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Flawed but Addictive
This revenge thriller hooks you early with sharp twists, a stolen slush fund, and intense stakes. It’s addictive and full of surprises—at first. But as the plot goes on, it loses steam, leaning on repetitive themes of greed, manipulation, and over-the-top action. Seo Dong Ju (Park Hyung Sik) surviving every wild scenario starts to feel more superhero than thriller. And the forgiveness arc? A bit much—he forgives the dad who killed his mom and tried to kill him multiple times. Really?Yeo Eun Nam (Hong Hwa Yeon) brings a fresh perspective, prioritizing avenging her father over romance. It’s a bold choice that might not appeal to everyone. However, the real scene-stealer is Woo Hyun as Cha Gang Cheon—a cunning chairman juggling dementia with brilliance. He’s easily the show’s most compelling character.
At 16 episodes, the pacing falters. A tighter 10-episode run could’ve kept the tension sharp. The ending, unfortunately, doesn’t fully deliver; the revenge arc feels incomplete, and some twists fizzle out. Still, Ji Seon U killing Heo Tae Yun is tragic but fitting—showing how greed consumes and destroys.
"Buried Heart" isn’t perfect, but it’s a chaotic, fun ride with plenty of additive drama. If you’re in the mood for messy thrills, buckle up and enjoy!
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A Slice-of-Life Melodrama That Could Leave You Feeling Drained and Disinterested
I tuned in expecting a lighthearted romcom about two childhood friends, but instead, I found myself in a slow-paced slice-of-life drama. While the series delved deeply into the characters, the plot often felt aimless, particularly regarding the romantic development between the leads.The female lead's family dynamics depicted in the narrative added significant depth, especially through the characterization of the female lead's mother. Her aggressive demeanor and high expectations for her daughter, contrasted with a more lenient approach towards her son, effectively highlighted her internal conflict rooted in unfulfilled dreams. This projection of unmet aspirations onto her daughter led to unrealistic expectations that felt burdensome. Furthermore, the daughter’s efforts to hide her illness, coupled with her harsh comments and selective communication with friends and family, hindered empathy towards her character. While this complexity enriches the story, it also creates a barrier to connection.
As the series progressed, the unique tone I enjoyed in the first two-thirds shifted abruptly to disjointed melodrama. It tackled heavy themes like terminal illness, depression, and alleged infidelity, which overwhelmed me and disconnected from the earlier narrative. Watching the characters grapple with communication issues and unreciprocated love became exhausting, making the series feel like an energy-draining experience. After episode 8, I took a two-week break, unsure whether to continue or drop it altogether.
Things began to turn around in episode 12, with many issues resolved and the drama shifting back to a lighter tone. However, by that point, my interest in the main leads had waned, and the overall story seemed less engaging. Ultimately, I decided to drop it for good.
What captivated me most were the flashbacks featuring the young actors; they were charming and perfectly embodied the essence of the leads' characters. I also appreciated the relationship of the male lead’s parents, who acted like teenagers in love after their marriage problems were resolved.
Overall, while this drama had some emotional moments, it wasn't what I expected. I felt misled by the romcom premise, as it turned out to be significantly different from what I anticipated. As someone who typically doesn't enjoy melodrama, the heavy themes and disjointed storytelling were surprising and ultimately left me disappointed. The charming flashbacks with the young actors were a highlight, but they couldn't fully redeem the series for me.
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Rom-Com or Rom-Don't?
After watching this quirky rom-com, it’s clear that it heavily relies on familiar clichés. If you’re not into the genre, you might want to pass—think of it as the fast-food version of romantic comedies, missing the depth of a well-crafted drama.The plot is straightforward, featuring the classic tale of a working-class girl meeting her Prince Charming in a modern setting. However, the dialogue falls flat, and the love rivalry between the male lead and the supporting character, who has a one-sided crush, lacks excitement. Plus, those two coworkers can get pretty annoying—how does someone so self-centered and gossipy fit into a PR team at a big company?
The breakup between the leads drags on longer than necessary, and while the female lead starts off as smart and independent, she quickly becomes rather dull. As a viewer, I found myself caring less and less.
Interestingly, the most compelling character is the male lead's brother, who genuinely cares for his sibling and navigates his arranged marriage with a heart of gold. The mother also adds a unique touch; she’s not your typical “evil step-mom” or “evil mother-in-law.” Instead, she's a realistic woman balancing the roles of mom, dad, and a company chair.
With the right expectations, this drama can be an okay watch, even if it’s not one you’ll feel compelled to revisit.
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Alchemy of Souls Season 2: Light and Shadow
1 people found this review helpful
Why Part 2 Totally Steals the Show
I found Part 2 to be far more enjoyable than Part 1! The love story is richer and more nuanced, resonating deeply with its theme of longing for a partner. The emotional complexity of the characters’ relationships beautifully encapsulates the highs and lows of love and desire, making it incredibly relatable and profound—I simply can't look away!While I appreciated Part 1 as well, I don't quite understand the criticism regarding the change in the female lead. This decision was outlined in the script from the start, and everyone was aware of it. Part 2 is more streamlined, focusing less on side characters than its predecessor, which results in a tighter narrative, even though Part 1 wasn't necessarily slow-paced. Moreover, it wraps up all the mysteries in just 10 episodes instead of 20!
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A Story of Two Parts: Drama Dips, Stars Shine, and Plot Fizzles Out
[ Disclaimer: I haven't read the webtoon, so my comments are based solely on the drama. ]I was aware that the plot's quality declined in the second half, as many viewers had noted. Nevertheless, I decided to give it a try because it featured my favorite duo from Mr. Queen, Shin Hye Sun and Cha Chung Hwa, along with many other talented actors and actresses. Unfortunately, the story began to falter around episode 7 and continued to deteriorate thereafter.
Plot:
The first half of the drama was quite enjoyable. It delved into the characters' backgrounds, especially Ban Ji Eum's growth despite her abusive father, and her integration into Moon Seo Ha's life. I was also deeply invested in the car accident storyline. However, as the plot progressed, it became increasingly underwhelming. I was particularly disappointed with the father character; if he knew everything from the start, his treatment of his son made no sense. And why keep that woman near his son? He could have paid her off to stay out of their lives.
The second part of the drama shifted focus to the characters' "first life," making the narrative feel disjointed and forced. Episodes 10 and 11 were especially problematic, with constant flashbacks that felt repetitive and unnecessary. The final episode seemed designed to evoke emotion over Ji Eum losing her memories of her loved ones, but it failed to do so and became a drag; I was relieved when it ended.
Moreover, the secondary couple was poorly written and monotonous, with the same conversations and actions repeating endlessly.
Leads:
Both Shin Hye Sun and Ahn Bo Hyun delivered strong performances in their respective roles. However, the chemistry between them seemed lacking, which somewhat diminished the overall impact of their scenes together. In addition, while I appreciate Ahn Bo Hyun's willingness to try different roles, this one didn't seem to suit him as well.
Final thought:
Overall, the drama had its highs and lows, with stars shining but the plot ultimately fizzling out.
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Atypical Storytelling in a Typical K-Drama Setting
Unlike typical K-dramas, this story takes a unique approach by focusing on a superpowered family dealing with everyday issues that impact their abilities. With the addition of a found family of swindlers, they navigate challenges and save each other.Initially, it took me a while to fully engage with this drama due to its slow pacing. The setup for each character was unusually lengthy, with excessive flashbacks. What kept me invested was the exceptional cast, as everyone acted well and none of the characters were annoying. I especially liked Park So Yi, who played Bok I-na. This young actress is full of potential and truly shined in this role.
The last three episodes were incredibly satisfying, tying everything together with an expected yet fitting ending. My only wish is that they had spent a bit more time on the finale. All characters had strong development and conveyed meaningful morals. Overall, this was a good and decent watch for me.
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A Spellbound Drama: Intriguing Premise, Disappointing Execution
The premise of the story was quite intriguing, featuring two characters bound by a centuries-old curse or spell and their journey to overcome it. With two attractive and talented actors leading the cast, what could go wrong? Unfortunately, the same old issue arises: the script. Who approved it?It seems the writer struggled to decide on the direction of this drama, or perhaps aimed to challenge herself by blending horror/mystery, fantasy, office romance/comedy, and thriller elements. While it's perfectly fine to mix genres, doing so poorly can lead to a confusing, repetitive, and disjointed story, which is precisely what happens here.
I thoroughly enjoyed the first half of the story, which explored the centuries-old curse and the main female lead's discovery of the spell books. While I do enjoy office romance, the excessive focus on her bullying colleagues detracted from the narrative and ventured into unnecessary territory. Additionally, the obsessive killer, who doesn't seamlessly integrate into the story, oddly becomes the central plot. The inclusion of bizarre side couples, such as her female boss with her bully supervisor and his mother with his best friend, further added to the confusion. In short, it's a mess.
One saving grace is Rowoon's visual appeal. He looks great in suits and portrayed a lovesick puppy convincingly. However, I feel sorry for Jo Bo Ah. Who was her stylist for this drama? Her hair color doesn't match her skin tone and washes her out completely. Her character is also way too weak and foolish, but I do enjoy the chemistry between her character and Rowoon. Truthfully, that's the only reason I stuck with the show until the end.
Final thoughts: The drama has an interesting plot, but sadly, the writing and execution didn't meet expectations. It is watchable, but don't have high expectations.
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When Robots Feel More Human
Watching Are You Human in 2025 feels surprisingly timely as AI becomes an everyday part of our lives. The drama explores the story of Nam Sin, an advanced AI robot built to replace his human counterpart, raising fascinating questions about technology, emotions, and what it means to be human.Seo Kang Joon shines in dual roles, masterfully portraying both human Nam Sin and Android Nam Sin. The story digs into what defines humanity, often with an ironic twist—the robot, with its loyalty and compassion, feels more "human" than the flawed people around it.
One of the drama's weaknesses, however, lies in its portrayal of certain characters. Many come across as selfish, spineless, or prone to frustratingly poor decisions, which only reinforces the AI's appeal as a more rational and empathetic alternative. Some choices, particularly toward the end, feel illogical, given the context of a story centered on brilliant minds and advanced technology. For example, the so-called AI genius often behaves recklessly, making it difficult to sympathize with her, even with her tragic backstory involving a murdered husband and a stolen son. Similarly, human Nam Sin’s cowardice and shortsighted decisions undermine his potential, as he uses the AI robot for personal revenge rather than strategic advantage.
The drama could have benefited from a tighter narrative, as the final episodes feel unnecessarily stretched with questionable plot developments. Still, Are You Human offers a compelling blend of sci-fi and emotional depth. Despite its flaws, it’s a thought-provoking series that challenges our understanding of humanity and the role technology plays in shaping it.
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Exploring Horror and History in an Engaging Drama
I checked out the first two episodes when the series premiered. While it was decent, I wasn't particularly eager to continue watching—especially with Part 2 releasing the following year. Now that I've finally finished Part 1, I can appreciate its intriguing elements. This fictional sci-fi horror drama draws inspiration from eerie events tied to a historical military unit known for its wartime experiments. Set in Korea during the Japanese occupation, the story unfolds in a fictional hospital where questionable experiments give rise to a terrifying monster.The cast shines, especially Claudia Kim as the villainous Lady Maeda—she's truly captivating! However, many characters could benefit from more development; their backstories are revealed gradually in the latter half, making it challenging to connect with them initially. Additionally, some of the dialogue feels a bit shallow, detracting from the overall experience. To fully grasp the character growth and plot twists, it's essential to watch Parts 1 and 2 back-to-back.
With heavy themes and the grim realities of war crimes, Part 1 isn't likely to make my rewatch list.
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Cult Dynamics and Psychological Games A Drama Worth Watching
This intricate thriller intertwines multiple timelines and perspectives from its main characters, creating a truly captivating viewing experience. It’s like peeling an onion—each layer reveals not only complexity but also a range of emotions, from sadness to chills. With elements of psychological horror, cult dynamics, mind games, and the supernatural, it dives deep into madness in a compelling way.The performances of the three lead actors—Yoo Jae Myung, Han Ye Ri, and Uhm Tae Goo—were outstanding. However, Uhm Tae Goo truly steals the show, pulling viewers into his character's twisted mindset (or was it a mind-reading skill?) with his calm demeanor and raspy voice, which adds even more depth to his role.
While this drama isn’t perfect, it effectively addresses how cruelty and abuse can leave lasting scars, especially on young children. It also explores how loneliness, regret, and self-blame can lead individuals to fall into cults, ultimately highlighting how greed can transform a person into something truly evil. It leaves some questions unanswered, but I believe it deserves more recognition and better ratings than it has received.
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A Mixed Cocktail of Charm and Flaws
When Moonshine premiered in late 2021, I was excited to check it out, especially since I loved Hyeri's performances in Reply 1988 and My Roommate Is a Gumiho. However, at the time, I was totally wrapped up in my all-time favorite sageuk, The Red Sleeve, and needed a break before jumping into another historical drama. As time went by, I noticed that the ratings and reviews for Moonshine weren't all that great, so I moved on to other shows.Now that I've finally watched Moonshine, I found it quite enjoyable despite its flaws. The writer missed the mark in a few areas, but overall, it was a pleasant experience.
What Works:
Cast: A likable and talented ensemble of actors and actresses.
Complex Plot: The drama weaves together gangsters, smugglers, gisaengs/courtesans, ministers, police, inspectors, and the royal family, keeping you guessing about their connections. I especially enjoyed the second half, where the story got more intricate, moving beyond just drinking and making alcohol.
Second Couple: I absolutely adore these two characters and wish they had more screen time. One is a crown prince—sly, cynical (but not in a bad way), street-smart, skilled in martial arts, and educated. Opposite him is the witty and kind-hearted daughter of the minister of war, who surprisingly isn't a snob and mingles with people from all walks of life. I wouldn't mind a drama centered around these two. Their charm isn't just due to the writing but also to Kang Mi Na and Byeon Woo Seok, who portrayed them brilliantly.
What's Not Working:
Main Couple: Lee Hyeri and Yoo Seung Ho delivered commendable performances, but their characters lack depth and engagement. One is overly rigid and principled, while the other is too preoccupied with her livelihood. This disparity undermines their dynamic, especially given Hyeri's known comedic talent. Consequently, the romance feels uninspired, lacking passion and longing.
Illogical Actions: There are numerous instances of illogical behavior. For example, despite efforts to portray the female lead as intelligent, her actions often defy reason. She carries all her hard-earned money in a single bag, only to lose it, or someone falls off a cliff, hits their head, and inexplicably survives.
Uneven Plot Distribution: Particularly in the first half, too much time is spent explaining certain plot points in unnecessary detail, which disengages viewers. Toward the end, more time could have been used to develop characters and drive the climax. For instance, Han Ae Jin, the crown princess's father and minister of war, could have played a crucial role in supporting his daughter and future son-in-law against the villain. This was a missed opportunity.
Despite its flaws, Moonshine is a light-hearted sageuk that I enjoyed watching. It may not reach the heights of some other dramas, but its charm and engaging moments make it worth the watch.
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PR, Stars, and Awkward Plot Twists: A Rom-Com Rollercoaster!
Running an entertainment business is no easy feat, and managing artists adds another layer of complexity despite the outward glamour. This romantic comedy follows the head of the PR team and her relationship with the company's top star. The drama masterfully balances engaging and humorous moments with some frustrating and irritating segments.What's Working:
Main Couple: Lee Sung Kyung and Kim Young Dae deliver strong performances with excellent chemistry. Their early antagonistic interactions are particularly enjoyable.
Side Couples: The pairing of Park So Jin and Lee Jung Shin as the no-nonsense duo stands out among the two side couples.
Cameos: Numerous funny appearances from various famous actors and actresses. Both Kim Seul Gi and Song Ji Hyo were scene-stealers, their performances exceptionally humorous.
What's Not Working:
Geography Idiot: The Africa plot was extremely ignorant and equally offensive.
Uneven Plot Distribution: The drama starts light and fun, but the middle is marred by the sudden appearance of creepy anti-fans, abruptly shifting the mood. Towards the end, it gets sad and heavy with the "mom trying to reconnect" subplot.
Weak-willed Male Lead: The male lead became way too weak. It would be nice if he could man up a little to face his demons.
Overall is a mixed bag that offers both delightful and frustrating moments. While the chemistry between the main couple and the humorous cameos are highlights, the uneven plot and problematic elements detract from the overall experience. Nonetheless, it’s worth a watch for fans of romantic comedies who enjoy a blend of humor and drama.
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Captivating Medical Fantasy Drama Fails to Maintain Momentum
This heartwarming medical fantasy drama weaves a captivating plot with a unique twist: a talented star surgeon falls into a coma after a traffic accident, finding his soul trapped in the hospital. He connects with a first-year resident who excels in medical theory but struggles with surgery. Together, they save lives, build a strong friendship, and embark on a journey of self-discovery.The cast is fantastic, with Rain and Kim Bum convincingly portraying doctors. However, the story loses momentum early on and struggles to sustain interest over 16 episodes. The villains lack menace, the romance is minimal, and even the bromance feels subdued. Despite its potential, the drama doesn't fully engage viewers.
Overall, while the cast delivers great performances, the drama falls short in maintaining momentum and fails to capitalize on its initial promise, leaving viewers craving more plot development and emotional depth.
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A Rollercoaster Ride: Fast-Paced Daytime Drama
I wasn't planning to watch this as overly dramatic daytime soaps are not my cup of tea. But with its rave reviews, curiosity got the best of me, and I decided to give it a try.This drama may have its flaws, but it excels in delivering a fast-paced, intense, and captivating experience. Essentially a low-budget, daytime soap opera-style revenge drama, it stands out due to its brisk pacing and constant plot twists. The story moves swiftly, resolving conflicts quickly and keeping viewers eager for more. While some parts are absurd and defy logic, the rapid pace often leads viewers to overlook these faults.
The acting is inconsistent. Sung Hoon's unusually low-pitched voice feels unnatural, and both Jung Yoo Min and Lee Min Young, who plays her stepmother, often stare directly into the camera with overly wide eyes.
At the end of the day, this drama is not going to win any awards and has limited rewatch value for me at least. But it was a fun and satisfying watch, and you have to put away your logical lens to fully enjoy it.
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Charming Fantasy Romcom Alert
This drama is a delightfully enchanting fantasy romcom, full of likable characters and laugh-out-loud moments. You'll definitely develop a girl crush on both Lee Hyeri and her character, Lee Dam. Hyeri really shines with her well-written role, and what's great about her is how authentic she is. She plays her part with natural ease and isn't afraid to dive into the silly, embarrassing moments that others might shy away from. Her girl-next-door charm makes her totally believable as a college student, and it's easy to see why the male leads are so taken with her.Jang Ki Yong nails it as the 999-year-old nine-tailed fox, Shin Woo Yeo. His cold demeanor perfectly shows the weariness of someone who's been around for centuries. His chemistry with Hyeri is electric, capturing the classic "opposites attract" vibe.
The second couple, played by Kang Han Na and Kim Do Wan, is just as fun to watch. Kang Han Na is especially impressive as an air-headed former nine-tailed fox with a heart of gold. Her comedic antics and sibling-like rivalry with Jang Ki Yong's character add an extra layer of fun to the show.
Like many fantasy romcoms, the "forced separation" part got a bit dull, but it didn't drag on too long. All in all, this drama is a must-watch if you're looking for a mix of humor, charm, and enchanting fantasy. It hits all the right notes, making it a delightful addition to the genre.
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