emberzmars

Fake relationship romance that has similar format to Jdorama

Noble, My Love is a light, fake relationship romance Kdrama. Since each episode has a short duration of 15 minute, this series gives Jdorama vibe.

What I like:
1) Light and well-paced. I finished this series in one seating.
2) Good chemistry between Sung Hoon and Kim Jae-kyung. That scene in the kitchen is hot!
3) Kim Jae-kyung's acting was alright. She does well during comedic scenes.

What I disliked:
1) Wish the last 3 episodes had clear focus on the romance.
2) I felt his character was stunted & remained bossy till the end.

Favourite scene:
I like the dynamic between Lee Kang Joon and Cha Yoon Seo so their scenes are always fun.

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Noona romance with serious mood

This is my first Park Bo Gum drama that I watched. Park Bo Gum in long, wavy hair in episode 1 was mesmerising especially when he smiled.

What I liked:
1) The first episode was magical perhaps due to "beach holiday" vibe of Havanna.
2) Jin-hyuk characterisation - I am not sure if it's because of Bo Gum's youthful look but Jin-hyuk has this charming, nice guy aura. He's personable but don't underestimate his tenacity and quick thinking.
3) The hotel - I liked plot surrounding the work at the hotel group.
4) Public figure storyline - I also liked this storyline because I got to see challenges faced by public figures. Pity that their personal life is scrutinised, often time unfairly, by media and the public.
5) Romance - This series is good at highlighting challenges faced by older woman-younger man couple especially when one of the pair is financially successful.

What I disliked:
1) Soo-hyun characterisation - It's great that she's a girl boss but she's giving this misery vibe whenever the camera is on her. I noticed that Song Hye-kyo has played several older woman characters but all these characters are so serious and gloomy. I wish there were more scenes of lightness especially when Soo-hyun and Jin-hyuk met in private.
2) Soo-hyun's overbearing mum
3) Jin-hyuk's mum when she asked Soo-hyun to break up behind Jin-hyuk's back. That's not cool

Favourite scene
When Jin-hyuk met Soo-hyun after she was conned. Such a romantic scene with Bo Gum's hair blowing in the wind.

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Sports meet noona romance drama...what a delightful series!

Older female/younger male romance is my favourite trope and I enjoy watching the Olympics. This series was a delight! This series reminds me of Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo (another favourite series of mine) especially scenes about the slump period and the training

What I liked:
1) Acting - Wow, Wang An Yu gave a stellar performance as a soft-hearted student-athlete. He looked like an Olympian during his high jump scenes - the posture, running and jump. I enjoyed watching Wang An Yu's facial expression especially his eyes. Very expressive. The scene when Coach Luo Na was comforting him when he was wet was heartbreaking. Jin Chen was great at her role of coach and girlfriend too. Luo Na knew when to put on coach hat and girlfriend hat. I read comments commenting on Jin Chen's skinniness but I think that's how a (former) athlete who keeps good care of her body looks like. Chi Jia was also great as Coach Wu Ze.
2) Writing - I didn't read the novel so my comments will focus solely on the show. I love watching the journey of Du Yu Cheng throughout the series. From high school to university and professional athletics training. I also love that writers feature different types of track and field events from training to competition.
3) Luo Na characterisation - I love how the writers balance the different roles held by Luo Na - assistant coach, girlfriend, friend, daughter. As an assistant coach, she knew when to be confidant to her students. She also knew when to follow her instinct with the case of Zhang Hong Wen.
4) Duan Yu Cheng characterisation - I always giggled when watching his antics. Duan Yu Cheng is crybaby and playful, at times childish. I think he's needy/clingy with Luo Na because of his upbringing but he never showed signs of toxic masculinity.
5) Romance - wow, palpable chemistry between Wang An Yu and Jin Chen right from the start. Their kissing and intimate scenes were really hot.
6) Supporting casts - Wonderful supporting characters such as Coach Wu Ze, Xia, Jian Tian, Lian Shu, Jia Shi Li. Mao maoqi is my favourite because he is so endearing.
7) The reunion at the end - It's great to see Jia Shi Li in the last episode.

What I disliked:
1) A lot of the romance scenes were for the benefit of Duan Yu Cheng. I wish there was a scene or gesture that was done by Yu Cheng for Luo Na as his girlfriend not coach.
2) The English song that was played during competition between Duan Yu Cheng and Li Ge made me laugh because that was a love song but the scene called for rivalry!
3) I disliked Mrs Duan's action during Yu Cheng's decathlon competition. She shouldn't barge like that since it might disrupt his focus on the competition.

Favourite scene
The scene when Coach Luo Na was comforting him when he was wet. Heartbreaking. Wang An Yu's best performance in this series.

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Expected sexy romance but got damsel in distress instead

Coffee & Vanilla is perhaps the least enjoyable jdrama I've watched. Don't waste your time. Actor Dori Sakurada looked like Suga at times though!

What I like:
1. Scores featured in episode 1.
2. I like Risa's clothes except that red dress. Made her look matronly.
3. Each episode is less than 26 minutes & only 10 episodes in the series. That prompted me to finish this series.

What I dislike
1. Female lead Risa is childish & meek, she even acknowledged those traits. Damsel in distress.
2. The romance is unbearable. Risa keeps on receiving, Hiroto treats her like a possession. Risa is always being manhandled, but just obliges.
3. Underdeveloped characters even for leads.

Favourite scene
When Risa realised she needed to grow up so she applied for internship.

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Slow burn romance + old money family cdrama

Initially I started watching One and Only because according to synopsis, this modern series is tied to the historical drama series. I am not a fan of historical drama and honestly strugged with One and Only after 6 episodes in. I immediately switched to Forever and Ever.

What I like
1) Romance - I like the pairing of Ren Jia Lun & Bai Lu. Even though there are not many kissing and intimate scenes, two scenes (they got wet due to rain, and bathtub) are quite exquisite.
2) Male lead characterisation - I like that Zhousheng Chen is intelligent, quiet and inexperienced in love. Those qualities made him endearing. Ren Jialun played his role very well - just look at his facial expressions. Ren Jia Lun with bangs & wavy hair reminds of zb1's Matthew.
3) Female lead characterisation - I like that Shi Yi is smart, capable & have high EQ. She knows the type of men she likes and goes after him. Bai Lu also played her role very well.
4) Supporting chracters - Uncle Lin, what would have Chen done without you? Ren, Chen's cousin - it's cute that he looks up to Chen so much. I also like Chen's grandma.
6) Snippets from One and Only - Right amount at right time. Despite sharing the same names, I feel the historical couple are different people from the modern couple.

What I dislike
1) Chen's mum - haughty and snob. She never gave Shi Yi a chance. That's why karma bites her really bad.
2) Zhou Wenchuan - I feel that his character is underdeveloped despite being assigned a baddie. I don't understand why his romance with the tailor was given screentime. I fast-forwarded their romance because I don't think it adds value to the story.
3) Shi Yi's parents when she was in coma - I know they were angry at the circumstance but they shouldn't prohibit Chen from caring for his legally wed wife.

Favourite scene
Bathtub scene. Ren Jialun gave a raw performance of being very deep in pain and almost catatonic.

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Fast-paced police procedural with time jump element

Highly recommended for those looking for fast-paced police procedural with time jump element.

What I like

1) Acting - Cho Jin-Woong was the standout performer out of the three leads. His facial expressions were on point that I cried during one of his scenes (when he was so desperate). Kim Hye-soo and Lee Je-hoon were great in their roles too.
2) Great writing - It was stressful at times because I felt for Lee Jae-han, who couldn't just trust anybody.
3) The connection between three leads - Detective Lee Jae-han-Park Hae-young connection is so sweet.
4) Engaging plot including sub-plots - This drama is plot-driven. I love how the mini cases are interwoven with the big case.

What I dislike
1) The ending - I want to know what happened to Detective Lee Jae-han.

Favourite scene
The bomb scene threw me off guard and made me panic!

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Corporate drama with romance & murder mystery

After watching too many romance-centred drama, I decided to watch different genre. The reviews here convinced me as I am not easily swayed by high scores.

What I like:
1. Mystery plot - I like whever the drama focuses on mystery mode. However these parts were mostly at the end after episode 8 if I am not mistaken. Wish they could execute it like Elite (Spanish Netflix series) because that would really make this series gripping.
2. The intro montage - Don't skip it. It is beautifully done and the score too!
3. Female lead characterisation - I like how Yuanxing's character development is written.
4. Romance - The romance plot is well-done too though I wish to see more affectionate moments between Yuanxing & Cheng.

What I dislike
1. Family drama - too much screne time given to greedy family members especially episodes 2 - 8.
2. Baddie - I think in episode 9 or 10 you could figure out the baddie. Wish it was hinted more in earlier episodes because then I would care more about the villain.

Favourite scene:
That love confession at the very end of last episode. Heartfelt because of the script & acting.

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Noona romance done right!

I enjoy watching older female-younger guy romance (wishful thinking) and Why Women Love is the best noona romance I have watched, so far!

What I like:
1) The length of the series - 24 episodes is the perfect number of episodes.
2) Female lead characterisation - ❤️ that Jiangyue is career-focused but not uptight. Yes, she is a workaholic but she makes time for her best friends. Jin Chen was so radiant in this role. She reminds me of TWICE's Nayeon somehow.
3) Male lead characterisation - ❤️ Jia Xin 's growth throughout the series. He started as a bratty rich kid but once he saw his boss's vulnerability and understands her perspective, he accepts his role and is attuned to her needs. I also like an introspective male character. I like his styling (both hair & clothes) - I find Zi Yi resembles Gon of Vanner.
4) Chemistry between Jin Chen and Wang Zi Yi - Combustible chemistry and their kissing scenes🔥. Both are visually arresting.
5) Ending - I like the award ceremony scene. I expected the proposal to be different and kinda happy it turns out to be true. Given the characterisation of Jiangyue and Jia Xin, it is believable.

What I dislike:
1) Supporting characters - Jing Jing and Duo Xi's love stories were underdeveloped. I'd like to see more of Jing Jing's love story because it's second chance romance involving mature characters.
2) Li Yan Ran - annoying! It's hard to develop empathy for a character that doesn't understand personal boundary.
3) Sub-plot - I think the office rival plot can be executed better.

Favourite scene:
When Jiangyue was given gifts by Zi Yi. I love the meaning attached to each gift!

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Letdown by this supernatural-romance series

I love supernatural series such as Lucifer, Angel, Buffy, iZombie so I had high hopes on 'My Demon'. This series felt like a Korean version of Twilight. So much potential not explored, I decided to drop this series halfway through.

What I like
1. The song by NewJeans
2. Do Do Hee's fashion
3. Episode 1 was beautifully shot.
4. Park Bok Kyu & Ms Shin's banter

What I dislike
1. Do Do Hee's characterisation - I want to scream out my frustrations. The character is written like a Harlequin romance novel from the 90s. She started off as a clear-headed, no-nonsense CEO but episode 2 onwards, she became easily distracted/influenced by Gu-Won. Wish she struck partnership with Gu-Won like a business deal - weigh the cost of benefits and risks. Negotiate a protection and a marriage deal that benefits you too - I don't like that Gu-Won dictated the terms and Do Hee easily agreed.
2. Gu-Won's characterisation - I don't like Jeong Gu-Won. I expected cockiness but his arrogance, solemn & cold demeanour irked me. I wish he enjoyed his demonic responsibility and had cheeky personality like Lucifer.
3. Too much push in the romance angle too. Not enough supernatural moments.
4. Ga Young's clinginess annoyed me.
5. Slapstick comedy is fine for some episodes but get tiresome after awhile.
6. Song Kang's acting - I feel that he's miscast in this series. I'd like to see Woo Do Hwan as Gu-Won because he was mighty fine in Divine Fury and he'd be up against Lee Sang Yi's character to win over Do Hee's heart.
7. Reincarnation/past lives trope - I am tired of this trope since it's also used in other dramas released around same time such as The Story of Park's Marriage Contract, Moon in the Day.

Favourite scene
When Do Hee first met Gu-Won. The cake!

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A revenge drama with a slight dash of older woman-younger man dynamic

I love I Just Want You - a jiejie romance drama starring Lin Zi Xuan and Wu Tian Hao. So yesterday when my reddit friend told me about their second collab drama, I was stoked. I watched it last night and enjoyed it despite being disappointed in some areas.

What I liked:
1. Dynamics - I liked that FL hired ML to be part of her revenge against her scumbag husband. The relationship between FL and ML grew as time progressed. They developed feelings for each other and yes, there were some kisses.
2. ML character - I liked that he was not a follower. He also gave smart ideas in order to ensure the success of their revenge plans.
3. FL character - Smart, tactical & resourceful. Her revenge plan was elaborate.
4. Acting - Superb performances by Lin Zi Xuan and Wu Tian Hao.
5. Styling - Beautiful clothes worn by the cast. I liked ML's outfit when he and SFL shopped for handbags. There was an androgynous look with Wu Tian Hao wearing that particular belt.
6. Gym - This scene was exciting!
7. Supporting characters - I liked FL and ML's friends and acquaintances who helped with the execution of their revenge plans.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's husband & his mistress were evil scammers. She was a gold digger too - she had scammed a few men before.
2. Ending - I had a feeling that it was going to be a bitter one. The ending shouldn't be a surprise considering ML's health status which was known by FL at the start of the drama.

Favourite scene
When FL and ML discussed the step-by-step revenge plan

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Hot kisses but I was letdown by Wang Xiao Yi's acting and the lack of chemistry

It had been awhile since I last watched Liang Si Wei and Wang Xiao Yi's dramas. A few members of subreddit CShortDramas mentioned this drama so I got curious and watched it last night. I didn't enjoy it as much as I had hoped for.

What I liked
1. Styling - That red dress worn by FL was gorgeous. Overall her clothes were beautiful & elevated her confidence and coolness level.
2. Romance - Plenty of kisses - this couple wasn't shy about physical touches. ML was really into FL from the get go - he offered a massive help without being asked.
3. ML characterisation - He cared for her from the start of their entanglement. He protected FL when she barged into her family home to reinstate her intentions.
4. The wedding - Beautiful scene.

What I disliked
1. Acting - WXY’s acting was one-note. She delivered her lines like a bored housewife. There wasn't much chemistry between her and LSW. Their Intimate scenes felt stiff / performative - they lacked warmth despite the hot kisses.
2. FL characterisation - She frustrated me. She agreed to a marriage of convenience to achieve her goal but she didn't tap into her big resource (ML). Her constant "Wen Zong" annoyed me.
3. Antagonists - FL's half sister was like a petulant child with her scheming. FL's father was biased while her step-mother was annoying. There was also ML's childhood friend who just couldn't handle the rejection.

Favourite scene
The wedding

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Enjoyable jiejie romance from ML's perspective

I was checking newly released dramas when I saw the drama poster. The translated title said the wife chases the guy so I was intrigued. The drama was enjoyable despite the unfamiliar cast & specific shot framing.

What I liked:
1. Romance - This is a jiejie romance. Despite the odd reason for ML's unemployment by FL's aunt, the romance was sweet. They took time to cultivate their relationship (no one-night stand) and there were some spicy scenes.
2. Rivalry - There was business rivalry between FL and antagonist and I enjoyed this arc. I think the antagonist was formidable - thank gawd for no jealous sister / childhood sweetheart.
3. ML characterisation - This story was mostly told from ML's perspective. He was a young man who was easily persuaded by quick money gain. His character grew to become responsible adult and I liked that he took lead in one of the companies' initiatives to defeat their rivals.
4. FL characterisation - She was smart & nice. She didn't take advantage of ML's employement, I liked that.
5. Supporting characters - FL's aunt was nice.

What I disliked:
1. Male gaze - The amount of cleavage shots are too many. There was also a scene that shocked me. I thought this drama must be targeted towards male viewers.
2. Ending - I didn't understand why that scene was included.

Favourite scene
When FL agreed to be intimate with ML

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Fast-paced & lighthearted romcom about business rivalry & flirty ML

This drama piqued my interest the day it was released. I liked Nie Bo Xuan's secret child drama with Wei Fan Shu. The English translation of the the title implies a coquettish ML. I watched it today and I liked it!

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I adored her for being physically strong. She fought her rival's goons.
2. ML characterisation - I liked the flirty nature of ML. He called her jiejie and I loved it because jiejie romance is my favourite. I also liked that he had serious side - he was protective over FL.
3. Styling - I loved FL's outfits! Great styling for a girlboss.
4. Supporting characters - I really liked ML's right hand man - he's hilarious! I also liked FL's male friend, her mother & brother.
5. Antagonist - I liked the arc given to the antagonist - he was FL and ML's business rival. It's great that there was no green tea FL in this drama.
6. Duration - This drama is just slightly over 90 minutes. Well-paced and lighthearted drama.
7. Tactic - FL used a smart tactic to lure ML out of hiding. I liked it!

What I disliked:
1. Hidden identity - I wish ML had confessed his actual identity when FL confronted him.

Favourite scene
When ML interrupted FL's meeting with his right hand man

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Poignant tale about second chance at love and in life

This drama was recommended to me by a reddit member as we discussed second chance romance dramas. I wasn't aware of this story but the given synopsis was intriguing that I watched it 2 days after the recommendation. It was emotional & thought-provoking - I enjoyed this drama immensely.

What I liked:
1. Writing - Wow, just incredible writing that led me to question life choices. I loved the mature handling of second chance, not just in romance but also at life. I empathised with FL for the tough decisions she had to make regarding her relationship with ML. I liked that fantasy seeped into the story.
2. Acting - Sublime performance by Zhang Xin Yi. I cried a few times because I felt FL's pain. Li Meng Yuan was great too although I wish he had cried when he found out about FL's struggles.
3. ML characterisation - I liked him for genuinely wanting to work on their relationship. He was a confident young man who was inept at expressing his feelings and concerns for FL.
4. Romance - The drama started with a spicy scene which later made me emotional. Post-reborn FL was hesitant in following what had been done before and I understand those feelings. ML seemed genuine in pursulng FL (he's not about chasing the unattainable) and slowly they build trust & confidence in their relationship. I must say the kissing scenes were hot - Li Meng Yuan demonstrated desire & lust very well. Oh and I liked the supporting characters' romance even though it was super short.
5. Supporting characters - Wow I am impressed with the little arcs given to FL's mother, her senior and ML's mother. I also liked the open-minded grandpa of FL.

What I disliked:
1. FL's father - There isn't an obvious antagonist for this drama but I guess FL's father could be called a baddie. He was selfish and that meeting with ML's mother was extremely embarrassing. He didn't care about saving face.
2. Bai Yingluo - This "white moonlight" tried to ruin FL & ML's relationship but good thing she had very little screentime.

Favourite scene
When FL told ML why she was hesitant about being in a romantic relationship with him

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Shameless FL, Smitten ML and fun sibling dynamics are the reasons I love this drama

I watched this drama as it was highly recommended by a reddit user. This is my second drama that has both Zhao Guan Yu and Lin Zi Rong. I freaking love this drama! I watch this drama on repeat.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - OMG Lu Shi Man is shameless and I LOVE IT! She is smart and unintentionally funny. She's not a spoilt , annoying heiress. Lin Zi Rong totally owned this role.
2. Comedy - I laughed out loud too many times.
3. Romance - FL met ML by chance, and girl was thirsty and forthcoming hahaha. ThenML was smitten and wanted to be in a relationship with her, which I found quite endearing. Because of the existing rapport between Lin Zi Rong and Zhao Guan Yu (they collaborated together too many times that I lost count), their intimate scenes were hot and believable. There were also sweet gestures for example ML backed her up when her mother was criticising her.
4. Sibling dynamic - The interactions between Lu Shi Man and her brothers were especially fun to watch. Despite the bickering and slight misunderstandings, it was clear that the brothers genuinely love and are protective of their sister. Out of the 3 brothers, I liked the eldest the most because he had opposite personality from Lu Shi Man.
5. Styling - FL got a cool style - the music lover outfit, the black & white schoolgirl-like outfit, the blush dress she wore when she accompanied her eldest brother to a social event. I also liked the outfits worn by ML and FL's third brother.
6. Supporting characters - I loved the three brothers, FL's best friend & ML's assistant.

What I disliked:
1. FL's mother - I disliked her for being biased.
2. Ending - Since this is a transmigration story, I'd like to know what happens to Lu Shi Man in real life.

Favourite scene
FL's cousin tried to frame FL but that backfired

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