Beyond Evil is beyond your average thriller
Beyond Evil is a great example of how to take a simple concept and absolutely run with it. Between the exemplary acting, tight writing and numerous twists and turns along the way, this Korean drama is easily one of the best shows of the year.Given the simplicity of the story, it’s actually quite impressive that the series adds layers of twists while also making sure there are no plot holes left behind either. Every single character has an alibi, a place to be and – more importantly than that – a motive for killing. In fact at one point there are 8 different possible suspects!
Beyond Evil is amazingly consistent and efficient in its writing; it not only manages to keep episodes compact yet compelling, it also manages to keep up the suspense for its full 16 episodes, which is a big deal. The OST was used skillfully as well.
My Rating : 8.5/10
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Brilliant origin spin off story
Kingdom Ashin Of North is a brilliant spin off of critically acclaimed Kingdom series which tells the story of Ashin and the origins of the undead.The story was great along with the lead cast and overall production of this special episode. From the very beginning till the end, there was no boredom whatsoever. A story of survival, betrayal and revenge, Ashin Of North serves a great plot that will eventually tie up with Kingdom storyline. Jun Ji Hyun was brilliant as Ashin.
The 3rd season will probably the ultimate showdown of humans vs the undead and I am waiting eagerly for it
My Rating : 9/10
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This mystery is ridiculously amazing
Mouse got me hooked from the start. A murder mystery of a serial killer/psychopath, with numerous different storylines that ultimately connects to the same place.The plot was amazing, Lee Hee Joon as Moo Chi, the detective/policeman was just terrific. At 20 episodes, it didn't felt even once that the story was loosing it's grip. Rather, there was some kind of twist in every episode which made it interesting and kept me guessing.
The BGM was quite good as well along with the production of this drama. In the world of K Dramas that are usually filled with romance, comedy and Slice Of Life, Mouse serves the best thriller/suspense Korean show which should get more attention, just like the others. Mouse is without a doubt, among my Top 5 best Korean series/drama of 2021.
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A unique idea and a nearly perfect execution
Start Up started very well, with unique idea of innovation world with competition among the best. But the way it ended, especially the last 3 episodes, I would say it was nothing like expected.The emotional connection between Mr Han and the grandma was beautifully portrayed, so was the friendship between the developers/friends of Samsan Tech. The only unexpected thing was the relationship between Jung Sa-Ha and Chul-San although I can understand why they ended up together in the show.
The episodes towards the end felt a bit fast paced, loosing the grip of the story, not much but to certain extent. Although I can't argue who should have ended with whom, and what ending could have been more satisfactory, but I still liked the show very much due to it's unique concept.
MY RATING : 8/10
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All well that ends well
Business Proposal is your typical office rom-com with employee boss love affair that starts on a wrong note, but eventually gets synched by the end. What works with Business proposal are the characters, and I mean both the couples.I won't say this is the best rom-com in the recent times that I have seen, given that there were innumerable cliche points, however Business proposal still proves to be effective with it's charming characters and the comedy moments that happens time and time again.
Kim Se Jeong was too good and adorable to watch. The drama didn't only shown relationship of a couple, but a strong bromance and womance throughout the show. The soundtrack was decent that matched well with the moments.
To summarise, Business Proposal is a delightful drama that minimizes weighty issues and major conflicts in favor of a comfortable plot and endearing characters. Plus, there are two lead couples worth rooting for. Although it's not the best I have seen, but it's worth a watch.
My Rating : 7.5/10
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A fresh take on superpowers genre, K-Drama style
Moving, a South Korean drama about superpowered teens and the superpowered parents trying to protect them, became Disney's most-watched K-drama of all time. For the past few years, Korean dramas have extensively diversified their genres and viewership, moving beyond the tag of romantic comedies to producing some of the best thrillers, zombie or otherwise! Moreover, they have ventured into genres like dystopia, science-fiction, and now, superheroes! Needless to mention, Moving brings a fresh new entry to K-Drama with its superhero storyline with some family drama.The show is extremely engaging with the pacing, storyline, action sequences, themes, and the performance of the cast and character relations. Moving is a great concoction of fantasy, mystery, thriller, action, and of course, a romcom, the characteristic feature of Kdramas. Moreover, it features the themes of bullying but now from the perspective of the silent observer and ethical questions that accompany the cost of a lost childhood when children are sold into becoming weapons of the state or in a simpler sense, sold into labor.
In a nutshell, Moving is, hands down, one of the most engaging and unique Kdramas released in 2023 and it would be a shame not to give it a chance with its interesting story, pacing, interesting characters, and the numerous mysteries unveiling themselves.
My Rating : 9.5/10
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Alchemy of Souls Season 2: Light and Shadow
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Inferior to Season 1, but an ending quite a worth
Set 3 years later after the finale of Season 1, Season 2 starts slowly and brings all the characters back to the game. There are very few fantasy shows which make you invest in characters, and season 2 fits this description.Although the second season starts sluggish with everything that kinda replicates the first season, the last 3-4 episodes bring the real excitement and closure, with which I am pretty much satisfied. What still works for this fantasy drama is the star cast, the chemistry between characters and how magic is used to weave a tale of ambition, dreams, love and kingdom. What perhaps could have been better was a climax full of action. But again, the makers opted for a rather happy ending. Personally, the latter is inferior when compared to its predecessor, but all ends that ends well.
My Rating : 8.5/10
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Enchanting fantasy crafted with precision
With its fast-paced plotting, engaging characters and resplendent wardrobe, Alchemy of Souls was a compelling escapist fantasy that helped us fly through the sweltering summer.Plot wise, the show revolves around the lives of people residing in a place not known to regular humans, Daeho. There, mages, sorcerers, assassins, maids and all manner of other imaginable people ply their trade, helping the numerous areas of this restricted world function. Continuing, the whole series looks fantastic visually. Bringing life to this fictitious world, director Park Joon-hwa emphasises the expansive area he has to play with, immersing the viewer in every scene. Complete with some rather solid CGI, visual effects and use of pathetic fallacy, the show has some undeniably sleek appeal.
Overall, the first season of Netflix’s Alchemy of Souls was an enticing, consistently solid introduction to (and journey through) the complex world of Daeho. It might not have been perfect, nothing ever is, but there’s plenty here for anyone to sink their teeth into, as well as enough substance for those looking for something comprehensive to enjoy, with season 2 down the line.
My Rating : 8.5/10
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First half intriguing, second half mehhhh
Love all play started very well, giving us a glance in the past of the main characters and focusing more on the sports aspect. The situation that young athletes go through in their life, was visibly portrayed in the first half of the drama.The downfall started in the next half, wherein it became more of a love story and very little a sport drama. Undoubtedly, the main characters 'Park Twins' had a good chemistry on screen, however too much of an emphasis on their love life and not on their professional life as a badminton player, let me down in the second half.
The soundtrack was decent, however while watching the show, it felt like an Instagram filter thanks to it's weird production. Overall, Love all Play had good intentions but didn't stood upto the expectations as a sports drama.
My Rating : 5/10
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Love stories behind the scenes
Shooting Stars offers a story about the different lives of people behind the cameras. Starting from writers, managers and PR’s who work hard to take care of the image of their artists.During the drama, these characters also unveil the hardships of their work especially in handling their actors. Even though they are immersed in their jobs, they also opened their hearts to the people whom they like. Shooting Stars shows that a well-balanced lifestyle would make one’s heart happy.
The background music and the pairing were effective, although the acting of the cast felt overdone and sometimes there was a lack of stability. The drama felt monotonous at times however the end result was not bad at all.
My Rating : 7/10
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Gripping and terrorizing
Through the Darkness pitches a riveting story that centers on how the minds of criminals work, how they plot their crimes and how oddly their behaviors are, and leading the formation of Behaviour Analysis Team.Through The Darkness delineates the hard work done by every department in catching the psychopaths and examining the behaviour and minds of these killers. Kim Nam Gil as Inspector Son Ha Young was an effective casting who delivered a good acting on his part.
Overall, this drama depicts the terror of numerous psychopaths during the late 90s and early 2000s, and study of these criminal minds.
My Rating : 8/10
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A light hearted drama with a right heart
When The Weather Is Fine didn't received much recognition like other dramas that aired in 2020, as it should have. A slice of life drama with a slow pace that tells us about the way of life through healing, loving and forgiving.The drama contains numerous thematic threads that are poignant and generally strikes a balance between melodrama and comedy. By exploring in great detail the relationships between characters, When the Weather is Fine underscores the small but precious responsibilities that come with love.
The true hero of this drama is its characters as they narrate their stories and show their perspective which feels quite relatable. Won't forget to mention the OST and BGM of the drama, it was one of the best soundtrack that I have heard in K-Drama. It was peaceful, soothing, melodious and at times, emotional as well.
This drama needs more attention and recognition that it received (stating on the basis of Ratings and # of watchers).
My Rating : 8/10
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Good start, terrible ending
S Line is a dark and gripping mini-series that combines mystery, psychological tension, and social commentary in a unique and disturbing way.The story follows a girl who can see red lines above people's heads, revealing their sexual relationships. For others, the line is visible only if they wear some random glasses.
Each episode follows a different case where someone gets the glasses and their life takes a dramatic turn. What starts as curiosity often ends in tragedy, and the deeper the story went, the more disturbing it became.
The pacing was slow but reasonable. With only 6 episodes, the story was building effectively, however out of nowhere, the final episode takes a whole different path and the series ends up disastrously without giving a proper explanation of glasses, the girl's ability to see the red lines or the supposedly cult that was seen in the final episode. The show could have been so good, but the finale made it into a disappointing affair eventually.
Overall, S Line is a wasted potential, that had a great story, but went wrong due to it's confusing and unexplainable ending.
My Rating : 2.5/5
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Shallow and Disappointing
My Dearest Nemesis is another regular K-drama that follows classic overused pattern of romance that we frequently come across many korean dramas. While I was expecting something high from Choi Hyun Wook due to his recent selection of dramas, this drama is totally forgettable and full of clichés.To begin with, I didn't sense any actual chemistry between the leads in any scene. The plot was lacklustre as it followed common trope of enemies to lovers, but in this drama, it was too quick.
The geek side of the male character felt cringey and awkward, instead of cute and endearing. While the drama had some good moments, the rest were nothing special and even at 12 episodes, it felt a long stretch. Better watch 100s of better dramas in the same genre out there.
My Rating :5/10
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When life gives you a second chance, grab it and own it
Marry My Husband centers around an ill woman who receives the final blow when she learns her bestie and husband are having an affair. She dies soon after, but is given a second chance at life.Marry My Husband makes it easy to fall in love with protagonist Kang Ji-won – and that’s already half the battle won for this K-drama. Park Min-young effortlessly portrays her as smart and kind, though not in a superficial way, but a little too naive and trusting. Yet, she’s learning from her past (or, in this case, future) mistakes and evolving as a person. Thankfully, it’s a gradual process that allows the audience space to root for Ji-won as the show progresses, while acknowledging that she can’t possibly handle it all on her own.
To that end, Ji-won is surrounded by a cast of equally charming, if fairly one-dimensional, characters. There’s her bubbly co-worker Yu Hee-yeon (Choi Gyu-ri), who gives Ji-won a makeover, well-meaning but meek assistant manager Yang Joo-ran (Gong Min-jung) and her stoic but secretly soft-hearted boss and love interest Yu Ji-hyuk (Na In-woo). They are as tropey and archetypal as K-drama characters come, but in a way that’s also their job, to not detract from who we’re all here for: Kang Ji-won. It may not be the most groundbreaking of shows, but that’s not what it’s trying to be either. This Korean drama knows it’s a guilty pleasure through and through, and embraces that wholeheartedly. There is something immensely satisfying about seeing a carefully drawn-out, deliciously manipulative revenge plan slowly but steadily unfold onscreen. It satisfies by giving the audience exactly what they want by letting Ji-won get her payback, with a handful of unexpected twists that are just enough to keep viewers running back for more.
My Rating : 8.4/10
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