I just started the show - barely 6 minutes, and all am thinking is that the FL is so damn pretty and cute, and her skin is literally glowing. Like with all my skincare I still am yearning for that kind of skin 😍😍😍 and now am thinking how more will she change when the drama progresses and Hikaru will work their magic on her??
I am not sure - this is just my assumption: I think the book she read and the events happening now are different.…
I am not sure if the hello is for me or someone else - but since I got the notification I am taking the liberty to comment 😅😅😅For me till date only Ep 3 was meh. In fact from Ep 4 - it has been on fire, in a good way. The last episode (10) was a little slow, but then it was not bad - in fact it was needed for the political drama/angst and the character development - we had a lot of fun/comedy, we needed serious as we ride into the final episodes today and tomorrow.
Like I understand that the FL is head over heels for the ML, and like many are commenting that when it comes to love, friendship will take a backseat - but then am thinking of it from an acting and real-life POV.
Acting is commendable - his expressions say a lot even when he is not saying a word. It's really amazing. And Real-Life POV: I mean, I think it will not really like if anyone behaves like this towards their bestie, and any genuine good guy like Jiho.
Like we know ML/FL are the end-game, but still can't help but feel bad for Ji-Ho. Especially for those gut punch scene, and no explanation whatsoever. Kind of makes you feel that FL is taking him from granted. Which is true in a way, and again a very common thing even in real life.
I just hope he too gets a happy ending. Given the trope of this drama - it does have dark elements, and the man has been selfless throughout but I really hope he stays well till the end of the drama and after. And no weird sacrifices angle or something, cause that will really make me lose my mind.
girl, realistically speaking, your guy best friend getting a few punches or kicks vs your first love being possessed…
No one is blaming the FL - I am just saying the situation is such, that my heart also goes out for the SML. It's what it's - and he's done a great job portraying that emotion that makes the audience feel for him, even though we know the lead pair are the OTP. That's all :)
I was just wondering why does this feel similar..... sakuna 😅
Oh I have not seen the comment, with the mention of Orphanage and Bong Su's search for it on the school premises. Can you share it with me if you come across it? I'd love to read the theory!
And thank you for your kind words, not sure if I can call myself a movie/drama buff but I love interesting stories in every shape and form, be it books or cinema or anime, and I try to see all sides to it not just what's trending or a popular opinion. But then am still a newbie considered there are so many others who are truly movie buffs and can analyse it a lot deeper. Guess, we try and enjoy - in whatever capacity we can :)
Coming back to Head over Heels, lets see how tomorrow's episode turns out. Afterall we are just one week away from the finale. I hope it all ends well, this drama really has grown in ratings, I hope it stays.
I was just wondering why does this feel similar..... sakuna 😅
It’s still early to say much, but if done right, this drama could show that “evil” isn’t always born evil—it’s often shaped by circumstances.
I’ve always found stories set around war and its aftermath deeply haunting yet beautiful when told well. Think *Chicago Typewriter* from K-dramas or *War Horse*, *Pearl Harbour*, *Memoirs of a Geisha*, and *All the Light We Cannot See* from the West—painful eras, but rich with emotion and nuance.
Of course, there are characters who are purely evil, but the morally grey ones—those shaped by trauma—always intrigue me more. Like Seong A hinted, maybe calling something “evil” is what makes it so. Her line about names holding power and no ghost deserving mistreatment struck me.
Judging by the flashbacks, the spirit seems like someone who died young amidst war, burdened with regrets and unfulfilled dreams. That torment likely morphed into the vengeful energy he carries. My guess? Seong A will eventually help him find peace.
Let’s see how the creators handle this—it could turn out beautifully layered, or fall flat if the complexity isn’t done justice.
P.S. You might want to spoiler-tag your earlier comment for those who haven’t caught up yet! Also, saw your PFP - Hi NARUTTOOO! I love this image of Naruto - especially the one where he was younger and others saw the reflection of Minato and the Hokage outfit superimposed on Naruto. Literal goosebumps everytime that happened. Especially the 2 times Kakashi-sensei feels it - during the leaf-wind chakra training, and during the fight with Tailed Beasts.
TL;DR: BWS has the potential to be absolutely brilliant in *Solo Leveling*, provided the writing and direction hold up. Why do I say that? Let me explain!
The moment I saw the news, I instantly felt that this could be BWS’s “Ryu Si-Oh moment” — a performance that truly shines. Although I haven't watched the anime yet, I know the character exudes a suave, badass aura. And if you’ve survived *Strong Girl Namsoon* like I have, you’ll know that Ryu Si-Oh was the *only* redeeming aspect of that drama. He was exceptional, and I'm excited that BWS's character might carry a similar vibe here 🥰
From what I’ve read, the *Solo Leveling* protagonist is also often quiet — and if it’s the calculated kind of silence, that's very Ryu Si-Oh-esque. If it’s more reflective or emotional quietness, then I see shades of BWS’s Sun Jae (*Lovely Runner*) or his roles in *20th Century Girl* and *Soulmate*. Either way, I’m optimistic his range will shine 💖
But I have to admit — I’m nervous. Why? Because anime-to-live-action adaptations have a questionable track record. Let's be real: there are more misses than hits. Only a few have really impressed me, like *Alice in Borderland* and *Barakamon*. So yes, I’m a bit anxious about how *Solo Leveling* will translate to screen.
Of course, fans will flock to it for BWS — I’ll be one of them. But I don’t want to love it *just* because it’s BWS. I’ve been following his journey since his modelling days and I truly believe he’s a phenomenal actor. That’s why this role matters so much — it’s a big opportunity, and with that comes big risk.
Fingers crossed everything aligns perfectly. If it does, I’ll happily add this live-action to my very short list of adaptations that actually got it right 🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻
I was just wondering why does this feel similar..... sakuna 😅
IKR - it does give similar vibe, right? I mean there have been many good/evil possession on the past, both in drama and anime - but Sukuna/Yuji switch - that Ep 1 of JJK, is simply iconic and therefore the moment it happened in this drama, I was like Sukuna is out again!! 😅 Who knows, maybe he was the inspiration when the actor was playing the role!
Even tho I love jiho and feels super bad for him cuz he is getting bullied by bong su but you have to understand…
Yes, I agree with you on the fact that he will be happy and content to be the friend, like he loves the FL, but he is a great person, so he will put aside his feelings. It is a typical SML move, but yes - I like that he is not a rival head-on, and helping the ML genuinely.
In fact many SML's are friends of the ML/FL (eg JI-HU from Boys over Flowers) or are rivals who are secretly helping the ML (think Seo Jun and Suho from True Beauty). Ji-ho falls in the first category - so am hoping for a happy or at least a satisfying ending for him (nothing sad please - else I will have a heart-break for sure)
Even tho I love jiho and feels super bad for him cuz he is getting bullied by bong su but you have to understand…
Yass, I am seeing him for the first time, and am so amazed. I got recommendations in my previous comment, so am so going to see his other works after this drama. Really commendable actor, and that too in the limited screen-time!
Even tho I love jiho and feels super bad for him cuz he is getting bullied by bong su but you have to understand…
I know! I know! And that is what I commented a few weeks back - like I know and love the fact that ML and FL have this love story, and they will come together eventually. It's the oldest tale we know in K-dramaland.
And I have seen such similar tropes in so many other dramas - and I never wavered. Like I was always team ML-FL, in all those dramas, even if I understood/sympathized with the SML/SFL or felt bad for them. Like they were always a good friend and I liked that but I never thought they could hold a candle to the flame of love of ML-FL.
But this time - oh God, Idk what it is?? Like I know the SML - Ji-Ho has no chance and he himself will sacrifice his love possibly to bring the ML/FL together, but it is the actor's portrayal of the SML that is very very strong - his expressions are pure puppy love that's hurt and he is doing it SO SO SO well, that even I - almost a decade long lover of such trope, who has seen this thing many times but was unaffected by the SML - IS getting affected by this guy,
It is one of those characters that literally has blurred the line with acting and reality - so I can't help but be sad for the SML - which is in a way a praise for the acting and talent of the actor - CHA KANG YOON.
This is my first drama of his - and AM so gonna watch more of him, very soon! Really great actor 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Anime fans - did anyone else also feel Sukuna vibes, when evil spirit got "the body" in Ep 7?
The actor is superb - I love how he can switch from innocent to badass in his facial expressions. And looks like evil spirit will also have a sad story (the war flashback). Damn - no wonder the ratings are going up = this is very well layered story/drama! ✨
Guys - I cannot bear what is happening to Ji-Ho. I think this is one of the most pitiful SML roles I have seen. Like we all know what's the fate of SML, and I honestly have felt bad for them but not at this level. This is just too much - like the actor's face is so realistic, that it's making me want to shake the FL and make her see him. Even though I love the ML. Argghhhhh!
Why are some characters different in S2 from S1? Am not sure - hence mentioning it here - but looks like Jenna's father, the mistress/English teacher, Hye-In's father look different than S1, so am guessing they are different actors?
ep10 - FL disappointed meher lack of respect, empathy and consideration for the Prince was a total let down.For…
I am not sure - this is just my assumption: I think the book she read and the events happening now are different. She understands the book version of him that she read, but the man and every other character has changed due to the new way FL behaves /act/thinks.
And also as general, us as humans - we also at times are mistaken in understanding a person, and their intention. So maybe the FL can be given the same benefit of doubt. In the end she does realize that she was harsh and jumped to conclusions, and therefore apologised - which I feel was a good way of showing how their bond is strong and growing.
Like I understand that the FL is head over heels for the ML, and like many are commenting that when it comes to love, friendship will take a backseat - but then am thinking of it from an acting and real-life POV.
Acting is commendable - his expressions say a lot even when he is not saying a word. It's really amazing. And Real-Life POV: I mean, I think it will not really like if anyone behaves like this towards their bestie, and any genuine good guy like Jiho.
Like we know ML/FL are the end-game, but still can't help but feel bad for Ji-Ho. Especially for those gut punch scene, and no explanation whatsoever. Kind of makes you feel that FL is taking him from granted. Which is true in a way, and again a very common thing even in real life.
I just hope he too gets a happy ending. Given the trope of this drama - it does have dark elements, and the man has been selfless throughout but I really hope he stays well till the end of the drama and after. And no weird sacrifices angle or something, cause that will really make me lose my mind.
And thank you for your kind words, not sure if I can call myself a movie/drama buff but I love interesting stories in every shape and form, be it books or cinema or anime, and I try to see all sides to it not just what's trending or a popular opinion. But then am still a newbie considered there are so many others who are truly movie buffs and can analyse it a lot deeper. Guess, we try and enjoy - in whatever capacity we can :)
Coming back to Head over Heels, lets see how tomorrow's episode turns out. Afterall we are just one week away from the finale. I hope it all ends well, this drama really has grown in ratings, I hope it stays.
I’ve always found stories set around war and its aftermath deeply haunting yet beautiful when told well. Think *Chicago Typewriter* from K-dramas or *War Horse*, *Pearl Harbour*, *Memoirs of a Geisha*, and *All the Light We Cannot See* from the West—painful eras, but rich with emotion and nuance.
Of course, there are characters who are purely evil, but the morally grey ones—those shaped by trauma—always intrigue me more. Like Seong A hinted, maybe calling something “evil” is what makes it so. Her line about names holding power and no ghost deserving mistreatment struck me.
Judging by the flashbacks, the spirit seems like someone who died young amidst war, burdened with regrets and unfulfilled dreams. That torment likely morphed into the vengeful energy he carries. My guess? Seong A will eventually help him find peace.
Let’s see how the creators handle this—it could turn out beautifully layered, or fall flat if the complexity isn’t done justice.
P.S. You might want to spoiler-tag your earlier comment for those who haven’t caught up yet!
Also, saw your PFP - Hi NARUTTOOO! I love this image of Naruto - especially the one where he was younger and others saw the reflection of Minato and the Hokage outfit superimposed on Naruto. Literal goosebumps everytime that happened. Especially the 2 times Kakashi-sensei feels it - during the leaf-wind chakra training, and during the fight with Tailed Beasts.
The moment I saw the news, I instantly felt that this could be BWS’s “Ryu Si-Oh moment” — a performance that truly shines. Although I haven't watched the anime yet, I know the character exudes a suave, badass aura. And if you’ve survived *Strong Girl Namsoon* like I have, you’ll know that Ryu Si-Oh was the *only* redeeming aspect of that drama. He was exceptional, and I'm excited that BWS's character might carry a similar vibe here 🥰
From what I’ve read, the *Solo Leveling* protagonist is also often quiet — and if it’s the calculated kind of silence, that's very Ryu Si-Oh-esque. If it’s more reflective or emotional quietness, then I see shades of BWS’s Sun Jae (*Lovely Runner*) or his roles in *20th Century Girl* and *Soulmate*. Either way, I’m optimistic his range will shine 💖
But I have to admit — I’m nervous. Why? Because anime-to-live-action adaptations have a questionable track record. Let's be real: there are more misses than hits. Only a few have really impressed me, like *Alice in Borderland* and *Barakamon*. So yes, I’m a bit anxious about how *Solo Leveling* will translate to screen.
Of course, fans will flock to it for BWS — I’ll be one of them. But I don’t want to love it *just* because it’s BWS. I’ve been following his journey since his modelling days and I truly believe he’s a phenomenal actor. That’s why this role matters so much — it’s a big opportunity, and with that comes big risk.
Fingers crossed everything aligns perfectly. If it does, I’ll happily add this live-action to my very short list of adaptations that actually got it right 🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻
In fact many SML's are friends of the ML/FL (eg JI-HU from Boys over Flowers) or are rivals who are secretly helping the ML (think Seo Jun and Suho from True Beauty). Ji-ho falls in the first category - so am hoping for a happy or at least a satisfying ending for him (nothing sad please - else I will have a heart-break for sure)
And I have seen such similar tropes in so many other dramas - and I never wavered. Like I was always team ML-FL, in all those dramas, even if I understood/sympathized with the SML/SFL or felt bad for them. Like they were always a good friend and I liked that but I never thought they could hold a candle to the flame of love of ML-FL.
But this time - oh God, Idk what it is?? Like I know the SML - Ji-Ho has no chance and he himself will sacrifice his love possibly to bring the ML/FL together, but it is the actor's portrayal of the SML that is very very strong - his expressions are pure puppy love that's hurt and he is doing it SO SO SO well, that even I - almost a decade long lover of such trope, who has seen this thing many times but was unaffected by the SML - IS getting affected by this guy,
It is one of those characters that literally has blurred the line with acting and reality - so I can't help but be sad for the SML - which is in a way a praise for the acting and talent of the actor - CHA KANG YOON.
This is my first drama of his - and AM so gonna watch more of him, very soon! Really great actor 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
The actor is superb - I love how he can switch from innocent to badass in his facial expressions. And looks like evil spirit will also have a sad story (the war flashback). Damn - no wonder the ratings are going up = this is very well layered story/drama! ✨
Am not sure - hence mentioning it here - but looks like Jenna's father, the mistress/English teacher, Hye-In's father look different than S1, so am guessing they are different actors?
I think the book she read and the events happening now are different. She understands the book version of him that she read, but the man and every other character has changed due to the new way FL behaves /act/thinks.
And also as general, us as humans - we also at times are mistaken in understanding a person, and their intention. So maybe the FL can be given the same benefit of doubt. In the end she does realize that she was harsh and jumped to conclusions, and therefore apologised - which I feel was a good way of showing how their bond is strong and growing.