Jojo

Familiar tropes with unexpected depths : A cliche done well!

The drama is a good example of all the familiar tropes done right, steering clear of "almost" all the pitfalls. The story revolves around Tu Xuaoning and Ji Yuheng, two childhood classmates /acquaintances who reconnect again during a match-making event leading to an unexpected marriage of convenience.

While initially, I assumed it would rely on all the cliches of contract marriage and childhood connection, it breaks new ground by focusing on good character development, mature dynamics between the couples and an ML who is not "stoic "
Instead of relying on melodrama and misunderstandings, it beautifully portrays how Xiaoning and Yuheng navigate their life, both personally and professionally. I loved how their relationship was not built on grand gestures, it was just about those small, everyday moments of support and understanding.The leads shared an undeniable chemistry and their kissing scenes were so tastefully done. I liked how both the leads didn't lose their individuality and focused on their dreams and careers.

Miles Wei as Yuheng was perfect. The way he balanced both his professional responsibilities with his feelings for XioaNing was portrayed with sensitivity. (And he looked exceptional in those suits if it matters for research purposes xD)
Xiaoning started as this ambitious but uncertain FL trying to establish herself in a cut-throat corporate culture. She gradually became confident, voiced her ideas and learned to assert her opinions. While her decisions especially to hide the relationship may sometimes come off as illogical and rude but the way she struggled for her job, it just came across as a precaution and realistic.

The second couple, Rao Jing and Zhao Fanggang storyline provided an entertaining enemy-to-lovers trope to the story counterbalancing the sweet MC romance. Their banters were hilarious and their chemistry was electric. It was filled with both tension and comic relief here & there. As the plot progresses, it leads to unexpected vulnerability amidst the snarks. Their journey from disdain to affection feels believable. I was rooting for them from the start (even more than the main couple).

The supporting cast gives more reason to make this a worthy watch. I enjoyed the female friendship between all the 3 FLs. Xiaoning's bond with her best friend Wei Yi felt so genuine and supportive. Also, Ning's bond with the manager Rao Jing as mentor-mentee was refreshing to watch. Female supporting females is one of my favorite troupes.
Also, I appreciated how FL's parents treated their adult daughter as an actual "adult" for a change. They were fun, supportive and nosey but always respecting boundaries. Both their families provided such a warm and positive atmosphere.

But this wasn't without the flaws. Foremost, the third couple - Dai Yun Fan and Ling Wei Yi felt completely underdeveloped and I felt certain conflicts between them detracted from the strong storyline. To me, they felt very unnatural and chemistry was lacking.
Additionally, the character of Tang Yuhui while starting as intriguing falls into the cliche territory of obsessive character. If delusion were a person, she would have been the poster child. I wish they didn't stretch her part and use her as a positive catalyst.
Also, I felt they focused too much on Yuheng's long-standing affection and revealed it to the FL a bit late. This is where I felt the pace lagged occasionally.

Overall, this drama is a delightful and entertaining blend of romance and humor balancing personal and professional growth. While it does have cliched elements, the execution is done well. Recommended if you are looking for light and fluffy drama with good character development with no less to no drama and enjoy contract marriage & cohabitation tropes.

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Finally a good action romance drama!!

I watched this drama as a part of recommendation challenge and I literally have to thank them for introducing me to this.

To outline the drama it was an absolutely wonderful and interesting watch.
There was a bit of everything for me that worked here - action, romance with both strong male and female lead and a bit of suspense and drama. The story kept me intrigued and invested till the very end. Each and every detail or clues in every episode somehow made sense at the end. I couldn't find any story loopholes. Tbh story isn't very unique but it is put together to almost perfection. You would really have to nitpick (which I am not gonna do :D)

The acting by all the cast members were perfect! The romance arc between the ML and FL is simply beautiful. The chemistry between them is FIRE! No nonsense! Just 2 adults trying their best to be together and handle things maturely. The OST was decent too. 

All is all , a great watch!

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Not my cup of tea!!

So contrary of popular opinion, personally I did not like the drama. I watched it after falling into your smile because of the same gaming - romance genre but I was disappointed.

Story wise it lacked character development of the male lead. Like at one point it kinda became frustrating. The gaming sequence was also tad bit boring and tbh I just skipped most part.

The main problem for me here was chemistry between leads , was just too forgettable and felt forced.
The OST was nice though.

Honestly this wasn't my cup of tea but again I would understand if anyone else loved it. :))

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Slow burn gone cold !

The drama centres on Tang Yang and Jiang Shi Yan, childhood friends whose relationship evolves as they navigate their careers along with their personal lives. The premise is engaging with the classic friends-to-lovers trope. However, throughout it struggled with the pacing dragging the romance over almost 23 of the 30 episodes.

The friendship between the main leads was the stand-out element. The genuine support, fun banters filled with warmth and subtle tension made their transition feel a bit natural. The second couple while completely underutilized brought some comic relief here and there.

But unfortunately, the pacing didn't sit right with me. The romantic progression felt half-hearted. Yes, I love and appreciate a slow burn but it felt like we were stuck in a loop. The leads avoided any conversations leading to something and the receptive dialogues led to the same conclusions, with them just playing around instead of addressing their feelings. The series does picks up its pace but I felt it was already too late. Their friendship era with flashbacks was great but their romance felt like it was buffering and for a long time.

The third couple felt completely unnecessary and like filler. The over-the-top antics started felt like a distraction. The second couple had great chemistry and an interesting start but it was very fragmented and underdeveloped. I'm still confused about how things progressed and how they ended up together. I have questions and no answers.

Also, serious subplots like harassment or toxic workplace dynamics were rushed and felt unresolved. They had 30 episodes and how some plotlines are still underdeveloped is a bit shocking and frustrating to me.

Overall, I have mixed feelings about this. It could have been good with tight writing and better character development, especially with the supporting leads. I would recommend it if you are a fan of the leads otherwise, you aren't missing out if skip this.

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A very wholesome and soft love story!

The drama followed Natsumi, who suddenly found herself in an arranged marriage with Takimasa Ebata, an officer in the imperial navy. What unfolded after that was a quiet, slow-burn romance that was both heartwarming and realistic considering the time the story was set in.

The drama was set against a very traditional, pre-war backdrop, which gave their interactions a kind of that old-school charm. But what really sold me was how emotionally healthy their relationship became. There was mutual respect, affection and honest communication.
At first, Takimasa came off as emotionally distant and hard to read, a classic reserved man but through small moments and genuine effort, the two started to build a connection that felt so honest and adorable.

The romance was soft, thoughtful and at times adorably awkward. They shared such a natural chemistry, full of sweet moments and the occasional dorky laugh.

Even the inner monologues, which usually signaled "misunderstanding trope incoming" in many J-dramas were used very well here. They actually gave a deeper look into how both leads were feeling rather than dragging the story with forced conflict.

I find it rare to find a drama that felt this sincere, especially when set in such a formal and emotionally reserved era. But somehow, this one managed to balance its historical context with warmth, humor, and just the right amount of romance.

The second couple were very different from the main couple. They were your classic "enemies to lovers" trope but they grew on me. The banter, the realisations...Their love story was as adorable as the leads. I wouldn't mind a spin off for them.

Acting-wise, I think everyone did a solid job. I have watched enough J-dramas by now that their sometimes over-the-top expressions don’t really bother me that much anymore. It just feels like part of the charm.
The costumes and cinematography was pretty and I really liked the narration style here.

Overall, this drama became my go-to comfort watch. I started this for Honda Kyoya, but stayed for everyone and everything. I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys love stories with minimal angst.

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Great chemistry but the emotional mess of second chance romance was missing!

This is one of those "It’s not the drama, it’s me" problem here. When I read the synopsis, I thought second-chance romance...and I was expecting an emotional mess, a little chaos, lots of unresolved tension, a little of that good kind of sting, you know classic lovers–enemies–lovers trope ingredients.

But instead of leaning into all that, I felt the drama played it very safe. It felt like it tiptoed around like it was scared of making things too uncomfortable. Everything between the leads from the start felt very chill like coworkers catching up after a long break, instead of people with baggage and heartbreak. I wasn't asking for a full-on sobbing in the rain or creating a scene in the office but something to show that they have regrets and feelings, either love or resentment, that don't just vanish overnight.
That’s where it didn’t completely work for me and hence the 'me' problem. I had different expectations of a second-chance slow burn. But once I adjusted those expectations around episode 4, I started to enjoy the drama.

The chemistry between the leads was solid. Their banter was genuinely cute and effortless. It didn't feel forced or cringe. If I somehow forget the second-chance lovers and just look at them with an "enemies/strangers to lovers" lens, I would totally root for them. I could tell they were into each other, even when they were just messing around.

But sadly, the chemistry alone can't do the heavy lifting. The break-up that supposedly drove the entire narrative forward didn't really land the way it should have. The reason didn't feel strong or messy enough. It's like we were told, "This is so devastating", but there wasn't enough build-up to justify that kind of fallout and silence. I am not saying it had to be some toxic reason but at least give me something that hurts a little.
It was more like "Wait, that's it ?!"

Another thing that bothered me was that the transitions between past and present were confusing. I had to rewind a few times or maybe it was my tired brain after a long day of work.

Acting-wise, I do not really have any complaints about the leads. I have watched both of them before and they did a good job here too. It was easy to tell that they felt comfortable around each other and that genuine ease translated into their characters and the on-screen chemistry between them. Also, GMM TV had really innovative location names like "Peraya Hospital". Such a cute touch. And the cat was really cute! <3

Overall, I wouldn’t say it’s a bad drama at all (even if my review sounds kind of harsh lol). It’s actually one of those light-hearted shows that’s easy to binge, low on angst, high on cute moments and has good chemistry. The emotional depth and big dramatic wreckage weren’t really there for me, so if you are looking for something very intense, you might feel a bit underwhelmed. But it definitely has its own charm.
I would still recommend it, just go in with adjusted expectations. And if you are a Krist Singto fan, then yes, 100% give it a go.

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Cute as a peach, lacking the pit!

The premise of this drama is straightforward as it gets. Yoo Doha is a sweet, awkward young man who has somehow navigated his entire life without a single romantic experience and is suddenly thrown into a love square with 3 different men.

Have we seen this before? Yes. *Coughs secret relationships* Is it reinventing the wheel? No. So what does it do? It decides to bedazzle the wheel with peach colored fluff and aggressive cutesiness. And to be fair, for the first few episodes, it kind of works and then just gets very predictable.

The plot never pretends to be complex, which is fine but it also forgets to be tight. Don't get me wrong, the characters are adorable but deeply underwritten. Doha, our protagonist, is cute in the "someone protect him from literally everything" way. But he is painfully underdeveloped or has a personality that evolves. If I have to define his personality, it would revolve around being startled or confused or mildly flustered. It's sweet initially and then I started wishing he would develop at least one additional trait. I just couldn't understand why he would trigger a romantic hunger games between 3 men.

Coming to the 3 love rivals, none of them has a functioning sense of boundaries.
Team Leader Jeon: The cold yet caring, strict boss whose personality flips for Doha. Lovely idea because who doesn't love a tsundere lead, but the bond isn't developed enough or shown to us on screen that I would believe he would risk his professional integrity going out of the way to play protector. He was definitely my favourite from the lot but I felt the writing didn’t give us enough build-up to fully showcase him.

Yeon HaRam: Our resident flirt. Till the end, I didn't understand him or why he did. I didn't feel any chemistry between him and Doha. He was definitely charming in a brooding way (if it makes sense lol). He has the same problem as the rest. The writing gave his sparkles but not enough foundation.

Taek Gyeon: Flag bearer of friends-to-lovers trope. We see most of him, and it’s no surprise I ended up rooting for him. Since they share a history together, somehow his feelings made more sense logically and we got enough context in comparison with the other 2 suitors. Though I am not too impressed with his courting ways, out of all the peaches, I would pick him. He and Doha were really cute together and that's about it.

Honestly, the love rivals had better personalities, in my humble opinion when compared to Doha. Each of them brought something distinct to the story and Doha often felt flatter. The chemistry works in moments, but never settles into something truly satisfying. It's like the drama casted three attractive leads and hoped their combined good looks would distract you from the fact that no one here has any real character growth.

That said it somehow works as a good romcom. There were some heart-fluttering moments, but it plays too safe that nothing stands out. Nothing is unwatchable, but nothing is memorable either.

Visually, the drama is pretty with soft lighting, calm colour palettes, the whole “gentle K-romcom glow.”
Coming to the acting, Jung Su Bin as Yoo Doha was not that impressive for me. I don't know if it was the "deer caught in the headlights" character or the writing or the acting itself, but it failed to leave an impression on me. The remaining 3 leads were fine. Again nothing to run home about, but also not bad.

Overall, it’s cute, yes.
It’s entertaining, yes.
Does it deliver anything new to the BL landscape? Not really.
Does it reach the emotional depth or any? Sadly no.

I would recommend this only if you go in expecting a fluffy distraction rather than a fully fleshed-out romance. This drama sit on the shelf of "dramas I liked but didn't loved".

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Forget the actual plot and watch it for the fluffy "plot"!

7.75/10 (That awkward in-between score where you kind of love it but also know this isn't life changing )

The cheat code to enjoy this drama is not to expect much. It isn't trying to reinvent the wheel, and you get the idea early on. It sticks to its lane..light, a bit fluffy and breezy to watch. It's easy on the eyes, with good chemistry between the leads, comedy that isn't cringey, although it had slightly uneven pacing and not enough angst.

The premise is simple yet fun. Na Aejoon, a fanboy, suddenly finds himself working alongside his idol, the charming Choi Si Yeol. The twist is that Na Aejoon keeps his fanboy status a secret, while Si Yeol has his own mysterious agenda for getting close to him.
Their chemistry is not smooth or effortlessly romantic. It is awkward and adorable. The height difference is just the cherry on the cake. Sometimes they did act like cringey clichés, but it kind of makes you smile rather than suffer. The visuals, their silly banter overall maintain that feel good vibe.

Now, coming to the biggest issue I had with this drama was Si Yeol’s character. It felt like a wasted potential. For most of the drama, he is playing the long game with his little revenge mission, which means his actual feelings don’t come into play until way too late. By the time the truth comes out, there is barely any space left for him to properly redeem himself.
I would have rather liked it if they had given him a lot more inner conflict earlier on. It would have given the drama enough and much-needed angst. The guilt, the hesitation, the tiny moments of self-doubt...we didn't get to see this.

As for the second couple, they were sweet but very underdeveloped. I know they had a tragic past, but I feel we didn't see them enough to believe it or have any kind of connection. The last-minute conflict resolution magic wand does its trick, and voilà... a happy ending.

Another thing that I feel they could have milked better is the whole idol fan relationship. They just brush past it pretty quickly.

Acting-wise, it was decent. Kevin, as Na Aejoon carried the role nicely. I felt the clumsiness, the second-hand embarrassment and the emotional scenes were spot on, especially when he was cooped up in his room. Kim Kang Min as Choi Si Yeol was charming too, but some of the heavier emotions didn't quite land. It wasn't terrible by any means, but when Aejoon cried, I felt something; however when Si Yeol cried (the classroom scene) lacked that impact.

Overall, this isn't a gourmet meal, but it will satiate your cravings. It has flaws but it's charming enough to forgive.
I would recommend it if you are looking for a short, fun, feel-good BL that's easy to binge. But don't expect clever writing or too much depth. It's a guilty pleasure kind of recommendation.

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Lost Summer : A story of regret, healing and writing that doesn't commit to either!

This drama's synopsis tricked me in the beginning. The initial impression I had was that it was a drama about nostalgia, reconciliation, facing old wounds, and promising emotional payoff when buried memories resurface. And for a few brief moment, it did almost convince me that it was that but then the mask slipped away and what we got in the end was melodrama where characters circle the same point without making much progress and pretending it to be romance. This was far from a healing romcom in my books and the non-linear storytelling didn't help its case.

Starting with the writing, the non-linear storytelling was my least favourite part here. All the flashbacks here felt like they were stalling the plot, repeating the same information we already know and withholding answers for way too long which feels deliberate rather than purposeful.
Nonlinearity is supposed to show contrast and clarity but everyone here for most of the drama stayed flat. Whether it is past or present, it felt like they were stuck in the same emotional loop, repeating the same conflicting, lashing out the same way based on their suspicions and misunderstandings. It was like no one evolved across timelines or even wanted to.

Another part which wasn't written well or executed was the twin subplot.
The whole mystery part of the drama was built around DoHa's twin brother, Do Yeong and what happened to him. But the problem was that everyone (the audience) already knew he existed from the 1st line of the synopsis, so the secrecy around it wasn't needed at the start and it didn't make sense to me either. Also, the two brothers barely had distinct identities or clear backstories, or even styling to differentiate themselves. If you don't pay enough attention when both are sharing the screen, you might easily get confused about who is who. We have had twin dramas this year where they have actually nailed the twins part (Our Unwritten Seoul - Yu MiRae and Yu Miji), so technically it is possible.
By the time they actually revealed what actually happened, I kind of stopped caring about it.

Coming to characters, Song Ha Gyeong was a frustrating lead, not because she was flawed or not a green flag but the way her character was written in the same self-sabotaging pattern that never evolved. On paper, she is supposed to be complex, wounded and introspective. But in reality, she was frustratingly inconsistent and her refusal to communicate her feelings surprised me. Again, flawed characters are not the issue but the lack of growth is.

And the strange part is how self-aware the writing seems about her shortcomings. She was told by other characters about her distrustfulness, her tendency to jump to conclusions and lashing out. Yet every episode, it felt like she did the same thing. I understand she built a wall around her heart for self-preservation but then own up to it. She kept running away from her problems and then turned around to blame her choice to bolt whenever they tried to sit down and have an actual and honest conversation. I understand she has been hurt, but she shouldn't act like it was only her especially when her actions keep dragging everyone else into the fallout. She did finally understand Do Ha's perspective but I thought it was a little too late in my opinion.

Do Ha's journey wasn't that interesting either but it was better than Ha Gyeong's. I did like how doted he was on FL, even though he was rejected left and right. I liked how he always put his foot down to have a clear, honest conversation. What I didn't like was how the script often used him as a catalyst for FL's emotions and somehow ignored his.

The chemistry between them was alright. I liked the playful banter in between, especially the one involving Subak. Towards the end, we finally get cute moments of them together. But was it enough to overlook everything? Sadly no. The loop of hesitation, guilt and misunderstanding somehow drained the life out of romance.

2nd couple was sweet and had an interesting story but they didn't get enough screen time. They popped in occasionally and then just disappeared from the narrative, and then re-emerged just as suddenly. Wasted opportunity.

A special mention to Subak, our cute golden for maintaining the cute quotient whenever he was on screen.

Acting wise, it was decent. The leads gave it their all, but the script was straight-up holding them back. It was my first time seeing Choi Sung Eun and hoping to see her in more dramas but with a better script. All the other actors across the board were also just fine. Again, no amount of acting could save a story that was already sinking under its own writing.

Production wise, it was pretty and visually appealing. I liked how the framing of the house was done, and not just visually, but for the story too. Outdoor scenes were scenic with that soft lightning and warm colour palette.

Overall, after completing this drama, I realised stagnant character arcs and misplaced melodrama aren't something that I enjoy. Will I recommend it? Sadly no. But it's good to watch and judge it for yourself rather than taking anyone's word but proceed with tempered exceptions. Better to be surprised than disappointed.

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A delicious start with bland finish. Love, food, and trauma are not in equal measure here!

This food rom-com starts off promising, with light, quirky, and surprisingly heartfelt moments. The first half had this cosy slice of life vibe, balancing humor with family chaos and a generous amount of slow-burning romance. But somewhere in the latter half, it takes a hard left into trauma territory. What began as a fun comfort watch turns heavy-handed and unnecessarily tragic. The tonal shift ruins the earlier charm, making it feel like two completely different dramas mashed together.

The premise is interesting and has a clever spin on the usual transmigration trope in the dramaland. Instead of just the ML or FL, the drama flips the trope and sends the entire Shen family to a different timeline where they fumble and survive through royal etiquette while clinging to their modern quirks and sanity.

The first half of this recipe had almost everything you want from a comfort watch. Adorable family bonds, humour that most of the time lands and a delicious slow burn romance that doesn't try too hard to impress, and that's the part of the charm. The Shen family's journey was chaotic and lovely. Watching them bicker in those too-frequent family meetings, adapt and grow together, felt oddly warm. While I found father and brother irritating and a bit senseless at times with over-the-top comedy, they somehow grew on me as the journey went on.

The slow-burn romance between Lin Yan and Shen Shaoguang was very gentle. I have a soft spot for pinning, and they served me left and right. The quiet yearning and restraint, the stolen glances, the way they linger just a second too long when no one is looking, Lin Yan nailed it. I liked how their bond wasn't built on grand declarations and respect for each other. I would describe their relationship as soft, patient and bittersweet. However, when the drama delves into heavier themes, the romance suffers. The tenderness begins to stretch thin under all that angst. When the writing wobbles, somehow their chemistry saved the day.

And then came the second half, pouring the tragic water on this delicious simmering soup to dilute its taste. The humor evaporated, the pacing curdled, and the romance became an emotional mush. I felt the drama took itself too seriously. We were spoon-fed angst until even the sweetest moments started to feel bittersweet. The big plot twist of "Who is my ancestor?" arrived like a reheated dish. It was edible enough to satisfy your hunger, but bland, flavourless and lacked any kind of excitement. It felt like writers were confused till the end on how to present it, and in a rush, went with the lamest explanation.

Lin Yan, my poor man, bears the brunt of this creative confusion. His story turns from moving to downright tragic, and while that could have been poignant, it ends up feeling manipulative, emotional suffering used as seasoning instead of storytelling. And don’t even get me started on the ending, the family’s entire journey rendering their growth meaningless. It’s the narrative equivalent of baking a perfect cake and then throwing it out before anyone takes a bite.

Another point that I felt was weak was the antagonists. Rival cooks, bureaucratic hurdles and local elites made for an entertaining obstacle but never truly felt dangerous. All the conflicts often lacked intensity, and somehow I felt resolved a little too easily.

I am surprisingly okay with the ending, considering how messy things got quickly. And also keeping in mind the restrictions with time travel theme dramas in China. But if you ask me, I can think of simpler and better ways it would have gone.

Acting-wise, Li Yunrui as Lin Yan was definitely a good choice. He portrayed the role with a certain charm, bringing the quieter, humorous and vulnerable sides perfectly. This is the year of Wang Yinglu for me. This is the third drama of hers I am watching, and she is good. The supporting cast also looked solid. A bit overboard at times when it came to humour or melodrama, but I think that was more of the writing choice of how the characters were.

Production and cinematography were excellent and never felt lacking. The manor in which they lived was definitely one of the most aesthetically pleasing and pretty-looking settings I have come across in my drama watching history.
Now coming to the food aspect, even though the title is yummy yummy yummy, the food never takes the centre stage. It is there, noticeable, deliciously presented, but if you are watching it for food shots, you will find them surprisingly scarce. I don't think it affected my watching experience as I had no expectations going in. But whatever food shots we got, it was rich, detailed, and definitely can make you hungry.

Overall, this is one of those classic strong first-half with a derailed second-half cases. It definitely lures you in with warmth and wit and it is good while it lasts but it's a pity when the drama forgets along the way what made it delicious in the first place. It could also have been a few episodes shorter.
Will I recommend it? For slow-burn romance, yes but with reservations.
7.25/10

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The myth, the meh!

The premise of this drama is very new - a bunch of mythological creatures in the modern world continuing their love story. Sounds interesting ? It was until it wasn't. When it came to execution, it was messy around the edges. It was an okay one-time watch even though the whole thing played out like a fever dream.

Starting with positives, the animated sequences were AMAZING. Each episode opens with this striking myth-style narration that feels like a moving storybook drenched in colour and mystery. I could have watched 12 episodes in that animated style. It elevated the whole lore.

Story-wise, it was confusing. The tonal whiplash was evident, and I feel the whole backstories were dull or not fully developed. The show starts with deep symbolism with destiny, rebirth and somehow doesn't do justice to it. The whole fantasy element just lands with a thud. Like if you skip the narration at the start, there are no traits that resembles the present day characters to the mythologicals being they were/are. We have few sprinkles of horror element but they just felt out of place.

Coming to the two couples and the romance, the main couple, unfortunately, doesn't move me much. There were barely any sparks at all, or at least they were very fragmentary. It was awkward but not in a cute way. Their historical story was also mild. Like interesting in parts, but overall I was bored. Meanwhile, the second couple were oddly interesting. Together, they manage to make even the most chaotic plot turns feel oddly intimate. Though I didn't like the fast tracked resolution to their story. We could have spared a few more minutes on them.
Romance as a whole was okay. In the middle it got intresting but then it was sappy romantic moments with comedy that was a hit or a miss. The whole combination of romance + myths and fantasies somehow felt absurd.

Acting-wise, it was uneven. I think that is what didn't sell the characters for me. It wasn't outright bad, but it was not consistent. The production seemed decent, and the editing was also okay between flashbacks and present timelines. The costumes of the period era could have been way better.

Overall, this drama isn’t one you watch for airtight storytelling, which is disappointing considering how strong and unique the setup was. You watch it for the bizarre appeal. Would I recommend it? Honestly, no. Not because it’s terrible .. ummm far from it but because it never truly hooked me. It looks solid on paper yet lifeless and boring in execution.

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Finally completed it ! But at what cost *sigh*

Well I started this drama with alot of expectations and sadly it just couldn't deliver for me. I dropped it after 21 episodes.

The main issue for me here was the story. The writing was extremely lazy - plot holes , slow pacing of the story and how the character arc went. I do love a slow burn romance but this seemed rushed and slow at the time like I know it doesn't make sense but from leads meeting to their interactions and their journey to love was just not organic.

The only thing I liked about this drama was the male lead and his acting. It is what made me push till 21 episodes ngl. That 8.0 in acting is just for him to be honest. The female lead kind of infuriated me at times. I just couldn't relate to her not being honest with male lead about something life threatening , assuming things and having the clueless same expression in almost every scene. The writing for her part was way worse than the whole story.

The chemistry between the leads looked a little forced to me. I kinda liked the story of second leads better than the main's.
Usually when stories don't work for me, its the acting / chemistry that saves the day! But this drama literally was 'NO' for me in both the departments.

Edit : 26 Dec 2024 : I finally managed to complete the show in mission to clean my dropped list and the rating remains the same. It did not get better on any fronts but I was glad it atleast didn't get any worse.
I WILL NOT recommend this!

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Cosmetic Chemistry: An Almost Perfect Blend

I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this series! Despite being only eight episodes long, it delivers an engaging story.

The tone of the series is warm and the premise is refreshingly new to me- two men working as cosmetic consultants. Sahashi and Natsume are what you call 'The polar opposites'. Sahashi with his cold demeanour and apparent nonchalance is actually very observant and sensitive while Natsume, the cheerful "sunshine" character is accommodating to everyone while fighting his own internal battle. What I really liked about their story was how both were committed to excelling and performing well in their careers and Natsume, as Sahashi's senior did such a good , selfless job and guided him. Their interactions in the last two episodes felt absolutely honest and organic. Their "boyfriend" era was the sweetest with hugs and kisses.
The pace is rather fast for a J-BL considering the run time is short but somehow the story doesn't feel rushed! Special mention to the ending, it was beautiful.

Both actors did an excellent job portraying their complex characters to life. The side characters also did a good job although some seemed unnecessary or didn’t add much to the story.

While the chemistry between the leads and the quality of the camera work were highlights for me, I found Natsume's constant self-doubt a bit frustrating. Although he manages to overcome these doubts quickly and the realization comes eventually, the repetitive nature of his internal struggles was something that made the story feel repetitive and monotonous.

Overall, if you're looking for something with solid chemistry and a good storyline with decent execution, I’d recommend this.

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You can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear!

This drama is a standing example of how the brightest of the stars can't outshine bad writing. From start to finish, it's a masterclass in how to do absolutely everything wrong. I wish I could sugar coat it, but I can’t even count a single redeeming moment on all ten fingers. 
  
First off, the plot or rather the lack of it. The premise is 12 angels fighting against evil spirits to protect humans. Sounds interesting, right... But the character introduction was an absolute disaster. In episode 1, I found myself remembering who was who half the time, except for Tiger, because they had given him a loud tiger-print suit. Halfway through me playing Dora the Explorer, I notice it very late that 4 zodiacs have died, and they give that information in a glorious flashback scene of 2 seconds at the introduction. If you miss seeing people lying on the ground, you have missed a very important detail.
  
I failed to understand and comprehend all the characters' motivations or the conflict driving the plot forward. Also, we are bombarded with endless flashbacks that are so irrelevant and at the wrong time. Imagine an intense fighting scene playing, and suddenly you are transported to Tiger's younger self, eating and reminiscing about an old memory.  
I felt the writers were in a constant state of doubt on what to do next, and the best plan they came up with was to confuse the audience with the randomness and leave us bewildered as to why we are still watching this. 

They finally decided to grace us with the backstory in the very last episode because why make any sense until the finale, right? That crucial info clearly had to arrive fashionably late, just to keep us delightfully confused all season.

Coming to the team dynamics... sadly, we see nothing substantial. 
Somehow, everything was about the leader Teasan (Tiger), who, in my opinion, wasn't a good fit for that role. Marok, the manager, was more logical than him and apparently has a better understanding of the team. When you put a show centring a team, show the TEAM... show their strengths and weaknesses and not just their leader acting like a monarch and his only concern is the restaurant lady.  
I expected each of them to show distinct personalities and thematic connections to their animal traits based on their zodiac signs, but they had zero impact. The fight scenes were badly choreographed, especially those of Teasan's.  
  
Second glaring issue (when I say glaring, it is in your face glaring) was the visuals. Again, I don't want to sound harsh, but I dressed better in my fancy dress competition when I was a child than the costumes here. And guess what, my family was working with a shoestring budget. The wigs and the costumes were laughable. You can argue that I am a naïve drama watcher who didn't understand this niche plot, but you can't defend the visuals. It's like 5-minute DIY crafts.  
Also, the magic weapons looked like child props bought at discounted rate. I will not get started on CGI because I literally have nothing nice to say. Everything was so underwhelming, taking into account that they had PHS and Seo In Guk as the cast!  
I want to take this moment and ask the team - "Where did the damn budget go?!!"  
  
Humans tend to desperately find a silver lining in everything and I did too. The only thing I liked was that Park Hyung Sik's character Ogwi had wings and that he looked really good with those red lenses.
I was excited to see him in an antagonist role, and was intrigued by his backstory, but the lack of context in both present and past just somehow wasted that potential too. 
  
Coming to Romance, Hyung Sik had better chemistry with the rooftop than with Miss dragon. I mean, that's the only explanation I have for him standing there for 3 episodes and doing nothing to save this sinking ship.  Jokes apart, the chemistry between them was non-existent. There shouldn't have been romance in the first place, but if you are serving it, at least build it up gradually.  

We had another antagonist, Samin, who was as unimpressive as everything else in the drama. His character lacked the command and curiosity that were needed to make him a good villain. We are told reasons for what he does (vaguely) and why, but they feel empty. Somehow, things were very convenient for him and I just didn't care about him at all.
  
Acting-wise, it was just something else... in the sense that I would rather forget it. With the script like this, all the big names seem weighed down. The overall performance felt very stiff. I want to see the reading room footage, just to understand what convinced the entire cast to say yes to THIS script. 
Production-wise, it was atrocious. I have seen a fair share of low-budget dramas, and they are better than this. I know they were aiming for the stars but sadly it turned out tragic. 
  
Overall, this was a disaster dressed as ambition with a star cast. The only thing consistent here was the disappointment. This had every ingredient to become an epic fantasy drama, but I will remember it for all the wrong reasons.  I can't even say it is entertaining because it is anything but that !
I see a sea of wasted potential and missed opportunities, with a sinking ship stranded in the middle with 12 angels, a snake and a crow sitting on the damn deck (because apparently misery doesn't love company...) all flailing desperately just to survive! 
Will I recommend this? NO. 
  
Thank you for reading my review! <3  
Usually, I am a sweet person, but the number of crash-outs I had yesterday after my binge-watching session is the reason for this sarcastic/harsh review.  
If you enjoyed the show, please take this as just one opinion among many. :))

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Meant to be a perfect package, but felt more like a rough draft with a hint of chemistry!

This had a unique and promising premise, a group of divorcees coming together to create an insurance policy for one of life’s emotionally and financially taxing experience. With the ever-increasing divorce rate as a backdrop, the idea of treating divorce like an unpredictable disaster was sort of intriguing and fresh.

Unfortunately, while the drama had its good moments, it didn’t quite live up to the boldness of its concept that it promised. The narrative felt muted and at times, downright dull and boring if I am being honest.
The plot often settled for surface-level storytelling, weighed down by repetitive boardroom scenes, overly sanitized and clean conflicts and a reluctance to explore anything too emotional. There were so many arcs that could have been fleshed out but everything was at surface level and packaged pretty.
The writing felt hesitant, as if it was trying not to ruffle feathers, resulting in a story that lacked a bite.

Let’s start with the strengths. The main leads, No Gi Jun and Kang Han Deul were the heart of this story for me. Their relationship was built on mutual respect, empathy and most importantly, excellent communication. It’s rare to see a romance so subtle portrayed with no dramatic grand declarations, just lingering glances, stolen touches and quiet meaningful actual conversations that slowly build a healing connection. It felt mature and grounded, and it’s this sincerity that makes their chemistry work. Their dynamic is what kept me watching. Their relationship was not "on your face romance."

Another highlight was the third couple. They brought a lighthearted, chaotic energy to the show without slipping into childishness considering they were the youngest. They didn't have much screentime but I wasn't bored seeing them! Their relationship could have been explored more though.
Alternatively, they could have explored more single life monogamy dynamics of A Yeong. I thought they will give it more attention because it was introduced quite a few times in the story!

However, the drama slowly begins to fall apart as it starts.
The second lead couple was a complete mismatch. Their chemistry didn’t just fall flat, it barely existed for me. Every scene they shared felt exaggerated to the point of parody, like they were stuck in some over the top skit. The dramatic reactions, the awkward attempts at romance felt like filler with no real emotional weight.
As individual characters, they did have something to offer to the overall plot whether it is drama or comedy but the second they were paired romantically, it was like all that potential vanished. They would have been better off just being part of the main circle, adding value without the forced love line.

Also Jeon Na Rae’s behavior was honestly more annoying than anything. Her constant confrontational vibe was just exhausting for me. Instead of adding tension or drama in a meaningful way, she just stirred things up for no real reason. What made it even more confusing was that she had her own thing going on with An Jeon Man, yet she was still acting like she had a say in everyone else’s business especially No Gi Jun. It felt totally unnecessary the way she kept poking her nose in his life even though he was married twice after her.

The business-heavy plot, while very ambitious on paper, often felt bogged down by business jargon and unrealistic portrayals of this whole Insurance corporate world. The 12 episodes felt too stretched! The different divorce cases every few episodes also was a hit or miss for me. A couple of them were interesting and emotional, while others felt bland or underdeveloped.

The comedy in the drama was a bit uneven too. There were moments where the humor worked, but a lot of the time it felt overdone. Thankfully, the show dialed it down in the latter half.

The acting was decent, all things considered. It is not something you would run home about or hand out awards for, but it was passable and had its moments. The script itself was pretty weak and didn’t give the cast a lot to work with, but the actors still managed to deliver grounded performances. Honestly I came in expecting more, from both the story and the cast so maybe that is why the letdown feels stronger.

Overall, this whole thing was kinda all over the place. From uneven storytelling, pacing issues and some pretty underwhelming subplots made it fall short of what it could have been. Recommended only if you are here for the main couple, Lee Dong Wook or any of the cast but if you're not, you are not missing much by skipping this. I kind of
stayed for the leads, tolerated the rest.

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