bea

TOP NOTCH CHEMISTRY

Okay, let’s get one thing straight—this romance? INSANE. Like, Hye-yoon and Byeon Woo-seok ATE. Their chemistry?? Off. The. Charts. I was screaming at my screen every time they even LOOKED at each other. I swear, they could be standing five feet apart, and I’d still feel the tension.

Tbh, I almost didn’t watch this because of Kim Hye-yoon (nothing against her, just wasn’t drawn in, watched Extraordinary You because of Rowoon too), but THANK GOD I did. Because this was romance gold. The way their moments felt so raw, so natural, so everything?? Nothing less the peak.

Now, onto the crime plot... meh. Most of the time, crime/mystery subplots in romance K-dramas don’t do it for me, and this one was no exception. But I will admit, the stalker gave me chills. Like, when he appeared infront of Sol or when he kidnapped Im Sol? Instant shivers. Creepy dude aside, though, the crime aspect wasn’t the selling point.

Now, here’s where my rant kicks in—FOUR TIMELINES. I love a good time-travel twist, but did we really need FOUR?! At some point, it started feeling repetitive. And don’t even get me started on the "power of love" suddenly making Sun-jae remember everything—like huh??? That was kinda weird, ngl. But whatever, I was too busy swooning over their romance to care.

Up until Episode 10 or 12? PEAK. Literally flawless. But after Ep 13... yeah, I checked out. Not even gonna lie, I don’t even remember what happened in Ep 14 or 15. Did they get together? Probably. Did I care? Not really, because the high point had already passed for me. I might have to rewatch those episodes just to fill in the gaps.

Now, let’s talk about the Twinkling Watermelon comparisons. I keep seeing people compare Lovely Runner to Twinkling Watermelon, and honestly, it makes NO sense. These two shows are completely different in their execution. Lovely Runner is a pure romance (and it ATE—like 12/10, no, 20/10 romance, not saying that TW was any less than this, I was OBSESSED w TW couples and still am), while Twinkling Watermelon is much more layered, focusing on three different families and developing each of them deeply. TW isn't just about romance—it’s about family dynamics, growth, and multiple perspectives. You can’t just throw them into the same box because they both have time travel. They’re not the same, period.

Final thoughts: Even with the timeline chaos, this drama DELIVERED on romance. Every single scene between Im Sol and Sunjae? Perfection. If you’re watching for romance, you’ll be FED.

Would I rewatch it? Maybe just the first 12 episodes and the last one. Would I recommend it? 100%. Just be prepared for some timeline exhaustion.

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This Ain't Revenge. It's Regression

first two episodes really had me thinking.. "this is not that bad, why does everyome hate this?". oh boy did i know what was coming for me.

“the baby must have understood i didn’t want it, so it left itself.”
and that was the only line that had any impact.

let’s start off easy—there is no plot. hierarchy attempts to throw in three different plotlines and then expects them to miraculously blend like some k-drama smoothie. spoiler alert: it doesn’t work. these plotlines don’t intertwine, they run parallel, like socially awkward train tracks.

there is no development, no real mystery, no gripping romance, no fulfilling revenge. just vibes (and not the good kind). the only time the plot moved an inch was during the last 45 minutes. until then, i was multitasking my way through like a champ, wondering what genre this drama even belonged to.

revenge? poorly done. handled with the grace of a toddler throwing a tantrum at a birthday party they weren’t invited to
romance? non-existent. only people that did have chemistry didn't end up together so.. what's the point?
mystery? girl, where??
character development? raw. not rare. RAW. stove wasn’t even turned on.
plot twists? mostly yawn, with one almost-shocker that you could kinda see coming if you squinted.


lee chaemin's acting? great. his character? spineless. sir, your whole arc is about avenging your brother and you give it all up because you caught feelings for a girl you met two business days ago? be serious with me, kang ha.

woo jin? pretty, but a certified clown.

yoon hera? the only saving grace. she deserves the world, an oscar, and a better drama. ji hyewon, thankyou for the gem of a character.

jung jae-i? emotional depth of an orange. actually, no—an orange peel. her character arc was meant to be deeply emotional. teen pregnancy, miscarriage, abandonment—this had the potential to carry the entire drama. but her acting? yeah no. she was the protagonist, and she failed her own story.

kim ri-an? boring. not even brooding. just blank. like his entire screen presence. honestly, him and jae-yi deserve each other. two characters with emotional range stuck at zero. and again, not a single compelling moment to tie up their arcs.

the pacing? somehow fast AND boring.
the visuals? appealing to look at. they clearly spent a fortune making this look good. pity they forgot to include a functioning story with it..
the OST? can't remember a single track.
the ending? unsatisfactory and face-less like, seriously. couldn’t even show jae-yi's mom’s face.

“Hierarchy” had potential. but potential doesn’t save you when the script is running on fumes and the characters are running on vibes and delusion. the ideas were thrown together like ingredients in a blender with no lid. messy, flavorless, and exploding everywhere. they had the budget, the cast, the aesthetics—but forgot the soul.

but go off i guess, Netflix.

Rating: 5/10 for cinematography and overall enjoyability, and for hera trying her best in a sinking ship. if you search up the definition of "mid" on wikipedia, this drama pops up btw.

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A Cinematography Masterpiece

I rated Mr. Plankton 9.5/10 at first but honestly, I think about it way too much. Everything about this drama—from the weirdly intriguing plot to the insane acting—just worked for me. It had a melancholic, unpredictable energy that made it feel different from typical K-dramas, and I loved that.

First of all, let’s talk about Woo Do-hwan because OH MY GOD. His acting? INSANE. Especially in the crying scenes—he made Hae-jo feel so real, so raw. He was this tragic character who had never truly belonged anywhere, yet he kept going, desperately searching for some kind of meaning. He was frustrating, heartbreaking, and impossible not to root for. Haejo sees himself as something that helps others but never truly belongs anywhere. It’s kind of tragic because he sees his role as being useful rather than loved. His way of pushing people away by being rude probably ties into his childhood abandonment issues. Maybe he believes that if he acts distant and cold, he can control when people leave him rather than being left unexpectedly. It’s a defense mechanism that isnt spelled out but understandable.

Then there’s Jo Jae-mi. I didn't quite know whether i liked her from the start but as I got to know her and see her, I really began to appreciate her character. Jaemi was someone who thought she had moved on, but seeing Hae-jo again reopened all the unresolved emotions. It’s like she never really had closure, and when faced with him again, those emotions came rushing back. She was messy, unpredictable, but so deeply human. Her relationship with Hae-jo was complicated, and that’s what made it so good. It wasn’t some idealized romance—it was painfully real, filled with longing, miscommunication, and bad timing.

The four-leaf clover scene? Absolutely wrecked me. The way it got swept away in the end felt like the perfect metaphor for Hae-jo's life—his luck had now run out, he always searching, always reaching, but never truly having a place to stay. And that final episode?? So beautifully bittersweet.

The one thing I wish was explored more was the breakup between the ML and FL. They were together for three years, and then suddenly, everything changed? I needed more reasoning—why did Haejo break up with her? That part felt like a missing puzzle piece. It felt a bit unclear, like the emotional weight behind it could’ve been developed a little more. But aside from that? I have no complaints.

The cinematography? Stunning.
The OST? Absolutely perfect.
The emotions? Gut-wrenching.

Mr. Plankton isn’t the kind of drama you just watch—it’s something you feel. And once you’ve felt it, you can’t forget it.

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A Drama Meant To Enjoy, Not To Analyze

There are some dramas that you watch to analyze, dissect, and critique every little flaw. And then there are dramas like Undercover High School—where you just watch to watch and enjoy every second of the ride. Was it filled to the brim with clichés? Absolutely. Did it embrace them in the best way possible? 100%. And that’s exactly what made it so fun.

It was fast, fun, and never felt like it was dragging. Sure, I might have fallen asleep in the first episode, but that was a me problem (I was just tired). Once I was in, I was in. The blend of action, mystery, comedy, and romance was so well-balanced. And the humor? I don’t laugh out loud often when watching shows, but this one actually got me. It wasn’t rolling-on-the-floor levels of funny, but it had me smiling and genuinely enjoying the comedic moments.

The romance was so good. I would have died for more scenes between them especially a better ending kiss scene(girl.. really an actual kiss scene and its zoomed out??) Seo Kang Joon and Jin Ki Joo’s chemistry? Perfection. Their love story felt natural, and their interactions made them one of my favorite K-drama couples. I really liked the childhood connection and the reveal, it was not dragged out or overexagerrated, just a cute little reveal. I genuinely felt like I was watching them fall for each other with every passing episode. Their acting was so convincing that I was fully invested in their relationship. Like please, announce that SKJ AND JKJ are dating in real life too.

A lot of people seem to dislike O Su A’s character, but honestly? I loved her. She was determined, cute, and such a nice addition to the story.

Now, let’s talk about the clichés. This drama stacked every single K-drama cliché into one story, and yet? It worked. Normally, I’m not the biggest fan of clichés, but something about the way Undercover High School handled them just made them so enjoyable. You knew what was coming, you could predict certain moments, and yet, you still loved every second of it. That’s a hard thing to pull off, but they nailed it.

The whole thing with the wanted posters for Hae Seong and him being a runaway? Yeah, probably unnecessary. I couldn't tell you why I found it unnecessary, but when I looked back at the show, it felt that, that was not needed. But did it affect my enjoyment? Not at all. And that’s the thing—I feel like some people get too caught up in pointing out flaws in a drama, even when those flaws didn’t actually bother them while watching. If something genuinely disrupts your experience, sure, that’s fair to critique. But if you only realize something was a flaw after finishing the drama because someone else pointed it out, did it really matter? For me, the enjoyment outweighed any little nitpicks.

The last episodes were some of my absolute favorites. While a lot of people didn’t love the finale, I did. The ending tied up everything so nicely. I love when dramas show us what happens to every character and wrap up side plots in a satisfying way. And this one did that so well. It was such a wholesome and feel-good way to end the story.

At the end of the day, Undercover High School was just fun. It didn’t try to be groundbreaking or reinvent the genre—it just took everything we love about K-dramas and made it so enjoyable. And honestly? I don’t rewatch dramas. Ever. But this? I would rewatch this. That’s how much I loved it.

Rating? A solid 10/10 for pure entertainment value.

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Residents of Chaos and Comedy

As someone who never watched Hospital Playlist, I went into Resident Playbook fresh—and I still found it warm, chaotic (in a good way), and emotionally satisfying. Even though the characters and technicalities weren’t groundbreaking, I genuinely enjoyed the journey. It didn’t wow me at first, but if I kept watching to the end, that must mean it had me hooked. I didn't realise until episode 10 that the episodes were actually on the longer side with the average being 1hour and 20mins or so, and to not check the episode lengths even once meant that I really was interested and invested in the show although at the beginning, I didn't feel much like that.

Yi Young & Do Won’s romance: They’re one of my top 10 K-drama couples now! Their chemistry was subtle but strong—though I do wish we saw more of their relationship before the matching rings moment. Like pls, give me some slow, cheesy couple stuff!!

The cozy chaos of the OBGYN setting: AHHHH. SO GOOD. 10/10 comedic relief. The whole show is full of small, cozy, chaotic, laugh-out-loud moments that make the medical stress bearable. It goes without saying the residents were so funny and I really loved their bonding moments and small stuff like them eating together. It gave comfort drama vibes. Not in a warm-sweater way but in a “these people are my friends now” way.

Pyo Namkyung & Jaeil x Sabi: Namkyung was probably my favorite character overall. My queen. Most relatable, most endearing, most chaotic energy. Her ending experiencing the whole cycle of life and death with her patient Yeom Miso? Oh, that hit. Jaeil and Sabi were just adorable, especially in the final scenes—give us more of them, please!!

Supporting cast: Everyone delivered. All the professors, nurses and other residents were very enjoyable. That one professor (you know who I’m talking about) with the worst dad jokes?? Actual legend. I love him. I loved that this show didn't focus on only certain duos, they actually explored all the professors and residents duos, which helped us see their characters and dynamics with eachother more clearly, and see the OBGYN department as a whole. But Prof. Seo Jung-min and Yi-Young were definitely the most iconic! Myeong Eun-won’s arc was chef’s kiss—her not being selected as professor? ICONIC humbling moment.

Everyone brought something. Acting? Really solid across the board. Go Youn-Jung obviously stole the show. No notes. Everyone else did amazing with what they were given.

OST magic: The soundtrack is stacked. My favorite is "When the Day Comes" by TXT, which I’m looping as I write this. Also featuring D.O, DK, Minnie, Winter, Yujin—actual K-pop takeover! One of the best aspects of the entire series.

One-dimensional characters: Even though I liked them, they could’ve been deeper. Do Won, especially, had potential for more layers. There is so much potential for the characters if a S2 occurs.

Lack of diversity in patient stories: Most cases were childbirth or surgeries in older women. I'd love to see broader age ranges and more unique stories.

Season 2 Wishlist:
New R1s!!!
Residents becoming R2s (and maybe having changes in their personality now?)
Jooyoung and her husband's reaction to Do Won and Yi Young dating
More Yi Young x Do Won domestic cuteness
Jaeil x Sabi finally dating
Namkyung mentoring Gi On (and their romance possibly??)
More departments! More unique cases!
Explore Do Won’s character better
Jooyoung and the whole “moving on from IVF” thing—if they bring that back, they better not erase the emotional weight of her decision.

The show managed to make each case feel heartfelt. Even if you’re not the baby-loving type, or the "empathetic for old women" type, the emotions of the women, the doctors, and everyone in between pulled you in. The realism was there, and the character growth was very nice. The way the characters were growing, it was very relatable. It's not like they just changed overnight. They didn't, but they shifted little by little. Like how people do in real life—through experiences, quiet realizations, and moments that stick with you. That’s what made Resident Playbook hit different.

Final Verdict:
Not a masterpiece, but Resident Playbook was a solid comfort show that gave me warmth, soft romances, and a few tears by the end. I had fun. I cared. And that’s more than enough.

Now give me a Season 2 or I’ll start throwing dad jokes at the writers.

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Extremely Endearing Characters

I finally finished Love Next Door after hearing people called boring day and night, and I have thoughts. Let’s start with the biggest crime of all: where was the wedding?! Like, come on. They built up the romance, gave us all these heartwarming moments, and then just… left us hanging? Not even a single frame of the ceremony? Not even a glimpse of Danoh and Moeum’s reunion in the South Pole?? We deserved those crumbs! The audacity!

But okay, let’s rewind a little, because this drama had me feeling things along the way. First off, let’s talk about Seokryu’s entire situation, because it was honestly frustrating in the best way. Her ex-fiancé coming back was already bad enough, but the fact that her own mother was trying to push them back together?? After everything he did to her? After he hurt her so much that she literally had to run back to Korea?? It was insane. And her mom wasn’t even trying to look out for Seokryu’s happiness—she just wanted to parade her daughter around like some trophy for the sake of appearances. It wasn’t even about going back to an “original” life; it was about forcing Seokryu back into a fake life just because it looked better to others. The lack of support, the pressure, the complete dismissal of what Seokryu actually wanted—it was so annoying.

Now, moving on to the relationship dynamics in this show, because wow. At some point, I had to stop and ask—what is Love Next Door’s obsession with rejection first and then acceptance?! Every single relationship in this drama had to go through this formula. Every. Single. One. Seunghyo got rejected by Seokryu twice, then got accepted. Kang Danoh and Jung Moeum’s relationship? Rejected by Moeum’s mom first, then accepted. Moeum got rejected by Danoh twice before finally being accepted. And just when Seokryu and Seunghyo were finally happy with their relationship, boom, their moms had to come in and disapprove. Like, what is UP with this show?? I’m not fully complaining because it still worked in the end, but I am complaining a little because it was so obvious and repetitive. It’s like they were following a strict rejection-to-acceptance rulebook, and it started feeling too much. And while I could somewhat understand the whole rejection-acceptance pattern, and the reasons for everyones rejection, the one thing I could NOT understand was Seokryu’s mother. Like, why was she so against Seokryu and Seunghyo’s relationship?? Something about her worrying about Hye-suk looking down on Seokryu? I really thought that was cheap considering they had been friends for 4 decades, to think like that about your bestfriend does not sit right with me. Even after everything, even after seeing her daughter struggle and finally find happiness, why was she still in denial?! It just didn’t make sense to me.

That said, I really liked Seokryu’s character arc and how her decisions all stemmed from her low self-esteem and fear of failure. She had already experienced so much—her failed marriage, her failed job—so it made sense that she was overly cautious about everything. When Seunghyo proposed to her, her immediate reaction was to reject him, not because she didn’t love him, but because she didn’t want him to end up like her ex-husband. She didn't want to trouble Seunghyo. She was so afraid of abandonment that she shut herself off before anyone else could. That fear of getting sick again, of losing everything, of being left behind—it explained so much about why she was the way she was.

But one of the best parts of this drama was how well it handled the different family dynamics of Seokryu and Seunghyo. Every family here was given depth, and it really made the story feel grounded. Seokryu’s family, despite being frustrating at times, felt so real—I could actually relate to it. Even Dongjin, who honestly had one of the best character arcs in the show, was written with so much care. His whole crashout moment, was incredible. Watching him hit rock bottom and then slowly rebuild himself and his relation with Seokryu was so satisfying. And even though Seokryu’s mother was annoying, she was still understandable. That detail of her playing the drums when she was extra mad? So good. It made her more than just a frustrating character—it gave her personality. Seunghyo’s parents were another highlight—starting off so distant, but slowly coming back together after years of separation. Their arc felt really touching, and the way they reconnected in the end was so well done. Also, the boss suddenly announcing, “I am gay” was so random but so funny. That moment was gold.

Seokryu and Seunghyo had such a mature, deeply emotional relationship that felt so raw and real. Their love wasn’t just about grand gestures but about understanding, about slowly breaking down walls and finding comfort in each other. Leaning on one another in times of trouble, giving each other space when needed but still wanting to be with one another, ah, my heart! And then there’s Danoh and Moeum—THEY WERE ADORABLE!! Every scene with them had me giggling and kicking my feet; their dynamic was just so fun and full of that youthful, almost chaotic kind of love that makes your heart flutter. Though Moeum wanting to be a mom to Yeongdu was pretty jagging, like yes she loved Yeongdu a lot, I mean, who would not, but still it was pretty suprising. And don’t even get me started on Yeongdu—my precious baby!! She was literally the cutest, every time she was on screen I just wanted to squish her!! There’s so much to love about this drama, from the relationships to the little character details that made them feel so real. It just had this perfect balance of warmth, humor, and heartfelt moments that made it so special!

Overall, Love Next Door was endearing, full of fantastic character work, and had a lot of heart. But that ending?? I needed just a little bit more. 8.5/10 because I loved it, but I’m still mad about those missing scenes. And well, at times, yes it was boring! Some scenes definetly felt filler, just there to extend time, but its definitely worth pulling through to see the actual attraction — the endearing characters and family dynamics.

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A Masterclass in How To Make a Romcom Unwatchable

Let me start by saying: I have never disliked a drama this much. Ever. And I sat through all 12 episodes, every painful, mind-numbing, chemistry-devoid minute of it. I had hope. I tried. I even put it on 2x speed, but honestly, that wasn’t enough. By episode 9, I was begging for a 4x speed option just to get it over with.

From the very first episode, My Dearest Nemesis set itself up to be a rom-com, but let me tell you, there is neither romance nor comedy in this show. The so-called comedic moments felt like they were written by someone who had only ever read the Wikipedia summary of what humor is. The jokes weren’t just unfunny—they were awkward, forced and seen so many times. Wow, boyfriend doesn't know how to drill and that becomes a comedic moment. Oh, how funny. Plus, the lack of chemistry between the leads makes every interaction feel like a chore to watch.

Let’s talk about the main couple first. They have absolutely no spark. Zero. The drama tries to convince us that their constant staring contests are romantic, but there’s nothing behind those looks. If someone told me Moon Ka-young and Choi Hyun-wook had just met on set five minutes before filming, I’d believe them. I think they were just hoping the script would do the work for them. Spoiler: It didn’t. Chemistry isn’t just about locking eyes dramatically—it’s about connection and banter. I believe if the show focused more on genuine emotions like the arcade montage scene, rather than Ju-yeon just tying Su-jeong's shoelaces and then, them looking at eachother for 10 mins, the show would have been miles better. I don’t mind clichés when they’re done well, but here? It’s just one predictable, uninspired scene after another, with absolutely no unique depth to the characters. Oh, you think you can guess scenes? Babe, in this show you can even guess the dialogues, to a T.

Choi Hyun Wook (whom i loved in TW and 2521), completely falls flat in this role. Maybe it's because he’s not used to this kind of character, but his performance was painfully underwhelming. And then there's Moon Ga Young. Look, she’s undeniably pretty, but her acting? Mid at best. She struggles to emote beyond a limited range of expressions, which is especially frustrating in a drama where she has to carry emotional scenes. Her upcoming project with Lee Jong Suk? I fear for it. Truly.

Another thing that really irked me is that, Juyeon is supposed to be a 30-year-old man, yet the writers insist on infantilizing him. Drinking chocolate milk all the time? Really? I get that he’s supposed to be immature, but there are better ways to show that than making him look like a literal child. Also, the show tries to push this idea that Su-jeong is more mature because she’s older, but a four-year age gap means absolutely nothing once you’re in your 30s. They act like she’s some wise adult and he’s a clueless kid, but at their ages, that dynamic makes no sense.

Now, onto the second couple. They were supposed to be the saving grace, right? Wrong. They start off kind of promising, but then it gets weird. The male lead of the second couple jumps in to sleep with a person immediately after breaking up with his ex. Like, sir, did you even take a second to process that breakup? His feelings for the female lead start purely from lust in my opinion, how much ever he tries to convince me of "love at first sight", its not going to work. Then, suddenly, after seeing her maybe 5 times total, he’s in “love.” Where’s the emotional development? Where’s the depth? Nowhere to be found. And then—because this drama refuses to make sense—he’s ready to MARRY her after knowing her for what… a few months? The show doesn’t even provide a clear timeline, so we’re just expected to accept this rushed, shallow romance.

The Grandmother. One of the worst characters in the drama. She literally blamed a 15-year-old child for the death of her son and tormented him for years, forcing him to become this ‘perfect’ being. And then, at the very last moment, the writers try to give her some five-minute redemption arc? I don’t know who that worked on, but it did not work on me. She’s a disgusting character, and no amount of forced sentimentality can change that. She single-handedly drags this show down by at least two points.

And let’s not forget the writing. The dialogues are so painfully awkward, the plot moves at a snail’s pace while somehow feeling rushed at the same time, and the whole thing is just riddled with small, irritating flaws. Even the cinematography and editing are uninspired. There’s nothing visually unique about this drama—no aesthetic choices, no interesting shot compositions—nothing. It just exists.

I believe if a drama is marketed around gaming, it should actually embrace gaming aesthetics and themes, not just drop a reference here and there. The first episode gave a tiny spark of that potential, but then they just abandoned it for generic "nerd culture" without making gaming an actual part of their dynamic. If they had leaned into that—like showing them teaming up in a game after getting into a relationship, having a moment in a virtual world, or even some pixel-art-style editing choices—it could have made the drama feel more immersive and unique. The gaming aspect should have been a stronger foundation for their relationship rather than just an excuse to throw in nerdy collectibles. That would have made it feel like a real gamer romance rather than just another rom-com with a sprinkle of gamer buzzwords.

To be fair, the final episode was the best one for me. Most people who watched the whole drama felt it was dragged out, but honestly? It was the only time I actually felt engaged. It had a better pace, and the wrap-up was satisfying enough for those who did enjoy the show. But for me? Too little, too late.

I’ll give credit where it’s due—the OST was actually nice. That’s it. That’s all I can compliment. I’m feeling very generous giving this a 4/10, purely because of the soundtrack and maybe a few scenes that didn’t make me want to rip my hair out. But would I ever recommend this? Would I ever watch this again? Absolutely not. If I could get back the hours I wasted watching it, I would. If you’re thinking about watching it—don’t. Save yourself.

Final Verdict: If you value your time, skip this drama. Run. Don’t look back. If you’re looking for a fun, engaging rom-com, look somewhere else. Anywhere else.

Also can we talk about the blatant One Piece reference??? LMAO, that was so unserious. Just say One Piece if you’re going to do all that. "Pirate King" is literally Luffy’s dream, like come on. Show some respect to the GOAT.

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Totally Relatable

I rated Nevertheless, a 9.5/10 because of how realistic it actually is. Personally, I went through something similar—wanting to be close to someone who clearly did not feel the same way and just not being able to let go. That’s why Nevertheless, hit me so hard. I saw myself in Nabi. People might say, "Why didn’t she just choose Do-hyeok? Why didn’t she walk away?" but when you’re in that situation, it does not work like that.

When you’re obsessed with someone—when you want them more than they will ever want you—logic does not exist. It’s just feelings. False hope. A cycle of being drawn back in, even when you know it’s going to end the same way every time. And that’s exactly why this drama captured the pain of a toxic, undefined relationship so perfectly.

And let’s talk about the tension—because WOW. The way Nabi and Jae-eon just looked at each other was enough to set the screen on fire. The subtle touches, the moments of vulnerability, the way he made her feel special even when he was giving her nothing—it was textbook situationship behavior. I hated it, but I also could not look away. That is exactly how it feels when you're stuck in something like that—you know it’s wrong, but you’re too far gone. Jae-on is literally the type of guy your best friend warns you about while you go, "But he’s different with me," except HE’S NOT(relatable). His entire personality was built on leading Nabi on, gaslighting her, and acting like a nonchalant playboy. Every time she tried to leave, he'd pull her back in with one butterfly move, and boom—she’d forget every ounce of self-respect.

But honestly? One of my favorite parts of the drama was the side couples.
Sol and Ji-wan were so soft and cute, the playground scene warmed my heart so much. Their story had real struggles, but at the same time, it was so heartwarming to watch.
Bitna and Gyu-hyun? CUTEST EVER. Their push-and-pull felt like an actual couple you’d know in real life, and their relationship added a lighter, more grounded element to the show.

Final thoughts: Nevertheless, is a lesson, not a love story. It’s messy, frustrating, and at times infuriating, but it’s also too real. If you want to scream at your screen while simultaneously getting swept away by pretty people making bad choices, this is the drama for you. Would I recommend it? Only if you mentally prepare yourself for the inevitable rage.. I know Nevertheless, isn’t for everyone, but for people who have been there, it hits like a truck.

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A Dramatic Mess of Plotholes

Let’s get one thing straight before we begin: "Night Has Come" is not boring. It’s not. That’s the secret sauce that makes all the disasters hit harder. It keeps you hooked. You binge it like popcorn—you gasp, you side-eye, you yell at the screen, you clutch your metaphorical pearls. But once the adrenaline fades, once the fog of red lighting and haunting background scores lifts, you realize… wait.

Nothing makes sense.
Not a single. Damn. Thing.

But we’ll get there.

THE GOOD: LET’S GIVE FLOWERS WHERE THEY’RE DUE (BEFORE WE RIP THE REST TO SHREDS)

Cinematography: AMAZING. If vibes were currency, this show would be a billionaire. Every frame is dripping with eerie school-horror nostalgia. It knows how to play with light and darkness. The glowing screen, the empty halls, the slow push-ins—it eats.

Concept: Mafia, but make it trauma simulation. GENIUS. A class-wide murder game that tests morality, loyalty, and trauma responses in teenagers? That’s basically every ethics professor’s wet dream.

Sound design & music: Carrying the tension like a worn-out grandma carrying her grandkids. They put their back into it, and it shows. The atmosphere owes 80% of its tension to the music and sound cues.

Casting: The cast is well-picked. Pretty people doing suspicious things with sometimes good microexpressions? We support that. SOME of the acting genuinely lands—especially when things get chaotic and desperate.

NOW. THE BAD. AND BOY, IT’S A MAZE
Let’s start small and snowball into rage.

If the game was meant to punish people, why make it so convoluted? Why let randoms die? Why not just mafia wipe everyone out in one night? It’s giving convenient writing just to drag the story. Also was mafia the best game? I can think about some good reasons for it being chosen for example, letting the children experience the hurt of betrayal and pain. But I do believe there could have been better alternatives. Not really a complaint tho

Jungwon being mafia instead of citizen?? Like okay your daughter was the victim and you want revenge, but you’re forcing her to kill people too? What kind of twisted character arc is that? She should've been the sole citizen in the group of mafias. That would’ve made so much more sense. Why would you not make her the citizen and put her in real danger to heighten the stakes and make her survival mean something? Like seriously, from a story perspective, it would be 100x more interesting if Jungwon was the last citizen standing while everyone else is a predator. The way they’ve done it just kills the emotional weight of her being the “survivor.”

Back to the game: the mafia could’ve also pulled a power move and just taken everyone’s phones, yeeted them into the forest, and forced everyone into death by default. No votes? No problem. Boom — everyone dies. Now imagine if someone had risked their life and crossed the border to get those phones back. That would’ve been so much more gripping and deep and could’ve added an entire new layer of moral dilemma, sacrifice, and suspense. But nope. They opted for dragging things out in the dumbest way possible. From a story perspective, it doesn't make any sense.

Okay but, Cha Woo-Min’s character Ko Kyungjun? Surprisingly the only one I liked. Usually I find Cha Woo-Min’s roles unbearable, but here? He actually ATE. He had more depth, more nuance, more complexity than the rest of the cast combined. He was still a villain, yes, but there were scenes where you could see the cracks — the vulnerability. There’s one where he’s on the verge of tears, and it’s subtle but powerful. He wasn’t just cartoonishly evil. He was the only character with an actual emotional arc that made sense. He had presence. He had layers. He had consistency, which is more than I can say for the rest of them.

Now Lee Jae-In’s character Lee Yoon-Seo? Girl… I can’t. Her acting was so flat it made drywall look emotional. She had like, two emotions, max. Maybe three if we’re being generous. The only time she actually stirred emotion was when she pulled Junhee out of the pool and said she wished she’d confessed before he died. That hit. That one line. That ONE moment. That’s all. Everything else? Zzz.

Kim Jun-Hee? Kim Woo-seok I LOVE YOU BUT, I’ve seen cardboard cutouts with more emotional range. His backstory — the whole swimming trauma thing? Unexplored. Unresolved. There’s so much they could’ve said about it: Was he a champion swimmer? Why is he scared of the water as in what what was his relation to the situation of someone else drowning? We don’t know. We never know. Because guess what? This drama doesn’t believe in explaining anything. It just throws vague clues and says, “Figure it out.” No closure. No arcs. Just vibes and death.

And the rest of the cast? Forgettable. Underdeveloped. Annoying. Let’s talk about Kim So-Mi’s character, who I swear was written just to test my patience. Her blaming Na-Hee for the video leak and Seeun's death? And people believing her??? Girl is literally known to be OBSESSED with Jun-Hee. Na-Hee says she’s being framed, and everyone acts like that’s a wild theory? As if So-Mi’s obsession isn’t public knowledge? Be so for real. Why does no one in this universe use their brain? Although, when at the end Na-hee revealed her role, it was pretty cold.

And theres this thing — this drama pretends it’s a character study. But it's not. It wants to explore trauma, morality, fear, guilt, but does it through weak character development, vague plotlines, and open-ended nonsense. Like “what if?” but with no effort to actually answer the question. And honestly, that’s what makes it frustrating.

TLDR for upcoming lines; these are just small nitpicks but it HEAVILY effected me during my watch and was so annoying.

1. Yoonseo biting Da Beom only when the cavalry arrives?

Girl.
You were being held hostage by a clearly unhinged dude with a weapon, and you waited to bite him?! What happened to fight-or-flight? You chose stall-and-dramatize. Survival instincts turned off for plot convenience, I guess?

And let’s talk Da Beom real quick—

2. WHY DID DA BEOM WANT TO KILL JUNGWON?!

This is a hill I will die on.
His entire character was “revenge for bullying,” right? Okay, fine. But he has zero beef with Jungwon. None. Nada. She’s not even remotely in his radar. Yet suddenly he’s like, “Yes, I must kill this random girl.” Why? Is she too composed for his liking? NO. It’s lazy writing. They just needed drama and pulled names out of a hat. “Hmmm, we need tension. Spin the Wheel of Murder—oooh! Jungwon. Let’s do it.”

3. The NEON PAINT CLUE?

That was less detective thriller and more Dora the Explorer.
They find neon paint on the SIDE of Mina's shoe and suddenly that’s the big Sherlock Holmes clue that leads to her being caught? I don't know why this show makes all its characters stupid and gullible. The characters fall for this stuff even after it has been shown that the mafias plant evidence on others!? YOU see that there's no paint on the back of her shoe, yet they are still on her neck.. WHY??

4. Jungwon: The "Mastermind" or the Script's Favorite Child

So I'm just being supposed to believe that she knows how everyone else will react and she knows everyone's moves like that's just plot convenience at peak. You could argue that its just programmed into the game but for me it seems like lazy writing.

And don’t get me started on how—

5. Wooram is mafia but Mina ISN’T?!

Wooram’s entire role in the show was to exist. No real bullying backstory, no real emotional weight, no motive. Just vibes and sad boy expressions. But MINA—who actively bullied Seeun—gets to skate by?? How does that make sense in a game supposedly designed for justice? Oh wait. It doesn’t. BECAUSE NOTHING MAKES SENSE.

6. The Ending: A Plot Twist Powered by Copium

Three wires, a yellow capsule, and BAM! You’re in a fully immersive life-or-death simulation with memory erasure, emotional realism, and possibly AI ghosts.

Be honest. This isn’t sci-fi. This is science-lie.
They use “advanced technology” like a toddler uses glitter: to cover every crack and make you think it’s pretty. But if you ask literally any questions, the whole thing collapses.

How are the students alive? Are they eating virtual food or real food? Does eating virtual food feed their real life selves? Where are their parents? How long have they been in there? Are their parents just casually chillin’ like "oh yeah my kid’s doing a five-day school murder VR project, no biggie"? WHY ARE THERE NO STAKES OUTSIDE THE GAME?

You know why they don’t tell you?
Because they don’t know either.

7. More Seeun and Jungwon plot convenience

So… Seeun becomes an AI ghost because of her love for Yoon-seo? And she somehow overrides the system to let Yoonseo win? And then everyone's memories come back because the host’s name was revealed?

EXCUSE ME???

So all the previous games ended with no justice. Just more trauma. Jungwon was always the winner. No one remembered Seeun. So they just… played this sick death game and left. Repeatedly.

This was the first time justice accidentally happened and we’re supposed to be happy? Like oh yay the dead girl finally got her wish after dozens of runs that failed? This isn’t a plot twist. This is Stockholm syndrome in a box with glitter on it.

8. The Ghost Disbelief Gave Me Actual Brain Cramp

“You think it’s a ghost? No way. That’s unrealistic.”

BABE.
You are in a locked youth center building, playing a high-tech killing simulation, with kids dying in real time, with eerie things happening all the time and AI voices speaking through speakers… and a ghost is where you draw the line???

The show wants to be sci-fi and supernatural and psychological and philosophical and horror and thriller—but it ends up just being a Jenga tower of genres falling over itself.

FINAL THOUGHTS:

This drama is literally the definition of wasted potential. The cast? Great. The concept? Revolutionary. The execution?

Y’all… I fear it flopped.

"Night Has Come" has the aesthetic of a prestige drama but the internal logic of a dream you forget two minutes after waking up. You feel like you watched something important… until you try to explain it to someone else, and realize you sound insane.

It’s a drama that screams it wants to say something, but in the end, it only delivers half-formed ideas buried under mood lighting.

Verdict:
Beautiful. Addictive. Incoherent. The best worst thing I’ve ever watched.

Rating: 6.5/10
(+2 for tension. -1 for logic. +1 for pretty faces. -2 for plotholes. +1 for the high I felt while watching. +5.5 for Cha Woomin)

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Anime Live Adaption Turned Kdrama

Okay. So let’s start at the very beginning—Study Group episode 1. My expectations? Decently high. My feelings by episode 5? Flop era. I genuinely debated dropping it because it felt like the characters were aimlessly walking through an edgy webtoon backdrop with the emotional range of wet cardboard. But then… THEN… the drama pulled out a sneaky little Uno reverse card on me and episodes 6 to 10 came in swinging like Gamin's kicks—aggressively, illogically, but undeniably effective.

• EPISODES 1-5: THE “WHY AM I HERE” ARC

This was Study Group’s weakest stretch, and honestly, I was bored. The character introductions felt scattered, the stakes felt low, and the only thing being studied was my patience. Characters like Heewon felt undercooked, the “study group” aspect felt weak and goofy, and the fights were already reaching anime-level dramatics with zero emotional weight to justify them.

Rating for these eps? 6.5/10 at best. It was like being promised an intense academic-turned-battle drama, and instead being handed anime filler episodes with mid pacing and teen rage.

• EPISODES 6-9: THE “WAIT THIS IS KINDA FIRE??” ARC

Then something miraculous happened. Episode 6 hit, and suddenly I was invested. The pacing picked up, the character arcs deepened (finally), and the fights? Still ridiculous—but now they had emotional context, which made them 10x better.

Characters like Sehyun got fully fleshed out. Jiwoo became more than just a pretty face (though she still deserved more depth), and even Heewon, annoying little gremlin that she was, had a moment of comedy gold with the “I have Gamin’s baby” line. Give her a tiny slay for that.

Oh, and let’s not forget: Yun Gamin's plot armor is literally made of vibranium. Like bro broke down a digital security door with some light cardio. I don’t care if he trains like Saitama, that door should’ve held up. Plot convenience was served hot and fresh every single time.

Rating for these eps? A solid 9.2/10. They carried the whole show.

• EPISODE 10: THE “LIVE. LAUGH. ANIME LOGIC.” ARC

I have so many feelings. Let’s be real: the ending was satisfying for what it was. If you weren’t super invested, it gave enough closure to walk away happy. It tied back old characters, delivered emotional climaxes, and wrapped up arcs in a clean way. But if you really cared about the characters and needed resolution to some of those unspoken things (cough Jiwoo and Lee Jun cough, I was robbed of their dating era), then you’re left staring at the screen like: “That’s it???”

Also. We need to address the final fight scenes. The punches-colliding-breaking-windows trope? The walls crumbling from impact like we’re in Dragon Ball Z?? I get that it’s supposed to be stylized, but sweetie, this is high school. These are students. Why did a classroom wall collapse like someone summoned a Jutsu?

Still. There was something kind of heartwarming about the ending. Heewon's entry with all the characters of past episodes was insanely cold. Everyone showed up for that one big dramatic happy moment. It gave that classic “we’ve targetted eachother throughout the whole show but gotta come together to save our teacher" camraderie, and I ate it up.

Rating? 9.5/10 for vibes, 7/10 for logic.

THE MAIN CHARACTER MISSING HIS DEPTH?? YUN GAMIN.

This needs to be said: Yun Gamin, our protagonist, seriously lacked backstory. I’m talking zero family dynamics, no clear insight into his past, and no clear reason for his desperate want to ace his studies. Why does he have a 10 p.m. curfew? Why is studying his only personality trait? What drives him? None of it is explained. He was reduced to this “I fight for my friends” + “I love studying for mysterious reasons” + “I’m too dumb to get into college but I still try” blueprint. And like… that’s not a character, that’s a motivational poster.

I’m sure the webtoon probably did him more justice, but for first-time viewers like me, Gamin felt like a hollow lead—especially when surrounded by side characters who had actual arcs. His development was more implied than explored, and that’s a major miss.

THE ACTUAL BEST ARC? SUN-CHEOL SUPREMACY.

Listen. Blonde Boy ate. His entire arc—trying to prove himself, fighting to study and succeed for the sake of his grandfather’s pride, to become a great man for him—was genuinely moving. It’s the only part of the show that made me cry, and I don’t mean like a casual sniffle. I mean I was bawling. That scene hit so hard because it was grounded. Relatable. Human. His struggles weren’t about absurd fight scenes or anime logic. They were about wanting to be enough for someone you love. He deserved every minute of screentime, and honestly? He carried emotional depth for the whole cast.

SHIPS THAT SUNK BEFORE THEY SAILED: JIWOO x LEE JUN

The slow-burn, the DIALOGUES, THE LOOKS—everything was giving “rivals to lovers.” Lee Jun literally lived rent-free in Jiwoo’s mind during her final battle. His words were her motivation. His words were her anchor. Her epiphany. And you’re telling me… NOTHING came of that? After all that flirtation?? I feel robbed. Like genuinely pickpocketed by the writers. Just give me a hand-hold or something. A shy smile. A nod. ANYTHING.

This was such a missed opportunity, and I will never not be bitter about it.

FINAL VERDICT

Study Group started off like an underwhelming school fight drama and transformed into a full-on live-action anime experience. Once you accept the absolutely bonkers logic and lean into the over-the-top style, it actually becomes… fun. Heartfelt. Even powerful at times.

BUT. It’s also flawed. The plot armor is real. The group dynamic never really fully came together. It was pretty endearing but I would have liked to see them hangout once in a while outside the study group, maybe a small montage would have nice. The romance was non-existent despite all the baiting. And let’s be honest—there’s still too much left unsaid.

If it gets a Season 2 (which seems unlikely as far as I have read), it could fix a lot. But even if it doesn’t, I’ll remember this one as a messy, ridiculous, unexpectedly gripping drama that made me yell at my screen multiple times.

Rating: 8.0/10
Vibes: 11/10
Physics laws broken: 78
Deserved ships sunk: 1
Emotional whiplash: Severe
Would I recommend it? Only if you're ready to watch a drama that lowkey thinks it's One Piece.

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A Glittering Mess of Power, Scandals and Good Editing

This was one of those dramas where no area specifically stands as such, but is so enjoyable and entertaining that you just can't stop watching!

Seo A-ri was a solid lead—strong, independent, and gave me the same vibes that Dali did from Dali and the Cocky Prince. But at some point, her journey started feeling like rinse and repeat. One second, she’s on top, the next, she’s canceled, then she makes a comeback, then she’s back in the trenches. Sure, it shows how fickle the influencer world is and how easily the public can be swayed, but from a storytelling perspective? It started feeling repetitive.

Speaking of impossible things—HOW did she survive driving herself into the river?? Like, I need a step-by-step guide on how someone drowns, saves themself, gets declared dead for three months (i believe), and then just… comes back with barely any explanation. And then there’s the best friend situation—how do you let it slide when your so-called best friend was running a hate account against you while you were already drowning in online hate?? And her brother just… forgave it?? What was that??

Gabin Society—the so-called "villains" of this drama weren’t real villains. They were just influencers on a power trip, mistaking their internet clout for actual control over people’s lives. The show did a great job of exposing how these types of people act untouchable, but their entire empire can crumble with a single piece of dirt. The influencer economy is built on perception—one wrong move, and it’s game over. That being said, Yurang was definitely one of the best written characters in the show, relatable and made us empathize for her.

But honestly, all of these characters could have been fleshed out way more. Jun-kyung’s backstory? Barely there. His relationship with Si-hyeon? Barely explored. Si-hyeon in general? Underdeveloped. A-ri’s character? We got to see her strength, but I wish we had more insight into who she really was and her backstory. It felt like we scratched the surface of these characters, but they never fully came to life. Instead, we got too much screentime dedicated to the budget Mean Girls of Gabin Society, when their personalities were already clear from episode one.

This is where opinions might divide, but for me? Jun-kyung and A-ri needed to be together. From the second they met, I knew they were it. And I love the kind of romance that isn’t forced down our throats but instead builds subtly with just enough tension to keep you yearning. Yeah, they barely got any scenes together, but sometimes less is more. It made the moments they did share feel even more impactful. The reunion at the end? Perfect. Both of them thinking the other was dead, only to finally see each other again? Yeah, that hit.

Meanwhile, Tae-jeon was a waste of screentime. He contributed nothing but irritation. The drama could have cut him out entirely and it would have been better for it.

A lot of people expected Celebrity to be a scathing critique of influencer culture, but it never fully went there. Instead of exposing the real dark side of social media, most of the scandals felt like glamorous drama rather than actual horror. The only truly dark and impactful moment was the drug scandal and the bar guy's death. Everything else? Just surface-level chaos that made for good entertainment but didn’t hit deep.

That’s also why the stakes didn’t feel as high as they should have. Yeah, there were moments of tension, but when the big reveal happened, it didn’t leave a lasting impact. It was one of those twists where you go, “Oh wow, I didn’t expect that,” but then five minutes later, you’ve already moved on. If this was a really good thriller, I should have been obsessed with the ending, replaying moments in my head, piecing everything together. But instead, I was just like, “Oh. Okay. That happened.”

Cinematography & Editing were the true MVP. Now this is what made me stay. Absolutely top-tier. I am such a sucker for good cinematography, and this drama delivered. Every episode was visually stunning, but what really stood out was the way they transitioned between past and present, between the livestream and the real-time events. It made the entire thing feel immersive, like you were flipping between a true crime documentary and a K-drama.

The way the show opened, the way it presented itself—it was honestly so cool. Even if you weren’t fully into the plot, the editing alone made it worth watching. It had a sharp, stylish quality that elevated it beyond just another influencer drama. The drama might have had its flaws, but visually? It ate.

Final Thoughts – Entertaining, but Could Have Been Deeper
At the end of the day, Celebrity was a fun, messy ride. It had great acting(ocsassionally fell off a little), stunning cinematography, and moments that ALMOST hit greatness. But the repetitive pacing, underdeveloped characters, and unanswered questions kept it from being truly iconic. If they had leaned in more—whether into the social commentary, the character development, or the thriller aspect—it could have been so much more.

That being said, it was still hella entertaining, and I’d give it an 8/10.

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How does this have 9.1?

Alright, let me just start by saying—Weak Hero Class 1 is good. Like, genuinely good. But the way people hype it up like it’s THE best K-drama or the most groundbreaking psychological thriller ever—yeah, I’m not sold on that. It’s solid, it hits some really emotional beats, but it’s not flawless, and it’s definitely not something that left me breathless or wrecked once it ended.

My biggest gripe? The friendships. Like… was I supposed to feel something deep for this trio? Because, honestly, I didn’t. Not fully. There weren’t enough scenes of them bonding or actually getting to know each other. It felt like, “Oh yeah, we fought the same guys, so we’re friends now.” You cannot just throw trauma bonding at me and call it a day—especially when none of them knew the others’ backstories or pain points. It felt shallow, not in the acting, but in the writing. The potential was there, but the execution? Meh.

Now, Sieun? Easily the best character in the entire thing. Jihoon’s acting carried. The way he acted with his eyes, the subtle facial expressions—it was so painfully good. The constant look of suppressed rage or grief, like he’s just barely holding it together? Insane. And his transition—from this calculated, emotionless top student to someone who just breaks—felt so real. The way he snaps at the end, not thinking, just hurting... yeah, that was deserved. And honestly? Valid. He lost the only bit of comfort he clawed out for himself. Years of being isolated, finally finding solace, and then having it ripped away? I’d lose it too.

And then there’s Beomseok. The human embodiment of “I don’t want to be a hater but…” I don’t even care about his sob story because the way he moves through this drama made me wanna launch my phone. The jealousy, the insecurity, the absolute audacity of this boy—YOU’RE MAD ABOUT AN INSTAGRAM FOLLOW BACK?? And then you go and beat Suho half to death with the people you called in—then ask if he’s okay?? Be so for real. You paid someone to hurt him and now you’re suddenly worried? Bro. No. The parallel between him and Sieun was really incredible, just goes to show how different people turn out in different ways even after going through similiar conditions.

Speaking of Suho—literal cutie. No complaints. But let’s be honest—he had the least depth in the trio. He was there, he was sweet, he fought good, but character-wise? Weakest link. Still loved him though. That boy deserved a nap and a hug.

Now the "villains"… honestly? I don’t even care about their backstories. They’re just high schoolers being power-hungry and violent because that’s their only way of surviving or feeling strong. And that’s actually what made it hit a little harder—because that’s real. There are kids like that. Kids who don’t need deep evil motives—they’re just mean, insecure, and desperate. You can’t even call them “villains,” really. They’re just broken boys doing what they know to feel superior.

The fight scenes? Chef’s kiss. Every hit felt personal. Like they weren’t fighting to win, they were fighting because it was the only way they knew how to express themselves. Especially Sieun—when that boy let loose, it wasn’t just fists, it was everything he’d been bottling up for years.

Pacing was… fine. Not bad, not mind-blowing. I think if I wasn’t multitasking, it might’ve felt a bit draggy in places. It didn’t consume me like a thriller should. You know those dramas that have you panicking at 3AM needing to know what happens next? Yeah, this wasn’t that. The cliffhangers were good, they kept me going, but I wasn’t dying to click next.

And the ending? Satisfying. Not mind-breaking, not soul-crushing—but clean. It wrapped up, left room for Season 2, and didn’t piss me off. Which is rare for shows like this. Honestly, I’m tuning in for Season 2 just because Ryeoun’s in it. Priorities.

Overall? Weak Hero Class 1 is a solid 7.5/10. Good fights, great acting, especially from Jihoon. Emotional moments hit. But it lacks the depth to make it an all-time favorite. It’s like… I respect it, but I’m not obsessed.

Would I recommend? Yeah. Would I rewatch? Probably not.

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Therapeutic Watch

Oh, Our Blues! Let's dive in. First of all, this drama slices you right through the heart, and there’s no easy way around that. It’s raw, it’s messy, and it’s real. Every single character in this show feels like a person you could pass on the street, and the way their stories intertwine is nothing short of breathtaking.

Starting with the obvious—the acting. The ensemble cast is insane. You’ve got Lee Byung-hun, Shin Min-a, Han Ji-min, Kim Woo-bin, and the list goes on. My favourites? Defintely Yeong-ju and Jung-Hyun. These actors absolutely breathe life into their roles, making every moment hit that much harder. The chemistry is perfect, and you can see it in the smallest interactions—whether it’s the old, worn-out love or the frustration of feeling stuck in life.

The show’s pacing is masterful. It doesn’t rush, it lets the characters marinate in their own struggles. There’s this level of patience with the story that’s both frustrating and beautiful. It’s frustrating because you want answers right now, but it’s beautiful because life doesn’t hand you answers on a silver platter, and Our Blues really drives that home. It’s not afraid to delve into tough subjects like loneliness, regret, or lost dreams, and the depiction of life in Jeju Island gives it an authenticity that’s hard to ignore.

What I love the most is how Our Blues doesn’t give you a perfect resolution. There’s no “and they lived happily ever after” type of ending. The characters don’t get everything they want, but they get what they need. The way it deals with everyday hardships—whether it’s growing up, the constant pressure of societal expectations, or the personal demons people battle—makes it one of those rare K-dramas that feels almost therapeutic to watch. It makes you appreciate the small moments of joy that seem insignificant but mean the world when you look back.

But my heart, when it came to the friendship and family dynamics! This drama wasn't about one grand romance or any big plot twists, but it was about the people, and that's what made it so special. The way it explored community, love, trauma, and generational issues just felt so... real. Watching these characters navigate through life's hardships, finding solace in each other, and finding the strength to keep going-honestly, I've never felt so emotionally moved by a show before.

In summary, Our Blues is one of those K-dramas that’ll stay with you long after the credits roll. You might cry, you might laugh, and you’ll definitely think. And, yeah, the ending will probably leave you sobbing, but it’s all worth it. 10/10.

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Comedy is Comedy-ing

Initial Thoughts:
Went in with my expectations buried six feet underground—didn’t expect to like this at all. I’m not into chef-centered dramas because cooking scenes usually bore me (cough Love Next Door cough). But Tastefully Yours said, “Let me make every single dish look so good you’ll want to eat your screen.” And it worked.

The Flavors (a.k.a. What Worked):

The FOOD. Oh my god. They made every dish look Michelin-star worthy. I’ve never wanted to live inside a kitchen more.

The ACCENTS. It’s set in the countryside and the Korean dialects? 10/10, music to my ears.

The HUMOR. It’s actually funny. Not rolling-on-the-floor type, but it has genuine warmth and charm.

The CAST. Kang Haneul and Go Minsi are naturals at rom-coms. The entire main cast? Vibe. Acting? Solid.

The Aftertaste (a.k.a. Personal Gripes):

The couple has chemistry, no denying that. But I personally don’t like the pairing. That’s just me being picky.

The plot is as predictable as sunrise, but not in a way that makes you bored. Think “Undercover High School” energy—cliched, but it works.

The MUSIC? Meh. Nothing stuck with me. Even the main song "Paints" felt like a weaker cousin of a Dali and the Cocky Prince OST.

Final Bite:
I don’t see this becoming an all-time favorite, but I’m definitely enjoying it more than expected. It’s cozy, it’s appetizing (literally), and honestly? That’s enough.

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Literally healed me

I watched this back when it was airing in 2021, gave it a 10/10, rewatched it in 2023 and again this year in 2025. A 10/10 EVERYTIME.

I HAVE NEVER FELT SO WARM AND FULFILLED WATCHING A DRAMA. Like, HomeCha wasn’t just a show, it was an experience. It was like taking a deep breath of fresh air, like a warm hug, like drinking hot chocolate on a rainy day. It was comfort in drama form.

Romance? 12/10. Chemistry? OFF THE CHARTS.
Yoon Hye-jin and Hong Du-sik??? PERFECTION. Their relationship felt so natural, so real, so deeply emotional that I could feel their love growing with every interaction. Their bickering? Adorable. Their tender moments? Butterflies. Their angst? PAIN. This is what true romance pacing looks like—no unnecessary dragging, no unrealistic jumps, just two people gradually falling in love in the most beautiful way. The chemistry was so electric it didn’t even feel scripted. Just pure, unfiltered longing and love.

That being said, I have some thoughts on Hye-jin. People say she’s rude, but honestly, I never saw her that way. What did bother me, though, was her cringy baby talk when she got into a relationship. I honestly get it because her whole life she has had to be an adult because of her family, and now she finally gets to experience her inner child, still it annoyed me a little😭. Also, around ep 13, she seemed lowkey embarrassed about Du-shik’s lack of a set job, and I was just like… girl, this is Chief Hong we’re talking about. The man can do literally everything. Also, why did Du-shik have to apologize just because Hye-jin was telling Du-shik to care of the guy who had a crush on her? It made no sense. But her character development was EVERYTHING.

But does Hye-jin ruin the drama for me? Absolutely not. Nothing could ruin this drama for me. I squealed like a kid every time she and Du-shik had a moment. Their dynamic was everything, and Du-shik as a character?? A 20/10. Kim Seon-ho ate this role UP. His smile, his little eyebrow raises, his dimples—I need a Du-shik in my life, it’s not even funny anymore. If my man doesn’t steal drumsticks for me, I don’t even want him. Like ask me to write my college essay on Cheif Hong, AND YOU WILL FIND IT DONE IN AN HOUR.

But This Drama Wasn’t Just Romance…

The side characters??? ICONIC (mostly). Gongjin wasn’t just a setting, it was a whole community that felt like home. The character development, especially with Hye-jin finally understanding why Du-shik loved Gongjin so much, was so beautifully done. That being said…
Nam-sook? Annoying.
Oh Yoon? Sir, I get that you’re a musician, but enough. Stop pushing your music on everyone.
Geum-cheol??? Bro. Your wife is pregnant. Stop being so insensitive. Like, Yung-yeong is so patient, and he’s just like, “I said sorry”—LIKE WHAT?

But on the flip side—Ji-won and Seung-hyun??? CUTEST. And that scene of I-jun crying because his parents got back together??? My heart.

Listen. Episode 14 destroyed me. Du-shik’s past… I was NOT prepared. The way this drama slowly unraveled his trauma, his guilt, his deep-rooted pain—it was SO well done. And Kim Seon-ho’s acting??? CRIMINALLY GOOD. The breakdown scene?? I sobbed.
The fact that Hye-jin didn’t “fix” him, but loved him through it?? UGH. The way she showed patience and understanding instead of trying to be his savior??? Perfectly written.

Final Thoughts: A MASTERPIECE. This wasn’t just a romcom. This was a healing drama. It made me laugh, cry, scream, melt, and reflect on life all at once. The romance was top-tier, the characters felt real, and the emotional depth was unexpected but so satisfying.

Would I rewatch it? Yes.
Would I sell my soul to experience it for the first time again? Absolutely.
Do I now expect every K-drama romance to feel this real and perfect? Unfortunately, yes.

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