
A Promising Start, But Fizzles Midway: Mixed Feelings About the Film
I found the film quite enjoyable, and I really liked the actors individually. The beginning was great—dynamic, funny, full of energy! But towards the middle, I feel like the chemistry was lost a bit, things became colder, and the main couple's storyline kind of fell flat. However, the ending managed to save things a bit, which was nice.
A Calm and Beautiful Drama with Flaws
I'm currently watching episode 20. This drama is calm and relaxing, with a Zen atmosphere surrounded by traditional medicine.The main idea of the drama: taking care of yourself—your heart, your mind, your nutrition, and living at a slow pace… The rest, concerning the psychology of the characters and their actions, doesn’t feel complete or deep.
The drama is perfect for Lin He’s fans, who can enjoy his radiant smile and his prince-like image, as he takes care of his beloved with great patience and ultimately wins her over—let’s be honest—with quite a bit of determination (he’s not as naive as he might seem, our prince :)).
The female lead doesn’t have any particularly outstanding traits in her character. Sometimes, I wonder—what exactly attracts the doctor to her? I don’t understand or relate to her actions, even though the entire series revolves around her character. I don’t see any real drama in her life, as they try to portray. I just can’t believe in this "drama." She has a loving and supportive family, perfect friends, and a job she enjoys. I also don’t see much need for her to study abroad if it’s just for prestige ?
She is very beautiful and visually appealing as a couple with Lin He.
Her ex is portrayed in a very one-dimensional way to convince us that he is the villain of the story. As a character, he lacks depth and influences the plot in a childish way.
The second couple is very pleasant and charming, although at times, I feel like the female friend is too intrusive in her role. She solves all problems and takes the initiative without consulting her…
The supporting roles, in my opinion, are ok.
As for Lin He, there’s nothing to criticize—he does his job wonderfully, although his world is entirely confined to medicine. We never hear him talk about anything other than his herbs or treatments (this is a weakness in character writing: for me, he comes across as a very sweet but somewhat dull person). We’ll see later…
The script is based on endless recipes and plant names… without any remarkable dialogues (except for one or two amusing lines from Lin He). It contains a lot of text messages, which create a static and non-artistic rhythm.
For me, the series ended at episode 18. What are they going to show that’s interesting after that? If it’s not 8 episodes of feel good vibes but flat and linear.
This drama is mainly aimed at Lin He’s fans (to be honest, he is the only reason I’m still watching).
The music is pleasant and atmospheric, using piano, cello, and other instruments, but it lacks memorable themes or originality—it’s a copy that works.
The cinematography is visually appealing: colors, camera angles, looks…
In general, I’ve pointed out both the positives and negatives of this drama. It all depends on your personal perception!

how ideological constraints can limit narrative freedom
This movie is still one of the best in K-Ddramas: you can see that they really pulled out all the stops with the budget, visuals, top-tier casting, one of the best hit screenwriters, top directors, and beautiful music.The movie is truly well done, and you watch it until the end. All the characters are well developed. I really like the two lead actors, as well as the supporting ones. As with most sci-fi films, it's hard to write something that is 100% coherent, so there are many plot holes... but maybe it's all about just one message: that you have to live, love, and enjoy every day, not think about the future, and live in the present? Committing to love for a day equals loving for eternity.
It's nice, it's romantic, but I wonder, as someone who's not Korean, if I still see propaganda in certain ideologies, which I think harms the artistic side of the work, especially regarding the plot. Why is it that in Korean dramas, characters often don't want to have children? Like getting pregnant, for example? The propaganda mostly focuses on work, personal comfort without making compromises (I think love requires a little effort, and a balance or equilibrium is good), and there's also a patriotic element about not leaving the country. ’m writing this because I see it systematically in many dramas. It’s great to incorporate a message into the storyline, but changing the narrative just to push an agenda is unacceptable for me.
[spoiler] At the end of the story, the female character could have logically married the male lead as proof of their commitment. She could have visited her father and friends on weekends, like an adult managing her life, right? But the writer avoids taking risks. It feels like they don’t want to show her choosing a more personal life, because it would suggest she prefers a life of luxury, a "king," over her country and the republic it represents. She avoids leaving her country or job, which aligns with this patriotic message— [END SPOILER] working for the state and doing the hard jobs no one else can do. This pattern is seen in other works by the same writer, like Descendants of the Sun, or other k-dramas, such as Crash Landing on You. In both cases, the stories fall into similar traps, forcing the characters to stay within these ideological confines, which ultimately weakens the plot.
This critique highlights how ideological constraints can limit narrative freedom, making storylines feel forced or unrealistic.
Another issue with this drama is the excessive product placement; entire scenes revolve around showcasing products rather than advancing the plot. I get that they need to finance the stars, but it's a bit much, isn’t it?
Lee Min Ho has crazy charisma, Kim Go EUN she act really well ! and the others are perfect too ( Kim Kyung, Do Hwan, Young Ok,

The First Frost made me cry, dream… and rant !!!
To be honest, this is one of the most beautiful Chinese dramas I’ve ever watched. You get completely immersed in the story — it’s touching, with so many emotionally moving moments that really got to me. I binged it all in one go. It’s romantic and full of hope. The male lead is simply outstanding — very promising, with a natural acting style, and what’s especially refreshing is that he doesn’t have that "celebrity ego" that you often see in other Chinese actors. The actress is beautifulNow, about the plot and storytelling: just like Hidden Love, I really enjoyed this drama. You can instantly feel it’s from the same author — with all their strengths and weaknesses. This story has more dark elements, and I love that (since The First Frost is actually part of the same book series as Hidden Love — it’s a prequel). But honestly, it's better not to know that going in, because it can interfere with how you experience The First Frost.
As in Hidden Love, there were also things that emotionally bothered me here. I absolutely love the male lead’s unconditional love, but again, there’s a clear imbalance — the female lead doesn’t show the same level of emotional commitment. Everything the boy did in his life somehow revolved around her… but what has she done for him? Not even a proper “I love you.” Yes, I get it — trauma, emotional wounds… but in that case, the story should’ve leaned more toward a dramatic tone.
I would’ve emphasized this emotional imbalance if the drama had been tonally dramatic. But here, everything remains soft and romantic, and that imbalance is treated like it’s normal — as if it’s supposed to be that way.
Please don’t tell me this coldness is a cultural thing — it gets in the way of true emotional resonance. I wish there had been at least one small gesture, a little sacrifice from her side, or some sharp, heartfelt dialogue. (By the way, the dialogues often felt childish — for example, in episode 27, this was sorely lacking, especially if we’re supposed to treat this as a “literary” work.)
I really liked the second couple. As for the male lead — he’s completely different from his character in Hidden Love. Maybe a slightly “bad boy” persona like the one in Hidden Love would’ve fit better here, given the context. That said, I have nothing against the actor — he’s amazing, very expressive, and makes the character feel soft, sensitive, stylish, and so on. They made a casting that is very very close to Lusi and Chen Zheyuan instead of differentiating
And one more thing — sometimes I couldn’t tell if certain scenes or actions were unnecessary because of how the story was written, or just because they had to stretch it out to 32 episodes.
Ahhh… if only this same story had been told in just 8 episodes — it could’ve been a masterpiece.

A Well-Directed but making you want to rewrite the script and send it back for reshoots
When the Stars Gossip is an ambitious series that showcases tremendous effort from the production team and a desire for innovation, steering away from clichés to appeal to an international audience. However, despite these efforts, the series ultimately fails on a large scale.Why did it fail?
The series undeniably has many strong aspects and aimed for a grand scope, but it suffers from a major issue: a lack of clarity in its narrative purpose. It’s difficult to pinpoint exactly what When the Stars Gossip is trying to convey.
The story follows a romance between an astronaut and a gynecologist, but it also attempts to explore multiple other themes—without successfully tying them together. From the beginning, the series places itself in competition with top-tier dramas, raising expectations significantly.
Strong Performances but No Chemistry
The cast delivers impressive performances. Lee Min Ho surprises in a role that breaks away from his usual stereotype of the charming, wealthy romantic lead. He likely took on this risky project to challenge himself. Meanwhile, Gong Hyo Jin delivers a professional, natural performance that fits her character perfectly.
However, the couple lacks chemistry. Their relationship feels more like that of a married couple of 30 years rather than a fresh and passionate love story. This absence of spark makes it difficult for viewers to connect emotionally. he cool astronaut trio, which worked well and could have been truly endearing, faded away after episode 8. The Chaebol father, who played his role so well that I even started to 'like' him, had a satirical side that could have been even more striking and humorous.
An Internationally-Oriented Soundtrack
One of the strongest aspects of the series is its soundtrack. Featuring a strategic selection ranging from Hallyu pop-rock to hip-hop and classical music, the OST is clearly designed to appeal to a global audience.
A Well-Directed but Poorly Written Series
The director does an excellent job, and the production quality is commendable. Unfortunately, the real issue lies in the script.
The writer attempted to create an innovative story blending:
Science fiction, but not executed convincingly.
Themes of procreation and demographic challenges, relevant to aging populations in developed countries. This idea had great potential but ultimately falls apart due to logical inconsistencies.
Satirical comedy, which could have been a bold and effective choice—if fully committed to. However, the series oscillates between realism, comedy of absurdity, and serious drama without successfully uniting these tones.
As a result, the characters suffer from weak development. None are particularly engaging, and their actions often contradict their initial personalities. The love story escalates too quickly to be believable, and while the series raises profound philosophical and ethical questions, it fails to explore them meaningfully.
That said, episodes 7 and 8 stand out as particularly well-executed and engaging, proving that the series had the potential to succeed
A Misdirected and Misunderstood Project
Even the series’ promotional campaign was misleading. The teaser failed to accurately represent its tone, which may have contributed to the audience's confusion.
So...
Despite its flawed script and inconsistent narrative, This serie is still worth watching for its talented actors (10/10), the director’s efforts (9/10) , and the high production values. It raises thought-provoking questions about life, death, and the ethical limits of science. And making you want to rewrite the script and send it back for reshoots :)))

Nostalgia, Warmth, and Perfection: A Must-Watch Drama
What can I say? At the moment, this is the best drama I've watched among K-dramas (along with *Twinkling Watermelon*). I've seen quite a few, and while I like many of them, I almost always find flaws.The nostalgic atmosphere is incredible. Even if it's not our culture, we can either discover it or relive our own era and childhood (I find many similarities with the culture of that time). The drama is full of positive moments and human values that modern society is gradually losing.
Deok-seon is an incredibly endearing character, and her actress, Lee Hye-ri, perfectly portrays her growth—from a slightly naive and immature girl who always cares for others to a responsible and charming young woman.
Bo Gum is perfect in this role, and his transformation from a gifted teenager into a man who knows exactly what he wants and goes for it without hesitation is impressive.
This drama has no villains—only kind-hearted people! The entire cast is amazing, and each character’s story is touching and beautiful. Despite its slow pacing, The entire cast plays wonderfully, transporting you into their neighborhood. the characters are well-developed, and the cinematography is simply stunning.
Overall, if I have two perfect dramas, this is one of them.
Warning: there are a lot of food scenes—some might find it a bit too much! 😆
And of course, Park Bo Gum in this role is simply flawless.
If you enjoy nostalgic, warm, and slow-paced dramas, this is exactly what you need!

beautiful serie but : Bold Beginnings, Restrained Endings
A very touching drama. The director did an excellent job — honestly, even better than the novel, of which I read a few chapters in English.Both actors perform beautifully. Their acting is restrained but full of deep, meaningful glances. The topic is heavy. I cried several times — it’s deeply emotional.
The ending is beautifully filmed — incredibly moving. I want to see this actor in another project — he’s extremely promising.
The actress also plays very naturally — this kind of role fits her perfectly. There’s real chemistry between them — not a passionate or physical one, but deep and comforting, which suits this kind of story and theme.
What stands out most is that the series shows how young people process and accept difficult, even tragic situations.
It underlines how adults shouldn't just protect them by hiding the truth, but rather guide them, explain things clearly, and support them emotionally.
It captures that unique phase of adolescence when a child begins to think independently from their parents, and slowly starts becoming an adult.
Regarding the subject matter — the series touches on very sensitive issues: the patriarchal system in some parts of Asia, the suffering of women, and how rumors can destroy a life.
This drama deserves to be classified as serious artistic work.
However, it’s unfortunate that from the middle of the series, censorship and propaganda start to dominate — too obviously. (All the “study, study, and study again,” go abroad but come back, family values, forgiveness, etc.)
I understand the ideology might serve a societal purpose, but it takes away from the artistic depth and the space for reflection and analysis.
In the end, it remains an enjoyable series to watch and dream through — thanks to the happy ending.

Start-Up: A Light Yet Flawed Drama About Ambition and Entrepreneurship
The story revolves around the high-stakes world of tech startups in South Korea, featuring characters who aspire to build their own companies in the competitive landscape of Silicon Valley-like settings. The series focuses on the personal and professional lives of its protagonists. It’s a drama that remains enjoyable to watch, offering a 'American Dream' vibe that aims to motivate young people to succeed in their business ventures. However, the treatment of this theme is often quite light and sometimes childish. Despite the interesting cast, and my liking for all the actors in it, the series suffers from issues with its storyline and character development.The main problem lies in figuring out who the central character of the series is. Is there more than one? Is it Nam Do-san? If it is supposed to be Nam Do-san, he’s quite a passive character who lacks leadership qualities as a startup entrepreneur, and we can’t quite judge his intellectual genius either. Despite this, he remains likable thanks to the actor’s performance.
Seo Dal-Mi (Bae Suzy) is a character within this feminist trend, fighting for her place in the world. However, I find it hard to imagine a CEO with no studies or experience managing such delicate technical and budgetary issues. She comes in and quickly takes Nam Do-san’s spot with just a few ideas—having a couple of ideas doesn't mean she’s ready to lead a future company specializing in AI with significant investments. Nonetheless, she remains likable due to her gentle performance.
Now, Kim Seon-ho’s character, Han Ji-pyeong, is where the writer made a fatal mistake by not emphasizing his role as the sole main character. This could have elevated the series to the level of serious dramas, giving it real depth. While the story is centered around him, and he is the one who drives the plot most of the time, his background is not developed enough. He’s the one who built everything from nothing, and his character is complex with touching relationships, especially with the elderly lady. It’s a shame that this wasn’t explored in depth. He could have been a kind of Gatsby in certain ways. The actor, however, plays the role perfectly.
Despite the interesting subplots and attempts to add depth to the story, the writer didn’t manage to nail the stakes. Nevertheless, it remains an enjoyable and light series to watch.

The series is light and romantic
The series is based on the real stories of athletes—the lives of champions, their struggles, and doubts. It also explores the topic of female athletes, femininity, authenticity, self-acceptance, and the desire to be both a woman and a dedicated athlete, as well as how society perceives all of this.At the same time, it contrasts with a sport often considered more "feminine"—gymnastics. It’s a very interesting and refreshing subject, touching on sensitive issues but without delving too deeply. The storyline lacks boldness and feels somewhat watered down to appeal to a broader audience. It's a shame, but in terms of popularity, it works.
The female lead acts well—I think she managed to portray an interesting character despite not fitting the role perfectly. The male lead is likable, with moments of strong acting and others that are less convincing. Their love story is enjoyable.
The biggest flaw is the choice of the main actress, who does not fit the role. She is very pretty and not "big" at all, yet the script repeatedly insists that she is, which really bothered and annoyed me. They should have either acknowledged that she is attractive but simply less conventionally feminine or fully committed to the idea by casting a more convincing actress for this concept.
Secondly, the constant eating does not add much value to the story. If it was meant as a critique or had a deeper meaning, they should have explored it further.
Thirdly, the friendship dynamic between the FL and ML is unbalanced (at least until episode 15). The FL constantly shares her struggles, but the ML also has problems, and she never asks how he is doing. Even at the end, she encourages him to win so he can join her, but in a way, it’s still about her. Yet, at the beginning, the ML criticizes his ex-girlfriend for being selfish.
The series is light, romantic, and overall pleasant to watch, especially for younger audiences.

This drama falling into formulaic patterns
The Princess Royal" (2024) c-drama seems to delve into themes of royal intrigue, power struggles, and personal relationships, typical of many historical Chinese dramas. The premise of a royal princess facing challenges in both politics and personal life could be intriguing, especially if it explores the tension between duty and desire, a common but compelling dynamic.I’m on episode 23 and I’m thinking, 'Oh wow, I still have so much left to watch...' Yet, I’m speeding through all the storylines :) At first, it was pretty good, interesting even, but after 20 ep till the end it’s getting long, there’s not much left to say. Why so many episodes in these series? The ML is trying to create chemistry. Good acting... As for the FL, she’s sometimes annoying, even though I try to understand her coldness because of her character and as a princess. However, her performance feels stiff. And this indecision and the endless love triangles are ruining everything. I can’t take it anymore with these series..
The SML has a bland face, lacking charisma, which adds nothing to this drama (his performance is the same as usual for an SML in dramas; without overshadowing the ML). Without him, the couple's relationships would have been more interesting, I think, . I find the plot it childish overall. The positive point is the ML, the general idea, and a few episodes from the beginning. And the idea of a second chance in a relationship and the wrong intentions we can have due to the lack of communication

Suspicious Partner: Entertaining Cast, But a Flawed Investigation Drama
At first, I watched *Suspicious Partner* seriously, but eventually, the storyline came off as childish, with numerous unrealistic and illogical details—especially when it came to the so-called investigations and crimes. It was clear that the writer seemed to lack knowledge in this field. For instance, what kind of criminal lawyer would set up an office at home, inviting clients and even criminals to share meals with him? It was absurd!Throughout the show, characters constantly learn about new developments from the TV, as if there's no connection between police, prosecutors, and investigators. It's almost as if criminal investigations are being conducted by attorneys. This depiction doesn’t align with real criminal justice systems, where investigations are based on strict hierarchy and defined roles. Typically, the police handle on-site investigations, gather evidence, and conduct initial questioning following established procedures. Specialized investigators take charge of particular cases such as homicides or organized crime, often coordinating with various agencies.
The attorneys, on the other hand, have a different role. They represent parties in court but are not directly involved in gathering evidence. Here, however, these roles are blurred, creating a portrayal that feels disconnected from how investigations truly work.
And the romantic storyline lacks depth and fails to captivate.
All in all, two stars for *Suspicious Partner*—and only because of Ji Chang Wook and Ji Eun Hyuk, as well as Byun Young Hee and Jung Hyun Soo, who kept the show engaging despite the script's flaws.

if one wishes to explore the artistry of South Korean cinema, this series is a must-watch!
So, what can be said about this magnificent series, one of the masterpieces of Korean cinematography? Let's start with the incredible Lee Eung-bok, such a brilliant screenwriter! I am absolutely a fan of her work. The script is the heart of any film or series—if the foundation is weak, what can be built upon it? Here, the plot is breathtaking, and the character development is masterfully handled with precision and depth.We grow attached to all the protagonists, and despite the dramatic and often tragic themes, the series beautifully portrays love and sacrifice. It shows to what extent true love can give up everything for the survival of the beloved—whether it's a child, a soulmate, or even one’s homeland. Sacrifice is at the very core of this story.
Through three male characters from different social backgrounds, we see contrasting paths:
One, a former slave who became an officer—a righteous man, yet one who denies his cultural roots and struggles with his identity.
Another, born into poverty, who took a harsh road and became hardened—a mercenary, valuing neither his own life nor that of others.
And the third, a noble-born, a wealthy libertine who seems carefree at first but rebels against his family in his own way and lacks true purpose in life.
All three are tied by a red thread to a courageous, idealistic young woman who fights for her country’s independence.There is also a metaphor through the heroine, who represents Korea and its people (rather the ideal): educated, fighting, loved by all, and for whom people are willing to die. As the series unfolds, we watch her grow, losing some of her naïveté while inspiring change in these three men.
The entire cast is phenomenal, with even the supporting actors leaving a strong impression. The dialogues are well-crafted, and, of course, a special mention must go to the highly talented director, who masterfully balances emotional moments with lighthearted and touching scenes. The cinematography is stunning—the colors, the transitions, the framing—all beautifully executed.
And finally, the music! Absolutely breathtaking. The instrumental pieces, the piano moments, the songs—all perfectly harmonized with the story.
In short, if one wishes to explore the artistry of South Korean cinema, to understand what they excel at, and to discover a historical drama with a feminist touch, this series is a must-watch!

drama you put on to relax or have in the background while doing something else
Okay, this drama feels a bit outdated to me. It’s funny at the beginning, and the introduction and development are quite enjoyable to watch. The second couple is actually much more entertaining and endearing (the lawyer who falls in love way too often is hilarious!).Now, back to the main couple… A shy lawyer in his 30s who doesn’t dare to do anything? Honestly, I don’t find his character believable at all. But in the end, we like the actors, so we keep watching.
This is the kind of drama you put on to relax or have in the background while doing something else.
As for the plot and the female lead, it really feels like it was written to glorify and idealize an actress: she’s smart, learns quickly, cooks well, has never been in a relationship before, doesn’t even know what love is (even though she has acted in romantic comedies!), and so on… Not to mention how they portray the agents, producers, and entertainment industry in such a sweet and innocent way. Ah, of course, they never forget to remind us that the audience is way too harsh with their comments! And let’s not forget the golden rule: everything we read about actors is just baseless rumors, pure fiction, completely made up! How could we ever doubt the absolute perfection of the entertainment industry?
That said, the actress plays this role very well! But I highly doubt that the film industry is as pure and harmless as they make it seem 😉.
Anyway, it’s a nice little drama to unwind with!

A Popular Rom-Com and All the Classic K-Drama Clichés
A very popular and successful romantic comedy. All the credit goes to the actors, who are extremely charming and fun. It’s a light, romantic series with all the K-Drama codes and clichés that K-Drama fans love. A series that can appeal to both international and local audiences.Kim Se Jeong is perfect in this funny, authentic, and sincere role. She’s beautiful and forms a perfect couple with Ahn Hyo Seop, with one of the best chemistries you can see in K-Dramas. She’s hardworking, intelligent, kind, sincere, and of course, funny.
Ahn Hyo Seop perfectly embodies the stereotype of the narcissistic, brilliant, handsome, and intelligent SEO. We also see the evolution of his character throughout the episodes. It’s impossible to resist AHS’s charm, a talented young actor who is among the best of his generation.
The second couple is funny as well; the guy sometimes plays more in the background, as if he wants to give space to the lead actor and hi is a little stiff in his gestures. The grandfather is also funny.
As for the storyline, it’s effective, romantic, and dynamic, but there’s a certain naivety in its treatment, which shouldn’t be taken too seriously. This is especially the case with the double character of Shin Xa Ri. The series starts extremely strong, with the best moments in the first three episodes, which adds to the charm of the series, with very funny dialogues and situations. In the second part, it becomes conventional and calm. The last 3 episodes could have been better in terms of writing, as I found a few circumstances excessive (probably to fill time), and that could have made the series truly perfect.
The music is very effective, and the soundtrack fits the characters perfectly, with a group offering a simple song with a touching voice in Korean style, which stays in your head. One of the most beautiful songs of 2022 for dramas.
If you’re looking for a romantic rom-com written and produced in the traditional Korean rom-com style, funny (even if with a few awkward moments), full of the genre’s clichés, and with perfect chemistry, this is the one. It’s one of those series you can watch and rewatch.

Emotional, Inspiring, and Full of Heart Drama: And great Choi Hyun-wook !
So far, I’ve only had two absolutely perfect K-dramas: this one and *Reply 1988*.It's definitely worth watching, even just for the character of Ha Lee-chan, one of the most charming and endearing characters I've ever seen. He's charismatic, positive, energetic, simply perfect! Everything about him blends harmoniously: his cheerfulness, tirelessness, immaturity, yet at the same time, his sensitivity, tenderness, and incredible charm. And his actor, Choi Hyun-wook, is just amazing! I’m truly in awe of his performance! He’s a really promising actor, and I will follow his career with great interest. His love story is also very touching, in my opinion, much better and more successful than the main couple’s.
Against his backdrop, his partner Ryeoun shines a little less, but that doesn’t make him bad at all. The female roles are also wonderfully played, especially the energetic Seol In-a, who always knows how to bring brightness and warmth to her character.
As for the story, it’s very touching, showing a son’s perspective on his father and the unique bond they will have to form. It’s also a reflection on family in general, on parents and grandparents (with the magnificent Ko Du-shim) and on what we only understand as we grow older.
The entire cast is excellent, the plot is dynamic, the script is well-written, and the characters are well-developed.
The only small drawbacks the fairytale motif of "Cinderella" with the overly evil mother seemed a bit exaggerated.
Overall, this drama is very touching and proves that in life, we need to fight, despite difficulties, stay positive, and keep going to the end to make our dreams come true.