Beautiful and heartwarming
Happy endings are the best endings, and this was one of them. I have so many things to say about this beautiful Kdrama. From the first episode, I fell in love with the story, the characters, and the music.All characters were well-written, and the support roles are included. The actors did so well bringing their characters to life, and the two actors portraying the young version of Mokha and Kiho are such good actors.
Mokha and Kiho were so cute together, always supporting each other ♥.
Kiho: "What kind of lunatic searches 15 years for someone he's uninterested in”
Mohka: "What kind of crazy woman would worry for a man for 15 years without any feelings”.
Their love is so beautiful♥
Kiho is such a walking green flag. He waited 15 years for Mohka, even prepared everything for her, and always supported her. I'm not going to lie, I'd have loved some more romance just to feed my hunger for it lol, but this was perfect anyway. It was about her journey, and her desire to become a singer.
Kiho and Chaeho, my two walking green flags. Ki Ho with his puppy eyes and beautiful smile, and Chaeho with his bright personality. I'm glad this didn't turn into a love triangle although my poor Woohak/Chaeho suffered a little.
The main topic of the drama is domestic abuse, and let me tell you the father is so scary and annoying. He remained a coward and selfish until the end, even using his own death to hurt and harm those closest to him. I'm glad he couldn't keep hurting them. At least this family had the happy ending they deserved.
The OST is just soooo beautiful that I couldn’t stop listening to it (and I think I will listen to it for a long time). Park Eunbin’s voice is like honey. Her singing was a blessing to my ears. It's so amazing when a non-professional singer sings so well. She really is a great singer and a great actress.♥
Side note: The only thing that bothers me about the story is the time she was on the island. I think 15 years is too much, and she was in good health? her skin, hair, and everything was healthy. How is that even possible? that makes no sense lol. Despite this, I really loved this show.
I like the ending, it was also so balanced. Not rushed or too draggy, Just perfect and beautiful. I cried so much while watching this, and they even played 'Someday' at the end of the last episode only to make me cry even more. I'm going to miss this drama so much 🥺
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Refreshing like a watermelon
I have no words to express how much I loved this drama. This was like a breath of fresh air for me. The characters are well-written, and the story is so emotional and enjoyable and has so many lessons and emotions carved into it. At the beginning of the last episode, I was destroyed emotionally and cried a lot, but the ending made me so happy T^T.My only complaint, and also the reason I don't give this drama a 10, is that I would have liked to see more of their lives in the future, both Eun Gyeol with his family and Eun Yu with her mom. Also, Eun Gyeol and his father playing the song they wrote together would have been nice.
This is my first time doing a review, and I'm glad it's about this story. I'm so grateful to have watched such a great drama. It was just perfect. I'll miss them so much T^T.
Twinkling watermelon will always have a special place in my heart.♡
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Thank God it has ended
I was looking forward to this show cuz the original series was one of my favorites. Unfortunately, the plot and script were poorly developed and executed.The only watchable thing here is the villain. Si Oh was the only reason I kept on watching till the end. I didn’t mean to fall for him, and I tried not to feel bad for him, but I couldn’t help it and tbh I don't care because Si Oh is the only character worth watching in this drama. I liked his chemistry with Namsoon. And no, I wasn't hoping for them to end up together. I didn't expect her to be his friend either. I just liked the way he smiled only when he was with her :') I felt almost no chemistry between Namsoon and the cop. But whenever the villain and Namsoon came close, I blushed. Ik many people liked the cop and Namsoon chemistry, but not for me.
So, to summarize:
1. The mother seemed more like a FL than the actual FL herself. She had much more screen time than Namsoon and so many unnecessary scenes. (her outfits were nice tho :)
2. The grandma and his boyfriend. Instead of wasting time showing us their relationship, the writers would have focused more on the main couple.🙄
3. The main couple is so underdeveloped that it seems odd that they like each other, and with so many things going on, they didn't have enough screen time for good development.
4. The homeless couple. From the start till the end, I just didn't understand their purpose in the drama.
5. The police taking all the credit as if they could've done anything without Nam soon. 🤨
6. Ryu Si Oh is a perfectly written villain with so much depth in his backstory. He had so much more to give. Not at all excusing his actions as a character, but the writers could've done so much better. And considering his heartbreaking past, I think he deserved a second chance and wish he had a better ending. . ("I was betrayed by the only woman I trusted" that line broke me. 💔)
This drama could've had great potential, but anyway. I just hope there's no 3rd season. This season has destroyed the drama enough for it to just end right here.
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Love is Becoming Each Other’s Light
The First Frost is one of those Chinese dramas that really gets under your skin—in the best way possible. It’s not just a simple love story; it’s a beautifully layered journey about love, heartbreak, trauma, and the slow, painful, but ultimately hopeful process of healing. As a spin-off of Hidden Love, The First Frost follows Sang Yan and Wen Yifan as they navigate their way back to each other after a complicated past. Across 32 emotional episodes, their story unfolds with missed chances, unresolved feelings, and a slow-burning connection that tugs at your heart.It’s quiet and tender at times, heartbreaking at others, but always deeply human. Whether you watched Hidden Love or not, The First Frost stands strong on its own — a drama that reminds you that love isn’t always about grand gestures, but about growing, forgiving, and choosing each other even when it’s hard.
₊˚⊹♡ Sang Yan and Wen Yifan’s story begins in their youth — a sweet, blossoming romance cut short by painful circumstances. Years later, fate reunites them under one roof, forcing them to confront all the unresolved emotions and heartbreak they’ve been carrying. The narrative is enriched by a dual-perspective approach, with each episode presenting both characters' viewpoints, offering a comprehensive understanding of their internal struggles.
This is not a fairytale romance. Their love is built on lived experiences — on heartbreak, distance, silence, and healing. What follows is a tender rediscovery, a slow and powerful reconnection built on empathy, emotional growth, and quiet, persistent love. ♡
₊˚⊹♡ Bai Jingting’s portrayal of Sang Yan is nothing short of brilliant. He’s not your typical drama heartthrob — he’s gentle, emotionally intelligent, deeply kind, and patient. His love for Wen Yifan isn’t loud or showy — it’s steady and real. From the very first time they meet to the moment they find their way back to each other, his feelings for her never waver. Watching his journey — from a confused, heartbroken teenager to a man capable of setting aside his pride for love — is incredibly moving. Bai Jingting brings so much to this role: vulnerability, warmth, and unwavering devotion. Sometimes, he doesn’t even need to say a word—just one look from him, and you feel everything. The love, the pain, the hope. It’s all there, right in his eyes. ♡
₊˚⊹♡ Zhang Ruonan delivers a breathtaking performance as Wen Yifan. Her character is layered and heartbreaking — a woman carrying invisible wounds, quietly surviving in a world that has scarred her. You can see the guardedness in her eyes, the weight of her trauma, and yet also the flickers of hope when she begins to open up again. Her transformation — from running from her past to facing it with strength and grace — is portrayed with such authenticity that you can’t help but feel every step of her healing. Her pain, her fear, her hope. It’s raw, it’s real, and it stays with you.
₊˚⊹♡ The chemistry between Sang Yan and Wen Yifan is the kind that doesn’t scream for attention — it simmers quietly, like a soft flame that never goes out. It’s gentle, warm, and so emotionally rich that you feel it in your chest. It’s not exaggerated or overacted; instead, it feels natural and genuine. You see their love in the way they look at each other, speak to one another, and quietly care in the smallest of gestures. What makes it so special is that you don’t just want them to end up together — you genuinely hope they heal, find peace, and learn to breathe easier, both on their own and as a couple. Their love story isn’t just about romance; it’s about growth, forgiveness, and coming home to someone who sees all of you and stays.
₊˚⊹♡ The cinematography, the incredible OST, and the use of flashbacks gave this drama the perfect emotional depth. Every frame captures the ache, the nostalgia, and the quiet joy of rediscovery. The visuals, paired with the music, wrap around you like a soft blanket of emotion.
₊˚⊹♡ The First Frost is absolutely worth watching. (ﾉ^^)ﾉ It’s a well-written Cdrama with a beautiful story, unforgettable acting, and amazing OST. This is one of those rare dramas that stays with you long after the final episode. It doesn’t just tell a love story — it tells a story of wounds, of resilience, of facing life’s harshness, and slowly, carefully learning how to heal.
₊˚⊹♡ Favorite Quotes:
❄ "You are the fate I refuse to escape." —Sang Yan
❄ "Sang Yan, do you think you might have been sent by my dad to be good to me?"
Sang Yan replied, "No. I volunteered."
❄ "To me, you look like a fluttering butterfly. You always shine. I want you to fly free forever. I want to give you wings and destroy all your pain. I will always catch you." —Sang Yan
❄ “I want someone who is fierce and will love me until death. It’s you, Sang Yan.” —Wen Yifan
❄ "I never treated you as a backup plan." —Wen Yifan
❄ "Do you think everything in this house was bought randomly? Every item, each one was chosen for you. You deserve the best of everything." —Sang Yan
❄ "I want to live six years longer than you. That way I can love you for six more years." —Wen Yifan
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This Kdrama will be forever in my heart
Lovely Runner was my every week happiness, it got me smiling, crying, blushing, giggling, squealing and kicking my feet all the time. When I started this drama, I had no idea it would take over my whole life. It made me feel everything, even though I do not like Mondays, I'd wait for every week just to watch it, and I would spend hours making up theories for future episodes.I’m happy for all the cast and production team and thankful for their efforts to give us a wonderful drama. The story was executed so well and the actors did such an amazing job portraying their characters, I felt very touched.
Byeon Woo Seok did an exceptional job portraying his character, Sun Jae. This role was made for him, and he owns it. I’m so happy that he’s receiving the recognition and love he deserves, his acting is so good.
As for Kim Hye Yoon, she is a very good actress and has portrayed Sol very well. (I suffered with her character every time 😢).
And finally, our Kim Taesung, played by the amazing Song Geon Hee. I loved him so much, and the fact that he was not an annoying character but lovely and funny.
The OST is EVERYTHING 😆 I could listen to it forever. I love that Byeon Woo Seok sings and does it so well, his voice is so beautiful.
The ending was perfect. The failed proposal was so funny, but the actual proposal was sooo beautiful and touching🥰 I loved the fluff and cuteness of the entire last episode, and that scene with the halmoni made me cry so much. 😭
Overall, This honestly made my Mondays and Tuesdays so much fun. Best k-drama I watched in 2024 so far, everything was really great! Lovely Runner reminds me why I enjoyed watching Kdramas so much. I don't think I will be able to move on for a long time. 1000/10 ⭐
PS: Future viewers, If you're hesitating to watch this, trust me you're not gonna regret it. Maybe the time travel part is a little inconsistent, but the writing and direction are amazing, and the acting is even better.
PS 2: Now every time it's raining or I see an umbrella ☂️ I'm going to think of lovely runner. 🙂
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2024 new favorite!
I can’t believe it’s already over. I loved every second! Park Shin Hye truly shined—she completely owned this role. I don’t care what others say; I love her so much. And Kim Jae Young portrays his character so well. He's so talented and cute; I can't believe he's older than Shin Hye.While I’m a fan of romance and the chemistry between the leads was undeniable, I appreciated that romance wasn’t the main focus here. It’s more of a subgenre, adding depth without overpowering the story. Also, the rooftop kiss was so good I had to rewatch it a few times, lol. (〃ω〃)
I also love how they left the ending up to the viewers. For some, it’s an open ending; for others, a closed one. Personally, I think it was fitting, even though part of me would love a sequel. The final scenes, showing all the characters (victims) happy, were incredibly heartwarming. For me, the only downside was the unresolved question about Kang Bitna. Was she really sent to hell? She was wrongfully accused, so what happened? This plot hole is my only complaint, but overall, this drama is easily one of the best of 2024. (´∩ω∩｀)
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One of the best of 2024!
This drama went straight to my list of favorites for 2024! I absolutely loved everything about it—the story, the actors' chemistry, the incredible OST, the cinematography, and those plot twists. Everything felt so well done. Waiting each week for a new episode was pure torture, but it was totally worth it. (´･ᴗ･`)I couldn’t resist and ended up reading the novel, and while I don’t like to compare, I have to say there were things I loved more in the drama and others I preferred in the novel. But I won’t go into too much detail since I’m not planning to write a super long review.
I can’t skip over the chemistry between Yoo Yeonseok and Chae Soobin. Oh my God, those two were phenomenal! All their mukbang scenes had me kicking my feet and giggling like crazy. I swear, I’ll never get over them! (〃ﾉωﾉ) ❤️ Their connection went beyond the screen—you could even feel it behind the scenes. They’re both so professional, and it really showed in every scene they shared.
That said, while I loved the drama overall, I’m a little unsure about the ending. Don’t get me wrong—I enjoyed it, but I guess I was hoping for more romantic moments between the characters. After all, they spent years being indifferent to each other, and when things finally worked out, it’s natural to expect a bit more payoff after all that drama. Also, the whole Argan storyline felt a bit over the top to me. Even though it’s true to the novel, I think it might have worked better if they had tweaked or toned it down a bit for the drama. But honestly, I’m so in love with this that I’ll let that slide, lol. I really liked this Kdrama, and I’m really going to miss it and the characters. It’s definitely one that’ll stay with me for a long time! ❤️
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An ode to life in its purest and most authentic form
Some stories don’t just entertain you—they carve themselves into your heart, leaving echoes of their presence long after they end. *When Life Gives You Tangerines* is one of those rare dramas that feels less like fiction and more like a quiet, intimate conversation with life itself. It doesn’t seek to dazzle with grand gestures or force sentimentality; instead, it whispers truths about love, loss, and the fleeting nature of time in the gentlest yet most devastating way.This is a love letter to life’s simplest moments—the gentle touch of sunlight on your skin, the soft whisper of leaves in the breeze, the unspoken emotions in a lingering glance. It’s about returning to the places we once called home, confronting the past we tried to forget, and realizing that life is full of constant changes and moments that shape us into who we are.
The drama unfolds like the changing of the seasons—spring, summer, autumn, and winter—each marking a different phase of the characters' journeys. With every shift, we witness love bloom, wither, and endure in the way only the truest of loves can. It teaches us that love is not just passion or permanence but also patience. It’s in the waiting, in the enduring, in the willingness to stay even when life pulls us apart. The changes—whether good or bad—that we inevitably go through throughout our lives.
I have to praise the actors for portraying their roles so beautifully. IU and Bo Gum did an incredible job conveying their characters' emotions, and the rest of the cast was just as outstanding. Everyone delivered an exceptional performance! The number of times I cried because of these impeccable performances is insane (honestly, I cried through the entire drama, lol). The amount of emotions this story conveys is incredible. Every moment feels so raw and relatable that it’s impossible not to shed tears.
Every frame is a painting, every silence a poem. Jeju Island is not just a setting—it’s a character in itself, cradling the story in its vast landscapes and timeless beauty. Through its breathtaking cinematography, the drama captures not only the passage of time but the emotions that come with it: the gentle hope of spring, the burning passion of summer, the bittersweet nostalgia of autumn, and the quiet solitude of winter.
Few dramas dare to capture the raw, unfiltered emotions that When Life Gives You Tangerines does. It doesn’t offer neatly wrapped happy endings, nor does it shy away from the heartbreak that comes with loving deeply and embracing life in all its imperfect reality. Instead, it leaves us with something far more profound—a life lesson, a tribute to parents who sacrifice themself for their children, to love that endures when it’s real, to dreaming, to embracing our true selves—and the understanding that even if love is fleeting, its imprint remains forever, and life is always teaching us something new.
For me, this wasn’t just a drama—it was a lesson in both life and love. And though I may not be able to rewatch it without breaking all over again, I know it will stay with me in the deepest part of my heart for a very, very long time. ♥
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This review may contain spoilers
Watching this drama was the best thing I could have ever done.
I absolutely, completely, wholeheartedly loved this drama from beginning to end. (ﾉ^^)ﾉ The story was just so sweet and beautiful. I couldn't get enough of the chemistry between Zhang Linghe and Xu Ruohan—they complemented each other perfectly. Every single scene had me smiling like an idiot, giggling, and even kicking my feet. Their relationship felt so natural, built on small but meaningful moments, and they didn’t need grand gestures or too much drama. Just two people falling in love in the purest, most heartfelt way. (/ω＼) It’s truly a gem in the romance genre, showing that love can be simple yet deeply moving.One of the things I adored was how their relationship started—first as a slow and beautiful friendship, then gradually blooming into something more. It wasn’t rushed; it felt organic. And the way the ML (He Su Ye) always encouraged the FL (Xifan) melted my heart. (〃ω〃) He constantly reminded her to love herself first, respected her choices, and supported her no matter what. After everything she went through with her ex, she deserved someone like that—a love that was gentle, patient, and unwavering (honestly, I deserve that too, lol).
Another thing I loved was how the story was told through the seasons, with flowers—especially tulips—woven into the essence of the story. And let's not forget everything they teach us about traditional Chinese medicine. I think it was a very interesting detail. ( • ω• )✧
And that scene in episode 27? When Su Ye started writing Xifan letters while she was studying abroad? My heart! (/ω＼)♥ It was so incredibly romantic and beautiful. He Su Ye was just the perfect male lead—flirty, soft-spoken, and effortlessly charming. Every moment with him was swoon-worthy. ♥
↪︎ Now, some of my favorite quotes:
“In my eyes, every day you get better and more deserving of love than the last… So from now on, just focus on loving yourself. As for the rest, leave it to me.” —He Su Ye
"But in my heart, you are the most beautiful scenery in this world… Xifan, falling in love with you is the luckiest thing I have ever done. Loving you is the best thing I have ever done." —He Su Ye
"No matter what happened in the past, good or bad, it's part of who you are. Accept the past, and focus on the present and future." —He Su Ye
And let’s talk about that ending! A lot of Cdramas end with a wedding, but this one was so beautiful, and Su Ye’s heartfelt words to Xifan... (〃ω〃) And that final quote? I will never forget it:
"Hope everyone with a good heart can find a long-lasting love in the gaps of life. It's okay. Learn to love yourself first, more than anyone else in the world. If you can't find that person yet, or you've lost the courage to search, someone will appear in the light shining through the crack."
Overall, The Best Thing is such a wholesome, heartwarming story—no unnecessary drama—just two people finding each other and building a love that feels real. I’d 100% recommend it, and I’d watch it all over again! ⋆˙⟡ If I had to sum it up in one word, it would be: sweet. Oh, and the OST? Absolutely amazing! I just know I’ll be listening to it on repeat for a long time. (´･ᴗ･`)
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A rollercoaster of emotions
I enjoyed this story so much even though it was one of the most heart-wrenching, draining, and emotional experiences I've had in a while. The amount of tissues I used while watching QOT is crazy. This drama had so many different hidden meanings. To me, it meant life, death, family and love.Ngl this drama had its ups and downs but to be honest I loved it and I am happy with how it ended.
The actors and actresses did an excellent job playing their characters. Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Ji Won have played their roles really well, and their chemistry is just perfect. I've watched Kim Soo Hyun since Dream High and he has never disappointed me. There's a reason why he is the most expensive actor in Korea. As for Kim Ji Won, she is such a good actress, she portrayed her role so well.
I do want to point out Park Sung Hoon’s acting. I hated his character so much which means he did an excellent job. (but please don’t hate the actor he’s just doing his job!).
Overall, the ending was good for me. The way they showed Hyun Woo as an elderly man, visiting Hae In’s grave. That broke me T^T I cried so hard. The pictures in the house, their daughter. They had their happy ending even in the afterlife.
"When only one of us is left, the other one can come and meet them. Then it won't be scary at all.” T^T❤️
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