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Conflicted.

NOTE: I haven't watched Go Ahead prior to writing this review.
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This drama starts off strong with its first two episodes, grabbing your attention with engaging characters and a plot that promises an emotional and meaningful story. The chemistry between the cast is great, and the relationships they build feel real and relatable at times. It looked as though the series was going to explore what family really means and how love and support can create strong bonds, even without blood ties.

However, things take a dip in episodes 3 through 9. The pacing varies, and the story starts to drag especially when San Ha's mother and Hae Jun's father begin to try and re-enter their lives. The way the producers executed their returns felt rushed and disjointed. Instead of building up emotional weight of their return, their parents came into the picture almost consecutively. There's never a time where Hae Jun's father crosses path with San Ha's mother which is very unrealistic considering how many times they all went back to convince them. This pacing made the emotional moments feel shallow, as I didn’t have enough time to truly feel the impact of their return. When the emotional parts finally came, they didn't have the same impact they could have had because the buildup felt so slow and tedious. The pacing made it hard to stay engaged, and I found myself losing interest in what could have been a really touching story.

Fortunately, the drama picks back up in the final episodes. The pacing improves, the plot becomes more interesting again, and the characters finally start to get back on track. The themes are explored more deeply, and by the end, it feels like the story comes full circle with a satisfying conclusion.

Overall, if you can push through the slow and frustrating parts, the emotional payoff in the final episodes makes it all worth it. The cast was well chosen, the rest of the plot was done well and the script was the best it could've been…it's just those 6 episodes that just make me want to rip my hair out.

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Disappointing Ending

This drama seemed to reach the perfect ending by episode 15, when Lin Yujing returned to Puicheng for Shen Juan. It felt like the characters had finally grown and were ready to be together. The moment seemed like the ideal conclusion, leaving us hopeful for their future.

But then the drama continued, and it just didn't live up to expectations. The extra episodes added unnecessary drama and conflict that didn't really improve the story. Instead of focusing on their growth, the main couple went through more problems that felt repetitive and forced. They just kept dragging the story along, and the ending wasn't even a fulfilling one.

With all that said, I would've given this drama a 10/10 had it ended on episode 15, with a more satisfying and complete feeling. Adding more episodes in this drama only took away from what could've been a perfect conclusion.

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Definitely original?

Long D definitely has an original concept, but it doesn't stand out much. The story is about a couple in a long-distance relationship, which is interesting. It shows the ups and downs of being far away from someone you love and shows how technology can both help and also complicate relationships.

The characters are decent, but their chemistry feels a little flat. The main characters don't feel as connected or as deep as you might hope for in a romance drama. While the themes of love and personal growth are important, the show doesn't explore them in an exciting way. The pacing can also feel slow, and some parts of the story is predictable.

Overall, Long D is a good option if you're looking for something simple, or slow paced, but it may not be the most memorable or exciting drama. It's okay, but if someone asks me if it was good, I wouldn't say it was.

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Solid Premise, Uneven Execution

(Watched 9 episodes then read episode summaries for episodes 10-12)
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Our Unwritten Soeul starts off incredibly well. The opening episodes are tightly written, emotionally engaging, and hook you right away. The identical twin-switch premise is handled with intrigue and care, setting up a compelling foundation for the story.

What truly elevates the drama is the acting. Park Bo Young plays both twins as adults, while Lee Jae In portrays both twins in their teenage years. Since the characters are identical twins, the show cleverly uses the same actors for both roles, which means both actresses are essentially acting opposite themselves in many scenes. Despite playing two people who look exactly alike, they bring out the unique personalities, emotional differences, and inner struggles of each twin. It’s a demanding challenge, but they pull it off with nuance and conviction, making each character feel distinct and authentic.

However, the drama starts to lose its momentum around the end of episode 6, right when Yoo Mi Ji and Lee Ho Su get together. That moment felt like a natural, satisfying conclusion, and if the twins had switched back at that point followed by the confession, it could have served as a powerful emotional peak. Instead, the show delays the switch, which weakens the payoff and drags out the tension unnecessarily.

The subplot where Mi Ji lies about being Mi Rae when Ho Su runs into people from his university adds nothing meaningful to the story. It comes off as filler and does little to move the plot forward or deepen the characters.

When the switch finally does happen, it feels rushed, and the aftermath is surprisingly underwhelming. Practically everyone either finds out or is simply told by the twins that they had switched, which deflates the dramatic tension that had been carefully built in the first half of the show.

Park Sang Yeong’s sudden decision to tell the Director about the switch also feels out of place. Earlier in the same episode, he explicitly mentioned that he owed Mi Rae something and wanted to repay her by helping her in some way, which made his actions seem supportive and trustworthy. However, later on in that episode, he ends up revealing the truth, and from my standpoint, it felt inconsistent and unearned. I was skipping a little because the pacing was getting slower and slower, so I may have missed a few details, but the shift in his character didn’t feel properly built up or justified within the story.

The episode runtime, around 1 hour and 20 minutes each, becomes more of a burden as the drama progresses. While the longer format works in the beginning, the slower pacing in the second half makes each episode feel more drawn out than necessary.

In summary, this drama starts strong, with a gripping concept and stellar dual performances by Park Bo Young and Lee Jae In. Unfortunately, it loses momentum in the second half, with pacing issues and missed opportunities holding it back from being great. It’s still worth watching for the acting and early episodes, but don’t expect it to stick the landing.

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True Beauty, Real Glow

True Beauty is a standout coming-of-age drama that blends comedy, romance, and emotional depth in a way that feels both entertaining and meaningful. It follows Lim Ju-kyung, a high school girl who becomes skilled at makeup to escape years of bullying over her appearance. What begins as a lighthearted makeover story evolves into a touching exploration of self-acceptance and identity.

Moon Ga-young shines in the lead role, bringing warmth and sincerity to Ju-kyung’s journey. Her performance makes you root for her from the start, whether she’s struggling with insecurity or finding joy in new friendships. The chemistry between her and the two leads, played by Cha Eun-woo and Hwang In-yeop, is engaging without ever feeling overly dramatic. Their love triangle is filled with tension and tenderness, but it never overshadows Ju-kyung’s personal growth.

The drama is visually appealing, with clean cinematography and colorful styling that reflect the vibrant, youthful tone of the story. Every episode is backed by a catchy and emotional soundtrack that enhances the mood without being overbearing.

What really sets True Beauty apart is its heart. It doesn’t shy away from the emotional struggles teens face, whether it’s self-esteem, peer pressure, or family dynamics. Yet it keeps the narrative hopeful, focusing on friendship, love, and the courage to be yourself.

By the end, True Beauty leaves a lasting impression. It’s funny, heartfelt, and thoughtful in all the right ways, making it an unforgettable experience for anyone who’s ever felt like they had to hide who they really are.

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A Sweet Slice of Healing

When Life Gives You Tangerines completely surprised me in the best way. The story feels so genuine and the characters are really easy to connect with. They don’t come across as typical drama roles but as real people going through real experiences. The chemistry between the leads is natural and makes you genuinely root for them.

What I really enjoyed is how the show balances everything. It’s emotional and heartfelt without becoming too dramatic, and there’s just enough humor to keep things light. The side characters have their own stories that add depth without distracting from the main plot.

Visually, the show is gorgeous. The warm colors and cozy settings make it feel inviting, and the music fits the mood perfectly without being overwhelming.

Overall, it’s one of those dramas that stays with you after you finish it. It’s about growth, healing, and finding small moments of happiness even when life gets tough. Definitely worth watching if you want something sweet, real, and comforting.

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High School Hell Begins

All of Us Are Dead is a gripping and emotionally charged series that breathes new life into the zombie genre. Set within the walls of a high school overrun by a sudden outbreak, the show wastes no time in building tension, throwing viewers into a world that’s both terrifying and heartbreakingly human.

The young cast delivers standout performances that carry real emotional weight. Park Ji-hu and Yoon Chan-young bring honesty and vulnerability to their roles, making the characters’ fears, decisions, and growth feel real and immediate. Their chemistry and depth add layers to the chaos unfolding around them.

Visually, the show is outstanding. The camera work and direction heighten the suspense, while the zombie choreography is both frantic and precise. The makeup and effects are top-notch, enhancing the realism without distracting from the story.

Beyond the action, the series explores themes that resonate deeply—friendship under pressure, class divisions, institutional failure, and what it means to protect others when everything falls apart. It’s this emotional and thematic weight that sets the show apart from typical thrillers.

The pacing never drags. Each episode builds momentum, introducing new dilemmas and character arcs that raise the stakes without feeling forced. Just when you think the show has peaked, it finds another way to surprise you or hit you emotionally.

All of Us Are Dead is more than just a survival story. It’s a bold, emotionally charged drama that blends horror with heart in a way few shows manage. It demands your attention—and more than earns it. This is an unforgettable drama.

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A Slow Burn That Pays Off

When this drama first came out, I discovered Hidden Love and decided to watch them in order of release since they’re set in the same universe. I absolutely adored Hidden Love, which made me really excited to watch The First Frost. No one warned me, though, that it would be such a different kind of drama.

Before starting The First Frost, it’s important to understand how much perspective shapes the story. In Hidden Love, we see Sang Yan through Sang Zhi’s eyes—her annoying, "ugly" older brother who’s always teasing her. The tone is playful and lighthearted because it reflects her youthful point of view. In contrast, The First Frost is told from Wen Yifan’s perspective, which gives us a completely different view of Sang Yan. From her side, he comes across as more distant, quiet, and emotionally guarded. But as the story unfolds, we begin to see his soft side and the quiet ways he cares for her. It’s not that Sang Yan has changed; it’s that we’re finally seeing the parts of him that were hidden in Hidden Love.

I went into The First Frost expecting the same cute, heartwarming vibe as Hidden Love and When I Fly Towards You, especially since all three dramas are based on novels by the same author. But this one carried a lot more emotional depth and complexity.

At first, I honestly wasn’t enjoying it and even thought about dropping it around episode 6. But I’m really glad I didn’t. While the pacing felt slow and the story dragged at times, everything eventually came full circle. In the end, it was unexpectedly satisfying and meaningful, even if not everything made perfect sense.

One of the most rewarding parts of the drama is watching the characters grow. Both Wen Yifan and Sang Yan face personal struggles and insecurities, but over time, they learn to open up and trust each other. Their growth feels genuine, showing how love and understanding can help heal past wounds. Even the side characters have their own arcs, which adds layers to the story and makes the world feel more real.

(Be warned—this drama may make you cry.)

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Hidden First Love

Hidden Love is a sweet romance that captures the magic and vulnerability of falling in love for the first time. With its soft atmosphere, lovable leads, and heartfelt storytelling, this drama feels like a comforting memory you want to hold on to.

The story follows Sang Zhi, a bright and somewhat awkward high school girl, and Duan Jiaxu, her older brother’s friend. What starts as a quiet crush gradually grows into something deeper, and the drama carefully traces their relationship over several years. It’s not rushed, not overly dramatic, but instead focused on small moments—glances, shared silences, and emotional growth.

One of the drama’s biggest strengths is its atmosphere. The cinematography is warm and nostalgic, almost dreamlike at times. The pacing is relaxed, which might feel slow to some, but it works beautifully for a story built on unspoken feelings and growing trust. The OST (original soundtrack) also adds to the overall feeling, matching the tone perfectly.

Zhao Lusi as Sang Zhi is incredibly charming, capturing the innocence and uncertainty of young love. Chen Zheyuan plays Duan Jiaxu with a calm, steady presence that slowly reveals more emotional depth as the story unfolds. Their chemistry feels natural, never forced, and the age gap is handled with sensitivity and care.

Beyond the romance, Hidden Love also explores themes like family relationships, personal growth, and emotional healing. It doesn’t rely on dramatic twists, but instead lets the characters grow organically. It’s a story about timing, patience, and the quiet ways people come to care for each other.

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A tasty watch.

What got me hooked onto this drama was the use of food. To Chinese people, meals are very important. However, it's not just about the food, it's about the time spent eating together with family, which Su Ke Lan brings up a lot. By sharing a meal, you can have a better understanding of the people around you. Music, visual arts and culinary art is a mean of communication, love and happiness.

The plot is very straightforward: a girl meets a nasty boss and eventually falls in love with him. The boss becomes attracted to her because of her talents and wisdom. Both characters have flaws, and they grow together to become better people.

The best part of the show was episode 14, after that I think the writers were trying to focus more on the relationships of the side characters, but the things that happened between Yu Hao and Su Ke Lan were rather predictable.

Overall, if you were to ask me, I would definitely recommend this drama to someone, especially if they're a foodie. This drama makes me eager to learn how to cook properly and become more thankful for the home cooked meals my parents can provide for me.

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Extremely long, poorly paced, and quite boring. DO NOT WATCH IT.

The script could be improved and the acting could be a LOT better. It’s a complete waste of Cha Eun-woo and Park Yoo-na’s talents.

I think the main message of this drama is to stop comparing yourself to other people and to stop caring about what other people think but it wasn’t done well.
It's about a girl named Kang Mi-rae who underwent multiple plastic surgeries to become unrecognizable right before university to get a fresh start because she had to endure bullying throughout middle school. She hoped that she'd be able to get new friends and more opportunities. But she ended up getting bullied for having plastic surgery.

The drama was really good for the first few episodes but it started going no where. They dragged out the fact Mi-rae had plastic surgery for so long. This drama would NOT be 16 episodes if they hadn't done so. There are also a lot of long pauses particularly with Mi-rae and Kyung-seok. Mi-rae takes a lot of time to think of what to say and I don’t remember for sure but it’s kinda like the camera is panning towards something very slowly. Kyung-seok is mostly only like that when Mi-rae is around though.

The fact Kyung-seok liked her since middle school is not very realistic because why hadn’t he said anything or tried to make friends with her? What if they didn’t end up going to the same university? It’s just a matter of luck that he got a second chance to let his feelings known, and he still manages to almost fuck it up. Mi-rae is so blind for not noticing it earlier because Kyung-seok makes it so obvious that he likes her.

I tried my hardest to like it but I couldn’t.😭

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Go Ahead... and Lose Me

I really liked Go Ahead at the start. The found-family dynamic was super warm and believable, and the relationship between Li Jian Jian and Ling Xiao was one of the highlights early on. They felt close in a way that was comforting but also layered—you could tell there was more going on beneath the surface.

When the show started shifting toward romance, I know a lot of people felt like it came out of nowhere because of the sibling-like dynamic. But honestly, I didn’t think it was that sudden. It was pretty clear that Ling Xiao liked Li Jian Jian from early on—there’s even a scene where they talk about a childhood betrothal, which hints at deeper feelings. And while Li Jian Jian didn’t show her feelings as openly, I don’t think she saw him purely as a brother either. Her feelings felt more under the surface, like she hadn’t fully realized them yet. That’s probably why she seemed so awkward around him once the dynamic started to shift—it wasn’t that she didn’t like him, just that she wasn’t ready to confront it.

That said, the pacing started to drag for me after a while, and I ended up dropping it at episode 15—not because it got bad, but because it lost some of the momentum that made the beginning so engaging.

I did watch the Korean remake, Family by Choice, all the way through, and based on what I saw from both versions, they each have their own flaws. In Family by Choice, the pacing was way too fast when the two guys came back from abroad—it felt like things jumped ahead without enough emotional buildup. In Go Ahead, the comeback was a little rushed too, but then the story slowed down a lot, and it lost some of its energy.

Both dramas have their strong points, especially when it comes to the emotional moments and family bonds, but I think they both struggled a bit once the focus shifted toward romance.

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The Winning Why (Did I Get So Attached)

The Winning Try is easily the best sports drama I’ve seen this year. It’s about a high school rugby team, but it’s also about a lot more than that. It deals with regret, second chances, teamwork, and how hard it is to grow and move on from your mistakes.

The main character, Ju Ga-ram, used to be a star rugby player until his life fell apart. He comes back to his old school as a coach, but it’s clear he’s still dealing with a lot of guilt. Watching him try to connect with the team, face the people he hurt, and try to change felt real and emotional. Nothing comes easy for him or for the players.

One of the strongest parts of this drama is how it shows what it actually means to be a team. At first, the players don’t trust Ju Ga-ram and most of them don’t know how to play as a team. But little by little, they start learning how to support one another. It felt really rewarding to watch them grow together, both on and off the field. It reminded me that teamwork is not just about winning. It’s about helping each other through the hard stuff.

The romance was also really well done. Ju Ga-ram and Bae I-ji have a complicated past, and the show doesn’t rush anything between them. Their conversations feel natural and there’s a lot of emotion without being dramatic or cheesy. It felt like watching two people slowly figure out if they can forgive each other and move forward.

All the actors were chosen perfectly for their roles. Nothing felt forced. Every scene felt believable, like I was watching real people instead of characters. I especially want to mention the actor who played Yun Seong-jun. I didn’t like his acting in a different drama I watched, but this role totally changed my mind. He really showed what he’s capable of here and became one of my favorite characters in the show.

The drama also touches on school politics in a way that felt very real. The team faces a lot of pressure from the school, and the adults are not always supportive. There’s a lot going on behind the scenes, and it adds another layer of challenge that makes you root for the team even more.

Based on how the show ended, I do think there could be a season two. I actually hope there is, because I’m not ready to let go of these characters yet. But I’m also a little worried, because Netflix isn’t always great with second seasons. A lot of their follow-ups feel rushed or just not as strong. Season one had a really fresh and natural vibe, and I don’t know if they can fully recreate that. If they do make a sequel, I really hope it’s good enough to match the first.

Overall, The Winning Try balances everything really well. It mixes sports, drama, romance, mistakes, coaching, and learning to grow as a team. It’s not just a story about rugby. It’s about people trying their best to be better and finding strength in each other. I think it’s the best sports drama of 2025 and one that will stick with me for a long time.

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Beyond the Expectations

There’s something quietly captivating about Beyond the Bar. With just four episodes out so far, the drama already feels like one of those rare shows that knows exactly what it’s doing. It invites you into its world with a gentle touch and slowly pulls you deeper with each passing scene.

Set mostly in a quiet, understated law office tucked away from the busy Seoul streets, the show explores not just the lives of the legal team but also the stories of the strangers who seek their help. Each episode introduces a new case or client, making every installment feel like a short story of its own while still threading in the deeper arcs of the main characters and their personal lives outside of work.

It’s this layered storytelling that really stands out. On the surface, you get these beautifully told, self-contained narratives—stories about grief, guilt, forgiveness, and connection. Beneath that, there's a slow-burning exploration of the lawyers themselves: their pasts, their struggles, and their attempts to heal and move forward. The way these two elements intertwine is honestly one of the show’s biggest strengths.

Episode 4, the most recent one as of writing this, is my favorite so far. There’s a depth to the emotions in that episode that hits differently. You really feel the characters—how they carry their pain, how they try to connect despite their flaws. It’s the kind of episode that lingers long after it ends.

This is only the second office drama I’ve watched, and my very first Korean office drama, and I can already tell my standards have been raised. The natural, grounded storytelling paired with the acting—especially from the main leads—sets a new bar. Every single character feels lived-in, believable, and fully human.

If you’re into slow-paced, character-driven dramas that balance episodic storytelling with emotional arcs, Beyond the Bar is absolutely worth your time. It doesn't rely on big twists or high drama. Instead, it trusts its characters, its writing, and its atmosphere—and it works beautifully.

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