I just wrapped up this drama and honestly, I don’t think that 8.3/10 rating on MDL does it justice. Maybe it’s because it’s an older drama, but in my opinion, it deserves at least an 8.5
For which reason I think it deserves more ratings, I never felt the urge to fast-forward, which says a lot. The political parts weren’t boring either, mainly because there wasn’t much room for “court politics” when the king was basically a tyrant. No harem drama here either, the king had only one queen and was devoted to her. The real scheming came from people secretly trying to save Joseon from his madness.
Speaking of madness: this king had a delightful little habit of killing anyone who looked like they might take over the throne ,including his own son, Nokdu. Charming, right?
As for the rest: the comedy hit the mark, the tension was genuinely gripping, and while the fight scenes weren’t the flashiest, they fit the story’s tone. And yes, people did die. A lot of them. Which makes the drama feel heavier and more grounded. Honestly, I can’t even remember anything that really annoyed me.So yeah, for me,
I will only respond to the last paragraph..and forgive me but I can only go back and forth maximum 3 replies and this is the last one.
"Maybe you should watch more costume/historical dramas" How about you let me enjoy what I enjoy,how I perceive it,who I think has the best chemistry, according to my POV..?
So you watch and have more knowledge in historical dramas? Good for you. I watch more modern dramas for reasons I don't need to talk about here?It's a big universe for all over us. Not everything should be a debate..it's exhausting but I appreciate your time and your opinion.. According to the 300 shows I have watched not including the ones you have watched..Love Designer CP have the best chemistry and that's my final vote.You can also make your list and your post..I won't even come to comment cos that's not my view..
Agree 100% This is definitely the Takeru show. The range that this guy has is amazing. It's definitely one of…
After reading JoJo's review I absolutely felt the same thing you felt of not needing to write another one..They took words out of my mouth..but I had things to pick with the show that they had to come out..
Thank you so much for reading all that yapping..I didn't set out to write a long one but here we are breaking down characters one by one..
Subjective matters. There are so many GREAT couples with strong chemistry in other Chinese dramas.Many people…
I didn’t omit his name intentionally , typos happen, and since Chinese isn’t my first language, I sincerely apologize for that.
I’ve been watching Asian dramas since 2018, and if you check my profile, I’ve completed over 100+ Chinese dramas and 140+ other Asian dramas. So yes, I’ve seen my fair share of CPs, including many of the ones you mentioned, and I’ve even written reviews on several of them. But at the end of the day, everyone has their own criteria when it comes to ranking or voting.
For me, Love Designer holds a very special place because it was my very first drama. If you’ve watched it, maybe you’ll understand why. The leads lit up the screen in every single episode, their chemistry was so strong that I actually created a whole timeline of all their swoon-worthy moments. I guess I just prefer mature romance and natural performances that feel real rather than staged.
That’s why I feel confident saying their CP was one of the best, at least for me. Of course, I also have several other top-tier CPs I love: 2) You Are My Glory 3) Road Home 4) ASOL 5) Fake It Till You Make It 6) Blossom 7) Love Me, Love My Voice
…and honestly, I could keep going.
As for historical dramas, you’re right, many of them do have beautiful chemistry, but we both know romance isn’t always the main focus. Because of the setting and cultural restrictions, they rarely show much intimacy unless the couple is already married. That’s why, for me, modern dramas often deliver romance and chemistry in a way that feels more direct and natural.
Subjective matters. There are so many GREAT couples with strong chemistry in other Chinese dramas.Many people…
Thats why it's a post made by me..You can also make yours for them.. If I came and tell you that there are others actors you can put on your profile other than Liu XuYi ..now that is me being nosey and not minding other people preferences .
Side note..Liu XuYi who is on profile picture is one of my favourites.. my watching list of his dramas is growing
The Making of Glass Heart is another rollercoaster on its own,it shows how much work,dedication,blood sweat and tears went into the making this drama..
This is such a great review, lol post it maybe?🥰♥️ I couldn’t agree more! Satoh Takeru is such a talented…
I will definitely tag you Yes I do take a day or two but sometimes they turn into a week then that's it,so it has to be within a short period of time when the surface is still hot.
Yeah ,that ML isn't it. This is the first time I'm watching him in any drama ,but I'm not impressed. He can't…
He has been an ML for awhile now..am watching him in "The Tale of Nokdu" and he is really good here..Maybe he has a pretty face that doesn't fit the trope .Have you seen Song Kang or Cha Eun-Woo try to act in tough roles? you can't take them serious
This is such a great review, lol post it maybe?🥰♥️ I couldn’t agree more! Satoh Takeru is such a talented…
Am planning on posting a review..I have notes scattered all over..I wanted to let it sink a bit ,I avoid writing reviews immediately to avoid an emotional constipated rant.. To be honest like Virgievirgie said ,I think You said what we are all thinking.. Good job as usual
You literally plucked the words right out of my brain. I was really looking forward to this one, as both a music lover and someone actually involved in music, I’m always hunting for idol dramas that don’t just pretend but actually let the cast play and compose. This one was top of my list because of that. I knew Takeru would eat this role alive, but wow… he didn’t just serve, he overserved (later I found out he was also producing, which explains why the whole drama had his fingerprints smudged all over it). It was basically The Takeru Show with a supporting cast.
The first half had me hooked , pure music magic. From scene one, I was transported. Then came the second half… and honestly, I snoozed. I even told my friend the romance was 100% unnecessary. The chemistry wasn’t there; it felt like one-sided infatuation from the FL, more like a student crushing on a mentor. Even when the ML confessed, it felt less like passion and more like him just testing out lyrics.
But listen, you’re absolutely right, Takaoka Sho, the guitarist, did not come to play. That man is stunning, and whoever styled him deserves a bouquet of roses. Every time he stepped into frame, he owned it. And tell me I’m not crazy, but were Toya’s mannerisms giving a little Ozzy Osbourne?
In the end, I came for the music and, for about 60% of the runtime, I got it. And as always, Japanese cinematography did not disappoint, actually, they went the extra mile. Every sound, every shot was carefully measured to wring a specific emotion out of you.
Does the majority of the plot happen in the 1930s or the modern times?
Sorry maybe I gave you a short answer..but It's considered a Republic Era/modern.It has 4 parts but the longest one is in modern times..but even the movie he is shooting inodrn time is a Republic Era trope ...so you can say that it's 40/60 share
As a music lover,who is involved in music and loves Japanese cinematography,this is definitely my warm cup of coffee in a cold morning BUT.,it doesn't excuse it from me not picking holes and the first hole is here👇
Ep 3.. Are we going to ignore that someone sabotaged a very important character and they skipped the part where a police investigation would be active?
This is so me.The best couple in CDramaLand is Zhou Fang and Song Lin. I have rewatched that drama like 15 times.…
I think Love Designer has a small fan base that no matter what you say,they will always defend it and am happy to be part of the group..The truth be told their CP was the best and I have watched too many dramas after that and it is still no match.. I will check it out...I haven't watched it,it was on my plan to watch but after it aired I think it didn't meet expectations..so maybe later next year I will come around to it
7 
1 
1 
2 
For which reason I think it deserves more ratings, I never felt the urge to fast-forward, which says a lot. The political parts weren’t boring either, mainly because there wasn’t much room for “court politics” when the king was basically a tyrant. No harem drama here either, the king had only one queen and was devoted to her. The real scheming came from people secretly trying to save Joseon from his madness.
Speaking of madness: this king had a delightful little habit of killing anyone who looked like they might take over the throne ,including his own son, Nokdu. Charming, right?
As for the rest: the comedy hit the mark, the tension was genuinely gripping, and while the fight scenes weren’t the flashiest, they fit the story’s tone. And yes, people did die. A lot of them. Which makes the drama feel heavier and more grounded. Honestly, I can’t even remember anything that really annoyed me.So yeah, for me,
The Tale of Nokdu sits pretty at a solid 8.7/10.
I posted it last night..I forgot to share the link
I will only respond to the last paragraph..and forgive me but I can only go back and forth maximum 3 replies and this is the last one.
"Maybe you should watch more costume/historical dramas" How about you let me enjoy what I enjoy,how I perceive it,who I think has the best chemistry, according to my POV..?
So you watch and have more knowledge in historical dramas? Good for you. I watch more modern dramas for reasons I don't need to talk about here?It's a big universe for all over us.
Not everything should be a debate..it's exhausting but I appreciate your time and your opinion..
According to the 300 shows I have watched not including the ones you have watched..Love Designer CP have the best chemistry and that's my final vote.You can also make your list and your post..I won't even come to comment cos that's not my view..
Have a bless time.
peace ✌️🕊️
Thank you so much for reading all that yapping..I didn't set out to write a long one but here we are breaking down characters one by one..
And thank you for the Award..
Aregato Kozaimas 🙏
I’ve been watching Asian dramas since 2018, and if you check my profile, I’ve completed over 100+ Chinese dramas and 140+ other Asian dramas. So yes, I’ve seen my fair share of CPs, including many of the ones you mentioned, and I’ve even written reviews on several of them. But at the end of the day, everyone has their own criteria when it comes to ranking or voting.
For me, Love Designer holds a very special place because it was my very first drama. If you’ve watched it, maybe you’ll understand why. The leads lit up the screen in every single episode, their chemistry was so strong that I actually created a whole timeline of all their swoon-worthy moments. I guess I just prefer mature romance and natural performances that feel real rather than staged.
That’s why I feel confident saying their CP was one of the best, at least for me. Of course, I also have several other top-tier CPs I love:
2) You Are My Glory
3) Road Home
4) ASOL
5) Fake It Till You Make It
6) Blossom
7) Love Me, Love My Voice
…and honestly, I could keep going.
As for historical dramas, you’re right, many of them do have beautiful chemistry, but we both know romance isn’t always the main focus. Because of the setting and cultural restrictions, they rarely show much intimacy unless the couple is already married. That’s why, for me, modern dramas often deliver romance and chemistry in a way that feels more direct and natural.
If I came and tell you that there are others actors you can put on your profile other than Liu XuYi ..now that is me being nosey and not minding other people preferences .
Side note..Liu XuYi who is on profile picture is one of my favourites.. my watching list of his dramas is growing
https://youtu.be/dUgbRwfyjXg?si=3HG4ko03tg5MHAtz
https://open.spotify.com/album/6L1YyT69ix0i35s0056fbz?si=HGMaEOu0TNGkCiRiHYS6vg
The Making of Glass Heart is another rollercoaster on its own,it shows how much work,dedication,blood sweat and tears went into the making this drama..
https://youtu.be/dUgbRwfyjXg?si=3HG4ko03tg5MHAtz
Yes I do take a day or two but sometimes they turn into a week then that's it,so it has to be within a short period of time when the surface is still hot.
Good job as usual
The first half had me hooked , pure music magic. From scene one, I was transported. Then came the second half… and honestly, I snoozed. I even told my friend the romance was 100% unnecessary. The chemistry wasn’t there; it felt like one-sided infatuation from the FL, more like a student crushing on a mentor. Even when the ML confessed, it felt less like passion and more like him just testing out lyrics.
But listen, you’re absolutely right, Takaoka Sho, the guitarist, did not come to play. That man is stunning, and whoever styled him deserves a bouquet of roses. Every time he stepped into frame, he owned it.
And tell me I’m not crazy, but were Toya’s mannerisms giving a little Ozzy Osbourne?
In the end, I came for the music and, for about 60% of the runtime, I got it. And as always, Japanese cinematography did not disappoint, actually, they went the extra mile. Every sound, every shot was carefully measured to wring a specific emotion out of you.
As a music lover,who is involved in music and loves Japanese cinematography,this is definitely my warm cup of coffee in a cold morning BUT.,it doesn't excuse it from me not picking holes and the first hole is here👇
Ep 3.. Are we going to ignore that someone sabotaged a very important character and they skipped the part where a police investigation would be active?
I can't watch any thing with her again
I don't get what people want
I will check it out...I haven't watched it,it was on my plan to watch but after it aired I think it didn't meet expectations..so maybe later next year I will come around to it