This drama is like curling up with a good book and a warm cup of tea with the rain comfortably pouring outside your window. I was afraid it would be the kind of slice of life where nothing happens and can't pull me in (Run on) but this had such interesting characters each with a story, you couldn't help fall in love. There are scenes that are silent but so beautifully shot you fall in love with this drama piece by piece.
The ML in the story is basically living my dream life, somewhere near the mountains, running a bookshop in a beautiful old house. His daily life is surrounded by books and there's something so comforting about that. But also his story reminds us that we might not think much of it, but actually we have so many people in our daily lives who support and love us. I loved his relationship with his mom, I cried so many times at those scenes.
The weakest link in the drama was Park Min Young, which isn't to say she was bad but she wasn't as good as the rest of the cast. I think the best drama I have seen her in is still Healer, after that her acting is more or less very similar in every role she plays. But her strength lies in her chemistry with the MLs and this drama is no exception. The main leads chemistry was fire, they were so wonderful together.
My favourite character is the sister. Her scenes were so delightful I just smiled everytime she was on screen.
All in all a wonderful drama to watch on a cozy weekend that lets you take fresh breath between all the fast paced dramas out there.
A very realistic take on what chasing illegal activities from a steadfast prosecutor would look like. The best…
I was really annoyed that seo dong jae's character had zero growth. Out of everyone in the drama he had the most reason to change but they show him to stay exactly the same, not learning anything from the earnest plea of his boss.
I also get the writer wanted to show what would realistically happen esp since the main perpetrator went about getting justice the wrong way, but it really was annoying that in the end nothing really seemed to have changed. The wife joins the father's company and becomes part of the system to rot it further, most of the big ceos/directors are hinted to be able to get away with it. The ending kiind of made me feel - so whats the point? What's the point of doing things the right way? If nothing changes and everything stays the same then I would rather choose Mr Yoon's way of avenging for his son's death. At least the truth is revealed and one piece of the filth is removed from this world.
A very realistic take on what chasing illegal activities from a steadfast prosecutor would look like. The best part of this drama - and the reason to watch are actually in the last 3 episodes. The writing in this drama was pretty good and you can't tell who is good who is bad (apart from the main leads, everyone else is grey). That's what made this so great to watch, you can tell a lot of research was done to presenting the drama as authentically as possible (even the ending).
I do think however the middle dragged on a bit and I found myself skipping quite a few scenes. There were some scenes that were a bit awkwardly written, and the pacing felt a little off. Some episodes where a lot happens and then the middle where nothing happens. I'm not sure if that was purposefully done to give a more realistic feel to the drama but it made me quite bored.
All in all it is still a pretty good drama to watch and the ending will definitely make you think (even a little irritated/sad).
Wow. The acting in this drama- it's a masterpiece purely because of the acting by the main leads. Shin Ha Kyun is so brilliant in just the way he smirks, I think I have rewatched the last 5 mins of the 1st episode 5 times already now. Yeo Jin Goo also holds his own and you actually see him grow as an actor within the drama. The story captures you instantly and doesn't let go even when you end the last episode. I wouldn't say this is a drama about the crime as much as the characters in the story and their journey.
This drama gave me the same feeling as Signal despite being quite different. The story/ the cast and their acting/ the chemistry between all of them/ the freaking OST!/ the script - everything in this drama was amazing. It definitely deserves some awards. Highly highly recommended.
I think it's hard to really put into words how good this drama is so I'm going to stop trying.
If the synopsis gives you Dots feels, its really not. Ofcourse there are similarities (although comments down below point out YAMH is based on a book that came out wayyy before Dots), but where Dots was a "blockbuster" (in the words of Captiain Yoo Shi Jin), YAMH is a slower paced drama without the over the top dramatics (FYI I enjoyed Dots more in my second viewing when I took it less seriously).
This dialogue in this drama is very down to earth and realistic. It's full of conversations you can imagine having with your friends/partners. I really liked the friendship between the two girls, it felt authentic. The chemistry between the main leads was great and what really pulls you into the drama. For me this drama could have been so much better (as with all c-dramas) with less episodes. There were issues that I think were a bit forced and pointless. E.g I skipped through all of the sisters scenes except when she was with the ML and even the plot of the second couple seemed to drag on forever. Even the side character story lines were given a little too much screen time and would have better spent on the main leads.
I also thought some of the more 'dangerous situations' would end so anti-climatically- as if the director didn't know what to do with the build up they had just created. It left me always feeling a bit meh.
Despite these critiques the drama is pretty enjoyable to watch, esp due to the great acting by the FL and ML, whose quiet but strong relationship was enjoyable to watch.
Not the greatest drama but FL was hilarious, I think I FF through the whole drama after ep 12/13 for the most part, just to watch the cute main lead moments. Could have been better with way less episodes and a better script. It had a good message which was handled pretty well considering how superficial the "love yourself" message can be in these super lighthearted romcoms. All in all there were too many issues one after another (some repeated) and after a while you stopped caring but the chemistry was great!
I have to say I loved loved the relationship between the 2ML and the FL- it was completely platonic with both of them always supporting each other since childhood. I wish more dramas were able to recognize that females and males can be best friends without one being desperately in love with the other!
I just started watching it and MLs sister is so hard to watch and handle what really makes me wanna drop it but…
She's a big part of the drama so you will see quite bit of her, but (not to give too much away), whilst you don't forgive her you do also see another side of her. Towards the end I didn't hate her as much as they fleshed out her character more throughout the series rather than leaving her as a one-dimensional character (also karma really gets halfway through if that makes you feel better!).
Ok this drama should have a higher rating because it was soooooo enjoyable to watch. The comedy was great, the romance was good and the characters didn't act in a weird way that made no sense. I think this series hands down wins my favourite villain award. I loved Kenji Chen in this role, he really has such good comedic timing and the best facial expressions. You really can't stop laughing when he is doing his comedy bits.
The FL is mentally quite strong for what she goes through in the plot and putting herself at risk to the point where sometimes you think the ML didn't deserve her but he wins the audience around after a while. The chemistry between the main leads was good, not groundbreaking but still fluffy. I really liked the second couple here too. They were so adorable (esp his proposal!).
8.5/10 for me - watch if you want a good lighthearted drama with a great comedic villain.
This was a pretty fun drama to watch, better than I expected considering the trailer (thanks to the comments below with the great link to watch it!). I had a lot of fun watching it, even though the story isn't unique or amazing it was still an enjoyable watch. You do need to get past the first few eps which are really weird and the terrible costume/makeup and you will be able to enjoy the ride. I quite liked the FL- she wasn't your typical screeching c-drama FL and was able to portray both comedy and emotional roles really well.
I loved her friendship with her handmaiden it was so adorable (esp in the start when they had a lot "schemes" together). The second couple was sweet too. There were a couple of scenes you will end up FF because it gets a bit too draggy in the middle. I also think the ending was a bit rushed, they definitely could have done with exploring her mage side more. But still recommend watching!
Omg so this was better than I expected. I think the comedy + dramatic parts were done so well that I was hooked from the 3rd episode (it starts slow so you need give it time). The acting, plot and script were all pretty well done. This drama had probably the best kiss scenes I have seen in a rom-com for a long time and the chemistry between the MLs was fantastic.
There were some plot holes that you had to switch your brain off for in order to enjoy it for sure, but that's true of almost every single drama (esp in C-dramas). It really takes the typical Bossy CEO trope and makes fun of it whilst simultaneously using to create a wonderful love story. I think my favourite part was how they exaggerated the typical FL /ML in these type of dramas which really highlighted how dumb it is (esp the mary-sue type FL). Towards the end it does become less comedic as the characters become more realistic and actually more relatable. The FL is thankfully not a screechy clumsy fool and for the most part has her head on the right way. All the side actors did a great job, esp the step-sister and the best friend. I went from hating the step sis to understanding but still not condoning her actions. And the best friend was so amazing she took care of our FL for 3 months (more than some real family members would). However I did wish they didn't make the friendship so one sided and her character was fleshed out more.
Also where has Marcus Chang been my whole life? How have I lived till now without knowing of his existence?? The man is fine like the edge of a knife. /newfangirlalert
The only complaint I had about this was the business side of the drama, I basically FF through all those scenes because they were so typical and you only need to spend a few minutes on them in the whole drama to understand that story arc. Still I enjoyed the acting of the step-sister to watch her scenes.
All in all, this drama exceeded my expectations and it's completely worth a watch. I just couldn't turn it off and it's been a while since a C-drama could have that effect on me.
At ep. 19 and I starting to get a little bored. The drama's not bad but I do think it's a bit all over the place. The worst thing is ofcourse the editing. Every single Mango TV drama I have watched I end up giving up on because of their horrific editing/dubbing/subs. Come on Mango TV- wherever you are releasing the drama please can your editing and dubbing not be so crappy? I honestly want to write a letter to their execs from the POV of an international audience.
Editing aside - wow this is the most screeechy FL I have ever had the displeasure of hearing. She can compete with Hwang Jung Eum for her screams/weird giggles. Couldn't they have found a normal woman to dub her? (Also why to C-drama still use dubbing? J/K dramas rarely do, does it have something to do with the language?). I have literally never come across a female irl who speaks in those octaves. It really grates on your ears and makes you dislike the FL. She's also been written as someone who should be considered a smart/strong FL but really is not. She just seems to get lucky/has the ML backing her up. There are much better examples of comedic but witty FLs in c-dramas (ala Oh My Sweet Liar). FL also can't do emotional scenes well but she can do the comic part pretty ok. And she's very pretty. I hope she continues to work on her acting skills and emote better.
And then- the only reason to maybe continue this: the ML. I'm usually in favor of dramas with equally good acting but this drama is completely being carried by the very charismatic ML. He isn't just a pretty face but he does the sad/comic/intense scenes all really well. If it wasn't for his acting I (and the smile to die for) I am pretty sure I would have not made it past episode 2. I want to see him as a ML in something that isn't a Mango TV production.
/rant Putting this one on the shelf for now cause the plot is going nowhere and running in circles with new characters. Will continue my review if I ever finish this show.
Loved watching this. I thought it was hilarious and the plot kept you interested throughout. The FL was definitely quick to think on her feet even though it often landed her in hot water. One of the few rom-com cdramas I have actually laughed out loud at multiple times. I was hesitant to watch cause the comments from it are so mixed but it's a great drama to de-stress with. The comedic timing of the FL is great. The main leads have good chemistry though it's not as strong as other dramas, it was still sweet.
There are some convenient plot holes but they aren't that big enough to notice. I did not care for the young uncle's story line and thought that the drama would have been better without it, his partner was really horrible to all the servants and never won me over.
Kept trying to give this drama a chance and it seems really good but the production quality is sooo bad. Like mentioned by previous comment the BGM is all over the place, the audio editing is ridiculously bad it's hard to watch. Every time I am getting into the drama the audio with disappear or the BGM will be so disorienting. How did the sound editors do this to a drama, I feel so bad for the cast who would have watched this post production.
News 
The ML in the story is basically living my dream life, somewhere near the mountains, running a bookshop in a beautiful old house. His daily life is surrounded by books and there's something so comforting about that. But also his story reminds us that we might not think much of it, but actually we have so many people in our daily lives who support and love us. I loved his relationship with his mom, I cried so many times at those scenes.
The weakest link in the drama was Park Min Young, which isn't to say she was bad but she wasn't as good as the rest of the cast. I think the best drama I have seen her in is still Healer, after that her acting is more or less very similar in every role she plays. But her strength lies in her chemistry with the MLs and this drama is no exception. The main leads chemistry was fire, they were so wonderful together.
My favourite character is the sister. Her scenes were so delightful I just smiled everytime she was on screen.
All in all a wonderful drama to watch on a cozy weekend that lets you take fresh breath between all the fast paced dramas out there.
I also get the writer wanted to show what would realistically happen esp since the main perpetrator went about getting justice the wrong way, but it really was annoying that in the end nothing really seemed to have changed. The wife joins the father's company and becomes part of the system to rot it further, most of the big ceos/directors are hinted to be able to get away with it. The ending kiind of made me feel - so whats the point? What's the point of doing things the right way? If nothing changes and everything stays the same then I would rather choose Mr Yoon's way of avenging for his son's death. At least the truth is revealed and one piece of the filth is removed from this world.
See what I mean by the ending makes you think?
I do think however the middle dragged on a bit and I found myself skipping quite a few scenes. There were some scenes that were a bit awkwardly written, and the pacing felt a little off. Some episodes where a lot happens and then the middle where nothing happens. I'm not sure if that was purposefully done to give a more realistic feel to the drama but it made me quite bored.
All in all it is still a pretty good drama to watch and the ending will definitely make you think (even a little irritated/sad).
This drama gave me the same feeling as Signal despite being quite different. The story/ the cast and their acting/ the chemistry between all of them/ the freaking OST!/ the script - everything in this drama was amazing. It definitely deserves some awards. Highly highly recommended.
I think it's hard to really put into words how good this drama is so I'm going to stop trying.
This dialogue in this drama is very down to earth and realistic. It's full of conversations you can imagine having with your friends/partners. I really liked the friendship between the two girls, it felt authentic. The chemistry between the main leads was great and what really pulls you into the drama. For me this drama could have been so much better (as with all c-dramas) with less episodes. There were issues that I think were a bit forced and pointless. E.g I skipped through all of the sisters scenes except when she was with the ML and even the plot of the second couple seemed to drag on forever. Even the side character story lines were given a little too much screen time and would have better spent on the main leads.
I also thought some of the more 'dangerous situations' would end so anti-climatically- as if the director didn't know what to do with the build up they had just created. It left me always feeling a bit meh.
Despite these critiques the drama is pretty enjoyable to watch, esp due to the great acting by the FL and ML, whose quiet but strong relationship was enjoyable to watch.
I have to say I loved loved the relationship between the 2ML and the FL- it was completely platonic with both of them always supporting each other since childhood. I wish more dramas were able to recognize that females and males can be best friends without one being desperately in love with the other!
The FL is mentally quite strong for what she goes through in the plot and putting herself at risk to the point where sometimes you think the ML didn't deserve her but he wins the audience around after a while. The chemistry between the main leads was good, not groundbreaking but still fluffy. I really liked the second couple here too. They were so adorable (esp his proposal!).
8.5/10 for me - watch if you want a good lighthearted drama with a great comedic villain.
I loved her friendship with her handmaiden it was so adorable (esp in the start when they had a lot "schemes" together). The second couple was sweet too. There were a couple of scenes you will end up FF because it gets a bit too draggy in the middle. I also think the ending was a bit rushed, they definitely could have done with exploring her mage side more. But still recommend watching!
There were some plot holes that you had to switch your brain off for in order to enjoy it for sure, but that's true of almost every single drama (esp in C-dramas). It really takes the typical Bossy CEO trope and makes fun of it whilst simultaneously using to create a wonderful love story. I think my favourite part was how they exaggerated the typical FL /ML in these type of dramas which really highlighted how dumb it is (esp the mary-sue type FL). Towards the end it does become less comedic as the characters become more realistic and actually more relatable. The FL is thankfully not a screechy clumsy fool and for the most part has her head on the right way. All the side actors did a great job, esp the step-sister and the best friend. I went from hating the step sis to understanding but still not condoning her actions. And the best friend was so amazing she took care of our FL for 3 months (more than some real family members would). However I did wish they didn't make the friendship so one sided and her character was fleshed out more.
Also where has Marcus Chang been my whole life? How have I lived till now without knowing of his existence?? The man is fine like the edge of a knife. /newfangirlalert
The only complaint I had about this was the business side of the drama, I basically FF through all those scenes because they were so typical and you only need to spend a few minutes on them in the whole drama to understand that story arc. Still I enjoyed the acting of the step-sister to watch her scenes.
All in all, this drama exceeded my expectations and it's completely worth a watch. I just couldn't turn it off and it's been a while since a C-drama could have that effect on me.
Editing aside - wow this is the most screeechy FL I have ever had the displeasure of hearing. She can compete with Hwang Jung Eum for her screams/weird giggles. Couldn't they have found a normal woman to dub her? (Also why to C-drama still use dubbing? J/K dramas rarely do, does it have something to do with the language?). I have literally never come across a female irl who speaks in those octaves. It really grates on your ears and makes you dislike the FL. She's also been written as someone who should be considered a smart/strong FL but really is not. She just seems to get lucky/has the ML backing her up. There are much better examples of comedic but witty FLs in c-dramas (ala Oh My Sweet Liar). FL also can't do emotional scenes well but she can do the comic part pretty ok. And she's very pretty. I hope she continues to work on her acting skills and emote better.
And then- the only reason to maybe continue this: the ML. I'm usually in favor of dramas with equally good acting but this drama is completely being carried by the very charismatic ML. He isn't just a pretty face but he does the sad/comic/intense scenes all really well. If it wasn't for his acting I (and the smile to die for) I am pretty sure I would have not made it past episode 2. I want to see him as a ML in something that isn't a Mango TV production.
/rant
Putting this one on the shelf for now cause the plot is going nowhere and running in circles with new characters. Will continue my review if I ever finish this show.
There are some convenient plot holes but they aren't that big enough to notice. I did not care for the young uncle's story line and thought that the drama would have been better without it, his partner was really horrible to all the servants and never won me over.
Overall totally worth the watch.