A Standout Animated Film
KPop Demon Hunters is easily one of the most compelling animated films released this year. It manages to blend modern pop culture with supernatural action in a way that feels fresh without trying too hard. The premise—K-pop idols secretly fighting demons—could’ve gone gimmicky fast, but the film handles it with a surprising level of care and style.What really stands out is seeing this film listed on kisskh. Usually, animations—especially ones from non-Asian countries—don’t make the cut there. But in this case, it actually makes sense. Unlike a lot of Western attempts to tap into K-culture, KPop Demon Hunters shows a real understanding of its influences, and it doesn’t just borrow the aesthetics—it respects them. That’s probably why it was given a chance where others weren’t.
The animation is clean, the action is sharp, and the characters are well-designed both visually and emotionally. The music hits the right notes without overshadowing the story. It’s fun, but it also has enough substance to hold your attention beyond the spectacle.
It’s not just good “for a Western animation”—it’s a strong film in its own right, and a smart, entertaining watch for anyone interested in a cross-genre story done right.
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All the emotions
Lovely Runner is a good 'cliche' time-travel romance that starts off as a straightforward fan-idol love story. The plot follows Im Sol, a 34 year old fan of K-pop star Ryu Sun-jae, who is sent back 15 years to prevent his death. The series blends nostalgia, romance, and suspense, with the finale that emphasizes emotional logic over strict plot mechanics.This drama will take you on a wild emotional ride. It can make you laugh, cry, and feel all the butterflies that come with falling in love. Every episode is filled with moments that touch your heart and keep you wanting more. The characters and their story feel so real that you can’t help but get fully pulled in. By the end, you’re left with a full heart, maybe a few tears, and a drama you’ll never forget.
Some parts of the story feel a little slow or don’t make sense right away, but later everything comes together and it all fits. The show makes you feel all kinds of emotions, and by the end, you’re left with a full heart and maybe even a few tears. It’s the kind of story that stays with you long after it’s over.
Some parts of this series, particularly in episodes 3-4 and 11-12 exhibits uneven pacing. Episodes 3-4 introduce slapstick humor and exaggerated situations, such as the time Sol knocked Sun-jae into a fountain ensuing chaos. Episodes 11-12 feature prolonged comedic gags, including the subplot where Sun-jae's father is trapped in the bathroom, which some people (myself included) found quite excessive.
There are many times in this drama that makes you question "why?"
- "why is there a love triangle that never ends up occurring?"
- "why didn't he end up joining the band that he would've joined before Im Sol meddled?"
- "why was the murderer THAT interested in Im Sol?"
^These are questions I have asked myself while watching this drama.
But despite this, I feel like Lovely Runner ultimately delivers a satisfying conclusion, one where it didn't need to answer these questions. It was like this drama came full circle and made sense without answering them.
The finale episode ties together the various plot threads, providing emotional closure and left me with a sense of fulfillment.
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p.s. a good quote for this drama would be: "I didn't know how much I missed you until I saw you." i was thinking about this quote when Sun-jae told Sol he remembered everything.
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Still Standing, Not the Same.
Weak Hero Class 2 continues the story with the same intense, realistic tone that made the first season stand out. It digs deeper into the characters’ struggles, showing how their past choices weigh heavily on them while new challenges push them to their limits.The fights remain grounded and meaningful, never just flashy action for its own sake. The series explores the consequences of violence and the complicated nature of power and loyalty in a way that feels honest and hard-hitting.
The friendships and rivalries grow more complex, and the emotional stakes are higher than ever. The performances remain strong, keeping the characters’ inner conflicts believable and relatable.
While it’s a very good follow-up, it doesn’t quite reach the same level as season one—but that’s true for most sequels. Still, Weak Hero Class 2 expands the story and the world without losing sight of what really matters: the human side of survival and growth under pressure.
(For me, I give it between an 8.5 and a 9.)
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Quiet Strength
Weak Hero Class 1 is a raw and emotionally gripping school drama that doesn’t hold back. I don’t usually enjoy writing reviews for action dramas because there often isn’t much to say—they tend to follow the same formula. But this drama completely exceeded my expectations. The acting, storytelling, and visuals were all executed perfectly.It follows Si-eun, a top student who’s quiet and reserved, as he’s pushed into a violent world where intelligence alone isn’t enough to survive. The show handles school bullying with an honesty that’s sometimes uncomfortable, but always grounded and real.
The fight scenes are intense without being overdone. They carry real consequences, and each one reveals something deeper about the characters involved. It’s not just about physical strength, but what someone is willing to endure to protect themselves or others.
The friendship at the center of the story feels genuine and heartbreaking. Si-eun, Su-ho, and Beom-seok are complex and believable, and watching their bond shift over time is one of the most powerful parts of the series. The emotional impact builds naturally, helped by strong performances across the board, especially from Park Ji-hoon.
I recommend Weak Hero Class 1 to anyone, whether you usually watch high school dramas or not. It’s a sharp, thoughtful series that goes beyond the surface and stays with you long after the final episode.
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A Love So Beautiful... and Frustrating
There's something quietly timeless about A Love So Beautiful. It doesn't rely on big dramatic twists or over-the-top angst. Instead, it captures the sweet awkwardness of youth and the quiet complexities of growing up. The drama focuses on the long, winding road between two people who clearly love each other but don’t always know how to show it.The acting is one of the strongest elements. Emotions are delivered with a natural, grounded feel that makes the story feel sincere. Wu Bosong’s character is especially well-portrayed. His loyalty, heartbreak, and quiet moments of sadness are deeply moving. But at the same time, his role in the love triangle isn’t as innocent as it seems.
Truthfully, Wu Bosong might have been the most selfish of them all. He knew, just like everyone else, that Xiaoxi liked Jiang Chen. Her feelings weren’t hidden; they were obvious to anyone paying attention. Even after being rejected multiple times, he continued to pursue her, hoping she might change her mind. While that came from love, it also contributed to more confusion and emotional pressure for both Jiang Chen and Xiaoxi. His repeated efforts to sway her feelings complicated things unnecessarily.
The plot overall is enjoyable, with a good mix of warmth and nostalgia, but there are moments that can be frustrating, mainly due to character decisions. Jiang Chen is often seen as emotionally distant, but it becomes clear over time that he’s just socially awkward and struggles to express himself. Xiaoxi, meanwhile, is sweet and passionate, but she has a tendency to be emotionally reactive and inconsistent.
One scene in particular really drove this home. Xiaoxi calls Jiang Chen to ask if he can go to a realtor appointment. He immediately offers to take the day off without even knowing what it was about, which shows he wants to be there for her, but she refuses, telling him it’s fine and not to worry. She doesn’t even tell him why she wanted him to come. Then later, she gets upset that he didn’t show up. That kind of contradiction becomes a pattern: saying one thing, feeling another, and expecting him to somehow know.
And honestly, I got pretty mad at the couple during the moment where Xiaoxi complains that she always has to guess what Jiang Chen is thinking. Because yes, he’s closed off, but with all her mixed signals, he also has to guess what she’s feeling. And because he’s awkward and overthinks everything, he almost always guesses wrong. He probably got used to her being upfront about her emotions, so when she stopped doing that, it made things worse. That breakdown in communication chipped away at their relationship more than any outside force ever did.
Even Lin Jingxiao, Xiaoxi’s best friend, calls her out gently but clearly. Yet Xiaoxi still chooses to shut down, avoid confrontation, and “forget” about Jiang Chen instead of talking things through.
Watching this drama for the first time now, years after its 2017 release, offers a clearer view. Without the emotional hype and nostalgia clouding judgment, it’s easier to appreciate the genuine moments while still recognizing the flaws. Back then, it probably would've felt like a perfect 10 because of all the hype. But watching it now, it feels more like a heartfelt, imperfect story about growing up and learning how to love better.
A Love So Beautiful isn’t without its faults. The story can be emotionally messy, and the characters often get in their own way. But that honesty is part of its charm. It doesn’t romanticize everything. It shows how even genuine love can be clumsy, confusing, and frustrating. And in that way, it really does leave a mark.
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Tastefully Frustrating
Tastefully Yours could’ve been a solid drama if it didn’t get bogged down by unnecessary drama, weak resolutions, and frustratingly poor communication between characters.Han Beom U is the only character with actual development. Everyone else either causes problems or stalls the plot. His brother betrays him, pushes him out of La Lecel, then forces him back in — and the show never clearly explains why. It feels like conflict for conflict’s sake.
La Lecel is completely unrealistic. Fraud seems to be their business model, and it’s a miracle the place hasn't been shut down. Beom U could’ve reported them and ended everything, but instead, we get 10 episodes of avoidable nonsense.
Most conflicts could’ve been resolved with one honest conversation between Beom U and Jang Yeong Hye. Instead, we’re left with a cliché “You did all this to hurt me?” scene and an unsatisfying ending.
One cool moment is the Weak Hero Class 2 reference through a cameo by Park Ji-hoon, linking the two dramas in a shared universe. It’s a nice Easter egg and possible shared universe for fans of both shows.
There’s also a subtle nod to Lovely Runner with the mention of “Lovely Jogger” — a playful little Easter egg that fans of Lovely Runner will appreciate.
If you're looking for smart writing or emotional payoff, this drama won’t deliver. But if you don’t mind the frustration and clichés, maybe it’s worth a try.
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When I Fly Towards S2
When I Fly Towards You is one of the most wholesome and emotionally balanced youth dramas out there. It’s not just about romance—it’s a thoughtful mix of love, friendship, self-growth, and family struggles, all told with a light and sincere tone.The story centers on Su Zaizai, a bubbly and outspoken high school girl who falls for Zhang Lurang, a quiet and reserved top student. At first, he seems cold and distant, but as the story unfolds, we learn that he’s dealing with a lot of pressure from his family, especially from constantly being compared to his younger brother. These family issues deeply affect his confidence and self-worth, making his journey of opening up even more touching.
What really makes this drama stand out is how well it balances all of its elements. The romance is sweet and natural, the friendships are supportive and funny, and the school life feels nostalgic and real. Every character, even the side ones, adds something meaningful to the story.
The pacing is calm but never boring. The soft visuals and warm tone make it easy to watch, and by the end, it leaves you with a genuine feeling of comfort and hope.
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The struggle of being an idol.
I don't think many people realize it but the focus of this drama was NOT romance. It was the struggle of being an idol and the cost of their image in public as one.I only wish they had removed the whole love triangle part and focused purely on the idol drama, as they never fully explored or resolved that aspect, leaving it feeling unfinished. But aside from that, it was really good. The ending might have been a little rushed, but it was a happy one, which made me extremely happy! I'd rate this drama a solid 8. The episodes are shorter than those of other dramas, but they’re still very valuable and memorable. I would definitely re-watch it if I had the chance.
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A Story Told in Silence
Reborn is a captivating drama that weaves mystery and emotional depth into a gripping narrative. At its core, it's a story about justice, identity, and trust, with a romantic subplot that simmers quietly in the background. Rather than rushing into love, the series allows the emotional connection between the leads to build gradually, making each moment between them feel earned and authentic.That said, the romance is subtle—never overshadowing the central mystery, but still leaving an impact. It may not satisfy viewers seeking a romance-heavy plot, but for those who appreciate a well-crafted emotional undercurrent alongside intricate storytelling, it hits the mark.
What makes Reborn so compelling is its ability to maintain tension while carefully peeling back layers of truth. The performances are consistently strong, the pacing is deliberate but never dull, and the atmosphere pulls you in from start to finish. It’s a drama that rewards patience and attention, offering a satisfying mix of emotional nuance and suspense.
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Incomplete and unfinished.
Squid Game S2 introduces a lot of new characters and new plotlines, but it doesn't do enough to make these elements fully engaging. Many of the new players are undeveloped, and their motivations are not explored as deep as they could have been. The pacing begins to slow down in certain episodes and loses some tension that made the first season so good.…While the season offers some surprises, most of the twists are way more predictable then S1, making the shock value not as strong as before.
This season is still pretty engaging but it doesn't live up to the expectations set by the first season (but most sequels don't). It maintains the suspense and high-stakes but struggles with pacing, character development, and predictability. The season is solid but it doesn't offer the same level of impact or originality that made the first season a cultural phenomenon.
I think the people working on Squid Game realized how well the first season went so they're trying to drag on the plot for as long as possible. If you asked me, I wouldn't recommend this season to anyone, unless you're looking for a sequel of a sequel (season 3).
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Just Right, Like the Title Says
Yes, it includes all the usual things: high school crushes, misunderstandings, character growth, loyal friendships, and the typical cold but kind male lead. But unlike many other Chinese school dramas, it doesn’t try to stand out with over-the-top plot twists or unnecessary drama. Instead, it focuses on what we already love about the genre and tells the story with sincerity and charm.The chemistry between the leads feels natural, the pacing is smooth, and the emotional moments are surprisingly real. There’s a quiet confidence in how it tells the story, like it knows what kind of show it wants to be. It’s not trying to reinvent anything, just making everything feel a little better.
It’s still very much a youth drama, but it manages to have its own voice without trying too hard to be different. Think of it as a familiar song with a small twist: comforting, but just fresh enough to keep you interested.
It’s not perfect, but it’s definitely easy to recommend, especially if you’ve watched school dramas that felt either too dramatic or too plain. This one finds a nice balance and really hits the right notes.
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Not Your Usual Fairytale
Honestly, I didn’t expect to enjoy Exclusive Fairytale as much as I did. At first glance, it seems like your typical childhood-friends-to-lovers story, but it surprised me by taking a slightly different route. Instead of the usual slow and mutual development, the female lead actually rejects the male lead’s feelings for quite a while—not in an annoying or overdone way, but in a way that feels true to her character. It reminded me a bit of "Family by Choice," which had a somewhat similar dynamic, though Exclusive Fairytale leans more into the fluffy side.I haven’t watched "Go Ahead" yet, so I can’t compare it to that, but this drama still stood out to me among the youth romances I’ve seen. I’d normally rate around 8.5 or less, but this one stayed with me more—probably because it plays with the usual tropes in a fresh way while still being fun and emotionally satisfying.
Definitely worth checking out if you enjoy these kinds of stories but want something with a slightly different rhythm.
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Some Secrets Are Better Left Unspoken
Our Secret is a Chinese drama about two high school students, Zhou Siyue and Ding Xian, who slowly fall in love. The show has a soft and sweet tone with a lot of cute moments between the main characters. Their relationship feels believable and the school setting brings back that feeling of being a teenager.However, the drama does have some problems. One of the biggest issues is the voice-over work. Ding Xian’s voice often doesn’t match her mouth movements, which becomes really distracting. It happens a lot and takes away from the scene. Her whispered lines especially stand out as being oddly delivered. They feel out of sync and disconnected from the mood. Kong Shadi also has a few strange-sounding whispers, but Ding Xian’s are noticeably worse. It’s hard to tell if that’s the actor’s performance or if it’s more of a problem with the production and editing.
The story itself is pretty cliché. The smart quiet boy meets the bright cheerful girl, but at times it also seems like the show is trying too hard to be different. There’s a subplot with Su Bocong that didn’t really add much to the story and was very predictable.
Chen Zheyuan, who plays Zhou Siyue, is definitely better in Hidden Love. I’m not sure if it’s just that he improved between 2021 and 2023, but chemistry plays a big part. His dynamic with Zhao Lusi in Hidden Love feels more natural and emotionally grounded. He also seems to fit the older brother type of role more, and visually, the pairing with Zhao Lusi just worked better on screen. Sometimes even small things like the height difference can help make the chemistry feel stronger, and that balance felt more natural in Hidden Love than it does here with Xu Mengjie.
I’ve seen someone say it’s better to just watch Go Ahead instead. I haven’t seen that one yet but I’ll update this review once I do to see how it compares.
Even with its flaws Our Secret has its moments. It’s not perfect but if you enjoy school romance with a bit of drama it’s still a decent watch.
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A Red Thread You Won’t Forget
I really enjoyed watching S Line. It’s a fresh, daring take on privacy and human connection wrapped in a dark thriller. The core concept is striking: people’s past sexual partners appear as glowing red lines above their heads, visible through special glasses. The show uses this premise to explore how society reacts when intimacy is suddenly public, and how obsession and judgment spiral into violence.Hyun-heup (played by A Rin), who can naturally see these red lines without glasses, offers a unique perspective. Lee Soo-hyuk’s Han Ji-wook, a calm and emotionally restrained detective, grounds the narrative as the chaos intensifies. The production is visually compelling, especially with the symbolic use of the red lines and a haunting soundtrack that builds suspense throughout.
That said, the series struggles with pacing, especially from Episode 3 onwards. The suspense and momentum dip noticeably, and I found myself watching at 1.5x speed just to maintain the thriller’s intensity. This mid-series slowdown makes the story feel uneven, even though the tension returns toward the end.
One common criticism I’ve seen is disbelief that so many people in the story would resort to murder over the red lines. But in the show, it’s clear that the violence isn’t a spontaneous societal breakdown. It happens because Lee Da-hee’s character is handing these glasses to people who are already unstable or dangerous—those who would kill to protect their secrets or gain control. This explains the high death toll and violent conflicts, making it a story less about universal chaos and more about how dangerous tools fall into dangerous hands.
The finale divides viewers. Some felt it shifted too suddenly toward a dystopian, almost cult-like tone, which didn’t sit well with the build-up. This tonal shift felt jarring and left some narrative threads unresolved, leaving fans frustrated. It also felt like the final episode was less about wrapping up the story and more about setting up a possible second season.
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Started Strong, Ended Awkwardly
I don’t usually write reviews for youth dramas because most of them follow the same formula and rarely leave a lasting impression. But The River Flows Through It stood out, at least in the beginning. It had something special until it peaked too early and left me wondering, “Then what?”From the start, I was hooked. The story felt fresh, and I was genuinely curious to see how the relationships would develop. It was clear from the beginning that the leads were heading toward an enemies-to-lovers arc, but that predictability did not take away from the fun. Their chemistry felt real, and their growth as characters was believable.
The high school segment, which focused on their senior year, was especially well-paced. It allowed just enough time to connect with the characters and watch their friendships deepen. Moments like the summer trip were thoughtful and well-developed. But after they graduated, the story started to unravel.
Around episode 30, things lost momentum. The pacing became noticeably rushed. While their freshman year in college still had some decent moments, like Xia Xiaoju’s two-day trip and the group competition, everything after that felt increasingly hurried. Summer breaks, which previously felt like meaningful pauses in the story, suddenly passed in a blink.
Each college year flew by faster than the last. By the time senior year ended, I found myself thinking, “Wait, what just happened?” The story continued moving forward, but the emotional depth was gone.
Some viewers have criticized the writing, but I actually thought it was decent until graduation. Even with the faster pace, the writing held up for a while. But once Lu Shiyi left and Xiaoju tried to reach out to him, things started to feel off. It didn’t make sense that he would ignore her completely. Based on everything we had seen of his character, he would have responded. His silence felt out of character.
Then there was the whole situation with Shen Dou. It did not make sense for Lu Shiyi to be dating her when he clearly still had feelings for Xiaoju. That just wasn’t who he was. Yet, when he returned, he was still with Shen Dou and teasing Xiaoju as if nothing had changed. It felt inconsistent and, honestly, disappointing.
Another odd moment was when Cheng Lang saw Lin You with a random white guy. Given her backstory, it seemed far more likely she would have ended up with Yuan An Cheng instead. That sudden shift felt forced and left me wondering if the writer was trying to manufacture drama without respecting the characters’ established relationships.
Finally, the ending scene where Shiyi and Xiaoju kissed at their friend’s wedding felt completely out of place. It wasn’t romantic or satisfying; it just felt rude.
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