Noctis

Undercover High School is a well scripted drama with top notch comedy.. Though it did lean on some familiar tropes and cliches, it still stands out thanks to its hilarious characters and the chemistry between them and also the fact that its so well done.. It's not a thriller by any sense.. Just good, lighthearted fun.. The school setting felt fresh, even though we have seen it in plenty of dramas before.. There is something about these hallways and classrooms that still pulls you in.. The middle of the story drags a little, looses momentum so to say.. But the cast and their humor carried it through.. Episode 4 was my favorite.. Peak comedy..

Seo Kang Joon chose the right script for his comeback.. It felt like the story was right up his element.. Jin Ki Joo was so good in her character.. But that was expected, both because the role suited her perfectly and because well she is talented.. She is such an underrated actress..
Special shoutout to Kim Shin Rok.. She was crazy and her performance was so disturbingly good..

Then came the ending and honestly it felt rushed.. So much happens in the last five minutes and that’s not the kind of conclusion I want from a drama.. A drama’s ending should feel as cared for as the rest of the story,.. But this didnt feel that way... Also, why did he become a teacher?? Nothing in the story hinted that..

I wasn’t bothered by the lack of romance.. It didn’t need it.. But the insanse chemistry they had should have been explored more atleast in the finale to give it some heart..

" If you think about it, treasures aren't that far away..
My treasure are these people.. "

Overall.. This is a fun drama that’s worth the time.. The comedy shines, the action’s decent and the riddles are fun enough to keep you curious.. Most importantly I had fun watching it.. And that’s what matters for me.. It’s a drama that made me laugh and I can’t ask for much more than that..

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Before I started this, I didn’t really want to compare it to My ID Is Gangnam Beauty.. But once I started watching, I found it impossible not to.. This adaptation just can’t hold a candle to the Korean version, which was far superior in both story and acting.. Honda Kyoya really carried the show.. His performance stood out the most for me.. This was the first drama of Ishii Anna I have watched and I found her performance a bit weak.. But I feel that had more to do with the script and her character than with her acting..

I don’t want to get into the whole plastic surgery topic or how people are judged based on looks.. We all know how shallow society can be.. Sadly this drama reflects reality more than fiction and it’s worth remembering that even conventionally good looking people face bullying too.. Personally I don’t think the surgery itself changed her life for the better.. What it really did was make her feel ‘Ah, I too can have friends and a social life..’ Even though she was beautiful, she still felt unworthy of the person she loved.. What truly changed her life was learning to accept herself and becoming confident about what she wants and who she wants to be.. She only seemed genuinely happy in the last few episodes..

I liked the ML’s characterization and how he stayed true to himself.. I was impressed by how he constantly stood up to everyone's sexist remarks.. The short runtime of under 5 hours was a blessing in disguise, there were no filler episodes.. I also wouldn’t say the drama felt rushed, they said what they wanted to say even if it wasn’t done to perfection..

Overall, it’s an okayish drama with many flaws.. But since it’s a quick watch you don’t mind them too much.. I think how people perceive this drama or even the other adaptations depends a lot on their perspective towards life.. So don’t worry about the ratings.. Watch it if you find the premise interesting..

P.S. I would have loved to see more of their dating era but it seems most writers don't really know how to write a proper happily ever after..

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There is no denying this is a hypnotic creation.. Proof once again that even if the idea itself isn’t anything new, a genius execution of an exciting theme can work wonders.. Especially when orchestrated with immaculate rigor.. Every detail in the drama reflects a rare aesthetic.. It’s no exaggeration to say the drama unfolds as a complete experience..

The visuals in this drama are pretty good with some really striking shots.. And of course, BJT absolutely kills it not just in the action scenes but with a powerhouse performance overall.. The execution of the complex narrative structure is near perfection.. Time loops are tricky but the drama handles them so smoothly that while the story may feel confusing at times, but never messy..

The first episode was a perfect 10 for me.. It set the stage beautifully and instantly made me interested in the story and its characters.. The comedy was on point and the squad’s chemistry was just too good.. The action scenes were meticulously done.. BJT excelled in both hand to hand combat and gunfights, it clearly showed his dedication and wholehearted commitment..

There were two things that felt a bit off to me.. First, even though this isn’t a romance drama, the chemistry between the ML and FL felt lacking.. Their supposed feelings for each other just didn’t connect with me.. Maybe that was intentional, but it still left me unconvinced.. Second, the way he became a time loop perceiver felt underdeveloped.. They could have handled that part much better.. Again it was not convincing..

Overall, this is a truly remarkable drama.. You can see how carefully everything was thought out and pieced together and above all, you can feel the passion poured into the drama by everyone involved.. And that’s why it comes across as such a mesmerizing work.. Beautiful to the eyes, ears and heart.. It’s perfection in the form of a drama, one that will be hard to forget..

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Talented Actors.. Ample Budget.. All the Time in the World.. Yet a Below Par Unfinished Sequel..

When you create a banger of a first season the audience expects the next one to be equally good if not better.. Unfortunately Squid Game Season 2 completely fails to meet those expectations.. I spent seven hours watching it.. Only for it to end on a cliffhanger.. Now I have to wait several more months just to get a conclusion?? What a waste of time..

Honestly all the emotions, the quality of the games and the sheer thrill that made the first part unforgettable were completely missing in season 2.. Why couldn’t they just release everything in this one season?? This money grabbing trend is getting worse.. While I agree that some dramas need to be split into multiple parts to make sense.. Squid Game Season 2 doesnt fall into that category..

Psychopath Gong Yoo was an absolute sight to watch.. If I am not wrong this is his first time playing a psycho and he absolutely nailed it.. His character was fascinating.. I mean this guy when he wasnt recruiting people for a kill or die game in the most bizarre way.. He was casually roaming around, taunting and messing with the homeless.. How much of a psycho is he really?? He deserves a spin off like a prequel or something..

The first 2-3 episodes were pretty boring.. The build up was poor and failed to capture the momentum.. Honestly.. In my opinion Lee Jung Jae’s story should have ended with first Season.. If not he definitely shouldn’t have been in the anchor role again.. He literally fell into the same trap again... How stupid is he?? He also took away the opportunity to explore new characters or stories and there were plenty to explore..

I don’t know what to say about Park Sung Hoon.. He absolutely nailed his role.. And TOP?? His character was so pathetic.. I was expecting nothing less than a horrible death for him and he got what he deserved..
Im Si Wan.. You can always expect a top tier performance from him.. And he definitely delivered.. I really hope he and Jun Hui get a happy ending..

The introduction of Player Number 1 was a huge twist.. Totally unexpected.. I was thinking "Gi Hun and his plans are screwed "..

Why so many talented actors if you dont plan on utilising them??

Squid Game Season 2 really missed the chance to recreate the intensity and impact that made the first season so iconic.. It ended up being a below par season.. Felt more one dimensional.. They should have just made it a 12 ep season and finished the drama.. For me Im Siwan and Park Sung Hoon were the standout performers..

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Kang Full’s Got No Chill.. Back to Back Masterpieces..

Light Shop flawlessly intertwines the supernatural with human emotions and explores the afterlife and the quest for redemption.. It offered a moving experience to say the truth.. Light Shop excels in showing us the thin veil between life and death.. Reality and the ethereal..
What made me keep watching was the slow paced mood driven narrative.. The slow pace may not appeal to everyone like it did with me.. But you have to understand that it allows the story to unfold with emotional precision.. Which makes each revelation more impactful.. The visual depth in the drama is just outstanding..

Immersive Screenplay.. Visual feast of cinematography.. Good music and extradordinary performance from the cast drives Light Shop to be a work of art..

Ju Ji Hoon and Kim Seol Hyun's performance stood out for me.. KSH's character Lee Ji Yeong's death was an emotional one and the sheer pain of her final moments both physical and emotional tore through the narrative like a wound that refuses to heal.. I think its her story with Uhm Tae Goo that felt the most tragic and that wound never truly healed.. Even by the end..
I think in her last moments as a ghost she believed Hyun Min didn’t love her.. She seemed to expect him to choose to stay with her in the afterlife like Seon Hae did for Hye Won believing that is where they would be happiest.. But in the end Jiyoung chooses to haunt him forever and I guess you could say she becomes a vengeful spirit unable to let go.. Perhaps if she had known about the ring her story could have had a different ending… Maybe..

In Light Shop's finale while every character seems to find some closure.. Its clear that its not truly the end.. Their lives are now intertwined with the afterlife.. I guess they will have to face whatever comes next in their journey through life..

I would have loved to see JJH and Park Bo Young interact in the show.. Guess we just have to be content knowing they have met before ..

The cameo at the end by Jang Hui Su was a pleasant surprise .. But I would have loved to see Kim Bong Seok make an appearance as well.. And we get a look at Young tak from Timing.. So I guess they will create a larger universe in the coming years.. Hope they do it..

Overall this drama is a masterpiece or as close as it can get.. It tells a story that is as "MOVING" as it is entertaining.. It hooks you holds you and leaves you in awe.. Whether you are watching it for the story or the visuals or the acting.. Light Shop delivers on all fronts..

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Park Hyung Sik.. Dark and Vicious..

The best thing about Buried Hearts is Park Hyung Sik.. He might not be considered as the best actor out there but but his performance here?? So So good.. Saw a whole new side of him.. I would say he was the antihero.. Cold and calculating.. This might just be his darkest role yet.. He really had the vibe of a psychopathic killer in his darkest moments.. I loved the Park Hyung Sik I saw in this drama.. His dark vibes and murderous eyes were enough to elevate the drama's story.. He was phenomenal and the reason to watch this drama despite its flaws..

The first few episodes were good.. But honestly it felt like nobody was in control of the story. Not even the writer himself.. It was just spiraling out of control with no clear direction. The drama leaned heavily on exaggarated tropes. Honestly we didn’t get anything new here, its the usual chaebol dysfunctional family with secrets, betrayals and secret kids. They tried to juggle one too many twists and that i would say was one factor that made this drama feel weak..

Let’s put it this way.. It lacked originality..

Another disappointing aspect for me was the romance.. There was undeniable chemistry between the couple.. But it felt downplayed to prioritize the thriller element.. I see it as a missed opportunity.. But man their intimate scenes were tryuly INTIMATE..

Yeo EunNam's a complex character.. Most people wont like her and thats understandable.. Her decision to marry someone else and why she broke DongJu's heart, by the time we reach episode 10, the reasons just feel irrelevant.. Her character stops developing at a certain point and it honestly feels like a wasted opportunity.. Its almost like she is not relevant anymore.. That’s what happens when you cram too many twists into a drama.. You forget to properly develop some important characters..

The fact that she wasn’t ready to give up the shares at the beginning was a key moment for her character.. But again, the reason behind that decision gets completely undermined later on.. Throughout the drama, she only ever truly laughed when it was with the ML or because of him.. He was her source of happiness.. It took her a while to come to a solid decision.. But in the end, she chose the ML.. Then again that too gets underplayed..

The supporting cast was good.. Huh Joon ho as Yeom Jang seon who is the manipulative antagonist was too good with his chilling duality, Friendly one moment Sinister the next..

The cinematography was slick.. If you are someone who appreciates the framing and visual composition in movies or dramas, you will notice that this is a carefully crafted series.. With scenes so elegantly framed they could make you pause just to admire certain shots.. Some frames speak for themselves, quietly telling a story in a single shot.. This might be a controversial opinion but you don't get such attention to frames in dramas like this..

Like I mentioned at the beginning, this drama started off strong but lost steam as it went on.. The writer honestly seemed clueless.. If I were to start listing everything that went wrong in the second half, this review would be far too long and frankly, it wouldn’t be worth it.. Honestly, it was Park Hyung Sik who carried the show.. This is just another formulaic script that heavily relied on its ML..

And what was that ending?? The male lead literally abandoned his ambitions, his love, and just left.. He worked so hard for 16 episodes, only to walk away like that?? Dropped everything he strived so hard to achieve?? They really went for a poetic touch in a drama like this?? Everything fell apart the moment he left. What was it all for then??

I just couldn’t digest the fact that they thought an open ended finale like that would make viewers happy.. They sabotaged the drama themselves.. They should have given us proper closure to this story arc.. He achieved his objective.. He got together with the girl he loved.. Then he takes a break with her.. Sail away.. Far away.. End it there.. After that sure, throw in your post credit scene about the chairman’s son killing the grandson and aiming for the company.. Is it really that hard?? Kdrama writers often drop the ball when it comes to writing satisfying endings.. And Buried Hearts is just another victim.. Such an ending to a drama that will never get a second season is unacceptable..

Overall Buried Hearts isn’t going to excite you, keep you bolted to your seat, or stir any real emotions.. There’s a clear lack of focus throughout.. But I would still recommend watching it for Park Hyung Sik.. For Dong Ju and Eun Nam and their chemistry and whatever little romance they had..

" They ruined the show.. Ruined the Characters.. Seon U should have stayed innocent.. Taeyun deserved better.. Taeyun was the only kind soul in the whole drama.. Killing him was just nasty and cruel.. Dong Ju and Eunnam deserved a wedding.. We deserved to see their wedding.. "

16 episodes for what??

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The Winning Try is a story that doesn’t just focus on the sport itself or the main leads and their past, present and future.. Instead it highlights the entire team and even several characters outside the team, that we grow interested in.. You don’t need to be a rugby fan or a sports enthusiast to understand or enjoy this story.. I have never watched rugby in my life, but the fact that I didn’t need to know even the basics of the sport to fully enjoy this drama makes it worth watching.. The drama follows the usual setup of a struggling team with little hope, until the arrival of a new coach who influences a transformation so remarkable it feels like a miracle.. Add in the petty politics and rivalries within the school itself and this makes for an interesting storyline that's brilliant to watch..

Easily the best aspect of the drama was the authentic performances from the entire cast.. Yoon Kye Sang, Kim Yo Han and the rest of the cast.. Yoon Kye Sang in particular, gave one of his best performances.. After finishing the drama, it’s hard to imagine anyone else in that role..

There were a few obvious plot holes.. Though this one isn’t really a plot hole, more of me nitpicking about something I didn’t like or understand why it was included.. Seong Jun and Seo U Jin were clearly bound to end up together, with their feelings for each other made obvious halfway through the drama.. So why make Moon Ung [the new addition to the team] create unnecessary tension?? The love triangle or whatever that was felt completely out of place.. Most people might have missed it, but even in the last episode when SJ was about to confess his feelings and all his teammates were cheering him on, there was this one guy sulking in the background.. Was that really necessary?? Like I said it’s a minor element, but why add it at all?? What’s the point??

Anyway, moving on.. I loved how the drama didn’t glorify a single individual by giving them the hero mantle to carry the entire team.. Instead it kept the team as a whole at the heart of the story throughout.. It was about the team, not just one person.. I especially liked how they stuck together through the highs and lows.. Yes, this is a sports drama but more than that, it’s about the triumph of one man’s confidence in his team and their ability to silence the doubters and the haters, giving us a feel good conclusion.. Some might find the drama a bit draggy at times but sticking with it definitely pays off.. With a solid storyline and strong performances, The Winning Try is an engaging drama from start to finish.. Overall, a very good watch..

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What Happens When A Good Concept Isn’t Enough..

The concept of the drama is insanely interesting.. But where it fails is in exploring and explaining that concept properly.. You get these really good first five episodes and watch the last one expecting it to bring everything together, give a conclusion that explains it all or at least tries to.. But it fails and it fails grandly.. The drama went from a Serial Killer Thriller to Bullying Revenge to Sexual Assault to Teen Romance to whatever that was in the final episode.. The last episode was a mess.. I guess the writer came up with a great concept but just couldn’t use it to its full potential.. Each episode kept switching genres but I was not at all prepared for whatever happened in the final episode..

I mean who was Lee Gyu Jin?? A mysterious entity born from people’s relentless urge to dig into the most private and intimate parts of others lives?? And this entity brings chaos and death in its wake?? Is that what it was trying to say?? I honestly don’t know.. The drama was never clear about the story it actually wanted to tell..

A few words about Lee Soo Hyuk.. It’s seriously disappointing how underrated this guy is.. Forget how good his acting is for a second.. Just with those looks and that voice alone, he should already have a long list of romance dramas under his name.. How is he being overlooked like this?? I mean, there are actors out there getting way better opportunities than him and their acting skills are a joke..

Overall, the drama was good until it wasn’t.. The concept is intriguing but ultimately ambiguous.. I did like the visuals though.. The quiet, haunting atmosphere really worked.. There were some creepy stuff and a few well placed twists.. That's why it never got boring..
That said, the writing messed up.. No offence, but if the story had been written by someone more capable, maybe the outcome would have been very different.. They didn’t even bother to explain what that place was in the last episode.. Hell?? Purgatory?? Some kind of special club for the S Line Glasses cult?? Who knows??

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We Had Everything Before Us.. We Had Nothing Before Us..

Tastefully Yours started off like a drama that would easily reach the top charts.. I mean they were hitting it off right from the beginning.. Both the leads with their characters and mannerism were just pure fun to watch.. They really were like an old married couple right from the get go..

That said, despite the fresh setting the core narrative isn’t innovative.. And also couldn't help but feel that the side characters were underused.. Especially the ML's brother..

Han Beom Woo’s character development from a Soulless Corporate Executive and Chaebol to someone who starts valuing real emotions and human connection was one thing the show really nailed.. A big reason for that is Kang Ha Neul and his performance.. Another highlight for me was the food cinematography and atmosphere of Jeonju.. It gave the drama a vivid quality that was soothing..

After the first four episodes they followed the " How to ruin a drama after a promising start 101 " rulebook to perfection.. Was it even the same writer?? How could they spoil something so good.. The return of her ex and that entire arc was painfully unnecessary... I didnt just hate it because it dragged on but because it took up time that could have been spent exploring other stories.. Stories that could have made this drama so much better.. They could have easily given us more of the main leads, their story and their romance.. That’s what most of us were here for.. And also they could have used that screen time to add more emotional depth to the story.. Han Beom Woo’s relationship with his brother had so much potential.. There was clear unspoken resentment and a complicated dynamic between them that was barely touched.. Exploring that more would have added more emotional weight to his growth.. I also wish they had spent more time highlighting the FL’s strengths..

Something about ep 7 just didn’t sit right with me.. There were so many unnecessary scenes.. But the cooking scene with the ex and the ML and FL in Sopporo?? What was the point of that?? What purpose did it serve??
They dragged out the ex's storyline for so long only for him to turn out to be a selfish self serving prick.. And then there’s the part where he hits the ML in front of the FL and she doesn’t even flinch.. No reaction, nothing.. I just couldn’t understand how that made sense for her character.. Honestly all things considered, the ex ended up with a better closure than he deserved..

Once we got back to the main story, it started to feel like the drama I enjoyed at the beginning.. The last three episodes were good.. Not rushed but not satisfying either.. This is where the drama’s short length really hit the hardest..

Broken children raised by a broken mother.. I genuinely felt bad for both the ML and his brother.. It was clear that their true personalities weren’t what we saw on the surface.. They were good people shaped by a toxic environment.. Their mother didn’t raise sons.. She raised successors to protect and continue her business and legacy.. Nothing more.. Both of them deserved better.. A better life and most of all, A better mother..

Overall, while the drama was comforting the stakes were never really high.. Conflicts were resolved quickly and there was rarely a moment where it felt like something could truly go wrong.. It’s an easy, feel good binge watch.. I just wish it had a bit more substance..

I have to mention that I absolutely loved the fun crossover cameo with Weak Hero Class 2..

P.S.. Rating a drama low just because you don’t like an actor.. Especially when they only appear in a guest role is just unfair...

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Good Boy was a mixed bag for me.. But I would say my overall feelings are more positive than not.. There are certain things this drama does really well that you can’t help but imagine how great it could have been if the messier parts were fixed.. For what it is though, it’s flawed, sure, but also bold and entertaining in its own way..

Good Boy isn’t a perfect drama.. It’s a good one.. But the slow dragging plot was a real issue.. And the way it handled the health related issues of the ML felt unrealistic.. Not something you would expect from a high budget production with such a strong cast..

The casting is undeniably sublime.. With Park Bo Gum and Oh Jung Se being the standouts.. Kim So Hyun also deserves praise for being a total badass and really making the role her own.. Lee Sang Yi was good too, just as expected from him..

I liked the villain’s characterization.. He is just an ordinary government employee in the customs department, but the power he holds is almost unimaginable.. There was something mysterious about him that made you curious and want to know more..

Now, there were a few things that felt exaggerated and out of touch.. The ML acted very immature in the beginning.. I get that he was desperate but his actions felt too rushed and honestly just made him look foolish.. Once his condition started to worsen why was it so hard for him to just go to a hospital and get checked?? He kept putting it off until things got worse.. It was honestly a miracle he survived that long after taking so many hits.. And honestly they really overdid those scenes.. He was stabbed, hit by a car, beaten multiple times.. That garage fight?? He was completely knocked out.. There's no realistic way he could have survived all that.. They should have tried to keep it at least a little believable..

The fight scenes were a bit of a mixed bag.. They were either too crowded, poorly edited or kept jumping between characters too abruptly.. It all felt a bit choppy.. As for the ML’s fights, they weren’t anything special.. There was no real grace Park Bo Gum as a boxer.. Outside the ring he just didnt feel like one.. There were brief moments where he showed some skill but overall it was pretty underwhelming.. I don’t think he trained even half as hard as Woo Do Hwan did for Bloodhounds.. I am not complaining that he kept getting beaten up but what I am pointing out is that he didn’t fight like a boxer.. For someone who is supposed to be a champion, you would expect boxing instincts to kick in naturally.. But that just wasn’t there..

This is something I have seen way too many times in KDramas and I still don’t get it.. Why do characters always start running during emergencies when there’s literally a car right in front of them?? It makes no sense..

For me, there were two standout scenes.. One was a 10–15 minute sequence in ep 4 where the Dong Ju parkours around a neighborhood chasing the antagonist’s car.. I don’t even know exactly why it worked so well but it did.. It showed his desperation and the whole thing was executed really well..

“To catch the bastard, I have to float like a butterfly and sting like a bee..”

The other one wasn’t just one scene.. It stretched across eps 13 and 14.. There was basically a full hour of action and most of it was Han Na being a total badass.. I really liked that they gave the FL such a strong moment and used it to elevate her character..

“The only way to conquer fear is to advance, no matter what.”

The comedy worked really well.. There were moments that were funny even without trying and I genuinely enjoyed those.. I was expecting the SML to be the third wheel but our dear FL ended up being the third wheel.. I know its probably unrealistic to expect any sequels and they likely won’t happen but I would still love to see more of the squad..

Now the finale, the whole story builds up to a frankly mediocre final act.. It tries to raise the stakes with characters rushing around to stop this or that but it just doesn’t give the impact.. In the end it felt like a sour note to end this story arc..

Overall, it’s not exactly stellar as a character driven story and the dragging plot definitely gets messy.. But honestly?? It’s still worth the time..

P.S. Way too many advertisements.. The least they could have done was make them feel more natural.. It kind of irked me..

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Timeless And Unforgettable… Now A Forever Rewatch..

The First Frost is perfect in ways I never imagined.. So perfect that an entire book could be written just to describe how perfect it is and how deeply it touches the heart..

From the opening credits I was pulled into a world I didn’t know I needed.. A world where emotions run deep and where heartbreak feels as real as my own.. Made me laugh when I least expected it.. Emotional when I tried not to and scream in frustration when the angst kicked in.. Yet through all the pain and happiness, I stayed.. Because how could I not?? TFF gave me moments of warmth and tension that left me breathless.. It is a slow burn romance that makes you travel through a story of longing, healing and unwavering love..

I have to say this.. The first ep itself is a cinematic experience.. I couldn’t believe how good it was.. SY and WYF, their chemistry, the visuals, the soundtrack and everything just clicks.. That soft, melancholic feel was absolutely stunning..

I was really impressed by BJT and ZRN.. Bai Jing Ting's portrayal of Sang Yan, with his calm intensity made his character's pain and longing feel so real.. Zhang Ruo Nan's performance was good as well.. She really captured her character's reserved nature and emotional depth.. The dual perspectives in storytelling added a compelling layer.. It showcased how perceptions and emotions shape interactions.. And I loved Wen Yifan’s journey from isolating herself to loving herself.. Which is portrayed with sensitivity while Sang Yan’s unwavering support offers us a fresh view of a ML who is emotionally intelligent and selfless.. He truly was selfless.. Their scenes were sweet but also a little sad at times and somehow, it just works.. The show shifts between her perspective and his.. So you really understand why they are so hesitant.. Its done in such a thoughtful way..

There is a scene that creates a misunderstanding about why she left him and went to another university.. The pain in his eyes, the way she immediately looked at him and shook her head.. Trying to reassure him that it wasn’t what he thought.. That moment alone proves just how good and involved they both are as Sang Yan and Wen Yifan..

" I suddently want to fall in love.. In love with Sang yan "

It took me a while to finish ep 22 because i kept rewatching her drunk scene with Sang Yan.. I watched it so many times it felt like an entire episode on its own..

" No matter what.. I will always catch you "

Some scenes.. Some episodes.. Some moments and some performances will pull at your heart so hard that you might just break..

Special appreciation No. 1 goes to the camerawork.. What can I say? Absolutely dreamy..
Special appreciation No. 2 goes to whoever was in charge of their outfits.. Absolutely perfect and outstanding.. They dressed them to perfection..

Now.. I didnt like two things in the drama.. First.. I really hated was how she left just like that again.. She said she would be brave this time but the moment another problem came up, she ran again.. She knew he had a hard time the last time she did the same thing.. She knew he would do anything for her.. He literally waited six years.. What did she think would happen?? Yes, she wanted to keep him out of her problems.. But weren’t they past that by then?? It was obvious he would blame himself again and suffer even more than if she had just opened up to him.. It just felt so senseless..
Second.. I didn’t like the casting for Sang Zhi and Duan Jia Xu.. She literally looked like a kid.. I guess she is a Kid.. How did they think that was okay?? The age difference was so obvious and it just didn’t look right on screen..

Most of the men around the FL were creeps.. Including Mu Cheng Yun.. Honestly calling him a creep feels like an understatement.. On the other hand, I really liked Xiang Lang’s character even though he didn’t get much screentime.. He knew his boundaries and genuinely respected WYF.. The bad people did get punished.. But it didn’t feel like enough compared to the years of pain she had to endure.. And honestly I wanted her mother to suffer more.. So much more.. She deserved every bit of it..

" Then the prince endured countless trials..
Mastered all kinds of skills and crossed snowy mountains, deserts and forests full of monsters..
In the end, he saved the princess and they lived happily ever after.. ”

" Tell me.. Were you sent by my Dad to take care of me??
No.. I volunteered.. "

The last two episodes stand out as a perfect example of how to end a drama.. They resolved all the major problems and gave us a happy ending.. A long satisfying happy ending.. No unnecessary angst, no last minute realizations, no dramatic separation just to hug each other in the last moment.. Instead they gave us a full hour long preview of their happy life, their happy ending.. It completely justified their entire journey and every moment I spent watching.. That’s how you conclude an epic romance..

And the best marriage proposal in a CDrama goes to The First Frost.. What a beautifully planned and deeply thoughtful proposal that was..

" Later i realised Sang Yan picked this ring in the shape of a ribbon..
He said, its because we are each others precious gift.. "

I have watched over 500 Asian dramas.. And only two have ever earned a perfect 10 from me.. This is one of them.. That alone says everything about how much I loved it.. One of the most beautiful dramas I have ever seen.. It is not just a story, Its a memory I will carry with me always..

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Surprisingly okay, good enough for what it is.. Nothing fancy, nothing new.. A solid cast and strong performances are let down by inconsistent direction and an uncreative script.. The end result is a drama that feels as though the production team’s main goal was simply to finish the whole thing and say goodbye.. I couldn’t help but feel that it could have benefited greatly from a director willing to interpret rather than just record.. A missed opportunity..

While this drama is neither horribly bad nor average, it is a dull mix of stale stereotypes and recycled plot devices.. I am okay with these mid tier, cliche tropes as long as they are used in a way that drives the narrative without overwhelming it, but that balance isn’t here.. If not for the solid cast carrying this poorly written script, this could have been a much worse drama.. That said, it does manage to get pretty good in a lot of parts..

We are all exhausted with the constant reuse of childhood connection tropes, fake marriages, contract marriages and the whole lot.. We keep craving something different.. But, but, but.. Even with all that, I don’t want to be too harsh on this drama.. I guess this whole review is going to sound contradictory.. Because even though I want to join the rest of the voices out there, I honestly don’t hate the drama the way a lot of people did..

Halfway through the drama, it’s pretty easy to guess how the rest of the story will unfold.. Who the antagonist is, how everything connects to his parents death and all of that.. You don’t even have to be smart to predict it, we have seen this exact setup way too many times in way too many dramas.. But then they went and trivialized everything.. The business takeover, the financial fraud, all of it was treated like child’s play.. Everything was resolved far too easily and way too quickly.. There was no cleverness, nothing that made me go, 'Wow, look how they handled that' These were serious crimes.. Hell, the man murdered so many people.. They had a perfectly strong story right there to build toward a solid ending.. Instead of writing a proper conclusion around that, they chose to focus on the stupid fake marriage angle.. I started getting worried when the murder plot and the uncle’s involvement were being unraveled a bit too fast, which obviously meant they were going to waste the last two episodes tackling the ex-bf and those subplots.. And honestly, that was never going to help the drama end on a high note..

In short, the drama was directionless.. Some moments felt like a calm walk through a quiet park, but the rest felt like being lost in the woods without a map.. Things were moving, but there was no goal, they just moved.. Can I absolutely write this drama off as bad?? No, but that’s precisely the problem.. It’s not that there is nothing redeemable here, it’s that the drama never does anything with its redeemable parts.. It has so much potential, yet it simply never delivers on it..

I think a lot of people will agree with me on this, the second couple felt more appealing.. Their story was raw.. There wasn’t really any romance to speak of but the subtle emotions and small, honest moments between them worked so well.. I guess there was more to their story that we could have dug into.. And special appreciation to Bae Na Ra, I want to see him in more projects, hopefully as a lead sometime soon..

Overall, Would You Marry Me is a drama you watch solely for the cast.. While the story is disappointingly uninnovative, it still has moments you can enjoy.. You won’t be shocked by who the villain is, you won’t be shocked by the conclusion, the drama does nothing you haven’t already seen before and done better.. I had quite a lot more to say here about the FL’s ex, her ex-inlaws and her mother, but this has already turned into a rant of conflicting thoughts..

So, this whole monologue was to say that while I have objectively given this drama an 8, whether it deserves that really depends on your emotional response.. I recognize its script and structural flaws and I might find it average if I were to rewatch it on another day.. But ratings are a mix of instinct and emotion and I am comfortable sticking with my 8..

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This will be a short one... There isn’t much to say in an extensive review anyway.. Double Love doesn’t quite reach the 'good' status for me and the MDL ratings make sense.. It felt a bit too simple.. Honestly felt like watching two different dramas.. The first 14 episodes were a waste of time and effort.. It just dragged on with poor screenplay and clumsy execution of the story and relationship development..

Unnecessary characters and scenarios just made it worse.. But things got better from episode 15 onwards.. Their relationship was cute, still not without its flaws but definitely enjoyable.. My rating is for the last 10 episodes.. The second half was entertaining to watch, but I wanted much more from it..

Their chemistry was good but why would they cut the first confession scene?? Made no sense at all.. The FL’s character was quite questionable.. Her hypocrisy was annoying.. If I dive into that, I would have a lot to say, so I would rather not..
I loved the sibling dynamic between Lu Wan Wan and her brother.. He was a fun character himself.. The rest of the supporting cast were alright..

Overall, it’s a decent one time watch.. It would have been much better as a 14–16 episode drama because there were too many fillers and unnecessary storylines..

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A Twisty, Unpredictable Tale..

Nine Puzzles is a meticulously written thriller with one of the most powerful ensemble casts of the year and a top notch screenplay.. Its mystery in its purest form.. The writing is incredibly layered and superior, giving not just the main leads but also the antagonist so much depth.. The slow yet effective reveals and backstories in the narrative just keeps you intrigued throughout..

The backbone of the drama is its excellent writing and direction.. And of course the two insanely talented leads, Kim Da Mi and Son Suk Ku.. Their performances were nothing short of brilliant.. The same goes for Park Gyu Young.. She was really good but she stayed under the radar, because of the two masterclass actors..

So the drama, its a slow burn but totally worth it.. The core essence of any mystery drama lies in the questions why, how, who and getting those answers.. But just as important is how those answers are revealed.. Nine Puzzles nails that aspect brilliantly..

The shift in dynamics between Hansaem and Ena is one of the drama’s highlights for me.. What begins as a relationship defined by suspicion slowly evolves into something built on trust and quiet loyalty.. I like how its not done in a grand revelation but through a series of small, human moments.. And even though romance doesnt officially exist between them, the tension is clearly there.. Its not the dramatic moments or something but the smaller things.. I loved how they were with each other.. But removing the romance subplot was the right thing to do.. It turned out well..

" Perfection.. In Good Or Evil.. Is denied to Saints And Sinners alike.. "

The antagonist here isn’t portrayed as purely evil but as someone shaped by pain and loss.. She is not a chaotic killer.. She is calm, methodical and that's what makes her terrifying.. It suggests that she has completely detached from anything remotely human.. Her actions come from a place of deep grief.. Grief for a lost self that never got justice.. The way she dies, the way she chooses to end it all shows that her mindset throughout the drama likely sways between a sense of righteousness, believing her actions are justified and inner torment as she grapples with the moral weight of what she has done. It’s tragic..

I love it when a drama is so good, so impactful that it makes you fall in love with the very idea of dramas all over again.. Nine Puzzles is one of those.. It reminds you why we keep coming back to these stories.. Sure there were flaws.. But honestly I couldn’t care less..

Now if I liked it so much, why didn't I give this 10 out of 10 or even a 9.5?? Maybe I was just too Puzzled after that last Puzzle piece.. I mean are we getting another season?? Probably not.. Then what was that puzzle?? Was it connected to the one they solved?? Or is it a completely new one?? A copy cat?? If they do give us a second season.. Great, I am all in.. But if not.. Was that last tease really necessary??

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Dear Hongrang is a total feast for the sageuk fans.. Top tier acting, well paced story and aesthetically pleasing cinematography, absolutely sublime.. But what really stands out is the OST.. Goosebumps kind of good.. Lee Jae Wook is back in his element.. He served.. He had one of the best entrance scene, simple but perfect.. The powerful soundtrack, the family tension, that chilling look in his eyes.. It was the kind of scene that makes you sit up and pay attention..

At first glance the narrative might feel familiar for this genre.. But once The Snow Man is introduced, it becomes clear there is something sinister and haunting underneath all the family secrets, forbidden romance and political schemes..

Lee Jae Wook deserves all the appreciation in the world for his performance here.. He has always delivered outstanding performances.. But in Dear Hongrang, thanks to a well written script and a character that fits him perfectly, he truly shines.. And Jo Bo Ah smoulders and brings Sim Jae I to life.. Her performance was heartbreaking, tender, emotional and quietly powerful..

Every time I see Kim Jae Wook in a drama, he just blows my mind all over again.. He is extraordinarily talented.. Which makes me wonder why isn't he getting Main Lead roles?? Why are we not seeing him in more dramas?? He is such a great actor.. Its a shame his screen time was limited here too..

For me, two aspects stood out as the most intense and impressive parts of this drama.. Both in terms of its execution and the acting.. Absolute perfection..
First, The action scenes.. The action here is really fantastic and the camera work makes the swordplay totally engaging and awesome.. Grounded enough to not feel over the top but just enough to wow you.. Lee Jae Wook, unsurprisingly, was amazing.. He has truly outdone himself in those intense action moments.. Ep 10 was just pure brilliance..
Second, the romance development between the leads.. Their relationship isn’t a fairytale.. It’s messy, raw and painful.. And I guess that’s what made it feel real.. It was a gorgeously melancholic portrait of yearning and emotional fragility..

I didn't like the SML from the beginning.. His character was questionable.. One scene after the SML finds proof that the ML is not Hongrang, he says
" Once you know that he is an imposter, you will return to your usual self.. It may break your heart to know you have been deceived.. But do not worry.. As always I shall be there for you.. "

For me this is SML's character defining moment where he shows his true face.. His obsession with the FL..
Her usual self?? The one who risked her life just to earn money to search for her brother?? The one who woke up crying from nightmares, haunted by guilt and grief?? He wasn’t trying to protect her.. He was thrilled at the idea of breaking her spirit just so he could " be there for her ".. Even if she was suffering and in pain, for him it doesn't matter.. He just wanted her all for himself.. And when she confided in him about her feelings for the ML, he still didn’t tell her the truth.. He could have saved her from that agonizing shame.. From thinking her love was something forbidden.. But he chose silence because if she knew, he might lose her.. So he just let her suffer.. That wasn’t love, it was selfishness and he was a pathetic person..

He also says.. " I am not trying to protect her.. I intend to claim her.. "

For people talking about second lead syndrome for this guy, you people are sick.. He was as evil as every other villains in the drama.. Sim Jae I nailed it when she said,
" It is but an obsession for what you cannot have.. That is your truth.. "

The last three episodes were intense, story heavy, emotion filled and action packed.. All the revelations, the prince’s monstrous crimes.. The horrifying complicity of the father and the painful backstory that tied it all together.. It was painful and tragic.. The ML finally got his revenge and it was satisfying to watch.. But there was no happy ending for the main leads.. Terribly predictable, that was not a surprise for me..

Overall, Dear Hongrang was a thoroughly enjoyable experience.. There is a deep sadness imbued in all the scenes of this drama.. The ending was sad and emotional but honestly it was never going to be a happy one for them.. I just wish Jae I had a child.. Because now her life feels as lonely as it was before.. I wanted her to have something more to live for.. Something that’s truly hers..

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