Mirmirshasha

Final review : Sadly it crashed towards the end

When I started this drama, I really enjoyed it and looked forward to each episode every day. But from ep 25 onwards, I became impatient to know who Yesha was, so I started getting a little bored. The final six episodes were disappointing, though still somewhat acceptable to me.
Towards the end—especially in the last six episodes, the drama seemed to throw in every leftover plot points randomly and illogically just to wrap things up. The twists felt confusing instead of shocking, and they were rushed, leaving the audience no time to process anything.
For example, at the start of ep 31, they suddenly decided to kill off Tong Shuang—not even five minutes in and then immediately jumped to the mourning scenes. Right after that, the remaining four sat together, and out of nowhere Xiao Beiming announced that he had discovered the identity of the Yesha who committed the murder back then (Miao Yue at Fengbo Lake), and that there was actually a second Yesha. He then rattled off the how, why, and what, ending with the conclusion that the second Yesha might be Miao Yun, Miao Yue’s adopted Haiya orphan. The whole thing felt anticlimactic, and the “build-up” to Xiao Beiming realizing Tong Shuang was Yesha was unconvincing. Like, what do you mean he just needed some alone time in a cell, squeezing every last brain cell, to magically connect all the dots?
And then there’s my favorite bit of absurdity: Zhong Xueman recognizing Miao Yun from a portrait drawn by Zhuge Tong and saying he “seemed familiar.” Plot twist: she’d seen him ONCE, three years ago, and they locked eyes for less than a minute. Girl. Be serious. If you can pull a three-year-old, one-minute memory out of thin air, you need to be studied by science. I can’t even remember who I bumped into yesterday.
The reveal that Tong Shuang was Bei Kun and wanted revenge also fell flat. He just failed and died? I don’t know what I expected, but it wasn’t that. I didn’t expect fireworks, but I did expect something more than “welp, guess that’s over.” Also, maybe it’s just me but I noticed that as they uncovered more about Yesha, the camera sometimes focused more on Tong Shuang, even when he wasn’t the main subject of the scene. At first, I found it odd, but now I think it might have been a deliberate hint or it's just me overthinking.
As for the ending, it was exactly what everyone expected: the leads’ second marriage ceremony. Predictable, sure, but after all they’d been through, it made sense. Still, I’m sorry but they just didn’t have chemistry or sparks as a couple. Maybe it’s because the story didn’t focus on romance, so their emotional connection never developed in a believable way.
On the acting side, Wang Xing Yue did well overall, especially in emotional scenes. Xiang Hanzhi did her best, and while I get why some people complain about her, I think it’s also because the character was written in a way that made her hard to love. Personally, I didn’t have a big problem with her acting, but she didn’t wow me either. Most of the side characters were fine, but when it came to He Luoluo as Yesha, I found him a bit underwhelming. He lacked the aura of a true villain, and it took me a while to take him seriously because the image of bright, adorable Tong Shuang was still too strong in my mind.
In the end, I enjoyed the character bonds and the way they stuck together through thick and thin. The first half of the drama was solid and right up my alley. But as it went on, it kept testing my intelligence with increasingly ridiculous twists until I couldn’t ignore the nonsense anymore. Final verdict: not the best, not the worst but definitely the kind of ride where you start off cheering and end up sighing.

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Somehow the food outshines everything else

When I first started this drama, the first two episodes were so fun and engaging that I was really looking forward to the next ones. Episodes 3 and 4 didn’t disappoint either, they were just as entertaining as the first two, and the story was getting even more interesting.

But then I watched episode 5. About halfway through, I found myself thinking, “Is this drama really just going to be about a cook feeding the king delicious food all the time, no matter what happens?” I get that the main premise is centered on cooking and food, but it feels like all the mouth-watering dishes are overshadowing everything else.

Sure, the relationship between the leads is slowly progressing, but their characters still lack development and depth. Maybe as the episodes go on, they’ll work it out and I hope so. Still, the characters are fun to watch, especially Yeon Ji Yeong as the cook. She’s smart, witty, and strong, and I can’t wait to see how she continues to survive in the Joseon era. As for King Yi Heon, he’s just… okay, I guess. For now, all he does is eat, get angry, frown, and investigate the mystery behind his mother’s disposal (with zero progress so far). I’m not sure how to feel about his chemistry with Yeon Ji Young but it’s surely not bad, but to me, they come across more like siblings than a romantic couple.

The side characters, though, really add color to the story. From the maids and cooks to the cunning figures like Consort Kang and the Grand Prince, each of them brings something that makes the drama more interesting.

Overall, I hope the storytelling will continue to improve, as this drama remains one of the most enjoyable shows I’m currently watching.

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Trigger: Deep Themes, Plot Holes, and Great Acting

Trigger is another action–crime drama from the Korean entertainment industry, but this time it revolves around a central question: “Does a gun bring justice to the oppressed, or does it instead bring catastrophe to the world?” Personally, I really like the idea and the message the drama is trying to convey. However, I wouldn’t say the execution is flawless or anywhere near perfection, even though the concepts of “trigger” and “gun” were delivered quite clearly.
The main theme leans more toward the grey areas, making it a sensitive subject that requires depth and nuance in order not to end up on the wrong side. Unfortunately, the drama lacks that depth, with plot holes here and there that make certain parts feel questionable.
Lee Do is a police officer and a former elite soldier who once served in a conflict zone. After being forced into a life-or-death decision with a gun in his hand, he vowed never to pick up that weapon again. He also has a dark past since his whole family was killed by a shooter when he was a kid. While his overall character is fine, he doesn’t leave a strong impression on me. Like many other action-drama heroes, he’s portrayed as highly skilled, kind-hearted, and brave—but without much that makes him stand out.
Moon Baek, on the other hand, is a character with a tragic and twisted past. Abandoned by his mother, he ended up in a child organ-trafficking ring before being recruited as a teenager into a foreign gang involved in illegal arms trading. He later returns to his homeland with the mission of making guns accessible to everyone, exploiting the oppressed and desperate to create chaos. I actually enjoy villains who go all out without remorse, especially when they’re smart—and I must admit, he’s also a hot villain.
As for the acting, everyone from the leads to the supporting cast—delivered excellent performances. Kim Nam Gil is undeniably a brilliant actor, particularly in action roles, though here I felt his performance left me wanting a bit more. Kim Young Kwang, however, stood out. This is only the second drama of his I’ve watched, but I really liked the strong, nuanced aura he gave to Moon Baek.
Overall, the drama is still enjoyable despite its flaws and moments of illogical storytelling. Since I’m more of an emotional viewer, my ratings and impressions lean on how much I feel during and after watching. I empathized with many characters and was impressed by the acting, which helped me sit through it all. It’s definitely not a solid masterpiece, but it’s still worth a watch.

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Slow, Dark, and Thought-Provoking

Evilive tells the story of lawyer Han Dong Su’s descent into darkness, as he awakens the hidden demon within and transforms into someone with virtually no limits when committing crimes. What makes the series intriguing is not just his transformation, but also the way it portrays a cast of characters who are all “bad” in their own ways. It leaves viewers asking: what truly defines evil, and how do these flawed individuals differ from one another?

Han Dong Su begins as a timid lawyer, careful never to cross certain lines even while defending criminals to make a living after being unfairly dismissed from his previous workplace. His life takes a sharp turn when he becomes entangled with Seo Do Young, the second-in-command of a powerful gangster group who has been betrayed by his own people. Seo Do Young offers Han Dong Su a hefty sum to uncover the evidence he needs. At first, Han Dong Su refuses, fearing the danger involved, but cornered by his circumstances, he takes the risk, only to find himself pulled far deeper than he ever imagined.

While nearly every character in this drama is morally compromised, the one I find the most evil is undoubtedly Han Dong Su. He begins as a pathetic loser, but gradually transforms into a despicable figure, betraying Seo Do Young and ultimately killing him to seize everything he once had, the businesses, the house, the gang, and even his allies. Seo Do Young is far from innocent himself, but at least he has a bottom line. He doesn’t harm people without reason, and as long as others don’t cross him, he leaves them alone. What makes his downfall even more tragic is that he genuinely believed in Han Dong Su’s potential, supporting him and even entrusting him with the gambling business.

Han Beom Jae is probably the only character I genuinely pitied in this drama. Unlike his brother, he still carried a tiny bit of conscience, he knew when to stop, even after all the crimes he had committed with his brother. And yet, the most heartbreaking part is that his goodness couldn’t save him. Tragically, in the end, he becomes a victim of his brother’s greed, dying while begging him to stop.

In terms of acting, the cast truly shines. Each performer is completely in their element, bringing depth and authenticity to their roles. While the story itself may have its flaws here and there, the actors elevate the material with strong, convincing performances that make the characters feel real and engaging.

As for the ending, I honestly didn’t see it coming. I thought Han Dong Su might finally change for the better after losing his brother and being left by his wife. But by that point, he was already too far gone, beyond saving and the only path left for him was to fully embrace the very evil he once feared.

Overall, Evilive is a decent watch. It’s a slow-paced drama, but that slowness gives you room to reflect on deeper questions, especially about morality and how far people can fall once they cross the line.

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Watchable, But Barely Worth the Time

Blue is a movie about a talented shooter, Yun Tae Hwa, who is tormented by guilt after receiving a lung transplant from his father, who committed a hit-and-run accident just days before the surgery. To ensure he survived long enough for the operation, his father chose not to report the incident and secretly buried the victim. The crime was only uncovered after his father’s death during surgery, allowing him to escape conviction. As a result, Yun Tae Hwa faced harsh public criticism and was blamed by many. Seeking redemption, he sets out to find the victim’s family and offer compensation. During this journey, he finally encounters the deceased’s daughter, uncovering the darkest secret behind his father’s crime.

The story is simple and straightforward most of the time. There’s nothing particularly thrilling, exciting, or suspenseful to keep you on the edge of your seat. Even the big twist when the victim’s daughter, Kwon Mi Ji, reveals the secret behind her father’s death feels anticlimactic. Still, that moment might be the highlight of the film, because the rest often feels flat and slow.

The characters are decent, but they lack depth. None of them left a lasting impression or made me feel emotionally connected. The acting was solid across the board, but it wasn’t enough to elevate the story. The ending was fine, everything resolved as expected and life simply returned to normal.

By the time the credits rolled, I found myself thinking, “That’s it?” The movie felt long yet didn’t give much in return. Overall, it’s watchable, but not particularly enjoyable if you’re looking for something quick, engaging, and satisfying.

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Not the best but enjoyable

Among the dramas currently airing in early 2025, this is the only one I’m still watching. There’s nothing particularly new or spectacular about this drama, but at least it’s not boring. The story follows the typical xianxia format: tragic pasts for the leads, a quest for revenge, a willingness to die for each other, the death of a beloved one, unexpected superpowers, etc. Despite its predictability, it’s still enjoyable if you’re looking for something to watch leisurely.

As for the acting of the main leads, Bailu is decent, as usual, but Ao Rui Peng doesn’t quite have the vibe of a “Demon King.” He doesn’t look intimidating or exude the aura of a king. To me, he doesn’t even seem particularly powerful. While he’s doing fine in other areas, I still feel something is missing in his performance.

The side stories are quite interesting as well. Up until the episodes I’ve watched, the tragic love between Rong Xian and Ling Long has been the most memorable. Some shots and filters used are questionable, but they don’t significantly affect the overall drama. After all, it’s a fantasy drama, so it’s best to shut off your logic and just enjoy it.

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For those who like slow-burning, healing story

Call It Love is a slow-burning tale of hurt and healing. Shim Woo Joo sets out to destroy the man whose mother ruined her family—only to find herself drawn to his quiet loneliness and the fragile heart of Han Dongjin.
I've always been a fan of K-dramas and somehow I missed this drama back in 2023. Recently, I get to know Kim Young Kwang and decided to test some of his dramas before watching the recent ones which leans towards action and noir. So, I chose this drama to start with and I can't believe it got me emotionally invested.

It’s a slow-paced drama, but the tempo suits the genre perfectly, allowing the story to take its time building emotions so the audience can truly connect with the characters. Shim Woo Joo’s journey—driven by revenge yet swayed at times by her feelings for Han Dongjin beautifully reveals her complexity. The series captures the layers of human emotion and empathy, while Han Dongjin’s quiet composure in the face of constant hurt shows that some people choose resilience over retaliation.
At times, their actions can be frustrating—Shim Woo Joo’s blunt, razor-sharp words and Han Dongjin’s calm silence even when others trample over him instead of fighting back. But in the end, I realized that’s simply how they protect themselves, and in a way, those very traits become their strengths.
I also love how the two leads find comfort in each other, even in silence. When they do talk, it’s often about opening their hearts—sharing their stories etc. It’s comforting to see that you can fall in love quietly, without grand gestures or doing much at all.
Han Dongjin is probably the character I connected with the most throughout the drama. The way he walks and talks, his gaze, even the line of his back—all of it screams loneliness. Like Shim Woo Joo, I couldn’t help but feel the urge to hug him. His eyes always seem to brim with tears when he’s sad, angry, or hurt—yet they never fall, as if he’s holding himself back. The only time he ever raised his voice was when he yelled at CEO Shin for hurting Shim Woo Joo, and honestly, that wasn’t enough for me. After everything that man did to him, a part of me always wished he would finally go berserk.
As for the side characters—the siblings, Yoon Jun, Kang Min Young and Han Dongjin’s mother—they each add emotional depth to the drama through their own stories and journeys. Yoon Jun might seem like a love rival for Han Dongjin at first, but as the story unfolds, you realize he’s more of a friend who genuinely cares for her. His only wish is her happiness, even if, at times, he might secretly harbor feelings for her.

Overall, this drama is an emotional yet satisfying ride. My only complaint would be the ending—if it had shown more of their moments after getting back together, it would have been perfect. Other than that, I truly loved it!

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Don’t watch if you have high expectations

Honestly, I don’t really have a high expectation for this drama even before the airing because this kind of story usually ended up the same for every drama. But, I was so excited to watch Dylan Wang and Bailu pair up for the first time. After watching more than half of the episodes, I am neither disappointed nor satisfied with how the story goes. For most of the part, the story is rather boring and slow but the tension, romance between the main leads somehow managed to make it better. Some people may drop this drama soon but if you like very very very light, comedy and cliche drama, plus if you also love to see Dylan Wang or Bailu this drama is for you. If not, you might not be able to even finish the first episode. Personally, I will continue to watch this drama until the end just to see more of Dylan’s acting and of course his visual hahah.

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