Rissa_Mac

An Adorable Friends to Enemies to Lovers

A funny, adorable story that remains mostly light with a good balance of reality. This has got to be one of the cutest dramas ever. The first real kiss scene will forever be one of the most awkward, relatable, adorable scenes in K-drama history, and it sets the stage for the whole quirky show. So lovable.

Another thing this drama has going for it that absolutely shocked me… I was invested in all FOUR couplings. Literally. Four couples seems like overkill, but, in this show—whose strength is in its amazing leads AND supporting cast—you will actually enjoy every single romance and subplot.

Great pacing, great comedy, and some just plain adorable kiss scenes (and not just the leads)… This show is a fun watch, and I definitely recommend.

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A Top Tier Thriller

If you think you know what’s going on, you don’t. That is the entire premise of this drama. This is one of the most heart-wrenching melodramas I have ever seen, and the chemistry between the leads is absolutely next level. They are in a league of their own. The plot is phenomenal, and the suspense is insane!

I’ll warn you though, the ending is hard to swallow. It’s happy, yes, but in many ways, it’s not the big, satisfying resolve that you yearn for through the entire show. For me, that was the one thing that kept this amazing drama from making it on to my top 10. I definitely have not cried in any show as much as I did in this one.

But if you’re looking for a melodrama or crime show, this is literally top tier and I DEFINITELY recommend it.

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The Quintessential Office Romcom

“My Dearest Nemesis” is the quintessential rom-com. With vibes that resemble shows such as “What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim?” and “Business Proposal”, it delivers a show that checks all the boxes for a good ole fashioned Korean office romance.

Pros:
• The chemistry of our leads is great. Whether it’s when they’re arguing like crazy rivals at the beginning or making you grin ear to ear with their abundance of sweet moments later, you will get your fill of this awesome couple. Both are flawed in realistic ways and their character development is simply beautiful.
• The second couple! The secondary romance was amazing. I could have watched a show of just them. I loved their subplots.
• The romcom elements. Like I said, this checks all the boxes. It’s funny, romantic, and yet deep at the same time. Very engaging and well done.

Cons:
• I can’t be the only done with mean chaebol families, right? Will this trope never die? While they give her a redemption arc at the very very end, the grandma’s character was almost so bad it was unrealistic. Her coldness was mind boggling.
• Lacked originality and wow factor. “My Dearest Nemesis” doesn’t deliver us anything we haven’t seen before. It feels like countless other romcoms I’ve seen, but it fails to deliver an impact that sets it apart from any of them. I disengaged at points (not enough to quit but still) due to this reality.

Overall? It’s a cozy watch, and it’s a great romcom. Sit back, press play, and enjoy it for what it is. It’s a comfort show for sure.

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A Vertical Drama that is Actually Quality

It’s very rare that a vertical drama makes it onto my lists, and it’s even more rare that I review one. In fact, this is only my second time doing so. But this one deserves it. In a world of crappy writing, tropes, and sometimes amateur acting—but yes we keep watching because they’re our hidden pleasure lol—this one shines. It truly shines.

Why?

It feels like I watched a film that sucked me in entirely instead of a little cheap drama. It’s strengths line in:

• Cinematography that is beautiful
• Amazing acting/character development from our leads
• A story that feels fresh
• Fiery chemistry and Romance that actually has depth
• Happy (albeit rushed) ending

And bonus for me? ENEMIES TO LOVERS YES PLEASE.

It’s not perfect. Vertical dramas never are. But this one is excellent. Will definitely watch it again.

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A Republican Era minidrama done right!

“Grab Your Love” did what so minidramas could not. it gave us a Republican Era drama that is filled with likable characters, depth, healthy relationships, etc.

Our two leads were excellent. Wang Xuan absolutely kills it as Qin Zhan, and Tan Yanyan delivers a very likable and strong FL in Min Jiangxi (though I could have used a bit more oomph from her when compared to the fantastic ML). Unlike many Republican Era dramas, you won’t find the ML forcing himself on the FL, abusing her, manipulating her, etc. He tries to scare her off in the first episode but you quickly realize it’s an act. Instead, their relationship develops naturally throughout the show, and when they get together, there’s no stupid misunderstanding. They work together to get justice.

Don’t get me started on the chemistry and kiss scenes—wow wow wow!

The plot was also different than the run of the mill minidrama, though I could have done without yet another psycho female after the ML. Overall, I found it very entertaining to go on this story of justice, revenge, and romance. And yes… a happy ending!

Obviously, it has its flaws like any minidrama would, but on my scale for minidramas, this goes up with my very faves. This show reminds me why I keep trying these shows.

“Grab Your Love” is a great watch that you can have done in no time. Definitely recommend.

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A MASTERPIECE

It has been years since I’ve watched a drama that gripped me and impressed
Me as much as “Blossom”. It sours high into my all-time favorite list as one of the best historical Asian dramas I’ve ever seen, in my opinion.

Now let me tell you why.

The writing. The acting. The chemistry. The cast. The cinematography. Everything is top tier. “Blossom” takes the rebirth trope and brings it new life, reminding me of how much I loved “Perfect Marriage Revenge” in 2023. It tells an incredibly compelling story of defying one’s fate and fighting against injustice in the face of vast opposition. The characters are fleshed out and well-rounded, and their intertwining stories suck you in and leave you stuck in a binge session keeping you up too late at night!

Our two leads were flat-out exceptional. Their characters were brilliantly and compellingly written, and the actors absolutely NAILED their roles. And don’t get me started on the romance. It was beautiful. No dramatic breakups, no angsty will-they-or-won’t-they… Instead we find two characters with amazing chemistry who, once they figure out the other, they latch on for dear life and commit to fight together and for each other come what may.

“Blossom” has the charm and excellence that historical C-Dramas need to maintain consistently. It was a gripping story and all-around phenomenal drama. I cannot recommend it enough.

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Historical Drama at Its Best

I could write a novel. A whole novel. I could write a whole novel on why you should watch this. “Fall In Love” is perhaps the best historical drama I have ever watched. I cannot begin to describe its excellence. But I will try, lol!

First of all, a C-Drama that never drags? Is that possible?! I’m telling you in all honesty I binged all 36 episodes in 4 days. I could NOT stop watching. Each episode will leave you wanting more. The political intrigue and the realities of war present cliff-hangers you can’t just breeze past, and the pacing of the plot is excellent. The plot, itself, is excellent. This is the best writing I’ve seen from a Chinese drama.

Secondly, the two leads. Like seriously. Aside from their stellar, top notch acting, the character development was brilliant. Commander Tan goes from self-centered and power-hungry to becoming an honorable man willing to fight for the woman he loves and for his country. And Wan Qing is one of the most self-sufficient and strong female leads you will ever have the pleasure of watching. They work brilliantly together—both in terms of sizzling chemistry and in complementing each other’s strengths.

This will have you bawling your eyes out one moment and grinning ear to ear the next, and it ends on such a note of hope in the strength of love and brotherhood.

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We love a romance with character development!

Initial Review at the half way point (12/30/25):

I shouldn’t love this drama. It’s so far from my normal vibe. But here I am 18 episodes in and can’t get enough.

Pros:

* Slice of life done right — I am not a fan of this genre. It typically feels boring to me. I truly can’t say what makes this different, but it has this engaging storyline that keeps you wanting more… more of our leads, more of the backstories, more of the subplots… It’s an absolutely charming story of healing and love.
* Chemistry for days — As of right now, our leads are not officially together, but they’re on the verge of it. I can’t stop grinning at their interactions and chemistry. These two can tease and flirt so naturally. I’m obsessed. Plus our ML is a walking green flag and we love to see it.
* Our leads — I find our two leads so charming. Xiguang is such a relatable FL. She is strong when she needs to be, but she has her breaking points. Watching her journey has been amazing. Yusen is equally amazing. Leave it to SWL to give us yet another Woolworth male lead who is fleshed out and so well-acted.

Cons:
* College friends — I’m so glad we don’t have to deal with these pieces of work very often. They are so unbelievably annoying. I like them in the first two episodes, and that’s it.
* Where to begin with the SML — Our second male lead is hard to describe. You ship him with the FL at the beginning, then you hate his guts, then you feel sorry for him. He is truly a complex character. I’m not entirely sure he’s truly a con on this list or not. Right now, he’s infuriating me, but something in me still wants him to find love with someone new. Who knows how I’ll feel in the second half?

All in all, this first half was solid. Nervous because we have another 18 episodes to go, but if it keeps this trajectory, then this show is shaping up to a be a hit.

Final thoughts:

“Shine on Me” just a joy to watch. It takes you on quite the journey. The second half was excellent. It delivered us a phenomenal couple to root for, squeal over, and invest in. This also has one of the best happy endings of any show. It wraps up things very well.

It wasn’t perfect. It should have been a few episodes shorter. Some of the pacing was a bit too slow for my taste so I did get a bit bored sometimes. Also I would have liked to see the SML’s story go a different and more healing direction, but overall, I enjoyed it.

Not much else to say. It was a great drama to wrap up the year.

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A truly conclusion to 2025 dramas

Speed and love brings a solid conclusion to 2025 dramas. Was it perfect? No. Was it an awesome watch? Absolutely. “Speed and Love” was just plain addicting to watch.

Pros:
* Chemistry — Rarely do we see a pairing like this. Rarely do we experience chemistry at this level. I would rewind scenes that left me breathless. Every touch, every kiss (and there are MANY)—each has you holding your breath or grinning like a kid. Esther Yu and He Yu’s chemistry is just another level. I don’t know how else to do it justice
* Street racing — Okay this aspect was so freaking cool. I loved it. It had me on the edge of my seat. The race scenes were so awesome, and the undercover in the underworld aspect was thrilling.
* Characters to love — This had a great ensemble cast. In fact, I was bummed when the time jump happened and we had to say goodbye to them, proof of good writing. Plus, our leads develop excellently. I was annoyed with Jiang Mu (FL) at the beginning because of she was written so kiddish, but by the end of the drama, we have an incredibly strong and loyal FL who you just can’t help but love. As for Jin Zhao—don’t get me started. He is just one heck of a ML.
* The production — The quality here was top notch. The OST, cinematography, stunts, location in Thailand, costuming… all of it screams big budget.

Cons:
* Time jump/separation — Look, I can handle a time jump trope. But this… This almost ruined the whole show for me. Episodes 21-24 are so painfully sad and infuriating that it’s hard to process. While I understood his motivations, I was so disappointed in Jin Zhao for making Mumu wait that long without any indication of what was going on then convincing her friends and family to lie to her about him. Then when they’re back together in the same city, it’s three episodes of heartbreak.
* Jiang Mu at the beginning — (If you’re an Esther Yu fan, feel free to disregard what I’m about to say because I totally respect you opinion.) Jiang Mu in the first 10 or so episodes was rough for me to handle. Esther Yu’s “baby voice” was in full effect. Then the writers did her a disservice by throwing in some elements that almost infantilized her character. It takes a bit before we see her mature.
* Losing the racing aspect — After the time jump, we find out that all the bad guys got what they deserved… off camera. OFF CAMERA. Like what?? We didn’t even get to see much of that huge race we spent the whole show preparing for. This annoyed me big time. The racing and investigation part of this show was one of its biggest strengths. After the time jump, it’s all gone.

Overall, I did really really enjoy this. I’m not Esther Yu fan, but I will admit she impressed me in this. Her performance in the last fifteen or so episodes was just great, and I enjoyed seeing her range. Also the “sibling” aspect was handled well. Very rarely did I get the ick lol. “Speed and Love” falls prey to a meloncholy and draggy last quarter, but they do give us a happy ending, and when they’re reunite, it’s absolutely amazing and romantic and everything you’d hope to see.

I definitely recommend.

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Another Excellent Historical C-Drama for 2025

Few words can describe the journey “Fated Hearts” will take you on. 2025 has been a pillar year for historical C-Dramas. This one is no exception.

Our leads are compelling, complicated, and heroic. These two were simply phenomenal. The acting and writing gave us two exceptional leads in Feng Suige and Fu Yixiao.

The plot? Excellent. Somehow it managed to take a trope and flip it on its head. The villains were excellently written, and you experience a full range of emotions throughout the show’s well paced story.

And the romance? Well… it’s just great. The chemistry is brilliant, and this is one of the best enemies to lovers dramas I’ve ever seen (up there with “The Prisoner of Beauty”). The kiss scenes were great too. Once they get together, they can barely keep their hands off each other. Also, big plus for me, there’s no messy break up. They work together to solve any issue.

Any flaws were minor, and I am so happy to say this has made my all time favorite list.

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Romance to the Max in the Midst of an Engaging Historical World

This is definitely a historical romance that is worth your time.

This would have scored higher if I had been just a bit shorter but it ultimately falls a bit prey to some C-Drama pitfalls. Overwhelmingly though, “Wonderland of Love” is an excellent watch.

Pros:
• THE LEADS THE LEADS THE LEADS. Oh my goodness, these two were brilliant. Their characters, their acting, their chemistry, their development—just wonderful. You will be engrossed in their love story. For the most part, they face everything together and hardly let things come between them. It was phenomenal.
• The plot was brilliant and delivered by a cast who, majority wise, was excellent. You will fall in love with Li Ni’s Zhenxi Army as well as Cui Lin’s best friend/maid and her father. And don’t get me started on the Crown Princess—she is a masterclass in writing and acting.
• Super satisfying ending!
• The OST and production is quality to the max.

Cons:
• Some annoying villains. Good grief, most of the villains in this show are just plain annoying. The original villain, Sun Jing, is excellent in every way, but after his defeat halfway through, the other villains are the worst. I got so annoyed dealing with their antics. And did we really need more psycho-unrequited-love characters in the Cdrama world? No… no we did not. But we get two here, and I loathed both of them.
• The writing really gets wonky episodes 28-38. I managed to keep going, but I was very frustrated after what was an incredibly first 20 episodes. They really needed to shorten the story and take out some of the secondary baddies who, again, were more annoying than compelling. This hurt the rating big time for me.

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Intrigue, Betrayal, and Romance

Pros:
• Acting that will blow your mind. The main cast and a majority of our secondary cast members as well deliver top-notch emotions. They execute their acting to perfection. Oh, and the women characters? So freaking strong! These actresses nail it.
• The romance of the main couple. Lui Ping and Fu Shou have one of the most beautiful relationships I have ever seen in a Chinese drama. They grow together, fight together, fall madly in love, and never give up on their love, even when they have to separate for some time. Oh, and their chemistry? It’s off the charts. Like so so good.
• Intrigue. The plot of this show really keeps you at the edge of your seat. You think you know what’s going on, and then you discover the truth! The inner workings of the court and the rivalry between the characters is brilliantly done. This show, for the most part, kept me gripped to the point of staying up way too late to keep watching.
• Satisfying ending. Given the actual history, they handled it as well as they could. Most importantly, our two leads get to be together away from the politics and danger for the rest of their lives.

Cons:
• Pacing issues. For the most part, this show moves along very well, but it’s 54 episodes. I wouldn’t have finished it without occasionally skipping through, especially towards the end.
• The time jump… I get that they had to accurately depict the timeline of history, but, to me, the time jump towards the end really annoyed me. He spends six years in absolute misery, and we only get two minutes or so for his reunion with Fu Shou. Those last five episodes are excruciatingly depressing until the end.

Overall, it is only the second CDrama over 42 episodes that has kept me till the end. The first one being, “Love Like the Galaxy”, which, if you loved that one as much as I did, this one is worth giving a try. I cried my eyes out, but, overall, it was well done and beautifully delivered.

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A Swing and a Near-Miss

"Nothing But You" was a fun watch. I love, love, love Leo Wu, and he knocks this one of out the park. But it falls short of what it could be.

Pros:
- The cast. Leo Wu shines in this role; Sanchuan is one of the most lovable MLs I've seen in a while. The supporting cast though? Excellent. Truly excellent. It was one of the rare times where I was fully invested in all three romances! Plus, the brotherhood of the tennis team was so special.
- The plot. This was a sports drama that reminds me of "Falling Into You", but in a lot of ways, this presents a fresh perspective. It is just plain, objectively a great story.
- A good relationship. When they finally get together, there are a ton of adorable moments! But what I love is how we see them work through arguments together, admit their mistakes, and get stronger, even to the point of making sacrifices for each other. It was refreshing in a land of melodrama!

Cons:
- The pacing in the last half. The last half of this drama left me skipping through some, which is sad because this wasn't the case in the first half. Between the FL lead consistently hurting him for about five episodes before they finally get together and then the overall slowing down of the tennis-centric plot and a needless time jump, it lost me a lot more than it kept me unfortunately.
- The FL needs work. Our FL wasn't awful by any means, but there were some things that rubbed me wrong in the second half. In the first half, she was this relentlessly strong woman; in the second, I don't see it. She becomes very childlike in their relationship (I get being giddy in love, but this was just way to big a jump for her character). And, like I mentioned, she hurts Sanchuan quite a bit before finally giving into her feelings for him. I found this super frustrating.

Overall, it should have been shorter, but it was still a good watch. If you like sport dramas, you'll really enjoy this one.

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Good but Barely Misses its Potential

While far from perfect, I enjoyed this drama. Its plot was so unique, and I’m always here for writers thinking outside the box. So, here’s my rundown:

Pros:
• The story. “Be My Princess” has a very fresh plot, and I really enjoyed the story as it progressed. It does a good job of pulling you in.
• The FL lead. Ming Wei is amazing. She is absolutely awesome. She is such a strong and compelling lead. I’ve seen and been impressed with Zhou Zie Qiong’s acting before, but this was another level. It really showed her range.
• The chemistry 🔥. I am a sucker for a good kiss scene, and this drama is full of them. In fact, it has some of the most beautifully, intentionally crafted kiss scenes of ANY drama I’ve seen.
• The 2nd couple… brilliant. Just brilliant. Could have watched their own show.

Cons:
• The pacing. Even though the story was good, I skipped through a whole lot because, to me, the pacing just felt slow and even odd sometimes. I would NOT have finished it without skipping. And then to end the whole series with two episodes of their show, scenes we have already watched multiple times—felt like a poor decision. I didn’t watch them since the story really finishes happily at Episode 28.
• Tropes. Despite having a very fresh idea for the plot, the screenplay does fall to the pitfalls of Cdramas and relies on tropes, even when these tropes make the characters act in ways that don’t fit who they are, especially the male lead.

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