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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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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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Money Heist: Korea - Joint Economic Area - Part 1
18 people found this review helpful
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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New Characters, Games, Twists & POV - But No Progress in Storyline | Filler Season
With all the marketing hype around Season 2, I wondered if it was truly remarkable or just overhyped due to a lack of substantial plot. Unfortunately, it turned out to be the latter, feeling more like a bridge to Season 3. As a die-hard fan since Season 1, I eagerly anticipated Season 2 for its deeper story and new character journeys. While it had binge-worthy moments, it ultimately left me feeling a bit cheated, as it answered no questions and the story didn't progress as expected for a sequel.What I Liked in S2
➥ Biggest Thrill: Discovering Player 001 (no spoilers, but it's an early twist and the best one!).
➥ Overall Games/Thrills & Suspense: Maintains the same intensity as Season 1.
➥ New Characters: Offers glimpses into the Pink Soldiers, Front Man, and Recruiter's perspectives. Wi Ha Joon's police character reveals the game's ecosystem is larger than expected.
➥ Relationships: Explores the dynamics of being pitted against family, friends, and lovers in a survival game, highlighting how humanity can deteriorate under pressure.
➥ Best Character: Park Sung Hoon's portrayal of an ex-army man/trans woman is compelling. His character arc and acting are excellent, and the off-game challenges faced by a trans woman are well depicted. Also, kudos to mother/son characters - done well!
What I Disliked:
➥ Lack of Answers: No insights on why the game started, how soldiers are selected, or why Front Man joined. We only get glimpses of their backstories and therefore the story has not made any substantial progress.
➥ Under-utilized Characters: Too many characters, but none leave a strong impression. Big names like Im Siwan, Kang Ha Neul, Park Gyu Young, Lee Jin Wook, and Wi Ha Joon feel underused. Perhaps they’ll have bigger roles in Season 3, but this season lacked enough development time for them.
➥ Non-sensical Antagonists: TOP and Noh Jae Won, and other players who take the role of antagonists felt underused again. Their role seemed more comedic than having the negative aura something that S1 antagonists carried out very well.
Overall:
I really hope the next season provides answers and better utilizes the characters. This one seemed directionless, produced mainly to capitalize on the hype and global sensation the show has become. Even the characters' plans in the show felt futile. While I love the show, its brand, and marketing, a compelling story is crucial for it to succeed and for me to like and rate it higher.
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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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Overhyped - Nothing New, Old Plot in New Packaging
Just another K-drama with complicated love-story amidst power-struggling conglomerate family, enemies from past & present, case of terminal illness, amnesia, accidents at the crucial point - finally happy ending with endless promises of everlasting love! The drama is the usual tried & tested K-drama formula that we have known in countless other stories, just executed with fresh casting. The lead pair & marketing efforts make this drama popular, in my humble opinion - which I respect & feel which is what made me take note & watch it. But sadly neither the story nor the characters had any depth for it to remain memorable or call it a drama worth the hype it has created.PROS:
• Pace: Easy to follow storyline, but can be seen as sluggish.
• Good cinematography & OST (especially: Crush's Love You with all My Heart)
CONS:
• Nothing new/memorable/worth rewatching as hyped (Please see below to know what is "memorable" imo)
• Superficial acting:
They have casted such talented artists but they are doing the bare minimum. None of them resonated with me as the character lacked depth, hence did not make me feel the emotions they were out to portray (except for the villain and Hae-In's brother but that was so little). Going around in social media, that everyone's been crying so much seeing the lead pair - it did not work for me. I have seen men crying onscreen, in fact this is one of the best things I applaud K-dramas for - letting the men show emotions. This is one my first drama of the ML - he's good at the whole puppy eyes vibe and cute thing - but his tears really felt fake. The only point where I almost teared up was for the ending of the grandfather (chairman of Queen group).
OVERALL:
This drama has the same old ingredients with different packaging. There is nothing in this drama, that I will quote today or 10 years later. It is a good-to-average drama, if you don't watch it, you are not missing anything in terms of remarkable work in K-drama universe. My rating is still pretty basis the mechanism I have tried building, see it here: https://kisskh.at/profile/omo-omo-omo)
WHAT I MEAN BY "MEMORABLE" DRAMA:
Read the lines below, as soon as you read it - the visual will pop up in your head, quite vividly. That's what I call the power of a good drama.
1. "Kim Bok Joo is used as shield by Jung Joon Hyeong" - Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo
2. "Let's go to the Playstore" - Goblin
3. "Gwenchana Gwenchana" - Welcome to Waikiki
4. "Samantha and Rachel" - Business Proposal
5. "All Handsome Men are my Oppas" - Kill Me, Heal Me
6. "Red Light, Green Light (Mugunghwa kkoci pieot seumnida)" - Squid Games
Then there are some shows that I cannot even say one thing cause the whole drama is iconic and a trendsetter:
Boys over Flowers, Coffee Prince, Signal, Move to Heaven, Mr Queen, Misaeng, Strong Woman Do Bong Soon etc.
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Mother of the Kingdom? Nonsense! Life of a Queen is really Hard
• Reasons to Watch:- You like Historical Dramas that has equal amounts of suspense, slow-burn politics with a pinch of comedy
- Banter and Political games between the daughter-in-law and mother-in-law a.k.a Queen and Queen Dowager
- Amazing acting by all, the cinematography, costumes and overall vibe
- Handsome Princes!
• Things that became "meh" as episodes progressed
- Story premise seemed to make it like a competition between the Princes (think Hunger Games/Maze Runner, but Royal)
- But it unfolded as past secrets/wrong-doings and how corruption snow-balled to affect the present characters
- The role of the Princes was shadowed by Queen and Queen Dowager - so some might lose interest in the constant back and forth, on who was more cunning/sharp and gets the winning point
• Things that could be better [MILD SPOILERS]
- While there is an underlying theme of who is the main antagonist, some plots (like the rebellion) was dealt very lightly. It ended before it began when the time for showdown came. It would have been a good point to show case how a Crown Prince defends his kingdom, but seemed fizzled out to me.
- Avoiding the whole romantic plotline for the Grand Prince - it seemed completely unnecessary, forced and CRINGE!
The series stays true to its title. Throughout the series, we saw how the Queen nurtures as the Mother of the Kingdom, not only towards her sons - but also step-sons and those in need. She protects them when she takes them under her wing, but does not coddle them but rather allows them to grow - so that they may take flight when the time is right.
Even though the last 2 episodes seem highly rushed, it is definitely a good watch for those who like such plots and enjoy great acting, the star cast will not disappoint. Minus the meh moments, it would definitely be one of the best series to end 2022 on.
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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: 7/10
Decent one-time watch given the hype & media coverage, but not something I will rate in my top 10 list of revenge dramas.
(see how I rate dramas explanation: https://kisskh.at/profile/omo-omo-omo )
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Honest Review: Not Perfect, yet one of the best of 2024!
There have been moments in my 18 years of drama-addicted life, where I have been obsessed with a drama - its plot, actors, characters, scenes - to the point that made people question my sanity. But never have I come across a drama, that too airing, that has impacted me so much from Day 1 like Lovely Runner! I hardly have time to sleep/eat managing my work-personal life, but for this show - I decided to throw it all away to engage in MDL theories, comment and even create a Insta page dedicated to this show!Now that you have got an understanding of obsession, and I know this is going in the HALL OF FAME as one of the best K-dramas I have seen till date BUT it is IMPERFECTLY BEAUTIFUL. Hence, please read my un-biased review of this drama:
❤️ Ep 1-10 - Literal Perfection
Heart Fluttering Romance ✔ | Well-Timed Comedy ✔ | right amount of fantasy, suspense & angst ✔ | Music that heals ✔
Basically these episodes had sugar and spice - think of everything that you like in a drama, irrespective of genre, and Lovely Runner has it. The hype it initially created deserved every bit of recognition - and everyone in the cast and crew gave it their heart, which made the final presentation something to look forward to even on dreaded Mondays!
❤️ Byeon Woo Seok & Kim Hye Soon
I cannot even begin to describe the love & pride I feel for these two. Those who are acquainted with their journey would understand how long it has taken for them to be recognized as main leads in this industry. They literally breathed life into their characters - making the chemistry palpable that I won't be surprised if they share they are dating IRL. I think when we say that you cannot imagine anyone else doing these roles OR their character names is recalled more than their real names - it is a testimony of a job fabulously done. They were both amaJING and unbelieBUBBLE and I cannot wait to see them in new projects. Literally the example of #onwards-and-upwards - I am rooting for their success & happiness, and grateful that they took this project and gifted me with such a beautiful experience & memory.
❤️ Music:
I really love how they used the plot story and band - Eclipse and released the OST. Really love these kind of witty nuggets - am such a sucker for it. Thinking from a business perspective - this opens so many doors for BWS who has sung these tracks - to host concerts or sing in his fan meetings. I guess the sharp minds of the industry and agency must have already thought of it.
But I feel the main track - Sudden Shower (Sonaki/소나기) is so damn beautiful and I loved how catalytic it was in the plot.
Other favorites: Spring Snow by 10cm, Like a Dream by Minnie. Already a part of my playlist, and I know it will stay for long.
Now, onto what could have been better? Ep 11 and onwards
Please note that I write this with the mindset of "WABI-SABI" i.e. Beauty in Imperfection. The drama is still is great, but it is not without flaws:
✘ Character Development:
Harsh but true - the leads were uni-dimensional, having only one goal throughout FL wants to save ML, ML is all about puppy love for FL. Not bad per se, but by stretching this overkilled what was initially cute, heart warming, toe curling into fillers. Even the support characters (brother/best friend, In Hyuk, Tae Seong, FL & ML's parents) & villain were not judiciously used to their potential. They were enjoyable whenever onscreen, but the same kind of comedy due to repeating timelines killed the initial excitement thereby not leaving with the greatest impression.
Had this been a 10-12 episode drama format, it would have more impactful, as the repeats/fillers would have not been there. I quote this from a fellow MDL user, Kate's review: it did seem like that they ran out of what to create, in the second half and therefore repurposed many of the epic scenes in new timeline packaging. (Read her review here: https://kisskh.at/profile/Shini/review/363193)
❤️Overall
In the end - the anticipation and fun that we had as we watched while it aired might not be felt by those who binge it. Hence I am fearful the high ratings we see now, might dwindle. But honestly, this has been a very refreshing, feel good, guilty pleasure drama (thirst trap - included: BWS shirtless scenes, them veiny forearms & hands, long fingers, ability to catch a woman by her waist - OOOHLALALA!) but mainly a show that has after a long time: made me smile in a way that split my face in half or snort like a goofy person at the antics the drama characters played. And what else do you want from a drama : Other than the fact that it makes you feel happy from the bottom of your heart! Lovely Runner did that and more and hence recommend it to be watched at least once ❤️
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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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Started this for Ji Chang Wook & Finished/Loved for Song Yoon Ah ❤️
I have known about this drama since it released in 2016 - but while the action scenes & chocolate abs of JCW were encouraging, the whole angle of romance & Yoona's acting was simply terrible that I did not pick this up. Finally in 2024, I relented and decided to give it a go. As expected - the best thing was JCW and all his action and solo scenes. But the biggest surprise and hooking factor was his electrifying chemistry with female antagonist/second lead - Choi Yoo Jin played by the talented - Song Yoon Ah. They redefined "frenemies" & left me wanting for more . . .❤︎ LOVED:
➥ Je Ha (ML) & Yoo Jin (SFL):
I can understand why there are so many fanfictions and petitions hoping to have a spin-off to have them together as the leading romance pair. They are enemies-turned-allies in the show and every interaction is so well acted sometimes simply without words, that you just want them to rip each others clothes off and make steamy love that generations would write/read about. They were literally too hot to handle and this is without any actual romance between them. Both, in a single frame were just too mesmerizing, the chemistry off the charts - perhaps one of the best ever, and definitely the best between such roles.
➥ Action Scenes & JCW:
Those who are aware of his other works know what a great actor JCW is and the action sequences were directed well. They may/may not have gone with the plot, but it was entertaining to watch though gets repetitive over the latter part of the drama. Pure blockbuster effects, and with JCW executing it - it was flawless. The time that I delayed watching the show was compensated over the years by unhealthily rewatching the "bathhouse fight" and "shirt changing" scenes - and I am going to continue doing that on YouTube, without the need to rewatch the show.
❌ DISLIKES:
➥ The FL and Romance:
Yoona was completely useless - in terms of her character usage in the story, acting, chemistry with JCW - basically everything. JCW was carrying the romance, she was the stiff cardboard with no inputs - being used as a ragdoll. Personally - I would have liked this drama more if she was a minor character [e.g: just a young girl (aged 3-4)] and needed protection from JCW's character OR just done away with her character + romance altogether.
➥ The Plot:
It was too generic - not engaging or without unique twist/turns, with boring political talks/drama and of course the unnecessary romance. The acting of JCW, Yoon Ah, Sung Ha, Gab Soo and Dong Mi were the ones that carried the drama but they were caught in a mediocre storyline. It had a promising start but faltered from the middle.
➥ SUMMARY:
This is a delectable guilty pleasure drama - to be indulged for Ji Chang Wook's acting, action scenes and fan-service. He's one of my ultimate bias and he served. The soul of this show was Song Yoon Ah - her acting making me want to rip her mouth or feel pity for her character was flawless. And of course their sizzling chemistry was everything. This drama is over and I would not rewatch it except for their scenes, but am going to read the fanfictions about them, maybe even write one myself to satiate this unmet desire this drama has given me. They were THAT good.
So if you like all the above - with some blockbuster action, go ahead and give it a spin.
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Sensitive, Authentic Love Story - Sugino Yosuke is Greenest Flag!
The Good Parts: "Koi-Desu" is an incredibly beautiful, wholesome romance drama. The lead characters are well-written, and their chemistry feels authentic and relatable. The show sensitively explores the challenges faced by visually impaired individuals, emphasizing that they seek equality and kindness rather than pity. The romance is genuine and not over-the-top, with the male lead showing great understanding and growth. The supporting characters add depth by realistically portraying the difficulties and support systems around the main couple.What Could Have Been Better: The final episodes, particularly the twist in Episode 9 and overall Episode 10, felt unnecessary and detracted slightly from the overall experience. This twist brought down the rating from a perfect 10 to 9/10.
Conclusion: A must-watch for fans of romance dramas. It offers a heartfelt, realistic portrayal of love and challenges faced by visually impaired individuals. With great performances and a meaningful message, this drama is highly recommended despite the minor flaw in the final twist.
Watch it For:
- Cute, Healthy Rom-Com where two very different people bonded
- Sugino Yosuke : this man deserves more main lead roles!
- Supportive friends and family
- Great Message, which all of us can takeback in our own lives
- Great acting by all characters
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Murder, Frenemies, Real-World Cases in Law School
➥ Lesson: Law may seem imperfect, but the truth always surfaces. Law destroys those who don't fear it.➥ Nutshell Review: Centered around a law school with students and professors, this drama begins with a campus murder. The plot intertwines various cases, showcasing students learning, overcoming faults, and understanding the importance of integrity and law.
Best Parts:
➥ Intriguing Plot:
✦ Fast-paced courtroom drama with crisp storylines, thought-provoking cases, and mysterious twists
✦ Law jargon explained well, feels like a classroom
✦ Good wins over evil, feel-good factor
✦ Great cinematography with brilliant close-up shots and transitions
✦ Good Character Development: Redemption for characters who own up to mistakes
✦ Justified cliffhangers urging binge-watching
➥ Brilliant Cast and Acting:
✦ Kim Myung Min: Dominates the screen with presence and finesse
✦ Kim Bum: Brilliant portrayal of a law student
✦ Lee Jun Eun: Versatile and impactful
✦ Notable mentions: Ahn Nae Sang, Woo Hyun, Park Hyuk Kwon, Lee Chun Hee, Jo Jae Ryong
➥ Why Watch:
✦ Unique angle on courtroom dramas from a classroom perspective
✦ Keeps you guessing till the end with a satisfying conclusion
✦ Comparable to western movies like A Few Good Men, The Lincoln Lawyer, Primal Fear
✦ Enjoyable storytelling and narration
✦ Highly recommended for those who love courtroom dramas and intricate plots!
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Strong Start, Weak Finish | Amazing Rom-Com, Mystery But Failed to Tie the End
I went gaga as this drama began with all the right elements: beautiful romance of main & second leads, right dose of comedy and mystery that piqued interest in past/present timelines. They also maintained focus on women empowerment which was executed well through the FL's work in past/present. But ALL this is maintained and peaked till Ep 10, but the last 2 episodes seem to be written by some other writer/director, cause it was just a chaotic mess that leaves you disappointed especially after the high that initial episodes gave.Best Parts:
- Amazing Cast &Performance in respective roles. Especially of ML, FL, SML, FML, FL Mon, ML's StepMom, Step Bro ❤️
- Great chemistry and Romance of ML/FL & SML/SFL
- Good build of of past/present timeline and mystery
- Pretty dresses, locations!
- Great intro & build up of evil characters
Messy Parts:
- Could not deliver the ending well for romance or the mystery
- Some support characters are just forgotten in end episodes
VERDICT:
Recommended for one time watch, just be cautious of the ending being a mess. So if you can handle it for the sake of concluding the story, watch it.
PERSONAL FAVS:
- Was already a fan of the FL and SFL - but now am also in love with the looks, acting and voices of the ML and SML.
- I really want the actress who plays Step Mom to be cast as a Good Mom role. Have already seen in negative roles here, Extraordinary Attorney Woo and My Lovely Liar. She deserves better although in all 3 she has a redemption arc.
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2025 - and still the BEST/ PERFECT Drama EVER! ❤️
As a decade-long drama enthusiast, I can confidently say "Mr. Queen" sets an unparalleled benchmark. Scoring a perfect 10 in every aspect - a first for any drama/movie EVER on my watchlist, this production's excellence speaks for itself. "Mr. Queen" skillfully blends political intrigue, mystery, romance, action, supernatural elements, and comedy - all delivered through outstanding acting, well-timed OST & BGM, and stunning cinematography. I'm re-writing this review as I rewatch this gem drama possibly for the 15-20th time and hoping that no one misses out watching this PERFECTION.Special Mentions:
♡ Shin Hye Sun as Mr Queen (FL): The leading lady owns this drama. Have seen her as a support actress since long, the moment I was watching this drama as it aired, I knew she had made it. From her dialogue delivery, facial expressions, body language bringing out the duality & conflict of her role of a man in a woman's body. This role was made for her and Shin Hye Sun is MY QUEEN!
♡ Kim Jung Hyun as King Cheol Jong (SML): This was my first drama of his and I love him. The way he expresses and switches from acting like a fool to being a calculating political vigilante but also turning up the charm/kind personality as he slowly falls in love with the Queen.
♡ Supporting Characters: Court Lady Cho, Hong Yeon, Kim Byung In, Kim Hwan, Grand Queen Dowager Sunwon, and Man Bok add significant value to the story. They support the main characters while establishing their own memorable presence.
♡ Story, Pace & Cinematography: The clothes, set, direction, pace, and cliffhangers are all tastefully done, making you click the next episode automatically. There is not a dull moment, and while many things are happening across times, different part of palace - the storytelling is done masterfully leaving you engaged and excited for the mystery to unfold and not a single moment of confusion. BEST - the comic timing of all characters: comedy is one of the toughest things to bring out and this drama has earned a gold medal in it. It also has some of the best action scenes and puns that I have ever encountered in a drama of similar genre.
♡ OST: 10/10. From comic songs to romantic ballads and action scores, the OST is a masterpiece and deserves a place in your music playlist. The timing is so right and fits so well with the scenes. #BongHwaNa will remain stuck in your mind for long. A good example of songs fitting in scenes: https://youtu.be/xQyC1wZmFes?si=BJR5kr5PLmbyi1BS
Overall: Just Watch it, believe me it will be the best decision to spend 20 hours of your life. And then you'll join me rewatching it cause one time is just not enough! ❤️ The next time you'll see these actors in any other show/movie I bet you'll fondly remember their roles in Mr Queen - that is how ICONIC it is! #BongHwaNaaaaaaaa
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