This review may contain spoilers
Never thought I would enjoy
I never thought I would enjoy this drama so much. I didn’t have any expectations from Healer—I only started watching it because of its huge fanbase and curiosity about the hype. But after finishing it, I completely understand why so many people are obsessed with this drama.Spoilers
What makes Healer so engaging is that it doesn’t just stick to being an action thriller—it’s also a healing romance. Jung Hoo begins as a loner who distrusts everyone, but Young Shin’s warmth and resilience slowly break down his walls. Ji Chang Wook’s dual performance as Seo Jung Hoo and the awkward Park Bong Soo was a delight to watch, and his transitions between characters were really impressive.
The movie date scene was my favorite and most memorable moment—it was from that point that I couldn’t stop watching. The thriller aspect is equally strong, with the central mystery of the “illegal broadcasting team” from the 80s, their tragic fate, and how it ties into the present-day characters keeping the tension alive. The villains, especially the manipulative Elder and the creepy Secretary Oh (his OCD habits and unsettling smile were chilling), added to the suspense.
I also appreciated how the leads trusted and supported each other instead of dragging out unnecessary misunderstandings. There were many emotional scenes that were truly heart-touching. Healer’s teacher was another amazing character—his presence was short-lived, but impactful, and I wished we could have seen more of him.
That said, the drama isn’t without flaws. The final episode felt a little rushed, the Elder as the main villain was underdeveloped, and some side characters like Moon Ho and the hacker could have been explored more. A few mid-episodes dragged with repetitive chases, and at times I felt confused by some details, especially regarding the Elder’s side plot and the last water research subplot—it felt like something was missing.
Even with these shortcomings, Healer remains a must-watch if you enjoy thriller-romance dramas. And if you like a bit of nostalgic K-drama magic, you’ll definitely fall in love with this one.
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7.5/10 – Draggy in parts, but unforgettable as a classic royal romance.
Princess Hours is truly one of those iconic K-dramas that defined the mid-2000s era. The concept of an ordinary high school girl suddenly becoming a princess and navigating palace life felt like a fairy tale come to life. The chemistry between Shin (Ju Ji Hoon) and Chae Gyeong (Yoon Eun Hye) was slow to build, but that’s what made it so rewarding—their awkward bickering, gradual trust, and eventual genuine love felt natural and heartwarming. Some of the most memorable scenes for me were their clumsy but cute moments in the palace, the comedic timing, and the way Chae Gyeong’s innocence brightened the otherwise strict royal atmosphere.On the downside, the drama definitely suffers from pacing issues. The middle episodes drag with too many repetitive misunderstandings, palace politics, and love triangle moments that could have been tighter. At times Shin’s cold personality felt frustrating, though it made his eventual growth and affection more impactful. The second male lead also added tension, but his storyline sometimes overshadowed the main romance.
Still, despite its flaws, Princess Hours is a nostalgic gem with beautiful costumes, a whimsical OST, and a romance that lingers even after all these years. If you love royal settings, slow-burn relationships, and that classic early K-drama charm, this is a must-watch.
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