Jojo

Was hoping for a full course feast, was only served starters!

Sugar Dog Life feels like a comforting bowl of porridge - light, stress-free and easy to digest. However, like porridge, it lacks depth and excitement, leaving you wanting something more flavorful. The story was enjoyable but it only skimmed through the surface without exploring the characters.

To me, this felt more like a one-sided love story. While Isumi clearly carries romantic feelings for Amasawa, we don't get Amasawa's POV till the very end. It felt like he treated Isumi as a friend rather than a lover or a partner. Their interactions felt very platonic. I am all here for a good slow burn but feelings should simmer on both the sides. It was frustrating at times.

I wanted a full-course meal to know more about the characters and their intentions but instead, I was served starters which left me craving for more. Both Isumi and Amasawa's characters hinted at complex flavours with fragmented glimpses of their backstories but ultimately couldn't make it to the table.

Despite this, it skips all the heavy drama to keep the narrative light and feel-good. The lead actor's performances are what carried the drama. It felt very authentic. Isumi's friends as supporting characters were such a delight. I enjoyed their warm camaraderie.

Overall, the pacing was a bit uneven here and there, and the romance felt undercooked, but I would still recommend this if you are looking for something simple and full of gentle moments and of course food.

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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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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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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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Healing Romance!!

Story - A slice of life with a unique premise and well-written story were one the strongest points of this c-drama. The pacing of the story was slow yet soothing and healing. It was full of life and will make your heart ache in a tragic way at the same time. The balance between the sombre and happy moments makes it stand out!
The dialogues and conversations between the leads healed something in me that they never broke!

Acting - Li Xian's portrayal of Chen Mai Dong and Zhou Yu Tong as Zhuang Jie was exemplary. Both ML and FL have an undeniable and ineffable - charm and chemistry.  The gradual affection with a lot of simmering tension between them was such a treat for the eyes.
Both the leads were not perfect, had flaws but were brave enough to acknowledge and deal with them. The acting had realism.
Chen Mai Dong truly defined "Healing yourself is connected with healing others!" And MY MAN DID THAT. Zhuang Jie was a bit indecisive and selfish at times but self-realisation dawns on her soon rather than dragging it, putting healthy dynamics on display. At times she was sheer embodiment of "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger!".
The side characters contributed to the story well. I liked the bond between the FL and her siblings and how CMD's grandmother played Cupid in the initial episodes. I liked how all the characters were pinning and conspiring for the leads to stay together (FL's mother was a hard cookie but joined the party).

The ending was on a happier note but a bit open-ended but also makes you realise how short life is to hold grudges!
The cinematography of the drama is noteworthy especially the location and the painting at the end was done beautifully! Though the editing and dubbing were a bit choppy in a few instances but wasn't distracting enough.

Overall, a heartwarming drama I would recommend.

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If I were the king, this plot would be chained up in the dungeon !

If this drama were a dish, it would be a beautiful Choco lava cake...beautiful on the outside, but sadly missing that melty, gooey centre. Imagine the disappointment...
On paper, the concept was a straight-up feast for a food centric romcom. A modern Michelin-star chef is tossed into ancient Joseon, cooking for royals, with time travel. What I didn't expect was for it to be bogged down by adding the plot at the last minute.

Let’s start with the plot or honestly, the garnish that tried really hard to look important. Political scheming, treason, secret agendas… Except most of it never actually landed. The conspiracy gets teased in the first 2 episodes, then disappears into the background for the majority of the drama, only to be awkwardly pulled back near the finale. You could remove all the palace intrigue, dead-parent mysteries and sabotage nonsense and the cooking scenes would still work perfectly.

Pacing is another tricky ingredient which they failed to master. The drama devotes several episodes to a single cooking competition that could have cut short if they really wanted to accommodate and address the palace politics .
Also, the FL traveling from the future and knowing what’s going to happen but still waiting until swords are drawn felt completely absurd. I get that she doesn’t remember the exact dates of events, but she knows who the culprits are and could have easily warned the King. One counter argument is that the King might not have believed her, thinking she was joking but after several episodes, he clearly does start trusting her. It’s as if everyone...the FL and the writers included forgot they introduced a tragic backstory at the start, because it goes completely unaddressed in the middle episodes.

I need someone to sit and explain the why's to me... Why as in not why we needed those subplots but why as in , why weren't they addressed as a part of the drama from the start and only like a finale afterthought. When the drama tries to get serious, it trips over its own feet… and the moment it goes whimsical, oh look they suddenly remember there’s a tragic backstory lurking somewhere.

And I refuse to talk about the ending because the drama didn't bother explaining either!

Where the drama truly shines is in the kitchen. The food sequences are glorious and very realistic with sizzling pans, carefully plated dishes, exaggerated reactions that somehow make you drool and cinematic close-ups. It is bound to make you hungry. No complaints here.

Coming to the romance, it is slow-burn, awkward and sweet at the start, but in my humble opinion, it never fully blooms. Till the end, I thought FL wasn't in love with the King. They had fragmented chemistry, but it wasn't convincing enough. Though I didn't mind it much considering that it didn’t hog the spotlight and let the main plot, ‘Food,’ take the stage.

Acting-wise, the leads do more than the script really deserves. LCM as the ML, brings the king’s charisma effortlessly. His portrayal is solid and he nails both the goofy and the emotional moments. Yoona as FL Yeon Ji Yeong was also good especially in the cooking scenes. The supporting cast had some good names that were underutilised, like Kang Han Na as Kang Mok Ju.

Production was very polished and grand. The money was well spent on the elaborate sets and costumes. Plus, the cooking scenes and the setup looked really authentic as well. I also like the concept behind the title of every episode. A lot of thought was put into aesthetics, but I wish they had spent as much care on the writing to do overall justice.

Overall, this could have been a perfect light-hearted historical slice-of-life drama if only it hadn’t tried to juggle a dozen unnecessary subplots. Last few episodes felt like a different drama. I did enjoy the cooking aspect, but the rest of everything was mediocre.
Will I recommend it? No. It's not even a small commitment. Every episode is 1 hour+.

Thank you for reading my review! <3 I hope you enjoyed/enjoy the show more than I did!

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A story of survival with four musketeers and a big bad wolf in the shadows!

This season goes way beyond brains versus brawn , it was personal, way more messier and more human.

Si-eun wasn’t just playing chess with bullies anymore. He was stuck in his own head, sort of drowning in everything that went wrong. You could tell he was not just tired, he was done. His grief didn’t scream, it just lingered, thick in the air, showing up in the way he stared too long, the way his hands trembled ever so slightly or how his voice hesitated before answering. He was unraveling quietly, piece by piece, trying to figure out who he was now that everything he trusted had either broken or disappeared.
It wasn’t just about beating enemies anymore, it was about surviving for his own sanity and not making the same mistakes again.

But it wasn’t all heavy and dark. The friendship between the "Fantastic Four" (yes I’m sticking with that) brought a kind of comfort that really stood out. There was something so genuine about the way they had each other’s backs. It wasn’t dramatic or forced, just simple moments of care that made everything feel a little less bleak.

For the first time, Si-eun didn’t feel completely alone. He had people beside him who didn’t need him to be strong or strategic all the time ,just there. And those small smiles and laughs they shared, the quiet understanding, honestly made me smile too. It felt like something he had been needing for a long time and finally, he got it.

The friendships in Season 2 held strong in ways Season 1 never could. ( I SAID WHAT I SAID!)

I hadn’t read the original source material, but I have zero complaints about the new characters that were introduced. Every actor did a great job and each character really felt like they belonged here.
Park Hu-min, Seo Jun-tae and Ko Hyeon-tak were especially impressive to me. They perfectly captured the essence of being this goofy, fun-loving ones, but there was always something deeper going on with them. Even when they were joking around or keeping things light, there was this subtle layer of vulnerability that made them feel so real. They each had their own demons to face and I could see that in their performances.

Acting was solid across the board for me.
I am especially gonna talk about Park JiHoon because as always he was phenomenal. There’s something in his eyes (It's hard to move on). The pain, resolve, sadness that just magically works and enhances every scene. Somebody give that guy a baeksang please!

The one thing I had an issue with was the antagonist, Na Baek Jin. To me, he didn’t feel as much of a villain as the show tried to make him out to be. They presented him as this serious, mysterious figure, but I still don’t feel like I understand why he ended up where he was. I needed that backstory to really connect with him and fully hate him. Without that depth, he felt a bit one-dimensional.

As for Geum Seong Je, the other antagonist, I had mixed feelings. Since Junyoung was playing the role, maybe I was biased and started seeing the good in him, hoping he would somehow turn out better. But that wasn’t the case. His character felt a little brief, which left me wanting more. I think with a bit more exploration. I hope season 3 ( if there is) serves that!
Also, the styling choice of his character was oj point! Those glasses and hair served !

Overall, for me, this season was right on par with season 1. It didn’t disappoint at all! I’m keeping this review spoiler-free, so I won’t get into specific events, but I can honestly say the season made me happy. Sure, the writing had its moments where it felt a bit uneven, but I binged it all in one sitting and that didn’t bother me too much. It was still easy to get hooked and stay invested.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely! Please, go watch it!

Thank you for reading my review/rant!

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Promising, light hearted premise that drifts in the second half!

The series unfolds the evolving journey of the childhood friends Ai and Yu, from rivalry to affection while incorporating supernatural elements.

The chemistry between Ai and Yu was undeniable, especially in their initial playful banter and eventual support for each other. As the drama progressed, their bond grew strong although the miscommunications led to unnecessary tension that could have resolved more easily.
Yo and Ing's story added an entertaining layer to the overall drama. Their romantic struggles with humour and relatability were executed well in the short screen time that they had. The supporting family brought a certain comforting warmth to the story. Yu and Yo's interactions with Ai's parents was heartwarming to see.

However, what started as an interesting supernatural romance fizzled out in the second half. The pacing felt uneven, especially in the second half. It started feeling dragged repeating the same scenarios without much progression. The slow-burn romance was sort of appealing but then considering the long history of them together, it was frustrating at times as to how the characters reacted particularly when the love-rival subplot was introduced (multiple times -_-).

The supernatural element introduced initially felt very anti-climatic. The supernatural was used as a catalyst for Ai to Yu in romantic light , but it lacked the necessary development to evoke curiosity or tension. I wish they focused a bit more on that rather than on the common tropes.

Overall, An interesting premise that started strong but falters in its execution during the second half. Recommended if you are for something light and entertaining to watch that doesn't delve into profound themes.

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Not your typical BL!

First thing first , the intro of this series was MASTERPIECE!
If you are expecting this to be your typical BL , it will disappoint you. I understand the rating on MDL. This is not a cup of tea for everyone.

The story does seem fragmentary at points leaving you with many unanswered plot holes but it has clever presentation.
The symbolism , the contrasting color frames , the angst , the hurt - You can feel it all in this 5 episode drama.
The acting by both the leads was convincing enough.

Not a fan of open endings but in this case it was justifiable. 
The conversation after their dinner was cruel yet realistically hopeful.
Yoon Dae needed to understand that " If you never heal from what hurt you, you'll bleed on people who didn't cut you."
For him to be Soo Hyuk's home and vice versa, he has to ground himself first. Finally someone teaching him self love without manipulating and scarring him.
Soo Hyuk was torn but held his ground this time. He wanted Yoon Dae to really be his home rather than being a liability.

The ending depicted they both finally broke from their same pattern and that counts as "sort of" happy ending (At least for me).
Though it's not a perfect 10 for me but still very close to it. I hope there is season 2 with longer run time.

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Entertaining trash with a lot of yikes and no consent!!!

I have never been more conflicted on how to rate a drama. Objectively this was a mess… and yet, somehow I couldn’t stop watching. I will keep this review short because I have no idea how to prepare you for what this was. xD

That biggest issue and it’s not a small one is Sorn consistently crosses boundaries. There are multiple scenes where consent is clearly ignored or played off as “romantic,” and it honestly made parts of this drama hard for me to sit through. No amount of charm or chemistry can excuse that.
In the later episodes, I did see Jun reciprocating and it glossed over some of the toxic behaviour but it was hard to ignore considering how repetitive it was.

That said, their chemistry was really good! And the NC scene ... well it was a little too graphic than I would expect from a BL but I do think it was done well.

Once I ignored that dubcon part and pretended it never happened, the rest of their story was honestly just weak. Sorn was giving emotional whiplash with his hot and cold routine and Jun had absolutely no clue what was going on and honestly, neither did I.

They kept introducing new arcs while completely forgetting to finish the main storyline - to give depth and emotional weight to the main leads.
And on the “love” part. Jun clearly fell in lust. Those heart-eyes of his were giving surface level attraction at best.
But actual love? That felt more like a plot requirement than anything earned.
Someone clearly just went, "Welp, it's a BL, better check the love box!" and moved on.

I feel like with the chemistry they had, they could have done something better than this... The acting from the leads was a bit on and off but honestly, I think the script didn’t give them much to work with. I would give them the benefit of the doubt for that.

As for the second couple, they had their moments here and there but I didn't feel their chemistry at all. I am not talking about their NC scenes but the emotional connection. It felt very abrupt! Plus I feel Yoon, bless him, had the same expression the entire drama. No matter the scene, he looked exactly the same! That really dragged them down!

Overall, It’s trash, but it’s the kind that makes you gasp, yell at your screen and yet the next episode is played.
Recommended only if you are watching purely for "entertainment" and can mentally file this under guilty pleasure. Just don’t go in expecting emotional depth or healthy romance.

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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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Strong start, dull second half! Just go in expecting a wild ride, not a perfect one!

Good Boy felt like a high-budget group project where one person insisted on running the whole thing their way, while the rest of the team, who are capable and ready, just stood by. It had a team setup but ended up spotlighting only one voice whether it made sense or not. It started with promise but somewhere along the way, the team lost its focus and simply hoped the presentation and visuals would carry all the weight.

The premise had a unique and cool concept where ex-national athletes turn into cops and somehow form a task force. The first few episodes really had me intrigued. The team dynamic was chaotic but somehow endearing and enjoyable. It had the right mix of action, comedy and emotional moments. The antagonists were really strong and smart at first and the little cat and mouse chase was interesting.

But as the novelty wore off, the cracks started to show. All the things that I enjoyed in the first half, from the vigilante justice theme to the emotional trauma, are still there in the second half, but it just stopped making me feel anything.
The pacing became inconsistent. Some parts dragged unnecessarily while the others just sped through without any significant development. And the tone whisplash here was real. One minute it was intense and the next we had an awkward comedic moment that just felt out of place. The villain arc that built up so well and gave me the impression that it was going to shake everything up, it kind of fizzled.

Another thing that exhausted me was how "perfect" Yoon Dong Ju (Park Bo Gum's character) was. I know he was the main lead, but the dramatic focus he got was borderline overkill. It's almost comical how much plot armour he carried around. He got beaten black and blue and still managed to dust himself off and take on an entire troop like he was invincible. Every time he pulled a reckless move, the rest of the team had to jump in and do damage control. Honestly, it became more of "THE YDJ Show" than an ensemble setup.
That brings me to team dynamics. Initially, I enjoyed the found family set up and expected an equal footing for the leads, but I felt they were reduced to mere cheerleaders. Don’t get me wrong, Park Bo Gum did a great job with the flimsy script he was handed. This isn’t a dig at his acting. But wasn’t this supposed to be a 'TEAM EFFORT'. (They originally had him on the poster, but later switched it to feature the whole team (current one). Honestly, if the story was always going to revolve around just one character, they probably shouldn’t have changed it because it ends up feeling a bit misleading.)

Coming to the romance section, sadly I felt a noticeable lack of chemistry between the leads. It was mild and fragmented at best. There were moments that almost worked - subtle concern, soft glances but none truly stuck. They felt more like friends or teammates who had each other's backs. I feel that part of the issue is how the drama juggled multiple tones. Romance here felt more like an afterthought. It wasn't compelling enough to root for nor subtle enough to ignore and concentrate on other parts. Honestly, the bromance between Park Bo Gum and Lee Sang-yi's character had more chemistry than the actual leads and that says a lot.

Acting-wise, Park Bo Gum was excellent. He was the reason I stuck around. From action sequences to emotional moments, I couldn't find any faults. For a drama that kept dropping in quality, his performance was one of the few highlights. Lee San Yi, Oh Jung Se and other side characters did a great job. I have seen them in other works before and with what was given, I feel they justified their role.
My real gripe was with the female lead’s acting. I had only seen her in Love Alarm before and chalked it up to a weak script, but here she genuinely felt like the weakest link. Her emotional scenes were flat. They felt too stoic, too restrained and even when she cried, I knew she was acting. It just wasn’t convincing. Now, I’m not saying she’s a bad actress. Honestly, I haven’t seen enough of her work to make that call but in this particular role, when you put her next to the rest of the cast, the difference was glaring.

Cinematography and production were backed by a solid budget, and it showed. Visually, it was polished. The action sequences were well-crafted. I particularly enjoyed the neon-lit fight scene.

Overall, Good Boy desperately wanted to be deep, emotional and thrilling but instead of pulling it all together, it kinda tripped over its own ambition. The premise and the first half delivered but the execution in the second half was dull and repetitive. It is definitely charming and chaotic at times but it started to feel more like a sunk cost situation towards the end. I would only recommend it if you are a fan of Park Bo Gum or action dramas.

Thank you for reading my review! <3 I hope you enjoy the drama more than I did.
This is a subjective take based on my personal experience with the drama. If you enjoyed it, please take this review with a grain of salt. I am a huge fan of Park Bo Gum and honestly, no one is more disappointed than I am to be rating this so low.

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Cute and easy, but won’t stick with you!

This is a good pick for a lighthearted romcom that is a perfect one-time watch. It offers all your classic elements you would expect - from charming moments to some funny and punk rock twists with an overall feel-good vibe from start to finish. While it doesn’t break new ground in terms of plot, it does just enough to make you smile and feel good by the end.
The pacing is just right, with a blend of humor and sweet moments that kept me entertained without getting too heavy or too complicated for a romcom.

The chemistry between the leads was good. Their connection felt real and cute, giving off an effortless vibe. Whether they were joking around or having those sweet moments, they somehow just clicked.
From playful banter to tender moments, you can tell they genuinely enjoy each other’s company. Their interaction felt natural and not forced, which added a certain depth to their relationship.

The gaming element at the beginning was actually a clever subplot. It felt seamless and didn’t come across as childish which I feared when I read the synopsis, instead bringing a fresh dynamic that added an extra layer of fun to the plot. I wish they kept more of that in later part of episodes too.

The SML Kim Sin Won was definitely a highlight for me. He was such a sweetheart and I loved that they didn’t make him compete with the ML for FL's attention. That was a nice change from the usual love triangle drama. On the other hand, the SFL wasn’t always my favourite. She came across as kind of immature at times, especially when she pulled away from SML but made him feel like it was his fault. I get needing space, but it would have been nicer if she didn’t act like he was in the wrong for it. Honestly, I think I would have been okay if they hadn’t ended up together.

The supporting characters were a mixed bag and in the background except for throwing some curve ball here and there. The female lead’s dad was such a sweetheart, adding a lot of warmth to the story in the little screentime he got. I liked his supportive nature and his bond with both his kids.
But the male lead’s grandmother! Yikes. I just couldn’t get on board with her till the end. I am sorry but no amount of redemption arc could make me forget how cruel she was to a child.

The acting was decent all around. No complaints really, everyone did their thing with what they had, even if the script wasn’t exactly mind-blowing. They still made it work and brought the characters to life.

Overall, while it wasn’t anything groundbreaking, this still served a good time. Recommended if you are looking for something light and feel-good.

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Romance so soft, that it forgot to break my heart!!

The drama is set against the backdrop of a war period, and oddly, it feels very light and almost a little too blissful. The central story revolves around Rati, an interpreter from France and Thee, an aristocrat in Siam, and the second couple, Mek and Dech, explores the theme of class divisions in society.

Starting with the positives, the show is screensaver pretty. The wide shots of the river, the whole period theme and cultural touches were to the point and really helped set up the whole mood. You just can't stop taking screenshots.

Another strength of the drama is the chemistry between the two couples.. Rati and Thee are the softest and sweetest things. The moment they saw each other, I felt they knew this was it. It was all sugar, sparkles and heart eyes.
Mek and Dech were very different from them. Their love story felt a bit realistic or less fairytale-ish. I loved their strangers to friends to lovers arc and the intimacy they had. There were no grand gestures here, everything between them just felt natural and meant to be.

But it isn't without any flaws, and ironically, its biggest “strength” also doubles as its downfall. For a story to unfold in such a turbulent period, there was surprisingly very little tension. It felt too polished and happy.
The romance of the main couple was dreamy, and I somehow missed that forbidden love hesitation and tension. Here, that edge was softened and I thought it would pick up in the later episodes once the angst hits but it was lukewarm and all the issues resolved too soon. Don't get me wrong, their chemistry is really evident and good but I was maybe expecting something soul-shattering.
And I got all I wanted in the second couple, but they were not given enough screen time. Their love story had so much potential. Mek was really grounded and Dech has that softer side of him, and every scene we got of them hinted at something deeper than what we see on screen. It was a wasted potential to me.

I felt they played it too safe and far from the reality it was set in. I don't mind bending a little to accommodate the story, but maybe with an ounce of realism. No one in that time period would have gotten away if they acted like Thee or Rati. The build-up around family opposition, social divide and cultural barriers just glossed over the real and required tension.
And while the ending was heart-warming and very GMM style, but it was sadly too neat for this.

Acting-wise, it was very convincing across the board. Great and In had beautiful chemistry, but I really wished we could see them in their angst era more. Aou and Boom were fantastic too and it's about time they get the series as main leads.

Overall, while I did enjoy the overall romance and visuals, I feel the execution fumbled the bag a bit. The themes were crying to be fleshed out more to give us a perfect historical BL without time travel. It's not exactly ground breaking, but it partly does get things right.
Will I recommend it? Yes, I will but think of it more as a fantasy historical drama that doesn’t sweat the historical accuracy.
7.75/10

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