Disturbing
First off, great cast and very good acting. I'm a big Woo Do Hwan fan, but all the leads wete excellent, as were supporting cast.I found the first few episodes quite disturbing and not an easy watch. I really hate bullies and those that treat physical disabilities as though that makes a person less or stupid.
S.Korea is so often portrayed as a country where those with power, position and/or money, can get away with just about anything. This drama is no different in that respect.
The friendships that are tested and the struggles to "do the right thing" are well portrayed... blood is often thicker than water, as they say.
The story got a bit far fetched at times, but the tension and feelings of threat were well written, directed and acted.
It would need a long time before I'd watch this again, mainly because of now knowing what happens.
I kind of enjoyed it, but watching was also unpleasant at times. Means it's a well made programme though.
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The storyline at the start of the drama got completely lost. The plot suffered due to this as well, with Fighter & Tutor's episodes completely overshadowing Zon & Saifah's.
That aside, the stories were good, especially F&T's, which felt quite realistic.
Sometimes the actors didn't seem entirely comfortable in their roles (a little wooden), but that may have been due to the series' problems or lack of direction. The last ep felt very rushed. Such a shame, as would otherwise have been a 10 rating for everything!
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Gripping
March 2026I got into this pretty quick and had to force myself to stop watching.
I'm late to the party, so with no hype or spoilers, didn't know how the story would unfold.
Initially I found the character of police woman Cha Soo-young to be somewhat insipid, especially given her unique talent.
However, whilst she wasn't always adept at defending herself, her character did grow.
I found the arc for Hwang Hwa-young to be a bit odd, and I honestly didn't get her sometimes.
The push from above to get cases resolved at any cost, isn't new in dramas, but it sure came at a price in this one.
Some characters were loathsome, and I liked that they paid for it.
Jang Hyuk as Oh Hyun-jae was excellent and there was no over acting or unnecessary shouting, which seems to sometimes be written into his characters.
Some lighter moments, but mostly drama and action.
I found the storyline for Soo-young a little disappointing; there was a lot of mystery around the event that drove her, but I felt its culmination a bit lacklustre. It felt very much like it took a major back seat.
The main plot, however, was well done. Twists, turns and surprises.
I'd readily watch this again some time.
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Engaging and pertinent.
Feb 2026I really enjoyed this, at times gritty, drama ~ more than I expected to.
Wanting something light to watch, there was actually more to it than I anticipated!
KJY is another actor who plays characters in a more understated way. He doesn't go OTT and can convey a lot purely with his eyes.
The story twists and turns, as Maeng Si-na (CSY) battles to clear her Idol, Do Ra-ik/Laik (sorry, but a very weird stage name, I thought), of murder.
Of course a romance blossoms, but it didn't overshadow the rest of the story, for me.
A mix of characters, nice cast; Kim Won-hae has been in a lot lately, and I liked him in this ~ he's a huge favourite!
Most characters looked like the culprit at some point, which I liked.
Some characters were awful; one redeemed themselves; another kind of did, but was still impossible for me to like.
It got very cheesy at times, and the way Si-na continued to fan over Laik, even though her boyfriend, was too silly for me.
There were actually some very pertinent messages in this drama, too. Mainly, how Sasaengs can ruin an Idol's life, never mind their mental health. Also, how the family of a celebrity cannot be chosen, and their behaviour / activities are beyond the control of any star. How Idols are pushed, controlled, restricted and basically abused in some cases, is also well highlighted. The effects of any/all these issues, really do lead to tragedy, in too many cases.
I just wish these issues were taken more seriously, and could get through to those with the power to change things. Let's hope one day they will.
I was kept engaged, looked forward to episodes and would happily watch again sometime in the future.
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Mayhem
January 2026.I do love the cast, and my goodness did they have to put themselves out there.
It's a while since I watched S1, but it's a favourite... what happened, Disney+?
OTT I can handle. A little slapstick, dry humour, silliness to cut through the suspense & more visceral scenes ~ all that I can happily handle; but this totally lost its foundations compared to S1.
The weak and childish plot had everything thrown into it... cheap laughs, awful toilet humour, the cast made to act like clowns, drag (though KMG looked weirdly pretty 😆), novelty 'musical' scenes (not uncommon in some American shows), plus pops at S.Korea's seemingly woeful legal system, with a liberal dose of strong violence for good measure.
The constant, and weird, American dialogue from character Park Gyeong Sun (Lee Ha-nee), really irritated me, too.
The look of it was more polished than S1, but that's the only thing that's an improvement ~ the rest didn't come close.
The violence was still pretty strong ~ a drug Lord (the straightest acting in the series, from Sung Joon playing Kim Hong Sik), who didn't mess about with his philosophy of a life for a mistake.
Then there was the torturing of a female intelligence agent, featuring a mallet and lots of screaming... the outcome of which was funnier than a lot of the so-called humour.
That was this drama's biggest problem ~ it swung from violent and trying to be an action plot, to all out slapstick comedy. It did not work. If it's an action drama, any comedy needs to enhance the story and be a little more subtle, or clever, but this was far from either.
I did get the feeling the cast probably had a great time making this (Lord I hope so), but for me it was pretty awful. Sadly.
Can't believe it's the same script writer, and the Director was Asst Director, for S1. A let down.
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Great balance
Dec 2025This felt very like the time period it was set in.
Detective series of the 50s had a similar vibe, with characters having the same energy, nuances and a humour that was often tongue-in-cheek. There's a definite hero here.
It was OTT at times, but that oddly fit rather than hindered.
I liked the different stories and the central theme, which was raw and pretty emotional.
One I'll happily watch again.
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Disappointing
October 2025I felt that most of the cast totally carried the story, to be honest.
There were some great moments, but overall I honestly found it pretty lacklustre.
How it missed the mark, I just don't know.
Possibly there were too few episodes in which to fit what was set up to be an epic story, so it became messy and lacked depth.
For 2 characters in particular, I expected to feel more, but couldn't. My emotions were never stirred to tears, unlike in some dramas, and yet I believe they were supposed to be.
I felt no attachment to any of the characters, really. At times I even felt the actors were simply going through their paces.
My least favourite character was Mi Reu, but I'm not sure whether was because she was played like a wet fish by Lee Joo Bin ~ zero believable emotions and no chemistry with PHS at all, which I never thought would be possible!
It's still worth a look for the cast, and as said, there were some great moments, but sadly not nearly enough.
Many of the wigs were AWFUL, too!!! I could not get passed that at all 🙄
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Pretty clever.
October 2025This drama started well; I was fascinated by the story and the questions that hung over the deaths of the FL character's family.
There was a definite slump towards the half-way mark, but then it picked up again.
There is a pretty dark and unsettling backstory as well, which kind of threw me. It didn't always make sense, or it lacked purpose ~ I'm not sure which.
Characters were linked in ways that slowly get revealed, which I liked.
There's a fair bit of action, it's a pretty intelligently written script, and a number of characters feel suspect, which I also like.
Overall, not a bad watch. The LM character, whilst challenged by his personality, was likeable, and I thought KDW portrayed him well. I like this actor ~ he is pretty understated in his approach to roles.
The FL character I found very hard to like, especially early on ~ she grew on me a little towards the end. Pretty well portrayed by an actress I'm not that familiar with.
A mix of quirky, selfish, troubled, guilt-ridden, annoying, horrid, and sweet characters.
Not sorry I watched.
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Enjoyable.
Aug 2025.Overall an enjoyable watch, although I thought Seon-chaek's hair when in period costume, was weird at the front ~ it always looked messy. For some reason, once seen.... 😬
Some very irritating characters. OTY was his usual cool self, and his character was one I felt a lot of sympathy for. It felt a bit like he cruised this part though, as compared to some of his other roles, it wasn't exactly challenging. That isn't to say he wasn't good in this... I don't think I've ever seen him act badly, in any drama ~ even weakly written ones (he's often carried them).
Another character, that I'd rather have seen get some kind of punishment for their actions, again got off with no reprisals, which always irks me. Another mean character was at least a WYSIWYG ~ rarely bothering to conceal it!
Nice ending.
I doubt I'd watch this again, but I never considered dropping it. It made me laugh as well, which I like!
Worth a look.
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More like superheroes
June 2025An academically challenged student, meets his old tutor now teaching at his school, and decides to set up a Study Group. The biggest challenge isn't his lack of an academic brain though, but the fact his school is better known for fighting, with rankings amongst students for that, and not test results.
Added to the mix is a bullying hierarchy, run by a vile, obnoxious student with a powerful father.
This drama somehow manages to balance a lot of violence, with humour, the warmth of growing friendships, and characters changing the course of their lives.
It's incredibly infuriating at times, for all the usual reasons, and is totally OTT and fantastical, in terms of the fight scenes, and just what goes on in the school.
Aspects reminded me of Class of Lies.
Hwang Min-hyun makes a perfectly believable high schooler. He does seem to be a casting favourite for characters that are reserved, thoughtful, sometimes awkward, yet strong, resilient and loyal.
Considering just how violent this is, it surprised me that there's still a significant feel-good element to it. A biggish surprise, sadness, hurt, anger, all the emotions associated with the subject matter, this story has it all.
The fact it was often so outrageous is possibly what enabled me to not be turned off by the bullying. More true-to-life and I would have dropped it, I think. It's what puts me off trying Weak Hero.
This borders on superhero territory though, with what characters are able to withstand. Female characters are tough and reslient, too. One in particular goes through a subtly amusing transformation.
It had me glued and I found it surprisingly entertaining. I'd have liked more on the outcome around awful characters, Pi Han-ui and Ma Min-hwan, but it seems there might be a S2.
The character I most wanted to see messed up?... Ma Min Hwan (played by Baek Seo Hoo). Very charismatic ~ more so than Pi Han-ui, I thought, but a complete psycho. The fact his bright, smiling appearance, was totally out of synch with his cruel nature, made him scarier.
Actor Yoo In-soo was reunited with Hwang Min-hyun, but back in a thug/delinquent role again. I prefer the different side seen to his acting, in Alchemy of Souls (he was bleach-blond Park Dang-gu). I hope he gets more options to play personalities like that character had.
Prrhaps there's a message in this drama somewhere, but if there is, it's pretty much drowned out by the often gruesome fighting.
The OST was OK, but I was not keen on the main song, Backpacker, which I personally found too repetitive.
I'd be happy to watch this again.
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Fun and sometimes touching
June 2025A pretty entertaining watch and pure fantasy, with a fairytale-like element.
A hidden realm, mystery, deception, animal/people hybrids (beasts), and of course, love. Overcoming fear of those who look and are different, can be interpreted into real life (the real monsters are people). Don't judge a book by its cover.
I liked the cast, characters (some I loved, some just irritated me), sets and whilst some of the 'beasts' were cute, the makeup for them was a little amateur, in comparison to other dramas. The werewolf's ears were just weird, I have to say!
Wang Lu Qing, as 'Cat' attendant to the Princess, Hong Xiu, was really good. If she doesn't own cats I'd be surprised 😸
Not at all bad for a bit of fun, some tragedy, and romance.
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Hide the Soju
June 2025I enjoyed this far more than I didn't. It wasn't the usual sageuk that concentrates solely on inner Palace politics, although that is present to a degree.
It's all about a long period of prohibition, which is still becoming tougher, with alcohol even being banned from memorial rites.
This, of course, sees the manufacture of illegal alcohol (as in the drama's title), on the rise, with one main producer monopolising the market, by violent means, should anyone encroach on their turf.
Enter Nam Yeong (wonderfully played, as always, by Yoo Seung Ho), being added to a Palace department tasked with seeking out and locking up the Moonshiners.
He ends up intertwined in the life of Kang Ro-seo (Lee Hye-ri), a former Noble brought down in life by a tragic event.
Lots of colourful, nasty, annoying, funny, deceptive, and insidious characters. Casting directors really need to mix it up though, as do actors, otherwise their mere presence will often give things away.
I am not a fan of Lee Hye-ri ~ hard to pinpoint why, there's just something I'm not keen on; but I thought she was good in this, and represented her character well.
Loved the Prince, who was layered like an onion, and handled being stuck between a rock and a hard place pretty well! Some witty moments whenever he was around.
Plenty of guessing, as the reasons for the alcohol ban continuing for so long, are slowly revealed, together with a much darker association.
The women in this are feisty, with none being particularly weak. A foppish character is actually anything but, and they all provide an overall immersive watch.
Occasionally the story went on a bit, with the usual flashbacks that are at times repeated too often.
It kept me entertained enough though, and it had 2 favourite actors in the lead, which always helps through less riveting scenes!
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An entertaining enough watch
June 2025Pretty enjoyable overall; character Hae-song as an older high schooler was believable enough.
Plenty of intrigue and even though the baddies were unmasked pretty early on, it was still an at times gripping watch.
What spoilt it somewhat for me, was the FL's character, whom I found annoying. I think the story was, in part, highlighting her hypocrisy of being someone who wanted to do better by her students, yet at the same time not seeing past Hae-song's background, and automatically seeing what was expected of "someone like him", rather than what was in front of her, if she'd looked even a tiny bit deeper. Not the best character development either, tbh, and I'd have preferred it if she, and other adults at the school, were just decent teachers for a change.
Some aspects were pretty silly, but there was also humour. I found it an easy watch.
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Let down by ep15 and a cop-out ending
June 2025I have loved almost every episode, and the weekly wait was excruciating! The leads were so good together, their characters complimenting one another.
Actress Bo Na gave an understated performance, fitting of Shaman Yeo Ri. Her childhood made her quiet, reserved and thoughtful ~ you could almost hear the cogs turning. However, she was also strong, brave, caring and could be feisty too.
Kim Young Kwang made a great Imugi; one that wasn't forgotten by me throughout the drama.
Yook Sung-jae's performance was very good.
As Yun Gap he was driven (too driven), focussed, and unyielding. Later, he was vulnerable, scared and I pitied him.
As Gang Cheol, his expressions and manner were spot on, and balanced the character's cheek, arrogance and coldness just right, so I could never dislike him. I felt for both Yun Gap, and Gang Cheol, in specific scenes.
Kim Sang-ho was very good ~ he really made me loathe Pung San, such a repulsive character. I just couldn't feel any deep sympathy for him, although I understood what drove him.
Kim Ji-hoon's King was very likeable; not the norm at all, which made a great change. The King's scenes with Imugi were very entertaining.
I loved the Imugi brothers' relationship. Typical of many siblings. Rivalry, ribbing, arguing, but ultimately love and care for each other. I had no problem with nasty humans feeding a charming Imugi.
A great cast overall and varied characters, even though many were the usual for a sageuk. A personal favourite was Kim In-kwon as the King's personal eunuch, Eung-seon, who was nicknamed Grilled Abalone, much to his annoyance ~ there was rarely a scene with him in, where I didn't laugh at some point.
In fact the humour in this drama is great, rarely childish or slapstick, which I dislike. I even loved the animated parts when food hit the spot 😉
I didn't find this drama at all scary, and would not consider it a horror; but then once I started watching, never felt it was actually written as one. For me it was about recognising diversity, consequences, the frailties of being human, owning up to bloody histories (which exist), and how we can be better.
A good balance of tension, thrills, shocks, laughs, and a few tears. The romance wasn't full-on, more a slow-burn; sweet rather than steamy.
On the big minus side, hoemwever, were weak final episodes, which really let the writing, pace and direction, down. A lot. It's why I can't give a 10/10.
Ep15 in particular, had some mind blowingly weak and stupid scenes. It stood out because I never felt that, so strongly, until this point. The writer should kick, and poke themselves in the eye, in shame. The reasons....
What Gang Cheol and Yeo Ri chose to do, following incidents that happened right before, was totally inappropriate. It didn't fit what they'd just been through and what was still going in. It didn't flow, and felt so disjointed.
Then don't get me started on all the signs of a possessed person, that have been experienced several times before by most present, coupled with actions TOTALLY out of character ~ all being completely ignored, and stupid comments made, like "what's wrong with ****?". Criminal.
I also felt that in comparison with all earlier episodes, the drama was wrapped up in ep16 too quickly, and something of a cop-out. Instead of giving so much screen time to Pakcheok-gwi's past (some scenes revisited several times), I'd rather have seen more about Gang Cheol's outcome. Scenes living that period, which were instead just talked about, would have been a perfect 10/10. Maybe if the quality up to that point hadn't been good, the weak final episodes wouldn't have stood out. A real shame. Having said that, still a very enjoyable watch.
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Bit of a gem
May 2025I came across this on Viki, whilst scrolling and seeking out specific actors, for something to watch. I've been in a bit of a slump, with nothing appealing to my current mood. It's a bit like when you're hungry, but don't really know what you want to eat to satisfy your hunger.
I can't recall hearing of this before, but gave it a go, and was happily glued for all of it.
A thriller that centres around a former trauma surgeon, who experiences a life-changing event. He then leaves that career behind, and instead becomes one of the top plastic surgeons. Circumstances lead him to become involved with the police, in compiling evidence for criminal convictions against those accused of murder and assault. This ends up tying in with his past.
Liked the cast and characters, with a great FL one.
I was impressed with, how amongst the fiction, the true value of plastic surgery, to victims of violence, or with facial disfigurements, was raised.
It ticked all my boxes. Worth a look!
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