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Absolutely Enjoyable

This series turned out nothing like I thought it would be. I went into this thinking it would be kind of goofy and unrealistic. I was completely wrong, and for the better, too. It turned out to be so entertaining, and somehow made this crazy story seem possible and believable. There was surprising drama blended with just enough comedy to make it work.
Besides the writing, the cast is what made this all come together. Each of the three protagonists added a completely different personality to the mix, proving the phrase "opposites attract" 100 percent! My favorite character was Shinpei, and Taiga Suzuki was great at portraying him. Kodai Asaka & Aki Asakura fit perfectly with their characters as well, making everything balance out.
As you get deeper into the series, you kind of start to question how things could possible turn out for the best. So many obstacles to get over ... but don't give up. Somehow, the final episode really gives us a great finish. It was surprisingly satisfying.
Overall a really enjoyable series!

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Story is good, music is better!

It took awhile for this series to pull me in, but eventually it happened. Somewhere around episode 4 you start to see and feel the depth of the characters come to life. It gives you a better understanding of who they are in the present and what happened to them in the past.
The four actors playing the main protagonists are all great to watch, Jun Shison is always a favorite, so his character was the best to follow. They all blended well together and gave a very good feel on this band's chemistry coming together before our eyes. At times, the main role of Naoki is really lost in his obsession with music, and Takeru Satoh really brings that feel to life.
The major plus in this drama is the music! It's really what holds the story together. That is a constant from the very first episode right through to the end. The final episode is really the most enjoyable, and it gives a great ending to a well written and well acted series.

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Much better than season 1

After watching season 1, I was hoping for a big improvement with season 2, that definitely happened. It still was lacking a bit in story line, but the characters seemed to have a bit more depth in this new season. Ren, who I still find boring, had a bit more personality and became a little more likable than in the past. Kyohei Takahashi seemed to open his character up and gave us a better understanding of who he was, making for a better match with Nanako this time around. Riko Fukumoto gave more with her character as well. At least the two showed some chemistry in season 2.
My favorite still remained Takumi Ando, just as in season 1. Coki Yamashita gave his role such personality, appearing more realistic than anyone else in this drama. At first, you kind of think things will work out for him, then they appear not to, but then it seems like it will again. It's a good back and forth to see where he ends up, not knowing until the very end. Ando was the only one who appeared strong enough to survive, no matter what the outcome.
Overall, much more enjoyable in this final season!

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Sensei Never Knew!!!

I'm always a fan of Eiji Akaso, enjoying everything he's done in the past. To no fault of him, this was a difficult series to get through. The two protagonists really have zero chemistry from the very beginning, and that never changes.
Riichi may in fact be the most understanding boyfriend that ever existed, but unfortunately he falls head over heels for someone that doesn't have a clue about relationships. Ao Hanai is the most inconsiderate, self absorbed person you'll ever see. So unappreciative toward everything her boyfriend does for her, and yet he stays with her, continuing to bend over backwards to accommodate her in every way.
When it first began, you kind of feel that the mission of Riichi would be to teach Ao how to change her ways, how to be a more loving individual ... but that never happens. I had my hopes up right till the end of the final episode. Unfortunately, the series ends without any improvement on her part. She walked all over him right up until the roll of the credits. It was very disappointing.
Again, nothing against Eiji Akaso. He played his part extremely well. Looking forward to his next project.

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Excellent, the adventure continues ...

This is a great story, with a fantastic cast of characters. At times it gets a little difficult to follow, at least it did for me, but it's a great adventure story following Saichi and a full cast of characters for the treasure of gold.
Kento Yamazaki plays a much different character than we're used to seeing him portray. He's fantastic as always!! Along with Gordon Maeda, who is completely transformed from previous roles, it's great watching them survive in this wild east wilderness.
About half way through the series, it sort of goes into a higher gear, so give it time. You find yourself going from a drama to a blend of some bizarre situations with a touch of dark comedy. Each member of the cast adds something to the story, making you wonder at times, who are the good guys and who are the bad.
The series really pulls you in during the last three episodes, making for some great entertainment. It leaves you definitely wanting more at the completion.
Looking forward toward the next installment in 2026.

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relaxing & enjoyable

This is a real slow moving story, but it really does evolve into a very entertaining drama with an excellent cast. I didn't realize it when it began, but besides the main story centered around Yeo Reum, there turns out to be several side stories that blend together as you get deeper into the series. It does take a little bit of time before you get pulled into the drama, but give it time, it will happen.
Seung Yeon does a great job pulling you along the way as she tries to get footing on her career, trying to get back to the top. Jae Yeong appears to be the perfect person to help her along. I think the one thing I found a negative ... their relationship never matures into what I thought it would be. For that, it definitely lost points with me, because I was really expecting so much more between the two. There was chemistry there, but it just doesn't happen.
It now appears to be a season two in 2026, so maybe that's why their relationship didn't expand further.
Looking forward to a new season & hoping for a bit more.

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A Matter Of Fate!

To me, this is really an underrated drama. I found it to be so much better than the reviews. Although I never saw the K-Drama version, being a fan of Yusei Yagi, I found the series to be very enjoyable. He was great as always.
From the very end of episode 1, it really pulls you into the story. Yusei works great together with Kyoko Saito. Although there's not much chemistry between the two at the start, it definitely becomes apparent deeper into the series.
It starts out as a lighthearted drama, but quickly turns into a dark mystery, and it branches off into several mysterious stories. What you don't realize until later on, is that all these different directions you find the series taking, eventually it all comes together. Each question left unanswered is completely explained by the final episode ... showing how events from the past are all connected in the present.
An enjoyable series to watch with a satisfying ending as well.

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enjoyable and funny ...

Why this is listed primarily as a drama is probably the reason for some bad reviews. If you go into this thinking you're going to see a serious story with some dark tones, you're going to hate this series. This starts off extremely silly, but it does improve to a decent story by the second episode. Ryosuke Yamada has always had the talent for dramatic roles, seeing him do a great job at it in the past, so to see him play such a goof ball character early on was surprising, but he was really good at it, too. He had the expressions and body language to match this role really well. He starts off playing a shallow character only worried about his looks and smile, making sure he's always the center of attention ... but he does mature along the way in a short period of time.
We begin to see a deeper part of his character as he falls in love with a coworker, Izumi. That was the only problem I had with the series, there was zero chemistry with these two protagonists, no matter how hard they tried to make it materialize, it just wasn't there. Nothing against Kyoko Yoshine who played her, but that part of the story didn't seem to work.
The slapstick humor was definitely the big plus throughout the story, with a good supporting cast to make it come together as well.
Overall, it was a good lighthearted comedy with a touch of drama at times. Several moments with some really funny outcomes that you couldn't help but laugh. Enjoyable series!

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The Power of Good Over Evil

Wow, some of these reviews are really harsh ... I must admit, it's a very strange beginning that almost lost me, but I stuck with it, and I was glad I did. It took till about half way through episode 3 and then it started to really pull me in. When an episode ends and you can't wait until the next one begins, that's the sign of a good series.
You do need to accept and understand the entire evil spirit named Ma Wong. Once you can do that, things will fall into place. He really is a great antagonist in the story. Along with the Grand Prince, they truly are two characters to hate throughout this drama.
I've always been a fan, and maybe a bit bias toward Hyo Seop, but he gives another great performance from start to finish. He, along with You Jung are perfectly matched and make great chemistry together. They really start to gel after episode 6 when they finally realize who they are from their past. Once that happens, the series takes a new direction and definitely takes hold of you till the end.
I guess what stopped me from rating this series higher than a 9 was the final episode. Although it was kind of interesting to fast forward a few years, I hate when things get a bit rushed as the minutes tic down in the final few scenes. There seemed to be a build up of something big about to happen ... but we were left with an open ending. At first I thought there was another episode coming, maybe I miscounted ... but no, that was it. Given to our own imagination as to the major conclusion of the series. It wasn't a horrible ending, but considering how great the series was up till that point, it was a little bit of a disappointment. Other than that, it was extremely entertaining. A great story with great acting.

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Give it time, it gets better ...

I read some of the bad reviews of this series and after episode one I might have agreed with them, but if you give this drama a chance it definitely improves as you get deeper into it. Once you get past episode two it feels like a story worth your time.
It's a series that you flip flop on who you're able to trust. I must admit, by the final episode, several people I couldn't stand, or thought to be the "bad guys" really turn out to be good, so don't write anyone off, because you probably will be wrong.
I think the main issue I had was the lack chemistry between the two main protagonists, Lloyd & Yeong OK. Min Seok & Gyu Ri are great at there roles, but it really takes some time before you can see a believable relationship forming. Once it does happen, somewhere around episode 8, the series really does become enjoyable to watch. You finally start to root for a happy ending for these two, something I couldn't do early on.
The final episode plays out better than expected, leading to several surprises toward the end.
So hang in for an hour or two ... and an enjoyable series does eventually show up.

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Great Story with great food

I actually didn't see this series when it first aired, so I was very familiar with Jun Ho's work after this, as I started watching.
This looks like a silly series at the beginning, but it starts to transform into a great drama with excellent acting from episode 4 and beyond. That's about the time that the Jun Ho we are familiar with really kicks into gear with his acting. As usual, he does not disappoint with a superb performance. He's teamed up with several perfectly matched protagonists in the story. Ryeon Won & Hyuk really complete this drama and make for an extremely enjoyable show.
It's a classic story of a "David vs Goliath", a small restaurant trying to compete and surpass the monster & upscale fine dinning restaurant just across the street, but with several twists and turns in the story.
The hotel and restaurant CEO is made into a brilliant antagonist by Sa Kwon, making him the most hated person in this series ... not only stealing Poong's wife, but terminating him from his head chef position at the same time. Along with him are several other antagonists cooking in the restaurant, having us count the minutes until they all get the retribution they truly deserve.
I guess the only negative that kept coming up was the extremely annoying character of Sao Woo's mother, fighting the relationship between Poong & Sae Woo at every turn. It really became frustrating in later episodes to watch ... but once you can endure that, this does turn out to be a great series, lots of drama mixed with just the right ingredients of comedy and romance to make a perfect dish for serving.
SERVICE!!!

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At times, depressing to watch, but very good

This story was amazing to watch play out. So many twists & turns, so many emotions. This was a melodrama with just enough comedy blended into the mix.
Normally a ten episode series I find to be too short in the sense where things gets rushed to completion toward the end ... but this wasn't the case. It seemed to be just enough to give everything closure.
Beside Do Hwan, who plays a really great likeable character, the remaining protagonists all prove to add something special to the story as you get deep into this drama. Min Seok was definitely a comedy favorite part of this story. The bromance he shares with Hae Jo is touching, even after getting the hell kicked out of him throughout most of the show.
For me, the only negative I found was the ending. I was really hoping for some sort of miracle for our ailing main character. Wishing for a last minute cure or a hospital mix up with the terminal diagnosis. You really didn't want to see such the demise of such a great character ... but that wasn't meant to be. I guess it shouldn't be held as a negative against the series, after all, that's life, it's not always a happy ending.
Great show & great sound track with a very entertaining cast!!!

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Great Story, Great Acting

This was a story that for once, didn't have the horrible antagonists stop the couple from their true love/happiness. Yes, certain people tried to get in the way, but not to the annoying level we sometimes have to endure when watching a series like this play out. There were boundaries the two main characters had to get over, but it was enjoyable watching them do just that.
Jun Ho, who always delivers a great performance, was perfect at giving us a true transformation from a dislikable character to a loving, caring person that we really rooted for later in the series. Coming from a family with no love and a lot of mystery surrounding his childhood, it takes until episode five to actually see him smile. He and Yoon A didn't seem like the likely duo to find a bonding relationship early on, but as this series evolves, no question, they were meant to be together. The acting and the writing provide us with a very believable story and it gives us so many good feel moments, it was kind of difficult to find too many, if any negative things about it.
If I could change anything in the story, I guess it would involve the evil sister, Hwa Ran. She seemed to pile on Gu Won every chance she got, without ever getting it back from him. He was too nice to her throughout most of the series. Even though she gets what she deserves toward the end, it was missing what could have been a crushing blow moment that would have been great to witness and very satisfying to watch play out. Even in the end, her getting invited to the wedding seemed just too much to accept, being the horrible person she was.
Young Ok gives us a truly great character of Sun Hui, grandma ... her scenes with her future son-in-law, Gu Won, are magical. She was definitely a big part of this supporting cast, supplying many memorable moments. She plays a much bigger role in the story than you first realize.
Overall, a top shelf drama with a top shelf cast, making for a really enjoyable series!

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Don't give up on the series early, it gets better

As I got involved watching this series, it really didn't feel like it was going to turn into anything special, at least that's the way I felt early on. The story seemed really good, meeting up and working with someone you idolized from a distance, but not letting them know about it, then of all things, getting involved with that person romantically ... it's a great story to watch play out, but it didn't seem to be working. The first five episodes seemed boring, with the acting and writing lacking a bit ... AND, I'm not exactly sure what happened from episode 6 and beyond, but it changed for the better in a big way. It was like a new drama started. The story became very interesting, the acting finally showed up in a big way ... and the series was enjoyable right through the ending.
Si Yeol & Ae Jun go from looking extremely uncomfortable, to a perfect fit as you get into the late episodes. It turns out to be a great match up with the supporting cast coming into focus in the last few episodes.
Kang Min & Kevin definitely step up in performance in the later part of the series, showing some great scenes in episode 9 & 10, making you forget the early part of the drama.
In the end, it's a great finish and it turns out to be a great story with the acting to match.

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It had so much potential to be great ... but!!

I was drawn into this series, because it looked like a really unique story to follow. At the start, it appeared to be just as I thought, original and enjoyable, but something happened along the way. As each episode unfolded, it started to lose a bit of the attractiveness it had early on.
By no means does it becomes bad in any way, but it could have been so much better. Sung Hyun does a great job keeping his character interesting and a bit mysterious. A high school kid inheriting an upper class private school that he attends, it's such a good story to go with, and the character of I Su fits perfectly to be that high schooler. The problem I had was with several antagonists throughout the story, especially his uncle, Na Jun. He could have been truly a great villain in this drama, but he lacked depth with a very poor ending for his demise. It was definitely a rushed story conclusion in the final episode with a bit of disappointment following it.
That said, it still is worth watching. Minus the ending, it is quite entertaining with a supporting cast to Sung Hyun that fits the drama.

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