Nelly

A would have been a slick thriller slightly sabotaged by an unnecessary romance

Rating: 8.5/10, realistically closer to an 8.0 and here is why

Tempest is a tight, fast moving thriller that leans heavily into geopolitics, espionage, unification politics, the usual spy genre machinery and sprinkles of our normal activator element( cough couch USA). It started with a decisive entry, lost it's way in the middle but luckily saved by a final stretch where the direction sharpens, the tension finally locks in, and the story slightly regains the momentum. That last two episodes do a lot of heavy lifting and almost makes you forget the wobble that came before it.

The biggest issue sits with the screenplay. The attempt to mix sensitive facts with delusional fiction felt ambitious but uneven, and that is where the narrative starts to slip. It feels very rooted in Korean political consciousness, which likely lands more cleanly for local audiences than for outsiders, since much of it reflects lived realities rather than exposition built for international viewers.

Performance wise, the female lead is solid and confident, clearly carried by experience, but her character is frustratingly underwritten. She does the work, the script simply does not meet her halfway. The supporting cast is stacked with familiar, reliable faces, yet most of them are left standing on the sidelines, present but rarely used to their full potential.

As for the male lead, this is where things get unintentionally awkward. He has a long, established history in action and thrillers, and watching him attempt softness and romantic vulnerability is, frankly, painful. His face never quite buys into it, and neither do we. The romance subplot feels grafted on rather than organically grown, and whoever decided the story needed it probably should have trusted the genre to stand on its own.

Overall, Tempest is decent, occasionally very good, but never quite thrilling enough to justify its own ambitions. Coming back from a two and a half month drama break likely did it no favors, expectations were high and the show did not fully rise to meet them.

I will settle on an 8.5 out of 10, though it is an easy 8.0. That said, the villainess might be one of the most baffling antagonists I have seen in a Korean drama, she truly takes the cup. And sincere thanks to the casting director for hiring actual American actors, not just people who happen to speak English. That alone deserves a small round of applause.

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August – A Quiet Journey That Speaks Loudly

It wasn’t long ago that I stumbled across Zhang Zhe Han after watching Everyone Wants to Meet You. Like many, I found myself reading his story, what happened, what was lost, and how he came back. But something in me kept whispering that there’s more to this man than headlines, roles, or even his music. So I started searching, not for facts, but for something that felt real.

Then came August.

This documentary wasn’t just content, it was healing. I watched it with noise-cancelling headphones, wanting to shut out the world. Best decision I made. For 40-something minutes, I wasn’t just a viewer, I was walking beside him. The silence, the wind, the emotions, all of it felt painfully human and achingly familiar.

Zhang Zhe Han may never read this, but I hope somewhere the energy reaches him.
From one person who’s had to rebuild from nothing, who has sat in the dark, swallowed rumors, been misread, and yet still held on, just know:
It will be okay.
You’ve found a way back, and that’s already something many never do.

Thank you for letting 12 million strangers witness something so raw, honest, and unfiltered. You reminded us that there's beauty in starting over.

And a quick side note; Zhe Han and Jerry Yan in one frame? Someone make it happen. Same energy, same soulful silence… maybe it’s the hair, maybe it’s the heart.

“The tragedy isn’t in falling, it’s in never standing back up.”
And Zhe Han? You’re already on your feet.

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Old School Cool with a Few Bumps in the Road

The Good: Finally, Grown-Ups!

Honestly, it feels like forever since we've had K-dramas featuring actors who can actually, you know, act! For a while there, it was all perfectly sculpted noses and pretty faces, but not much in the way of actual talent or personality. (I could name names, but my therapist says I should work on my anger issues.) "Trunk" was a breath of fresh air, a shining example of "old is gold." The seasoned actors here brought such maturity and screen presence, it was like a masterclass.

The whole vibe of this drama was just chef's kiss. The color tones, the mood, the melancholic sounds and sights, the camera angles, and the OST — all perfectly executed. Even though it was marketed as a mystery, it never gave off that creepy, eerie feeling. The director clearly has an eye for design, going for that edgy mid-century style in Han Jeong-won's houses and the entire production set. And don't even get me started on the cars – they practically screamed "wealthy ML," and they were on point.

The Bad: Where'd the Episodes Go?

K-dramas are known for being quick and easy binges, but I honestly think "Trunk" could've used a few more episodes, say 10 or even 12. The story had so much potential to be developed and expanded. But then again, if you look at Gong Yoo's drama history, he does seem to pick projects with shorter episode counts. And like practically everyone else, I wasn't thrilled with the ending. But let's be real, with only 8 episodes, what were we even expecting?

One thing that felt a bit underdeveloped was the ML's career as a producer. Unless you were paying super close attention, you might have missed what he actually does. Him just showing up at the studio and lounging on the sofa while his assistants do all the work didn't really sell his "boss" status. His actual "boss," O Hyeon-cheol, seemed to represent him more on the career front. I would've loved to see at least a scene or two where he was actually immersed in his production role.

The Ugly: Mystery? What Mystery?

Okay, full disclosure: I'm not usually a fan of the mystery genre. So the fact that I actually enjoyed this drama means one thing: there was no real mystery. The whole time, you feel like the director is building up to some big, twisted reveal, but then... crickets. If you're a hardcore mystery fan who loves shocking twists, turns, and maybe a dash of psychotic elements, you'll probably snooze through this one.

Overall: A Mature Romance with Good Looks

My personal take? I went into "Trunk" looking for a mature romance and some solid acting, and that's exactly what I got. Plus, they threw in some great visuals and top-notch production. So yeah, I'm pretty satisfied.
What are your thoughts? Did "Trunk" hit the mark for you, or were you left wanting more?

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NOT YOUR TYPICAL K-DRAMA

I just finished Oh My Ghost and, like many, I was utterly captivated by Jo Jung-suk's award-winning performance. Naturally, I needed more of him! So, without even a quick detour to another drama, I dove headfirst into Jealousy Incarnate, where he's the main lead. I briefly considered Hospital Playlist, but since he's not the main man there, I decided to save it for later.

I actually wanted to let this review marinate for a few days, but then it hit me – I might forget how absolutely phenomenal the OST is. Seriously, I think this is the first drama where I’ve genuinely wanted to download the entire soundtrack! It’s just that good: not repetitive, a fantastic mix of Korean and English, emotional when it needs to be, and hilariously on point with tunes that perfectly underscore every comedic line and action.

So, what do you get when you throw Jo Jung-suk, Gong Hyo-jin, and Go Kyung-pyo into one project? You get arguably the best love triangle in drama history – and yes, I mean that in a good way! This drama’s plot is literally built around this triangle, so if you’re usually not a fan, don’t let that deter you. You’d be missing out on something truly great. It’ll keep you on your toes and might even give you a serious case of second male lead syndrome, but trust me, everything ties up beautifully. It’s a classic love-hate dynamic, and by the end, you’ll likely find yourself rooting for the character you least expected to love.

The writers truly pulled off something I haven't seen in many dramas. They completely flipped typical relationship tropes on their head. Everything went against societal expectations, breaking barriers and taboos – especially with a male character dealing with an illness often associated with women. Plus, it’s a packed slice-of-life drama that happens to be set in a television newsroom. Getting a behind-the-scenes look at news production was an added bonus!

All in all, I absolutely adored Jealousy Incarnate, and honestly, I was thrilled it was 24 episodes long. More time to soak it all in!

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My Prescription for J-Drama Sanity: A Dose of Sakaguchi Kentaro

In my ongoing quest for a J-drama that wouldn't leave me drowning in a pile of tissues, I reached out to my main man, Sakaguchi Kentaro. And let me tell you, I hit the jackpot! This drama, Konin Todoke ni Han wo Oshita dake desu ga, was the kind that keeps you teetering on a high wire. One moment, you're ready to punch a hole in the wall out of sheer frustration, and the next, you're glued to the screen, desperate to witness just how much character development a human being can squeeze into ten episodes.

Japanese scriptwriters, bless their creative, often bewildering hearts, are masters at walking that razor-thin line between perfectly normal and utterly unhinged. This particular project? It sailed right to the top of my "What were they smoking?" list. At its core, it's your standard contract marriage trope: a rich, stable male lead paired with a struggling female lead. But then, they sprinkle in a generous dose of an ML with extreme OCD, who's an introvert with social awkwardness so profound it's almost an art form. All of this, of course, is wrapped up in a handsome face supported by an ethereal jawline that I swear every camera operator dreams of.

Now, if you're someone who gets a bit ruffled by cultural quirks you don't quite grasp, this might not be your cup of tea. Or, you could just lean back for ten episodes and simply bask in the breathtaking glory of Sakaguchi Kentaro, even when he's hiding behind what I lovingly refer to as "the Tokyo haircut." It’s true, contract marriage plots aren't exactly realistic in our 99% world, but the writers just decided to plonk two people from completely opposite universes under one roof. The ensuing chaos? Pure comedic gold.

Watching this unfold on a platform with a live comment section was an absolute game-changer. It felt like being in a sports bar watching a nail-biting football match. Some viewers hated it, then inexplicably fell in love as the episodes progressed, only to swing back to hating it again. By the end, there was nothing left to say but blame the referees – those endlessly inventive Japanese writers.

I'm giving this a solid 8.0/10 and heartily recommend it. Why? Because, for once, nobody tragically dies, and Kentaro's presence alone is enough to glue me to the screen. Even if they did craft him into arguably the "slowest," most "brain-frozen," and quite possibly most virginal male lead I've ever encountered. Oh, and prepare yourselves: you might just walk away with a fresh diagnosis of SLS (Second Lead Syndrome) by the time the credits roll!

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I CAN'T SEE BUT I SEE EVERYTHING..I CAN'T HEAR BUT I HEAR EVERYTHING...

Am not a Manga reader so whenever I give any manga insprired drama,I have no expections to meet.
And when it comes to japanese melodrama I go in looking for winter on a summer day,life lessons
or tears.Either way I always get what am looking for..mostly tears,for Japanese writers are gifted at that.

I read reviews and many were positive with a "But" neverthless I saved this for my PWL and I did like it,
somehow it kept me on edge because i had a weird feeling that something bad was going to happen,
even though many had spoiled the end but who can trust Japanese writers?

Tomohisa Yamashita is a veteran actor and he never does wrong in my eyes and I was thinking he could
play Steve Wonder so easly.Its the first time watching any Yuko Araki work but I think she did a stellar job.

Japanese cinematography and production are never up for discussion,they know what they are doing.
The story was beautiful,I learnt permenant lifetime lessons on disability,love and the fact that giving up
should never be an option.It makes you appreciate the gift of sight,hearing and ability to speak.
There was some plots holes which I wished were filled butI dont want to mention
them to avoid spoiling it.But In a two hour movie,its not easy to close all the gaps.

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CUTE,FLUFFY,CHILDHOOD TO ADULT WITH A HOT SURPRISE AT THE END

This is going to be short and short so here we go.
Everytime i get traumatized by a drama,I try to find something
that will cleanse my brain palate and will warm my heart no matter
how cute and childish it is.And this was the best candite.
Nothing original here,same old highschool,childhood to adulthood.
where the leads grow up together,its like a lighter version of Go Ahead
And When i fly towards you.
What I really liked was the ML.He had a commanding chemistry even though
It was met by FL natural butterfly character that had a personality of a 12 yr
But he kept it grounded and loved her as she was and protected and cared for
her alot.
He gave us a surprise of very hot scenes,we didnt know we needed.
For those who knew the actor from the k-pop idol group SEVENTEEN were
shocked to see how he managed these scenes ,even though he is know to be
of a quiet nature so I would really wish he can do more acting.

You could see how he helped the FL to be comfortable in her own skin.

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A BEAUTIFUL LOVE STORY WITH AN OVERDOSE OF FRUSTRATION

I cant believe that this is my first review of a japanese drama so I will do my best not to scream.
I honestly believe if there was a K-drama adaptation of this,it would be a bit.And I have few leads in mind
Zo In Sung and Song Hye Kyo would slay it..Remember "The winter the wind blows?

Japanese writers live on sadness,they pay their bills with our tears,there is no J drama that i have watched
that didnt leave me bitter and angst.The only thing I enjoy is how they make the pain short and wrapped in 10 episodes

But for the first time I cried only once and this is a record breaker.
I dont know why the title is Perfect world but there is nothing perfect about the story, it should have been called
Resilient world because that what the characters went through.Resilience.

Its a beautiful love story of a woman Kawana Tsugumi who falls in love with her high school crush and when they meet years later
even though life hasnt been good to him,she is still in love with him regardless what her surrounding says.
Unfortunetly things dont turn out as she hoped for,it seems her fighting spirit can't save the love of her life Ayukawa Itsuki
He has already decided that love to him was not something he should try due to his disabilities and no matter how genuine it feels.
They had a mixture of good and extremily annoying characters that made you want to pull them out of the screen and slap them.

Japanese writers are generally wierd and fear nothing in terms of walking on thin ice,they tend to lean toward abnormal storylines
that would make editors in other film industries scratch the floors with nails.
I won't spoil the rest but be ready to roll your eyes in anger and lots of WTF moments.

I won't talk about the technical and cinematography stuff,we all know Japan does it best.
But I will talk about the FL wardrobe.Thank you wardrobe team for ignoring those manga style,
And giving our FL a proper,chic and beautiful outfits,she was looking like spring in all the shots.

Overall,I liked it for it was more on an educational spectrum about disabilities.
But I wish there was some good romance in there..Just dose of it would have been perfect
although the powerful vows at the end made up for my yearn for these two to be lovey dovey..

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The Title should have been:The heart haas left your body

I have another review to write but let me get this one out of the way while my pulse is still high cos thats what this drama will give you.An emotional rollercoaster and a high blood pressure.
I dont care what anyone say, if you want to see how the past traumas can ruin innocent people's lives.
I dont have much to say about the story cos you have to watch to make your own judgement but it will leave you with anger and bitterness towards adults and their decisions at a split of a second and lives are ruined forever.
Seo In Guk has officially entered in the my guiness book of record as an actor whi shoulders strong enough to carry a character that is demonised and hated by everyone..A devil they say but what kind of devil is he?Is He really?
THis is the first drama where i watched the ending before starting it so i knew it was going to wreck me but decided to watch it like a book.I enjoyed the journey and burried the end at the back of my head and assume it wont happen.Call it voluntery amnesia.
I was scared to watch this project but am glad I did because out of it i learnt life lessons that i will pass on to my off-springs;Cure past traumas before they kill you,and tell everything no matter how painfull it is

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A WELL WRITTEN BUSINESS STORY SELLING BAD ROMANCE

I struggled to rate this show,even though i had good laughs and good tears but the psychological warfare in characterization that the writer put us through was too much.This is the first time i have ever watched a drama whereby the 2ML takes the ship from episode 1 to the the last episode,As a woman the ML visuals was stunning but if i was to be in a Titanic wreck,i would hang on to 2ML,this man had depth and great leadership in a world of headless chicken that we named developers.Every time there was a problem,in my mind i was like what would HJP do? He might have seen to be brutally honest most of the times but the world doesn't run on weak minds.His relationship with Grandma Choi is what kept me emotionally connected to the drama,you get to experiences a stranger who takes on a role of a parent to a young man who is lost and it goes on for ages.She was his home,his peace and his world and he was worth 10 sons..The last part where she saw everyone in her family has finally met but her heart went to HJP and the way she immediately went to him even with her eyesight deteriorating..I think she will worry about him for the rest of her life and I hope he finds someone with a heart like Grandma Choi(in season 2 that i have written in my head)
This show would have gone way better without the romantic tag but as we know romance sales and Korea film industry oversupplies this product.I dont think it was necessary to create a love triangle.HJP could have remained a mentor to Do-San and crew,and maybe leave the ML and FL to fall in love naturally.The letters from the FL past would have been about the dad story and his struggles to start business,like a dairy type of correspondance and this would have build up to the present,the mentor helping the FL to bring to reality her dad’s dream.Am not a kdrama writer but thats the direction i would have taken this to.
Overall,using the common line of the drama”Sail without a map” this drama sailed with the wrong map instead,the funny part was funny(when ML and 2ML were using the national anthem lyrics to pretend they are in deep convo,and when he was trying to train him how to be him) the emotional scenes were really emotional but the romantic tag was unnecessary cos even the chemistry between the lead was non existent

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Embrace in the Dark Night; A Surprisingly Hot Mess (That I Enjoyed)

Okay, full disclosure: I don’t usually touch short dramas. They’re popping up everywhere like mushrooms after rain, but I avoid them like the plague. Why? Because let’s be real, most of them look like they were filmed on a budget smaller than my grocery bill. The acting is shaky, the sets look like borrowed storage units, and the plots? Let’s not even go there. I don’t care how juicy the edits look on TikTok or IG, I usually skip without blinking.

But... "Embrace in the Dark Night" hit a little different.

Now, listen. If you can look past the storyline—l, which feels like a throwback to those old-school Hong Kong martial arts films, complete with mysterious secret organizations and everyone fighting like it’s their last day on Earth, you’re in for a good time. A really good time. Especially if you’re lucky enough to find the full five-hour version on YouTube.

Let’s talk about the acting.

The male lead carried this show on his very broad (and may I say, very attractive) shoulders. I mean it. The man acted, kicked, smirked, and kissed like his life depended on it. I was so impressed I paused mid-episode to snoop-out his other works. He's young, but if he keeps this up, in ten years we’re going to be seeing him everywhere.He’s got that “it” factor.

And don’t even get me started on the chemistry. It’s the kind of slow-burn that turns into a wildfire when you least expect it. You’ll find yourself kicking your feet, clutching your pillow, and whispering, “Oh my god, they’re gonna kiss again, aren’t they?” Spoiler: they do. A lot.

And here's where it gets spicy.

Apparently, short dramas in China aren’t regulated by the same strict rules as the long ones. Which means... directors are free to go rogue. And go rogue, this director did. The ML wasn’t just stepping out of the postal office, he was delivering everything. We’re talking many, many kissing scenes. And not your innocent peck-on-the-forehead kind. Nope. We’re talking full-blown, open-mouth, French kiss kind. This drama just made Cdrama history, that it still comes up on the top of the list whenever a "spicy" recommendation is requested.

Oh, and the OST? Shockingly good.

Most of the songs were in English (and not the cringey kind!), which made the whole thing feel extra satisfying. The soundtrack added that emotional kick right when you needed it. They really knew what they were doing there.

Final verdict?

If you’re in the mood for something short but steamy, with just enough action to keep your eyes open and enough heat to set your blanket on fire, without stressing over a coherent plot—then this one’s for you. Just embrace the chaos, enjoy the romance, and thank me later.

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The Swan: A rich story that lacked that punch

Okay, so "The Swan" has been lurking on my mental watch list for what feels like an eternity, constantly being nudged aside by the ever-expanding, frankly unwieldy, collection of dramas I swear I'm going to get around to. My current strategy, a stroke of genius if I do say so myself, involves a strict alternation: one C-drama, then one K-drama or J-drama. Because, you know, fairness.

Imagine my delight when "The Swan" finally floated to the top, especially after catching a few clips. "Finally!" I thought, "Someone's cast actors who aren't fresh out of their early twenties!" As a proud member of the OG drama-watching crew, it was genuinely refreshing to see familiar faces like Oppa Rain and Kim Ha Neul on screen. These are our people! Unfortunately, what started as a promising premise ended up being… well, just "okay."

Rain, truly did his best. He put in a great performance, but I couldn't shake the feeling he was a bit mismatched. Now, before anyone starts throwing accusations of ageism or anti-feminism my way (I assure you, I'm neither!), I do sometimes wonder if female actresses, in their later years, don't always carry the same vigor as their male counterparts. Or perhaps it was just this specific pairing, because, to be fair, I've seen some absolutely phenomenal supporting actresses in their sixties and seventies completely steal the show. Case in point: the chairwoman in "The Swan." She was an absolute powerhouse and honestly, one of the main reasons I kept watching.

One thing I will say for "The Swan" is that the production value was top-notch. Those sprawling mansions? Absolutely drool-worthy. All in all, if you're not particularly bothered by a somewhat lackluster ending, "The Swan" is an okay way to spend some time. And honestly, Rain's performance alone nudges my rating up to a solid 8.

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City of Streamer -My on-going journey into Republic Era

Sometimes, you finish a drama and just want to silently move on, but then you remember the good stuff that makes it all worthwhile. After all, we watch these shows to escape, right? So let's skip the less-than-stellar parts and focus on what shone.

This Republic-era drama had all the usual tropes, but what really hooked me was the Male Lead's incredible journey. This was my first time seeing Timmy Xu in action, and honestly, he's shot straight up to "favs" status for me. He started as a classic spoiled rich kid, just 19 and probably thinking life was one big playground. But overnight, he transformed into a responsible young man on a mission. He was all in on protecting his family, mastering the family business, and basically clearing his family's name by undoing his father's past mistakes. Talk about a glow-up!

And let's not forget the Female Lead. She was, hands down, one of the smartest I've ever seen. She flawlessly infiltrated the family, worked undercover, maintained her governess disguise, and somehow managed to resist falling for the ML, despite his immediate adoration for her. My man truly had his hands full! He even put his dream of becoming an air force pilot on hold to stick to his plans. Who wouldn't want to fall in love instead of becoming a pilot, a career that was ground breaking in 1929?

These two characters were the absolute backbone of the show for me, keeping me invested even when the plot started to drag towards the end with a string of unnecessary tragedies. And can we talk about the limited screen time for the leads after everything finally settled? It was seriously minimal, and that's putting it mildly!

Just like a lot of Chinese dramas from before 2023, this one really didn't need to be 40 episodes long. But despite its length, the dynamic between the leads and the ML's growth made it a journey worth taking.

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THE ONLY COMING OF AGE FLUFFY LOVE WORTH WATCHING

Hidden Love – A K-Drama Detox Wrapped in Zhao Lusi’s Sass and Stares

I had this drama chilling on my back burner for the longest time—just sitting there like that emergency chocolate you only eat when life really hits hard. After bingeing one too many heart-shredding historical K-dramas (you know the type: pretty hanboks, ugly crying), I needed something to glue the emotional pieces of my soul back together. Enter Hidden Love—aka my post-trauma therapy session in 25 episodes.

Now, Zhao Lusi is my personal serotonin dealer. I don’t touch her dramas casually. No, I save them like a secret stash—only to be opened when I need to laugh, feel alive, and remember that fictional men can, in fact, ruin your real-life standards. Watching her is like getting two shows for the price of one. Why? Because her mental commentary deserves its own spinoff. I’m convinced she sneaks in her own dialogue. Half the time I wasn’t sure if I was watching scripted scenes or Zhao Lusi freelancing with God-tier instincts. Either way, the girl’s a walking plot twist and the director probably just gave up and said, “Let her cook.”

One of the reasons I delayed watching Hidden Love was the H-word—hype. I usually avoid it like spoilers, because over-hyped shows often crash harder than my Wi-Fi during emotional scenes. But alas, Zhao Lusi made me break my rule. And guess what? I regret nothing.

Now I get why everyone lost their collective minds over this drama. I was supposed to just “check it out,” but I ended up doom-scrolling behind-the-scenes videos for an hour like an emotionally unstable intern. The chemistry? Off the charts. The acting? So good I forgot it was acting. The emotional damage? Surprisingly mild—except for the ML’s backstory, which punched me in the gut with quiet pain and then gave me a warm hug in the form of a healing romance. The whole "learning to love again" arc? Ten points to soft boys with traumatic pasts.

And let’s not forget the sibling relationship—it was peak wholesome. Honestly, C-dramas don’t always get family dynamics right, but this one nailed it. I’d watch a spinoff just about their banter and emotional support hotline energy.

Also, the OST. Oh my drama gods—the soundtrack slapped hard. If there's one thing Netflix consistently does right (besides forgetting to release season twos), it’s soundtracks. The music here fit so perfectly, it felt like a character on its own. And don't get me started on the chemistry between the leads—molten lava meets eye contact. There were scenes where I had to pause just to remember how breathing works. The male lead? King of smoldering gazes. That man could melt steel beams with his stare alone.

To future viewers: If you're craving a fluffy, heartwarming ride without the usual dose of overused tropes—go ahead and dive into Hidden Love. It's young love, but done right. No eye-roll clichés, just soft moments, sincere emotions, and a love story that'll leave you smiling like an idiot.

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It's Not Strange, It's Perfection: Why 52 Episodes Flew By

Oh, what a journey it's been!

It's been a hot minute since I actually wanted to spill my thoughts on a drama, mostly because, well, I'm probably just a bit lazy. Or maybe, just maybe, nothing truly spectacular has crossed my screen. But after dedicating a solid 52 hours of my precious life to a pre-2020 family saga, I practically leapt for my keyboard. And let me tell you, friends, this one is pure PERFECTION and absolute GOLD.

Now, you might think I've watched one too many dramas, or perhaps I'm just getting on in years, but I've somehow stumbled into the glorious world of KBS family dramas. You know, those shows that give American daytime TV like "The Bold and the Beautiful" or "Days of Our Lives" a run for their money? They're long, yes, but they have this incredible way of just growing on you. And if you, like me, hail from a big family, these dramas feel less like a show and more like a live-action replay of your own life unfolding right there on screen.

My path to this particular masterpiece was, shall we say, unconventional. After devouring "The Art of Negotiation," I was itching to know who was behind such a well-crafted story. Turns out, it was the same brilliant mind responsible for "Something in the Rain" and "One Spring Night." Then, a title on the list by the same director practically winked at me and it was "My Father is Strange" Naturally, I pressed play, and there he was, Lee Joon, doing everything an actor should do. Did I care that it was 52 episodes long? Not one bit! I soldiered on, and let me tell you, there wasn't a single dull moment. Not a single reason to even think about hitting that skip-forward button.

While the entire cast was phenomenal, two characters absolutely carried this drama on their shoulders: Ahn Joong-hee, brought to life by the incredibly talented Lee Joon, and Byeon Hye-yeong, played with fierce brilliance by Lee Yu-ri.

My Father is Strange is like a super-sized slice of life. By the time episode 52 rolls around, you're not just a viewer; you're practically a full-fledged member of the family. You've laughed with them, cried with them, felt their heartache, and celebrated their joys. You've lived through all their life's wild events right alongside them. The story itself was refreshingly straightforward, and each episode wrapped up with more life lessons than lingering questions.

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