nolatoo

Honestly, I can’t think of anything as good or comparable to SOKP. It’s the total package, in a class of its own.

However, in terms of a devoted, thoroughly-enamored ML who steadily pursues the object of his desire and has outstanding chemistry with the FL, here are my favorites:
1. What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim
2. The First Frost
3. Marry My Husband
4. Fight For My Way
5. Falling Into You
6. Strong Woman Do Bong Soon
7. The King of High School Savvy
8. Sh**ting Stars
Honorable Mentions:
1. Melody of a Golden Age (historical costume drama)
2. Under the Power (historical costume drama)
3. The Best Thing
4. Forever Love (Wang Anyu)
5. Flourished Peony (historical costume drama)

Not a very original or sophisticated list, I know. Many of these are modern romcoms, I know. Also, none of these gives you exactly what SOKP gives. But, I enjoyed them all because of the incredible chemistry. I rewatched each of these multiple times.

Here’s an example of his high EQ, that you mentioned—I loved that moment in Ep 14 when he saw her head was on the desk and she looked mildly forlorn at being cast aside in favor of her more outstanding sister who was now in the class. Xie Wei overheard her not being offered any walnut cake. So, he brought her walnut cake instead. He could read the room and discern her feelings. 🤩Emotionally intelligent.

well-said

When did he abuse her? He forced a kiss in the cave, which was not appropriate—agreed. But, an “abuser” is not an accurate description for his character. He’s definitely got emotional problems, trauma-induced mental illness, subject to violent episodes, antisocial tendencies, given to jealous rages—definitely not a man I would want to deal with in real life (he’s got issues), but I do believe his deep love and affection for the FL are sincere. When she stands her ground and tells him he crossed the line, he reins it in. His communication skills with her are lacking due to insecurity (fear of losing her), but he’s not a lost cause, red flag to me. He’s willing to listen to the FL and make the necessary adjustments. He’s not entirely a green flag either though because of all his issues.

Ep 9–ML apologizes for his behavior and compliments FL calling her smart and “an unpolished jade” (something to that effect) which means she’s someone with a lot of potential. I feel like the tension between them starts to change from this point.

You clearly have just started watching the drama.

well-said

The chemistry between the leads is the best I’ve seen—sizzling. It’s my favorite. The visuals are also top-notch. Makeup and wardrobe—the stylists outdid themselves. The story development is well-done, not a single boring, dragging, or unimportant episode. The acting is excellent. The ML character is extremely intelligent, complex and charismatic. The FL character is smart, a bit naughty, and marches to her own beat, but is full of integrity and loyalty.
Lastly, the OST is mesmerizing, really beautiful music.

Xie Wei was a complex individual.

He’s back as the ML, but he was back in 2024 as the 2nd ML in “Married”—a very good drama.

The way she’s overacting with the ML bothers me (kinda cringe), but I know it’s just to keep him off-balanced while she’s executing the revenge. I like her more down-to-earth self when she’s with her “twin” and her accomplice at work.

Esther Yu has range. She showed everybody that in “My Journey to You.” She’s also a talented, sought-after voice actress besides being a drama actress. Sure, she leans into her cute persona a lot, but I’m pretty sure she knows what she’s doing. She does plenty of other stuff besides these dramas. But, as far as the cute persona, my guess is that she and her team feel that this is her most profitable brand (while she’s still young) so she sells it, all the way to the bank, I’m guessing.

I’ve noticed, however, that her characters are always very intelligent and talented even though they have the “cute” and playful style. This was the case in “Moonlight” for example. She was super smart in that role—that was a really admirable, capable character. one of my faves from her.

You missed the point.

Esther is cute and funny. I personally am finding this delightful so far. How about someone criticize the ML for a being a grumpy Gus instead of always criticizing Esther!

Just started ep 2. Esther has me ROFL 😂 .

yup

What happened to the scene of their running, he in a tux and she in a wedding gown?! 😕

Little Sang Zhi is so adorable. And, I love how, later on, teen Sang Zhi still be spilling all the tea 🍵 🫖😁.

I thought it was an extra sort of accreditation to bolster her credentials. After all, the course seemed to have been only 5-6 mos + a 2-mos internship.

I didn’t understand his joke when he picked her up from the airport, that his girlfriend would get jealous if she saw them. What was that nonsense? That foolishness, his weak wedding kiss, and her proposing instead of him—I didn’t like. But, everything else about their chemistry and relationship was chief’s kiss perfection. I feel he was just as attentive when they started dating as he was during the initial pursuit.

Overall, I feel Zhang Ling He’s chemistry was good here, but it wasn’t as strong as it was with Bai Lu. There was an extra fire there that I wonder if we will ever see again in his future performances.