Layers upon layers
Aug 2023Why did I wait so long to watch this?
I really enjoyed the pace and intrigue, and binged in a day, staying up 'til silly o'clock.
Great mix of characters, with the 3 sisters it centres around being each very different.
It really was gripping drama with some well placed, but nothing standing out as being really childish, humour.
The story twists and turns, with more layers than an onion.
All 3 sisters end up entwined with one ultra powerful, sociopathic family.
The story follows their struggle to unearth past and present secrets, lies and fraud.
More than a few surprises along the way.
There were a few times when things got more than a little ridiculous and characters did do truly stupid things for the circumstances they were in, but overall it's not badly written and is a pretty intelligent story.
I'd have liked more on the youngest sister, as I felt her character's story was sacrificed somewhat for the main plot.
I also wish one particular character had a more fitting end; they didn't suffer nearly enough for my liking.
I adored Choi Do-il, played by Wi Ha-joon; a great character that kept me guessing to the very end.
Well worth a watch.
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Pace too slow and unlikeable characters
Aug 2019I really like the cast in this drama, but not the characters...
Jung Hae In (love him), Han Ji Min and Kim Joon Han are leads. A lovely child actor in it too, Ha Yi An, as Yoo Eun Woo.
It centres around characters Ji-min and Joon-han re-evaluating their stagnant, long-term relationship, when the former meets Hae-in's character, who unsettles her and changes her feelings towards her boyfriend.
Of course her relationship also has to have further problems in the form of her overbearing, repulsive father, and his boss, the wealthy father of... yep, her boyfriend.
This is a slow paced, simmering drama that I felt tries to address certain stigmas.
The acting was good, but I struggled with the pace at times and, as usual, how disgusting behaviour seems to be, pretty much, acceptable.
I neither hated nor liked it, but would never watch it again.
I do love Jung Hae-in's acting - he has a knack for making his characters very real and believable. Without him I'd have loathed it.
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Not what it seems
Feb 2025I think many who dislike scary dramas, might be put off by the first couple of episodes, and that would be a crying shame.
Early on, even I (who loves horror stories, dramas and films), found it very spooky, with some gripping, tense scenes. However, as the story and characters reveal themselves, it becomes so, so much more; and less scary.
Anyone who can't handle the hide-behind-the-pillow bits, 'gently' use the ffwd!
I often found this drama so very touching. It was a surprise ~ emotional, and very tender.
We see how the different characters, drawn to the Light Shop, located down a dark and forebidding alley, find themselves there. Some are drawn, others led.
It is not always an easy watch. There is a little humour, but it isn't a funny drama, or fluffy, or upbeat, or fast paced. It is very human, so well acted by a terrific cast. I couldn't stop, watching in one go. There is a pretty good twist of sorts, which didn't completely surprise me, as I had my suspicions.
It felt left open for a S2, but I read the story concluded within the 8 eps (it's based on a webtoon), and I can get that. Those who do what they do, be it offering direction, protecting, or policing; will continue to do so.
It's an oddly comforting watch, in a strange kind of way, and I was engrossed from start to end. It won't be for everyone though.
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A whirlwind; NOT the usual medical drama!
Feb 2025This is an exhilirating, very fast paced and often incredibly human, drama.
Aspects of the storyline reminded me of *Dr Romantic S3. However, as the Naver webtoon Trauma Code is based on, came out in 2019, maybe some of their* ideas actually came from that! (Not the other way around.)
It is very graphic, but for some reason wasn't stomach churning, at least not to me. Even though, through the character of surgeon Baek Gang-hyeok, there's a superhero feel to it all, there are also enough more realistic aspects to keep it from being totally ridiculous (seeing as that isn't the drama's genre).
Very real and shocking attitudes, towards costs and targets taking preference over human lives, are central to the entire drama. It seems dramas like this might be an indication of where many S.Koreans fear their hospital care is heading.
We also get some of Gang-hyeok's colourful history, which could actually fill another drama in itself!!! A prequel, perhaps? 😉
There are many fresh aspects to this story, which I'd not seen in any of the medical K-dramas that I've watched before. I'd actually love to read the webtoon, if there's a translated version out there.
Many great supporting characters, and I particularly enjoyed Kim Won-hae's acting; as well as Kim Sun-young, who portrayed the Minister of Health and Welfare, just right!
As long as you don't expect everyday realism, and just let yourself get immersed in the tornado of a character that is fabulously interpreted by Ju Ji-hoon, then he's sure to sweep you into his world, just like he does all the suffering characters around him!
Laughs, the odd tear, and some anger inducing moments.
Apparently, the series was written with 3 seasons in mind and, as it seems to be doing well, I've read S2 is expected in 2026 ~ here's hoping! It will be criminal if we don't get it.
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Messy
March 2024Time travel and solar event drama that, once started, I realised I'd actually watched before, but forgot about. So watched again and realised why, sadly.
It has a few exciting moments, but most of the roles, including the leads, are pretty bland really.
The acting is fine and I liked Jim Ah-joong a lot and her police detective character, Jung Sae-byuk, a straight forward, no nonsense, sensible woman, superior to all her male colleagues, yet not arrogant, although she could act that way if necessary.
Keo Sang-joon gave a good performance too; in fact there was no poor acting, just disappointing characters, as mentioned.
The plot is quite clever, but gets very confusing the more episodes into the story we get. All kinds of stuff happens and cracks in the plot start to show, when some characters remember things, whilst others don't. Logically, any changes made to the past should impact the future, not just in ways that are obvious, but in relation to countless butterfly effects.
However, there seemed to be no rules or consequences. The parameters kept changing and it just got too messy for me.
It wasn't a bad watch overall, but there were lots of unanswered questions and no real conclusion. It felt like a S2 is a fairly good possibility. I'd watch if that happened, but it's not something I'm bothered about really. It wasn't quite gripping enough for me and became too convoluted.
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Too much story for too few episodes
Feb 2024The story pretty much takes us straight into the mood of this gritty and dark drama, which is heavy, unsettling and pretty dreary.
There are no particularly nice characters at all.
Detective Choi Seong Jun is probably the only one I found ok, but his reaction to something in his past and lack of doing anything about it, knocked him down in my eyes, too.
There is zero humour in this, at all.
The creepy events that the death of the owner of land with a family burial site on it, sets in motion, are really mysterious.
There are gripping scenes and the feelings of threat rarely let up. It's not as violent as some recent dramas, by far, yet it still manages to shock at times.
The final reveal of the cause of the events following Yoon Seo-ha's inheritance, are a real twist.
I found her central character very hard to like. Some of her actions should have had consequences and her personality was so fake, just like her patience, which was actually supressed anger hidden behind a sycophantic lifeless smile. She stands up to her slimy husband, but not to someone she works for, who basically uses her.
Supposedly intelligent, yet her utter cluelessness and trust in people most of us would see as totally dodgy, was eye rolling.
I also got irritated by the character's stunted and emotionless response to things, which just wasn't believable.
Then there's the police unit tasked with solving the strange goings on, which like in EVERY other K-drama, it seems, cannot be totally effective.
There's a lazy does nothing but approve stuff Chief and an inept Police Captain, who has tunnel vision and history with Seong-jun. This creates additional tension to an already fraught relationship between the two and does nothing for the investigation either. I found it really frustrating.
Another plot line involving Seong-jun was unnecessary in its depth and only a vehicle for the main story. It just wasted time.
A lot (too much really), was crammed into 6 episodes, all less than 1 hour long. The story was told and concluded, but consequently lacked substance.
Overall it was an OK watch and pretty clever, but I was far from blown away.
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Harrowing at times
Feb 2024Another I watched in one sitting, because I was so into it. If I'd had to wait for eps, I would have been driven bat poop.
Set during the latter part of Japanese rule in Korea, when the country was whole (so mid 40s), you can expect the disrespect and appalling treatment of Koreans by many of the Japanese, and the resistance to it, that goes hand-in-hand with dramas set in that period.
Whilst a fantasy/action, it turns out that this is nevertheless also an incredibly provoking watch. I saw many obvious similarities between that treatment, and the exploitation and attitudes to Koreans as sub-human by the Japanese, and that of the Germans towards the Jews. There is no way of not seeing it, if you have any knowledge of WW2 at all.
Whilst the attempted systematic destruction of the Jews by Hitler's dictatorship is well catalogued and known about all over the world and by all ages; the mistreatment and horrors of what the Japanese rulers inflicted on Korea for over 35 years, is not. I honestly felt like this drama was also a vehicle to make people see it. They suffered just as horribly, if not worst.
Whilst it didn't overshadow the drama completely, it was never far from my mind.
Besides some harrowing scenes and images, however, there is also plenty of wit, action and low key (but lovely) romance.
The creature is something else and made me think a little of Alien at times. I would actually have liked to have seen a little more of it and it's conception/history.
PSJ's character is successful and tougher than he appears on the surface; intelligent, very business savvy and portrays a selfish, couldn't care less image. The pawn shop/business he owns is a veritable Aladdin's cave. His inner circle, who all assist in the business, are great characters and compliment him well. A favourite actress, Kim Hae-sook is amongst them.
Another, a trusted close friend (Wi Ha-joon, looking gorgeous as ever), he has a warm, but competitive relationship with.
I also really felt for the character of troubled, quiet and (I think), PTSD-suffering artist, Sachimoto (Woo Ji-hyun).
Tested loyalties, intimidation, manipulation, interrogation, emotion.... all the 'tions' are here! ;~)
The casting, characters, pace and script, are all spot on; only on a couple of occasions did I think "for God's sake get a move on!", when some just seemed utterly oblivious to the urgency of situations.
The acting is outstanding as far as I'm concerned. Some of the scenes must have been incredibly hard to do, for all involved.
A very satisfying watch and I have little doubt S2 will be as riveting, as long as they pick up the carrots left dangling to tempt us, from this run. Cannot wait and adding to my list of favourites.
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Positive, feel good, fun!
Feb 2024I absolutely loved every episode of this clever, joyful, positive and mysterious K-drama.
Each character brought something to the story. Most were high school students, with supporting adult characters, many of whom could learn a thing or 2 from the youngsters!
As the time-travelling mystery centres around a group of high school students that form a band, eventually called Watermelon Sugar, expect a fair amount of music, as the group and individuals rehearse, play and write.
I loved the cast, who were believable in their roles, had excellent chemistry and sucked me right in.
The present day characters within the central family are warm, challenged, close, but not without their issues.
Characters from the past are very varied; ranging from mysterious, to goofy, aloof, mean and frankly evil.
There are references to child abuse, bullying, threat and suicide, but those scenes sit within a story that is overwhelmingly positive, often funny and also emotional. I laughed, wanted to punch people's lights out and cried, throughout the 16 episodes, which flew by.
This drama can just be enjoyed for what it is, a feel good, happy and positive watch; but within it there are also several messages that can be found if wanted and related to, as well.
Very few plot holes and any I noticed were easily forgiven within an overall well thought out and refreshingly positive watch.
I also loved that the issue of deafness and mutism is so maturely addressed. It didn't seek to make a pity party out of the drama, with the emphasis far more on the family attempting to fit in, support themselves, and be accepted as equals.
Of course, there were characters who attempted to take advantage, bullied and treated them as though they were stupid, but there were also positive friendships too.
There is a scene near the end where a female mature character has travelled back to S.K. from abroad and remarks that things are improving [in how those with deafness are responded to/treated]. I found that very telling.
The romances (yes, plural) are very sweet. A main feature, but at the same time not in a way that overshadows the rest of the story, even though they are an integral part of it.
One of the best characters has to be Grandma, fabulously played by Go Doo-shim. Her personality, attitude and relationship with her grandson, were a joy! Loved the name of their guesthouse too.
Choi Hyun-wook as Yi Chan, was probably my favourite character overall. He just grew on me and I totally loved him.
If I had to name something I thought could have made it even better, it would be more of the latter part of his young story with Cheong-ah. Also a little more of their lives in the present day, after their return from the past (especially that of Se-kyung).
Choi Won-young made a great Dad and I loved Chun Ho-jin (a favourite mature actor), as a music shop owner. The kids who played younger versions of central characters, were great too, especially Jung Hyun Joon (as Ha Eun Gyeol).
There are flaws, but for me, none that I couldn't forgive. I really loved that actions had consequences and that parent/child relationships were widely covered.
Would very happily watch this again and I LOVED the soundtrack (link attached for msin tracks).
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Loved the cast; lots of favourites. Soundtrack fit. Nice sets. Some been-here-before characters. A few very unnecessary tropes.
Overall I really enjoyed this. I so like Song Kang's acting ~ his eyes convey a lot of emotion, more than his voice sometimes and I love that.
Kim You-jung was very good; I liked her character, which is strong, smart and she picks her battles.
There was definitely chemistry between these 2 and they came across as pretty natural together.
I love supernatural stuff and this drama didn't skimp too much on that side of it, but at the same time there's also a very human story with it.
A totally dysfunctional family, with some ridiculously horrible and irritating members. One, whilst thoroughly bat poop and psychotic, I couldn't help but feel sorry for ~ a product of his environment.
Loved Cha Chung-hwa's role, which gave her somewhat important character, a very different (and surprisingly philosophical) take (she's so good too).
Quite a few twists, turns and surprises; occasionally what's possible (even for a fantasy) is thrown to the wind, to move the story forward, but all pretty forgivable for me.
There are a number of tropes I balk at when they turn up out of context and, unfortunately, some of these were SO obviously dumped in the latter episodes of this. Infuriated me, as unnecessary and it undermined the drama, at that point, I felt.
I also dislike childish humour shoved into genres in which it doesn't fit. There are so many dramas with clever, dark and/or well-timed naturally funny scenes, that show it isn't needed. Yet so many of the dramas I've watched recently seem to feature it. This really irritates me.
But, I got through this pretty quick and enjoyed it far more than not.
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Saddle bags of action
January 2024Loved it, from start to finish. Set in the 20s, with both Japanese and Chinese having a stake in ruling Korea. The main feud and emphasis of the action was with the former.
It bears no relation to fact and is an OTT action packed ride, but so good.
So much cannon fodder (actually showing that soldiers have to follow orders and not doing so in the midst of a battle, regardless of size, results in a shot to the head... that was reality and is for some present day soldiers), it can sometimes be a brutal watch and there are scenes of torture as well.
Korean turning against Korean, collaborators, traitors, opportunists, cowards, freedom fighters and bandits, they're all here. When there seems to be no tunnel, let alone a light at the end of it, this often shows humans at their worst. A tough end to the Joseon era.
With the mix of drama, action and humour, aspects really were reminiscent of classic Westerns and I couldn't help but think of the 1960 classic, The Magnificent 7, on occasion :~)
Kim Nam-gil is excellent as the slave turned soldier turned bandit, and the guilt he carries weighs heavy.
The supporting cast are great and Lee Hyun-wook, as the triple-sided character Lee Kwang-il, is really good.
I loved the main female characters in this, too. All very different, but all strong, intelligent and with balls! A great role for a favourite actress, Cha Chung-hwa.
Some laugh out loud moments, some very sad, some quieter and slower paced, but overall it's really about the action, as a fair few worms turn.
The OST was excellent, I thought, and fit really well.
Lots of articles about KNG 'looking favourably' on a return for S2... fingers very firmly crossed; although still waiting for Fiery Priest S2 as well! He's in demand and seems to, unfortunately, like making dramas that leave us hanging (Island is another).
A very enjoyable, if violent, watch.
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A very tough watch
November 2023The series kicks off with Ahn Joon-ho (Jung Hae-in), back in his unit following the close of S1.
From the start, the scenes of mistreatment, bullying and outright sadism, are anger inducing and often hard to watch.
The deserters being pursued in this, series 2, are not the central theme, which instead eventually fixes on a specific event and the efforts of AJH to expose the truth. He does this partly out of a sense of shame and guilt for things that happened in his past.
I found the injustices harder to stomach this time around and the fact several characters never get punished, left me feeling disgusted.
I really hope men about to embark on their national service don't watch either series... it would frighten them to death and rightly so.
Whilst many might go through their service and not experience or witness any such awful treatment, the fact is some will, and the thought it might be them? Well, I'm amazed more don't attempt to vanish before ever joining up.
The fact the series is based on actual experiences and reports (albeit with some poetic license for a drama), makes it all the more disgraceful.
For a country all about manners, respecting age and tradition etc, etc, it's so hypocritical that in real life stuff like this is covered up; physical and mental bullying is commonplace and ignored; people vehemently prejudge others and are cruel; the privacy and basic human rights of pop artists and actors are totally ignored and violated; mental and physical health issues are ignored and even made fun of. It's just horrible.
There is wrong everywhere, I know that, but rarely does it seem to get as ignored and even enabled by its own government, officials, police, laws and citizens, as here.
This series, more than any other, really exposes a very unsavoury side of life that is a tough watch, especially for not being pure fiction.
Excellent acting, yet again, (I was in bits over Jang Seong-min/Nina, brilliantly played by Bae Na Ra) and a fitting OST. Whilst it might upset many, it really is worth watching and there are some humorous scenes to dilute, a tiny bit, the much harder parts.
There may be imperfections, but it's nevertheless superb and, I feel, quite brave.
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Oppression, violence, humour & entertainment
There are some holes in the story and if the mutants had been explored more, even if needing a few extra episodes, I think the plot would have benefitted. Nothing is mentioned about life outside Seoul, so my imagination assumes all survivors of the comet strike that almost wiped out the entire population, headed there.Overall though, I found this drama a great watch. Being relatively short and all eps available immediately on Netflix, it made for an excellent binge and felt like watching a film.
I loved the entire cast and I cannot now think of one actor/character that let the story or production down.
The feel of a Seoul turned into a dull, dusty, sand covered desert with a highly toxic atmosphere, was pretty realistically conveyed. It felt grimy, oppressive and lifeless.
A class system exists that real life is beginning to mirror in many respects.
Living is segregated, where those with the money or background to live and work within Cheonmyeong's dome, have light and oxygen. The lower working class, regular soldiers and the deliverymen/women who transport goods and oxygen to those living outside, have purpose built, uniformed, secure, identical windowless housing blocks.
The lowest class are referred to as refugees. They eek out a living and have to fend for themselves pretty much.
Everyone going outside has to wear special oxygen masks and cover up against the dusty atmosphere.
The disparity is stark and with no prospect of things improving, life outside is dangerous, with gangs who pirate the deliverymen's juggernauts.
We meet various characters within the plot revolving around a battle that is brewing against the ruling Cheonmyeong company, whose heir is a Hitler like character that views refugees like vermin.
Several plot twists and surprises add to the compelling story.
At only 6 eps, you won't find much background or delving into the stories of the main characters (let alone supporting ones), but snippets are included and some flashbacks, that give enough info for the plot and characters to make sense.
I loved it. Kim Woobin was perfect for the role of 5-8. With just enough humour to stop it tipping into a depressing watch, there is also plenty of action.
The ending was appropriate to rounding things up and gave a glimmer of hope.
Definitely worth watching and an easy one to watch again when the mood takes... which I will.
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Enjoyable
Such a good cast who were a pleasure to watch.There were both witty and some very moving scenes, although I didn't often feel the tension that I think I should have.
It felt quite drawn out at times and became melodramatic, with some scenes being repeated (when used to reflect or for background on the story as it progressed), too often.
The plot was lacklustre and lacking somehow, although I can't quite put my finger on why.
I found myself losing concentration and interest during the overly long and repeated operating procedures and other scenes that didn't feel necessary to the plot. For a top hospital, too many of the surgeons and senior staff seemed incompetent and lacking in confidence.
I am not a fan of Uee, but this was one of her better characters, for sure.
Overall, this was not a bad watch, but neither was it memorable, or a drama I'd return to.
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Very witty and sometimes touching
An very enjoyable watch, that combines an attractive cast, witty dialogue, totally mad moments, OTT aspects and characters, some touching moments and lashings of cheese!It's a perfect watch for anyone wanting a light romance that has been seriously put together, but with tongue planted firmly in cheek.
The ML's upright character amidst all the shenanigans, slowly thawing, was fun to see.
The only aspect that spoilt it somewhat for me, was the total lack of any disguise used by the FL's character when standing in for her best friend.
OK, the assumed likelihood of her ever running into the blind date again played a part, but one would have expected her to have at least donned a wig in the same colour and style as her friend! She was, after all, impersonating her and for all they knew, he had some idea of what she looked like.
The outcome of a major element to the plot, later on, was also disappointingly concluded, like it was an after thought.
Small niggles though, in an overall very entertaining ride.
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Short and sweet
It always amazes me how a pretty good story, nicely acted, can make sense and be fitted into only 8 ,14-min episodes.I loved the characters of Shi-on and Hong-seok, nicely portrayed as: kind of wide-eyed and bubbly with a charming child-like innocence by Chu Young-woo for the former; and more sedate and deep by the very attractive Won Hyung-hoon for the latter.
Their interactions and chemistry were good, but the couple of more intense kiss scenes did not feel like they were entirely comfortable, so came off a little stiff.
A very nice and entertaining watch that also managed to grab at and pull my heart strings as well with tge more emotional side of the story. Definitely worth watching.
Maybe one day S.Korea will brave its 'only conservative when it's not K-pop' section of the viewing public and give us a full length BL drama. They're more than up to it.
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