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?
This review may contain spoilers
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.
Was this review helpful to you?
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.
Was this review helpful to you?
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.
Was this review helpful to you?
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.
Was this review helpful to you?
The Drama That Went From Fantasy Fun to Melodramatic Mess: Taecyeon Deserves Better!
Never had there been such a letdown from deceptive marketing. Before its release, the drama was hyped as a fun, fantasy romantic comedy starring 2PM's Taecyeon. Fans, familiar with Taec's quirky and entertaining persona, thought this role was tailor-made for him. The first few episodes met expectations, but the series quickly lost its charm. It became mired in repetitive, dull plotlines. The worst part? It took a sharp turn into a melodramatic mess. I found myself asking, "What am I watching? What is happening?"Did the studio suddenly pull the funding? Did the writer vanish? Even the production value plummeted. The latter half of the drama was confined to a mansion-turned-B&B, a setting more suited to a daytime soap opera. The only redeeming aspect of the second part was the vampire gang—they were amusing, supportive, and loyal to the male lead. Beyond that, it was a chaotic mess.
Taec, you deserve better than this. Please be more selective with your future projects.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Nostalgic Time-Travel and Laugh-Out-Loud Moments: A Fun Ride Through '90s K-pop Drama
This drama might be polarizing, but I genuinely enjoyed it, even rewatching some of the funnier episodes. What captivates me the most is its nostalgic evocation of the '90s.The story follows Yoo Hyun Jae (Yoon Shi Yoon), a self-absorbed K-pop boyband star from the early '90s who time-travels to the present day. In this modern era, he encounters his former manager, ex-girlfriend, and, to his surprise, his future son. The series is brimming with humorous moments, as Yoon Shi Yoon masterfully portrays how a '90s star would react to today's world—interacting with smartphones or navigating automatic water taps—creating endless laugh-out-loud scenes. Additionally, I love how they recreated the vibe of a ‘90s hip hop music video. It was so authentically old-school and perfectly captured the essence of that era. I couldn't stop smiling while watching it.
Yoo Hyun Jae starts off as a self-centered character, and the drama centers on his journey of self-discovery and redemption. Expect some unlikable actions from him, but they are essential to the main theme. Some viewers have found his relationship with the main female lead, Choi Woo Seung (played by Lee Se Young), uncomfortable due to their significant age gap and the fact that she is his son's crush. However, I see no issue since Yoo Hyun Jae has time-traveled to the present. His mind and appearance are still those of someone in their 20s, and he has no knowledge or experience of fatherhood.
Some also found the character Choi Woo Seung a bit annoying and criticized Lee Se Young's portrayal. While I agree this might not be her best work, the character is intended to be a hardworking girl from a humble background, striving to achieve her goals. This is meant to create a sharp contrast with the main lead and highlight the "opposites attract" dynamic.
Lastly, there are plot holes in the storyline, but the main thing is that you need to put your logic lens away while watching this fantasy, time-slip, romcom drama. It's not a masterpiece, but it is a fun ride for me.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
A Delightful Romcom That Will Steal Your Heart: A Review
This drama is an utterly delightful romcom, a treat for fans of well-executed romantic clichés despite the somewhat predictable "relationship in jeopardy" trope. While I'll delve into that later, let's first highlight the film's strengths. The two leads truly shine, especially Kim Se Jeong as Shin Ha Ri. She brings genuine authenticity and charm to her role, forging a deep connection with the audience. Her clumsiness never fails to elicit laughter, and her interactions with Ahn Hyo Seop as Kang Tae Moo are both endearing and humorous.I particularly enjoyed Ahn Hyo Seop’s embrace of the quintessential rich male lead tropes. It was delightfully old-school and silly, yet he delivered it perfectly. The supporting cast was equally amusing, from Young Seo's cousin's random English words to Tae Moo's grandfather's love of daytime dramas.
With just 12 episodes, the drama maintained a smooth flow with minimal fillers. However, towards the end, the unnecessary introduction of a "relationship in jeopardy" subplot, lacking strong writing and execution, detracted from the overall quality. This weakened the final two episodes, making the ending feel rushed and unfulfilling.
Overall, it's still a fantastic romcom for those interested in this genre.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
A Lighthearted Romp with a Predictable Plot
This is your classic enemies-to-lovers romantic comedy, filled with familiar tropes and a quirky premise. An average girl and a wealthy heir start as sworn enemies, only to (surprise!) fall for each other. While the concept is fun, the plot is thin, predictable, and doesn't go deep enough to truly hook you. It's a breezy, low-stakes watch that entertains but won’t leave a lasting impression.The first episode is easily the highlight. The leads meet through an online game, get sucked into a virtual quest as their avatars, and hilarity ensues when the female lead realizes her crush-worthy gaming partner is actually an eighth-grader. His confident love confession versus her mortified reaction sets the comedic tone perfectly. Special shoutout to Moon Woo Jin, who absolutely nails the younger version of Ban Ju Yeon with his goofy charm and energy—it’s a scene-stealer.
Fast forward to adulthood, and we meet the polished Ban Ju Yeon (Choi Hyun Wook), who carefully hides his hilariously immature side from everyone, and the hardworking, relatable Baek Su Jeong (Mun Ka Young). Both actors are great individually—Choi brings dorky awkwardness to what could’ve been a clichéd "rich heir" role, and Mun adds warmth and depth as a breadwinner with a lot on her plate. But here’s where things get more layered: Ban Ju Yeon isn’t just the typical stoic chaebol. Years of emotional abuse from his cold, controlling grandmother have left him starved for love and forced to suppress his true self. Choi Hyun Wook does a great job conveying this vulnerability beneath his polished exterior, giving the character surprising emotional depth. It’s also why his connection with Baek Su Jeong—and by extension, her warm, accepting family—feels so significant. They’re not just romantic partners; they’re his first real taste of unconditional care.
That said, when it comes to their romantic chemistry, something still feels... off. Their banter leans more sibling-like, and while it’s funny, the romance feels half-baked. You want sparks, but you mostly get flickers. Thankfully, the show balances this by pairing the main couple with a more grounded secondary couple who, truth be told, steal the spotlight. Their opposites-attract dynamic—a divorced woman finding her footing and a man experiencing his first 'real' relationship—feels fresh and mature. They bring a nice contrast to the main leads’ journey of navigating their first love.
Not everything lands, though. The male lead’s grandmother, set up as the cold, manipulative “villain,” feels unnecessarily harsh. Blaming Ban Ju Yeon for his father’s death and using the family business as a weapon against him adds drama, but it’s overdone and often feels out of place in a romcom. Her redemption at the end feels rushed and abrupt, with no convincing reason for her change of heart, making it even less satisfying.
Ultimately, "My Dearest Nemesis" is a harmless, easy watch for when you’re in the mood for something light and silly. It won’t blow your mind or reinvent the genre, but the gaming sequences, age-gap twist, and lovable side characters keep things interesting enough. Add in the emotional layers of the male lead’s journey, and it’s a tad more heartwarming than your average snack-sized romcom—not very filling, but enjoyable while it lasts.
Was this review helpful to you?
From Curls to Confidence: A Heartwarming 90s Nostalgia Trip
A feel-good, coming-of-age movie set in the nostalgic late '90s, with a wonderful cast that truly shines. As teens, we’ve all had insecurities—wanting to fit in, wishing for straight hair instead of curls. This film captures those relatable moments perfectly, bringing back memories of youth. It’s reminiscent of "20th Century Girl," but thankfully skips the unnecessary sad ending.Shin Eun Soo is spot-on for her role, and I was shocked to learn Gong Myung is over 30—he nails the high school vibe effortlessly. It’s not a masterpiece, but it doesn’t need to be. This movie is a lighthearted, easy watch that’s not meant to be overanalyzed—just sit back and enjoy it!
I would have loved to learn more about how the main lead overcame his struggles with moving to America or his relationship with his dad, but I understand that might have dragged the movie out too long.
Was this review helpful to you?
