omo-omo-omo

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.

Drama Rating System: https://kisskh.at/profile/omo-omo-omo
(Scroll to the said section on my profile page)

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Buried Potential: Sparks of Briliiance, No Fire

This drama unfolds like a tense chess match, where power struggles, hatred, and revenge drive the conflict between Dongju (ML) and Yeom (Antagonist). It starts strong, teasing deep and emotional family and business secrets that could hook any viewer. Yet in the middle, it stumbles, losing its grip and focus. What could have been a captivating tale of power play instead leans heavily on dramatic music, tangled family relationships, and a pace that swings from uneven to outright chaotic.

The top 3 flaws are:
(1) Unnecessary Romance: The female lead and love story added nothing meaningful to the narrative. Her poorly written character felt irrelevant, and her scenes often lacked depth, making me skip most of them.

(2) Overloaded Family Drama: The story relied too heavily on tropes like hidden sons, secret relationships, and misunderstandings. While these elements can be engaging, too much of anything is bad. Their overuse made the plot feel cluttered, uneven, and sometimes outright unnecessary.

(3) Underdeveloped Supporting Characters: Except for Huh Ildo, the supporting cast lacked depth & importance. Their appearances and actions are random in the story, making them forgettable & leaving overall narrative fragmented.

K-drama revenge thrillers are famous for their strong emotions, big confrontations, and gripping plots. Buried Hearts had the potential with those elements but it didn’t come together well. It is like there were some good ideas and sparks, but the directors and writers forgot their jobs.

Park Hyung Sik is the only postive outcome of this drama - it is a new look and role for him, and he plays the part well. Alas, he alone cannot carry the drama and it is writing, pace & other characters - that dragged it down.

It's one of those dramas that I picked up with excitement, but got dissappointed pretty early. Still I stuck with it only to know how it all ends & not to add on to my drop list.

Overall:
SKIP. Or watch if you are a diehard fan of Park Hyung Sik, he deserves better tho.

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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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