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Perception vs. Reality: A Mind-Bending Crime Mystery That Hooks You From Start to Finish

This gripping drama follows An Yun Su, an art teacher whose peaceful life collapses when she is accused of her husband’s murder and sent to prison. There, she forms a tense and dangerous alliance with Mo Eun, a mysterious inmate rumored to see into people’s minds. As their hidden secrets begin to surface, principled prosecutor Baek Dong Hun investigates the case, testing his morals and sense of justice, while Yun Su’s tenacious lawyer, Jang Jeong Gu, fights relentlessly to uncover the truth and prove her innocence. The Price of Confession is a flawlessly crafted crime mystery drama that challenges our perceptions of others while exposing the prejudices and assumptions held by those in authority.

This drama takes you on a journey to uncover the truth, where everything is connected and every detail matters. From the very beginning, you may find yourself forming your own judgment of one of the main characters, An Yun Su. The way she responds to her husband’s death, how she behaves at the crime scene, and how she dresses and reacts during questioning all shape your perception of her, much like they shape Jang Jeong Gu’s view as well. It was also interesting to see the scene at the end of the first episode, which serves as a visualization of what Jang Jeong Gu, and perhaps the audience, believes happened during An Yun Su’s husband’s murder. I initially tried not to form any biased judgments about her, but after seeing that scene, it almost convinced me that it might reflect the truth of what happened.

Then come Mo Eun’s crime and interrogation scenes. At first, they made me perceive her as a sadistic, cold-blooded, psychopathic killer. Yet her decision to surrender made me question her true motives, and I found myself genuinely curious about her. On top of that, her attempt to approach and communicate with An Yun Su in prison completely caught me off guard—everything seemed so well planned, it was surprising! Moreover, the way the show repeatedly focuses on that particular scene during Mo Eun's flashbacks suggests that she didn’t start as a psychopath but became one as a result of a very traumatic past.

I found Jin Yeong In's role to be quite suspicious from his very first appearance. That’s because he seemed too good to be true. Compared to Jang Jeong Gu, a nameless lawyer with a clear reason to defend An Yun Su, Jin Yeong In’s background and motives for defending Mo Eun felt almost unreal in today’s world. That’s why I wasn’t too surprised by how the story progressed. I was, however, surprised by his motive. I had been expecting a huge conspiracy or cover-up, but it turned out to be something so trivial—so trivial that many of us might have experienced it, yet never taken it to such an extreme. I was honestly mindblown by the ending; it really shows what can happen when a mental illness is enabled. That said, this well-written, complicated story wouldn’t have achieved its success without the well-developed characters and the excellent performances of the actors portraying them.

Jeon Do Yeon as An Yun Su
As a renowned actress who has portrayed diverse roles, I couldn’t imagine a better choice to play the quirky and eccentric An Yun Su. Beyond her overall appearance, which suits the artistic An Yun Su perfectly, Jeon Do Yeon delivered an excellent performance in bringing out her emotions. Her grief, the way she tries to stay strong for her daughter, her fear and confusion upon entering prison, her desperation to prove her innocence, her anxiety—everything was perfectly conveyed through Jeon Do Yeon's facial expressions and body movements.

There is one question I still have about her character—maybe it was unanswered, or maybe I missed it.

[Spoiler]

Baek Dong Hun said that when An Yun Su was a child, she intentionally pushed her friend, causing injuries, simply because she didn’t like how her friend smiled so brightly in a photo for milk packaging. Is that story true? Was it just an impulsive mistake that children sometimes make, or does it suggest something darker wired within her?

Not to mention the scene where An Yun Su is looking at paintings made by her students. One painting, in particular, stood out: it showed her as if she were about to devour smaller humans. That scene made me suspicious of An Yun Su. However, I realized I might have brushed it off if I didn’t already know she was a convicted killer. As an artist, it’s perfectly normal to pause and take in a painting—but in this case, my knowledge of her past made me form a biased judgment.

[Spoiler Ends]

Despite her well-written character, she wasn’t without flaws. As someone who watches a lot of CSI, I found that her attempts to investigate and go unnoticed were sloppy at times. She wears an electronic ankle tag and knows its purpose, yet she doesn’t even manage to cover her tracks, making it seem like she’s just revealing her alliance with Mo Eun to the police. Also, burying evidence in her own backyard was a questionable choice. Maybe it’s sloppy writing, or maybe it’s the writer showing us that despite An Yun Su being an avid CSI watcher, she’s just a careless woman and mother who wouldn’t hurt a single fly.

I do give credit to the hair and costume stylist. Her long, curly hairstyle and eccentric look really bring An Yun Su's personality to life! Additionally, the large tattoo of her husband on her back was such a nice and artistic touch.

Kim Go Eun as Mo Eun
Wow! For such a complex character, Kim Go Eun delivered an outstanding performance. Beyond her appearance, which somehow complements Jeon Do Yeon's look, her facial expressions were top-tier. She perfectly portrayed a good and selfless girl who develops a deep grudge and a strong motive for vengeance against those who wronged her family. I particularly applaud the scene when she is lying down, seemingly helpless, yet her heart is raging with fury—you’ll know what I mean when you see it. I honestly felt like aiding her.

I do wonder about the reasoning behind her hairstyle, though. Okay, the short hair I get—maybe she cuts it to mark the next (and final) chapter in her life: revenge. But I don’t understand why she approaches the Ko family with her original long hairstyle. Then again, this doesn’t really affect my experience; it’s just a curiosity.

An Yun Su and Mo Eun's chemistry is something to anticipate! I even find An Yun Su's chemistry with Mo Eun stronger than her chemistry with other characters, including her husband. That’s not to say romantically—just chemistry in general. An Yun Su’s grief over the loss of her husband felt somewhat casual to me; she seemed to bounce back quickly, treating it as if he were just out on a trip. Yet with Mo Eun, there’s more than just loss—there’s regret, sympathy, and even a sense of holding onto Mo Eun in her memories as she moves on with her life in the end.

Park Hae Soo as Baek Dong Hun
Park Hae Soo delivered a great performance as Baek Dong Hun. Baek Dong Hun is an upright and persistent character who only believes what he sees. Throughout the series, Park Hae Soo did an excellent job bringing out the annoying side of Baek Dong Hun—almost making me want to smack him on the head to get a grip and put the puzzle pieces together. Honestly, at first, the romance-lover in me thought he might develop romantic curiosity toward An Yun Su, but I was proven wrong. He was just curious about her as a person. However, I admit that if I were in his shoes, I would also relentlessly pursue An Yun Su, perceiving her as the killer because all the evidence and my observations point to her.

Jin Seon Kyu as Jang Jeong Gyu
Jin Seon Kyu was perfect as Jang Jeong Gyu. He brought the character's persistence and upright personality to life. Honestly, if it weren’t for Jang Jeong Gyu, An Yun Su's life would have been much harder. Unlike others, Jang Jeong Gyu consistently gives An Yun Su the benefit of the doubt despite evidence pointing toward her. He is like her loyal sidekick who always has her back. Jin Seon Kyu's expressions and overall presence were perfect for this role.

Baek Dong Hun and Jang Jeong Gyu are like polar opposites in their opinions and behavior toward An Yun Su. While Baek Dong Hun always believes she’s a killer, Jang Jeong Gyu believes she is innocent and wronged. Baek Dong Hun is persistent in proving himself right, while Jang Jeong Gyu is persistent in proving An Yun Su’s innocence. Their chemistry is interesting, to the point that it occasionally comes off as humorous.

The Price of Confession is a series that will keep you hooked. You become fully involved in the characters’ pursuit of the truth. This is a well-written work with twists and turns that leave you genuinely mindblown. It is not a light watch, as it will keep you thinking and questioning throughout. Highly recommended if you want a gripping crime-mystery drama!

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With Food as the Main Course, Everything Else Was Just a Side Dish!

After being transported 500 years back to Joseon, award-winning French chef, Yeon Ji Yeong, met temperamental tyrant, King Yi Heon, when he was out on a hunting spree. Despite being in shock and disbelief, Yeon Ji Yeong ended up cooking her first dish in Joseon. Although initially skeptical, Yi Heon gave it a taste and memories about his late mother, the deposed Queen, came flooding in. After a failed attempt at escaping, Yeon Ji Yeong was brought to the palace by Yi Heon where he commanded her to cook for him as his Chief Royal Cook. As they work together, love blooms and eventually continues across time.

I never knew food could be such scene stealers. I believe the dishes in this drama and the visualization of its taste makes up a majority of the scenes. The camera angles and sound effects when cooking and tasting the food would make you drool. This would be perfect for a food or cooking show. However, as a drama that promises themes of fantasy, comedy, and romance, Bon Appétit, Your Majesty did not deliver mainly because of sloppy writing.

The story started out promising showing enmity between the two main characters. As the drama progresses, there was a repetitive formula of conflict, cooking, tasting, and conflict solved. This made it seem that cooking and tasting were the focus of the drama and everything else were just grounds to serve the food. The comedy in this drama was also below par. Compared to its predecessor Mr. Queen, as a historical, cooking, time travel, comedy romance drama, this drama left no lasting impact. Not to mention, the sloppy ending that left so many unanswered questions. The writer was definitely lazy towards the end and decided to go for the "what matters is that it's a happy ending, everything else doesn't matter" approach. The script in the end left me scratching my head in disbelief as it clearly represents how the writer just don't want to be bothered writing anymore.

Aside from the story, the character development was also poorly written. Despite Yoona and Lee Chae Min's potential as actors, it is a pity that their abilities were not used to the best advantage. In the first two episodes, Yeon Ji Yeong and Yi Heon's chemistry were interesting enough to keep you anticipating. However as the story progresses, the chemistry between the characters started to get plain and boring, which was ironic considering that their romance were supposed to start and make you feel butterflies in the stomach. The only evident progress was that they went from a hostile relationship to becoming friendly and closer. The buildup of romance was not strong enough to support the ending when Yi Heon lost Yeon Ji Yeong and how they reunite in the present. Watching the ending actually made me cringe as I wonder how dramatic and exaggerated the characters are.

To summarize, this drama definitely lacks depth in terms of story and character development. It is a drama best watched on a faster speed and while eating some food, just to kill time. However, if you are a fan of Yoona or Lee Chae Min, Bon Appétit, Your Majesty is worth giving a try!

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An Underrated Masterpiece

Started watching this with no expectations and ended up finishing it in two days, not able to move on.

This drama explores the theme of human rights, social class, and women empowerment. Despite the heavy theme, it is packed in a slightly light manner with enough elements of humor and suspense to keep you entertained. engaged, and curious as to how the story folds out.

Zhao Pan Er is not your average Chinese drama female lead. She is a 24 year old woman with a past that puts her on the bottom of the social class. While the male lead, Gu Qian Fan, is also a man with a complicated past and a reputation feared by the public, not to mention, caught in a power struggle. Aside from them, there are also two other characters whose roles are pivotal to the theme of this drama, Song Yin Zhang and Sun San Niang, friends of Zhao Pan Er, each with their own struggles.

Rather than the ‘pretty’ parts of a woman, this drama features their struggles and how they empower one another. This drama doesn’t really delve much into the male characters aside from Gu Qian Fan, who’s the male lead. In terms of story, it was definitely well written and well paced. I do think that the ending could’ve been better though. I wish that we could see more happy moments between the leads and primary characters of the show. Also, I think that it’s a bit of a pity that Xu Ouyang served as one of the major character of this drama, only to disappear in the middle of the drama, then reappear as a major villain in the end. It left me with several questions. Although so, I do like and enjoyed how the story was written and unfolded.

All the actors also did very well in bringing their characters to life, especially the two leads. I would like to give credits to Liu Yifei for her detailed acting like when her character was surprised, it looked so real. I also liked how Chen Xiao made Gu Qian Fan’s character look so reliable and charismatic. Not to mention, the inexplicit facial expressions to show his admiration and love towards Zhao Pan Er, lovely! Jelly Lin also did a great job. As someone who plays a character with the most character development in the show, she did a really great job at portraying that naive, jealous girl turned mature, smart, independent woman. The change in her attitude and expression were evident!

All in all, this drama was entertaining, inspiring, and definitely keeps you hooked to see how it all unfolds!

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Promising Start, Disappointing End

Why was Jing Tao Hua so stylish, with a full hairdo, even after she went through a disaster?!

I started this drama due to the hype and arranged marriage plot and I admit, the first half was promising. The actors did well in acting out their roles and the story kept me hooked, up until the leads were chased and ended up going to that village.

Okay, I gave it a chance and continued watching because maybe that part is needed for the plot and for character development. However, amnesia?! I’ve aways hated and felt disturbed whenever there’s an amnesia plot and that did not change in this drama. The amnesia plot was definitely unnecessary.

Now comes my next ‘huh’ moment.. In episode 31, the characters went through a disaster, the explosion and debris kind of disaster, yet while all the other characters were dressed simple covered with dusts and debris, Jing Tao Hua had full on makeup, hairdo, and a stylish dress. The only thing that lacked color was her lips because she was supposed to be low on energy lmao. Girl, please.. that was cringe.

Due to these questionable moments that built up towards the ending, the open ending did not really affect me as I already had no hope for this drama. However, although the second half of the drama was not for me, others might still find it amusing. So give it a try!

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What Got Me Addicted to Chinese Dramas

Enemies to lovers and arranged marriage, two tropes that never fails to catch my attention. Although the plot is cliché, the delivery was perfect. The story was well written and perfectly paced, leaving no plot holes or unanswered questions. The actors brought their respective characters to life.

Liu Yuning flawlessly portrayed Wei Shao as the sharp and kind leader of the Wei family who grew up bearing a grudge and heavy responsibilities after being betrayed by the Qiao family. While Song Zuer was made for the role of Qiao Xiao as the beautiful, kind, and strategically smart daughter of the Qiao family who was never afraid to stand up for her family.

I particularly like how wise Wei Shao was. Despite his grudge towards the Qiao family, he always puts the people first. Although Qiao Xiao’s beauty caught his attention at first glance, as the leader, he was not blinded by it. He remains steadfast in his resolve to care for the people. I also like how despite her beauty, Qiao Xiao was also a smart, strong, and independent woman, who like her grandpa said, could lead the family if only she was a man. Even as she falls for Wei Shao, she was not lovestruck and she still has her family in the back of her mind.

The OSTs, set, color grading, all gave the right ambience to this drama. One thing worth mentioning is the ending. I would say that it’s not so often a Chinese drama would have that perfect ending, but this one definitely does. The ending gave the closure I need after watching the whole story.

Lastly, I would like to thank Wei Shao’s advisor because without him, the drama could’ve ended by episode 1.

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Surprisingly Entertaining!

After her family and life was destroyed by tyrant Jun Che, Lu Ying Ying got a second chance in life and was determined to change her fate. Upon being reborn before the tragedy begins and meeting Jun Che, who was then a slave, she bought him and attempted to get revenge. However, as they work together, love sprouts and new revelations came to light.

This was a random watch on a slow afternoon. With no expectations, this is the type of drama that would surprisingly keep you engaged without needing your full unwavering attention or critical thinking skills. A light watch indeed! It is a cliché enemies to lovers story yet it would keep you seated to see how things unfold. The casting, although not perfect, was enough to bring the characters to life and portray each character's development and relationship throughout the drama.

It is definitely not the best short drama of its kind but enough to receive a rating of 7. This is an easy drama to watch when looking for an enemies to lovers plot without needing to think or fully commit your attention.

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A Light Watch of a Cliché Plot

Youthful Glory is a drama about Jiang Xu, Prince of Dingbei, and Ming Tan, a general's daughter, who agreed to do a contract marriage for political reasons but ended up falling in love as they work together to fight corruption.

With its simple and rather cliché plot, this drama has a high entertainment value. It has a good blend of romance, family, politics, and action. Although the writing was a bit sloppy at times, the pacing was great! I finished all 30 episodes in one sitting without ever feeling bored. I admit I had some prejudice before watching this drama. I saw the preview and thought that Ming Tan would be a cute but dumb character who constantly relies on the male lead however I was proven wrong. It turns out she was not only beautiful but also very smart, tactical, strategic, and independent. All the characters were well written, even the supporting characters were memorable.

The actors did a great job at bringing their respective characters to life. Bao Shang En was perfect for Ming Tan. She was able to portray her as a beautiful and intelligent young lady. Her styling and makeup were also great at supporting her character's personality and characteristics. Song Wei Long also did a great job at portraying the vigorous Jiang Xu. Although I think that his standing posture lacks the aura of a martial arts expert.

One thing that was a minor miss but left a huge impact on me was during the scene when Jiang Xu rescued the king, we can see that the figure actors acting as the army in the back were just softly clashing their weapons with one another. Some did not even fight. It gave me the cringe and ever since I saw that, I began to pay attention to the figure actors in the fight scenes of other dramas as well.

Despite so, I really enjoyed this drama. If you're watching for a light drama that you can watch after a long day, this drama would be the perfect option to go for. Youthful Glory will make you smile, squeal, addicted, and kick your feet against the air!

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A Classic!

Loved the Korean adaptation and definitely enjoyed the original Chinese version as well!

I was bored and suddenly thought of Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo. Since I've rewatched the Korean adaptation a lot of times and was also bored of Korean dramas, I remembered that it was an adaptation of a Chinese drama. I decided to watch Scarlet Heart with no expectation and ended up finishing it in 2 days.

Released in 2011, the production quality was definitely outdated. The story, however, was well-written to the point that it kept me hooked even if I already know, more or less, how it goes as I've watched the Korean adaptation first. I do have to applaud the actors though. Honestly, the only ones I was most familiar with were Liu Shishi and Li Gengxin. However, as expected from seasoned actors, everyone did an incredible job and exceeded my expectations. Nicky Wu and Kevin Cheng definitely left a lasting impression on me. Nicky Wu's charismatic aura as the fourth prince and Kevin Cheng's portrayal of quite strength and vulnerability just got me so immersed. Liu Shishi also did an amazing job at portraying the cheerful and bubbly Maertai Ruoxi turned weak, apathetic, and helpless. Li Gengxin was also great at portraying the loyal, kindhearted, and affectionate fourteenth prince. All the actors definitely did an amazing job! I have to say, their use of older actors, the men especially, for the main characters gives the characters a different sense of charismatic, manly appeal compared to newer costume drama these days.

That said, this drama is definitely worth watching, especially if you've watched the Korean adaptation. I wish we could see more new costume dramas featuring older, seasoned actors like this one.

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Got Me Jealous of Sang Zhi

Started to watch this because of the hype it got. This whole drama was very light yet it was so hard for me to watch mainly because I was jealous of Sang Zhi’s life. She did not face any major hardship and had a supportive family, which is basically what every girl wants. Not to mention falling for your big brother’s friend.. typical chick flick plot.

All the actors were great in their roles, although I question why they had to use a child actress when Sang Zhi was still in elementary and paired her with Chen Zheyuan. I wish they could’ve just styled Zhao Lusi differently or hire a male child actor to play young Duan Jiaxu and Sang Yan.

This drama has no major conflict apart from Duan Jiaxu’s so it was a very light watch, which made me bored. However, I did finished watching it but nothing memorable to be honest.

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A Visual Feast of a Dark and Suspenseful Story

My Journey to You is a dark, visually appealing, and suspenseful Wuxia that follows Yun Wei Shan, a covert agent who yearns for freedom and enters the Gong residence under the guise of a mission. Within the dark and perilous walls of the Gong household, she discovers unexpected bonds of love and friendship. As she navigates danger and intrigue, Yun Wei Shan begins a journey of self-reflection and finds the resolve to choose her own path. Alongside the defiant young noble Gong Zi Yu, the two evolve and come of age through the trials they face together.

The true strength of the drama lies in the Gong family dynamics and the secret they are sworn to protect. Each lineage bears immense responsibility, making Gong Zi Yu's sheltered upbringing a point of resentment. While the mystery and pacing occasionally falter—especially with a late, anticlimactic antagonist reveal—the interconnected plots remain engaging. The ensemble cast is the standout, filled with eccentric, layered, and memorable characters that often overshadow the main storyline.

Romance exists but is not the focus, and viewers expecting a conventional love story may be disappointed. Gong Shang Jue and Shangguan Qian's tense, morally gray relationship is far more compelling than the main couple, as Yun Wei Shan remains intentionally elusive, making it harder to emotionally anchor the narrative. Still, this choice allows the ensemble to shine, with strong performances across the board. Visually, the drama excels: striking cinematography, elegant action scenes, and Guo Jing Ming's signature aesthetic elevate the experience. Despite some narrative flaws, My Journey to You remains a visually stunning, character-driven Wuxia that rewards viewers who appreciate atmosphere and ensemble storytelling.

I’d say this drama serves as a breakthrough for its cast.

Esther Yu as Yun Wei Shan
Known for portraying cute and bubbly characters, Esther Yu was a pleasant surprise as the mysterious and elusive Yun Wei Shan. This role marked a complete 180 from her usual image. Instead of her signature high-pitched voice and cheerful demeanor, she exuded elegance, charisma, aloofness, and quiet intensity. Her action scenes were especially impressive—while I knew she was flexible and skilled in dance, this was my first time seeing her handle fight choreography so well. Credit goes to the choreographer, as Yun Wei Shan’s fight scenes were beautifully designed, flowing with an elegance as fluid as water.

Her costumes and hairstyles were stunning—easily among the best female styling I’ve seen in costume dramas. Credit also goes to her lower-toned voice dubbing. Despite her naturally high voice, she managed to keep it restrained and fitting for the character, with only occasional slips that didn’t significantly affect the viewing experience.

That said, while Esther delivered a strong performance, I do wish Yun Wei Shan had been written better. She was a promising character with great potential, yet she often felt bland and emotionally distant. At times, she nearly faded into the background if not for her striking visuals and captivating fight scenes. In fact, the second female lead often felt more memorable. For Esther Yu’s first “badass” role, this performance was both a hit and a miss—successful in execution, but limited by writing.

Zhang Ling He as Gong Zi Yu
Visually, Zhang Ling He was undeniably attractive as Gong Zi Yu. He portrayed Gong Zi Yu’s mischievous, immature nature well, while also conveying the weight of unexpected responsibility placed upon him. His expressive acting—both playful and serious—captured the character’s growth convincingly. While I wasn’t a fan of his hairstyle, his costumes complemented his tall, well-built figure nicely.

Yun Wei Shan & Gong Zi Yu’s Chemistry
Their chemistry was hit or miss. Their first encounter wasn’t impactful enough to justify Gong Zi Yu’s love-at-first-sight devotion—it felt like he could have fallen for almost anyone under similar circumstances. His unwavering, unconditional love for Yun Wei Shan sometimes came across as cringe-worthy due to the lack of emotional buildup. Given their personalities, the relationship didn’t feel sufficiently developed to fully convince me as a viewer.

As the main couple, their story didn’t quite live up to the drama’s title, My Journey to You. That said, the “only you understand and believe in me” trope and their visuals helped compensate somewhat. While they didn’t shine as a couple, both actors were memorable individually. Their chemistry wasn’t a complete miss—it just could have been much better.

Cheng Lei as Gong Shang Jue
Cheng Lei was an absolute standout as Gong Shang Jue. Charismatic, cold, and mysterious, he embodied the role effortlessly. His mastery of micro-expressions—softened gazes, subtle smiles, and restrained emotions—made his performance incredibly compelling. His character was far more intriguing than the main male lead, remaining principled and selfless throughout. I especially appreciated that Gong Shang Jue never sought power for himself, but only wanted someone truly capable of bearing responsibility. His final decision regarding Shangguan Qian was fitting and satisfying.

Lu Yu Xiao as Shangguan Qian
Lu Yu Xiao was perfectly cast as Shangguan Qian. She balanced innocence and seduction beautifully, delivering a strong femme fatale performance. Her voice, expressions, and emotional control elevated the character, making her another undeniable scene stealer.

Gong Shang Jue & Shangguan Qian’s Chemistry
This pairing easily stood out. Gong Shang Jue’s cynicism and Shangguan Qian’s mystery created a compelling slow-burn dynamic that kept me invested. Compared to the main couple’s fast-paced romance, their relationship felt more layered and engaging. While they didn’t completely overshadow the leads, they left a far stronger and more lasting impression.

Another debatable aspect is the ending and its epilogue. While I found the epilogue intriguing and mind-blowing, the open ending left me wanting more—especially without any confirmation of a Season 2. If the story had proper continuation, this would easily be a perfect 10. Even so, the drama’s strengths far outweigh its flaws, and I’m happy to rate it 9.5/10.

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No One Saw These Women Coming!

A marriage selection brings young women from different regions to Xin Chuan, where the low-profile sixth young master, Yin Zheng, meets Li Wei, a practical girl who hopes to avoid selection and live a quiet life. Their unexpected pairing gradually turns into a genuine partnership as they navigate daily life together. Through shared challenges, official duties, and simple moments across changing seasons, they grow closer while forming a warm family alongside others of different personalities and fates.

New Life Begins is a lighthearted historical satire that playfully critiques feudal patriarchy through a modern lens. Set in the fictional state of Xin Chuan, the story follows a bride selection system that brings young women from eight regions into a rigid, male-dominated court. What begins as a traditional arrangement quickly turns into a challenge to the very values Xin Chuan is built upon. Despite hints of potential conflict or drama, most problems are resolved quickly and without major consequences, giving the story a surprisingly light tone.

At the center of this quiet rebellion is Li Wei, a food-loving and practical girl from Ji Chuan, where equality and monogamy are the norm. Alongside women like the clever Hao Jia, the fierce Shangguan Jing, and the ambitious Yuan Ying, she navigates the suffocating rules of the inner palace with wit and solidarity. Their shared journey highlights one of the drama’s greatest strengths: its focus on sisterhood and the idea that women become strongest when they support one another. Despite the historical setting, the themes feel distinctly modern and intentionally idealistic. It is touching and heartwarming to see the female characters stand up for one another. In this drama, there is no hierarchy of concubine versus legal wife, only women supporting women. When else do you see a concubine and a legal wife becoming best friends, or a legal wife smiling while watching her husband interact with his concubine? As someone who loves stories about women’s empowerment, this drama genuinely made me smile and feel warm and fuzzy inside.

The drama benefits greatly from a strong ensemble cast and humor. Not all princes are villains, though many make terrible husbands. I found Prince An, his wife, and his twenty-four constellation girls to be particularly amusing. Yin Qi and his relationship with Shangguan Jing steal the spotlight. Their dynamic is chaotic, heartfelt, and deeply entertaining, with banter and emotional growth that feel earned. Though imperfect and often struggling, their happiness feels genuine. While most subplots are light and brief, Hua Jia’s storyline stands out for its darker tone. The antagonists themselves are fairly simple, reinforcing the idea that the true enemy is the feudal system rather than any individual character. I also loved how the drama uses colors to distinguish couples and regions, and how each couple’s personalities and dynamics are so distinct. Some of the most memorable moments include Yin Zheng’s birthday dinner in episode 40 and the final rooftop scene with all the couples gazing at the moon. It was wonderful to see how the colors differ for each couple and how their interactions and positioning also reflect their unique dynamics.

The romance between Li Wei and the unfavored sixth prince, Yin Zheng, is wholesome and comedic, particularly through their opposing attitudes toward food and life. Bai Jing Ting and Tian Xi Wei share natural comedic chemistry and handle emotional moments well. However, their relationship feels somewhat unrealistic. While it is clear how and why Li Wei falls in love with Yin Zheng, the buildup on Yin Zheng’s side is lacking, which makes his feelings for her feel underdeveloped. Even now, it remains unclear how or when he truly fell for her. Given how they first met, I expected more bickering or tension between them, but once he chose her, it was as if the kitchen incident never happened. That said, a special shoutout goes to our cupid, Su Shen. Without him, who knows how long it would have taken for these two to figure things out. He was the spice that both the couple and the audience needed to make their relationship more engaging. Ultimately, the drama feels more invested in women’s stories than in romance, which is not necessarily a weakness.

The drama is also somewhat anticlimactic: moments that feel like they might lead to big conflicts are often resolved quickly and without major consequence. While this keeps the pacing gentle and enjoyable, it can sometimes make the drama feel plain, particularly toward the ending, which felt a bit rushed and left me wondering why certain solutions weren’t considered earlier. Everything remains light and easygoing. Some viewers may want more dramatic tension, but for me, it only added to the charm.

Overall, New Life Begins is a visually charming, warm, and entertaining drama centered on women’s struggles, growth, and solidarity, with romance as a supporting element. While it lacks depth and can be slow at times, its humor and ensemble performances make it a highly enjoyable watch.

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I Was Ready to Hate This Drama, Until I Didn’t

In a mesmerizing, fairytale-like realm, Li Qing Yue, a powerful immortal favored by the Four Spirits, crosses paths with Bai Jiu Si, the highly respected master of Dacheng. A tragic misunderstanding drives them into a painful conflict that ultimately leads to their deaths. Yet fate is unwilling to let their story end there. Given a second chance at life, they confront their past, repair their fractured bond, and reunite as allies. Together, they stand as protectors of the innocent, facing a growing threat that endangers the world.

As someone who hates misunderstanding and memory loss plots, I was shocked to find myself watching this nonstop in one sitting. Feud is a drama driven by a major misunderstanding, with revenge, justice, memory loss, and compassion as supporting themes. Honestly, I thought I was going to hate this drama, but I was proven wrong. I was completely engrossed and hooked, eager to see how the story would unfold, and that is thanks to the strong storyline.

I believe the charm of this drama lies in the way viewers experience everything alongside the characters. This is a drama that takes you on a journey and places you in a state of understanding similar to that of the characters themselves. You will misunderstand, then feel guilty for misunderstanding. You will trust, then feel betrayed. Essentially, you go through exactly what the characters go through. The drama follows a recurring formula of one point of view, the consequences that follow, revenge, the truth being revealed, and then another set of consequences. It is surprising that this repeated structure never became tiring. Instead, it kept me seated and fully invested. Although the story becomes a bit chaotic toward the end, overall it was well written and well paced. The misunderstanding and memory loss plots that I usually dread were handled so smoothly that they never made me feel exhausted.

I had a genuinely fun experience watching this drama. At first, I questioned whether Hua Ru Yue’s motives toward Bai Jiu Si were strong enough to justify her hatred and determination for revenge. Then, after seeing what truly happened, I began to sympathize with her. Soon after, I was shown Bai Jiu Si’s point of view and found myself sympathizing with him as well. Experiencing the emotional shifts alongside the characters was incredibly engaging. Despite my positive experience, the drama is not without its flaws.

One major pet peeve of mine is the use of comedy. Given how heavy the storyline is, the comedic choices often felt unsuitable. The use of exaggerated sound effects to highlight certain moments, such as Zhang Suan’s heartbreak, felt forced and out of place. Additionally, the music arrangement was awkward at times. There were moments when the background music would abruptly stop just to emphasize a comedic beat, which disrupted the immersion. Overall, the comedy felt unnatural and did not blend well with the emotional depth of the story. Fortunately, the comedic elements within the script itself were generally acceptable.

Bai Lu’s dual performance as Li Qing Yue and Hua Ru Yue was outstanding. As expected of her, she brought both characters to life beautifully. Her expressions were top tier. I cried when she cried and smiled when she smiled. For Li Qing Yue, I did feel that her early costumes as a gate guard did not quite match Bai Lu’s naturally elegant and mature visuals. However, this did not affect my overall experience and was simply a minor observation. Aside from that, Bai Lu’s visuals, aura, and expressions were perfectly suited for both characters, and the contrast between them was very clear. She also excelled at portraying Hua Ru Yue’s complex emotions through subtle expressions and body language, especially in the later episodes when her feelings toward Bai Jiu Si became increasingly conflicted.

Joseph Zeng’s portrayal of Bai Jiu Si was very appealing. His visuals were striking. He brought the aloof and reserved Bai Jiu Si to life convincingly, although I personally found the white hair somewhat unfitting for his youthful face. Joseph Zeng’s eyes and lips naturally carry a sense of sadness and longing, which suited his character well. While I do not vividly remember every expression, I believe his overall performance was strong. His portrayal during Bai Jiu Si’s memory loss arc left a particularly deep impression on me, as it showed a complete shift in personality. This contrast convinced me that Joseph Zeng truly understood and nailed the role, as he successfully depicted Bai Jiu Si across all stages of his character development.

The chemistry between Bai Lu and Joseph Zeng was excellent. It is clear that they are comfortable with each other, likely due to their real-life friendship. Visually, they complement each other very well. Bai Jiu Si’s chemistry with both Li Qing Yue and Hua Ru Yue felt natural and convincing. Their characters were well written, and the depth of their love and hatred felt justified and emotionally grounded.

The ensemble cast was also memorable. All the actors performed well in their respective roles. The side characters surrounding Bai Jiu Si, Li Qing Yue, and Hua Ru Yue left a strong impression. I grew fond of Li Mo, Cang Tu, Ning Yan, Yin Tong Zi, and Fan Ling Er and found myself rooting for them. However, Long Yuan consistently annoyed me, as he seemed to embody impulsive rage and unchecked anger. Unlike some ensemble characters whose arcs evolve over time, my frustration with him remained until the very end.

One aspect that could have been handled better, though it did not significantly affect my overall experience, was the ending. I found the use of the time artifact, as well as Bai Jiu Si and Hua Ru Yue’s reunion, confusing. I did not fully understand how Hua Ru Yue’s first attempt at using the time artifact differed from her next attempt. I have a general idea, but I am not confident in my interpretation. Additionally, I am unclear about why Bai Jiu Si was inside the frozen water. While the ending left me with many questions, it ultimately did not diminish my enjoyment of the drama.

Overall, Feud surprised me in the best way possible. Despite relying heavily on tropes I usually dislike, it managed to deliver an emotionally immersive experience through strong writing, compelling character perspectives, and excellent performances. While it has its flaws, particularly in its use of comedy and a somewhat confusing ending, the drama’s ability to make viewers feel, question, and empathize alongside its characters is what truly sets it apart. Feud is not a perfect drama, but it is a memorable and engaging one that proves even the most overused tropes can shine when executed with care and depth.

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Not Perfect, but Felt Real

After her parents’ divorce, Lin Yu Jing is forced to start over in a new city, where she crosses paths with the aloof and hot-tempered Shen Juan. Though circumstances pull them apart, fate brings them together again in university. Supported by her stepfamily and friends, Lin Yu Jing grows into her new life, while Shen Juan confronts his lingering family trauma and begins to heal—with her by his side. Along the way, both learn to move forward and find their own paths.

This was the first Chinese drama I’ve ever watched, and I started it after seeing a clip of Lin Yu Jing and Shen Juan’s first meeting on the street. As a K-pop and K-drama lover, that two main leads immediately reminded me of Winter from aespa and Beomgyu from TXT. On top of their similar visuals, the overall mood of the scene gave off a “good girl, bad boy” angsty vibe, which instantly piqued my interest.

Once I started the drama, I was immediately hooked and ended up binge-watching all of it in just two days. The story was not as simple or cliché as I initially expected. It explored various forms of trauma and numerous issues faced by the characters, including family problems, loss, betrayal, jealousy, loneliness, and more. Within 30 episodes, these themes were packed especially well into the first half of the drama, effectively building curiosity about what really happened.

The first half also did a great job establishing the dynamics between Lin Yu Jing, Shen Juan, Wang Yi Yang, and He Song Nan as they faced challenges together. Alongside their friendship, the romance between Lin Yu Jing and Shen Juan was introduced. Since they were still in high school and likely each other’s first love, their relationship developed subtly and slowly. It felt like a friendship sprinkled with heart-fluttering moments. During this time, He Song Nan acted like their love sidekick, while Wang Yi Yang remained completely clueless.

After the happy moments came the first storm. Lin Yu Jing was forced by her mother to return to her hometown to finish high school. I was frustrated by the separation and angry at her mother for being so controlling. Thankfully, this phase passed quickly before it became too exhausting. I was happy to see Lin Yu Jing’s firm decision to return to Puheung and reunite with everyone. Her reunion with Shen Juan was even cuter — watching them transition from friends to lovers, learn to trust each other, and maintain a sense of innocence in their relationship was genuinely heartwarming.

Unfortunately, the story and pacing began to falter in the second half of the drama, especially after Lin Yu Jing’s mother arrived in the city. The plot became a repetitive cycle of problem, revelation, and solution, which quickly became tiring. Everything also felt messy and all over the place, making this a drama best watched in one sitting so details aren’t forgotten.
The introduction of whales near the ending also felt abrupt. While they were meant to symbolize freedom, Lin Yu Jing suddenly drawing them felt random and hard to connect with emotionally. Additionally, the plot involving Nie Xing He and the uncle became confusing in the latter half. For such a serious issue, its resolution felt rushed and anticlimactic.

One thing I truly disliked was the ending. It felt incomplete, as if the writer simply forgot to write a proper conclusion. I actually swore when I realized that was how the drama ended. Fortunately, the special episode provided some closure, though not much. It felt realistic — so realistic that it left me feeling bittersweet. It reflected how high school can be the happiest, most carefree time of life, followed by college, where life-altering decisions begin, and then adulthood, where everyone walks their own path and goodbyes become inevitable. Still, the message that everything will eventually be okay and goodbyes are just a step towards a better reunion left me in a melancholic mood.

Sabrina Zhuang did a good job portraying Lin Yu Jing. She embodied an intelligent, cool-girl aura that suited the character well. Expression-wise, she mostly maintained a straight or smiling face, which worked given Lin Yu Jing’s calm charisma and blend of tomboyish and feminine traits. While her outfits were cute, her hairstyle and makeup were underwhelming. The only look that really stood out was when she wore a ponytail with a denim-on-denim sleeveless outfit at Shen Juan’s basketball match. Her red lipstick often made her look older and occasionally reminded me of her mother. I also found it distracting when her eyes appeared under different lighting compared to the rest of her face in later episodes.

Zhou Yi Ran was excellent as Shen Juan, especially in terms of expressions. I did find his messy “bird’s nest” hairstyle annoying, though I expected a change when he entered college — unfortunately, it stayed mostly the same. That aside, Shen Juan’s character was well-written. His unexpected talents, like shooting, along with his growth from being hot-tempered to more patient, made him very appealing.

Apart from the friendship and romance in this drama, I really enjoyed seeing Lin Yu Jing and Fu Ming Xiu’s sibling chemistry. Despite being step-siblings with no blood relation, they come across as each other’s most reliable family member. Although they had a rough start, their bond and care for one another gradually grew over time, which I found very heartwarming.

What I particularly appreciated was the drama’s commitment to realism. Every character’s choices felt grounded and personal. Unlike many dramas, love and friendship were not the sole driving forces behind major life decisions. Instead, each character chose what they believed was best for themselves. The monologues at the end of each episode were also effective in helping me better understand Lin Yu Jing and Shen Juan’s thoughts and emotions.

Overall, this drama was entertaining despite its flaws. While the second half and ending were far from perfect, the strong first half, realistic character portrayals, and emotionally grounded relationships made the journey worthwhile. It’s a drama that captures the bittersweet process of growing up—learning to love, letting go, making difficult choices, and moving forward even when things don’t turn out as expected. As my first Chinese drama, it set a good starting point, reminding me that sometimes a story doesn’t have to be perfect to feel real and memorable.

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Purr-fect Vibes, Not-So-Purr-fect Pacing

Wu Zhen is a notorious playgirl in Chang’an, born into power as the Duke of Henan’s daughter and the Empress’s sister. Known for wearing men’s clothes and causing trouble with other nobles, she hides a secret: she can see spirits. After surviving a near-death accident, she inherits demonic powers and becomes the new Cat Master, secretly ruling Chang’an’s hidden Demon City and keeping supernatural beings in check. Mei Zhu Yu is a Taoist prodigy who also sees spirits. Raised in a Taoist temple, he quietly becomes one of the most powerful Daoists of his time. Though he keeps a low profile, he serves as Wu Zhen’s most reliable ally. Together, they form an unexpected but balanced pair, navigating a world where humans and spirits coexist, blending mystery, romance, and lighthearted moments as they protect the unseen realm.

I was a bit overwhelmed when I first read the plot, but I decided to give it a try anyway because of Tian Xi Wei and Xu Kai (and also because I was bored and didn’t know what to watch). The story was confusing at first, especially with Wu Zhen’s double life and the whole demon–human world setting. However, as I continued watching, I found myself enjoying it. Since the story felt unfamiliar to me, I was curious and kept anticipating how everything would unfold.

Overall, I think the script was decent, but the pacing was uneven. Just when things started to pick up, the story would suddenly slow down. Some moments felt like they were building toward big revelations, only for them to fall a bit flat. It didn’t completely ruin my viewing experience, but better pacing would have made the drama stronger. The ending also felt a bit rushed for my taste, and it wasn’t as climactic as I expected.

One thing I really liked about this drama was the set design. It gives off strong Halloween vibes, especially in the demon world. Unlike the usual dark and ominous demon realms in Chinese dramas, this one feels quirky, peculiar, and even cute, with a comedic touch. It reminded me of an old-school Disney Halloween set—slightly theatrical and very nostalgic. The costumes and makeup in the demon world also fit the overall vibe perfectly. The human world sets were beautifully done as well. Wu Zhen’s house was especially memorable, and the palace set with the tree surrounded by shallow water was visually striking.

Tian Xi Wei and Xu Kai were purr-fect for the kitty vibe of this drama! One of the main reasons I was drawn to it was their striking visuals, especially how cat-like they appeared. I truly can’t imagine a better actress to play Wu Zhen than Tian Xi Wei. She was a total femme fatale in this role. She perfectly captured Wu Zhen’s cat-like beauty, charisma, femininity, allure, playfulness, and flirtatiousness. Through this drama, Tian Xi Wei became Wu Zhen. On top of that, Wu Zhen was a well-written character, and Tian Xi Wei added even more depth through her expressive acting. She really left a lasting impression on me.

Unlike Wu Zhen, Mei Zhu Yu’s character felt underwritten. He came across as bland and didn’t leave much of an impact—if not for Xu Kai’s visuals, he might have been forgettable. I’m not sure whether this was due to weak writing or Xu Kai’s limited expressions, but the character just didn’t stand out. Mei Zhu Yu was simply… there. Without Wu Zhen steering the story, I might even forget he existed. The chemistry also felt off. At times, I could see it, but other times it felt like Wu Zhen was in love with a statue. I also didn’t understand why there were so many secrets between them, especially when they were about to get married. I understand Wu Zhen hiding her identity because of her responsibilities, but Mei Zhu Yu’s secrecy made little sense to me.

I actually found the ensemble cast and their dynamics more entertaining. Their relationships with one another—and with the main characters—were fun to watch, whether it was love-hate, rivalry, or loyalty. While the drama didn’t have many fight scenes, the ones it did have felt grand. Combined with the music, they really elevated the excitement.
All in all, despite its flaws, the drama was entertaining enough for me to give it a 7/10. Tian Xi Wei truly stood out as Wu Zhen, and the drama’s Halloween-like vibe is definitely something to look forward to.

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