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.
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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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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Mature Love in the Workplace
What sets this drama apart is its refreshing take on workplace romance between two mature adults. The relationship develops slowly and naturally, making it both relatable and heartfelt. Set against the backdrop of the human resources and recruitment industry, the show weaves the characters' professional lives into the narrative seamlessly. Each episode highlights unique stories of individuals finding their dream jobs, adding depth to the overall plot.The lead characters are portrayed with incredible nuance. Han Ji Min shines as Kang Ji Yun, a strong yet lonely workaholic CEO. Lee Jun Hyuk is equally compelling as Yoo Eun Ho, a devoted single father who always puts his daughter first. Their chemistry feels genuine and is complemented by a wonderful supporting cast, including a secondary couple with their own endearing storyline.
While the drama is overall a delightful watch, the last few episodes lose some of the spark. The "you-were-the-little-boy-my-late-father-saved" twist and the supposed villain arc fall flat, lacking the emotional impact or tension they aim for. The resolution of the rivalry with the competing agency also feels rushed and underwhelming.
Despite these minor shortcomings, this drama remains an enjoyable and easy watch, perfect for anyone looking for a more mature and grounded love story. It's a heartfelt journey with memorable characters and a touching message about love and connection, both in the workplace and beyond.
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A Missed Opportunity: When a Promising Drama Falls Short
What's the target age group for this drama? Is it 13 to 18? The plot, actions, and dialogues of the characters are so childish and illogical that it's hard to believe it wasn't meant for that age range. Given a story about a centuries-old demon and a young, successful CEO caught up in a murder plot while the dealing with diminishing power, you'd expect a thrilling, suspenseful tale with lots of unexpected twists. Instead, we get clingy dialogues, endless flashbacks/slow motions, and main characters who are always outsmarted by not-so-clever villains.The leads are undeniably stunning and have great on-screen chemistry. However, Kim You Jung seems too young for this role. She lacks the depth to convincingly play a successful CEO and comes off as a kid playing dress-up. As for Song Kang, it's a shame his role allowed him to be a wicked demon for only one episode; the rest of the time, he's just love-sick. The supporting cast didn't stand out either.
Ultimately, this drama doesn't quite deliver the depth and excitement you'd hope for from such a promising premise. Even though it starts with an intriguing plot and visually appealing leads, the execution misses the mark, leaving viewers feeling like something's missing. The show struggles to balance its supernatural elements with a coherent, mature narrative, making it a missed opportunity. If you're looking for a gripping and well-structured story, this drama might not meet your expectations. It’s a reminder that good looks and star power aren't enough to carry a story that lacks substance and depth.
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From Kidnappings to Kisses Why This Kdrama is Unmissable
This kdrama is a fast-paced rollercoaster filled with suspense, romance, and mystery, balanced perfectly with moments of lightheartedness to keep it grounded. From the very first episode, you’re thrown into a gripping kidnapping tied to an intense international political crisis—a thrilling entry point that keeps you on the edge of your seat while introducing the characters.As the story unfolds, expect twists galore—ransom calls, child-swapping, and missing orphans—all woven together in fresh and unpredictable ways. Adapted from a K-webnovel, the drama makes some changes, like adding new characters, toning down adult content, and refining the plot for smoother storytelling. Despite these tweaks, it stays true to the core narrative, with the sizzling chemistry between the leads taking center stage.
What sets this drama apart is the depth it brings to its characters and their relationships. Yoo Yeon Seok shines as Baek Sa-eon, transitioning from a composed presidential spokesman to a vulnerable, lovestruck man in a way that’s raw and emotionally gripping. Chae Soo Bin is equally incredible as Hong Hee-joo, a mute character whose powerful performance relies entirely on sign language. Together, their chemistry is electric and genuine, delivering one of the most passionate and unforgettable kissing scenes in kdrama history—brimming with emotion and intensity.
Adding to the charm is Im Chul Soo as Kang Yeong U, Sa-eon’s hilarious and down-to-earth colleague. His humor and heart bring warmth to the story, making him a standout supporting character.
While the drama uses familiar tropes like arranged marriages, political intrigue, and childhood connections, it reinvents them with clever twists and well-developed characters—even the villains are layered, with motives that go beyond basic clichés. Every moment feels purposeful, and the tightly woven storyline leaves no room for dull moments, demanding the viewer's attention throughout.
Suspend your disbelief, settle in, and let this kdrama take you on an emotional, thrilling ride. From the captivating romance and unexpected twists to the unforgettable characters, this is a drama you won’t want to miss.
The final episode might not be as strong as the rest, but it stays faithful to the novel, wrapping up the story in a way that honors its original source material.
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Hierarchically Challenged: A Series Best Watched While Multitasking
I wasn't planning to watch "Hierarchy," but curiosity got the best of me after seeing all the negative reviews. Initially, I almost abandoned it midway through episode one due to the silly and clingy dialogues. However, I decided to give it another shot while multitasking.Unfortunately, "Hierarchy" is plagued by several issues:
* Poor acting
* Lack of chemistry between the leads
* Weak scriptwriting: the villains aren't menacing, the mean girls aren't mean, the romance is lukewarm, and the kiss scenes lack passion
* The story lacks a climax, with everything resolving abruptly
Given my low expectations, I wasn't too disappointed, but "Hierarchy" certainly didn't win me over either. If you're looking for a gripping, well-crafted series, this isn't it. However, if you need something to have on in the background while doing other tasks, it might fit the bill. Overall, I wouldn't recommend it unless you're as curious as I was. Be warned, though: you'll need to switch off your brain, as the dialogues and actions of both the kids and adults are often illogical.
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A Masterpiece of Romance and Fantasy: "Lovely Runner" Review
I started watching this drama because the premise seemed intriguing. Written by the same screenwriter behind "True Beauty" and starring Kim Hye Yoon, whose talent I appreciated in "Extraordinary You," I didn't have high expectations; I anticipated something similar to those other dramas. However, now that I've finished it, I can confidently say that it not only met but far exceeded my expectations in every category, surpassing even my wildest imagination.Story
What truly distinguishes this drama from other romcom, time-slip, and fantasy series is how the story unfolds over its 16 episodes. By weaving together multiple timelines, the narrative offers characters various meet-cutes, challenging situations, delightful montages, and enlightening moments, keeping viewers engaged and intrigued throughout. Unlike other romcoms that introduce a random killer midway, "Lovely Runner’s" entire storyline revolves around the villain's actions affecting the main characters, seamlessly integrating with the plot. Additionally, the writer ensures a balanced mix of elements in each episode, preventing viewers from enduring lengthy stretches of heavy plot centered solely on the killer. The pacing was executed perfectly, ensuring viewers neither felt rushed nor bored. Every scene was given just the right amount of time, culminating in a fully satisfying happy ending in the final two episodes.
Characters
All the characters were well-crafted, with even the majority of the supporting cast being three-dimensional. Unlike many other romcoms, where the comedic burden often falls solely on the actress and a few sidekicks, this drama distributes the humor evenly. Both the male and female leads, as well as the supporting characters, share an equal amount of comedic scenes.
Ryu Seon Jae: Who can resist falling in love with this character? He loves the main lead unconditionally and is willing to sacrifice his life for her time and again. Loyal, brave, and innocent (as his father says, "pure as oxygen"), he embodies all these qualities beautifully.
Im Sol: It's impossible not to cheer for our heroine as she bulldozes through every obstacle to rescue her love. She is loud, sweet, and a force to be reckoned with. Most importantly, she is strong; despite has lived with a disability, she faced a killer without fear, confronting the villain head-on to protect what she loves.
Kim Tae Sung: A second male lead who is not annoying or clingy, but a reliable friend to our main leads. It would be even nicer to know a little bit of his backstory.
Baek In Hyuk: A fantastic sidekick, always ready to deliver the best funny moments.
Acting
Byeon Woo Seok: To be honest, I've only seen him in "Record of Youth," but I fast-forwarded through 70% of that drama. Now, I question why I wasn't aware of this great actor earlier. His performance in this drama was exceptional. He effortlessly transforms from a 19-year-old high schooler to a 34-year-old idol. His expressions were so precise that you could feel the joy, sadness, longing, and countless moments of embarrassment. Additionally, his portrayal of an idol was incredibly believable, and he sang the drama's OSTs beautifully.
Kim Hye Yoon: It's difficult to distinguish Kim Hye Yoon from her character Im Sol because her performance was so convincing. What I love most about Kim Hye Yoon is her natural, sincere, and unpretentious demeanor. When she acts cute, it never comes off as annoying due to her genuine charm. When she portrays sadness, you can't help but want to cry along with her, and since she cried quite often in this drama, it was hard not to reach for the tissue box. When she passionately sings as a kpop fan, she perfectly embodies the fervor of someone you'd find at a concert.
Final thoughts
This exceptional drama sets a new benchmark for all romcoms, time-slip stories, and fantasy genres. The "Lovely Runner" team's outstanding efforts—from the director, screenwriter, and casting director to the editor, sound crew, and actors—deserve high praise. They have truly outdone themselves.
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