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Chaos in Couture
This drama feels like watching four shows at once—fascinating, baffling, and chaotic. Entertaining, but embrace the unpredictability and let it surprise you.GENRE JUGGLING GONE WILD
The show's biggest challenge is its genre identity crisis. One moment, you’re chuckling at some dark comedy, the next you’re on the edge of your seat during a thriller sequence. Before you can settle in, it morphs into a mythical fantasy, then swerves hard into melodrama. It’s a wild mix that doesn't always transition smoothly. A huge shout-out to the actors, especially Kim Woo Bin, who navigate these abrupt tonal shifts with impressive skill, switching personas as fast as the show switches genres.
FASHION STATEMENTS OR COSTUME CONFUSION?
This sense of unpredictability extends beyond just the genre. The wardrobe department, for example, seems to have given the characters their own identity crises. Our female lead, played by Suzy and looking fabulous as ever, is a proclaimed psychopath running a repair shop in the countryside. One day she’s in a dreamy floral dress, the next a power suit, and then quiet luxury. Her incohesive styling feels more like a reflection of a multi-personality disorder than a psychopath’s quirk. The same goes for our Genie. He might appear in a preppy, Hamptons-ready Ralph Lauren look in one scene and a 90s club manager outfit in the next. The clothes are nice, but they don't help define who these people are.
HEAVENLY ROLES, EARTHLY QUESTIONS
The show's bold choices aren't limited to costumes. Casting Korean actors as characters with biblical and Arabic origins is a notable move, reminiscent of Hollywood’s ongoing debates about representation. The show gives a quick explanation, but it still raises questions about authenticity and intent. Honestly, it kind of mirrors the drama’s own identity crisis—bouncing between silly comedy and serious themes. These shifts are creative, sure, but they can feel a bit all over the place, leaving you to wonder if it all comes together or just adds to the chaos.
A VISUAL GRAB BAG
The same lack of cohesion crops up in its visual world. The settings feel like they were picked from a hat. We jump from comic book-style animations to a cheesy studio set of a desert that looks like it was borrowed from a daytime soap opera. Then, we’re thrown into a scene heavy with CGI, only to be pulled back to what looks like a slick tourism commercial. It’s visually jarring and makes it hard to feel grounded in the story.
SUBPLOTS PLAYING HIDE AND SEEK
This patchwork quality continues with the plot, which is a tangle of subplots. Some feel completely disjointed, while others disappear for several episodes only to reappear with a dramatic "ta-da, it was all connected!" It feels less like clever storytelling and more like a narrative scramble.
GRANDMA’S GREAT DISCONNECT
Even the heart of the story isn’t immune to this disconnect. Ga Yeong’s grandmother begins as a powerful presence in the story—her strength and warmth shine through evocative flashbacks, where she lovingly raises a child with a social disorder. But in the second half, everything changes: after the female lead wishes for her grandmother to become her own age, the character’s appearance and personality shift so drastically that it becomes hard to bridge the emotional gap. The two versions feel worlds apart, and this disconnect ultimately weakens the story’s emotional core.
THE IKEA EFFECT OF STORYTELLING
Overall, 'Genie, Make a Wish' is a tough show to connect with on a deeper level. It’s a beautiful, chaotic mess. But if you’re looking for pure entertainment and can switch off your brain, it’s a fun, unpredictable ride. Just don't ask too many questions and go with the flow. Watching this show is like assembling IKEA furniture without the manual—confusing, occasionally frustrating, and far from perfect, but not a bad experience overall.
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Review: Lee Junho Shines, But the Story Falls Flat
First and foremost, let me declare that Lee Junho has never appeared more dashing. From the moment he leaps from the helicopter, fans and even non-fans will undoubtedly swoon. His acting is impeccable throughout. However, this cannot mask the fact that the story lacks excitement and a compelling climax.The drama aims to deliver a sweet romantic comedy, utilizing all the essential formulas while avoiding the typical pitfalls like childhood connections, unnecessary separations, or lurking killers. While I appreciate this attempt, it ultimately falls short. Around episodes 9 or 10, the drama begins to lose momentum, leaving me wondering, "Is this it?"
For instance, the synopsis presents Guwon, the male lead, as the third-generation heir of a hotel group, embroiled in an inheritance battle with his half-sister. Yet, there is hardly any screen time or intelligent strategy showing how he wins this battle. Throughout the drama, we rarely see him at work or displaying his professional acumen. We were eager to see how this Oxford/Cambridge graduate could lead and transform the hotel group, but that aspect is sorely underdeveloped. Even the subplot of his missing mother, which was supposed to significantly impact his upbringing, feels underutilized.
Every romcom has its sidekicks for both leads. Unfortunately, these characters aren't effective here. The comedy between No Sang Sik and Guwon feels forced, and the subplot involving Kang Da Eul and her husband/in-laws adds no value to the overall story.
As a Junho fan, I want to say this is a great drama, but sadly that is not the case. The first half was enjoyable, filled with charm and promise, but the second half fails to deliver on that initial potential. The plot becomes repetitive, and the lack of depth in both the main and supporting storylines leaves much to be desired. Ultimately, while Lee Junho's performance is a highlight, it is not enough to save a story that falls flat and struggles to maintain its momentum.
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When Soul-Swapping Turns into Viewer-Swapping
Starting with so much promise—an intriguing premise, a stellar cast, and the kind of soul-swapping shenanigans that Kdrama fans live for—it had me hooked. But somewhere around episode 9, I found myself staring at the screen, wondering if my soul had swapped with someone who just couldn’t finish this show. Don’t get me wrong, Kim Se Jeong is a powerhouse. Whether she’s Dal, the Crown Princess, or Crown Prince-in-Dal’s-body, she delivers every time. But let’s be real—she’s born to play Dal, not the Crown Princess. Kang Tae Oh? Halfway there. He nails the angsty, love-struck, spoiled Crown Prince, but his portrayal of Dal felt like a missed memo.The supporting cast shines, except for you-know-who (yes, the SFL whose acting is as infamous as it is consistent). But honestly, the real villain here is the script. Soul-swapping? Cool. Add in amnesia and years of living as someone else? Now we’re in a maze of confusion. By the time Kim Se Jeong’s character lost her connection to herself, I lost my connection to the show. And when a viewer can’t connect with the lead, well... let’s just say my remote found its way to another drama. It had me at the start, but somewhere along the way, it lost me.
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A Fast-Paced Sequel with Unexplored Backstories
Part 2 takes us to modern Seoul and, like the first installment, unravels the backstory—exploring the events between Part 1 and the current narrative—later in the series. However, it feels a bit limited. I’d love to see more of those 75 years when our main characters were apart! Diving deeper into Lady Maeda's truly wicked nature and Captain Kuroko's backstory would be fascinating.Overall, this sequel amps up the pace and is packed with action, pulling viewers in much quicker. Despite its flaws, the excitement makes it a fun continuation of the story. I’m curious to see if there will be a Part 3 with that intriguing ending!
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Quirky Characters and Comedic Gold
This drama explores serious themes like foster care, orphanages, children born out of wedlock, murder, dementia, and child abuse. Sounds intense, right? Surprisingly, it's all wrapped up in a romantic comedy that keeps you laughing!I jumped into this show with no expectations. Initially, I found the main female lead, played by Shin Min Ah, a bit annoying with her constant calculations of losses. However, as the story unfolded, I realized she’s just one of many quirky, flawed characters in the mix. What makes this show enjoyable is its self-awareness; it embraces its characters' imperfections and turns them into comedic gold!
With only 12 episodes, the series cleverly finds humor in various situations while delivering a heartfelt message. Instead of shying away from classic rom-com tropes, it engages with them in a refreshing way. Shin Min Ah's character, though a bit calculating, is fair, honest, and goal-oriented—she’s not against losing, just ensuring everyone else doesn’t either. Her antics while making dating videos gave me second-hand embarrassment and made me burst into laughter! Love that modern feminist vibe!
The witty dialogues and interactions among the hilariously entertaining characters, including the quirky secretary and the CEO, kept the laughs coming. And we can't overlook the ex-boyfriend! The scene where they found him in bed the next morning was absolutely side-splitting. Who would have anticipated that this charming K-drama would showcase three best friends—one in a faux marriage, another in a polygamous relationship, and the third writing steamy novels? I certainly wasn’t ready for the box of internationally themed dildos that could also serve as glow-in-the-dark self-defense weapons. Truly a laugh-out-loud moment!
It’s one of those rare cases where I wish there were a few more episodes. Who doesn’t love a bit more screen time for the main couple in the final episode?
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A Mixed Bag: Classic Romcom Vibes with Outdated Tropes
For those seeking an old-school romcom-style K-drama, this one has certain enjoyable elements with plenty of sweet moments. However, it's important to note that this drama was filmed in 2018/19 and only released in 2021, so some of its tropes feel a bit dated, more like 2008.Typically, I'd start by highlighting the positive aspects, but in this drama, the flaws are hard to ignore. The main female character, Lee Geun Young, played by Choi Soo Young, is full of contradictions. Losing her job due to the incident was tough, but her behavior afterward is childish, unprofessional, and hard to root for. She often makes poor decisions and lets people walk all over her.
On the other side, the male lead, Hoo Joon, played by Choi Tae Joon, fits the classic K-drama mold. He starts off as an arrogant jerk, but as we learn more about him, we start to empathize with him. Over time, he slowly warms up to the female lead. Nothing groundbreaking here.
As for the second couple, their relationship is undeniably abusive, filled with constant arguments, disrespect, and manipulation. This toxic dynamic affects not only the characters' mental and emotional well-being but also the viewers'. Honestly, I find myself fast-forwarding through all their scenes.
The second female lead, Oh In Hyung, played by Han Ji An, comes off as incredibly selfish. She desires the male lead but refuses to break it off with the second lead due to her own ambitions, trapping herself in a harmful cycle. And Chansung, you did a great job portraying such a one-dimensional jerk, but you deserve roles with more depth and complexity.
It's unusual for a romcom to feature such unlikable and unrelatable characters at the beginning. However, the middle part of the drama proves quite enjoyable for those who appreciate classic romcom tropes. Overall, if this is the type of drama you are interested in, it is not a bad watch. Although the characters may take some time to grow on you, the engaging storyline and romantic elements make it a ok watch for those seeking a light-hearted drama.
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A Heartwarming Journey Marred by an Unnecessary Ending
Honestly, I had no intention of watching this when it first came out. However, after seeing Byeon Woo Seok in "Lovely Runner," I couldn't resist his charm and decided to give it a go. This movie is a heartwarming coming-of-age romance, but inexplicably, the writer chose a sad ending. It felt unnecessary and out of sync with the film's overall tone and vibe.Both Kim Yoo Jung and Byeon Woo Seok were perfect for their roles. Kim Yoo Jung's character is irresistibly lovable, embodying loyalty, charisma, and charm; she instantly wins your heart. Byeon Woo Seok’s character is equally captivating, portraying a loyal, observant, caring, and reliable friend. There is no doubt these two are perfect for each other. In contrast, their best friends are a bit more selfish, especially Roh Yoon Seo's character, but not in a negative way.
The movie will undoubtedly stir feelings of nostalgia, taking you back to your high school days. Who was your first boyfriend or girlfriend? Did you ever help your best friend approach their crush? And remember all that old technology, from pagers to VHS tapes? It's truly a walk down memory lane.
As mentioned earlier, the sad ending felt unnecessary. I don't understand why the writer chose this route. It doesn't make the movie more poetic or artistic; it only creates a sense of dissonance from the rest of the film's direction and tone. An avoidable disappointment.
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A Lackluster Decline: When a Script Goes Off Course
I couldn't help but wonder if the writer experienced burnout halfway through the script or perhaps became overly medicated, leading to a loss of clarity. The quality of the script undeniably plummeted. We tuned in for an intricate revenge plot and got a hot mess of nonsensical actions instead.And let's talk about the female lead—what a letdown! Her performance was so lackluster, and her character felt like an afterthought. She had one expression the whole time, like a deer in headlights.
Here's hoping Lee Jae Wook picks a more promising project next time. We know he can do so much better!
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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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Alchemy of Souls Season 2: Light and Shadow
6 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 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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All Schemes, No Payoff
Baek A Jin had all the makings of an unforgettable sociopath—smart, beautiful, manipulative, and utterly broken. Kim You Jung delivered brilliantly, especially in the early arcs where A Jin’s calculating nature kept us hooked. Watching her outwit everyone while escaping her father (a shoo-in for Worst Dad Ever) was peak drama.But then... the spark fizzled. The sociopath we were promised faded into the background as the story shifted to her getting rich, famous, and drugged. The tension? Gone. The excitement? Flat. And Moon Do Hyeok? A one-dimensional rich guy obsessed with breaking her—yawn. Even her cult followers’ sacrifices felt pointless. By the time she climbed that cliff with a Chucky-esque grin, we were left wondering why the show abandoned the very thing that made it so compelling.
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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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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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