This review may contain spoilers
Riveting
April 2024The Worst of Evil, 18+, 2023, 12eps, Disney+
Synopsis and cast attached.
Very intense, violent and multi-layered drama with excellent pace, characters and acting. The script was intelligent and apart from 1 character's antics, very believable.
A stubborn, relentless, but 'good' police officer (Ji Chang-wook), with a no nonsense and short fused personality, goes deep undercover. Watching how his personality changes with almost every episode, is often an uncomfortable and anxious watch.
The rules by which organisations operate, whether they be gangsters or the establishment, are all basically for totally selfish reasons, although often disguised as being for the good of others, or a better life.
It comes across strongly in this, how just about everyone uses others, or gets used, purely to meet their own agendas. Characters are incredibly fickle, with making and holding on to money and power, plus kudos, being the nr.1 motivators.
There are lots of links between characters, with some being quite a surprise. There is a weird, but unstoppable, connection and bond between the main characters, as they are forced to cover the backs of their targets, yet also find themselves being protected and trusted by them. This impacts on outcomes, in so many ways.
I found that the most irritating, vile, and stuck-in-the-70s character, was Detective Hwang Min-gu, excellently played by Yoon Gyung-ho. I absolutely detested him! A real bullying sleaze ball! Why his character was allowed to constantly get in the way and jeopardise such an important international police investigation, was beyond me.
He was subtle as a brick and openly turned up at scenes already under surveillance. Yet at no point did any higher ups reign in him or transfer him out of the way, until the operation was concluded. I found that ridiculous.
The ending was conclusive and not surprising at all to me, but was confusing in one pretty major aspect. I did not understand JCW's behaviour at all and say why further on.
An exciting watch and whilst not something I'd see again, it certainly captivated and entertained me.
** SPOILER AHEAD **
The part that confused me, was Jun-mo shooting Gi-cheol, rather than letting him kill himself, as he was about to do. If Jun-mo had shot him in the arm, shoulder, or anywhere else, to incapacitate and prevent him from shooting himself in the head, I could have understood it; but not shooting to kill him. It seemed pointless and actually turned it into murder.
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An absolutely epic love story
In the real world, if a Si Feng existed, the bar for romance would be set unattainably high. The loyalty, staying power and crazy patience of this character is second to none. At times he made his own problems even worst, but this is fantasy!This 59-episode series features impossible choices, secrets, anger, betrayal, resentment, grudges, hate, guilt, hypocricy, racism, battles and one of the most manipulative characters I've watched; but it also provides laughs, loyalty, kinship, friendship, trust, selflessness, devotion and, of course, love.
There were a very few times when I felt certain aspects of the story were a little laboured. Some characters also had the most frustrating habit of constantly ignoring advice (always messing things up, yet never learning), being overly judgmental and not listening to anyone!
But isn't a good story one which makes you shout at the screen?! 😁
Some of the evil characters were portrayed a little pantomime-like (think wicked laughs... "mwa-ha-ha"); however, the casting of actors and acting though, really were spot on.
The accompanying music was mostly good, but sometimes I found the electric guitar stuff a little intrusive and not quite appropriate.
Cheng Yi and Crystal Yuan were wonderful to watch. I loved that she didn't mumble, whisper or talk like a 5-year old ~ which too many actresses often do (perhaps they're directed to, but I loath that).
The way he looks at her at times is breathtaking. He didn't overplay the role at all and for such a powerful character, the gentleness he portrayed, even when being cold and detached, was so appealing. A joy to watch. The drama is stuffed full of great characters (Lord Flying Snake being a favourite).
I will definitely watch this again one day and it's been added to my list of favourite dramas.
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Funny, dark and bitter sweet.
Well! Where to start?This drama honestly has it all. It wasn't quite what I was expecting either.
There's edge of your seat threat, violence, manipulation, deceit, blackmail, bullying and murder. That's balanced by laugh out loud humour, trust, loyalty, friendships and a bitter sweet plot.
Copious amounts of retribution are divinely dished out too.
Some truly awful characters and many I loved.
I wasn't keen on the lead female character (played by Jeon Yeo Bin) at first, but she quickly grew on me, with her quirky antics. SJK was sublime as Vincenzo and I loved Kwak Dong-yeon in this; he really made Han Seo come to life. A very different role for Ok Taecyeon too, so well portrayed.
The entire cast, who seem made to work so well together, were perfectly matched to their roles.
Clever story with twists, turns and some shocking moments. I also shed a few tears.
A superb watch.
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Namgoong Min gives another fine performance in his multi layered character, whose story opens up with every episode, right to the last.
Loved the character of Jamie Layton, so well played by Lee Chung Ah. Cool and quirky.
I wasn't particularly surprised by the story's development, but that's not to say it was dull ~ surprises were still waiting.
The 3 child actors who played the young versions of Jung-woo, Jamie and Jae-woong, were so good. I find most Korean child actors excellent.
I binge watched this drama and loved almost every second. Decent OST too.
I liked that dues were paid, one way or another, even though for one hateful character it wasn't witnessed, but the description of their demise was pretty gratifying.
I did feel for Jae-woong, although he seemed content with his lot.
Great watch and cast.
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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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Really engaging and enjoyable watch
March 2025A really enjoyable watch. Liked the cast a lot, some funny characters, good pace, with several intertwining storylines that kept me interested from start to finish.
The outcome wasn't obvious to me, but eventually I remembered something I saw in a particular episode, which gave me strong suspicions.
Ahn Bo-hyun is great in this. His character is extremely cocky, but the fact he isn't pretentious (unless winding up colleagues), nor spoilt exactly, stops him being hard to like. Quite the opposite. He appeared to me to have no respect for the wealth he became surrounded by, and with each episode we see why. He is caring though, and once invested, does nothing but his best.
The police team are not stupid or inept, for a change, but as with so many dramas, the higher ranks are portrayed kowtowing to the wealthy.
Lee Gang-hyeon (Park Ji-hyun), lead of one of the police teams, is brainy, tenacious, thick skinned, and smart. I loved her, as do her loyal colleagues. She also has a personal axe to grind, yet rarely let's that cloud her decisions.
It isn't real life by any stretch of the imagination, and nor is it meant to be. What I did find it to be, was fun, energetic, and also quite moving at times.
Definitely worth a watch.
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Scoring for the acting, characters and feels
I am still completely perplexed as to why they split this drama in 2. Guess we'll never know.S2 really enhanced S1 and so much became clearer.
I really loved the characters throughout this series and found Mi-ho (Lee Da-hee) far less irritating than I did in S1!
Considering there is actually very little romance per se, the story is still romantic and I found that aspect to be very poignant.
Van and Goong Tan were created against their will, but while one became full of rage and vengeful, the other ends up clinging on to their humanity and living in penance. In many ways, the character of the granny (Baek-joo) was doing the same.
Plenty of action, as in S1, with a number of flashbacks. Some were revisited, which I'm not sure was really necessary, but it didn't bother me.
Loved the SFX and thought the entire series was very well made. Missed Johan speaking Italian in S2 though 😉
One of my few niggles lies, as is often the case, with the ending. Also, a weird and powerful sect was suddenly introduced in S2, but no indication or explanation of what their aim is, where they came from and exactly who they are, was ever given.
Instead of leaving things with the culmination of Mi-ho carrying out her destiny, there is a FFWD... the sect makes an appearance and we're left, as happens with too many K-dramas, feeling like there should be more to clarify, or that another season will follow, which is rarely the case. That actually spoilt it for me.
Still a good watch and a great cast. I would actually watch it again ~ plus there'd be no stupid break now!
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Unfortunately Won't Stay In Mine
Liked the cast, but the story has a lot of flaws, as do some of the characters.Kim Dong-wook plays Jung-hoon, with his incredible memory, which unfortunately enables him to not only recount events in video-like accuracy, but with the attached emotions too, beautifully. He is gentle, mild mannered and polite, but ruthless in his profession of news anchorman. Due to the pain that close relationships have caused in the past, he is a little reserved and closed off, but not cold.
Moon Ga-young as Ha-jin, is saccharin sweet and comes across a bit ditzy, but this is due to an event that caused her mind to block off all memories during a specific time in her teenage years.
The 2 are linked and their growing relationship begins to uncover a hidden story.
Within this are stalkers and murderers, as history seems about to repeat itself. Jung-hoon is pretty unlucky on the GF front it seems.
Keeping the facts from Ha-jin (for 'her own good') whilst also trying to maintain their relationship, protecting her from the past as well as present, are the general story lines.
The 2 lead characters are chalk and cheese. He is mature whilst she is like a teenager. Yes, she lost memories, but of a specific point in time and the people related to the incident, not of everything before that point. The way she behaves is infuriating. I really struggle when grown women speak in a child-like manner as a large part of their character and behave like one too.
She is disorganised, treats her manager-sister like a servant and brushes off low-key inappropriate behaviour from a film writer/director, when she should nip the advances in the bud.
The story has a lot of toing and froing as well, as they are caught up in countless scandals, which become an eye rolling "not another, please".
Frankly, I would have preferred he found someone else during the lazy '2 years later' bit of the story. Another thing I'm not at all keen on.
Two characters that really pushed the bounds of realistic, for me though, were Park Kyung-ae ~ how the hell an agency survives run by a woman like that...; and Yoo Sung-hyuk, a morally challenged, unethical, inhuman excuse for a professor/clinician (never mind father), who should never be allowed near patients and whose character should have been held way more accountable for his actions.
Not a drama I would watch again, or recommend. I watched to tge end because I wanted to know the outcome, but it really wasn't worth it.
Dong-wook playing Jung-hoon was its only saving grace. Oh and Ha-kyung and Il-kwon were sweet together.
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Stunning
This is SO good! I loved every second. Amazing production, packed with action, great characters, effects, costumes and stunning sets.Loved the cast (especially Aloys Chen as Qin Ming).
There is humour, warmth and good v evil. Fab monsters too . The main supporting duo of Bo Ya and Shen Lee provided the lighter comedic moments (as did the various animals and 'familiar' monsters) with their youthful personalities and bickering.
The character of Qin Ming is a dual personality to a point and I really liked that even though he'd been let down, he remained loyal to those he loved. He was confident and aloof, but not arrogant. The family vibe of the various monsters he took as 'familiars' was heart warming and quite moving on occasion.
Really very entertaining and a feast for the eyes. I'd love a follow-up!
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Great characters and I was surprised by how several that I found really irritating and/or unlikable, I ended up rooting for, as their real personalities and reasons for behaving as they do, emerged.
The cast were excellent (all favourites) and I totally fell in love with all 3 main guys and a certain shining Police Officer ;)
It was also an absolute joy to have couples behave naturally ~ no gawping eyes-wide-open females in the numerous kiss scenes. No reactions on hand holding that would be more fitting to being groped! Realistic bed scenes (doesn't need nudity to portray sex) and almost all experiences and issues being pretty representative of the highs and lows of falling in and out of love.
I only found 1 character's reaction to breaking up somewhat overdone. A particular scene where a dumped boyfriend was humiliated in public, was a step too far. I absolutely hated her at that point.
The OST is great, the locations varied (surfing never looked so appealing) and even the ending was good... true to life, which is rarely neatly tied up.
I don't feel a second series is needed, but they could easily make one, featuringing the characters whose love lives weren't concluded and maybe a couple of new ones to fill in those that were; I'd definitely watch it.
Very enjoyable and hard to turn off (binge addicts like me, beware).
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Don't be put off watching
May 2025This is a really very poignant drama, beautifully acted by its young cast.
Kim Min-ha is not your typical K-drama FL, and neither was her character. Gong Myung's character was her polar opposite, but they clicked over time. He fell for her no-nonsense attitude, and often bare faced cheek! She dragged him, inwardly kicking and screaming, out of himself.
I can't say much, without giving away even more than has been in the synopsis, which makes a review slightly difficult.
It might seem sad and melancholic on the surface, and yes, there are some very sad and painful moments, however, overall, it is a surprisingly uplifting and positive watch.
I did cry, I certainly felt for the characters, and the message I took from it, that life is precious, and even when we lose loved ones, we should seek support, and live on; for them, too.
The impact of being stuck in the past and not being willing to let it go, and of the effects depression has on family, on life, and simply trying to navigate day-to-day living, is very well interpreted.
I would like to have had a bit more about Ko Yeong Hyeon, who befriended Hui-wan in College. There was more to her character, but it wasn't fully revealed.
I would recommend this; it isn't long, and the episodes flew by for me. I didn't feel miserable at the end, either!
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Ending felt rushed and chaotic
Feb 2025Lots of colourful varied characters, sub plots, and slow burn romance. Also beautiful sets, costumes and cast, which are a standard of costume fantasy C-dramas.
I enjoyed this more than I didn't. Whilst the FL character unfortunately spoke with the usual childish voice, her personality after ep.1, thankfully, was generally anything but. Yes, she had a child-like fascination and bubbly excitement for things, but she also often had a very mature and thoughtful outlook, which kept her the right side of my "you irritate me to death" line! 😅
The early episodes set scenes, build the main characters, and lay the story's foundations. There are lots of vengeful spirits and demons for the hunters to round up, once the main small group of characters eventually go off in search of a top demon, called The Resentful Woman.
Throughout the story, Miaomiao, the character who has been sucked into her favourite author's latest novel, as the villainous main supporting character, has to try and stay alive. At the same time, she has to complete tasks set by the novel's 'system', and fit into the storyline, but she also wants to change her character to a good one whilst doing so.
All the MCs carry guilt of some kind, and all find themselves becoming more and more connected to the demon they are pursuing, to save the 'world'. There are some very poignant scenes, and I especially liked Mu Sheng's back story.
It did linger far too much in certain parts, and in comparison to the build-up, I found the closing episode very rushed and chaotic.
I honestly just didn't get some aspects, at the end, at all! The twist was just a bit too much so.
However, the cast was good, I liked a lot of the characters, and it was very funny at times (especially the character Marquis Qing Yi).
The music was mixed, but I disliked some of the overpowering electric guitar riffs, which just didn't fit for me.
Not disappointed I watched it, but not as good as some I've seen recently, mainly due to the previously mentioned ending,
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Too drawn out
November 2023I know this has been really popular and just about everyone loves Rowoon (including me), with Jo Bo-ah having lots of fans too, but... I really struggled with it. Sorry for the negtive review, to those who loved it and perhaps read this.
Unusually for me, a big bugbear was the irritating incidental/background music. Once it irked me, I couldn't zone it out.
The main characters around Hong-jo and Shin-yu, were mostly horrible....
From just awful work colleagues (apart from HJ's team Manager, Eun-young), to Shin-yu's father (so unkind about his mother's intelligence), and a delusional girlfriend; all very unlikeable.
I was also not keen on either lead character. One never took control, strung people along and was frankly, weak. The other was mouthy with one character and yet almost weak around all others.
A few tropes I really don't like, such as the father disliking their off-spring's chosen partner, just because they have no parents and are a 'nobody'; and the usual delusional girlfriend. Done. To. Death.
Apart from that, so many scenes were waaaaay too drawn out and slow, full of long stares and bizarre silent phone calls (where one calls other and then says NOTHING... what is all that about!)
HJ's female co-workers are completely bat poop and also delusional... I didn't find them funny at all ~ really not good writing. One in particular was thoroughly unlikeable.
I often found scenes childish and ridiculous; I mean, a Parks worker with no vehicle, no appropriate equipment/clothing, yet often expected to deal with situations for which they are totally unprepared. Like having to wipe up blood, but not having anything to do so with! Or someone with a suspected stalker, going to remote places alone. Eye rolling.
The story also didn't flow. Scenes felt jerky and disjointed, almost like segments stuck together, at times. The MC can regularly be found randomly standing on a beach, for no apparent reason, just gazing into one another's eyes.
Utterly ridiculous plot lines. Especially around the worst example of promiscuity ever, which just because someone is dating, is apparently openly talking with a man, even though there's a space between them (ie, not cuddled up).
There's also an appalling scene with an octopus, too, that really upset me. Totally unacceptable to me, I'm afraid (and 'culture' doesn't cut it, in a developed country that should know better by now). It wasn't even necessary. Hope to God it wasn't real ~ I'm honestly not sure.
There were scenes filmed in the same location as See You In My 19th Life (Mujinjeong Pavilion, with 'falling petal' fireworks), that actually felt like they almost mirrored that part of the other drama. It felt too similar and really distracted me.
So disappointing and I'd looked forward to this drama, too.
The cast weren't a problem, but actually the drama's saving grace. However, apart from some of the historical scenes, the story was just not for me.
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Classic
The synopsis here on MDL is not really accurate for the female lead character at all. There is more to her than that. Anywho....This is what I consider a classic all-round, entertaining sageuk. There is plenty of humour, action, intrigue, tragedy, drama, villains, simple folk and good people that fight for justice.
The plot isn't completely new, with disguise as the opposite sex being needed to clear the FL's name, having been framed for murder. However, the portrayal of an intelligent woman, actually supported by their family and a benevolent Crown Prince not afraid to wield as much influence as he's able, is nicely done and feels different.
PHS must be a go-to for such roles, with his flair for natural humour and good looks, as the righteous Crown Prince.
Type casting, however, is also the bane of any drama and once you see some actors, you know the evil character is them the minute they show up. Directors and casting, please take note! Some, though, were far less obvious... round of applause for that.
I loved the characters though, including those I wanted publicly flailed for being so vile!
There are a smattering of clichés, but not to the point it annoyed me... balled fists and catching the falling FL being the main ones.
I thought the mystery that needed solving, which drew together many characters throughout the story, was very well done and kept me glued. I watched this drama over quite a short period and never got bored or lost concentration.
There were a couple of times when the comedy was too obvious and didn't fit... There were no microphones in the 1400s, so pretending to use one in 'interviewing' the Crown Prince, for example, just stood out as totally inappropriate, even though very brief. That is real shame, as there were laugh out loud moments much more natural. It was not needed.
The romance aspect is very light, which for me fit with the story perfectly, but if you are looking for lots of deep snogs etc, you will be very disappointed. However the affection shown between several characters with just a look, is lovely.
I so enjoyed this drama and would really recommend it. The ending was very nicely done and the soundtrack complimented what was being watched too.
The core friendships and trust between characters, even when tested, was also so nice, with no accepting allegations at face value, when a person's true personality should tell those nearest, differently.
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Mountain, mystery, suspense
Excellent cast, acting and writing. A crime drama with a stunning setting, Mountain Rangers as the central characters and even a bit of the supernatural thrown in. The latter actually has a sad feel to it.I loved both Jun Ji Hyun and Joo Ji Hoon in this; her character was strong, capable and assertive, if a little headstrong. It was so enjoyable to see JJH playing a softer character, whose more placid, thoughtful and probing nature, balanced hers.
Oh Jung Se was on fine form as usual, too.
The story twists and turns, moving with the seasons on the mountain, as it is revealed there's a killer on the loose.
The culprit isn't unveiled until the final episodes and so many fit the bill at some point, that guessing was impossible!
I loved the production, location, filming and a soundtrack that suited it so well.
I actually found the ending quite emotional.
What let it down a little were the sudden jumps (from the outset), in the timeline. I didn't get what was going on initially, but once I realised, it was fine; the story is told before and after the events of the deaths, leading up to the capture of the killer.
There were also a couple of characters whose stories and reactions were a bit OTT, but in a drama that had so many good ones, they were bearable.
A couple of episodes were a little slow, but overall this was a great watch.
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