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This review may contain spoilers
A Warm and Unforgettable Journey
This drama starts off as a 9.5 to 10 experience—filled with warmth, sincerity, and emotional depth—before settling into a solid 7.5 to 8 by the end. While the latter half may not have hit as hard, the first half was truly something special, an experience I wouldn’t want to forget.
The story follows Asuka, a former teacher who once encouraged her student Dan to pursue music. Years later, she becomes the matron of 8loom, the struggling idol group he now leads. With the group on the verge of disbandment, Asuka once again becomes their guiding light, standing by them and helping them find motivation. The challenge? They must rank first on a music site to renew their contract.
What made this drama stand out was its heart. The warmth in its storytelling, the way it normalized queer relationships without making a spectacle of them, and the deep bonds between the characters made it feel like more than just another idol story. The performances weren’t just implied—they were fully shown—making it feel almost like a real group’s journey rather than just a scripted drama.
The 8loom members—Dan, Naru, Yuki, Eiji, Ryusei, Takumi, and Takara—each had their own strengths, insecurities, and struggles, bringing a realistic portrayal of the highs and lows of being in a group. Ryusei and Takara’s friendship in Episode 5 was a standout, truly wholesome and touching. Takara, in particular, was a character I deeply related to. He gave off aroace vibes, and as someone who has never been interested in romance or dating, that resonated with me. It’s rare to see a character like that so naturally integrated into a story.
Another standout moment was when Asuka threw a bunch of laundry on Dan when he was overwhelmed by the pressure of making 8loom rise again. She told him that responsibilities are not as heavy if you share them with others. As each member took a piece of clothing, they also took on a responsibility they could handle, reinforcing the idea that they weren’t alone in this fight. It was such a simple yet meaningful way to show teamwork and support
Asuka was a wonderful protagonist—kind, supportive, and someone you couldn’t help but root for. And Kousaka, the initially intimidating manager, had a surprising depth to her character, revealing that her "scary" demeanor was actually her own insecurity.
The romance was a subplot, but I honestly adored the main couple. Even though I'm not usually a fan of student×teacher dynamics, it was handled in a way that felt genuine and respectful rather than problematic. Their relationship wasn’t the main focus, which helped keep the story balanced.
One of the most satisfying moments was watching the group decide not to disband. Seeing them come together as a team, determined to keep going despite all the challenges, was incredibly heartwarming. It wasn’t just about the music; it was about the bonds they’d formed and how much they meant to each other.
I'll have to mention the track "Come Again" as I can see myself cry to the song whenever i hear it from now on!
Overall, while the drama had some ups and downs in pacing and intensity, its heart never wavered. It’s a story about perseverance, passion, and the impact one person’s belief can have on others. Even with its flaws, it left a lasting impression—and that’s what truly matters.
Final Verdict: A heartfelt, warm drama that delivers an unforgettable first half and a solid, meaningful conclusion.
The story follows Asuka, a former teacher who once encouraged her student Dan to pursue music. Years later, she becomes the matron of 8loom, the struggling idol group he now leads. With the group on the verge of disbandment, Asuka once again becomes their guiding light, standing by them and helping them find motivation. The challenge? They must rank first on a music site to renew their contract.
What made this drama stand out was its heart. The warmth in its storytelling, the way it normalized queer relationships without making a spectacle of them, and the deep bonds between the characters made it feel like more than just another idol story. The performances weren’t just implied—they were fully shown—making it feel almost like a real group’s journey rather than just a scripted drama.
The 8loom members—Dan, Naru, Yuki, Eiji, Ryusei, Takumi, and Takara—each had their own strengths, insecurities, and struggles, bringing a realistic portrayal of the highs and lows of being in a group. Ryusei and Takara’s friendship in Episode 5 was a standout, truly wholesome and touching. Takara, in particular, was a character I deeply related to. He gave off aroace vibes, and as someone who has never been interested in romance or dating, that resonated with me. It’s rare to see a character like that so naturally integrated into a story.
Another standout moment was when Asuka threw a bunch of laundry on Dan when he was overwhelmed by the pressure of making 8loom rise again. She told him that responsibilities are not as heavy if you share them with others. As each member took a piece of clothing, they also took on a responsibility they could handle, reinforcing the idea that they weren’t alone in this fight. It was such a simple yet meaningful way to show teamwork and support
Asuka was a wonderful protagonist—kind, supportive, and someone you couldn’t help but root for. And Kousaka, the initially intimidating manager, had a surprising depth to her character, revealing that her "scary" demeanor was actually her own insecurity.
The romance was a subplot, but I honestly adored the main couple. Even though I'm not usually a fan of student×teacher dynamics, it was handled in a way that felt genuine and respectful rather than problematic. Their relationship wasn’t the main focus, which helped keep the story balanced.
One of the most satisfying moments was watching the group decide not to disband. Seeing them come together as a team, determined to keep going despite all the challenges, was incredibly heartwarming. It wasn’t just about the music; it was about the bonds they’d formed and how much they meant to each other.
I'll have to mention the track "Come Again" as I can see myself cry to the song whenever i hear it from now on!
Overall, while the drama had some ups and downs in pacing and intensity, its heart never wavered. It’s a story about perseverance, passion, and the impact one person’s belief can have on others. Even with its flaws, it left a lasting impression—and that’s what truly matters.
Final Verdict: A heartfelt, warm drama that delivers an unforgettable first half and a solid, meaningful conclusion.
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