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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Great fun for a drama with a decidedly dark side
May 2025I so enjoyed this! The often dead-pan humour, the mix of characters (a few quirky, to say the least 😄), the cast/acting, and most importantly, the plot, which is actually very dark.
The soundtrack fit really well, too.
Cha Tae-hyun is a favourite actor, and I feel he's quite underappreciated. No one does acting via wonderful facial expressions, quite like he does.
Lee Sun-bin, as the tenacious and often principled [for a] reporter, spent most of the drama with messy hair and looking like she needed a good rest - but it fit the character. She was all about the job of breaking stories and revealing the truth, never mind how dangerous. Everything else came second.
The very early episodes had some really OTT elements. Luckily I could overlook those and stuck with it; mainly because there was more I was starting to enjoy about the series, that it didn't put me right off.
It is a blend that doesn't always work... a darker side, comedy, tongue-in-cheek and at times whacky... but as far as I was concerned, it worked in this. I found myself laughing in just about every episode, and getting really tense in others.
Lots of twists and turns, too; plus a great climax.
The way the music changed whenever one particular character, played by Yoon Kyung-ho, appeared, made me giggle every time.
It also demonstrated the power of the media.
Definitely worth a watch, and I'd have given 10⭐️ for rewatch value, were it not for knowing the ending 2nd time+ around.
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Poong, the Joseon Psychiatrist Season 2
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Entertaining and enjoyable; watch back-to-back
May 2025 (S1&2 reviewed together)I really enjoyed both series, whizzing through S2 as quickly as I did S1.
Loved the cast, especially seeing Kim Min-jae in a leading role. His chemistry with Kim Hyan-gi (FL), was believable and sweet. It wasn't full-on or steamy, but I felt it was just right, given their backgrounds and being pretty naive in love. She was never weak, arrogant, nor a push-over for anyone, and very intelligent. I liked her.
In S1, both characters impact on one another at separate and critical times in their lives, and this connection then continues.
Yoo Se-Yeop, through a traumatic experience, that really was, leaves the Palace in which he served as the top Physician, skilled in acupuncture, with his trusty (but very 'familiar' servant), and ends up at a backwater clinic.
It's run by a grumpy Doctor, Kye Ji-han (so well played by Kim Sang-kyung), who is assisted by a mix of regular folk, of all ages, who have found refuge and a home there. They are a great bunch, and it's here he acquires the name Poong.
Though somewhat aloof and blunt, Poong's skills of diagnosing conditions, and recommending treatments, makes Kye Ji-han decide he can use him, so using debt as leverage, he gets him to stay, working full-time.
Once accepted into the 'family', they help the poor, the sick, and get involved in tackling various wrong-doings against good people.
S2 picks up where S1 leaves off, and various branches of the story from S1 come together.
We find out the back stories of central characters, most of which were far from happy. There are highs, lows, some very moving scenes, and plenty of light hearted, very amusing happenings and dialogue as well, throughout. Some horrible characters, as expected of the time, who look upon slaves and peasants as nothing more than vermin, and treat them accordingly. There are comeuppances, however!
It isn't historically accurate or true-to-life, but doesn't set out to be. It is, however, what it's meant to be, which is very entertaining!
I enjoyed S1 the most, but the story in it's entirety was a great watch.
Would happily do it all again.
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I enjoyed how this series, whilst a fantasy drama, still managed to show that human emotions should be evoked, even if the subject isn't human.
Our humanity is what should differentiate us, regardless of whether we are reacting to another human, another species, or a human-like AI.
Our natural responses should always be kind, considerate and caring.
The ending was very much left to our imagination, which somewhat disappointed me.
I liked the cast, and characters, a lot, especially Yeo Jin Goo, Bang Min Ah, Choi Sung Won, Ha Jae Sook, Kim Do Hoon and Hong Seok Cheon.
Very happy seeing Yoon Shi Yoon in a cameo role, in ep2 😊
I probably wouldn't watch this again.
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Easy on the eyes
March 2025Another C-drama that gripped me, but I did feel it dragged on at times, and could have been shorter, without the story suffering.
Wu Jin Yan was very good in the FL role of a woman betrayed, who takes on a new identity to seek revenge through justice. This actress is excellent in portraying strong female characters, rather than the childish and saccharine ones. I thought she was excellent in 'Kill Me Love Me', too.
Loved the ML, Wang Xing Yue. He had great presence and portrayed the brilliant, but cold and seemingly ruthless, Xiao Heng, perfectly.
There's actually an 11-year age gap between them (she is older), but I'd never have guessed it. Sometimes when the difference is that way around, their chemistry can be a bit strained or unnatural (K-drama 'Knight Flower' springs to mind, even though I loved it), but not in this.
The plot is straight forward, but the story twists and turns. It is a ruthless tale, with some vile characters, and some tragic moments, but has enough light humour and slower paced moments to balance that. There's some great banter between Jiang-lee/Fang-fei and Heng, too. It's an intelligent script overall.
The backstory of the most horrible character (and cause of Fang-fei's suffering), should have prompted sympathy for them, but they were too horrible for me to accept any of their behaviour. Just awful, and I was cross about the outcome for them, which I wanted to be worst!
There are the usual jealousies between siblings, family ('Clan') rivalry, with Royal shenanigans thrown in. It's a decent watch though, and didn't feel 'done before'.
I had favourites, liked the mix, and it made a change to have women that could outsmart men, and men who were as cunning and ambitious for status, as the women usually are.
I'll be hunting out more from both leads.
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Very watchable
Feb 2025Overall a pretty good watch; some laughs and some heart string plucking moments. Loved the cast, but not all the characters!
I found Hae-joo (WDH), to be pretty selfish really and aspects of the way WDH played him in certain situations, reminded me of his character Si-hyeon in Tempted/The Great Seducer.
He could be shockingly cold and hurtful, yet looking the way he does, with that bad-boy vibe, is incredibly alluring. He also instils great confidence at times. A dangerous combo.
FL character, Jae-mi, is quite sweet, and absolutely craves love, a family, and stability. Consequently she puts up with far more than most rational people ever would!
Both of them carry heavy baggage, which is their great dividing rift. I doubted Hae-joo would ever have approached Jae-mi again, if not for his diagnosis, and subsequent plan for his remaining days.
I felt for Eo Heung (OJS), who was the polar opposite of Hae-joo. However, he was far too naive and gullible. He lacked self-confidence for 90% of the drama, but then found amazing courage and confidence the rest of the time. I think I felt for him most.
Besides being amusing and quirky, it's also sometimes very violent, often OTT, but mostly incredibly watchable!
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Back at the sharp(er) end!
Feb 2025Taken me a while to get around to watching this, as I don't always subscribe to the channel. WHY on earth did Netflix miss out to Disney+ after screening S1 & 2?! 😠 Anywho....
A new set of challenges, hierarchical politics, personal problems, and medical casualties, assault Doldam Hospital... and us!
It's ages since I watched S2, but slotting back into the story was easy. A lot is pretty far fetched (nothing new), and it can get cheesy, but overall it's as entertaining a watch as ever.
I find it easy to forgive its many shortcomings, because I like so many of the characters, and the actors portraying them. I feel Kim Sa-bu/Teacher Kim, has mellowed through each of the series and I loved him in this... Han Suk-kyu is just perfect.
Characters I found so easy to dislike... definitely intern Jang Dong-hwa (for some reason, every now and then, I got a Jin [BTS] vibe from his features... whom I definitely DON'T dislike 😆); Cha Eun-jae's mother (I really wanted to poke her in the eye); and awful Assemblywoman Oh Min-ae (well played by Ko Kyung-Sook), who I lost all sympathy and respect for, with each episode she showed up in. (Note: she's missing from MDL's casting.)
The drama does also attempt to touch on real issues facing health care (not just a problem in S.Korea), such as staffing, overwork and funding.
There is more action this time around, it was definitely more thrilling, with some interesting and different story lines. That meant slightly less time for emphasis on the intricacies of personal relationships; although that is still present, too. A very interesting insight into a favourite character of mine, Nurse Park Eun-tak (Kim Min-Jae).
For those who love the series, I really don't think you'll be disappointed! I was thrilled with the appearance of one character, too 😃
I'm not sure if a 4th series is planned, or if it's needed, but I'd doubtless watch.
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Bland
Dec/Jan 2025An "Oh dear" from me, I'm afraid. Whilst there were aspects I liked, they were far and few between, as I found the story hard to get into and stick with. So disappointed.
The 2 main themes of the plot were overly contrived and far fetched, with some laughable characters.
Over acting, although not by the main cast members, and a gay character arc that could have been so much more.
I just didn't get, or like it, and the character of Choi Sang-eun really irritated me for the most part. No amount of (hear violin accompaniment) sad background story could change that, unfortunately.
I found the multiple marriages angle ridiculous, especially considering the attitude towards divorce, which is depicted in other dramas and S.Korean culture itself... maybe they were attempting to make a serious point.
Hope others enjoy/ed it, but not one I'll remember or revisit. Bland best sums it up for me.
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A reflection on society today
First I rewatched S1, as it's been ages since that came out. Sailed through it and enjoyed the watch all over again, especially knowing I could go straight into S2.Yoo Ah-in was a tough act to follow, but I have to say, Kim Sung-cheol, picking up the character Jung Jin-su, was excellent.
There was a flashback to a pivotal scene from S1, which obviously couldn't just be edited in, due to YAI's sad departure. His acting in that scene was excellent and I would have doubted it could be replicated.
However, KSC was so good, and must have watched it umpteen times, to recreate YAI's part so faithfully, as well as accurately.
The dark and somewhat depressing society that emerged from S1, is by no means any better in S2.
As humans do, the supernatural events that unfolded in S1 have been manipulated by groups, with leaders determined to make money and/or rule over others. (It is exactly what some do with religion now; use it as an excuse to murder, control and wreac havoc.)
Their 'laws' are contrived and as seen in S1, often an excuse to abuse power, bully and use violence against others.
It is sickening how those groups, including the government, spout 💩 about sins and damnation, when they themselves are the most guilty.
The drama's Director has said he's used the drama as a vehicle to send a message about the state of today's society (he's not wrong, either, with how in S Korea for example, K-nutz judge, slander and even drive some to take their own lives).
The shocking 'Decree' given towards the end of S1, together with Jung Jin-su's revelation, and the new twist of resurrection, changes everything.
Groups fight for power as they also have different stances on what to do about resurrection.
Many characters are present from S1, but the dynamics have altered considerably.
It's a bumpy, sometimes confusing, and violent, frustrating ride.
A gripping watch!
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Rushed, but still highly entertaining
Sep 2024I love the Sweet Home trilogy and whilst S1 is still my favourite, the 3 combined make for gripping viewing.
As much blood and gore as in S1&2, but far fewer monsters, as this final instalment focuses on the main characters that survived S2, together with a slight twist to the story.
Song Kang is brilliant in this, to my mind. He doesn't overplay the part, but exudes a kind of power and always gave me the feeling there was something more to his monster side.
Further characters lost in S2 are swiftly replaced by the fast moving storyline... a little too fast at times.
There are several surprises, but a couple could get lost in clarity and importance, if not getting enough concentration.
Couple of totally bizarre storylines as well... one being the little boy from S1, which definitely had me scratching my head.
The final scenes were a bit weird and in one instance for me, slightly disappointing, but at the same time not without emotion.
I might give it a break and then watch the whole thing (S1-3) from start to finish.
I really hate these stupid season breaks Netflix and other Western production companies, inflict on us. Really spoils the flow and when the gap between is ridiculously long, the story definitely suffers. Cramming the story's conclusion into the final 2 episodes, doesn't help either.
Having said that, I loved the cast, the premise and with how my imagination carried the conclusion forward, what I perceive as the intention behind the ending too.
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