When the sun and moon shine together
I literally have no words to express how much I loved this C-drama. Ever since it was announced, I was dying to see it. The story totally grabbed me before it even aired, and once I started watching, there was no turning back. It easily became one of the best dramas I’ve seen all year. The plot just pulls you in, and honestly, every single element—the characters, the romance, the OST, the cinematography—was perfectly crafted. I’m just so happy I got to experience this story day by day. I usually never watch Cdramas while they’re airing, but I just couldn't wait, lol! No regrets, even though I’m a little sad to say goodbye now.I have to say, He Yu absolutely killed it in this drama. It’s my second time seeing him, the first was My Fated Boy, and even though he was super cute in that one, Jin Zhao is on a whole different level. And can we talk about how HOT he looks here?! I literally held my breath every time he was in his "bad boy racer" era. His soft era was nice, but the bad boy vibes? Simply superior. (//ω//) There’s so much depth to his characters. Even after everything he’s been through, he still kept his heart of gold. He’s so naturally kind and caring—honestly, the ultimate green flag. I just loved and will always love this man 4ever! ♥
As for Esther Yu, I’ve been a fan for a while. I know some people aren't into her style, but I really like her. Her character, Jiang Mu (Mu Mu), might seem a bit immature at first, but I loved her character development. We started off with a very innocent, unbothered, loving, and cute girlie, yet we ended with a mature, loving and subtle cute lady. Also, the outfits and styling deserve a full review of their own because they were beautiful! One thing I’ve always loved about this character is that she isn't your typical shy girl—she’s the complete opposite! I absolutely loved how she could keep up with Jin Zhao. I mean, from now on, whenever I hear the word 'Focus,' I’m always going to think of her, lol!
Which brings us to the chemistry... and wow, they really delivered. Their scenes left me speechless more than once. The amount of times I kicked my feet and giggled frantically because of these two is actually insane. AND THE KISSES?! I was obsessed with "hungry" Zhao Zhao. (〃ﾉωﾉ) The yearning and the way this man loves Mu Mu made me want to be loved like that, too (I mean, who wouldn't?). The way Jin Zhao’s intense, hot stares met Jiang Mu’s innocent gazes... honestly, I GASPED every single time.
I honestly have no complaints about the supporting cast! Even with their limited screen time, they delivered exactly what was needed to make this drama a total gem. I wasn't expecting to see Mike Angelo! It’s been a while since I’ve seen him, and I loved his character along with Sanlai Ge and the rest of the crew. The OST is beautiful, and the action scenes—the racing, the boxing—were incredible. This drama delivered exactly what it promised, and I’ll definitely be rewatching it. I’m also planning to read the novel because I heard it’s even better since the drama had to cut some things out.
Conclusion: I honestly wish I could erase my memory just to rewatch it all over again for the first time. I’d watch it forever if I could! This drama is 100% worth it, and I’d recommend it to anyone with my eyes closed. 10/10 ✧
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Hate sparked it, love sealed it.
After seeing this drama all over the place, I just had to dive in and see what all the fuss was about. And let me tell you, by the end of it, I totally got why everyone was crazy about it. It's one of those stories that grabs you from the start and won't let go, leaving you glued to the screen, craving more. I totally get the hype now because I absolutely fell head over heels for this drama. The storyline is amazing, the characters are so lovable, and Liu Yu Ning became my new crush, lol. (๑•ᴗ•๑)₊˚⊹♡ What I liked:
❖ I really loved the female lead, Manman. She’s smart, brave, and strong—one of those characters who stays calm under pressure and doesn’t make reckless decisions. A character with charisma and charm. She’s also not the type to be easily influenced by others, which makes her feel grounded and realistic.
❖ As for the male lead, Wei Shao... he definitely starts off as a walking red flag, lol. But once you learn about everything he’s been through, it kind of makes sense. He’s a guy shaped by betrayal and deep emotional wounds, so naturally, he struggles with trust. But what I really liked is how his character grows—he starts to soften thanks to his connection with Manman. Little by little, he lets his guard down, opens up, and learns what it means to love and trust someone again.
❖ I’m such a sucker for the enemies-to-lovers trope—the tension, the longing, the emotional push-and-pull was Chef’s kiss. This drama handles it so well. The slow-burn buildup between the leads is seriously addictive, and their chemistry is Undeniable. What made it all so satisfying was how natural their evolution felt. They went from enemies to reluctant allies, to people who truly care for each other, and you could feel every step of that journey. They each had their own personal struggles to overcome, and watching them open up and find real connection was beautiful. And omg the kisses! I was left speechless, not gonna lie. There were only two or three scenes, but they *absolutely* set the screen on fire. (〃ﾉωﾉ)
❖ The acting was top-tier. Everyone really brought their characters to life. This was my first time seeing Liu Yu Ning in a drama, and I was so impressed—not just with his performance but with his whole vibe, which totally fit the tone of the story. I’ll definitely be checking out more of his work. It was also my first time watching Song Zu Er, and I really liked how she portrayed her character—strong, sincere, and super likeable. The supporting cast was just as amazing; each side character added something special, and they honestly made me laugh and cry.
❖ The villains? Yeah, I hated them. They weren’t just evil for the sake of it; their backstories actually made them feel human and layered. You could understand why they became the way they were, and I always appreciate when a story gives depth to its antagonists. Sure, there were a few things that could’ve been done better, but overall, they worked well in the story.
❖ This drama put me through every emotion. I laughed, I teared up, I screamed at my screen, I kicked the air—it was a full-on emotional rollercoaster and I loved every second of it.
❖ The OST was Amazing. It fits the tone of the story perfectly. My personal favorite is the main track sung by Liu Yu Ning (yes, this man really does it all—sing, act, and even cook 😭). Honestly, I could listen to his voice forever. ♥
❖ The cinematography and costumes were absolutely stunning. You can tell a lot of thought and care went into every scene, and it really shows. The visuals are *chef’s kiss* gorgeous and completely immersive.
₊˚⊹♡ What I didn’t like as much:
❖ There honestly wasn’t much that bothered me, but I do have to say that the political and war-related parts near the end felt a bit rushed. It wasn’t enough to ruin the experience for me, but I think a little more time and development in those areas would’ve made things stronger. Just a small thing I noticed!
❖ I wasn’t really sold on Bi Zhi and Qiao Fan’s relationship. Their dynamic just didn’t do much for me, and honestly, I didn’t feel much chemistry between them. I think their characters could’ve been more interesting if they’d been developed a bit better, but in the end, I just didn’t find myself caring about their storyline all that much.
❖ I don’t think Wei Liang’s death was really necessary (I cried so much 😭). It would’ve been way more satisfying to see him fight bravely and make it out alive, even if badly injured. His death, like Da Qiao’s, felt more like a plot device to add extra drama rather than something that truly served the story.
₊˚⊹♡ Final thoughts:
❖ This drama was so worth watching—definitely one of the best I’ve seen this year. It strikes such a good balance between character development, swoon-worthy romance, and a mix of suspense, heartache, and comedy. I haven’t read the novel it’s based on yet, but now I have to. If you’re into emotionally rich stories with complex characters and top-notch chemistry and romance, this one’s for you. Highly recommend!
₊˚⊹♡ Favorite Quotes:
➷ "Fight hatred with kindness."
➷ “Even if peace lasts only for a moment, a sincere heart can make its echo endure for generations.”
➷"Even if peace lasts only for a moment, a sincere heart can make it echo for generations.”
Was this review helpful to you?
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∩｀)
Was this review helpful to you?
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.♡
Was this review helpful to you?
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 🥺
Was this review helpful to you?
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.
Was this review helpful to you?
Zhao Lusi the star you are! ✨
This drama was simply beautiful. The story, the characters, the tension—ugh, it had everything it needed to be a masterpiece. Honestly, this is one of the very few times I’ve watched a C-drama while it was still airing. Usually, they’re tough to keep up with since episodes drop daily, but since I didn’t have too many ongoing dramas at the time, it actually wasn’t that bad. Plus, I was so hooked that staying up to date was no problem at all.The story starts with the main couple already married, which is pretty unusual since we’re used to seeing the whole “meeting → falling in love → getting together” process. But here, we get a couple that seems perfect on the surface, hiding secrets that could destroy everything. It was so satisfying to watch the female lead prove that she could stand on her own and build her future, while the male lead basically crawled back begging for forgiveness.
Zhao Lusi once again showed how talented she is—she gave us such a different character this time: mature, confident, and completely sure of what she wants. And on the other hand, this was my first drama with William Chan, and wow, I was pleasantly surprised! His character made me feel everything—anger, frustration, excitement—you name it. I’m definitely looking forward to seeing more of his work in the future.
All in all, this drama was so, so good. I loved every episode, and even though there were a few things in the last episodes that didn’t completely convince me, I still enjoyed every moment of watching it. It was an emotional rollercoaster I’d gladly ride again! ♥
Was this review helpful to you?
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
Was this review helpful to you?
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. 🙂
Was this review helpful to you?
Where Love and Fantasy Become Art ✨
I started this drama with super high expectations because everyone kept talking about it, and OMG… it absolutely delivered. (੭˃ᴗ˂)੭ It’s honestly one of the best fantasy c-dramas I’ve ever watched. I fell in love with the story, the characters, and THE ROMANCE—like, seriously, those kisses, those looks, those insanely sweet things they said to each other had me kicking my feet and giggling like crazy! (〃ﾉωﾉ) ♥ I love the MC, and the chemistry between the two of them… help, how am I supposed to recover from that? Watching them fall for each other, little by little, was everything. Also, that scene in episode 19 is gonna live in my head rent-free forever. (//ω//)Both leads absolutely nailed the complexity of their characters, down to the smallest details. The rest of the cast blew me away, too — their acting was brilliant and totally captivating. They showed their emotions, passion, and inner struggles so well, and their stories unfolded beautifully with great pacing. The chemistry between everyone, especially the main couple, really brought this drama to life.
The CGI, effects, and cinematography are amazing! It’s not the first fantasy C-drama I’ve watched, but this one is just stunning — visually gorgeous from start to finish. The CGI doesn’t just make the action scenes exciting, it keeps you glued to the screen because it’s so well done you literally can’t look away. The costumes, hairstyles, and makeup are breathtaking, turning the whole show into a visual feast. And it’s not just the visuals — the OST is amazing, I could listen to it forever and never get tired of it.
This drama has it all: magic, romance, plot twists, villains you’re gonna hate with your whole soul, and characters you’ll want to protect forever. I laughed, cried, freaked out, and got way too emotional throughout all 36 episodes. I was never bored, and it kept me hooked the entire time.
The ending was incredibly heartwarming — a true fairytale ending where all the characters we love are happy and safe, and the show avoids killing off supporting roles just for shock value. Basically, only the villains got what was coming to them, which made the ending feel satisfying — justice was served, and the heroes finally got to breathe in peace. An excellent ending to an excellent story. (｢･ω･)｢
I enjoyed this drama from start to finish, and I’d happily recommend it to anyone who loves romance, fantasy, suspense, or wuxia. For me, it’s a perfect 10/10 — absolutely worth watching. (´｡• ᵕ •｡`) ♡
Was this review helpful to you?
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! ❤️
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
How to ruin a good story 101
Honestly, this drama is the perfect example of how to ruin a great story with a messy finale! Gosh, I was so hooked at the beginning. I was literally counting down the days for every new episode, but they totally blew it.Don't get me wrong, this drama is basically a "cliché manual." I mean, it has everything: the love triangle where the second male lead is clearly the better choice, the fake relationship trope, endless misunderstandings, and the classic "rich guy/poor girl" dynamic. Even with all that, I was actively watching because it was funny, lighthearted, and just plain entertaining. I don't even hate clichés that much if they're done right, but this? This was a choice.
First off, the second couple had so much potential, but they totally wasted it—it still makes me so mad! Meanwhile, the SML became super annoying, clinging to the FL until the very end, even though she never gave him the time of day. Then, in the last two episodes, they randomly threw in a new love rival? It didn't last long, but it was so unnecessary.
And then... they hit us with the memory loss trope. (¬_¬) It was total filler that served no purpose other than wasting time that could’ve been used for actual plot development. Which brings me to the ending... like, what was that?! It was incredibly rushed and not at all what I expected. It’s such a shame because the cast was great and the chemistry was definitely there. I really thought this would be one of the top rom-coms of the year.
It actually reminds me of what happened with When the Phone Rings. That drama was so popular, but the ending was terrible because the development was all over the place, leaving everyone confused and disappointed.
I’m giving this a 7/10⭐ just to be generous because I did enjoy the majority of the ride, but those final episodes were such a letdown. It could have been so much better!
Was this review helpful to you?
A warm story that stayed with me
I have to say, before starting this drama, I wasn’t really sure what to expect other than the reverse age-gap trope (which, I’ll admit, I totally love). But once I started? I literally couldn’t stop. I got so hooked on the story, the plot, and the cast! (´｡• ᵕ •｡`) ♡ From the very first episode of Sniper Butterfly, I was completely drawn in, and by the end, I was moved in a way few Cdramas manage to achieve. I just loved it so much!Speaking of the cast, I already knew Ke Yu (Daniel Zhou) from 'Always Home', but this drama made me love him even more—or honestly, I just completely fell for him. His acting was amazing. I loved how cute and shy his character, Li Wu, was at first and how much he grew throughout the show. I’ve seriously just unlocked a new green flag character; he was a total angel! ʚ₍ᐢ. .ᐢ₎ɞ And also, yeah... the boy can kiss, and I’m still not over it. (〃ﾉωﾉ)
On the other hand, I still can’t believe Michelle Chen is 42. She looks so young! This is my first drama of hers, and she’s so talented; she handled her character in such a mature and realistic way. And can we talk about the fact that there’s a 19-year age difference between the actors in real life? You can tell she’s older, but not by that much! In the drama, the gap is about 9 or 10 years, and I loved that it didn’t feel forced. Their chemistry is so good that you actually forget about the age gap sometimes.
Also... the kisses!! They were so intense. (〃ﾉωﾉ) I mean, I had no idea Ke Yu could kiss like that! There’s one scene in particular that stands out from all the rest (and trust me, there are A LOT of scenes), but I will never forget that one in episode 5 when Li Wu is drunk (in the present day). That scene is officially living rent-free in my head forever. <3
The OST is also so beautiful! It fits the vibe of the story perfectly and really makes all the emotional scenes hit even harder.
I also really liked that there weren't any toxic characters or annoying villains (except for the FL’s ex, who was a total jerk). Her parents were great, and the best friend and other side characters were super likable too. The subplot with the FL’s friend and the ML’s friend’s uncle wasn’t my favorite, but it wasn't bad either.
I appreciate how they handled the age gap without making it feel "grooming-y" or weird. Everything happens slowly, which gives you time to process it without it feeling forced, which I think is great. Even though some people found the real-life age gap uncomfortable—which is a fair conversation to have—it didn't bother me at all or ruin the experience for me. I’m super satisfied with this C-drama and will definitely be rewatching it in the future! (ﾉ^^)ﾉ
Was this review helpful to you?
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. ♥
Was this review helpful to you?
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･`)
Was this review helpful to you?
