Jojo

The multiverse that never was!

The drama was disappointing dive into unfinished realities. It had all the right ideas but honestly, it missed the mark in a big way. The whole concept of parallel universes and shifting timelines sounded interesting at first, but instead of exploring those alternate reality possibilities, the show spends way too much time on the love story part which didn't land well for me either.

The writing felt all over the place and by the last episode I wondered if this could just have been a university BL and worked better instead of this mess of an over-ambitious multiverse project.

The pacing of the drama was another issue for me. The first half drags with too much focus on romance, while forgetting that they introduced a subplot of parallel timelines. We barely get to see them explore that side. When the drama finally decided to dive deep , it was too late. The final episode didn't tie any lose ends for me leaving too many whys unanswered.

The chemistry between the leads doesn't save this sinking ship for me either. They had good chemistry in another project I have seen of them but here it felt sort of forced and flat. The NC scenes were good and spicy , but not enough to convince me they were lovers in each and every world if it exists.

Second couple was sweet but not enough attention and screen time was given to them to make their relationship feel genuine. The pace was way too fast leaving questions in my head as to when did they actually fall in love or started liking each other. Very random but I liked their chemistry between than the mains.

Overall, pretty disappointing because this could have been so much more. The potential was there, but it ended up feeling like a bit of a letdown, never quite figuring out what it wanted to be.

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You watch this for ML's charisma and entertainment, not when you are looking for a profound plot!

This drama definitely had those classic Wattpad vibes, you know, where anything can happen and logic is more of a suggestion than a rule.
The plot felt like it was just stringing along a series of random events, all tied together by the ML's performance. It was almost like the drama existed solely to showcase his acting skills and without him, the whole thing would have been a lot harder to sit through.

One moment, a character’s making life-altering decisions, and the next, they are  casually falling into some completely unrealistic situation, yet somehow it all just kind of works in that “anything-can-happen” kind of way, we often get in those fanfiction stories where the rules of reality seem to bend.

The show had its fun moments, offering a mix of mystery and comedy, but that was pretty much all it had going for it.

The romance, in particular felt forced and unnecessary. While I don't dislike the FL's acting, I honestly believe her character could have been removed entirely without impacting the overall story. Her presence didn’t seem to add much to the plot and the romance felt more like an obligatory element than a meaningful part of the drama.
That said, I did enjoy their interactions and I am glad they didn't let the romance trope overpower the other.

The antagonists were another issue. Despite committing numerous crimes, they came off as quite foolish. They started off as mysterious, but then they just acted stupid. Their actions became predictable towards the end and their schemes were far too transparent. The stakes lowered as we progressed further.

What kept me going were the interactions between the ML and his "teddy team." Their chemistry was fun and added a bit of lightheartedness to an otherwise mediocre show. Those moments were the only real source of entertainment and kept my interest from completely waning.

Acting wise, I do not have any specific complaints. Seo Kang Joon was/ is an excellent actor and it showed throughout. He literally carried this whole drama on his shoulders.

Overall, I would recommend this to people who are fans of the Seo Kang Joon or anyone who is just looking for something light and easy to watch. It has a high entertaining value. If you don’t mind overlooking some weird plot choices and logic gaps for the sake of entertainment, then it’s worth a try.

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Qian-tastically unpredictable !! Where modern wit meets ancient chaos!

This drama takes you on a ride with Xu Qian who is unexpectedly thrown from his modern life into the Defang Dynasty. What really makes this stand out is the focus on the characters. Qian's journey is the heart of the show and his interactions with those in meets in this new mysterious world are what drive the plot forward.

Since this is a character-centric drama, my review will also focus on people who stood with Qian in his journey. Whether it was through subtle bonds, conflicts or silly realizations, somehow everyone has a significant role to play. I have kept it as general as possible avoiding spoilers or any major events that might take away the firsthand joy.

✨ Character Sketch of Xu Qian:

Xu Qian, the sharp-witted and resourceful modern-day office worker, was unexpectedly transported to this fantastical place, the Dafeng dynasty. Despite his initial shock, he adapts to his new reality quickly and soon joins the guardians.

Qian is exceptionally intelligent and worked through with his modern mindset. He is not just book smart but a person who quickly thinks on his feet, applying science, logic and modern problem-solving techniques even in the most bizarre cases.

Though intelligence is his greatest asset, it is paired with quick wit and certain cunning making him unpredictable and endearing at the same time. He definitely had the knack of getting out of tight situations with a well-timed quip and a sly smile.
Xu Qian's comedic timing was impeccable. It does feel like it was a coping mechanism for him to adjust to this new world than just a simple defense mechanism.

Despite his occasional trickery and playful demeanor, he is deeply committed to justice. His sense of morality drives him to fight for common people. While his methods may seem unconventional, sometimes bending the rules too but his heart is always in the right place.

✨ Xu Qian's relationships with people around him:

▶️ The Xu Family: This family is the embodiment of chaotic love. With the loud, unpredictable dynamics, each member brings their own brand of energy that somehow always ends in laughter. They argue over the pettiest things but are always standing up for each other when it matters. The humor is deeply rooted in their interactions whether it's a miscommunication or over-the-top emotional meltdowns. Their ability to somehow find humor in near-death situations too gave that extra edge to the drama.

▶️ The Guardians (Gold, Silver & Bronze Gongs): Another entertaining dynamic that I enjoyed overall was Qian's friendship with everyone. He was Defang's favourite! The equation with each of them was different but all of them stood up in unison with him in times of need. They did not fight just for power but for one another.
His friendship with all the gongs transcends mere loyalty. It's built on mutual respect no matter what the rank is, shared battles and moments of stupidity together. The guardians’ unwavering belief in Xu Qian is a major part of the reason for his success.

▶️ Lord Wei: Their interactions initially were strictly professional but soon carried an undercurrent of mutual care, understanding and pride. Lord Wei watches over Qian with a deep sense of protective affection feeling a fatherly pride in his accomplishments. Their bond slowly wasn't defined by roles or traditional hierarchies but by an unshakeable familial connection.

▶️ Princess LinAn: Their relationship might have not been the central focus of the drama but as a subplot, it felt very organic without overshadowing the main plot. At first, the princess comes across as silly, naive and somewhat unreasonable but as the story progresses, she has a really good character development. The kisses are done very tastefully and made me feel a thing or two!

There are other characters too who have a significant impact on Xu Qian's journey and the whole drama but I believe mentioning them would be considered spoilers. I would prefer to experience them firsthand when watching the show.

✨ Acting: The acting across the board was truly impressive with everyone almost delivering exactly what was given and required of them.
Dylan as Xu Qian stood out for me. In my humble opinion, this is his best acting performance yet. (Yes, LBFAD was great and I considered that as his best performance before GODF). He really played to his strengths from dubbing in his own voice for his character to effortlessly mocking his own accent with that quick-witted comedic timing.

✨ Cinematography / Costumes / CGI: The cinematography was pretty especially the wide shots of natural landscapes.
The costumes and sets looked pretty detailed whether it was a grand palace or a simpler setting. The wide shots of natural landscapes were beautiful though.
My only gripe was the jaw protector on Qian! We DID NOT need to hide his jawline! (This sounds like my personal problem xD)
CGI was not the best I have seen but all of it definitely did a great job of enhancing the storyline without stealing the spotlight from the plot.

✨ Ending (No spoilers): The ending didn't feel open-ended to me. It tied up all the loose ends very satisfyingly but also left just enough room hinting towards season 2. I hope we get some sort of confirmation soon.

This drama has been my happy place for the past few weeks. I have laughed, cried, gotten frustrated and been completely hooked by twists and mystery, all while never losing my interest. It's one of those shows that has a perfect balance of drama and humor, where the comedy feels natural and not forced and a storyline where romance isn't the main focus. I would definitely recommend this.

Thank you for reading my review! <3
*Patiently wait for Season 2*

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Season 2 said I will do better and it did (for the most part)!

In times when season 2 usually ends up being a disappointment, this one was actually better than its predecessor. The story was stronger, the acting by both leads improved, and their communication and chemistry were far better. The only thing that disappointed me was Shirasaki 2.0. His problem wth an inferiority complex with Hayama was almost the same or a little better if I am being nice. And I might have been okay with it, but he sort of projected on Hayama and it entirely didn't sit right with me.

Season 2 starts with Hayama and Shirasaki in their dating era when they are not working on the same set together. The narrative explores the difficulty of being in a relationship under the constant pressure and scrutiny in the entertainment industry, issues of professional ambition, jealousy and personal insecurities that arise when private relationships intersect with public careers. And for the most part, it did manage to do it.

Starting with the characters, Asami Hayama is the kind of character who feels too much but only lets very little slip through. At first glance, he is a perfect example of calm and composed and someone who has life in control. But once you dare to look past that exterior, he is fighting his own demons. His internal conflicts shape him in meaningful ways, both good and bad. While I acknowledge that he withheld emotions to a fault, however, this also gives him a certain steadiness. He isn't impulsive with emotions.

Shirasaki had its moments, but overall it was a hit-and-miss for me. Starting with the positives, his acting journey was impressive. He is new to acting world and the way he adapted and was more open to feelings than career-hardened characters was nice. What I have complaints about from him is being Hayama's boyfriend and that inferiority complex from season 1. This whole 'I need to prove myself or qualify to stand beside someone who already treasured him without conditions' didn't work for me. This race in his mind made him look fragile and insecure and in all the wrong ways.
I supported his outburst but the way it was delivered nullified the impact and effect of it. The way he projected his insecurities and made it about him rather than considering or understanding Hayama's feelings rubbed me the wrong way. I guess they say it right, words matter but so does the tone.

Coming to the chemistry, it was way better than Season 1 and it shines brightly in some moments. There were fewer communication gaps and internal monologues. They had their sweet soft moments where all the colours shine, whether it is attraction, fear or longing. It might be more enjoyable for me due to them being an established couple this season. I would have liked more moments of them together, digging deeper into their relationship and themselves a bit more.

Acting-wise, both the leads were really good. Nihara Taisuke, as Shirasaki benefited the most with BL under the BL concept. Komagine Kiita was good too. I enjoyed the role of Kuroki Keita, played by Natsuki Omi. Shoma was better than the previous season but we have a long way to go for him.

Production and cinematography were beautiful and clean. I liked the set design and overall, it elevated the tone of the story. I loved the close-ups and directing sequences. Another plus point from a visual perspective was the shift from their in-drama characters to their “real-life” versions (still on screen, of course xD) was surprisingly smooth.

Overall, while it is not perfect with pacing a bit slow in the middle, it was definitely an enjoyable watch. Even though the leads fumble their way sometimes, their relationship feels grounded in real human flaws. I would recommend it if you liked season 1 because it was better than that in my books!

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The ship didn't just sink, it imploded under the weight of its own melodrama and bad writing!

The central plot of the drama revolves around trauma and its handling, set against the backdrop of a war zone in Eastern countries. However, it failed to evoke any emotions in me and just felt bland and boring.
The only saving grace, which is why it even gets a 6, is thanks to Benjamin and Saxin, who helped me sail through all 38 episodes of this aesthetically pleasing mess!

For a drama where trauma is the main plot, there was no real sense of warmth, depth or emotional resonance.
At first, it gave off the impression of aiming for something deep and thoughtful, but it quickly lost its way. The plot meandered aimlessly, leaving what should have been powerful moments feeling strangely flat and forgettable.

FL Song Ran was supposed to be a reporter, but she spent more time doing everything except her actual job. It was hard to believe how she was just wandering around and taking pictures in a war zone army base, it just felt completely out of place. Most of the time, all I saw was her trailing behind the male lead.

ML Li Zan's character left me with mixed feelings. I appreciated how the show portrayed his trauma and the denial he was stuck in, it felt raw, real and authentic. However, as time went on, it seemed like his reluctance to open up was more about convenience than anything else. The constant addition of trauma without any real growth or resolution made it feel like there was no light at the end of his tunnel.

I am a fan of both the actors, but I just couldn’t feel any chemistry between them. Maybe it was because their romance developed in so many illogical situations like having a heart to heart conversations on the bomb site before even getting medical aid , that it felt hard to buy into.

Most of the drama was set in a war zone, but the seriousness , urgency and consequences of it were largely missing throughout especially in the first half. The logic was often flawed and there were many instances that could have been fixed if they paid a little attention to detail. For example, why were people moving so freely in the war zone? Why were people just lying down and hugging when there had been a bomb blast only minutes before and why couldn't they do that in hospital to make more sense ?

When it comes to handling PTSD, don’t get me wrong - they did attempt to show the real vulnerabilities, denial and the struggles people face after being in such a traumatic environment. However, the portrayal became a repetitive cycle, with no significant character growth. It doesn’t make sense to me that after 8 episodes of dealing with the issue, there was still no real development.
You would expect them to be open and communicate with each other, especially after everything they’ve been through together. But no, we are still stuck in that non-communicative phase, where life-threatening and life-changing decisions are made without even informing the other person.
In real life, while PTSD can have long-lasting effects, people do tend to make progress over time, whether in small steps or through moments of realization. The drama's absolute refusal to allow characters to experience this type of growth feels unrealistic, as it disregards the possibility of healing and moving forward.

At one point, the hero complex from both of them actually diminished the impact of those serious scenes!

Acting wise both the leads did a good job with what was given to them. Chen Zhe Yuan can act and time and again, he shows that! Liang Jie did a great job too but CZY stole the stage when vulnerable scenes were on the screen!
The emotional scenes were executed well ( the man cries so pretty) but the problem wasn't the acting but the writing!

Now coming to the good part, Benjamin and Saxin ! This was a perfect enemies to lovers trope! The constant bickering , the eye contacts , the jealousy, the unwavering trust and support for each other was just the chef's kiss.If the drama had focused more on them or given them even half the screen time, I would have rated it much higher.
Censorship wants you to think it is brotherhood, but they ain't fooling us. Initially I thought it was me who was on team delusion, but they kept hinting us that we weren't wrong. They know what they are doing ! They know we know what they are doing ! Everything is out there yet still between the lines. We need a masterclass so that we can have those shelved dramas out !

I want to keep this review spoiler free but let's just say the ending was just bizzare and lazy writing. It was as if they ran out of ideas to how to make this mess right which they made, grabbed the nearest piece of paper, scribbled something random, and called it a day.

Overall, this drama was incredibly disappointing and fell flat despite its ambitious premise. It seemed to aim for something grand, but ultimately, it failed to deliver. The plot lacked depth and the pacing dragged, making it hard to stay engaged. It was a slow burn with little payoff, leaving much to be desired and leaving me feeling bored.

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Ohh to be seen and loved for what you are!

Depth of Field is one of those stories that creeps in slowly but wraps you neck deep in emotions before you know it. It was aching at times, but beautiful.

The drama centres around Hayakawa, who has shut himself off from music and honestly, from feeling anything at all after a past that clearly wrecked him. And then there is Konno, who is camera-obsessed, a stoic, quiet individual who doesn't try to fix anyone but somehow holds a space in a way that changes everything.

What I enjoyed the most was that they didn't chase melodrama and didn't overexplain anything. The metaphors were so on point - music was for self-expression and photography for different perspectives.

Hayakawa's journey is very layered. He questions, self-pities, lashes out but also listens and evolves. Konno, on the other hand, feels like someone who has finally started to understand himself more and helps Hayakawa get back the parts of the past that are lost and buried. Hayakawa felt messy, raw and human and Konno was the contrast who was perfect with a clear plan in his head.

The tension between them is everything. It's admiration and jealousy in Haywaka's head while Konno stands there silently offering a kind of safety he doesn't himself know how to accept. He was like an anchor, just simply being there when everything else felt adrift. Their interactions aren't flashy but very tender and real. They had the kind of chemistry that doesn't explode but softens. Sometimes it wasn't about romance, but more about finally being "seen" for who they are and those long glances and silence that screamed "I got you" without any words.
Usually, the lack of communication bothers me a bit, but here it made sense considering the character's background.

The cinematography is literally poetry here. I really loved the terrace shots and all the unspoken confessions. The lighting is sad (where it needs to be) and subtle. Also, loved the ending shot, it felt like a complete circle...ending where it all began!
Acting-wise, I found Usa Takuma (Hayakawa) to be a bit stiff at times, but it didn't take away from the overall viewing experience. Hirano Koshu (Konno) played a very stoic character, and I thought he did a decent job as well.

Overall, this hit the sweet spot between emotional chaos and calm reflection that follows after. It's about being seen, finding courage and beginning again. Though the pace seems a bit fast, but considering the run time, it is excusable.
I would 100% recommend it!

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Thame Po - My roman empire!

Some dramas aren’t just stories, they feel like home. You settle in with the characters like you are sinking into the warmth of a familiar chair, surrounded by memories and unspoken feelings. You laugh with them, cry with them and at times, you feel as if you are living through their pain and joy. The emotions are not just shown, but deeply felt.
Thame Po was all the above for me. Yes, the story was predictable and cliché at times but somehow the execution is done almost right. It's a romcom that feels familiar but fresh, somehow reminding me why I love these types of plots in the first place.

The chemistry between Po and Thame was the heart of this drama for me. Their relationship was built on small, tender moments rather than grand gestures and it’s this subtle intimacy that makes their connection so real.
The way Thame looks at Po, with such warmth and affection makes their interactions feel genuine and heartfelt. The chemistry is soft and subtle but undeniable and it’s clear they are there for each other without needing to shout it out. There was this unspoken support between them where they constantly lifted each other up, even when things got tough. It’s those quiet, thoughtful moments that make their romance feel so down-to-earth.

The friendship within the Mars group is another part of the drama I enjoyed. Despite all the tensions, drama and misunderstandings, there was a genuine sense of camaraderie between the five members. Their relationships evolve throughout the story and the tension slowly turns into more understanding and support. You can totally feel the love and loyalty between them. It was cool to see a squad where everyone’s got their own vibe, but they still have each other’s backs no matter what.

The drama also addressed the para social relationship between idols and their fans, particularly the tensions that arise when idols are rumoured to be in relationships, like with Pepper's arc. It was refreshing to see this topic tackled head-on, acknowledging the impact these dynamics can have on both the idol and their supporters. However, I felt that the issue was somewhat brushed off in the narrative (in Pepper's case). It would have been better if they had fleshed out that arc more to explore feelings and the consequences, which could have added more depth to the overall storyline.

The music in the drama is another good surprise. The portrayal of the Mars group, led by the LYKN members is on point, adding an extra level of authenticity to the music-driven plot. Their performances are full of energy and the songs are super catchy, which really increases the overall vibe of the drama.

Acting across the board was solid for me. William as Thame stole the show. I was genuinely surprised considering it was his 1st acting project! Est as Po was pretty convincing for me. Whoever paired them together knew what they were doing! Other LYKN members also played their part well!

Overall, for 13 weeks, Thame, Po with Mars entertained me thoroughly. While I do think the series is predictable but it is a sweet ride where characters shine and stand out. I will definitely recommend it if you are in the mood for something heartwarming and easy to watch with the right mix of drama and heartfelt moments.

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All allure with little depth!

Have you ever had a dessert that looks so visually stunning yet when you taste it, it's nothing more than mediocre. Still, even though it’s not the best thing out there, the overall vibe of it sticks with you, giving you a good one-time experience. This drama was that dessert for me.

As someone who enjoyed the Korean version and was excited about the Japanese adaption, I have mixed feelings. This version felt less toxic as compared to the OG and leaned more on the philosophical side bringing out the classic Japanese slice-of-life story with shades of melancholia here and there. I would call rather call this "inspired by" rather than remake because alot of details differ.

The drama gestures towards the complexity of every character and their emotions but never lingers long enough to actually explore their depths.
With only 8 episodes, there was a lot to cover and while it does try to touch those aspects, it only scratched the surface. It felt like important details were glossed over. I feel like I understood more because I saw the detailed K-version and it was easy to relate and understand what was happening on the screen and what significance it is going to hold in the story further even though it may not be explicitly shown in the drama.

But all is not lost. The acting of the leads and supporting cast and the beautiful cinematography hits home, almost distracts from the story's shortcomings.

The visuals are stunning. I am not even exaggerating when I say the entire artistic atmosphere is beautifully crafted and well-shot! From the colours to the framing, everything was so thoughtfully designed that it felt like art in motion, truly a feast for the eyes.

The chemistry between the leads feels genuine yet awkward as it should, perfectly mirroring the complexity of their characters. There was always an unspoken tension and a subtle longing in their eyes as if they both were caught between desire and hesitation. A look where they each desperately need each other but just can't fully embrace.
Yokohama Ryusei in particular, was an absolute sight to behold. This might be a bit biased, but his presence elevated the entire watching experience. His expressive eyes and delicate gestures add layers to his character despite the narrative's flaws.

Overall, this doesn’t offer much in terms of narrative depth but visuals and the actors performances make it worth a one-time watch. Just don't expect to be fully satisfied with the plot.

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What if I am the change I have been waiting for!

When I read the synopsis, I was expecting a love story across parallel timelines with that 'what if' gimmick, but after finishing it, it has left me with a question or realisation that "What if life doesn't change because the world shifts but because you finally stopped standing in your own way?" Well, rude question but valid! This is a story about choice, stagnation, the cost of staying the same and understanding growth frustratingly requires effort.

The story starts with Kano Akihito emotionally boxed in. He isn't unlikeable but a very passive person. A person who lets life happen around him instead of actively stepping in. I liked how the drama did a good job at showing how that mindset slowly transitions into quiet dissatisfaction, even though nothing is " wrong" yet nothing feels right.

With the frustration, he has shifted to a new world... his ideal world. The ideal world where Kano is expressive, takes accountability, and doesn't wallow in self-pity and avoidance. I liked how this upgrade was handled. It showed that it doesn't matter whether you are in a different world or were given another chance, unless you reset your habits, every world is the same. I might have taken this whole shift too philosophically than intended lol, but it was refreshing to see a plot where you are not rewarded for enduring but rather noticing yourself and prioritising.

Coming to our other lead Ogami, I enjoyed his character too. We didn't get a detailed POV of him, but he is very observant. At first glance, he is like any other office character we have, who is cold, aloof and calm in a dreading way but as we get to see more of him, he is more like quiet, kind and mature. What I liked about him was how he didn't try to change anyone. He tried helping in Kano in the best way he could. Kano and us realised it late.

Moving to romance, I would say this is not a drama you solely watch for romance. It is definitely present but it is not loud. They really had good chemistry and I liked how Ogami didn't act as a saviour or fixer, just nudged Kano when needed. The tension between them comes less from any dramatic misunderstanding but more from emotional hesitation which felt surprisingly real.

That said, it could have benefited from 2 more episodes because the pacing was a bit uneven for all aspects, whether it is romance or the realisation. Some reflection scenes work well, but a few felt very fast-paced. The last episode felt a little too convenient.
Also, the fantasy aspect of drama is more introspective and unexplored. I would advise holding all the theories after episode 1 because that isn't the focus.

Acting-wise, it was a good performance by both the leads. The expressions were on point and in sync with scenes. Production and cinematography were good and it somehow elevated the watching experience. Lighting choices matched the mood of the scenes. Even though there are not too many outdoor shots, the sets felt lived in, like the office. Special mention to the opening OST. Loved it!

Overall, this was a thoughtful watch, or maybe I went too deep into the rabbit hole because of how relatable the struggles were. This will not drown you in over-the-top melodrama or spoon-feed you fluffy romance, but let you sit with some uncomfortable but well known facts that sometimes the only way out of your miseries is change, not external but internal.
Again, not promising a perfect, not life-altering drama considering the run time, but surprisingly reflective. If you are into this, I would definitely recommend this.

Thank you for reading my review and Merry Christmas! <3

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"Happy of the End" : Toxic Bonds and Healing Journeys!

The heart of 'Happy of the End' is the turbulent life of the characters with a raw and poignant exploration of love, trauma and healing. It captures both the passionate life and shadowy corners where pain and beauty coexist.

The series beautifully explores past trauma with their present struggles.
Chihiro is a man grappling with the aftermath of rejection both from his family because of his sexuality and haunted by the break up of his ex-boyfriend. His encounter with Keito, a charming yet very troubled figure marks the beginning of a relationship based on shared sufferings.
Chihiro is lonely and longing for home while Keito's backstory is a harrowing tale of abandonment and survival.
Somehow both of them became each other's refuge and mirror despite the chaos and trauma they were subjected to. Both the characters's journeys were heartbreaking but seeing them receive affection from each other was heartwarming.

The flashback scenes were powerful adding the layer as to why the characters are as they are. I liked the seamless transition plus the clear contrast between present and past. You can feel and know that both the lead characters need serious therapy but you still keep watching it for the rawness and athenticity.

Kaji was another character that I liked. Throughout he was such a good friend to first Kieto and then to Chihiro. The unconditional friendship and found family. <3

The series deals with serious themes like homophobia, child abuse, prostitution and animal abuse (Please read trigger warnings before starting this) faced by those living on the margins of society, it also speaks loudly about acceptance and capacity of love to heal even from the deepest wounds. This was dark and toxic but at the same time hopeful and happy. I know it doesn't make sense but at the end of it, it was actually 'happy of the end'.

However, it does feel rushed at times but that is due to the short run time. Maybe 2 more episodes would have justified the ending better and might have done better justice to this Art.

Overall, recommended if you're okay with dark themes, but please consider the trigger warnings. Again, be sure to read the TW before starting. It’s not all shining stars, but you can see the light throughout!
8.8/10

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Cute, adorable romance with few question marks included!

This drama was low-key a catfish. Hear me out... I went in fully expecting a light, sweet, fluffy romance with cute bickering, unresolved tension doing the absolute most, and nonstop soft vibes. And yes it is all of that, but then it randomly hits you with grief, regret and an existential crisis you did not see coming. It tries to unpack all of that through a fantasy lens and that’s where things start getting a little shaky.

At its heart, it is cute, romantic in a fluffy sense but it's not just that. It's also about timing being terrible and fear absolutely ruining the party. The whole idea of romance is constantly competing with "what ifs", which gave a little emotional bite to the story.
The story runs in two tracks- The present or the fluff where the feelings are finally being named out loud, and another shaped by fragmented, anxiety-induced visions. The rules of how the second world works aren't exactly clear though.

At the centre of the drama is the relationship between Jerome aka "J" and Jinn, our classic rivals-to-lovers trope. Their relationship has been marked by years of unresolved tension from childhood.
J is the definition of realising things too late and then spiralling about it. While his heart was in the right place, sometimes the lack of commutation trope was stretched too thin considering how understanding and accommodating his partner was. I understand the decisions were driven by fear and it took a while for him to figure it himself but the writing could have cut it short.
Jinn, on the other hand, was not here for instantly rewarding apologies. And I was glad because years of emotions being side-lined don't magically disappear because J got self-aware. He was genuine, funny and cute as a button. I enjoyed their bickering, affection and chemistry between them. Cute, comforting but not boring.

Coming to the second couple, Van and Farm. This is also the opposites attract trope (more on the friends-to-lovers side). While I sympathise and sort of understand Van's emotional distance stemming from unresolved grief and fear of attachment, the way he treated Farm at times pissed me off. I was glad Farm took a stand for himself. But I did like their story too and was glad as the second couple, they had their own storyline with themes of troubled love different from mains but still cohesive to the overall storytelling and were not there just for decoration or filler scenes.

The drama's strength lies in romance and emotions but where it stumbles and fumbles is in its final stretch. The pacing becomes uneven in the later episodes, with certain conflicts lingering longer than necessary while key explanations never arrive. The supernatural element, though thematically effective at the start, felt like a gimmick rather than a logical subplot. These choices don't derail the whole story but they definitely softened its impact on me.

Visually, the production is polished. They managed to portray the difference in timelines well, considering I wasn't confused between them. Though it was hard to believe they were 31, at least they tried.
Acting also elevated the material when plot holes tried tanking it. Sea and Keen continue to impress me. I know they are cute and everything, but they can definitely act and deliver when asked. There were a few emotional scenes where I felt Sea was a bit stiff, but nothing too distracting. Surf and Java were adorable too. I will definitely look up to their new projects.

Overall, even if my thoughts above makes it sound like I didn’t enjoy it, I really did. It’s one of those dramas you watch to destress, even though it might low-key stress you out but it’s wrapped in the cutest fluff, which somehow balances it out... I digress, but yeah, I liked it. I would recommend it just with the expectation that the fantasy element isn’t meant to be taken too seriously. You will likely be left with a few questions, but also be fed with cute romance.

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A forbidden love story with Lakorn choas and adults throwing temper tantrums!

Love in the moonlight is set in a fictional kingdom where secrets are traded as often as silk and adults who seem allergic to both sense and reason. The series starts with the classic formula - forbidden love wrapped in duty and deception. Prince Saenkaew, a gentle soul burdened by past trauma, crosses paths with Sasin, a hot-headed man, who happens to be the cousin of the bride Prince is arranged to. What follows is a slow-burn romance between trust, betrayal and over the top emotional whiplash. Add in scheming trash relatives, a gallop of political backstabbing and a suspiciously high number of evil adults and you have a 12-episode cocktail of chaos served with period-appropriate tears.

If “I didn’t mean it, but I did” could walk and talk, it would probably be Sasin. He is the archetype of the impulsive hero...quick to anger, slow to think, yet somehow forgiven because his charm softens every misstep.Sometimes I wanted to shake the screen and snap at him and sometimes just tell him that it's gonna be okay! He brought a full spectrum of emotions out.

Saenkaew, our sweet rabbit on the other hand is more on the emotional side. Very soft-spoken, painfully pretty and haunted by more trauma than a palace should legally allow. His “sad doe eyes” do a lot of heavy lifting, but sometimes they overstay their welcome. It works beautifully when he is in pain, but during playful moments, that eternal melancholy feels slightly off. Still, his gentleness grounds the show.

Pin, bless her pastel-colored soul, starts off as the cinnamon roll everyone roots for. She was sweet, sincere and initially immune to the typical “female rival” curse of BL dramas. But by mid-series, she veers dangerously close to the edge of that trope cliff and well, let’s just say the sympathy meter crashes. Her later actions are frustrating, though her eventual redemption arc tries to clean up the mess(emphasis on TRIES).

Then there is Saenkaew’s father, the royal poster child for bad parenting and questionable decision-making. He was just I-N-S-U-F-F-E-R-A-B-L-E. The way he tried to gaslight himself, Saenkaew and others around him , that what he was doing is the right thing for his child and for the family was just baffling. This is the brand of love that ruins lives and then blames the child themselves. He had no redemption arc in my eyes. One has to be blind and delusional to ignore everything and move on just like that. Technically, he should be in jail if you ask me.
Again, nothing is non redeemable in fictional world, but atleast make it feel earned.

Now, the reason why I stuck around was Sasin and Saenkaew. From the first time they met at the train station, their relationship was painted with that deliciously forbidden shade of love. You know the kind of love , that will burn everything in its path including themselves but can't help reaching and giving in the temptation anyways.
Every time they share a frame, there was this unspoken pull. They didn't need words... just intense eye contact, half-smiles and that dangerous proximity that makes you yell at the screen, “Just kiss already!” Their banter, especially early on is gold. I loved the rabbit nickname story! Their connection felt very natural. Even before they understood their feelings, they moved around each other with ease. I enjoyed their banters and I loved how gently they handled each other.

But this isn’t without its storm clouds. For starters, the show is drowning in villains who just seem allergic to both joy and logic. It’s hard to enjoy the love story when more than half the supporting cast are just terrible adults with morals in the mud. I didn't like how people who took terrible and selfish decisions were just redeemed in a single episode. Even if I put on a rose colored lens, the evil caricature-ness behaviour is still visible! In the end, I just got tired with them throwing temper tantrums.

The pacing also wobbles in the second half. It felt a little draggy. I understand they had to give us the angst but this could easily have been 2 episodes shorter! Also, alot of things happened because for plot conveinence rather than actually making sense of it. You have your leads abandoned on a deserted island, miraculous recovery, the infamous everyone knows everything, yet no one knows anything, the last minute change of heart...all conveinence.

Acting was a mixed bag. Pearl as Sasin was very convincing. Both his sassy and emotional side shined through. But Peak as Saenkaew could have been better. I felt he was too stiff and a bit melancholic even in the playful scenes. Supporting casts were also decent like Pin, Sasin's friends but others veered too far into melodrama.
Production seemed decent and cinematography was beautiful, capturing that period drama essence very well.

Overall, it's the romance between the leads that carried the drama and somehow overshadowed the clunky subplots. It's a mess but a chaotic one and that's the part of the charm I guess.
Ohhh the drama can be frustrating ( I am not even exaggerating) and some characters deserve permanent exile, but when Sasin looks at Saenkaew like he is the only light left in the world, all those flaws kind of melt away.

It’s not perfect like few things drenched in moonlight ever are but it is entertaining. I will recommend it if you are okay with thai lakorn style storytelling (over the top, dramatic, soap opera-ish).

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4 Love stories in bite sized pieces!

This 8 episode BL anthology was short, sweet and honestly, pretty refreshing. Each story was wrapped up in two episodes, each around 20 minutes long. It wasn’t a lot of time, but it was enough to capture the vibe and give away those warm fuzzy feelings without dragging things out.

What stood out to me the most was the overall tone of the stories. There was no unnecessary drama, no toxic love triangles, and thankfully, no cheating plots. It was simply a collection of heartwarming short stories about love. It felt refreshing to watch a drama that stayed light throughout without resorting to overused dramatic twists. Somehow it gave just enough time to catch all the different vibes of romance.

The acting was genuinely good. Every actor brought a lot of heart to their roles and it made it super easy to get attached to the stories, even with the limited screen time.
The production quality seemed pretty solid too- clean visuals, nice editing and it all felt put together really well for a mini-series. The storytelling stayed focused and didn't try to do much, which made it a really easy watch.

Obviously with such a short runtime, there was not much room for deep character development or heavy emotional storylines. The focus was more on capturing those fleeting moments like the start of a crush, the awkward excitement of first feelings rather than diving deep into the characters' lives. For what it set out to do, I think it pulled it off really well.

Overall, I thought this was a very well done mini-series, charming, easy to watch, and honestly better than many of the bigger, mainstream Korean BL dramas out there. If you are looking for something light and do not mind short episodes, I would definitely recommend this!

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The Ocean's Quiet Hero!

7.8/10
This drama left me with mixed feelings. The journey starts with Hae Jo trying to find his purpose in life and his parental lineage while grappling with a ticking time bomb in his head.

'Mr. Plankton' is such a beautiful and apt title and metaphor for the story. While plankton may seem insignificant in the vast ocean, their lives are crucial to maintaining the ecosystem much like Hae Jo, who feels overlooked yet contributes in his own ways to people around him.

At the start, Hae Jo came across as a brat but as the drama progressed I found myself sympathizing with him more and more. His flaws and initial arrogance gave way to deeper struggles and vulnerabilities, making it hard not to feel for him. The transformation from a seemingly self-centered character to someone with real pain and abandonment was gradual yet powerful. Woo Do Hwan did an excellent job portraying this character.

The road trip part was exciting and the cinematography was simply stunning. However, I wish the show had delved deeper into Jae Mi's character and her own internal conflicts which felt somewhat underexplored.

Also, I loved the bonding and sort of 'found family' dynamics overall in the drama, especially during the second half! The pacing was also better in the latter half, which made it more engaging than the first.

But the emotional weight of the drama is undeniable. Yes, it is not perfect but WDH's portrayal of Hae Jo was so raw and heartfelt. His struggle with abandonment and his illness leaves a bitter-sweet taste in the mouth that lingers.

Despite its flaws, this drama is worth a one-time watch, especially for the powerful performances and emotional depth it delivers.

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Romance I didn't know I was looking for but cupid's arrow hits the mark! Love finally scouted!

Love Scout offered a refreshing take on the typical and traditional office romance tropes by flipping the power dynamics. In a clever role reversal, the FL Kang Ji Yun is a strong and authoritative CEO while the ML takes the role of a compassionate and attentive secretary who can almost do everything, efficiently and in the best-organised manner.
This power shift brought a fresh vibe, letting both the characters grow and be seen uniquely.

Kang JiYun plays the role of CEO of Career Way who has a tough exterior but she isn't mannerless or an airhead. She is a confident and assertive woman, who always backs her decisions with logic. While she approaches most situations with a rational mindset, she knows when to incorporate emotions, using them thoughtfully when the moment calls for it.

Yoo Eun Ho in my eyes was the definition of a perfect male lead - organised, reliable and just an absolute green flag.
His organization skills honestly blew me away like, I need to take notes from him in real life.

Beyond his impressive work ethic, Eun Ho was also an incredibly supportive and loving father. His relationship with his daughter, Byeol was nothing short of heartwarming and adorable, making their moments together so touching to watch. He is also that guy who is always there for everyone, literally in the right place at the right time, ready to help whenever, a true people's man indeed.

They were the kind of couple that got each other, with a level of maturity that made handling disagreements look easy. They knew how to communicate and work through things without drama and navigated conflicts with effortless grace.
But when it came to their love story, they were completely unguarded, like teenagers discovering it for the first time. They’d send each other cute texts and pull all-nighters on the phone talking to each other, sneak quiet smiles across the hall and laugh over the smallest things that only they found funny. Their relationship looked effortless and natural, comfortable yet full of that youthful energy, where even the simplest moment felt special.

I really appreciated how they handled the family dynamics, highlighting how family comes first. It was nice to see ML taking into account his daughter's health showing his care and support. However, I do wish we had more of the father-daughter bonding moments. While I understand this was a rom-com with romance being the main focus and we needed the plot to move forward, a little more screen time for their relationship could have added extra depth to his almost perfect ML character and to the overall story.
The drama also subtly touches on the topic of work-life balance. While it doesn't really dive deep into this aspect, I was glad it was at least brought up in a career-driven narrative. Also, I don't think we needed a childhood connection because the drama had such a strong plot! But at least it wasn't overdone.

The second couple were kind and good-hearted individuals, but their connection appeared more like a friendship built on shared experiences rather than a romantic relationship. Their screen time was limited, which made their bond less convincing.
Also, I felt antagonists were pretty weak but the romance was enough for me to excuse the flaws.

Since the final episode aired today, here are a few romantic ideas for Valentine's Day (For those who need it! Approved by Oppa with a 100% success rate) :
✨ Help them organize their desk or home office, so they can finally find some peace and you can get some peace too. Remember organizing is basically the ultimate life hack, it heals souls plus makes you look like a total hero. Also, who wouldn’t be impressed by someone who can fold a shirt, put labels on folders AND get their life together?
✨ Take a drive around the city if you catch the other person peacefully sleeping because we wouldn't dare interrupt their beauty sleep!
✨ Go to your local convenience store and grab some ready-to-eat spicy noodles while it’s raining outside.
Cozy, spicy, and a little dramatic - perfect combo !!
✨ Plan a basketball date if the other is feeling down but don't forget to go easy for the rest of the games you play together ever!
Remember the goal is not to win but to eat ice cream together at the end, laughing!
✨ On Friday night (or accidental date night) Chef it up in your kitchen and whip up a gourmet feast for your special someone. And just to flex your generosity and love, let them have the last bite!
✨ If they fall asleep and start having nightmares, don’t freak out—just hold their hand like the ultimate sleep protector and let them dream it out. (Lmao buy yourself a back massager because you will need it the next day xD)
✨ If they can’t remember which car is theirs, be the hero and suggest adding some fun stickers to help them spot it easily. Get bonus points for being a problem solver!

The OSTs were beautiful and I would definitely listen and revisit them later. "Test Me" by Paul Blanco was my favourite!

Overall, it was such a breezy romance, with the leads showing a certain level of maturity. Their chemistry was subtle yet genuine and the lack of unnecessary drama made it a very enjoyable watch. I would definitely recommend it if you are looking for a heartwarming, uncomplicated love story.

Thank you for reading my review! And very happy valenties's day! ♡

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