Noidz

A romantic story about life beautifully told in a slow-breathed and melodic narrative.

Now, We Are Breaking Up is a melodrama with a makjang intrigue, both mature and modern, which creates an interesting contrast to the more traditional storyline. The focus on the women is really good, and the friendships along with the work scenes add dynamism to the drama.

While the drama may not be conventionally entertaining, it captivates in an impressive way. Why? Because it's poetic and relatable, because of its mature and philosophical dialogue, because of its title meaning so much more, because of its cast/OST/cinematography, because of its setting, the opening, and the leads being the first to speak French so well in dramas.

It's not a drama focused on cheesy lines, butterflies, or surface-level moments. The chemistry here reflects how professional adults with such personalities genuinely connect with each other.

Even though it's slow-paced, if you want to watch something adult, melancholic and classy, you can have a great time with this drama. And some of the tracks were so good that I still listen to them, like Tangle Destiny, Tempest and 10 Years Ago.

To end on a good note, I will share my opinion on the ending in the comments. What I can say is that even though it's a melodrama, it leaves you with a warm feeling.

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Love Alarm: Pure romance and a metaphor beyond a concept.

"1 is bigger than any other number in the world."
Jojo looking at her expression on a picture taken by Hye Yeong: "It's so obvious."
"If I don't see a path, I'll trace it myself."
"At every beat of my heart, I thought about how much I wanted to survive in this ringing world that wanted me to cry." "It wasn't out of hatred towards you. It wasn't your fault. You were just too heavy. It wasn't anybody's fault." - Jojo's marathon in Jeju, overcoming her childhood trauma and embracing her little self.
"Scars don't erase. However, you make them insignificant. You're like a tree."
"When I first saw you in the nurse office, I fled in the opposite direction because I was scared. Hye Yeong. But you know, I just ran around an island."
"- Listen to the other when he talks about his passions, even if it's boring. Sit down with the other when he eats what he likes, even if you don't eat. If the other feels lonely or sick, stay by his side, even if he says everything is okay. - You forget the most important. I love you. It's better if I say it."

It's not meant to be a high-concept drama, and on the surface it's certainly a bit childish. But I'll always be here to say it was a masterpiece from the start. People hated it because it's not about the actor they found hot getting the girl. Here you will find intellectuals saying it's not because of that, disguising their hate into constructive criticism, but it's obviously not true. It can be said that the entirety of the criticism comes from the appearance of the shield (interestingly, the show would not exist without it, or else it would truly be pointless garbage), and how everyone somehow missed out on the obvious fact (since the first episode) that their favorite was not the endgame.

Love Alarm was a contemporary romance with a new technology in the center that somehow got too far later on, a sweet, melancholic, personally healing drama about the meaning of true love, human contradiction and growth, the different periods of people's lives along with how the perspective of love becomes more mature over time, basically: authentic emotions and relationships (of all kinds) and a subtle social commentary in many ways, with a complex female lead in the center who had a heavy, lonely and tragic life. It was exceptionally artistic and Season 2 was the best part with a lot of painting-like imagery, it was so poetic that they wrote the story accross seasons and the visual symbolism was incredible (such as the tower scene with Jojo walking down the stairs and Sun Oh at the top, plus the cold city background on the left ... also the scene of Jojo alone in the (her) tower, of course). It caught people off guard with metaphorical drawings (as if the entire idea already isn't) and such, internal monologue, a romance that directly delves into its characters' psychology in a symbolic way, the characters' individual stories and their own issues, unique narration, and so-called "random, unnecessary" plotlines. To put it into words, the sublime and surreal would describe this drama perfectly. I also loved the touch of nostalgia, the science-fiction vibes and Gul Mi's comic relief, even though she wasn't thrown there because the show needed comedy. Her story was meaningful and I liked how she was a wannabe idol turned streamer. Yuk Jo was also not the usual annoying second female lead, which was a welcome change. And I respect everyone's preference, but I always found Hye Yeong's quiet intensity much more appealing. He was the one who caught my attention, I immediately knew it was the male lead. I saw how similar they were, and them working at the same restaurant (high-schoolers, btw) already meant everything. And no, I'm not biased. I really like Song Kang and I rooted for him in Nevertheless.

Seasons: Autumn's youth (onirism, Jojo's disillusion and return to reality), Winter's isolation (End of Season 1), Spring's blossoming romance, Summer's new beginning (End of Season 2). While Season 1 started by following them as teenagers, Season 2 started with them as young adults, so the contrast in cinematography was necessary. Because Season 1 was a base for the plot, Season 2 had a more natural flow with a lot of mundane scenes. I didn't really find it slow-paced though, and I was at the edge of my seat. The anime element is also epic here, like in Hierarchy (some of my favorite dramas also have a comic style). I haven't read the webtoon entirely, but I really appreciate the drama as an adaptation. It's a great adaptation that looks like it was directed/written by fans. I personally like the drama more but I can totally understand if you prefer the webtoon. First of all, there was incredible detail in the cinematography, which already showed how carefully thought-out the show was.
The plush: Jojo's trauma from her parents and lack of guidance (alone, walking aimlessly on the island), the weight of her past carried in the plush which she abandoned because, as she says, it's too heavy. Just like she abandoned love later.

It broke stereotypical storytelling in kdramas from the get-go, when it could almost be mistaken as a mere high school love triangle. Because it made people uncomfortable, because they couldn't show basic empathy and understanding for the characters, because it broke their expectations, they decided to hate it and say all kinds of awful things, even to fans of the drama. Multiple times I and a friend had to write paragraphs to explain everything as if people didn't watch it and correct completely wrong and twisted claims, how is that possible? And yet it's super easy to understand. Aside from the misogyny and hateful comments towards the male lead's appearance, there is also the "worst chemistry" claim (as you would expect). Funny how it's the complete opposite, the said chemistry being far superior to the brief, teenage love from the beginning. In the end, the reception to the drama says a lot about the state of our world and the Internet culture. Interesting for a drama that parallels our reality.

Watching this felt like a show reinventing romance, or at least presenting it in its purest form. The app exposes feelings, but when it tried to replace them, Jojo's story showed the importance of timing and free will. Like in real life, the shield represents people hiding their feelings. And the spear, the expression of someone's will and courage. Jojo doubted her feelings because she never saw Hye Yeong's Love Alarm ring, and Sun Oh's persistence (even screaming "You like me!") as well as her unresolved feelings with him because of their story in their youth were confusing her. I also loved the part where he says "From now on, I'll trust only what your eyes tell me." Jojo's "It was not because of Love Alarm." meant a lot in the story and clearly showed the intent to go beyond a simple tech. Remember the first episode, "Would our Love Alarms have rung? No, they would have stayed silent, because the desire for a kiss preceded love. Like a lightning before the storm." However, when we see the "what if" of Hye Yeong and Jojo's scenes at the end, Hye Yeong's Love Alarm rang before the spear and from the start of the season. Jojo actually asked herself "I wonder, if I didn't have the shield, would I have rung Hye Yeong's Love Alarm just now?". The answer was yes. I already knew it was the case.

- Already in Season 1, Hye Yeong bringing back the old-school way of flirting and trying to approach her despite her initial rejection without forcing it. At this time Jojo was a character who decided to stay alone and thought that she was fine like this.
- When she finally got closer to Hye Yeong: "You shouldn't have done this. Look at me. I don't have parents and now I'm all alone. I feel so lonely. Mom. I don't want to work. I don't want to skip classes. And I don't want to live with my aunt. But, I won't collapse. I'll survive. And... I'll find happiness. Promised." (do the link with the bridge scene from Season 2)
- At the start of Season 2, she wants to break the shield for Hye Yeong and to not affect their hearts, but she could not break it.
- Hye Yeong's vision of patient love, trust and building a relationship little by little.
- Jojo's desperate "What do I do, now?" in the middle of the street (same shot in early Season 1 with a close-up on Jojo's face) after she messed up when he found out about the spear and took it the wrong way.
- Hye Yeong's "That's how people used to do before Love Alarm", "Whether that thing rings or not, it doesn't matter to me"
- The quiet, repeated gestures that show your sincerity. Like Hye Yeong ringing Jojo's Love Alarm 10x a day. Like Sun Oh trying to make up to Yuk Jo, going at her home every day while she's away. Things like this matters. This is romance. There are a lot of things that just show what it's like to be a couple in this. Perhaps not extraordinary like in other dramas, yet it means everything and more.
- Another parallel: Hye Yeong asking her to come if she wants at the end of Season 1, them approaching towards each other, Jojo's Love Alarm ringing. In Season 2, Jojo is the one who asks him to come, approaches him, and rings his Love Alarm.
- Every time I rewatch the drama and FMVs I go crazy over the color patterns and shots, the way it's filmed, there are so many things I could say. But Season 2 is super warm for me and I love the pastel colors. Everything is so vibrant and unique. The weather depending on the scene, the lighting, the props like the red cabins, the nature imagery, the clothes. I can't help but notice. This is hands down top-tier cinematography like no other. And about anime style, think Makoto Shinkai. Trains passing by, inside the white metro on the way to work, on the bus, leaning into the breeze, running confession scene, the blue of dawn, the pink of spring... you get it.

(You can skip this, it's really a recap.)
- Recap of Jojo's story in Season 1: Grew up with her grandma after she fled her house, until her grandma fell sick and she also had to work for her hospital bills. Debts from her parents passed to her aunt, working at the shop. Also taken advantage of by Gul Mi. Blamed by Gul Mi for her bad relationship with her mother. Sun Oh brought her to an alley after they spent some time together by chance (though he didn't know about her by chance, he basically stole his friend's crush but, whatever lol) and insisted on kissing her. Jojo needed a break from everything and she wasn't happy with her ex-boyfriend who wasn't treating her well either. The kiss ended up public and in a fight with Il Sik where Hye Yeong had to intervene for his friend (loved Hye Yeong so much from the moment he reacted to that homophobic bully who was in love with him). Humiliated by Gul Mi in front of everyone when she uses her past to guilt-trip her because of Sun Oh (she does have survivor guilt, her parents tried to kill themselves with her). Her wanting to pay for the school lunch but Sun Oh paying because of Gul Mi. Her being the center of attention but hating it. People pointing at her and judging. Losing her friends, especially her best friend who liked Il Sik. Trauma triggered in the Jeju trip. Once again the center of attention, the "scary girl". Accident with Sun Oh during the Jeju trip after they left during the night. Call from the hospital at that exact moment, her grandma's death after. "I knew something would happen to him because of her." Sun Oh locked up by his rich family due to his image and not wanting him to date Jojo (he reconciles with his mother in Season 2, loved their relationship and him finally thriving as an actor at the end). Jojo trying to see him, Hye Yeong even helping her. Jojo feeling like she's fighting a war every day. Deuk Gu giving her the shield (he's also the one who gave her a new phone for Love Alarm). Jojo trying but choosing the shield anyway. Telling Sun Oh she doesn't like him anymore and wants to focus on the final exam. Sun Oh not accepting it and humiliating her at the canteen*, screaming "Everyone leave the 10m radius!". (Not to say he has any bad intentions.)
- *He also went to her college in Season 2 while he's popular because of the Badge Club and in a relationship with Yuk Jo, who are a popular couple, and obviously a video circulated. He kissed her outside and all Jojo could think about was Hye Yeong.
- Speaking of Il Sik. The discussion leading to, "I guess we are just used to each other", Il Sik screaming "What is even love?". I liked that.
- Hye Yeong's responsability towards Sun Oh since they were kids due to his mother working for his family, staying with him all the time at school (like, Sun Oh trusted him to come and save him from getting hit by a ball, and he did lol). His feelings towards his mother. His unease due to his father (who's in jail, when he meets him his father tries to act like they are the same, that's where the whole looking into the mirror came from). Him wanting to become independant. Only trying to approach Jojo long after when Sun Oh is with Yuk Jo and he met her again by chance. Warning Sun Oh beforehand and facing him about this. Yes there was a genuine, beautiful friendship between them but it wasn't all that. The love triangle wasn't at all a bad thing for them. Sun Oh was being provocative with Hye Yeong and wanted to give him a chance. (After he already kissed the girl and everything.) But anyway that's not what happened although Hye Yeong almost walked into the circle, it was already too late and Sun Oh apologized. Of course Sun Oh knew about his feelings, refuting it just means "It's okay."
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One last thing: Jojo did not come and ruin the relationship between the boys. Sun Oh's behavior was really immature, and their dynamic was not the greatest to begin with. In the end, everything was for the better including their friendship. The endgame couples suited each other beautifully, the contrast at the end was amazing and how Yuk Jo for example said "So this is how he felt... This feeling of a burning heart, how can I beat that?". Honestly, the development of the relationships was truly the highlight here. I loved it so much. The scene that parallels the ending of Season 1 was also one of the best in my opinion, other than the ending of Episode 5 and the whole finale. There were so many quotes and dialogue that weren't generic and truly memorable, and not just pretty scenes. At this point you must have guessed it, I find this drama to be the best ever created, and Hyejo to be the best couple with the best chemistry (another introverted couple I really love is My ID is Gangnam Beauty). I've never cried so much as with Love Alarm's finale, Jojo is truly my favorite female character. Such a special comfort show.

"I thought it was not a love triangle. Rather it was just a story about people facing each other. Rather than competing, it felt like expressing and conveying each other's feelings." - Jung Ga Ram, who's a fan of the webtoon and was very serious about playing Hye Yeong.

For haters: Song Kang is a big fan of the drama, and he's close to Ga Ram. So damn funny to see his fans say he has bad taste or because it was his career breakthrough, lol...

FMVs: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVlEiYP-9el7fLSOUhOR0tJRwsHOY00wQ
My friend's account: @hyejofilms on tiktok
My own edit: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZNRDFKT6f/
Unreleased soundtrack on my youtube channel: https://youtube.com/@suwunoh?si=_RU9XVpDDnPd_5xP

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Thanks K-drama fans and Disney+ for robbing us from a great series.

They were going for a vintage tribute, nostalgic of traditional series, combat games and especially Power Rangers, which come from tokusatsu, setting up the first season for three more (which makes a lot of sense for the first season's structure). The amateurish aspect could also be explained due to the fact that the main actor wrote it as his first work and the director isn't very popular either (still a good, experienced one), but these were the right choices considering the fact that the series was not supposed to feel "professional" (overly polished). The angels were supposed to come off as ordinary humans, though still unique (especially considering their activities and how they just lost hope for humanity). The actors, music and visuals were all highlights. I loved the aesthetic (great opening too !!!) and their team. It was awesome and not ‘cheap’ but the reception was awful, so I barely have any hope. Also to be fair I realized Disney+ quite literally sabotaged it by releasing it basically nowhere. Too bad because it was only going to get better.

Quote from Ma Dong Seok: "In Twelve, besides me, the angels who appear as the twelve zodiac signs each show action that suits their own character. They all have their own distinctive traits. Rather than me alone shouldering the burden of the action, I tried to blend it all in while balancing it together with them, so I kindly ask for your generous support."

The actor also revealed the efforts that went into making this K-drama. "A simple story is difficult in its own way, but building the worldview for a more complex story is even harder. I spent months staying up late at nights, working on it until my hair fell out by the handful. The diverse and interesting character narratives and the action are the highlights."

Side note: The drama even had merch!
https://x.com/TWELVE_drama
Anyway, if this isn't enough of a proof that they took it seriously, I don't know what else will.
Side note 2: Twelve isn’t a Disney+ original; it was broadcast on KBS and produced by Studio X+U.

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Romantic thriller about privileged teenagers - an intense work beyond appearances.

Review with images and spoiler marks: https://www.reddit.com/user/_sunoh/comments/1ljwqtb/hierarchy_review_an_intense_work_beyond/

This drama fascinated me, unlike all the criticism. Rather than being impressed by the drama’s budget, what truly struck me in the end was the talent and golden heart of the screenwriter, along with the skill of the director and actors.

(I originally wrote this review for a French Discord, but I decided to post it here)

Hierarchy is a drama that, behind an apparent classic structure — elite school, bullying, revenge — stands out precisely through its ability to go further, delivering a human, emotional, and above all, resolved story. And that is its strength.

The story doesn’t need a sequel because it is complete. Kang Ha gets the truth he seeks, and justice is served. No blind revenge, no spectacular payback, but a quest for meaning, understanding, and repair. The drama doesn't dwell on the brutality of a bullying as often seen elsewhere, it chooses a more subtle, mature, realistic tone. And that makes all the difference.

Kang Ha, as a central figure, disrupts the established order through his academic excellence, courage and emotional intelligence. The way he prevents the sharing of the video, or his heartbreaking line to Ri An — “Learn to live with your guilt because I will never accept your apology” — gives the whole story its meaning: a life lesson, not a revenge tale.

Every line of dialogue matters, every word carries weight, and it’s in these exchanges that Hierarchy finds its full scope. The final episode is especially striking: intense, accomplished, and deeply moving.

Jae I herself embodies the ambivalence that makes the characters so human. Both victim and witness, stoic yet wounded, she perfectly illustrates the emotional complexity the drama aims to convey. Her performance, subtle and restrained, makes her a memorable character, just like Kang Ha, whose portrayal literally carries the drama. Moreover, all the main characters—and many others—add depth and nuance to the story.

Far from being a simple “aesthetic” drama, Hierarchy knows exactly where it’s going. It doesn’t seek consensus perfection — it seeks resonance. And it succeeds, because every episode is dense, every emotion measured, every transformation believable. Even Ri An benefits from a complex and realistic character arc. And that’s precisely what makes this work memorable: nothing is black or white, and above all, everything is said.

The settings themselves play an equally interesting role. They depict a school of unreal beauty, which makes the contrast with the darkness of the drama all the more striking. It evokes certain dystopian films: a seemingly perfect world where the worst seeps into every crack. This visual dissonance is no accident — it reinforces the drama’s atmosphere and underlines its tensions. And clearly, I’ve rarely seen such beautiful color grading.

It's easy to criticize the drama for a lack of originality, but that's a misreading. Hierarchy doesn’t overplay elitism or corruption — it deconstructs them with finesse. And above all, it highlights a powerful message: the importance of change, awareness, and education — even in the most closed environments.

All in all, Hierarchy is a short but impactful drama. Not because of its spectacular aspect, but because of its sensitivity, accuracy, and its ability to evoke emotion without relying on gimmicks. The drama doesn't aim to shock — it aims to heal, to bring growth, and it does it well.

The post-credits scene (there is another at the end of Episode 5, though nothing important) teases a Season 2 despite the story being over, but I would gladly accept it in all honesty. At least for now, the cast got reunited in Crushology 101. (Lee Chae Min, Roh Jeong Eui and Kim Min Chul)

"No scholarship student here has ever gotten top marks. I will be the first. I will prove they are not superior. I will teach them the concept of fairness. To distinguish right from wrong. It has to be done. No one teaches them these basic concepts. Not a single adult."

"We all have someone to protect."

"I don't call this revenge. It's simply a matter of... being held accountable for our actions."

There are so many quotes, maybe I'll add more.


FMVs: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVlEiYP-9el422JsLuJ8Gy_rmUqEzKdN0






You don't have to read this rant but I wanted to write it here anyway
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And honestly, a rant because commenters and reviewers here are so insulting that I don't even care anymore: Interesting how people have such formulaic and violent views of revenge, thriller and murder mystery (as if the death reveal as well as the whole truth of the drama weren't more shockingly human, unfortunate and inevitable than most plot twists), proceeding to have unrealistic expectations on a drama's storyline and trash on everything. There is a thing called storytelling, and you can see here how the revenge motive is revealed last, at the very end of the first episode. The drama is called Hierarchy and that's what all of it is about. The romance isn't something unnecessary in the plot, at all. The world isn't black and white and this drama has every reason to exist and stand out. It had tons of incredible lines, parallels, contrasts between the characters and symbolism among a well-crafted plot and great scenes which made the drama fit perfectly into its short runtime. Instead of being a hater, I only noticed how cleverly thought-out the scenes were visually on top of the storytelling. What a way to ruin fiction, really. In my opinion, Hierarchy is a rare representation of what romanticism even is. It was something made against strict rules for the sake of art. And now here it is, technical talk everywhere and a bunch of nonsense. Even if they speedwatched (most unnatural thing to do but, whatever) or skipped through the drama and barely watched it, some things I read on tiktok and here are just... unbelievable to say the least. True sentiments nowhere to be seen, and awful insults everywhere. Just like everything somehow becomes problematic, how bland. I'm not defending Hierarchy merely because I found it incredible, but because I felt it deeply and cried a lot at the end. As of today, it's my most rewatched drama and honestly one of my all-time favorites.
And if I had to suggest something for MDL, it's to separate reviews into positive, mixed and negative categories. But I've already suggested it and I know it's pointless.
Also a lot of the hate is misogyny once again. Kdrama fans never fail to beat the allegations of being the worst fandom to ever exist. Anyway, if you appreciate layered characters and incredible cinematography, then watch Hierarchy. Sorry to haters that not everything can fit into the box they want to. I do not consider it inferior to critically praised dramas and movies in the slightest. Hierarchy is what happens when you meet a hateful audience instead of an open, thoughtful one.

Side note: I've read people say that because Kang Ha said he doesn't consider himself poor, that means he's secretely rich. It's not the drama's fault if people are stupid, sorry to say. That line was part of him showing a new world to Jae I. And about the post-credits scene too... gosh. I'll just write a comment about it.
I would like to mention another beautiful example of the storytelling, although there are so many, so I will do it in the comments too.
In the end, this work is intense, captivating, cathartic, and absolutely exceptional. You can’t really compare this drama to another, because Hierarchy’s universe is its own.

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