emberzmars

Interesting cast but unlikeable main characters & soapy storyline

I had high hopes for this drama because I am a fan of Wang Zu Yi and Cheng Cheng and enjoyed Fan Zhi Xin's acting in Be Your Knight. I understand that this drama is an adaptation of a Thai drama - that's why the episode count is high for a mini drama. However after watching 20 episodes and a month long pause, I decided to drop this series.

What I liked:
1. Gao Hao En - His character is the best in the show. He was ML's unofficial therapist! Cheng Cheng was perfect in this role.
2. Visuals - I must admit that He Rui Xian and Fan Zhi Xin made a visually stunning couple.
3. Back stories - I appreciate that writers created back stories for Xu Ming Li and Bai Xia so their characters are more of substance.
4. Support roles - I liked Min Xing Han & Wang Xin - was pleasantly surprised when the latter appeared on screen.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - There was a good sexual tension between FL Xu Nuo & ML Shen Jia. However their on & off relationship is tiresome.
2. FL characterisation - She was interesting at the start because of her plans to secure her position in the company. However she came off like a petulant heiress who made a big fuss when she didn't get things she wanted. She never planned properly & was easily distracted by ML. I couldn't relate to her but there was one time that I sympathised with her.
3. Length - 54 episodes are too many for a mini drama. They should have cutdown on the misunderstanding & communication breakdown.
4. Chi Ye characterisation - As I said earlier, I like Wang Zu Yi very much so I was letdown by his character's arc. The writers could have made him a formidable love rival to ML like Korean drama Boys Over Flowers (Team Yoon Ji Hoo here!) but from the start, Chi Ye was never given a chance. What a wasted potential!

Favourite scene
Whenever Cheng Cheng appeared on screen

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Cool superpower fantasy drama with GOT7’s Park Jinyoung as a baddie

I am a massive fan of GOT7 so when Park Jinyoung announced his involvement in this movie, I was game to watch it with my ahgase friends. We watched on 12 June and my seat no. was G7 ;). Overall I enjoyed this movie.

What I liked:
1. Supernatural power - I liked the idea that supernatural power stem from donated organs. Their powers were cool - I especially liked the magic eyes!
2. Wan Seo characterisation - It's wonderful to see a teenage girl given powers of superstrength & agility. I loved her action scenes.
3. Yoo Ah In - I have read stories of his scandals but never watched his work until this movie came out. I must say that he had great stage presence. I was drawn to his performance even though he had lesser screentime than Ahn Jae Hong.
4. Park Jin Young - Jinyoung teased ahgase about his body at GOT7 NESTFEST Concert in Bangkok. Damn, those abs! Anyway Jinyoung did well as an antagonist even though he didn't have much screentime.
5. Dynamics - There are 2 father-daughter dynamics in this drama: 1) between Wan Seo (protagonist) and her father, and 2) between Yeong Chun (antagonist) and his daughter. Contrasting dynamics that were fascinating.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist arc - I felt that they could do more with this arc if the running time had been extended. It's fascinating because it is related to cult and its leadership.
2. Screentime - With a big cast, it is hard to give equal screen time to the leading superpowered characters. Nyeo (yoghurt lady)'s power seemed the least useful in the group imho that I still couldn't figure out the relevance / importance of that superpower.

Favourite scene
When the team defeated antagonist

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Can't stand narcisstic boss and doormat secretary

There were so many rave reviews about What's Wrong with Secretary Kim. I had never watched Park Seo Joon's dramas so this was my first. I also watched it for Chansung because I liked him in My Holo Love.

I gave up What's Wrong with Secretary Kim after episode 3. If you are looking for boss-secretary romance drama, go watch 'The Secret Life of My Secretary'.

What I liked:
1) Supporting cast - Many wonderful actors and actresses in this drama e.g. Pyo Ye Jin, Kang Ki Young, Chansung, Hwang Bo Ra (she was captivating)

What I dislike:
1) Male lead characterisation - I couldn't stand his narcistic personality and arrogant attitude. So self-absorbed.
2) Female lead characterisation - She was a doormat. I don't understand why was she still in touch with her ex-boss after resignation. If she was required to train new secretary, then she should just handle training and not give in to boss's work demands.
3) Childhood connectrion trope - Why was this trope used when the trio had not even maintained friendship as they grew older?
4) Romance - I feel like Park Minyoung was wrongfully cast for this series. I couldn't see any "romantic sparks" between her and Park Seo Joon.

Favourite scene
The only memorable scene from the 3 episodes that I watched was the sports day.

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