A frustrating guilty pleasure
There was a lot I liked and quite a bit I didn't. Plus points are a likeable cast of characters, played by decent actors, with not too many cheesey or clichéd moments and a female lead character that's not a wet weekend. The men that end up gravitating back around her, are all very different. I liked how she didn't see herself as a victim, was independent, yet had her weaknesses. Her mum is played by a favourite actress, whose character was so supportive. The young actress playing the daughter/granddaughter was excellent and it was refreshing to see a mature young character that wasn't selfish and overly needy or full of cuteness and little else.What I didn't like was the complete lack of communication, which became totally ridiculous. The initial misunderstandings were believable and understandable, but later, there were too many occasions when explanations were interrupted and never forced, even though the facts were crucial. Situations where the plain truth would have been most rational people's first and only response, were instead met with frustratingly weak and ridiculous ones instead, making things worst. This meant any empathy or sympathy with those characters just vanished.
That aside, there were quite moving moments and some funny ones, which are what made me enjoy it overall.
It's not one I would watch again through.
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Just Desserts
I was very pleasantly surprised by this off-the-wall Rom-Com drama, which was far better than I expected.Loved the foodie bits, apart from references to Sharks Fin Soup, which should be illegal due to the cruelty involved and birds nest soup ~ also damaging if wild.
Sound acting from a good cast; I loved Jang Hyuk's portrayal of a likeable gangster-come-loan-shark. Jung Ryeo-won is perfect as the somewhat ditzy but feisty and quietly confident love interest. Lee Jun-ho was the most lovable combination of serious yet cute chef, whose smile completely changed his face.
I particularly like the fact that the relationship aspects to this drama are more grown up than usual. There are few clichés and the female characters in this are all quite strong and opinionated, rather than doe eyed and dull.
The evolving friendships, loyalty and just desserts make for a funny, touching and rewarding watch.
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This review may contain spoilers
I enjoyed this series a great deal. I especially liked that, for a change, neither of the lead couple (Pete/Ae), used the "I'm not gay, I don't like men, I just like you" line, which is so overused in many BLs.The characters were pretty varied and included a straight couple, which was nice, as this makes it a more inclusive story, although being a BL series, of course the emphasis should be on the gay couples.
This is a fictional drama, not real life, but some of the characters were really unlikeable and their behaviour was not shown with either the consequences or reprisals, they should have faced...
Lemon, Can's sister; what a nosy, bitchy, controlling, unpleasant character. The crap this character made up about those around her, with no thought for the havoc it might cause in their lives, was really irritating. Considering Can is meant to be older, I found it really annoying that she seemed to have so much control over him.
Kengkla was another horrid character; a real sleaze. He basically low-key stalked Techno via the latter's equally shitty brother, who seemed to have no conscience or problem selling out his brother's body (basically) for personal gain. Awful. Kengkla only got the opportunity to bed Techno whilst he was drunk. Admittedly, Techno did kiss him back. However, the next morning, Kengkla made out it was Techno who took advantage of him! So uncomfortable and totally wrong to have left that part of the storyline without any reprisals on Kengkla - a season 2 much needed, if only to rectify that!
Let's not kid ourselves, even with an 18 cert, there will be underage, or older but immature/inexperienced/easily led viewers...as this is not a 'serious' drama, but a lighter hearted series, those kinds of issues need to be clarified as not being acceptable under any circumstances.
The ending in terms of Tin and Can's (very unfortunate names for English speakers ;) ) characters, was really frustrating. I felt so sorry for Tin, whose character developed well through the unfolding of his story. Last we see of him is bawling his eyes out in the shower. Nice.
Can had started to develop so well as a character too and again, we were left with him being so wonderfully open and honest with Tin, yet not seeing that taken any further. He was equally upset, as he knew he'd hurt Tin, even though it was not intentional.
A Season 2 is definitely needed, focussing on the characters that were secondary in Season 1. I don't think Pete and Ae's characters need any further development, as they were solid and very much together at the end of S1.
I would recommend watching this series and did enjoy it, as said at the beginning. These gripes are just my personal and humble opinions! I really hope there will be a follow-up series.
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I am surprised Kim Hye-sung has not gone on to do a lot more.
As for the issue of teenage pregnancy, it could not be made fluffier if they tried.
The idea of a 15-year old, handling such a big secret in this way, is ridiculous.
It was all just too fantastical for me and lacked substance.
The film was a mess really, not funny enough to be classed a comedy, not tense or emotional enough to be a melodrama and not deep enough to be a decent drama either. That was a main problem.
Either write it as a comedy, in which case keep it light, avoid the issue of abortion and make the main characters older by a couple of years.
Or, make it a serious piece of work on a difficult topic and have the characters go through what would be an incredibly traumatic experience for all concerned, in a realistic way. That would need more focus on the families and less on their peers doing strange musical type turns and behaving like their friends had just won a teen idol competition!
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A big emotional story packed into 11 episodes
May 2025Wow. What an emotional ride. A trigger warning has to come early, as there are some quite harrowing scenes involving children.
Some light moments in earlier episodes, but this isn't fluffy; on the contrary, it is very dark, and very bloody.
The most dangerous things in dramas (and often reality), are power, money, love and jealousy. These are the driving forces behind this story, with a bucket load of revenge.
It's a twisting tale, mostly fast paced, with some epic sword fights. No particularly out of the ordinary characters ~ a cross section of classes, some really vile people, and a smattering of lunacy.
LJW and JBA are well cast; I liked both characters a lot, they gave believable performances, which really dragged me into caring about them and their happiness.
Kim Jae-wook has a role in this and is excellent, too. He really can act, seeing as his character didn't figure in all scenes, yet his presence never felt far away.
I wanted justice, and some characters really deserved to suffer far more than they did.
There is a lot of tragedy attached to this story, but it isn't depressing.
Plenty of action, thrills, and a moving love story within the main one. There were moments when I gasped, and shouted "No!!!" Not something I do often. Got angry and loathed several characters; something I do do often 😉🤭
The romance aspect felt quite sudden, kind of going from 0-60, with an aspect of mild incest (which in honesty wasn't believable), was shoved in. I'm not sure that fit, for me, but I understood the justification, as it affected the decisions Jae-yi made.
If you're anything like me, you'll need at least one tissue, at some point. It isn't perfect, but I sat through it in 2 evenings, and was glued.
Together with so many scenes getting a reaction out of me, a great cast and acting... that's a more-or-less perfect watch in my eyes. Highly recommended.
I loved the soundtrack, too; even the 'incidental' music.
화화 (花火 Burning Petals) - 4BOUT (어바웃) [per YouTube] was my favourite.
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It doesn't have masses of blood, blockbuster style action scenes or romance, but it does have more than its share of shocking moments, an intelligent script, some laughs and what I found to be a gripping story.
I loved the characters; proper villains and a blurring of what makes a good detective. Tested friendships and what seems, at times, blind loyalty from some.
Dong Shik and Joo Won are polar opposites and neither trusts the other at all, for varying reasons that are slowly brought to light as the story grows. They have to work together though and so a relationship of trust/mistrust yo-yos with each episode.
The tragedies in several cast members' pasts are also uncovered and these link characters together in unexpected ways.
Almost everyone looks guilty at some point and the way in which key crime scenes are shown in multiple scenarios, to fit a given character's statement, is brilliant. It also makes it way harder to decide who's done exactly what.
Shin Ha Kyun is excellent in his portrayal of Dong-shik, veering from warm and funny, to maniacal in an instant. His whole face changes when he smiles, but the next minute he can look very scary!
Yeo Jin-goo gives a very understated performance of a character repressing a lot of his thoughts and feelings; no over acting here, thankfully!
The entire cast were great. I particularly felt for Jung Je, such a tormented character, so well played by Choi Dae-hoon. There are some really sycophantic, nasty and loathsome, as well as sweet, caring and strong, characters in this.
A great story with a solid ending.
Oh and I loved the trailing violin music, Bibi's 'Timeless' and gritty song, 'The Night' from Choi Baek-ho; perfect soundtrack.
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Cha Eun-woo's character was nice to watch, as he opened up and grew with each episode.
Hwang In-youp's role was more consistent through the episodes and one that I liked the most. He wasn't fluffy or difficult and a lot more open and outspoken.
What I didn't like was what I felt to be a very superficial portrayal of how girls, especially, are judged on their appearance. Yes, it happens to guys too, but not as much.
I just felt that the whole issue was somewhat undermined. The bullies, as usual, seem to get away with it. It shouldn't be up to kids to sort out, but stopped in its tracks by teachers and the establishment. That's just never seen.
The bullying in this was horrible and her own family were no better. I really disliked the mother.
One character in a latter episode, suggested a dermatologist and I actually cheered! The character's biggest problem was actually her skin/complexion, which could have been treated, not her actual looks.
The angle of being outed for wearing makeup was also somewhat contrived, especially when the main ones harassing her, wore plenty themselves! No one thought to point that out though.
One thing it did show were more-unattractive-than-her peers, judging the looks of another. It has often occurred to me that it's not uncommon for the people that judge the looks of others, to be really quite ugly themselves... I wonder what they see when they look in the mirror?!
I also dislike violence against kids by adults and, again, this was shown with no real consequences for the perpetrator. That kind of suggests there's no way out in that situation and it therefore has to be accepted.
There were also several parts of the plot in the storyline that were simply glossed over, to me, rather than being concluded sufficiently.
I also don't find toilet humour that funny, especially when overdone and featuring in more than one scene. People throwing up on others and seemingly thinking that's acceptable, also puts me off; as does treating someone else's home and belongings as their own. Just not amusing to me at all.
Whilst the cast were great, the story just wasn't for me.
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Not the average Legal drama
What a strong leading female character. Wow. Here's a woman who is smart, sassy, self made, knows what she wants and lives by her own rules. Arrogant to snobs, but underneath the money-grabbing facade beats a good heart.Her nemesis is in turn rich, corporate, from a good family, suave, unscrupulous, competitive, arrogant and blindly loyal.
When these two meet, sparks will fly and a few servings of humble pie will be consumed.
For a legal based drama this is so good. Full of high powered wheeling and dealing, with some very unsavoury characters totally lacking in morals.
It's clever, witty, grown up and only once was there a clichéd scene (I really thought I'd be spared someone dropping to their knees this time, but sadly no).
If you don't like the odd [realistic] swear word, an older strong female lead who puts most men that need to be, in their place and has no problem sleeping with a guy if she wants to; then you'll hate this.
If, like me, all the above appeal, you'll probably enjoy it as much as I did!
Joo Ji-hoon and Kim Hye-soo were perfectly cast and worked so well together.
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Gritty but ultimately disappointing
Not sure whether this was made to shock more than thrill and have us biting our nails. That's how it turned out for me and the shock wasn't, sadly, in a compelling storyline, but the fact it is very different from the vast majority of K-dramas, with sex, nudity, swearing and sex talk.Sadly the sex scenes felt too unnatural and gratuitous in several instances.
I found the plot very disjointed and one particular, very vulnerable, character's actions had me losing all sympathy for her situation and totally lost credibility. Utterly stupid decision making.
The Shamen was.... ??? Really, like, what was her purpose.
The police were a waste of space and screen time; inept and utterly useless.
The actions of supporting characters with the aforementioned vulnerable character in some latter episodes, were frankly unbelievable and totally ruined those scenes for me.
By the end, I was not at all surprised at how weirdly it was left.
The cast were very good (only reason this gets a 6 overall from me), but the story could have been so much more.
I would not watch this again.
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What a refreshing, well written, excellently directed, fabulously paced and realistic programme this is.
It is not at all sentimental, but feels very real and believable ; from the interactions of the main friends and their colleagues and families, to the patients, their problems and the anxiousness of their guardians. There is no overacting, no perfect scenarios, no obvious clichés, but plenty of laughs, some tears and frustrations.
Real doctors, nurses and carers should watch this too, as it portrays the care patients should get, as when they don't, it isn't washed over, but shown honestly and discussed.
The cast has been perfectly chosen and their relationships are very believable and honest.
I cared about all of them, felt invested in every episode and became quickly addicted.
This one of those dramas that stands out, because it is underpinned by talent from every angle; not by special effects, emphasis on gore, over-the-top fight scenes, power crazy CEOs and mistreated characters.
The struggles, tough decisions, stress and bonds of friendship that are played out, are like a breath of fresh air.
I simply cannot wait for 2021 and series 2, and I cannot possibly recommend this drama enough. Simply FABULOUS! Watch it, or lose out ?
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So disappointingly irritating.
Nice idea, but just way too childishly executed for me.The LF's character is far too irritating and the direction (or acting) is frustrating. She never gets to the point and there's far too much of her just talking, lamenting and noisily complaining ~ all unconvincingly.
The mother shouts and gets so physical, a lot, which also got on my nerves.
Scenes don't flow smoothly and I just couldn't get engaged with the story or characters at all, dropping at ep3.
The cat itself is gorgeous, but the voice they chose, just didn't suit it at all. A smooth, crooning, dignified style of voice would have worked better, rather than one more suited to an old streetwise moggy!
The LM is an actor I like and have seen in other, good dramas, where he has acted well, but he couldn't save this, unfortunately.
Just not for me.
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Superb fantasy, thrills and feels!
I absolutely love this drama, from a fabulous cast, where not one was a weak link (including all the great supporting/small parts cast), to great writing and direction.Jung So-min is wonderful as the strong soul (Nakdu) in a weak body (Mu Deok), with a great dialect to boot. Lee Jae-wook partners her perfectly and keeps his character just the right side of entitled, a little resentful and rebellious; without being irritating at all.
Go Yun-jung was also gripping as the actual Naksu and a character I really liked as her story unfolded. Mistreated, lied to and manipulated to become a deadly assassin.
Arin, as Jin Cho-yeon, was suitably spoilt and brattish, but her character matured a fair bit as the drama played out. I was very pleased with one aspect of her character's life, as I liked the character concerned.
I loved Hwang Min Hyun as Seo Yul, too ~ I was really torn about his character... if/when you watch, you might see why.
Some of my favourite interactions were actually between Naksu (as Mu Deok) and the Prince, Go Won (Shin Seung-Ho). She knew exactly how to handle him, but it was most enjoyable when she pushed her luck! He definitely has a (large) soft spot for her.
The pace of this drama is exactly how I like it; there are action scenes, light hearted banter and amusing moments, sadness and intrigue. Whilst main characters talk, ponder and reflect, it never felt slow or drawn out to me. In more complex plots, knowing where a character's actions are coming from and what motivates them, all add to understanding the story.
There are flashbacks, but well timed and enhancing the plot, rather than confusing it, which can sometimes happen.
The music fits well too, without overpowering scenes or being mismatched. I absolutely love Car, The Garden's song, 'Scars Leave Beautiful Trace'.
I love fantasy, romance and action, with humour to balance. Whilst the romance side is relatively low key, it is there and, for me, the level fits perfectly within the story.
A lot of people have complained and written unpleasant things about Jung So-min not being the lead in S2.... I find this both annoying and weird.
I am a very big fan of JSM ~ but she has not been replaced, or written out, so why the backlash?
Her actual character was never Naksu, but Mu Deok, whose body Naksu inhabited for S1.
If Jang Uk fell in love with Naksu for her personality and drive, then he does not love the body, but the soul.
If the actresses switching again is necessary for the story to continue and to be plausible, then so be it.
The actresses returning to their original characters, was always going to be a possibility.
I admit I shall miss JSM in the LFM role, but, I am excited for the story's conclusion and hope it is a huge success for the entire cast and crew.
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Thrilling
A film that builds and gains momentum with every scene.I found the plot a little different, with some surprises. Through 'Dorothy', the relationships and personalities of the crew aboard The Victory develop and grow.
It's witty, action packed, emotional and very entertaining.
I loved the diverse nationalities of the cast and different languages, which sounded very natural; often a rarity in Korean productions ~ not one to watch dubbed. Song Joong-ki, Kim Tae-ri, Jin Seon-kyu and the wonderful little Park Ye-rin are excellent, as are the supporting actors bringing wonderful characters to life.
Excellent sfx, filming and direction give this a proper big budget feel.
Great viewing and worth watching more than once!
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Complex main characters, slow pace.
April 2026.I had high hopes for this drama, as I love Jin-young's acting. I actually thought both leads gave good performances, as both characters were incredibly complex, and with reason.
This will definitely not be for everyone, and I imagine it splitting opinion quite widely, just like 'My Liberation Notes' did (which I didn't enjoy).
I thought this was well written; there were no real extremes in the story, and it felt quite true to life, in terms of the ordinariness of the every day.
The ML character has, what feels like, the weight of the world resting on him ~ he feels overwhelming responsibility for his family, seeing himself as the most able provider.
He is often withdrawn, doesn't say unnecessary things, and doesn't talk about how he feels, to anyone.
The FL character also feels similarly about family responsibility, but for very different reasons. She is somewhat more outgoing, but at the same time has no friends.
The two connect whilst nearing the end of High School, sharing a study space, and become close friends. They seem drawn together and provide one another with often unspoken comfort.
The pace may be crippling for some, and the story at times stagnant. I personally felt that fit. They were healing slowly and beginning to think of themselves more ~ Eun-A was definitely a shining light for Tae-so; and Tae-seo a rock and guiding light, for Eun-A
At this point I liked her character; quirky and quite focussed. However, some actions towards an adult female character earlier in the story, especially when coupled with later behaviour as an adult, made her seem an incredibly selfish character, to me, byvthe end of the drama She put herself first, and I got the distinct impression she was desperate for a way out of her young adult life, which she was successful in getting ~ again through someone else's guidance and involvement.
The two grow apart, as happens, with college/Uni and maturing. They reconnect later, and it's from this point I really grew to dislike Eun-A. I felt she used people, from beginning to end~ maybe it wasn't intentional, but the feelings of others were secondary to her, from where I was sitting, it was mostly about her own aspirations, and needs. Yet she allowed herself to be pushed around in work settings. Infuriating.
The ending, I thought, was fitting.
Made me want nothing but love for Tae-seo in his future, and for Eun-A to grow up and think of others, as well as herself.
If you don't mind an at times snail pace, with a contemplative focus, you might like this. I didn't dislke it at all, but watched alongside others, as it aired, which I think helped. Not one I could binge, nor would I revisit it.
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.....mostly, is the answer.
April 2026.I enjoyed this drama overall with a good cast and characters.
There were aspects of the plot not to my taste, mainly parts I felt dragged, or weren't convincing, and seemed somehow out of place.
It also got quickly wrapped up, and the storyline around the ex, I found bizarre for a number of reasons (not to be confused with "I didn't understand it" ☺️).
Nice locations, and I liked it more than didn't,
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