Kcdramamusings

Wish this one had a Better Ending

This was one of those shows that started phenomenally and end up frizzled and disappointing!

Despite its exemplary casting, abysmal storytelling led this show astray. I never thought I had see the day when a “Shin Hye Sun” show would turn boring, but it did. While the special focus on mental ailments was praiseworthy, the constant back and forth between the two male protagonists was jarring. Shin Hye Sun does his best to portray two different identities, that are as different as the day and night. As Joo Eun Ho, she plays the role of a burned out announcer struggling to make ends meet; as Joo Hye Ri, she has a sunny disposition while working as an ordinary parking lot assistant. There were a lot of times when I questioned this inconsistency; no matter how insignificant she was, how can an announcer from a popular broadcasting channel be so unrecognizable? How was she able to juggle two different jobs in different timezones without getting exhausted?

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2024/10/31/dear-hyeri-series-review/#more-1286

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An Endearing Romcom with Intriguing Characters

This show was so endearing, not just the storyline but also the characters!

“Love Next Door” quickly became my weekend fixation, the “Friends to Lover’s” trope doesn’t offer anything new. It has been overused so much, that you might wonder if this show is worth your time. Answering this question- Yes, it is. The enormous casting offers different plotlines, starting from our protagonists who have been next door neighbors and childhood friends forever. At times, it is the near ones that we take for granted. It is the same with Bae Seok Ryu, who has never considered the possibility of falling in love with her “FRIEND” Choi Seung Hyo. Jung Hae In & Jung So Min have the kind of indescribable chemistry which you get to see rarely; they embodied the nuances of their noisy, preposterous selves. The show is a light romcom which lays emphasis not just on the main leads but the strong friendship between their mother’s group. Friendship is the theme throughout; it could be our main protagonists and their own or the “Lavender” group who have been friends for almost 40 years.

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2024/10/07/love-next-door-series-review/#more-1245

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An Unlikely Romance Between a True God and The Pheonix Queen

Adapted from the novel “Hidden God” (神隐) by Xing Ling (星零), WeTV’s latest adaptation “The Last Immortal” shares a close connection with the popular fantasy romance “Ancient Love Poetry”. Starring Zhao Lusi and Wang Anyu in lead roles, the show recently premiered to high expectations and is making waves throughout. I have been reading a lot of contradictory comments on MDL about this show; some like this drama immensely (like me) whilst others aren’t exactly enamored with Wang Anyu’s acting prowess. I had the same reservations, when I started with the first episode. His expressions seemed to mechanical and paired opposite a phenomenal actress like Zhai Lusi, his act was indeed disappointing. The show takes sometime and effort to get used to; I was mainly focused on the mystique surrounding Zhao Lusi and that was the only reason, why I persisted. But overtime, Wang Anyu’s Gu Jin slowly grows on you. Before going into too many details, let’s reminisce and rejoice!

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2023/12/15/the-last-immortal-first-impressions/

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A Captivating Tale Between A King & His Favorite Baduk Player

Dynasty politics isn’t something new when it comes to Korean historicals. We always have a group of power hungry officials, who are either related to the Queen or the Queen Dowager, trying to force their opinions on the King. Corruption becomes the main subplot in these storylines; as such “Captivating the King” was no different. King Lee In/Grand Prince Jin Han ascends the throne when his elder brother (the former King) is poisoned. The only catch, King Lee Sun names his only son as the heir to the throne. Unbeknownst to others, Lee In masks this royal decree and ascends to the throne himself. While his power hungry mother and uncle barter for dominance, Lee In plays mind games with them to protect the young Prince (his nephew). Starring Jo Jung Suk & Shin Sae Kyeong in the lead roles, the show uses the backdrop of the baduk game as an intelligent ploy for the plot and the schemes, that the King devises to fool his corrupt opponents. Both main leads give exceptional performances, heralding the narrative in an intriguing direction. Let’s sit down to talk about their distinct portrayals!

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2024/03/05/captivating-the-king-series-review/

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An Interesting Reverse Harem Romance

Chinese heartthrobs Bai Lu & Zhang Ling He are in the news for all the right reasons. Following the success of her Xianxia romance “Till the End of the Moon” and her current on-air drama “Only for Love”, Bai Lu is obviously a fan favorite. Similarly, Zhang Ling He has been riding high on the heels of his recent IQIYI releases “My Journey to You” & “Tiger and Crane”. Adapted from the web novel “Kun Ning” (坤宁) by Shi Jing (时镜), “Story of Kunning Palace” depicts an arrogant Queen’s journey as she falls from grace, commits suicide and transmigrates to the past to redeem herself. Surprisingly, both Bai Lu and Zhang Ling Zhe are playing roles that are morally grey. Bai Lu’s character in “Story of Kunning Palace” might seem quite similar to her portrayal in “Till the End of the Moon”. But Jiang Xuening is definitely different from any of her previous renditions. Zhang Ling Zhe recently played a grey character in “Tiger & Crane” and his “Xie Wei” has similar dark undertones. It seems both actors wanted to try their hands at playing shady characters and, shockingly, they are good at it. Directed by Chu Yui Bun, the show has a star-studded ensemble and is based on the concept of a reverse harem. Yes, that’s right. Jiang Xuening has quite a few admirers in this storyline and the show majorly focuses on her burgeoning relationship with each of them.

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2023/11/10/story-of-kunning-palace-first-impressions/

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An Exciting Crime Thriller

How often have we questioned the leniency of the judicial system?

Adapted from the webtoon, “Vigilante” ( 비질란테) written by CRG and starring Nam Joo Hyuk in the lead role, Disney+ latest psychological thriller answers this question and some more. After “The Worst of Evil”, I was expecting another exciting ride and “Vigilante” doesn’t disappoint. It is a rather fast-paced crime thriller that will instantly grab your attention and make you venture a guess about the protagonist’s thoughts. It is indeed a dark sojourn, no prizes for guessing that. Frankly, “Vigilante” represents all those victims who failed to gain justice against their evil perpetrators. It is gusty, violent and likely justified, even though there might be many who can’t accept the brutality extended by the main lead towards various assailants. The main character’s duality and his complex emotions form the gist of this storyline. What I loved about this show is that the script doesn’t shy away from using violence as a viable means to punish outlaws who escape punishments using the loopholes in the judicial system. Nam Joo-hyuk’s uncanny transformation from a romantic hero to an action hero delivering justice is surprising and shocking. The first two episodes project an anti-hero in the making, who hightails as a police academy student on weekdays and as the “Vigilante” on weekends.

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2023/11/09/vigilante-first-impressions/#more-285

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The Most Amusing & Entertaining Adaptation Ever

Adapted from the webtoon “A Good Day to Be a Dog” (오늘도 사랑스럽개) by Lee Hey (이혜), this is one of those shows that leaves a memorable impression in your minds. MBC’s latest fantasy romcom is a rustic mix of intriguing characters, riveting storyline and a cute dog that you can’t hate. I was actually apprehensive about watching this drama; the only reason to start this show was Cha Eun Woo. Yup, I have been his huge fan since I saw his high school romance, “True Beauty”. “Island Season One & Two” has further cemented my obsession; so here we are. The pilot episodes do a decent job of introducing the characters while neatly weaving the unbelievable yet hilarious fantasy element. Well, you don’t have many dramas where the female protagonist turns into a cutesy dog, do you? Starring alongside Cha Eun Woo is Park Gyu Young; frankly I wasn’t quite enthused about watching her. Her clingy character roles in “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay” and “The Devil Judge” were lackluster. So, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to watch a drama which features her as the main lead. But Park Gyu Young manages to break out of the old mold and turns the tables to play a bubbly character who is equal parts sweet and amusing. The trio is completed by Lee Hyun Woo who recently starred in “Money Heist: Korea – Joint Economic Area”. Now, fasten your seatbelts as I take you on this joyride!

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2023/10/13/a-good-day-to-be-a-dog-first-impressions/

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Quirky Characters With An Intriguing Storyline

I’m not a huge fan of dramas starring pop idols or where the storyline is based on the said idol’s ridiculous antics. I went into this show, expecting absolutely nothing. Surprisingly, despite its weird pacing and underrated performances from the actors, this “Underdog” story does manage to hold your attention. There is something charming about watching a band of misfits as they get together and decide to battle the odds to rewrite history. The show has star studded casting consisting of pop idols Xiumin (EXO), Hyung Won (MONSTA X), Lee Sae On (Produce 101 Season 2) alongside actors Lee Shin Young and Choi Won Myung. The first two episodes do a decent job of setting the premise and introducing the characters. It isn’t rushed, and we are given ample opportunity to explore their personas and current lifestyles.

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2023/09/20/boss-dol-mart-first-impressions/

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A Revenge Saga With Fantasy Element

Adapted from the webtoon “The Essence of a Perfect Marriage” (완벽한 결혼의 정석) written by Young (영) and Lee Beom Bae (이범배), MBN’s latest makjang on the block is a revenge saga with a fantasy twist. Starring Sung Hoon and Jung Yoo Min in the lead roles alongside an ensemble casting that includes Jin Ji Hee, Kang Shin Hyo, Oh Seung Yun; the show uses the time-tested formula of “Contractual Marriage”. We have a conniving family scheming and plotting against their adopted daughter, a high-handed chaebol heir looking for an escape route from the arranged marriage scenario and a brother-in-law vying for his sister-in-law’s affections; seems like a perfect recipe for disaster, right? What makes this show exciting and spicy is obviously the revenge element; the natural chemistry between Sung Hoon & Jung Yoo Min is so flawless, you can’t help but root for them. Let’s talk about the first two episodes, so you can decide if you want to watch it!

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2023/10/31/perfect-marriage-revenge-first-impressions/#more-260

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Not A Complete Disaster But Somehow Close to That!

This show started in a good way, plummeted in the middle & ended in a phenomenal manner!

This is one of those shows that starts with a delicious, rather sultry. Our main leads dive into “Dynamite Kiss” right off the bat. Their chemistry screams sexy, even though they have just met. They try to date, end up in bed; but the female protagonist has to run back home, because of an emergency. The male lead searches for her on the entire Korean subcontinent, only to find her working in his father’s company-the twist, she is married with a son. Frankly, she isn’t; she only lied to get the job, but the male lead doesn’t know that. So, he sulks *rightly so* because he believes that she deceived him. She heaves and helms, tries to cajole him and both end up falling in love all over again; before he discovers that she is actually UNMARRIED. The freaking joke carries on for too long; it drags on for almost ten episodes. So, you lose focus on the subject at hand, quite a few times.

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2025/12/26/dynamite-kiss-series-review/

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A Master Negotiator at his Best!!!

“The best move you can make in negotiation is to think of an incentive the other person hasn’t even thought of – and then meet it.” –Eli Broad

Shin Jay might very well agree with this concept, for most of his negotiations are tactile, rather than emotional. I didn’t know what to expect when I first started this show; obviously it was the casting that pulled me to this mystery comedy. The first episode delivered on the right dose of mystique and humor; needless to say, I was hooked. On the surface, Shin Jay looks like a normal chicken shop owner; grumpy during work hours. But underneath he hides his persona well- that is of a master negotiator who is well versed at the science of negotiation. Alongside, we have Cho Philip, a newly minted Judge joins him, it is chaos and happy times. The first half of the show alludes to the concept of negotiation whereby Mr. Shin uses his brilliant tricks to manipulate people into amicable settlements, most of the time that is. The second half focuses on the personal baggage that Shin Jay has been carrying for a long time; his struggles & fears that have been hidden under his bright demeanor. The show focuses on righting the wrongs and offering comfort to poor people who are agonized by the rich.

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2025/10/30/shins-project-series-review/#more-2117

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One of the Most Entertaining Watch in 2025!

If you need to understand what “A Dream within a Dream” means then you need to refer to the finale episode, because this drama is a complicated mesh of fatale screenwriting!

In a complicated world where the female lead is destined to be killed by her lover, it would be obscure to be with the same guy. So, Song Xiao Yu’s logic is sound; she is a lesser known actress in the modern era who inevitably gets transported into the very fictional world where she plays the tragic female lead. Only her character is destined to be tortured by the male lead who is unforgivable and ruthless. Xiao Yu decides to escape the destined fate and thus begins a cat & mouse game. Since she knows the “Script”, she tries hundreds of methods to stay away from the villainous male lead, Nan Heng. Unfortunately, she keeps getting pulled into situations where she is pitted against Nan Heng, she can’t escape him or her fate. The main leads are hilarious and have a charm of their own. Song Xiao Yu is chaotic & eccentric; Nan Heng is perceived as a ruthless character but is majorly misunderstood. You slowly fall for both these characters, especially Nan Heng and there is no way out!

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2025/07/14/a-dream-within-a-dream-series-review/#more-1968

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Love the Romance, Gourmet, Everything!!!

Once in a while, you come across a show that is wholesome and entertaining!

Genie TV’s “Tastefully Yours” is one such show; premiering on the Monday- Tuesday block, it quickly became my favorite part of the week. The storyline seems ordinary, but rather the storytelling is unique and the characters are immersive. It has been long since I watched such an amazing camaraderie between the characters, it mainly hinges on the “Found Family” concept; albeit with a gourmet twist. I enjoyed each and every minute of this meaningful journey and I’m actually sad at bidding farewell to this show. Actor Kang Ha Neul was actually a surprise, his role has a comic flair that isn’t easy. Han Beom U has a painful backstory which he tries to hide with his humor. Mo Yeon Ju has an equally intriguing backdrop and even though their personalities clash, they make a riveting pair.

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2025/06/12/tastefully-yours-series-review/

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Full of Political Intrigue & Maneuvering!!

I have mixed feelings about this show, the political intrigue and mystique is enough to grab your attention, but does it sustain your interest till the last?

There were two things that made me watch this show- Xiao Zhan & Zhang Jing Yi. Both are my favorites, and I was particularly leaning towards enjoying their chemistry. Even though the storyline is centered around the revenge that the lead protagonist seeks, there are subtle, somber moments of romance that sneak in between and provide the much needed relief in this action thriller. At times, the storytelling is oddly paced and drags on, but somehow the narrative streamlines into another possible mystery that manages to save the show from nosediving into netherland. The main protagonists have a palpable chemistry and camaraderie; obviously Xiao Zhan’s Zang Hai remains the highlight. He is all brains and no brawn; it quite reminded of his act in “The Untamed” where his Wei Wuxian was quick to hide behind Lan Wanji. Here the other two protagonists become his protectors.

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2025/06/11/legend-of-zang-hai-series-review/

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Biggest Disappointment of this Year!!

This was a boring, cliche harem styled romance that I wanted to get done with; I could finish this entire review in this one line!

This is one of those shows that starts in a promising way, forgets itself in the middle and lands in a puddle towards the end. By the end of the first half, you don’t mind question yourself about the purpose of watching this show. For me, it was the sole desire to watch it till the end and I persevered. Regrettably, the show falls back on its intend- the premise being quickly forgotten. Bunny, a top sculpture student at Yein University, once believed personality mattered more than looks—until a failed relationship left her embarrassed and insecure. Now, she admits to liking good-looking men but struggles with self-esteem. You might question this logical conclusion- because not all good-looking men are actually good, nor bad looking men are that bad. So how Bani comes to this illogical conclusion that changes her life forever forms the cruz of this show. Then we are taken on a journey of 12 episodes where Bani falls for every handsome man in her Campus before finally settling down with the most handsome one albeit also the most grumpy of them all. Her inner monologues will leave you hilariously satisfied, so there’s that!

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2025/05/21/crushology-101-series-review/

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