—even the leads—were just floating through. No character arcs, no personal growth. While Si Won & Mi Jin came close, the rest were flat and forgettable. It made the show feel hollow.
The “Block” Button?
This one's short: why didn’t she just block the number? Before she knew it was the artist, she had no reason to keep responding. Watching her get mad at texts she could’ve stopped instantly? Infuriating. Girl, just hit “block” and move on.
Final Thoughts
Cinderella at 2AM somehow made 10 episodes feel like 20. I didn’t go in with high expectations, and it still managed to underwhelm. By the end, I was half-watching—just trying to get through it.
Joo Won was perfection, and Si Won and Mi Jin brought some much-needed life, but it wasn’t enough to save a flat plot and one-sided romance. The pacing dragged, there were no real stakes, and the “other lover” subplot was as weak as the rushed wedding.
Honestly, the only reason I’d revisit this show is to remind myself what true loyalty looks like—because Joo Won really set the bar. So for that… I guess I owe it a tiny thanks. Just a little.
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