Gripping
Wasn't until the very last few episodes that I realised who the demon was in. So many possibilities and the writer did well to conceal it whilst taking us through multiple possessions and torment.It is quite a scary story at times with mild gore... tbh I prefer horrors that are psychologically frightening, relying on atmosphere and tension, as opposed to gallons of blood and guts.
Loved the cast and most characters.
Sometimes a few of the smaller support characters were a bit overacted. I also found the constant doubts toward one another's advice and thoughts, by the main 3, a bit irritating at times (mostly further into series, when ecperiences should have taught them better). Plus, they individually went into situations, alone, when anyone in their right mind would have held off.
I liked the soundtrack too and found a scene in the last ep quite moving.
As there was often a lot going on in terms of a shifting demon and its side stories, I think it would also make a decent rewatch, which I might one day, with a friend :~)
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Ill thought-out storyline
Loved the cast, acting and accompanying music.Pace not bad, although it flagged a little around half-way.
What really let this drama down, was a poorly thought out ending. There really are gaping holes in it, which totally let down the entire story for me.
The relationship between 2 of the characters was ambiguous and I felt a little uncomfortable.
The character of Jin-gyum was so naive at times, about the cause and effect of time travelling and parallel universes. He really said and did some dumb things. Tae-yi could also be irritating, although she was pretty strong willed at times, whilst at others she's just stand there instead of assisting someone being throttled!
I also felt some characters were just there to fill out the cast, as they really served no other purpose.
It would have been so much better with a more plausible ending and it's not a drama I'd watch again.
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You'll cry with laughter and sadness
Filled with laughs and emotional scenes; a real roller coaster.Characters develop so well, from arrogant to humble, cold to warm and enemies to friends.
Family misunderstandings, painful memories, traumas, love and loss ~ this drama has it all.
Heo Im (Kim Nam-gil) was a real life physician who developed his own techniques of acupuncture and wrote journals on the practice. Whilst there is a comedic theme through the series, his legacy is not undermined, whilst the drama also balances the use by complimenting with modern medicine; both have their place.
I loved the cast of characters and there are other true ones, such as Japanese general, Sayaka, who was actually a Korean named Kim Chung-seon.
I loved every aspect of this drama and whilst it was occasionally a bit far fetched and melodramatic, overall it was a joy to watch.
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I'm Thawed Not Melted
Loved the cast and acting ~ some real favourites. Not blown away by the chemistry between JCW and WJA, although a couple of decent kisses in there!I liked the overall story, especially from the point of view of ageing and some discussions around that. There was genuine comedy at times and some very touching moments, however, for me these were marred by over the top, farcical scenes that made it messy. Either write a farce, or a serious bit of fantasy/rom/com.
A bench scene in the final episode was nuts given what the character involved had just gone through. A ridiculous, over-used cliché, was also shoved in for good measure... a bike ride. Aaaaagh!
I am pleased I watched this, but probably won't do so again.
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Loved it!
Loved every single episode of this drama. It wasn't really that scary to me, but certainly gripping at times. There's also humour, intrigue, and whilst not romantic, there's unmistakable attraction between our leads.There is a lot of story packed into the relatively few episodes, and I binged it in one go.
Great cast, and I felt the overriding story was quite sad. Backgrounds of characters are scant; enough to provide their motivation, but with so few episodes, more would have been at the expense of other content.
Karma is a bitch, that's for sure!
A specific aspect reminded of Keanu Reeves' film, Constantine, far more than Stranger Things, which I keep seeing it likened to.
I happily recommend this, as it kept me super-glued and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
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Amusing at times, but over all not for me
May 2025Generally, this was an OK watch, but I have to admit that if the ML had been someone less watchable in my eyes, I might have dropped it.
KJW is a great actor; he can do anything, from silly, shy, naive, to mean and terrifying. His side eye and comic timing is great, too. All (and only) that, kept me engaged.
Many of the characters were hard work, and it went on too long, with some scenes feeling unnecessary.
The FL character went from insanely put upon, to manicly fierce, and I didn't find it believable. Her ability to carry on functioning pretty much as normal, given her diagnosis, was a step too far. Even with that, I found her hard to like. No problem with the actress, though.
Not awful, but not memorable either. I completed it a short while ago, but am behind on reviews... have forgotten much of it already!
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Good to see mental health being addressed in K-drama at last
December 2023Not your usual K-drama topic, but the negativity and ignorance around mental health, as well as other topics that get swept under the carpet, seem to slowly be getting the stage they need, so spreading awareness and highlighting inappropriate behaviour / unfair treatment.
It starts fairly light heartedly, but later becomes more serious with each episode.
It is not, surprisingly, depressing, although there are both frustrating and emotional scenes.
Whilst some might feel it doesn't go far enough in addressing the topics involved, it must be remembered that attitudes there are very behind (generalising now), countries like the UK and USA. I feel it pitches just right to keep the domestic audience engaged, whilst hopefully making those viewers think, without turning them off.
I enjoyed it more than not, loved the cast and the pace suited me.
The romance aspect is rather lovely and the lead characters not typical. Various aspects of mental health are covered, but what stood out to me rather, was how those cases seemed to need a reason behind them, which was usually around family or work, or both.
There is not always a reason, or trigger, and some are unfortunate to simply be born with conditions that become more prominent and obvious, as they grow.
Patients were often spoken to in a cajoling manner, as though talking to kids, which I found patronising and irritating at times.
I did like the storyline around Park Bo-young's character and thought it quite unique. Her mother's chat with someone in a later episode, I thought very realistic and pertinent
Definitely worth a watch, though there is self-harm and suicide references, which may be an issue for some.
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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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Happiness is subjective.... and not a Horror.
A dark and tense drama surrounding a virus outbreak coming hot on the heels of a real one that the world's just recovered from.Unfortunately, it's the greed and wealth of a powerful character that is partially to blame and they would never be held accountable; that's made clear early on. Perhaps because I've watched a few dramas recently, where the wealthy get away with so much, that I was a little disappointed by that aspect of the plot.
There are some truly awful characters in this and rather like Sweet Home, the different residents of the swanky new complex of apartments and shops, have their true characters brought to light, as the area is locked down.
Some really stupid decisions are made by some, like unbelievably so, but they move the drama forward and provide the tense scenes that work so well.
I loved the main couple/characters and thought Park Hyun-sik and Han Hyo-joo worked very well together. Their chemistry was natural and they made a realistic friends-to-couple pair.
She is tough, no nonsense and quite hard hearted when she feels it's necessary, whereas he is a little softer (though by no means weak) and more the archetypal good cop.
There was a fair bit of blood, but not ridiculous amounts. I personally wasn't moved to tears at any point, by any of the scenes though.
How some of the infected died and others didn't, from either being stabbed, bludgeoned or shot, was a little odd to me. I couldn't work that out at all.
The sets in the apartment blocks and their underground parking, were suitably claustrophobic and provided some jumpy moments... one never knew what or who was behind closed doors, opening lifts and lurking on stairwells.
To be honest, I wouldn't call this a horror drama, but a thriller, personally.
Overall a satisfying watch. It was great having PHS back leading a drama, and one of this genre at that.
Really liked the sound track, especially Isaac Hong's contribution. The minute he opens his mouth, I melt.
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The synopsis doesn't really do the story justice.
It's the things taken for granted, the life changing moments that can't be rewritten, feelings uncovered that can't be hidden away again and taking the time and having the patience to allow something special to blossom. That's at the heart of this gently paced, moving and warming drama.There were times the malice and harsh words of some characters seemed unforgivable, but heat of the moment anger, or pent up frustrations lead to such things.
The underlying charm, throughout the angst, kept this story from being depressing... it's anything but.
It may not be exciting, fast moving or hilarious, but it is a strangely uplifting story.
The moments of simple pleasures shared by a rural community where news travels fast, bring light hearted smiles. The warmth of people that may argue and bicker one moment, but be there in times of need, the next.
Letting go of anger, resentment and hate is a key message I got from this. Being understanding of those who don't or can't so easily voice their feelings, instead trusting in their actions, is another. Being kind to and easier on, oneself, is yet another.
Family can wound as well as heal.
I loved it, although do wonder what happened with Eun-sub's Uncle, the conclusion to their issues was never revealed, although I guess answered in the rest of the story.
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A simply wonderful story
A wonderful drama about what the word family is really about, and which is both tragic and at the same time heart warming.No cliché moments or over acting, but subtle yet hard hitting scenes.
The child actors are excellent, as are the rest of a very natural and believable cast.
There were times I was so angry with certain characters and others when I was frustrated and irritated by them. However, the outcomes and morals of the stories within a story, explain so much.
Money cannot buy happiness, but it certainly helps and I liked that this drama never pretended one can survive on just love and fresh air; it's far more true to life. The saying about blood being thicker than water is also proven to not always be true.
A very apt and fitting soundtrack also accompanies this must watch series.
Now a firm favourite and one I will definitely watch again, as I'm already missing so many of the characters (Song Wei Long and Steven Zhang were especially good in theirs) and I honestly couldn't find fault with it.
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What it is to be different
What an unusual and touching story. The loneliness and alienation felt by someone who only sees in mono can probably be well understood by anyone suffering a condition that sets them apart from the norm. For others it is a poignant insight into that loneliness.I loved the cast and characters, which were fresh and natural.
I'm sure it would be welcomed by those who enjoyed this story, if the writers and producers felt it successful enough to expand on the plot and give us a full length drama that covered the characters' own stories that led up to their meeting, the search and investigation into Yeon Woo's mother and the evolving relationship between Yeon Woo and Yoo Han.
The 'R' rating is a mystery to me. I get that a same sex couple may be taboo, but the content really didn't warrant it. Gay relationships should be seen as a natural part of life in this day and age, especially in a progressive and modern country, and when it is portrayed as delicately as this.
Trigger warning for attempted suicide.
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No character is perfect, but so many are more than likeable, flaws and all. The baddies really are evil.
So Moon, Mo Tak and Ha Na probably develop the most as the series progresses. One matures, one is able to find themselves and reconnect, and another is able to face up to a guilt ridden past and open themselves up again.
Ji Chung Shin was a character I couldn't help but feel for. Vulnerable to manipulation and a harrowing past, I didn't feel at all guilty about wishing he could somehow be redeemed and freed of his demons.
I also loved the OST, with tracks from the brilliant Isaac Hong, Dvwn and Sejeong.
I will definitely watch this again and eagerly anticipate series 2. Do NOT let us down, Netflix!
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We all should live near a hospital like that!
Series 1 was great viewing and I felt the same about this second run.I never expected to love the cast and characters as much as those in the first series, but I did.
The relationships that were cultivated between characters were as warming as before and I loved Ahn Hyo-seop, as well as seeing Kim Min-jae again and my favourite characters wonderfully brought back to life by Jin Kyung and Im Won-hee. So liked the nosy and forthright Yoon Ah Reum (So Ju Yeon) and gasped with joy to see a matured Do In-bum (Yang Se-jong) too.
As before, there is greed, politics, back stabbing and scheming, together with patient stories and the family that is Doldam Hospital, wonderfully lead by Kim Sa-bu/Dr Boo Yong-joo.
It does get a bit cheesey at times and quite self-righteous, with lots of unexplained medical terms, but still makes a very enjoyable watch.
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Dark, quirky, surreal at times... SO good!
Just finished this on Netflix and so enjoyed it.A very quirky, darkly amusing, slightly surreal crime caper. I also fell for Santa (Baek Sung-chul).
Lee Young-ae is perfect in the lead. A favourite mature actress, Kim Hae-sook, was great in a role the likes of which I'd not seen her play before; and I loved seeing Lee Hong-nae again, who was so good in The Uncanny Counter.
'K' is very vulnerable at times and it's often hard not to like her, until she starts to lose her purpose.
Totally felt for Lee Hong-nae's character at one point, although I wondered how much he was beholding to 'K' and how much it was for kicks.
A drama that is barkingly good fun at times.
The OST is a favourite now (and there are several Playlists of it on Spotify).
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