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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Kept my interest through all 40eps.
July 2026.Following a change to the intended of her arranged marriage, our FL joins a household living under a shadow. Both she and her new husband have more in common than they realise, and this is gradually revealed.
I loved this drama, and it is quite different to a lot of similar recent releases from China.
Trust issues were a constant challenge, and there were a few too many times when both lead characters made things far harder than they needed to be.
I always say C-dramas are hard to beat for lavish sets, costumes, and amazing martial arts and battle scenes; because it's true.
This drama has a more gentle pace; there is still bloodshed, and some very emotional scenes, but it's also one of the few costume dramas to include mental trauma, its affects, and to address them.
I loved the cast and didn't get bored with the storyline. Nice mix of characters, with peripheral supporting character storylines included. I watched as it aired, and looked forward to every episode.
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Loved it!
June 2026.What a great FL character, and I thought ZY was perfect in the part.
She spends a lot of time disguised as a man, and whilst she didn't overdo it, managed somehow to pull it off, so it didn't feel totally ridiculous, although unless a statuesque, depp voiced actress is available, it will always need imagination!
RC was also perfect as the General; he has great screen presence. I felt the character carried a certain amount of guilt, besides a lot of hate toward another character, whom he believed to be party to the death of his father.
These two characters are bound and seem destined to fight for justice together; although it's less than a smooth journey.
I loved so many of the supporting characters; the camaraderie of their army life, and the mutual respect and love that grew between the leads, even when so much, so often, was stacked against them.
I was do disappointed in one character I liked, because they appeared to gracefully take a back seat, only to succumb to their jealousy and desire for power and standing.
The pace and flow of this drama, made the episodes melt away.
Whilst not the longest, a battle towards the drama's climax, was one of the bloodiest and most visceral I've seen. Excellently acted and filmed.
The ending did not feel rushed and I didn't find it disappointing at all.
I would happily watch this again and recommend it.
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Loved the OST.
June 2026.I found this fantasy drama quite entertaining; it has funny and also moving content.
Main cast members take on multiple roles however, which I sometimes found confusing.
Characters hidden without being aware, diversions, deceit, betrayal, and stand-ins... a lot is packed into the story.
There are Nine-tailed Foxes, dragons, snakes, and butterfly demons... it's quite the menagerie! A very attractive cast.
Sometimes it was drawn out, but a more than decent watch overall.
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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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OK, but not a memorable story.
April 2026.I watched this as it aired ~ definitely not one I could binge watch, and tbh, it hasn't been memorable.
I didn't dislike it, but I wasn't wowed either.
Nice cast, and an interesting twist on the usual Gumiho stories.
I found the second Gumiho's storyline (and character), to be weak and somewhat pointless to an extent.
I didn't find anything particularly funny, moving, or gripping.
Not bad, certainly not perfect, but worth a look, perhaps as a filler.
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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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Worth a look.
Feb 2026I admit I watched purely as a fan of LJW, although the story did intrigue me.
The story is centred on happenings within the leads' families, and also between the lead characters themselves, which shapes their future.
We are also introduced to friends and work colleagues, as well as family, as the story unfolds.
I got a bit confused at one point, as there is a lot of going back to various points in time, as key events are recounted when reminiscing (for both positive and negative reasons).
I found the FL character really annoying in the early episodes, but she did mellow, and grew on me.
I thought a key aspect of the story, in terms of her relationship with the 'distance brother', was somewhat overdone, and it frustrated me.
Other characters were ok; the distance brother's female colleague was yawningly predictable ~ a plot line that has been overused, and is frankly outdated.
I liked the lawyer, Seo-hyuk, too, who was pretty cool and knew when to back off gracefully.
I akso liked their friends, couple O Seung-taek and I Seul, but was very disappointed in how their plot line was handled ~ it made it seem like disability is not something able-bodied people should, or rather could, live with.
It actually angered me. I felt like the drama was making a statement about physically able people having to make too great a sacrifice, to love someone disabled.
That might be the case for some, but given how too many dramas show S.Koreans' attitudes to any disability as far less than in a favourable light, it would have been refreshing to see a mixed relationship of that type, portrayed as strong and successful.
Certain aspects of the plot got dragged out, whilst others might gave been made more of. There were some very emotional moments, as well.
Overall it was a decent watch, and I love LJW's acting ~ he can captivate me enough to keep me interested in most stories, although this one did manage that alone.
I liked his chemistry with CSE, and neither the actress nor her portrayal of the FL character, were the norm.
Not disappointed I watched it, at all, but probably not one I'd revisit.
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