This review may contain spoilers
A Mixed Bag: Classic Romcom Vibes with Outdated Tropes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.
Was this review helpful to you?
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.
Was this review helpful to you?
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!
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
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!
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
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.
Was this review helpful to you?
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.
Was this review helpful to you?
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!
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
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.
Was this review helpful to you?
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.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
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.
Was this review helpful to you?
A Nostalgic Journey with a Thrilling Korean Twist
When I first started watching this drama, I had no expectations. After countless fluffy romcoms, I was craving something different. I'm thrilled with my pick because this series brilliantly blends the best elements of Hong Kong gangster movies from the '80s to the 2000s within a unique Korean K-drama framework.Set in the '90s, the show brings a wave of nostalgia. The era's charm comes alive with slightly oversized suits, chunky Mercedes S-Class cars, and the iconic Motorola StarTAC flip phones. It's just delightful.
This drama borrows a lot from Hong Kong gangster films. The main characters remind me of those in the 2002 film "Internal Affairs," where the protagonist pretends to be a gangster while actually working undercover as a cop. But the series takes that inspiration and makes it its own, with a distinctive style and story that keeps you hooked from start to finish.
Ji Chang Wook totally shines in this series. He nails the double agent character, making you feel every emotion and frustration he goes through. His fight scenes are spot-on, though some are so intense and violent that I had to look away.
The rest of the cast is great too, but I was especially impressed with Bibi. I'd never seen her work or even heard of her before this. I was shocked to find out she's actually a rapper, singer, and songwriter. Her portrayal of the daughter of a Mainland China gangster was so convincing it's hard to believe she's not a full-time actress.
With only 12 episodes, the drama moves at a good pace without any unnecessary fillers. I highly recommend it to anyone into crime thrillers or just looking for a change like I was.
Was this review helpful to you?
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.
Was this review helpful to you?
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.
Was this review helpful to you?
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.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
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.
Was this review helpful to you?
