antiseraiffy

Good but the second half was unnecesary

TL;DR:
A heartfelt time-travel romance with strong emotional moments, good acting, and a compelling twist — but the second half drags with unnecessary plot padding. Still, it’s a memorable ride.

The drama begins with Im Sol, a girl in a wheelchair who lost her will to live after an accident left her disabled. One day, while listening to a radio talk show featuring a rising boy idol group, she unexpectedly gets through as a caller. The group’s leader, Ryu Sun-Jae, gives her heartfelt encouragement — a moment that becomes the spark she needs to find purpose again. From that moment on, she becomes his biggest fan.

Years later, Im Sol finally gets to meet Sun-Jae in person. But mere hours after their encounter, she’s devastated to hear the news of his sudden suicide. In a desperate attempt to see him at the hospital, she races there in her wheelchair, only to fall into a small river — along with the special watch she believes belonged to Sun-Jae. When she reaches for it, something strange happens: the watch “glitches,” and she wakes up in her high school years, in the past.

The rest of the story follows her attempt to change the past and save Sun-Jae from his fate. Along the way, she reconnects with her younger self, learns more about Sun-Jae’s life before fame, and discovers that he once loved swimming — until an injury ended his dreams. She tries to protect him, hoping that saving his passion might also save his life.

Then comes a major twist: Sun-Jae already knew Im Sol long before she knew him. Not only were they childhood neighbors, but he was the one who saved her during the accident that changed her life. While Im Sol always saw herself as just a fan, Sun-Jae had loved her first — quietly and selflessly.

Eventually, after failing to stop his death, Im Sol chooses a different path: she rewrites the past to avoid ever meeting Sun-Jae — believing that her presence is what led to his tragedy. But Sun-Jae, even in this new timeline, begins to recall memories from the previous one, leading them both to a bittersweet yet happy ending.

Strengths:
The core romance and emotional beats are genuinely strong. The chemistry between the leads works well, especially with Im Sol's arc from fangirl to someone who deeply cares, not out of obsession, but out of gratitude and respect. Sun-Jae, meanwhile, balances charm with emotional vulnerability — a highlight of the show. The soundtrack is fitting and adds to the emotional tone. The second male lead also stands out more than expected, delivering a solid, grounded performance.

Weaknesses:
Where the show falters is in its final stretch (episodes 10–12 and beyond). Instead of ending at a natural emotional high point, the drama adds an unnecessary murder-crime subplot involving a persistent stalker. This twist, while intended to raise stakes, ends up dragging the story and adding melodrama that didn’t need to be there. The emotional impact of Im Sol wanting to save her bias — not just as a fan, but because he saved her — was strong enough without tacking on a suspense thriller angle.

There’s also a gimmicky feel to how she avoids interacting with Sun-Jae during her second trip to the past. The emotional weight would’ve hit harder if the show had focused more on their connection rather than hiding behind misunderstandings and memory resets.

Read More

All style, little substance

TL;DR:
Visually stunning but emotionally hollow — Hierarchy sets up a juicy elite school revenge plot but fizzles out with weak payoffs, shallow romance, and forgettable characters.

The story kicks off with a dramatic moment: a student fleeing a party in fear, only to be hit by a car. That event sets the stage for a dark high school drama centered around Jooshin High School, a hyper-elite institution for Korea’s wealthiest and most powerful families. The school operates on an unforgiving social ladder — and if you’re not born rich, you’re barely even seen.

The main character is a scholarship student who enters this world with a hidden agenda: he’s investigating the death of his brother, who he believes was a victim of bullying and systemic cover-ups by the school’s elite. His mission is clear — expose the hierarchy, shake the system, and get revenge.

But along the way, things get complicated. He falls for Jung Jae-Yi, one of the elite girls — who also happens to be the girlfriend of the boy he believes is responsible for his brother’s death. To make things messier, Jae-Yi and her boyfriend actually did love each other, and their breakup happens over a flimsy, unconvincing reason. Even when she starts to develop feelings for the main lead, the shift feels rushed and emotionally shallow. Her romantic arc ends up feeling wishy-washy, which weakens the impact of both the romance and the revenge plot.

Despite the show’s attempts to explore class division, guilt, and justice, most of the characters feel more like pieces in a melodramatic chessboard than real people. The emotional core — especially around the love triangle and the main character’s grief — never quite hits the depth it promises.

That said, the production value is top-notch. From the luxurious sets and polished cinematography to the elite fashion and moody lighting, the drama looks incredible. It gives off serious “expensive Netflix drama” vibes. The heroine is visually striking and carries a strong presence, even if her character is inconsistently written.

Acting-wise, performances are okay but not particularly standout. Most actors deliver their lines competently, but there's a lack of nuance, especially when it comes to conveying emotional tension or trauma.

Hierarchy is the kind of drama that looks like it has something to say, but doesn’t commit to any of its themes. What starts as a promising revenge plot tangled with class politics becomes a muddled romance with unconvincing turns and a disappointing resolution. It’s worth a watch if you’re drawn to dramas set in elite schools with dark undertones — just don’t expect much substance beyond the aesthetics.

Read More

Surprised to find a crisp interpretation that make it stand on itself

I had pretty low expectations—remakes seldom live up to their originals, and I was bracing for an impersonation of Marry My Husband starring Park Min‑young. But after seeing Fuka Koshiba (as Misa) in a few feel‑good dramas, I wondered how she would handle the more cold‑blooded FML role. Incredibly, the writers leaned into her natural brightness and warmth instead of molding her into a terse avenger, and it works beautifully. The show skips the dramatic showdowns that the Korean version leaned on and instead delivers its revenge arc more subtly and tightly, all within just 10 episodes—about two‑thirds the length of the original—for efficient pacing that avoids padding.
Storywise, it follows the same time‑travel/revenge premise, but the boyfriend is sleazy here, not really making you hate him like how it is in the korean version, and the best friend is more cunning, adding layers that feel sharper in Japanese context. Misa’s transformation is well-balanced: now she plots with more emotional nuance rather than cold cruelty, which suits Koshiba’s strengths in soft transitions and hidden grit.
Acting across the board is solid, but Koshiba and Satoh’s chemistry truly surprised me—they build tension through looks and understated moments instead of shouting, making their dynamic more grounded than the emotionally magnified original pairing. I think that Koshiba “steals the show … winning praise for her natural acting and emotional depth, even surpassing Park Min‑young”, making Misa felt more relatable and self‑aware rather than perpetually hurt.
Music in the drama isn’t flashy—nothing memorable stuck with me after the episodes—but it serves the mood: supportive, understated, occasionally sweeping during emotional beats.
I found the show surprisingly rewatchable. In ten tight episodes I kept catching little character beats or the intentional foreshadowing and cultural touches (Japanese office norms, tea‑room moments) that reward a second viewing.

Read More

A very interesting drama that start as slice of life

TL;DR
You Are My Glory is a modern, low-conflict slow-burn romance that feels both refreshing and emotionally grounded. The ML’s insecurities and the FL’s maturity create a realistic, respectful relationship. While the early episodes may drag with tech-heavy scenes, the payoff—strong chemistry, heartfelt growth, and meaningful romantic moments—is worth it for viewers who value substance over sensational drama.

I was genuinely impressed—this drama delivers more than expected. It expertly uses a slice‑of‑life vibe with a gaming core, building slowly toward romance without rushed drama. The female lead (FL) isn’t portrayed as ditzy; she’s accomplished, respectful, and genuinely crushes on the male lead (ML) long before they reunite. Their reconnection is realistic and understated—no forced drama or contrived obstacles. I love how she supports him while honoring his decisions, even when she disagrees, and she shows real depth—she genuinely breaks when they argue for the first time. The ML, though a genius and seemingly perfect, wrestles with insecurities: modest earnings, feeling overshadowed by a nationally famous FL, and his own pride. And when he finally confesses his feelings, the FL doesn’t simply swoon—she tests him and needs sincerity. It avoids cliché and shows emotional maturity

Yang Yang and Dilraba have excellent on-screen chemistry—natural, witty, and warm. Their performances elevate the drama; they are believable, respectful, and emotionally resonant, with strong comedic and tender beats.

The first half leans heavily into slice of life—gaming montages, aerospace work scenes, experiment setups, etc. While they build context, many viewers (and myself) find these sequences slow or redundant . I’d trim the aerospace subplot to a few key scenes that reveal his character. That said, once the romance kicks in (around episode 21), the pace smooths and becomes more engaging

Production values and visuals are solid—clean cinematography and pleasant bokeh. But the soundtrack doesn’t stand out or linger emotionally.

It’s not heavy on rewatch appeal due to its length (32 episodes, ~30–40 min each) and some filler content. However, fans of fluffy, mature romance often find it worth revisiting—the chemistry and sweet moments remain charming .

Read More

Not "revenge" enough. A Promising Revenge Drama That Fizzles Too Soon

TL;DR
Aijin Tensei starts strong with a unique concept and dark revenge theme, but it ultimately pulls its punches. The lead actress gives a solid performance, but the shallow execution, rushed pacing, and underdeveloped side characters keep it from reaching its full potential. It’s a drama that teases greatness but leaves you wanting more—and not in a good way.

This series hooked me instantly with its intriguing premise—revenge wrapped in a supernatural body-swap twist. The setup was full of potential: a betrayed woman returns in another’s body to exact revenge on her unfaithful husband and those who wronged her. Unfortunately, despite such a gripping concept, the execution feels undercooked. The show never leans hard enough into the revenge theme, leaving emotional payoffs and plot twists feeling lukewarm. The pacing suffers from its short length (8 episodes), which leaves many threads unexplored and the ending feeling rushed and unsatisfying. It wanted to be intense but held back when it mattered most.

The acting is decent overall, but the drama is completely carried by the female lead, whose performance is compelling and layered. The rest of the cast feels more like background players—either due to minimal screen time or lack of development. This imbalance makes the show feel somewhat flat when the lead isn’t on screen.

The soundtrack is serviceable but doesn’t stand out. It supports the tone but lacks any memorable theme that sticks with you after the credits roll. Production-wise, it's polished enough, with a dark, dramatic atmosphere that fits the revenge genre, but it doesn’t elevate the story.

While the premise is unique, the lack of payoff and depth makes it hard to revisit. The drama feels like a missed opportunity, and unless you’re a die-hard fan of supernatural revenge stories, there’s little reason to rewatch it.

Read More

Toxic Matrimony Without Consequence

The story was terrible. Noburu is practically perfect: he works from home, handles all household tasks, and while he silently mourns a past love, he never confronts his wife. Aiko, meanwhile, is a serial cheater who flaunts her affairs—posting Noburu’s homemade bento as her own cooking, bragging about gifts, calling Noburu her “boyfriend”—yet suffers no real fallout. The emotional impact never lands, and the finale offers zero justice or closure. Aiko moves on effortlessly, the lover continues cheating, and Noburu’s grief fades without resolution. There's no sense of justice, no deep catharsis—just melodrama.

Acting didn’t save the show. Noburu is likable but overly passive, and Aiko’s narcissist traits feel flat rather than complex. The supporting cast never elevates the material—they just wear the script.

The music was nonexistent for you—and deservedly so. The soundtrack is forgettable, ineffective at punctuating emotion or building tension.

Absolutely no rewatch value. With one-dimensional characters, predictable arcs, and no redemption or payoff, you'd never choose to revisit this.

Read More

Breaking Stereotypes with a Smile: E-sports Meets Romance

TL;DR
A light yet engaging drama that puts e-sports in the spotlight, with a romance that blooms on the sidelines. While not very deep or heavy on conflict, it's a charming and feel-good series with solid performances and good pacing.

Falling Into Your Smile brings a refreshing angle by placing the world of professional e-sports at the forefront rather than making romance the sole focus. Set in 2017, the show follows a fresh graduate and avid gamer who becomes the first female pro player in a male-dominated scene. The series explores her journey from a passionate amateur to a true team player, navigating industry challenges, online toxicity, and gender bias—especially from older generations who don’t view gaming as a real career.

While there are multiple conflicts (family pressure, fan backlash, ex-boyfriend drama), most are resolved quickly—usually within one or two episodes. This makes the show feel more like a slice-of-life drama, highlighting small, day-to-day moments rather than deep arcs. That said, it maintains a light, upbeat tone throughout, which works well for casual viewing.

The acting is solid overall. The female lead delivers a bubbly, cute performance, though sometimes a deadpan acting while the male lead plays the classic cool tsundere type with great effect. Their chemistry really picks up in the last third of the series, with some surprisingly bold moments (like an on-camera kiss!) that are fun and satisfying to watch. The supporting cast adds humor and warmth, especially the teammates who have their own mini arcs and comedic timing.

One of the most interesting layers of this drama is how it portrays the e-sports culture, including how fans treat players like celebrities. It touches on toxic fandoms, online harassment, and the pressure on players’ personal lives—all of which mirror real-world issues. While not every detail feels 100% realistic, it gives a decent glimpse into the professional gaming scene and its growing pains.

The soundtrack isn’t particularly memorable. It serves its purpose but doesn’t leave a lasting impression.

Definitely rewatchable for fans of light-hearted romance and gaming-themed stories. The pacing is smooth, there’s minimal drama fatigue, and the characters are fun to revisit.

Read More

A Feel-Good Campus Romance That’s Easy on the Heart

TL;DR
Put Your Head on My Shoulder is an easy-to-love college romance that offers just the right mix of humor, charm, and warm fuzzy feelings. If you’re looking for a drama with high emotional stakes, this isn’t it—but if you want something wholesome and comforting with an adorably awkward romance, it hits the sweet spot.

This drama doesn’t break new ground, but it executes its youthful romance story very well. It follows Si Tu Mo, a cheerful and hardworking university girl, who—thanks to a twist of fate—ends up living in a house that happens to be shared with Gu Wei Yi, a quiet and brilliant physics student. What begins as an awkward living situation slowly blossoms into a warm and sweet romance, told with just the right blend of humor and everyday charm. There are no dramatic twists or emotional meltdowns—just a comforting progression of young love, misunderstandings, growth, and eventual marriage. The 24-episode run keeps the tone consistent and light-hearted throughout, making it an enjoyable slice-of-life experience.

Both the female lead (Xing Fei as Si Tu Mo) and male lead (Lin Yi as Gu Wei Yi) give solid performances. Their chemistry is natural, charming, and fits the drama’s cozy vibe. Si Tu Mo’s bubbly personality plays off well against Gu Wei Yi’s quiet genius persona, creating plenty of cute and comedic moments. The acting supports the tone of the show—nothing too deep or heavy, but always pleasant to watch.

The soundtrack and background scores are serviceable but unmemorable. They complement the scenes well enough but don’t stand out or leave a lasting impression. The production is clean and soft, consistent with its genre, with cozy indoor settings and warm campus visuals that match the tone.

If you're a fan of feel-good, low-conflict romances, this is definitely rewatchable. It doesn’t demand a lot emotionally, which makes it a comforting watch if you're in the mood for something sweet, calm, and light. Months after finishing it, the thought of revisiting it still feels appealing—and that's a good sign.

Read More

A Steamy Midnight Romance with Lighthearted Chemistry

TL;DR
Seal My Lips With a Kiss delivers exactly what its title promises: steamy, late-night romance with enough chemistry to keep things engaging. If you're looking for emotional depth or a substantial storyline, this isn't it. But for a breezy, playful wind-down show rich in intimacy, it's a satisfying pick.

Seal My Lips With a Kiss follows office junior Kaede, who’s had a crush on her IT senior, Shioya. After a transfer to sales—triggered by workplace teasing—Kaede must navigate both professional challenges and her growing feelings. While the show explores why she was treated unfairly and how she ends up with Shioya, the storyline remains light and lacks deep emotional impact. There are no major heartfelt or surprising moments—its focus is firmly on delivering an intimate, late-night romance rather than a layered narrative .

Ayaka Konno carries the series, delivering a warm and relatable performance as Kaede. Ryusei Fujii as Shioya complements her with cool yet considerate energy. Their on-screen chemistry stands out—intimate scenes feel natural and convey a playful, romantic flair. The dynamic between the male leads also works: the second male lead adds grounding warmth, contrasting well with Shioya's reserved demeanor

Produced for a midnight Japanese timeslot, the production values are serviceable but not remarkable. The soundtrack does its job but offers no standout themes or memorable tunes. Visually, the show is crisp and clean, fitting the genre’s needs without going above and beyond .

With just 10 half-hour episodes, the series is a quick watch. However, it's not deep enough to encourage multiple viewings—unless you're drawn to the steamy romance. In that case, the chemistry and intimate closet scene alone might warrant revisits, but story-driven replays are unlikely.

Read More

A fun watch and this is comedy first, romance later

TL;DR:
A hilarious and oddly inspiring fitness com-rom (since this is comedy first, with hint of romance) that leans into absurd comedy before bringing out the romance. Come for the laughs, stay for the glow-up — both physical and emotional.

24-Hour Health Club is a solid comedy-first, romance-later kind of drama. It tells the story of Do Hyun-Joong, a ridiculously successful international bodybuilder who ends up running a dingy basement gym called 24-Hour Hell's Club (a wordplay on “Health Club”), and Lee Mi-Ran, an overweight woman who gets dumped and accidentally stumbles into the gym — and his life.

The series kicks off when Mi-Ran, heartbroken after a breakup, tries to relieve her stress by going to a club — only to end up at 24-Hour Hell's Club instead. Waking up sore and confused, she’s greeted by Hyun-Joong, who has a strange talent: he can read people’s lifestyle and health history just by looking at their bodies. After some persuasion (and comedy), she signs up for a 5 million won training package to lose weight before attending her friend’s wedding — where her ex will be.

From there, the show takes us on a wild and exaggerated ride full of workouts, strict dieting, protein obsession, and Mi-Ran’s chaotic lifestyle slowly being reshaped. But what’s refreshing is how the show, while not leaning into the current wave of body positivity rhetoric, still avoids shaming or mocking. It plays things for laughs, but Mi-Ran’s journey isn’t just about appearances — and that’s where it really lands.

Originally working out purely to look good and show off, Mi-Ran gradually learns to enjoy fitness for herself — especially for the health benefits and how it makes her feel. And interestingly, by the end of the show, she flips the dynamic: the ultra-disciplined Hyun-Joong also learns from her that life doesn’t have to be 100% protein powder and chicken breast. She ropes him into small acts of rebellion — delaying protein intake, sneaking in tteokbokki nights — showing that “cheating” now and then isn’t failure, it’s balance, and they can sweat it out later by working out.

One standout element: the actress gained 9 kg for this role, and fans of K-ent might be surprised to find out she’s a former idol. Her performance is funny, endearing, and grounded, capturing Mi-Ran’s vulnerability and growing confidence.

The acting overall leans into exaggeration, but given the show’s tone, it works. It’s not a serious melodrama; it’s a feel-good, over-the-top comedy with just enough emotional weight to keep you invested.

The music is honestly the weakest point — passable, but forgettable. It doesn’t elevate the scenes much or linger in your memory.

Rewatch value is above average. With only 12 episodes, each filled with laughs and lighthearted moments, it’s a great show to revisit when you need something fun and uplifting.

Read More

Solid, but without 2nd Season confirmation, hoping for ending

TL;DR:
A faithful live-action adaptation of the manga that captures the heart of the original, though not without its compromises. Solid performances and great cosplay costumes, but the romantic payoff feels held back — and sadly, no satisfying ending.

The live-action My Dress-Up Darling stays remarkably loyal to the original manga/anime. If you’re already a fan of the source material, you’ll feel right at home here — though you may also find yourself wishing it had taken a few more liberties to deliver a more satisfying standalone conclusion.

The story follows Gojo Wakana, a quiet and awkward high school boy who lives with his grandfather and is passionate about making traditional Japanese hina dolls. Gojo’s hobby isolates him socially — that is, until he meets Kitagawa Marin, a vibrant and confident gyaru who turns out to be a passionate otaku with dreams of cosplaying. Their worlds collide when Marin finds Gojo using a school sewing machine and ropes him into helping her bring her cosplay dreams to life.

Casting & Performance
The female lead got some flak for not resembling the manga Marin closely enough — a tough ask considering how stylized the original design is. There are cosplayers who look the part more, but acting is a whole other skillset. Honestly, she does a decent job. In some angles she may look a bit too mature to convincingly play a high schooler, but in many scenes she captures Marin’s vibrant, unapologetic energy quite well.

The male lead had less of a challenge, as Gojo is supposed to be stoic, hardworking, and awkwardly honest with a hint of hidden perviness. The performance is solid overall, though the more comedic/pervy elements of his personality are noticeably toned down — whether that’s an actor choice or directorial decision is unclear, but it does dull some of Gojo’s original awkward charm.

Production & Direction
The costuming is faithful and well-done, especially for Marin’s early cosplay looks. That said, the final crossdressing cosplay wasn’t very convincing and felt like a miss in terms of visual impact.

Pacing-wise, the show moves at a steady clip, covering the major beats of the manga. But it suffers from playing things too safe. The romance builds up nicely, but just like in the manga/anime, there’s no real payoff — no kiss, no confession, not even a dream sequence to throw fans a bone. That may change in a second season, but as a self-contained experience, it feels a bit emotionally unresolved.

Pros:
Faithful to the source material
Marin’s character energy is mostly captured well
Strong production design and cosplay accuracy
Heartfelt themes about self-acceptance and passion

Cons:
No romantic closure — not even a tease
Female lead sometimes looks a bit too mature for the role
Perverted comedy toned down — may feel less lively than the original
Could’ve benefited from deviating slightly to fit live-action pacing better

Final Thoughts:
The My Dress-Up Darling live-action drama isn’t groundbreaking, but it delivers what fans came for: a sweet, slightly awkward, and colorful story of two teens bonding over cosplay and self-expression. While it doesn’t quite reach the spark of the anime or manga — and really could’ve used some romantic payoff — it’s still a fun and easy watch. Let’s just hope the second season gives us the romance we deserve.

Read More

TL;DR:
Don’t expect deep storytelling — expect a fast-paced, over-the-top male power fantasy with pretty girls, wild plot jumps, and a system cheat code necklace. It knows what it is, and leans all the way in.

Success Rate is exactly what you think it is — and honestly, that’s part of the charm. It’s a male wish-fulfillment fantasy through and through. The story follows a guy working at a shop who gets unfairly dumped after his probation period. Just as things go south, a jade necklace gives him a “system” ability that lets him see the success rate of anything he thinks of. Naturally, he starts using it to identify hidden treasures among antiques, and this kicks off his rise to power.

In Season 1 alone, he’s already surrounded by three beautiful heroines (though that’s less than the original manhua — the show merged and swapped some female characters). Don’t expect anything too logical or grounded — we go from shop clerk to rich system user to uncovering a secret organization dealing in ultra-realistic fake antiques. It’s ridiculous, but in a fun way.

Episodes are super short — under 15 minutes — so this isn’t a story-driven drama; it’s a bite-sized, fast-paced, power-creeping rollercoaster. It knows its audience and doesn't waste time. If you’re here for solid writing or meaningful arcs, look elsewhere. But if you enjoy watching an OP protagonist steamroll obstacles while being surrounded by beautiful women, this is a fun watch — even rewatchable in its own chaotic way.

Pros:
Fast pacing and easy to binge
Classic OP system-user setup
Eye candy and flashy moments
Great for killing time or casual watching

Cons:
Shallow plot and rapid tone shifts
Female characters feel more like archetypes
Logic takes a backseat early on

Final Thoughts:
Success Rate is the kind of series that doesn’t pretend to be anything more than a flashy, male fantasy drama. It’s brain-off entertainment, and sometimes, that’s exactly what hits the spot.

Read More

Infuriating watch

What If is a drama that, unfortunately, managed to frustrate me with both its main leads. While the concept of a parallel timeline where Xia Guo navigates two different lives—one in Leshan with her boyfriend and the other in Shanghai to advance her career—was intriguing, the execution left much to be desired.

The Leshan timeline, in particular, was a major letdown. It felt like Xia Guo didn’t experience any meaningful growth. At the start, she’s passive and constantly at the mercy of the male lead’s indecision, and by the end, she’s still the same—nothing changes. Speaking of the male lead, his character was even worse. The show does a lot off-screen to "help" him (like how he prepared the surprise in the final episode), but his on-screen presence is just a string of wishy-washy decisions. One moment, he’s fully on board with something, and the next, he’s questioning it again. This back-and-forth gets tiring quickly, especially when his character lacks depth or development.

In contrast, the Shanghai timeline was much more interesting. Xia Guo starts off as a small-town girl trying to make her way in a big city, unburdened by societal norms and office politics. As she grows and matures, she becomes more independent, and her development felt more genuine. Her relationship with the second male lead, her boss's rival, was also much more compelling. While he wasn’t perfect, he at least seemed more mature and self-aware compared to the first male lead, which made their dynamic more enjoyable to watch.

What bothered me the most, though, was the mismatch between Xia Guo and the first male lead. They are supposed to be in their early twenties, yet the male lead's behavior felt more like that of a high schooler—constantly wavering and making dumb decisions. It made the whole thing feel more like a frustrating teenage drama than a story about adults figuring out their lives. By the time I finished all 20 episodes, it felt more like a chore than an enjoyable experience.

Now, a lot of people might say this show is "realistic," but honestly, that’s not what I watch dramas for. There's already enough "realism" in my own life, and TV shows are, for me, an escape. I want stories that give me a sense of something bigger, something to look forward to. But What If didn’t deliver that. The show gives us a "realistic" ending, but it doesn’t offer any kind of real substance. The final happy ending feels hollow, like it doesn't mean anything in the grand scheme of things. I would have much preferred a true "cold truth" ending—something more raw and real, or at least a conclusion that doesn’t feel forced or empty.

And then there’s the ending of the Leshan timeline. It’s meant to be this big, fulfilling moment where Xia Guo finally gets the wedding she’s always dreamed of—something she never had with the first male lead when they initially married. But here’s the kicker: the wedding is kept a secret for months, and when Xia Guo is about to call him out for cheating, it suddenly happens. It feels forced, like a desperate attempt to make up for all the past disappointments. And then, to top it off, the "lover" (who’s been pining for the first male lead the whole time) ends up with his friend. We never see them together, and it’s just this weird, unresolved subplot. Did the first male lead really change, or was this just another of his “one-moment” gestures to make Xia Guo happy, only to disappoint her later? I honestly can’t tell, but it certainly doesn’t feel earned.

The acting was decent, nothing outstanding but above average. The OST didn’t leave much of an impression either—few tracks and none of them stood out.

Overall, What If was a missed opportunity. The premise had potential, but the lack of character growth, coupled with the frustrating dynamics between the leads, made it hard to fully enjoy. It’s a drama that tries to be “realistic” but forgets that entertainment doesn’t always need to mirror reality. Definitely won’t be rewatching this one.

Read More

Wasteful series

What a wasted opportunity. The pacing of Doka, Watashi Yori Fuko de Ite Kudasai was horrendous, making it difficult to stay engaged throughout the series. There were numerous time skips, some spanning years, but the characters’ appearances barely changed—like, how can you jump several years without acknowledging the aging process? It felt like a cheap shortcut to fast-forward the plot.

The storyline revolving around the sisters was especially frustrating. The older sister, who’s supposedly out for revenge, ends up half-heartedly carrying it out. She quickly forgives her younger sister at the end, despite the years of torment she endured in her first marriage because of her sibling. Let’s not forget the fact that the younger sister was directly responsible for the accident that caused her older sister’s miscarriage. She’s a huge catalyst for the pain in her sister’s life, yet she faces no real consequences.

The show tries to push this narrative of the older sister changing and growing by the end, but it feels superficial—nothing really changes for her. The younger sister gets exactly what she wanted, with no repercussions for her actions. It's as if all her manipulation and cruelty are brushed aside, which is honestly infuriating.

What I was hoping for, and what the show could have delivered, was a proper revenge drama. The older sister should have fought back, and the younger sister should have faced the consequences of her wicked actions. The younger sister’s behavior isn’t just petty jealousy—it's borderline criminal. She seduces her older sister's first husband, ruins her next potential relationship, causes her miscarriage, and actively sabotages her life. If that’s not evil, I don’t know what is. Watching her get away with all of it left a bad taste in my mouth.

In short, this drama had the potential for something much more gripping, but it squandered that with lackluster pacing, weak character development, and an unsatisfying resolution. I would have preferred a darker, more satisfying take on the story where the villain actually got what they deserved.

Read More

Feel good drama

My first ever review.
This drama is definitely targeted toward mature audiences, or seinen if you prefer.
While the story itself is so so, the focus of each episodes is definitely the food. They do looks good!
The story is in my assumption something more close to japanese, about omiai then marriage. About a closed man with awkward aloof woman trying to be a married couple.
The cast is okay, nothing crazy. I quite annoyed by the male lead, especially when he's being excited about cooking, the way he talked is just annoying for me. I think it's not about the actor himself, since there's moments where he's not acting like that toward the end of the series, where he's more natural, and his acting pretty good. Maybe it's just what the director wanted him to do. The female lead was okay also, she's pretty. Though with her character being aloof, there's hard to really judge, as she's not acting exaggerated like when the male lead excited about cooking, she's mostly natural, though I can't really say she's good or bad.
The music is pretty good, nothing crazy.
While it's good series to watch, especially if you're just looking for another thing to watch, I don't think I'll rewatch this, as there's not any points that really compelled me to rewatch.

Read More