TinaN28

The Finale of Genie, Make a Wish Absolutely Broke Me… and Somehow Put Me Back Together Again

If you’re asking me whether Genie, Make a Wish is worth watching, my answer is yes… but also be emotionally prepared. This drama is one of those shows that quietly pulls you in and then refuses to let go, in the best way.

At its core, this is a love story, but not the flashy, instant kind. It’s slow, layered, and built on choices, sacrifice, and time. Ka-young and Iblis don’t just fall in love; they grow into it through misunderstandings, shared pain, and moments of genuine care. Watching them together feels intimate, like you’re witnessing something private rather than being told a romance is happening.

What really surprised me was how human this fantasy drama felt. Yes, there are genies, wishes, divine rules, and centuries of history, but the emotions are grounded. Grief, guilt, devotion, jealousy, hope, and forgiveness all take center stage. Ka-young’s quiet strength and Iblis’s gradual softening make their journey incredibly satisfying to watch.

The supporting characters also deserve credit. Pan-geum and Min-ji bring warmth and humor, balancing out the heavier themes, while the antagonists add tension without completely overshadowing the emotional core. Even when the story gets dark, there’s always a thread of sincerity holding it together.

Visually, the drama is beautiful when it needs to be. The desert scenes, the magical spaces, and the quieter domestic moments all feel intentional. The OST deserves a special mention too because it knows exactly when to step in and when to stay out of the way, which made several scenes hit harder than expected.

Is it a light watch? Not really. But it is rewarding. The finale, especially, felt like the drama saying goodbye with care, acknowledging the pain while still choosing hope. By the end, I didn’t feel cheated or exhausted. I felt like I had gone on a journey with these characters and seen them earn their ending.

Overall, Genie, Make a Wish is the kind of drama you recommend to a friend when you want to say, “This one made me feel something.” It’s romantic, thoughtful, and emotionally rich, and it stays with you long after the last episode ends. If you like fantasy romances with heart and meaning, this one is absolutely worth your time.

Romance: 9.5 / 10
The love story between Ka-young and Iblis is the heart of this drama, and it delivers. It’s slow, tragic, tender, and deeply emotional without relying on constant skinship or clichés.
Character Acting: 9 / 10
The cast truly carried this story.
Production: 8.5 / 10
Visually, the drama was gorgeous when it wanted to be.
Storyline: 8.5 / 10
This was an ambitious story with reincarnation, wishes, morality, love, and divine politics all woven together.
OST: 9 / 10
The soundtrack quietly did a lot of emotional heavy lifting.
Overall Vibe: 9 / 10
Melancholic, romantic, and thoughtful.
Final Overall Rating: 9 / 10
Genie, Make a Wish is a beautifully tragic fantasy romance that prioritizes emotional truth over easy happiness. It’s the kind of drama that stays with you, makes you think about love and sacrifice, and leaves you oddly comforted despite the tears.
If you’re the type of viewer who loves pain with purpose, this drama was absolutely worth the ride.

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A beautiful surprise that I wasn't expecting...

Somehow, this c-drama flew under the radar for me, but I happened to stumble across it and said, "What the heck, I'll give it a shot." I'm glad I did!

This was surprisingly better than I thought it would be. It wasn't a full 10 out of 10 stars, but it still had a pretty interesting storyline and kept me entertained.

First off, it’s not your typical slow-burn historical drama. This one has energy, humor, and a heroine who actually does things. The main character, Chen Yuanyuan, is this bold, no-filter princess who pretty much ignores all the usual “princess rules” and just goes for what she wants. She’s witty, a little chaotic, and totally unpredictable, but in a way that makes you root for her.
And then there’s Shen Jia, your classic cool, stoic general type with the emotional range of a rock at first glance… but oh man, once he starts falling for her, it’s game over. The chemistry between them? Subtle at first, but once it clicks, it’s really satisfying. It’s like watching someone slowly melt and you’re just there for every little smirk and stolen glance.

What I liked most is that it’s light without being shallow. There’s some political scheming, action, and emotional moments, but it never gets too heavy. It’s a nice balance; you get your laughs, your romance, and a bit of drama without needing to emotionally recover after every episode.

Also, the visuals are great. The costumes? Gorgeous. The sets? On point. It’s definitely a feast for the eyes.

If you’re in the mood for something cute, clever, and just really enjoyable, give My Sassy Princess a shot. It’s like a rom-com in a historical drama shell... easy to binge and hard not to smile through.

Side Notes: I deducted 3 stars because I had issues with how unbelievably childish the FL was throughout the show. I thought at some point she would mature and her character would grow, but I guess it just wasn't in the stars. It didn't make me completely hate her, but I personally had a love/hate relationship with her character.

Also, I have to admit that the ML held this show together. If it wasn't for him, I probably would have dropped this half-way. Also, there were quite a lot of kiss scenes, which kept me hanging on.

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Love Between Lines: A Gentle Romance That Speaks Loudly Through Quiet Moments

Watching Love Between Lines felt like curling up with a warm cup of tea after a long day... calm, comforting, and unexpectedly heartfelt. This drama doesn’t rely on loud conflicts or over-the-top twists to keep you watching. Instead, it leans into subtle emotions, steady character growth, and a romance that unfolds naturally through shared moments, unspoken understanding, and mutual respect. From the very first episode, it’s clear this story values emotional connection over spectacle, and that choice is exactly what makes it so charming.

What truly won me over was how grounded everything felt. The characters behave like real people navigating love, work, and personal expectations rather than exaggerated drama tropes. The romance develops at a believable pace, giving you time to fall in love with them, not just the idea of them. There’s a quiet confidence in how the story is told, it trusts the audience to feel rather than be told what to feel.

⭐ Rating Breakdown (1–10)
Romance: 9/10
Soft, sincere, and emotionally mature. The chemistry builds through small gestures and meaningful conversations rather than forced drama, making the relationship feel earned and deeply satisfying. However, once they start...the kiss scenes are worth the wait. The leads have a cute playful banter to their love, which contrasts hugely to the obstacles they are facing in their lives.

OST: 8.5/10
The soundtrack complements the story beautifully. It knows when to step forward emotionally and when to fade into the background, enhancing key moments without overpowering them.

Character Acting: 9/10
The performances are wonderfully natural. The leads, in particular, convey emotion through expressions and restraint, making their internal struggles and affection feel genuine. Honestly, it was all the small smiles, soulful gazes, and little touches between the leads that made me love them so much!

Production: 8.5/10
Clean visuals, cozy settings, and thoughtful cinematography. Nothing flashy, but everything feels intentional and well-polished.

Storyline: 8.5/10
Simple yet effective. The story focuses on emotional growth and connection rather than unnecessary complications, which keeps it engaging and easy to invest in. There is obviously a villainous plot to the story, but it's not over-the-top and is solved reasonably.

Overall Vibe: 9/10
Warm, comforting, and emotionally reassuring. This is the kind of drama that leaves you feeling calm rather than stressed, perfect for viewers who enjoy gentle storytelling. Despite some childhood trauma and loss of loved ones, they manage to move on quickly and heal with the help of each other.

🌸 Final Overall Rating: 8.8/10

Conclusion:
Love Between Lines is a drama that proves romance doesn’t need chaos to be compelling. Its strength lies in its softness, the quiet moments, the emotional sincerity, and the steady development of relationships that feel real and healthy. If you’re looking for a warm, character-driven romance that prioritizes emotional connection and leaves you with a peaceful smile, this drama is absolutely worth your time.

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Moon River Review: Plot Twists, Body Swaps & Epic Romance!

Today I finally finished Moon River, and honestly… this drama surprised me in the best way. From the very first episodes, I was completely sold on the leads paired together. Their chemistry felt emotional, soft, intense, and fated all at once. Add that to a storyline full of mystery, romance, and political intrigue, and I was hooked way more than I expected to be.

At its core, Moon River is a historical fantasy romance that blends palace politics, destiny, and a love story that literally refuses to be broken. The story follows Prince Yi Kang, a man shaped by loss and revenge, and Dal-i, a woman with a hidden past and a destiny far bigger than she realizes. Their lives become intertwined through secrets, conspiracies, and a supernatural connection that goes beyond logic or time.

As the plot unfolds, we get political power struggles, hidden identities, soul-swapping twists, and a slow-burn romance that steadily grows into something unshakable.

Yi Kang is the kind of male lead who starts off guarded and calculating, but slowly reveals a deeply loyal and emotional core. His journey from revenge-driven prince to someone willing to risk everything for love is one of the strongest parts of the drama.

Dal-i is quietly strong, compassionate, and resilient. She’s not loud or flashy, but her emotional endurance and moral clarity carry the story. Watching her grow into her identity while still holding onto her kindness was incredibly satisfying.

The supporting characters also stand out, especially Je-woon and Woo-hee, whose relationship adds both tension and heartbreak, and Han-chul, a villain whose tragic past makes him compelling without excusing his actions.

One of my biggest likes is the romance. This drama truly commits to the idea of love as a choice, not just destiny. Yi Kang and Dal-i consistently choose each other, even when it costs them safety, power, or peace.

I also loved the emotional storytelling. This show isn’t afraid to slow down and let moments breathe... whether it’s grief, longing, or quiet happiness. The fantasy elements, especially the body swap and fate symbolism, were surprisingly well-integrated and tied directly into the characters’ emotional arcs rather than feeling gimmicky.

That said, Moon River isn’t perfect. The plot does get dense, especially in the later episodes. If you’re not paying close attention, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by shifting alliances and revelations. The body swap mechanics, while meaningful, can be confusing at times, especially during high-stakes scenes. And pacing-wise, there are moments early on where the story feels slower than it needs to be, though in hindsight, a lot of that groundwork pays off later.

Overall, Moon River is a drama that rewards patience. If you enjoy emotionally rich romances, layered characters, and stories where love is tested again and again, this one is absolutely worth watching. It’s not just about palace politics or fantasy twists; it’s about choosing love, healing from the past, and finding hope even when everything feels stacked against you.

By the end, I wasn’t just satisfied... I was genuinely moved.

Romance 10 ⭐️
Acting 9 ⭐️
Production 9 ⭐️
Storyline 9 ⭐️
OST 8 ⭐️
Overall Vibe 9.5 ⭐️

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So worth the 45 episodes and I Didn't Fast Forward Once!

I wasn't expecting much when I started watching this, but I was pleasantly surprised by how much I truly enjoyed it.

Why it hits: Arranged marriage → mutual respect → full devotion
The ML went above and beyond when it came to the FL and it truly added to their chemistry together. However, despite him being a complete green flag to the FL, he did come up short when it came to his concubines. This led to so many drama plot lines, your head will spin. LOL!

Intimacy: Strong romantic build-up with tasteful bedroom scenes
The intimate level between these two was subtle, but sweet. I wouldn't call it a passionate romance at all, but more of a matured romance of two hearts that came to understand each other.

Ending: Sweet, emotional, fulfilling
Some viewers felt the ending was a bit thrown together, but I didn't mind it that much. Everyone was happy and that's all I was looking for at the end.

It's a long watch, however, I would definitely recommend investing the time!

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Solid Story and Pretty Good Acting....

This was a solid 7 in my opinion. It was just enough of a storyline to keep me interested.

My likes:

1. The ML was my favorite character in the story. He showed character growth as the drama progressed and I found him cute once he loosened up from his stoic personality at the beginning of the drama.

2. I personally like the story inside a story plot. It gave it a nice touch and almost like you were watching two different dramas within one.

My dislikes:

1. The FL was pretty and spunky, but her impulsiveness to constantly act on her own made me feel unnerved. However, I feel this was a problem with the writers and no fault of the actual actress.

2. The ending felt like it fell flat for me and didn't live up to my expectations. Despite, having a happy ending, I feel they could have given us a bit more closure when it came to the main couple. (However, this is just my personal preference.) 😉

Overall, it was nice, so give it a watch!

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A Heart-Stealing Swap That Actually Makes Sense!

If you are looking for a quick, bingeable watch that balances "freaky Friday" comedy with a surprisingly solid plot, Who Took My Heart Away is a hidden gem you shouldn't skip. iQIYI really delivered a "beautiful story" here that manages to feel complete despite the shorter episode lengths.

The chemistry between the leads, a covert agent and his "accidental" bride, is the driving force. Watching them navigate each other’s lives while trying to save a failing family bathhouse (yes, you read that right) is both hilarious and heartwarming.

The Ratings:

Romance: 8.5/10 – The "forced proximity" of the body swap creates a natural, sweet progression from bickering partners to a deeply bonded couple. Wang Lu Qing never fails to be one of my fave underrated actresses. She delivered on the kiss scenes with the ML 🥰

Acting: 8.0/10 – The leads do a great job of mimicking each other's mannerisms; it's convincing enough that you don't lose the immersion during the swap.

OST: 7.5/10 – While not as legendary as some big-budget xianxias, the music fits the lighthearted and "feel-good" vibe of the show perfectly.

Storyline: 7.0/10 – It can get "very confusing" with its late-game plot twists, but the fast pacing keeps you hooked until the final episode.

Overall Rating: 8.0/10 – A solid, high-quality "mini-drama" that delivers a happy ending and plenty of laughs.

Recommendation: If you liked this, watch...
A Familiar Stranger (2022)
If you enjoyed the body-swapping and identity-switching tropes in a historical setting, this is the gold standard. It’s also a short-form drama but features even more intense chemistry and a slightly more "grown-up" mystery.

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A Short-Drama Gem That Totally Surprised Me!

I’ll be honest: I went into Have A Crush On You with low expectations, but it turned out to be so much better than I anticipated! For a short-form C-drama, the production quality and chemistry were genuinely impressive. What really made it stand out was the pacing, the plot didn't drag for a second, and the episodes were just the right length (about 10-15 minutes each), keeping the story feeling fresh and super bingeable. If you're looking for a quick "contract marriage" fix with a kick-butt female lead, don't sleep on this one!

Romance: 8/10
The chemistry between Lin Yumeng and Ji Lingsu is the heart of the show. It starts with hilarious bickering, but evolves into some surprisingly sweet and passionate moments that felt earned despite the short runtime. (I secretly wished their were more kiss scenes)

Storyline: 8/10
It hits all the classic tropes... forced proximity, contract marriage, and a protective ML, but executes them well. I loved that the FL can actually fight her own battles, which kept the dynamic interesting and balanced.

Acting: 8/10
The leads did a great job making their connection feel real. They played off each other’s energy perfectly, making the transition from "fake" to "real" love very convincing.

OST: 7.5/10
The music was bubbly and matched the rom-com vibes perfectly. While it might not be a soundtrack I’d listen to on repeat, it definitely enhanced the cute and emotional scenes.

Overall Score: 8.5/10
This is the perfect "palate cleanser" drama. It’s fast-paced, high on the fluff, and proves that short-form dramas can deliver a complete and satisfying story without the filler!

If you are looking for another similar watch short c-drama, I recommend.....

Night of Love With You (2022)- This is a "meta" rom-com about a manga character who usually plays the "scheming second lead" but accidentally becomes the heroine of a new story.

Just Spoil You (2023)- A modern "reunited lovers" story about a manhua artist who returns to her home city with her son, only to run into her ex-boyfriend.

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Just Finished Love on the Turquoise Land (2025) and I’m Still Not Over It ?

If you’re into a mix of modern fantasy, mystery, action, and emotional chemistry, Love on the Turquoise Land is one of those 2025 treats that earned mega buzz right out of the gate. Centered on Nie Jiu Luo (played by Dilraba), a seemingly everyday sculptor with a lethal secret, and Yan Tuo (Chen Xingxu), a driven investigator with his own haunted past, the story pushes them from collision to partnership as they face supernatural threats and unravel ancient conspiracies, all while slowly falling for each other.

Episodes 1–7: Sparks, Suspicion, and First Battles
You meet Nie Jiuluo, a low-key sculptor with a secret supernatural side, and Yan Tuo, a determined, mysterious heir with a score to settle. They crash into each other dramatically (literally) and immediately clash, her wary, him suspicious. They’re forced into a shaky partnership when a dangerous Earth Fiend emerges from the shadows, and Yan Tuo’s curiosity about the “Mad Blade” legend starts pulling him deeper into her world.

Episodes 8–13: Traps, Mysteries, and Growing Trust
As the team chases clues about the Fiends and a shadowy organization, the emotional stakes begin to climb. There’s dangerous spying, tangled webs, and reveals about Hunter lore that make Yan Tuo realize Nie Jiuluo isn’t just some artist, she’s deeply connected to a secret war he never knew existed. They go from reluctant partners to actually watching each other’s backs and that shift is so fun to watch.

Episodes 14–19: Soft Spots and Emotional Threads
Here is where the heart starts to thrum a bit louder. We get flashes of past traumas, reasons behind their walls, and little moments that feel SO real, like awkward tension mixed with cautious tenderness. Even when they’re dodging serious danger or facing betrayal, there are these tiny moments of vulnerability that make you go aww, especially when someone finally says what they feel.

Episodes 20–27: Deep Conflict, Rescue Missions, and Truths
Now the plot fully cranks up the tension. The gang splits up, enemies get personal, traps get literal, and secrets about Yan Tuo’s past bleed into the present. There’s betrayal, heated confrontations, and moments that actually make you gasp. It’s not all doom: there’s teamwork, quirky side character moments, and that kind of levity that makes heavy scenes hit even harder.

Episodes 28–32: Finale Energy and Emotional Crescendo
In the final stretch the Hunters and our leads go all-in: through gates, through fog, into depths of mystery and danger. Battles get personal, emotional closures begin, and there’s this satisfying push-pull between fulfilling their duty and claiming their connection with each other. Even if there are still threads left dangling (as fans have chatted about), the ending feels powerful and earned.

Romance: 7/10
Sci-Fi/Fantasy: 7.5/10
Acting: 7/10
Production: 8.5/10
Storyline: 7/10
OST: 8/10
Overall Vibe: 8/10

All in all? Love on the Turquoise Land is a solid fan favorite in 2025, one of those dramas where the romance and supernatural stakes fuse in a way that keeps you invested episode after episode.

The story mostly balances action and emotion: there are intense life-and-death battles, surprising reveals about hidden worlds and ancient legacies, and quiet moments where the two leads confront their fears and open up to each other. A few pacing bumps and edits might make some plot threads feel uneven, but that slow burn also makes the tender scenes between the leads really pay off.

So, check it out and happy watching! ☺️

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Not super deep or dramatic, but that’s exactly what makes it so easy to enjoy!

I rewatched this recently ( May 3, 2025) and came back to edit my review... Sometimes you just want something light, flirty, and fun... this one totally delivers.

So the setup is classic K-drama gold: a famous actress (Yoon Yoo-jung) and a well-known doctor (Cha Woo-hyun) fake a relationship to shut down rumors… but surprise! Feelings start creeping in. Yes, it’s a fake dating trope and yes, it’s delightful.

What makes this one work is the chemistry between the leads. Yoo-jung is glamorous but not stuck-up, and you actually see her vulnerable side. Woo-hyun is charming, emotionally guarded, but not in a cold way, more like someone who’s just not used to letting people in. Watching them slowly break down each other’s walls is honestly the best part.

It’s not super fast-paced or full of crazy twists, it leans into the softer, more heart-eyes moments. Lots of little gestures, misread feelings, and that slow build-up of “oh no wait... I actually like you.” 🥲

My only dislikes:
I would have enjoyed this more if the leads would have had more chemistry together in the skin-ship department. The ML felt stiff and unsure whether to have skin-ship with the FL throughout the whole drama. On a scale of 1 to 10, the chemistry was a 6 for me.

Also, I feel like the whole revenge plot from the SFL droned on for far too long and this drama could have easily been summed up much sooner.

However, the FL was always lovely as I remembered from her acting days in Princess Hours & Coffee Prince. She did an excellent job at portraying her role! The side characters did a great job too and I particularly liked her brother. He was just adorable!

If you’re in the mood for something easygoing, romantic, and sweet without being too cheesy, Love Alert is a great pick. It’s the kind of drama you can relax with, root for the couple, and maybe even rewatch just for the comfort of it.

Overall, this is a solid 8 and I would say give it a watch!

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Not exactly Mind Blowing, But Still Watchable

This one was a bit of a coin toss for me. I stuck it out through the whole thing, and while it wasn’t terrible, it didn’t exactly blow me away either.

The storyline had potential, I’ll give it that. But wow, some of the characters’ decisions felt way over the top. Like… can we normalize having an actual conversation instead of silently suffering or dramatically walking away?

The FL, bless her, was just constantly pushed around and never really took control of her own story. I kept waiting for that strong moment and it just didn’t come. Even her final decision in the last episode was motivated by her Teacher.

And don’t get me started on the ML. His reactions made me cringe more than once. That whole “I know what’s best for you” routine? We’ve seen it too many times, and it’s getting tiring. A little nuance would’ve gone a long way.

All in all, it’s one of those “eh, why not” kind of shows. If you’re bored and want something to half-watch, sure. Just don’t go in expecting anything groundbreaking.

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A Peaceful Getaway When Life Has You Stressed ?

Okay, so if you’ve been feeling a little burnt out or just want something that’s calming but still meaningful, you have to watch Meet Yourself. Trust me, it’s not one of those flashy dramas, it’s the kind that gently pulls you in and makes you feel like you're taking a deep breath for the first time in weeks.

The story follows Xu Hongdou, this successful woman, who takes a break from city life, after her best friend passes away. She ends up in this small, quiet village and what was supposed to be just an escape turns into this whole journey of healing, friendship, and self-discovery.

What’s beautiful about this drama is that it’s not really about big plot twists or intense romance (though there is a lovely slow-burn relationship with the male lead, Xie Zhiyao, who is thoughtful and lowkey dreamy). It’s more about people, and life. Every character feels real, from the quirky villagers to the new friends Hongdou meets and each of them has their own little story that adds so much heart to the show.

The pacing is slower, but in a good way. It gives you time to breathe. You actually get to see the characters grow, reflect, and connect. It’s like one of those dramas that makes you want to journal, drink tea, and maybe rethink your entire life in the best possible way.

And oh my god... the village scenery? Absolutely stunning. It’s all lush mountains, quiet fields, cozy homestays, and warm meals.

If you want something soul-soothing, hopeful, and quietly beautiful, Meet Yourself is honestly the perfect pick. It’ll make you want to slow down, appreciate the little things, and maybe even take a solo trip to find your own peace. 😍

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A drama that sneaks up on you emotionally and then refuses to let go...

So the story sounds kind of simple at first: a top-tier actor (Mu Tingzhou) ends up working with this sweet, lowkey rookie actress (Ming Wei) in a historical drama where she plays a princess and things start getting complicated when he loses his memory and thinks their drama life was real. Yeah. He actually believes she’s his real princess.

But instead of getting weird or over-the-top, it’s handled in this really emotional, romantic way. It’s almost like watching a fairytale slowly bleed into real life and then real life starts hitting back.

What I loved about this one is how tender it is. Like yes, there’s chemistry and Mu Tingzhou is the kind of broody, emotionally constipated male lead that C-dramas do so well, but it’s also about healing, memory, and what it really means to love someone.

Ming Wei is honestly such a lovable lead. She’s grounded, kind, and just… real. You want good things to happen to her. And watching their dynamic evolve from “acting together” to “wait, are these feelings real?” is honestly addictive.

Also, the production is top-notch. The scenes from the drama-within-the-drama (the historical parts) are gorgeous. It’s like watching two stories unfold at the same time, one in an ancient palace and one in modern-day reality and both make your heart ache in the best way.

This is 100% for you if you’re into slow-burn romance, emotional depth, and a little sprinkle of fantasy. It’s not just fluff, it’ll actually make you feel things. So yeah, watch it!!!!

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Could have been great if the writers went a different direction with the story...

This drama had the same feel as Love O2O, where they were back and forth between the game universe and the real world. However, I feel the storyline fell flat for this drama and I found myself hitting the FF button quite a bit.

It had all the plus points to make this a good drama, including a decent cast, but it didn't hit the mark for me.

I won't give spoilers, but the ending was very lackluster and ticked me off to be honest. Also, the villainous character was written half-heartedly, and she was easily forgiven after stirring so much trouble up. It just didn't make sense to me.

I'm glad other's enjoyed it, but it was just so-so for me. So, I won't be recommending it, unless you have low expectations and just want to kill some time.

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