About the real killer of Choi Eom Ji and their motive - a lot of us did suspect it but I didn't think they would actually do so cause it was such a unexpected motive.
More in the first comment under the spoiler tag - did anyone expect this?
A few words for Hwang Min Hyun - some observations as we near the end of this show:
1. This is the first time I am watching him in a drama. I had high expectation given the premise of this drama and while I know the FL, Kim So Hyun has made her mark in the industry, I wanted to see how the ML would be.
2. Initially when the show trailer came out - I thought he might be another pretty face, like so many idol-turned-actors. While I like to fangirl for handsome actors/idols, I keep their acting prowess (or lack of it) separate and try my best not to be biased (success rate: 95%)
3. As the drama started - till now (Ep 12-13) Hwang Min Hyun's acting has not been earth-shattering good nor has it been a cardboard cutout presence either. Somewhere in between, decent and will not make you cringe or jump with joy.
4. In fact what I liked in this drama is - that he keeps the lost boy, shy, insecure, scared look quite well as his role demands. One can almost empathize with him as he feels guilty about hurting others around him because of his past, and you can see him struggle.
P.S This is so cause I discovered his episode of I Live Alone and realized that he definitely is different IRL and emotes on a different level there. So cardboard acting can be ruled out.
Not that I am insanely impressed by him, but wanted to write this out cause even today there are still very few good idol-turned-actors. Most get signed on projects cause of their popularity, even winning awards due to it, than their acting. So those who are at least good or trying should be talked about - is what I feel.
Hwang Min Hyun is definitely someone who looks good onscreen and is not terrible at acting. Excited to see him shape up in future as he hones his acting skills and we get to see him in more projects!
Questions for those who have seen Taiwanese version of this drama before watching the Korean remake and enjoyed both versions.
1) Is the Taiwanese version slow or fast paced? (Just saw Ep 1 only, it was too slow for me to get immersed into so asking if it gets better)
2) What are the differences? Are they major and mind-blowing? (If answering, please let me know - I don't mind spoilers either)
❋---❋---❋---❋
I actually had Someday or One Day in my watchlist since very long, even before this Korean remake was announced. Just never got to watch it cause it was not available in my region through any authentic OTTs in English subs. Just few weeks back, I got to know another source to watch it - but it was one of those torrent sites. Lots of ads made the experience less enjoyable - and I managed to only watch Ep 1 cause it was too slow for my liking. As in it took long for the story to build up & mystery to unfold.
So I watched the Korean version and have loved it - but want to know, if I should still watch the original if it has major differences?
While I loved Jeon Yeo Been in Vincenzo, and here in this drama as Han Jun Hee (the older version/2023), for some reason I was not convinced seeing her as a high school girl Min Ju.
Nothing on her acting which is as always top notch - just it felt odd/out of place. Like with Ahn Hyo Seop - cause I have seen him in other high-school roles, it felt believable and not weird that a 28 year old is playing a 18 year old. He does look a bit on the younger side, but for some reason is able to pull off mature and boyish roles.
It is nothing major, I still enjoyed her portrayal and drama overall, but at times in certain frames and angles, it felt out of place to see Jeon Yeo Been as a high school girl. (Nothing on her age or being older, cause I feel in any case K-actors always look much younger than they are)
For some reason, as an alternate casting - I thought someone like:
1) Kim Se Jeong: would have pulled off both the roles well. Could be cause of Business Proposal Hari being imprinted on my mind, but mainly as I have seen her as a high-schooler in School 2017.
2) Park Bo Young: again would have pulled off both the versions and in fact she did so in On Your Wedding Day and to me it felt very authentic.
3) Kim So Hyun: again someone who can pull off a mature look of mid-late twenties, as well as a 16-18 year old.
It could be an unpopular opinion, but then it just came to my mind so thought to pen it down here.
The Incomplete Love Story: Tae Ha & Yeon JunSpoilers ahead in first comment - but this is my only and earnest…
I am not a hardcore BL fan, having seen only 2 J-dramas so far with the theme and loved every bit of it. Even then only the few minutes that these two characters had in this drama, with the tension and love so palpable that it has left me a sobbing mess and wanting more!
I think more than the main story - cause I knew it would be good and had an expected ending. This little cameo and brief story pieced my heart which was so unexpected. Maybe cause they did not get their happily ever after - my heart shattered as did their car.
So I really hope someone picks up their story and gives it an alternate and happy ending.
And of course, it has to be played by Rowoon and Ahn Hye Seop. I have been watching these two men since their debut work and they have impressed one and all with their talent. But this little BL storyline just made me go crazy & I hope there is definitely a future project with these two! ❤️❤️❤️
Spoilers ahead in first comment - but this is my only and earnest request after watching this drama. Hoping a fanfiction writer or K-drama scriptwriter sees this and makes it come true with the cast of Rowoon and Ahn Hyo Seop cause they are magic together which was so unexpected! ❤️❤️🔥🤝
She did leave a lasting impression from Squid Games, but I was not able to see her other works (cause either she was not the lead or the drama didn't attract me). Strong Woman Do Bong Soon is a classic, brand name of its own - so definitely looking forward to this new take on the story of powerful women! 💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼
I don't get the reference. Why I am Groot and relation to bracken?
Thanks Betty_Boop and greyyyy - haha, I know who Groot is but then when she asks him why is he here when he said he doesn't want to eat - and he says I am Groot 🤣
Like I don't get the comedy factor if there was any - though both of them looked cute when saying it!
So far so good - just wish the pace becomes a little faster, kind of drags at points. And I am here for Rowoon (one of my main reasons) - especially since he was supposed to have a role different from his usually puppy-love acts. But I am missing it - the cold person is so not him 🤣🤣🤣 and looks like now that he's under the spell - the puppy love will be back!
So possibly dead-ex girlfriend was a psycho also? Geez the similarity in her and her brother.Also, I knew Kang…
I am thinking the same, maybe not the murderer but she's definitely involved or knows something. Maybe she's keeping her away or locked up somewhere, thinking by doing so she's protecting her son and her reputation. OR maybe she did that to have a hold over her son, in order to make him do things her way?
I guess now that Do Ha is dating Sol Hee, she might try something to her as well since she's inquiring about her.
Guess this is why the FL's father is back or rather he's shown again. So that anytime - either side's mothers try something, cause they definitely will - the father can somehow help them out.
The drama is becoming complex and I really am liking it as they peel it layer by layer every episode and not keep it for the end. But then I also pray that they execute it well, cause it has a lot of potential now - with the social commentary. relationships - parental and romantic, eventual healing, murder mystery and political games.
kim-doha’s ex girlfriend was crazy narcissistic! i can’t stand her attitude, lol 🫠
I thought she was more insecure than narcissist. Like the way her behavior is towards Do Ha and overall interfering in his private life.
It is a sad attitude and seems like it stemmed somewhere due to her brother (if the encounter of Do Ha & Brother in Ep 9 is to go by regarding the reference to "her Dream").
And yes, definitely scary - just imagine had this been in real life. Someone obsessed with you that they throttle your way of live under the garb of love. Trust issues and insecurities can lead to that, but there's a way to manage it. Unfortunately looks like many people don't know how to be supportive of their partner and learn to trust them - maybe that's why this drama is highlighting that!
Commentary for Ep 9 below - there were so many cute moments and some explanations that I need to share it out…
1) The Kiss: Omg! After so many almost kiss situations, where the electricity/attraction was so palpable but they did not do it making me almost die! But then they kiss after that confession which was so unexpected. Like you would usually have a slow kiss after such a confession - but no BAM! what an intense kiss. And I am so loving it that finally K-Dramas don't have those cardboard kisses anymore!
2) The mystery unravels: Have commented & discussed with other MDLers on what theories could be for the missing girlfriend's mystery and if Do Ha is actually lying or not. Usually dramas would drag it out - like the FL would be conflicted whether the ML is lying or not, but here we have all the explanations - like that's so different from the usual workings of K-dramas. Not sure if I like it or not - cause now am confused if we have all the answers, then how will the drama end? Got to wait and watch.
Things that are still to be answered and am excited to know: - What will Do Ha's mother do? Trample over her son's happiness to get her way? Like harm the FL? - What is the FL's mother upto? We have definitely not seen the last of her, nor the SML - FL's father is back! I respect him a lot as a actor, he's such a familiar face in dramas - let's see how his role will pan out now - Syaon's cringe behavior has gone down (thankfully) but she still remains the same with not much character development - Deuk Chan's wife is cheating on him? OMG why do we have this plot - will he be using the lie detection services of our FL?
Commentary for Ep 9 below - there were so many cute moments and some explanations that I need to share it out here *excited*
I am still trying to keep my expectations of this drama a little low, cause I have been burnt in the past. But it really makes Mondays/Tuesdays a little more brighter - and I can't believe I would wait for this drama every week. Last I had such a feel it was for Mr Queen - but then that's a Masterpiece for me!
I know 2 episodes is too early rate a drama, so sharing some of my thoughts here about this drama.
Have been excited about this drama and the pairing - cause of the interesting plot summary, and the lead pair of Rowoon and Jo Bo Ah. Hence anyone reading this - please don't be deterred in your plans to watch this drama, like you am expecting this to only get better week on week 🤞🏼. Just that maybe I had such high expectations, 2-3 aspects so far in these 2 episodes have made me write this comment:
1) Writing the FL's character: In general, it is very rare to find a female character that is written very well and appeals to a larger audience. I blame this on our still very patriarchal society. Not saying we need a feminist heroine here, but even rom-coms could have a female character who is strong, cool, suave while can be equally naive, bring out the cute aegyo charms. It does not have to be either or, a person can be multifaceted. Cause the writers have no issue doing that with most of the male characters we have seen and see in dramaland.
I have seen and fell in love with Jo Bo Ah in The Idle Mermaid, my first K-drama of hers. Admit, that I have seen only 2-3 other works of her after that, but that character defines Jo Bo Ah for me. There she flawlessly brought a character who was smitten with her crush, and she did some cute antics to get his attention - but at the same time she was not a damsel in distress, but rather quite outspoken anytime anyone tried to bring her down. The woman took a stand in life and love, basically.
Idk, why the writers here are not using that aspect and her talent - but rather making her look like an airhead, who is smitten with a guy (no background here either, which is my next point), randomly cries, randomly accepts the mysterious box. It is such contrast from the male leads in this drama - who though not perfect, at least are making their character believable and have that certain air of command/ Wish the FLs get that too as the series progresses.
2) Lack of Explanations: Any drama, but especially ones that deal with past lives/supernatural etc - definitely need some backstory/or hints/clues to let us know why the story is moving in this direction or a character behaving the way they do.
For eg: There was no explanation about the FL and SML acquaintanceship, no build up and suddenly she likes him and blocking water throws for him. Not much background or flashback to understand more about the shamam/shrine and what's the role of ML's family in it.
I know it could be too early - but then characters are still taking actions and it just seems illogical or random. Also, the pacing is not very tight so that adrenaline rush is also missing for us to be truly enveloped in the sense of mystery and the supernatural.
Hopefully, in the coming episodes, these things will get better. I am liking though not loving yet - Rowoon's complete 180 contrast from usual puppy roles to this cold (but secretly caring perhaps) role. He is afterall 70-80% the reason I wanted to see this drama after the hit that Tomorrow and Extraordinary You was for me!
Fingers crossed, hoping my expectations on this drama are not misplaced! 🤞🏼
2 
10 
1 
1 
1 
1 
More in the first comment under the spoiler tag - did anyone expect this?
1. This is the first time I am watching him in a drama. I had high expectation given the premise of this drama and while I know the FL, Kim So Hyun has made her mark in the industry, I wanted to see how the ML would be.
2. Initially when the show trailer came out - I thought he might be another pretty face, like so many idol-turned-actors. While I like to fangirl for handsome actors/idols, I keep their acting prowess (or lack of it) separate and try my best not to be biased (success rate: 95%)
3. As the drama started - till now (Ep 12-13) Hwang Min Hyun's acting has not been earth-shattering good nor has it been a cardboard cutout presence either. Somewhere in between, decent and will not make you cringe or jump with joy.
4. In fact what I liked in this drama is - that he keeps the lost boy, shy, insecure, scared look quite well as his role demands. One can almost empathize with him as he feels guilty about hurting others around him because of his past, and you can see him struggle.
P.S This is so cause I discovered his episode of I Live Alone and realized that he definitely is different IRL and emotes on a different level there. So cardboard acting can be ruled out.
Not that I am insanely impressed by him, but wanted to write this out cause even today there are still very few good idol-turned-actors. Most get signed on projects cause of their popularity, even winning awards due to it, than their acting. So those who are at least good or trying should be talked about - is what I feel.
Hwang Min Hyun is definitely someone who looks good onscreen and is not terrible at acting. Excited to see him shape up in future as he hones his acting skills and we get to see him in more projects!
1) Is the Taiwanese version slow or fast paced?
(Just saw Ep 1 only, it was too slow for me to get immersed into so asking if it gets better)
2) What are the differences? Are they major and mind-blowing?
(If answering, please let me know - I don't mind spoilers either)
❋---❋---❋---❋
I actually had Someday or One Day in my watchlist since very long, even before this Korean remake was announced. Just never got to watch it cause it was not available in my region through any authentic OTTs in English subs. Just few weeks back, I got to know another source to watch it - but it was one of those torrent sites. Lots of ads made the experience less enjoyable - and I managed to only watch Ep 1 cause it was too slow for my liking. As in it took long for the story to build up & mystery to unfold.
So I watched the Korean version and have loved it - but want to know, if I should still watch the original if it has major differences?
While I loved Jeon Yeo Been in Vincenzo, and here in this drama as Han Jun Hee (the older version/2023), for some reason I was not convinced seeing her as a high school girl Min Ju.
Nothing on her acting which is as always top notch - just it felt odd/out of place. Like with Ahn Hyo Seop - cause I have seen him in other high-school roles, it felt believable and not weird that a 28 year old is playing a 18 year old. He does look a bit on the younger side, but for some reason is able to pull off mature and boyish roles.
It is nothing major, I still enjoyed her portrayal and drama overall, but at times in certain frames and angles, it felt out of place to see Jeon Yeo Been as a high school girl. (Nothing on her age or being older, cause I feel in any case K-actors always look much younger than they are)
For some reason, as an alternate casting - I thought someone like:
1) Kim Se Jeong: would have pulled off both the roles well. Could be cause of Business Proposal Hari being imprinted on my mind, but mainly as I have seen her as a high-schooler in School 2017.
2) Park Bo Young: again would have pulled off both the versions and in fact she did so in On Your Wedding Day and to me it felt very authentic.
3) Kim So Hyun: again someone who can pull off a mature look of mid-late twenties, as well as a 16-18 year old.
It could be an unpopular opinion, but then it just came to my mind so thought to pen it down here.
I think more than the main story - cause I knew it would be good and had an expected ending. This little cameo and brief story pieced my heart which was so unexpected. Maybe cause they did not get their happily ever after - my heart shattered as did their car.
So I really hope someone picks up their story and gives it an alternate and happy ending.
And of course, it has to be played by Rowoon and Ahn Hye Seop. I have been watching these two men since their debut work and they have impressed one and all with their talent. But this little BL storyline just made me go crazy & I hope there is definitely a future project with these two! ❤️❤️❤️
Spoilers ahead in first comment - but this is my only and earnest request after watching this drama. Hoping a fanfiction writer or K-drama scriptwriter sees this and makes it come true with the cast of Rowoon and Ahn Hyo Seop cause they are magic together which was so unexpected! ❤️❤️🔥🤝
She did leave a lasting impression from Squid Games, but I was not able to see her other works (cause either she was not the lead or the drama didn't attract me). Strong Woman Do Bong Soon is a classic, brand name of its own - so definitely looking forward to this new take on the story of powerful women! 💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼
Byeon Woo Seok and Ong Seong Wu 💖
Like I don't get the comedy factor if there was any - though both of them looked cute when saying it!
And I am here for Rowoon (one of my main reasons) - especially since he was supposed to have a role different from his usually puppy-love acts. But I am missing it - the cold person is so not him 🤣🤣🤣 and looks like now that he's under the spell - the puppy love will be back!
I guess now that Do Ha is dating Sol Hee, she might try something to her as well since she's inquiring about her.
Guess this is why the FL's father is back or rather he's shown again.
So that anytime - either side's mothers try something, cause they definitely will - the father can somehow help them out.
The drama is becoming complex and I really am liking it as they peel it layer by layer every episode and not keep it for the end. But then I also pray that they execute it well, cause it has a lot of potential now - with the social commentary. relationships - parental and romantic, eventual healing, murder mystery and political games.
Really looking forward to the next few weeks!
It is a sad attitude and seems like it stemmed somewhere due to her brother (if the encounter of Do Ha & Brother in Ep 9 is to go by regarding the reference to "her Dream").
And yes, definitely scary - just imagine had this been in real life. Someone obsessed with you that they throttle your way of live under the garb of love. Trust issues and insecurities can lead to that, but there's a way to manage it. Unfortunately looks like many people don't know how to be supportive of their partner and learn to trust them - maybe that's why this drama is highlighting that!
Omg! After so many almost kiss situations, where the electricity/attraction was so palpable but they did not do it making me almost die! But then they kiss after that confession which was so unexpected. Like you would usually have a slow kiss after such a confession - but no BAM! what an intense kiss. And I am so loving it that finally K-Dramas don't have those cardboard kisses anymore!
2) The mystery unravels:
Have commented & discussed with other MDLers on what theories could be for the missing girlfriend's mystery and if Do Ha is actually lying or not. Usually dramas would drag it out - like the FL would be conflicted whether the ML is lying or not, but here we have all the explanations - like that's so different from the usual workings of K-dramas. Not sure if I like it or not - cause now am confused if we have all the answers, then how will the drama end?
Got to wait and watch.
Things that are still to be answered and am excited to know:
- What will Do Ha's mother do? Trample over her son's happiness to get her way? Like harm the FL?
- What is the FL's mother upto? We have definitely not seen the last of her, nor the SML
- FL's father is back! I respect him a lot as a actor, he's such a familiar face in dramas - let's see how his role will pan out now
- Syaon's cringe behavior has gone down (thankfully) but she still remains the same with not much character development
- Deuk Chan's wife is cheating on him? OMG why do we have this plot - will he be using the lie detection services of our FL?
So many things to look forward to!
I am still trying to keep my expectations of this drama a little low, cause I have been burnt in the past. But it really makes Mondays/Tuesdays a little more brighter - and I can't believe I would wait for this drama every week. Last I had such a feel it was for Mr Queen - but then that's a Masterpiece for me!
Have been excited about this drama and the pairing - cause of the interesting plot summary, and the lead pair of Rowoon and Jo Bo Ah. Hence anyone reading this - please don't be deterred in your plans to watch this drama, like you am expecting this to only get better week on week 🤞🏼. Just that maybe I had such high expectations, 2-3 aspects so far in these 2 episodes have made me write this comment:
1) Writing the FL's character:
In general, it is very rare to find a female character that is written very well and appeals to a larger audience. I blame this on our still very patriarchal society. Not saying we need a feminist heroine here, but even rom-coms could have a female character who is strong, cool, suave while can be equally naive, bring out the cute aegyo charms. It does not have to be either or, a person can be multifaceted. Cause the writers have no issue doing that with most of the male characters we have seen and see in dramaland.
I have seen and fell in love with Jo Bo Ah in The Idle Mermaid, my first K-drama of hers. Admit, that I have seen only 2-3 other works of her after that, but that character defines Jo Bo Ah for me. There she flawlessly brought a character who was smitten with her crush, and she did some cute antics to get his attention - but at the same time she was not a damsel in distress, but rather quite outspoken anytime anyone tried to bring her down. The woman took a stand in life and love, basically.
Idk, why the writers here are not using that aspect and her talent - but rather making her look like an airhead, who is smitten with a guy (no background here either, which is my next point), randomly cries, randomly accepts the mysterious box. It is such contrast from the male leads in this drama - who though not perfect, at least are making their character believable and have that certain air of command/ Wish the FLs get that too as the series progresses.
2) Lack of Explanations:
Any drama, but especially ones that deal with past lives/supernatural etc - definitely need some backstory/or hints/clues to let us know why the story is moving in this direction or a character behaving the way they do.
For eg: There was no explanation about the FL and SML acquaintanceship, no build up and suddenly she likes him and blocking water throws for him. Not much background or flashback to understand more about the shamam/shrine and what's the role of ML's family in it.
I know it could be too early - but then characters are still taking actions and it just seems illogical or random. Also, the pacing is not very tight so that adrenaline rush is also missing for us to be truly enveloped in the sense of mystery and the supernatural.
Hopefully, in the coming episodes, these things will get better. I am liking though not loving yet - Rowoon's complete 180 contrast from usual puppy roles to this cold (but secretly caring perhaps) role. He is afterall 70-80% the reason I wanted to see this drama after the hit that Tomorrow and Extraordinary You was for me!
Fingers crossed, hoping my expectations on this drama are not misplaced! 🤞🏼