Noctis

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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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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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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Why is he still single? Well, because he acts like a narcissist..

This is a story about a middle aged single guy who is quirky, stubborn, socially awkward and most of the time unintentionally rude.. Someone who just isn’t like other people.. And then we see how the people around him and the few who enter his life later, deal with that.. That’s basically it..

The story isn’t driven by a strong or fast moving plot.. It takes time to connect with the main characters.. But as the drama goes on what really gives us a satisfying experience are the characters in the story and the nuances in their relationships..

I surprisingly liked the drama, despite the lack of plot, heavy conflicts or major twists and despite it being 16 episodes when it honestly could have been shorter.. I just wish it had a little more substance.. I don’t mind slow paced dramas as long as they have something worth watching.. The premise of this drama is what caught my interest and the main reason I watched it.. It’s not every day you get a story like this..

And frankly I liked that the romance was kept to a minimum.. It’s a romance between grown ups, not teenagers.. So you get fewer dramatic scenarios, more emotional honesty and the emotional chemistry actually works.. And their bickering was fun to watch.. Simply put, it’s a bit childish, yeah but still mature and meaningful..

I liked the ML’s character growth and how he grows not because the drama forces him to but because life and relationships finally reach him.. How he becomes more self aware about his own problems and slowly comes out of his shell.. It felt more real..

The supporting characters were rather interesting and each had their own quirks.. That short story arc with the photographer was interesting too, but it felt a bit disappointing in how it concluded.. I really thought they could have done more with it, because she herself was an interesting character and would have been a nice addition to the group..

Overall, there’s nothing fancy about this story but it will relate to a lot of people.. It’s just a good story with some fun characters trying to get through life in their own ways.. Definitely worth a one time watch..

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Mercy For None is a drama worthy of its title.. And it stays true to the genre.. With just seven episodes the pacing felt spot on.. Not too long, not too short.. Just the right amount to tell the story and give us those brutal bloody scenes and introduce us to Nam Gi Jun, the limping protagonist who is still more powerful than anyone else in the drama.. And I Absolutely loved the noir theme at the beginning..

Loved Lee Jun Hyuk’s vibe and attitude.. It really suited him.. He should definitely take on more roles like this.. Not cameos but a full fledged action drama or movie..
So Ji Sub absolutely nailed his role.. It’s a shame we don’t get to see more of him these days..

The story isn’t anything new.. Just your usual revenge setup.. The hero avenging his brother's death.. There’s a twist but its not hard to spot early on because like I said, the usual story.. Its obvious who is the brain behind everything.. Still, the script was well executed and the entire cast did an outstanding job " Dying "..

There were two deaths that were absolutely satisfying to watch, Gong Myung’s and Choo Young Woo’s.. The drama was good but I did have one major disappointment.. In most dramas, you meet the most powerful villain at the end.. The one who actually challenges the protagonist.. But here Nam Gi Jun takes down all the strong ones early and in the end he is left facing a wuss who really didn’t feel worthy of being the final villain.. It left the climax feeling a bit underwhelming.. Especially considering our ML dies after that..

Overall, Mercy For None is a solid drama that achieves exactly what it sets out to be.. A gritty, bloody revenge thriller.. Definitely a must watch if you are into the genre...

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11 Hours of Entertainment Followed by 30 Minutes of What Was That??

I am going to start by saying this.. Everything apart from crying or kidnapping most of the happy or romantic scenes thats worth remembering are imagination in this show.. So much so that even the ending had me thinking, ' Wait.. Are they going to show this was just imagination too?? '

The story was solid.. And the cast was absolutely perfect.. I heard people complaining about CSB.. But I honestly didnt feel anything wrong with her acting atleast in this drama.. The chemistry between the leads was spot on.. And the OST added so much more to the drama.. The first two episodes were well crafted and paced and did the job of drawing me in and making me want to keep watching.. And I think we just got the best kiss of 2024 in this drama.. Thank the director for making sure we got all the angles.. If thats what you are in it for.. One more thing I liked about the drama was the abundance of parallels.. If you pay close attention you will notice plenty of them in the drama..

In my eyes.. Heejoo is the true hero of this story.. She has endured heartbreak after heartbreak from the ones who should have cared for her and loved her.. Yet she carried on with unwavering grace.. She is a character who truly deserves all the love in the world..

" If it was for you.. I thought I wouldnt mind dying..
But I miss you.. I wasn’t afraid of dying..
But the thought of never seeing you again was terrifying.. "

Ep 11 was filled with angst.. Some might say it was unnecessary because of everything that happened in the previous episodes.. But I think it was exactly what the story needed.. It pushed the story to its limits..

Her mother wanted her to stay mute for more than 10 years.. Gaslighted her throughout her life.. And then suddenly everything goes wrong and she is the mother of the year?? Honestly these redemption arcs in Kdramas need to stop.. Some people especially parents dont deserve forgiveness that easily..

Now.. The ending... What in the Descendants of the Sun was going on there?? The story completely strayed from its original plot.. And the first half of the last ep was a total disaster.. And why would you even touch a sensitive topic?? That was totally unnecessary.. Honestly its becoming frustrating to say this about every drama.. But Kdrama writers really need to learn how to write better endings.. Is it so hard to give us a one hour happy conclusion??

Overall.. Its a good drama that will keep you entertained for 12 hours.. But once again its a reminder that a strong start and captivating characters can only carry a story so far without a satisfying conclusion.. Still its worth the watch.. Best drama of 2024?? Hell No..

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I was honestly intrigued by the premise of the drama, which is why I decided to give it a try.. It wasn’t all bad, there were some nice parts, especially how the so called husband comes back after being killed and the curiosity around how they would explain that situation.. But overall it’s a drama I wouldn’t have regretted skipping.. I couldn’t connect with the characters because they felt bland and for most of the drama nothing happens.. It drags on slowly.. While the story had interesting elements, it never felt engaging.. That said it’s still an easy and quick watch, though the twists and turns become predictable after just two episodes.. I stuck with it to see how they would wrap things up but the ending was far from satisfying..

The mystery elements aren’t inherently bad.. With sharper writing and the right execution, it could have been brilliant.. Unfortunately, here they feel careless and wasted.. Yamashita Mizuki delivered a good performance while Hagiwara Riku often felt like a newcomer still learning the ropes, which is disappointing considering he isn’t exactly a newbie..

Major spoiler..

I don’t think she actually killed the real Mana.. It’s more about the guilt of losing the only person who truly cared for her, even though there was nothing she could have done to prevent it..

Overall, an average watch.. The drama had potential but it didn't click for me.. It's a shame because I thought I could have liked it much more given the mystery element was interesting.. By the end, it’s clear the ML has feelings for the FL.. I just wish they had given a proper conclusion to their story at least.. Sadly, the final episode and overall conclusion were quite unsatisfying..

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I was really hoping that I would love Koi Wa Yami.. But now that I finished it, I feel disappointed.. It’s riveting at times but structurally it doesn’t work for me.. The mystery is intriguing at first but they try so hard to make us believe the ML is the culprit that the story just falls apart..

I liked the ML’s nonchalant attitude in the beginning.. But I couldn’t tell if I should root for him or be worried about how much of a psychopath he might be.. Even though the first few episodes piled up proof pointing to him as the killer, I just didn't think he is.. There’s obviously something else going on.. They tried so hard to make him look guilty right from the first episode, it just felt off.. It was too forced.. If he is the killer, then the why needs to be really solid.. But the way the story unfolded in the first half, I didn’t think it would make for a satisfying thriller.. It was actually frustrating how they were twisting the dialogues to keep that suspicion alive.. It works for a while.. But after that, it just becomes tiring..

His relationship with the FL was charming.. Their feelings developed a bit too quickly but it didn’t feel out of place.. I think their chemistry was really solid.. It was actually the highlight of the drama for me.. And that’s why I really detest the ending.. He was punished and that was obvious.. And she said she would wait for him.. For 15 years.. That's not an easy thing to say.. Now that she said it, they should’ve given us that reunion.. A scene 15 years later or whenever they meet again.. That should have been the ending..

Now, the real killer.. It was obviously the nice guy everyone adored.. That wasn’t a surprise to me.. What did surprise me was the reason the ML was a part of his crimes.. The ML was shown as a smart, cunning man.. So it’s a bit hard to believe that someone like him would let it go on for so long..

Koi wa Yami is a decent thriller no doubt.. I may not love it as much as I wanted to, sadly.. Maybe others will appreciate it more.. I just wish they had ended it differently.. If there was no plan to give the main leads a reunion then the ML should have died from that stab in the final ep.. That might have left a stronger impression..

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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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After putting it off for so long, I finally watched it.. I heard it was inspired by real event.. A weird one to be honest, but definitely not the weirdest out there.. Truthfully, there wasn’t a lot I felt for the drama emotionally.. Its just a decent one time watch.. Nothing more, Nothing less..

What I liked about the drama is how it explores morality.. It doesn’t just say this is right or this is wrong.. Instead it pushes you to think about the reasons behind each action.. Is it really wrong to break the rules if those rules are unfair to begin with?? Is love a crime if it means staying true to yourself?? I also liked how in this drama falling for someone wasn’t just a romantic moment, it was an act of courage.. And choosing to hold onto that love despite the consequences became a statement..

Miyase Ryubi was good and definitely charming.. Mikami Ai on the other hand, while she had her moments, she felt a bit unconvincing overall.. She felt too bland at times and She is a Bad Crier.. The rest of the cast did a solid job though.. For me, Sawa stood out the most apart from the main leads.. Her character growth, the way she recognized her own shortcomings and learned to accept them, was portrayed really well..

The first few episodes are addictive.. But the story is just chaos by the end.. The subplots felt underdeveloped.. The rushed legal battle was unsatisfying.. And the finale My Life, My Rules honestly fell flat..

It was unsettling to watch the ML’s brother being intimate with a minor and his fiancee casually flirting with a student.. The fact that these adult characters were involved with minors and the narrative barely acknowledged how inappropriate that is, was really uncomfortable.. The fiancee's behaviour, It felt like the show treated it as something normal.. It doesnt make it any right just because they were not physically involved..

And why was the fact that Kanda leaked their images underplayed?? While Ayami admitted her mistake and genuinely tried to make up for it, Kanda literally backstabbed them.. And yet after that one scene it was barely addressed.. On top of that the fact that he was a total pervert who stalked her and took her photos was never brought up.. It felt like the story just brushed it off.. Which was frustrating..

Overall.. Chastity High has a unique inspiration.. But the premise and the path it takes are familiar and something we have seen plenty of times before.. Even the conclusion felt underwhelming.. In the end its just another high school drama with a rebellious edge.. Totally worth a one time watch but nothing more..

P.S.. Loved the OST.. The music was really good and definitely deserves some appreciation..

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I wish I had watched this earlier.. The drama’s premise is simple and perhaps for that very reason, deeply compelling.. Tomoko and Ryohei’s bond was beautiful.. Ryohei, even though he looked like a delinquent was such a sweet soul.. Caring for her came so naturally to him and I loved watching them grow close as they fell in love.. Their story is accompanied by emotional turmoil shaped by what they had to go through and what she has to face in her everyday life.. The drama is engaging, too short for my liking but still satisfying.. It’s one of those dramas that almost gaslights you into giving it high ratings because of how simple yet feel good it leaves you at the end..

Overall, this drama was beautiful, raw and romantic.. The story was so tender, no nonsense, just two souls falling in love and finding their way together.. Simply put, this was such an unexpectedly good watch..

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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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No Skiing in Ski Into Love..

First things first.. Why is the title Ski into Love?? And why do they use skiing instead of snowboarding in the drama?? They don’t even ski in this drama.. This can’t be a mistake right??

Anyway.. Ski into Love is actually a pretty simple, no nonsense kind of drama.. Such an easy watch.. No toxic characters, no pointless misunderstandings and the FL’s story outside of the romance is interesting.. Her career as an artist is treated with seriousness in the story..

I am not sure if the shorter length of the drama is a good thing or a bad thing.. On one hand, it worked.. There was no filler and nothing felt dragged out.. But at the same time, it also felt incomplete and rushed.. Esther Yu and Lin Yi had good chemistry yet we barely got to see their actual dating phase.. It all moved too fast.. Honestly a few more episodes would have been great.. Their separation especially felt unnecessary.. His decision was pretty dumb.. They could have easily continued dating while he tried to prove himself to her parents..

Her parents were definitely problematic.. They literally said their daughter raised herself.. No shame in that?? And why was her mother so desperate to marry her off?? On top of that, she kept belittling her career.. And insulting the ML for following his dreams, which honestly was pathetic.. They were being realistic?? In what realistic sense do you let your daughter raise herself and don't feel bad about it?? There’s a huge difference between protecting your daughter and controlling her.. But in the drama, the parents got redemption way too quickly.. They went from pathetic to overly supportive almost overnight.. Again I blame the shorter length of the drama for that rushed turnaround..

There were some really good supporting characters who were actually supportive and fun to watch.. Jiang Yi Ming was the perfect SML.. Honestly you don’t see characters like him often.. The moment he realized she loved someone else, he stepped back without hesitation and even went on to support them..

The ML’s sister Shan Shan and Dai Duo’s love story was also warm and satisfying to watch.. And I am glad that Jiang Nan Feng and Lao Yan’s story didn’t go anywhere.. She didn’t deserve him..

This might be a bit controversial but Esther Yu’s character felt pretty one dimensional.. There wasn’t much to her acting.. She mostly relied on her charm and being cute.. Honestly her characters tend to look the same across dramas.. The only real difference is the outfit and the timeline.. It almost feels like watching the same character in different settings.. The only exception I guess is My Journey to You.. Where she actually played a different role and was pretty damn good.. Her cute and bubbly style is fine at first and she does have good expressions that are fun to watch.. But after a while it starts to feel repetitive and a little boring.. I like Esther Yu as an actress but I really wish she would step out of the cute girl characters..

Overall it’s an okayish drama.. I think it will cater to a lot of people’s tastes.. But for me, it lacked real substance.. Worth watching if you like light romances but not something I would revisit..

P.S. His confession scene and proposal scene were both good.. He didn’t let an avalanche ruin his confession.. Respect!!

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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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