NAY

An epitome of 'healthy mains relationship'!

This is my first time writing a review for any show, so please bear with me. I have loved this show so much that I just couldn't help myself but write a review on how good this show is! And also, I am not a native English speaker, so please ignore grammar mistakes if I've made any.

Often times when I watch any show, I just care about the main couple and don't give a damn about whatever happens to the side couple/character(s), but here, it's a completely different story. I had the same amount of interest in every character's storyline, if not more. There were no major misunderstandings between the main couple, no draggy plot, no bad or forced acting, no dubbing of their voices either, they were all using their real voices, which is very rare in cdramas. I am writing only good things about this drama because, in my eyes, this show doesn't have any flaws.

The friend group — I adore the strong bond that they have among their group. They are the type of friends who are so silly yet so pure, who will pull your leg at any given chance but will not hesitate to stand by your side in the times of crisis. What makes this friend group so special is that it feels real and you can relate to them in so many ways.

Guan Fang & Grandma — Though his character doesn't have any direct affect on the storyline, I still enjoyed his part too. He's just your normal side character who's there just to add a little element of comedy to the storyline. What I liked about him is his relationship with his grandma, grandma Guan. They had an amazing grandson-grandma relationship. Moreover, I loved that part where they are all gathered in Guan Fang's house and they practise their play in front of grandma.

Gu Ran & Jiang Jia — I admit that during the first few episodes I was not vibing with their storyline, but as the show continued, I became more and more interested in their story too. Although they had a very typical, not so unique storyline, I enjoyed every bit of their story because of the way they presented it. You already know what will happen but you still don't get bored of them or their storyline.

Zang Lu Rang & Su Zai Zai — Finally, our main couple, if you still haven't guessed it, yes, this is my favourite pairing of 2023. Zang Lu Rang is shy, kind of introverted and burdened by his mother's expectations - a somewhat lost kid. On the other hand, Su Zai Zai is straightforward, free-minded, carefree and bubbly. Su Zai Zai helps him open up and makes him believe in himself. Their growth from complete strangers to friends to lovers felt so natural and real. Their relationship development was neither rushed nor too slow-paced. The highlight of their relationship is that there were no major misunderstandings or big fights over meaningless topics. One thing I loved about Su Zai Zai is she was so straightforward and at times sassy in handling issues and would solve things out with Zang Lu Rang before it becomes bigger issue. Furthermore, their scenes together were filled with all the cuteness and my face would light up with happiness every time I'd see them together!

So, if you love a good romantic youth/idol drama with a good storyline and great acting or you're feeling down and want to lighten up the mood or you're just looking for a good light hearted rom-com drama that you can binge on, then this drama is definitely for you!

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It went from excellent to bad to worse in no time.

Let me start off by saying I really dig Korean BLs because they usually have simple plots, which is pretty much the standard most of the time (don't take this as a negative; I'm complimenting). That's exactly why I was so excited to watch this series. For the first five episodes? Solid 9.0 or 9.5, no doubt. But man, did things take a turn for the worse in the last 2-3 episodes. By the time episode 7 rolled around, I was just trying to finish it off, not because I was excited, but more because I'd already invested so much time into it.

Let's talk about Se Heon and Do Yoon for a sec. These guys seem to have a talent for picking the biggest red flags around (Yes, Tae Yi is a major red flag; argue with the wall). Do Yoon's whole "I'll still love you even if you bully me" with Joo Ha? What stupidity! Then there's Se Heon, who forgives Tae Yi way too quickly after he S/A him. I mean, even if you want to argue that it wasn't the case, Tae Yi's response was not how a normal, rational person would react.

I gave it an overall rating of 6.5 because I don't rate any series below 5, and for the most part, it was enjoyable. It started off strong but dropped the ball towards the end. Let's just say it left me scratching my head. Honestly, I was hoping for A LOT better.

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This Drama Gave Nothing New… and Still Kinda Ate

Finally got around to finishing this one, and to be honest, it lands right in the middle for me. Not the kind of show that leaves you speechless, but definitely not something I’d call boring either. It’s solid, the kind of drama that doesn’t wow you with big twists or surprises but still keeps you watching all the way through.

At first glance, it’s exactly what you’d expect from a revenge drama. The female lead loses everything in an over-the-top conspiracy, disappears, and returns with a plan to take down those who wronged her. You’ve seen this setup before, probably more than once. And this show doesn’t pretend to be different. It embraces the formula completely. That might be a turn-off if you’re tired of the genre’s repetitive structure, but if you’re someone who enjoys these stories even when they’re predictable, like me, then this one is worth checking out.

What really helped my experience was keeping expectations low. I’ve seen flashier revenge dramas with bigger budgets that ended up being directionless messes. This one, though more modest, knew what it wanted to be. The plot follows a straightforward path, with no major surprises, but what stands out is the female lead. From the start, she’s clear about what she wants and never wavers. She doesn’t get emotional to the point of being reckless, and she doesn’t let anyone, not even the male lead, distract her. There’s never a moment where she reverts back to being helpless or confused. Her clarity and focus carry the whole story.

One of the most refreshing elements was the relationship between the leads. I’ll admit I had a bit of bias going in, expecting the usual love-hate chaos, especially since the male lead is from the rival family. But to my surprise, their dynamic was calm and surprisingly grounded. No forced angst, no dramatic blowups just for the sake of tension. Their connection builds gradually and feels natural within the context of the story. Even though the plot isn’t offering anything new, the chemistry between them gives the drama a lot of heart and kept me invested when the rest felt familiar.

As for the male lead himself, I liked how he was written. Yes, it’s a little odd at first when you realize he’s falling for the woman who used to be his dead brother’s wife, but the show doesn’t dwell on that awkwardness. Their past connection feels more like a detail than a major plot point, which makes it easier to move on from. What really works is how he supports her without trying to control the narrative. He helps when she needs it but never tries to take over her mission or become the savior. That balance makes their relationship feel respectful, and honestly, it’s a dynamic I wish we saw more often in this genre.

Where the drama falls short, though, is with the villains. Don’t get me wrong, they do enough to keep the revenge plot moving, and their actions are definitely evil. But they never feel truly menacing. There’s no standout antagonist who makes your skin crawl or really pushes the lead to her limits. They’re just... there. Functional, but forgettable. Luckily, what the story lacks in villain energy, it makes up for with strong visuals. The cast looks incredible from start to finish. Styling, outfits, presence — all very much on point. Even when the tension dips, it still feels fun to watch because of how well everything is presented.

So, would I recommend it? If you're looking for something fresh or unforgettable, this probably won’t hit the mark. But if you're in the mood for a straightforward revenge story with a strong female lead and a well-balanced romance, it’s surprisingly satisfying. It doesn’t waste your time, it doesn’t go off track, and it delivers what it promises. Familiar, yes, but sometimes that’s exactly what works.

[Also, credit where it’s due: Fifty percent of why I kept watching was Wu Jun Ting’s voice. I could listen to him talk all day. Completely hypnotic!]

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Didn’t Expect a Transmigration Drama to Make Sense… But This One Did

Finally wrapped up this drama, and to be honest, I was hesitant to even start. Not because I dislike the transmigration genre, but because most dramas never handle it properly. They either lose logic halfway or waste the premise. The only reason I pressed play here was LYN, and I figured even if the story didn’t hold up, at least his acting would.

The first 10 to 15 episodes completely pulled me in. They were witty, hilarious, and surprisingly cohesive for a transmigration setup. Everything made sense, and the pacing felt right. Then came the inevitable slowdown. Episodes 16 through 27 dragged and almost lost me.

But here’s the thing: everything after episode 28 was so wild, creative, and well executed that it redeemed the weaker middle. The latter stretch balanced the whole experience and made the ending feel truly satisfying. Honestly, this is one of the rare transmigration dramas that actually makes sense of its own plot, with reasoning that didn’t feel forced.

Some viewers call the female lead “too dumb,” but I completely disagree. Imagine being thrown into the world of a script: how rational would you be? Personally, I know I’d mess up worse than she did. Her reactions felt natural and grounded, which made her more believable than the overly “perfect” female leads we usually see.

Another detail I really enjoyed was the music. While the setting was historical, the soundtrack leaned modern, which created a clever contrast. It felt like a subtle reminder that although the characters were moving through a historical world, the truth was they were still in the present, simply living out a script.

Even the way some of the minor characters were named felt realistic from our perspective. Labels like “NPC 1,” “NPC 2,” “Anonymous,” or “Outlooker” made perfect sense, because to us, that’s exactly what they are: background fillers with no real identity. It immediately reminded me of the K-drama Extraordinary You. That small touch gave the story another layer of self-awareness I really appreciated.

It’s not a perfect drama, and the pacing drop keeps me from giving it the highest overall rating. But within this genre, it easily earns the top recognition from me. By the finale, the highs outweighed the lows, and I walked away genuinely satisfied.

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"Goodbyes are not forever, are not the end; it simply means I’ll miss you until we meet again."

This drama is a one-of-a-kind experience that truly stands out. The actors gave phenomenal performances by portraying the characters and capturing the mannerisms of the BTS members with remarkable accuracy. Their dedication and attention to detail made the characters come alive, adding depth and authenticity to the story.

Although it spans only 12 episodes, some viewers might find the plot occasionally draggy. However, for those who appreciate slow-paced dramas, this could be a positive thing. Personally, I found the pacing enjoyable, as it allowed for a more thorough exploration of the storyline. Plus, I had a personal attachment to the storyline (it reminded me of the old times when I used to draw flow charts trying to solve the BU mystery 😅).

One of the best things about this drama is how it sticks to the original storyline, which fans like me will definitely appreciate. The flawed characters blend harmoniously, crafting a drama that feels genuine and raw. It's what makes this drama feel so... authentic, you know? Perfectly imperfect, just like life itself.

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Quietly Strong and Charming Japanese BL

The drama wastes no time making a good first impression. Right from the start, it feels polished and surprisingly strong for a Japanese BL in this genre. The opening episodes pull you in easily, and what’s nice is that the show doesn’t fumble its momentum halfway through. For most of its run, it keeps a steady rhythm and knows exactly what kind of story it wants to tell. It’s comforting without being dull, romantic without trying too hard.

One of the biggest reasons it works is Watarai. His character is a breath of fresh air in a genre. He’s honest about his feelings from the very beginning, clear in his intentions, and never hides behind unnecessary misunderstandings. The show also deserves credit for not dragging out “character development” just for the sake of it. Instead of spending episodes circling the same emotions, it lets the relationship move forward naturally, which makes everything feel more genuine and emotionally grounded.

Another standout, in a very different way, is Hioki’s friend Tsujitani. He’s a complete goofball and easily the comic relief of the show. Every time he appears, the mood instantly lightens, and his scenes are genuinely entertaining to watch. He brings a natural, effortless humor that never feels forced. Honestly, I couldn’t help wishing he had more screen time.

Toward the final stretch, the story does start to feel a little repetitive. The beats are familiar, and you can sense the show settling into a loop. Still, it ends before that repetition becomes tiring, so it never crosses into boring territory. If anything, it feels like the drama knew its limits and chose to bow out gracefully rather than overstaying its welcome.

Where the series falls slightly short is in its use of side characters. With a ten-episode runtime and decent episode lengths, there was real potential to expand the world beyond the main couple. The supporting characters, especially the "Four Heavenly Kings," remain mostly in the background, existing only to push the central romance forward. A small backstory, a parallel arc, or even a side pairing would have added depth and made the story feel fuller.

As for physical intimacy, the restrained approach is very much in line with youth-oriented Japanese BLs, so it doesn’t feel like a flaw worth penalizing. The emotional connection carries enough weight on its own, and the sweetness of the interactions more than makes up for what’s left unsaid or unseen.

In the end, this drama is undeniably charming. It’s soft, warm, and incredibly easy to fall for. While it could have done more with its supporting cast, the core story remains strong and heartfelt. Compared to others in the same genre, it holds its ground well and, in many ways, stands out. A genuinely enjoyable watch that understands its appeal and delivers on it with sincerity.

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