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Great Cast + Good Action but Lacks the Spark
"Undercover High School" seemed promising with its talented lead cast and intriguing premise, and it does deliver in several ways—but not without its quirks. While it's a light, entertaining watch, there are aspects that might leave viewers wishing for more finesse.Pros:
1. Seo Kang Joon’s Charisma: If you’re a fan, you’ll be thrilled. His performance and striking screen presence make him the undeniable star of the show. He owns every scene he’s in!
2. Kim Shin Rok’s Deranged Villainy: Her portrayal of the antagonist is chilling and unforgettable. She’s brilliant, embodying chaos with ease.
3. Heartfelt Moments: From touching scenes of school friendships to poignant family dynamics that go beyond blood ties, the show has its share of moments that tug at your heartstrings.
4. Treasure Hunt Mystery: The underlying plot of unraveling the treasure adds a sprinkle of intrigue, keeping viewers hooked just enough.
Cons:
1. Comedy Timing: The humor feels forced and cringey at times. Watching it just after clever comedy like "Trauma Code" or "Study Group", this disappointed me. While not outright bad, it struggles with timing and ends up feeling gimmicky—more snicker-worthy than laugh-out-loud funny.
2. Romance Without the Sparks: The love story between the leads lacks depth and excitement. Their childhood sweetheart trope feels predictable, ticking boxes instead of delivering the emotional highs that one expects from a rom-com. Despite the leads’ proven chemistry in other dramas, the script doesn’t quite capitalize on their potential here.
Overall:
Despite its flaws, the drama retains a certain charm. It’s short, sweet, and perfect for days when you want a light watch without investing too much emotional energy. While not a masterpiece or something you’d rush to rewatch, it’s worth trying at least once—especially if you’re in the mood to binge!
Watch it for Seo Kang Joon’s star power, Kim Shin Rok’s magnetic performance, and those heartwarming moments sprinkled throughout. Who knows? It might just surprise you.
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Interesting Plot, Great Acting - just the drama pace can bother some (like me)
This drama explores greed, class (gold vs dirt spoon), and justifiable desires, tied to a supernatural element: the magical golden spoon. Overall, it has mystery, strong cast and acting, some romance, and a cool soundtrack. Rated 7/10 due to three issues.➥ What Works:
✦ The Concept: Through male characters—either dirt poor or rich—the story delves into their desires and choices when their fates twist using the golden spoon. Both protagonists get what they want but grapple with contentment and their original selves. Supporting characters with magical spoons add depth.
✦ Yook Sung Jae: Technically my first drama of his, YSJ lives both rich and poor characters to perfection. Believable and compelling, his acting is the highlight, carrying 80% of the show.
➥ What Does Not Work:
✦ The Pace: (-1 point) The middle episodes plateau. Some elements and golden spoon swaps could have been avoided, making a shorter drama more engaging.
✦ The Ending & Plot Twists: (-2 points) Unnecessary twists in the last episode and other parts of the show. Although it ends well, some twists felt redundant.
➥Summary: Worth watching for its refreshing plot, strong acting, and unique concept. Ideal for one-time viewing, especially for Yook Sung Jae and Choi Won Young's performances.
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Suspenseful, Visually Stunning but a Slow-Burn
"Dear Hongrang" is not a light watch—it demands emotional and mental readiness due to its dark and intense themes. However, its visual artistry, gripping narrative, and strong performances make it a standout historical drama.Pros:
(1) Stunning Cinematography & Direction: The visual aesthetics are top-tier, offering breathtaking scenes and meticulously crafted setups that elevate the historical setting. One of the best I have seen for historical dramas.
(2) Compelling Acting & Action Sequences – Strong performances from the cast bring depth to the characters, especially the ML.
(3) Intriguing Suspenseful Plot & Family Drama – A complex, engaging storyline keeps viewers invested with its twists, turns, and layered dynamics involving the merchants, royals and common folks.
(4) Hauntingly Beautiful OST – Burning Petals leaves a lasting impression. I believe it blended Korean musical elements with other influences to create a mesmerizing auditory experience.
Cons:
(1) Slow-Burn Narrative – Despite being only 11 episodes, the pacing feels slow. Certain moments may feel prolonged, potentially leading to fast-forwarding through it, else I would have dropped it.
(2) Tragic Romance – While well-executed, the romantic subplot follows a tragic trajectory. Not a fan of those, though it was fitting.
Do I Recommend It: MAYBE
While the slow pacing and tragic romance is a personal downvote, it might not be the case for others. Hence, the pros outweigh the cons. If you appreciate visually stunning dramas with rich storytelling and deep emotions, it's worth experiencing. Otherwise, it could be a miss.
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WHAT THE PERFECTION!
If chaotic humor is your thing—this drama is for you!A dopamine rush of wild, unserious fun that’ll make “WHAT THE” your new catchphrase. Sometimes, you just need a show that lifts your mood and gives you endless rewatch-worthy moments. If slapstick comedy isn’t your thing, you might hesitate—but trust me, I did too. Then "Trauma Code" and "Study Group" changed my mind. And with Lee Jun Young leading the cast, skipping this was never an option! Let’s dive in:
➥ Story
Set in a gym, this drama hilariously tackles deep-topics of beauty standards, body-shaming, and how weight struggles seep into various aspects of daily life. The main leads are flawed initially with biased outlook on certain things but grow over time, realizing that workouts won’t fix everything—but they give you the confidence to face challenges head-on. I loved how even the side characters had meaningful arcs instead of being mere background fillers.
➥ Comedy
Unhinged. Over-the-top. Pure gold. Just when you're about to get serious—BAM!—something ridiculous happens, and you're in stitches. If you thrive on chaotic humor, this is a gem.
➥ Romance
The English title might be slightly off you—romance is subplot here. Even the cast calls this COMANCE, with comedy elements being main theme but still delivering those sweet, heart-fluttering moments with our main couple.
➥ Acting
Lee Jun Young is phenomenal—seriously, is there a role he can’t ace? Easily one of K-drama’s most diverse actors. Jung Eunji, another idol-actress, continues to impress me, in what is my second drama of hers. Both of them as the leads are chaotic, adorable with amazing chemistry. Think Business Proposal or Strong Woman DBS, but with a different flavor. Their expressions, dialogues, voice shifts are flawless - WHAT THE CUTIES! 💖 Even the rest of the cast is highly impressive - iconic and memorable in their own rights as they bring their roles to life.
➥ Music
Every song is a treat, but the real star? A parody belted out by the FL in Ep 3—roughly titled The Gym You Live In. No official release yet, so until then, rewatch Ep 3 and check out the lyrics: https://kisskh.at/profile/omo-omo-omo/feeds/8W0BZh6
➥ Overall Recommendation: BINGE IT.
A riotous comedy with slow-burn romance (comance) wrapped in a fitness-center setting. Absolute fun from start to finish!
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Switched Worlds, Swoony Leads: A Bumpy Yet Charming Portal Fantasy Drama
I'm a big fan of fantasy dramas where characters fall into alternate universes - "Portal Fantasy". Right from the first episode of "The First Night with the Duke", I was reminded of personal favorites like "Mr. Queen" and "Splash Splash Love" - which dive into historical world; also "Extraordinary You" and "W: Two Worlds", both rooted in manhwa/webtoon storytelling. These four are among my all-time favorite dramas, so my expectations for this one were understandably high along with the fact that it was 12 episodes, which is now my favorite drama-length. And for the most part, the drama delivered on the expectations, and hence it is worth a watch. Let me break it down:➥ Story & Pace:
The first two episodes were outright hilarious, but episode 3 felt underwhelming, prompting me to put the drama on hold. Thankfully, when I resumed at episode 4, the story took off brilliantly—blending mystery, politics, action, romance, and comedy into a compelling ride that kept me hooked week after week. The momentum continued strong until episode 10, where pacing dipped and the storyline became slightly convoluted. While these slower moments were important for narrative resolution, they felt dull compared to the high-energy beginning. Still, the drama wraps up with a satisfying, happy ending—exactly what fans of this genre crave.
➥ Acting:
Special credit goes to the main leads—both of whom are idol-turned-actors. Honestly, I was surprised by how well they performed. I’ve followed their music careers, and acting-wise, this is only the second project I’ve seen from each. The male lead previously starred in Heartbeat, which I found pretty disappointing, and the female lead was in Love and Leashes, one of my absolute favorite films. In this drama, they’ve both delivered commendable performances. The female lead shines as a spirited, courageous, and funny character, while the male lead plays the classic tsundere, heroic, charming and funny. Their chemistry was electric, and watching their romantic arc unfold was truly delightful.
The antagonists—ranging from jealous admirers to competitive rivals—were handled well. Each was explored with nuance and got fitting resolutions, whether sweet or bitter. Secondary characters also played their roles effectively, supporting the main leads and enriching the story as a whole.
➥ Music, Direction, Effects, Costumes: are all great as expected of production of this scale.
➥ Overall:
I recommend watching this, just be prepared for a few uneven episodes along an otherwise smooth and entertaining journey. While the plot itself isn’t groundbreaking or unpredictable, strong performances, engaging romance, and a lively mix of action and humor make it absolutely worth your time.
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Not a nail-biting revenge drama, falling short in the end.
Barring the last few episodes, this is a good drama. Strong start, great cast & acting - the revenge plot dwindled towards the end with some unnecessary elements. Guess, the ending/revenge being satisfactory or not would differ people to people & hence affect the overall liking for this drama. For me, it wasn't the triumphant-fist-pump-the-air kind of revenge in the end that I love so I was unsatisfied. But the writers tied up all the knots- which makes it a decent if not great finish. Main for me the revenge arc was average : 5-6 out of 10. It had great potential but was not suspenseful/unexpected & felt mediocre when delivered in the final episodes.Fav Aspects:
1. The female friendships
2. Men (ML, Chef, U&K Lawyer) being such green flags
3. Decent Antagonists (the FL's friend & boyfriend/fiancé)
What I Did Not Like:
1. Ep 12-16 were rushed, had unnecessary angst & characters (eg: ML's ex-fiancée & greedy parents)
2. Lead Pair Chemistry was Lacking (yes, even with all the hot kisses)
3. Wished Ju Ran & Yoo Hee Yeon (the support FLs) had more time for their stories & not just hints at the end.
Overall:
Decent watch given the hype & media coverage, but not something I will rate in my top 10 list of revenge dramas.
[edit in Sep 2026] the tit-for-tat scenes the FL does to the antagonist female character is so satisfying; that I ended up rewatching for them, they were super-satisfying. And I can't wait for actress Choi Gyu Ri to be cast into main FL roles - she literally brightens up the screen. Love her energy and acting - wish to see more of her soon!
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Showing the Good, Bad & Controversial
❤️ Lesson: There will always be hardships, but only you can save yourself from it, live the best version and look around - cause there might be someone to help you look forward to a "tomorrow" which will be beautiful / 아름다운❤️ Nutshell Review:
Every episode is story of different individuals who will make you think on lines of existential crisis, showing the good, bad and difficult choices we make as humans with complex emotions & relations. But there is also an underlying backstory of the main characters (though not a satisfying one for Rowoon's I feel in final episode, hence -0.5).
Good one-time watch, though some episodes/cases may make you want to revisit (Example - Episode 9 🐶)
❤️ Detailed Review:
This show is FOR YOU, if you like a PLOT where:
• great narrative to show the good, bad and controversial side of human nature
• there are elements of mystery, mythology/fantasy
• it is about SECOND CHANCES
• past lives mix with modern times
• female lead is strong with impeccable edgy fashion style
• male lead is righteous, speaks his mind but also goofy & handsome
• there are underlying backstories for characters - main & support cast, both
• visual affects are good-to-great
• people make mistakes, learn and find redemption
• every episode will keep you glued to your screen
• every episode will explore a new character's challenge - yet tie it all together for the main plot and cast
• every week you will wait for the next episode with genuine anticipation
• there is a deeper meaning about values and relationships of life, which are relatable to certain level
• focus on dark/deeper topics like suicide, murder, death in general
❤️ The Cast is Strong
• Kim Hee Sun and Kim Hae Sook (reminder of their previous drama - Room No 9, brilliance)
• Lee Soo Hyuk (cold, calculating, goes by the book, reminds of Lee Dong Wook in Goblin, but am sure there is a history here)
• Rowoon (he is growing and how!)
❤️ So, why did I PICK UP this drama?
99% of the time - I watch a drama that is COMPLETED airing.
• Rarely, a drama like this comes along that demolishes this resolve of mine
• Past Dramas that did: Mr Queen, True Beauty, Business Proposal
• So you can get an idea of the caliber of this drama - that this is not a bad pick, and you can give it a try too!
I was already a fan, before I watched the show:
• I write as a hobby, especially spin-offs of dramas I finish watching
• Usually with themes of alternate endings, or imagining the reader with the lead actor/actress.
• For this show Tomorrow - the premise & trailer itself was so good, that I drafted a spin-off beforehand.
Now at the end, the stories and lessons were beautiful, the background story and end to our characters made me take the rating a notch down to 9.5 - but still a great watch and rewatch anytime!
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Their Unwritten Seoul Touched Our Souls
Our Unwritten Seoul follows twin sisters Mi-ji and Mi-rae as they swap their lives to find themselves. What begins as a simple switch grows into a layered story of family, love & identity. To the world & even to themselves, the sisters may appear starkly different as night and day, but as the drama progresses, they sympathize with their own selves & each other, & realize that they could not be more similar.Often we come across a blank page in our life's book. The first thought is think that it is the end. But actually what a blank page means that you can start again - either picking up the threads from the previous pages or write a new story. Our Unwritten Seoul drives this message - as the sisters Mi-Rae and Mi-ji attempt to re-write their stories again. And while they are doing so, we also come across other characters who are helping the sisters in their journey and at the same time healing themselves from their struggles of past and present.
➥ PROs: "Each Character had a Unique Story to Tell" & "Life Lessons from this drama"
The drama opens as a simple story of twin sisters Mi-ji and Mi-rae—but soon unfurls into a rich mosaic of 4, 6 & more characters. As the sisters swap lives to discover themselves, Ho-su and Se-jin arrive to help them heal, while healing from their own past struggles and forging their own path in present. The twins’ & Ho-su's mothers, once bickering neighbors, blossom into a quiet sisterhood bound by a shared yearning for belonginess. Rosa, the stern restaurateur hiding a painful secret, mirrors the twins’ search for identity through her own tale of loss and loyalty. Even the support roles—Hosu’s senior, school friend Ji-yun, and Mi-ji’s ex/bestie, Tae-i & his sister—get their moment, each weaving an essential thread into this warm, woven tale of connection and resilience.
➥ CONs : "Double Role of PBY" & "Romance/Chemistry"
Double Role: In the middle stretch, Park Bo-young’s portrayal of Mi-ji felt too much like Mi-rae—soft, hesitant and then something different - whiny. It was hard to reconcile this with the bold, fiery Mi-ji we were introduced to. Maybe it was intentional, hinting that the sisters aren’t so different after all—but it left me unconvinced.
Chemistry: It was sweet but lacked spark. After seeing PBY’s electric pairing with Park Hyung-sik, this felt more subdued. In fact I was more interested in Mi-rae and Se-jin, even with limited scenes. But why was there no kiss scene for them? It was not bad but more like I was interested in the other pair - but they did not give me enough of them.
➥ OVERALL: One-time Watch.
I typically shy away from weighty dramas, but this one struck me—Mi-rae’s drive for perfection to avoid disappointing others and her self-doubt felt profoundly real. Every element—from the acting and writing to the music and cinematography—shines. Still, its twelve-episode pace drags at times, and I wanted more screen time for my favorite characters and pairings. That’s just my personal quibble, not a flaw in the show. Overall, it’s a moving exploration of identity and connection, and hence my recommendation to give it a watch!
Special Note: Best Characters were Se-jin and Ho-su's mother. They were simply too good, and perhaps a major reason for me to complete this drama.
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More Than a Thriller: The Tragedy of a Town That Lost Innocence to Delayed Justice
I binged the first half of Scarecrow, drawn in by its gripping blend of thriller and suspense. The narrative moves seamlessly between 1988 and 2019, unraveling the Kangseong Serial Murders. The pacing is taut and nerve-wracking, as we witness the lives of Kangseong’s residents, the chilling murders, and the relentless pursuit of the killer. Although the identity is hinted at early on, the drama masterfully sustains tension, refusing to confirm until the very end.Through the eyes of the male lead—a principled police officer—we see not only the hunt for justice but also the weight of his past. His personal and professional ties are tangled in ways he never imagined, forcing him to sacrifice more than he thought possible.
The second half shifts tone. With the killer revealed, the suspense gives way to tragedy. Justice comes late, after countless innocent lives are lost and families shattered. The slower pacing reflects this grim reality: the chase is over, but the scars remain. No one in Kangseong escapes unscathed. The drama refuses to offer a neat resolution, reminding us that in life, victories are often incomplete, and justice delayed is justice denied.
What elevates Scarecrow beyond its thriller framework is its philosophical depth. The revelation of the killer almost feels secondary—the true devastation lies in the irreversible damage done. The performances are exceptional: Park Hae Soo and Lee Hee Jun embody characters whose fates are intertwined in complex, almost mirror-like ways. Neither friends nor enemies, they represent diverging paths of morality, and the writing captures this duality with nuance and power.
The final scenes (a dream of ML's) reminded me of Reply 1988 (maybe cause the events took place in that year + dream/wishful thinking of the ML), contrasting what Kangseong could have been with the tragedy it endured. This bittersweet ending lingers, reminding us that beneath the suspense lies a heartbreaking meditation on lost innocence.
Overall: Scarecrow may not be flawless, but it is a deeply emotional, well-written, and superbly acted drama. A one-time watch that leaves a lasting impression.
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Predictable Yet Surprisingly Enjoyable (My 1st Daily Drama)
This was my first experience with a daily drama, and I’m happy to say it wasn’t overly frustrating despite its ~100-episode length. Daily dramas often come with their share of exaggerated conflicts, catfights, oblivious characters, and manipulations—all part of the genre’s charm (or curse). While these elements occasionally tested my patience, the show remained incredibly addictive.PROS:
(1) Story and Pace: The plot revolves around secrets of childhood, tragedy from lies, revenge, chaebols & scheming antagonists under a classic Cinderella trope. Its pacing struck the perfect balance for a daily drama.
(2) The cast delivered commendable performances, suited to the genre’s scale. Special mentions—
➔ Goo HaNa (FL): Returning to the screen after a long break (I loved her in Marriage, Not Dating), she brought charm and sincerity to her role.
➔ Goo Ji Seok (FL’s Brother): Portrayed with depth and conviction. His transition from a vulnerable individual to someone driven by revenge felt authentic.
➔ Eun Chong (Child Actor): He was the show’s soul—a captivating presence who outshined many adult actors. Truly impressive!
(3) Direction, Cinematography, Music: All elements were well-executed. The theme song “Nobody Knows” is unforgettable and will always remind me of this drama, given the number of times I have heard it.
CONS:
(1) Some Villains were left off easily: The ending for certain antagonists felt underwhelming. Some characters deserved harsher consequences; however, their story aligned logically with the narrative.
(2) Younger Goo Siblings: They were literally extra in the plotline, possibly just there to create unnecessary conflicts and promote products within the drama. At times they were right & funny, but they were not used well to the main story.
OVERALL:
If you’re willing to embrace the quirks of daily dramas, this one is worth exploring. As my first foray into the genre, I can’t compare it to others, but it’s a solid choice with all the predictable yet addictive tropes that define such K-dramas. Set the right expectations, and you’ll find it to be an entertaining watch.
© omo-omo-omo | Review #65
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Money Heist: Korea - Joint Economic Area - Part 1
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Biggest Heist in Korea Unfolds ❤
❤ What to Expect in Plot [Disclaimer]• Exact remake of the original Season 1 with a Korean touch
• The characters are same, with slight variations for some characters' background stories
• Remakes will always be compared to the original and will not be at par for all, but this is good remake and will make K-fans happy.
• Season 1 is Part 1 and Part 2 - with Part 1 released with 6 episodes on June 24, 2022
So go watch with an open mind!
❤ Acting:
• Since the plot is exact of the original series, the characters are same
• Some highlights/notable differences:
→ TOKYO: since her background is different, her character development is different initially merging into the Tokyo we know
→ BERLIN: If you loved him in the Squid Game, you will love his sadistic portrayal here even more
→ PROFESSOR: a more nerd yet suave version of the original but then again I am a fan of Yoo Ji Tae ❤
→ ARTURO/Jo Yeong Min: still a hate-worthy character like the original right from the start
❤ Setting:
• It is set up in a fictional place: Joint Economic Area
Personally like it, as it takes a lot of braincells to come up with a new place all together (but it is no Hobbitshire/Hogwarts/Narnia) and make a story there. And it makes it different from the original.
• I love the use of HAHOE Masks instead of Dali ones
• Music and Direction is quite addictive and polished
❤ Summary:
→ Keep an open mind and remember that this is a Korean REMAKE. Be kind ❤
→ Fans of Yoo Ji Tae and Park Hae Soo - you will fall in love all over again, as I have ❤
→ A concise remake, with good cinematography and acting showing the biggest heist to be pulled in Korea! ❤
→ I am big fan of the original series, and with that in mind, this has been a pretty great & grand effort! ❤
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A Calm Sea and Beautiful Days with You
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Folks, are you cherishing the small moments in your life?
➥ First ImpressionsSometimes a drama doesn’t need grand twists or dramatic conflicts to leave a lasting impression. A Calm Sea and Beautiful Days with You is simplicity at its best - just like the words in its English title, it is truly calm and beautiful. If you enjoy soft, slow, gentle love stories - especially awkward or shy first-love dynamics - this one absolutely deserves a spot on your watchlist. I also have a soft spot for wartime stories, which is another reason this drama had been on my watchlist for quite some time.
➥ A Story About Finding Joy in Small Moments
Set in Japan during 1936-37, with the looming shadow of war in the background, the drama quietly depicts everyday life - particularly the lives of families connected to the navy. At first, I did struggle a little with how women were portrayed, mostly limited to housework and domestic responsibilities. As a modern viewer, it felt uncomfortable initially. I also wasn’t completely sold on the male lead’s expressions in the beginning; at times they felt a little exaggerated. However, as the story progressed, I realized that these small issues mattered less because the emotional core of the drama lies elsewhere. At its heart, the story is about learning to cherish the small things in life, especially when the future feels uncertain.
➥ Two Love Stories, Two Different Dynamics
The drama presents two romances, each with its own charm.
The main love story follows two introverted individuals brought together through an arranged marriage. The husband serves in the navy, which means he is often away for long periods of time. Despite the distance, the unfamiliarity, and their shy personalities, the couple slowly begins to understand each other. What starts off as awkward and hesitant gradually grows into something warm and comforting. Their relationship becomes a quiet safe space built on patience, respect, and unspoken affection.
The supporting couple, on the other hand, brings a completely different dynamic. One character has no desire to marry, while the other is a charming casanova who believes women are only interested in him because of his family name and face card. Their interactions feel like a playful clash of values and personalities, yet their story unfolds into something surprisingly mature and adorable. Even with limited screen time, their romance is incredibly endearing.
➥ The Beauty of Quiet Storytelling
Beyond the romances, the drama also highlights themes of family bonds, friendships, and sibling affection. With war looming in the background, the characters face uncertainty and worry - yet they continue to live their daily lives with resilience. The storytelling here relies on small gestures, quiet moments, and unspoken understanding. There are very few grand romantic declarations, but the affection between the characters feels deeply genuine and heartfelt.
One scene that stayed with me is when the main couple creates a handmade board game using milestones from their own daily lives. Watching them add what might seem like mundane moments - yet seeing the pages fill up quickly - was incredibly touching. It was a simple but powerful reminder to appreciate the small joys in everyday life.
➥ Overall Thoughts
Watching this drama feels like wrapping yourself in a warm blanket or sipping a comforting cup of tea. It’s gentle, soothing, and quietly emotional. Another drama that gave me a similar feeling was Barakamon, so it was really nice to find something that captured that same warm, peaceful atmosphere again.
The story doesn’t rely on shocking twists or over-the-top drama. Instead, it focuses on small, meaningful moments - and somehow leaves you smiling long after the credits roll. Sometimes we simply need stories like these. And for that reason alone, I would definitely recommend giving this drama a watch at least once.
P.S. I have a soft spot for themes of fireflies. It started with the song by Owl City, and then of course the anime works Grave of the Fireflies and Hotarubi no Mori e. Both had sad endings, so I was a little apprehensive when fireflies started appearing in this drama. Thankfully, it all ended beautifully 😅
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Empowering Women, Unraveling Desires & Mysteries in 90s Korea
"A Virtuous Business" centers on themes of women empowerment, human desires, and a missing-children cold case mystery set in the 1990s. The drama’s story, pace, relationships, acting, music, and costumes brilliantly support its message, bringing smiles and evoking nostalgia akin to "Reply 1988" and "Boyhood." It beautifully captures the era's nuances, societal resistance, and family dilemmas—issues we still face today, especially for women. Witnessing the main leads' vulnerabilities, perseverance, and eventual success evoked a personal sense of triumph. This almost flawless drama earns a spot in my personal Hall of Fame, and here's why:❤️Best Parts:
➥ Women Empowerment: This drama shines in showcasing positive female friendships. The four leading ladies, connected by a business idea, navigate everyday challenges with grace and resilience. Despite their different ages, family setups, and personalities, they all yearn for social and financial freedom. The drama sensitively portrays their vulnerabilities, reflecting the societal pressures women still face today. Their personal triumphs are both inspiring and relatable, offering hope and motivation to tackle challenges that have somewhat remained and exist even today.
➥ Human Desires: Our lead women venture into the business of selling adult toys at a time when sex is taboo. Even today, discussing basic human desires openly remains a challenge. This drama endears itself by addressing these topics through a mix of serious and comedic scenes, normalizing conversations about sexual fantasies, acts, and tools. It's a refreshing take that makes you realize this is just another business, and there's nothing to be ashamed of.
➥ Missing Children Mystery: Beyond the themes of women fighting for their rights and dealing with societal issues, there's an intriguing mystery at the heart of this drama. A cold case of fires and missing children brings a detective (our male lead) to town, intertwining his personal conflict with the mystery. The twists and turns are well-executed, and the ending is wholesome, satisfying, mature, and happy!
✘ A Small Miss - Personal Opinion:
While the drama hints at the characters' future paths, which is satisfying, I personally prefer closed endings. Additionally, the second half of the finale felt a bit rushed, which is why I rate it 9.5/10.
❤️ Overall: MUST WATCH!
"A Virtuous Business" is one of the best dramas of 2024 and comes highly recommended!
It is a must-watch for its heartwarming portrayal of women empowerment, human desires, and an engaging cold case mystery. With its brilliant story, relatable characters, and nostalgic charm, this drama captures the essence of the 1990s while addressing issues that resonate even today. The mix of serious and comedic scenes, combined with a mature romance, wholesome friendships and satisfying ending, ensures a delightful viewing experience!
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Unimpressive Romance/Mystery, Despite Promising Premise & Great Acting
BEFORE READING: Opinions differ, and my review and rating might not align with the popular opinion. This is my honest take on the drama. If you love the drama and can't bear to see any negativity about it, please skip my review. Others who are open to a different perspective and constructive discussion, read on!I started "When the Phone Rings" with excitement due to the lead actors and the thriller-romance premise. However, two episodes in, I was confused about the direction - whether it was a mystery/thriller or romance. After learning from others that there is a novel which is more detailed and primarily a spicy romance, I realized my expectations were misplaced. Despite this, I kept watching weekly, hoping to know the mystery reveal, though poorly laid out. Sadly, the drama progressed by my hopes spiraled down as the drama's clichés didn't work for me in terms of romance or thriller, even though the actors performed well.
While I believe it is best to block/miss if this drama is calling you, breaking it down why I'm saying so:
➥ NEGATIVES:
(1) Romance:
As a woman, I couldn't imagine ever forgiving someone like the ML after years of neglect, especially after hearing what he said on the phone in Ep 1. This sentiment remains despite the fact that he was a childhood sweetheart and is now attempting to make amends. BUT How can three years of damage and indifference be justified and forgotten overnight? This was my biggest challenge, and I felt the rushed storyline didn't address it well. Even if the neglect years happened off-screen, their sudden realization of love felt implausible, even within the realm of drama logic. While these clichés are common, I've seen much better enemies-to-lovers plots, and this drama's romance angle didn't work for me at all. Even the convincingly acted intimate scenes felt forced to remain true to the spicy angle of novel, as the drama couple's arc was so weak. In my opinion, extending the drama to 16 episodes might have allowed more time to flesh out and develop the main leads' rediscovery of their old love gradually, rather than the rushed approach taken.
(2) Mystery/Thriller:
After 2 episodes, I realized my expectations for a "Gone Girl"-style mystery/thriller were misplaced. However, instead of dropping the drama, I continued watching at 2X speed each week, intrigued by the mystery surrounding the past secrets of the Paik family & the orphanage. Unfortunately, the plot did not progress well, becoming a mess especially from Ep 8's supposedly "big-reveal". The twists were obvious & revelations lacked impact. The final episode was entirely unnecessary—they could have simply provided a happy ending at the end of Ep 11, without the antagonist whispering an already known fact to the ML.
➥ POSITIVES:
(1) The Second Couple (Yuri & Sang Yoo):
Though very minimal screen-time, their romance grew slowly, organically, & felt believable. I'm seeing both the actors for the first time - they're talented & captivating especially Heo Nam Jun. Definitely going to watch their other works!
(2) Paik Sa-Eon (ML)'s acting:
Already familiar with his acting since his debut as a teen in Old Boy & he was a reason why I started this drama, as I was convinced of his talent. While his delivery was flawless as he showed a range of emotions - goofiness (elevator scene), anguish at loss of his beloved or betrayal, charm/aura as the Spokesperson, determination (when finding the culprit) - it still could not redeem this otherwise directionless drama for me.
➥ OVERALL: SKIP/One-Time Watch at best.
Personally, this drama was struggling to find its identity as a romance/thriller. The only reason I dragged myself to continue & not drop it was cause of: (1) my love for YYS as an actor (2) the hope that it will improve next week & justify the 8.9 rating (3) the end-twist will be so unique that it will shift the ground beneath my feet (4) did not want to make my dropped list longer. Alas, in the end, nothing worked for me but I am rating this as an average (5/10) purely for the actors' talent.
The drama can be a one time watch, if one likes cliches like webnovels/wattpad stories (Cold CEO is a great lover kind) - but fair warning, for me it was a romance that tried to justify the actions of a neglectful husband with a forced mystery/thriller/family secret plot that was increadibly weak.
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Poignant, Oddly Addictive Show Depicting Consequences of Chasing Beauty
The short series takes up one character's story per episode and stitches it beautifully into one single noir narrative. One story leads to another which makes it exciting and you might end up binging it like me. It tries to give an insight into the psyche of each character to justify their actions. But inherently it is a sad tale that is reflective of the real world's illogical high standards of beauty since times immemorial and the harsh consequences that it has on all of us.-------------------------------------------------- ✧✦ Should YOU watch it? ✦✧ ------------------------------------------------------
It is not brilliant/earth-shattering, but oddly addictive as you want to know what each characters does in the end. Hence, if you like dramas with a message - given the shorter format this is worth a one time binge as it has a thought-provoking plot with real world issues, underlying elements of mystery executed well by a fine cast of actors, with right pace and direction!
----------------------------------------------------- ✧✦ What to Expect ✦✧ ----------------------------------------------------------
The drama shows two sides - characters who are perceived not so beautiful by society and therefore face struggles while achieving their dreams at work, love and life. Due to some events and sometimes their own choices they are brought to a breaking point that compels them to take actions having grievous consequences. The other side, we have characters who were going about their usual lives but suddenly their world shifts due to the actions of the first set of characters. Thus their lives get intertwined and now they either seek love or revenge - to find some semblance of peace in their lives.
--------------------------------------------- ✧✦ What Did NOT Work (For Me) ✦✧ ------------------------------------------------
✘ Rampant use of Plastic Surgery:
For some characters, use of plastic surgery was logical and was pivotal for the story to move forward. But for few characters, it was unnecessary and it made no affect on their character development or story arc if they remained looking the same. It's like how spies use temporary disguise in missions, the writers gave these characters the same, just more permanent which felt completely irrelevant.
✘ Lack of Positive Characters/Outlook:
For all characters (except one) it was one sad choice after another. Like they have been dealt a bad hand at life - so everything that follows or their own action are also bad. Maybe this was deliberate in order to focus on the harsh reality that the story characters (and even us) face when you are constantly being judged. Wishing there could be just one sliver of hope through a character/event, that might have made the characters believe that while there are many things bad in this world, there are many good things to look forward to as well. Just that could have changed their outlook, choices and lives!
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