sayratial

Becoming A Monster, To Kill One (The monster is not that far)

I started One: High School Heroes not expecting much. Just another high school action K-drama, I thought, with fists flying, bullies rising, and some righteous justice thrown in. But what I got was something else. Something deeper. Something sadder. And surprisingly, something I ended up caring about more than I expected.

Kim Eui-gyeom is a top student, quiet storm. He doesn’t want to fight, not really. But life pushes him. Bullies push him. His father pushes him. So he fights back, with fists, but also with the kind of raw ache that doesn’t bleed on the outside.

I didn’t come for the fight scenes. What gripped me was how the family was written. That’s where the real violence was.

Eui-gyeom’s father is terrifying not because he hits, but because he doesn’t have to. He doesn’t raise his hand, he raises expectations, so sharp they cut without leaving marks. He sees his son as a trophy, a name on a score sheet. A student, not a person. And that kind of abuse, the kind that hides behind perfect parenting, is more chilling than any schoolyard fight.

The mother, she’s more complicated. She loves her son. She tries. But she’s buried under guilt and grief, still mourning a lost older son to suicide. She attends therapy. She means well. And yet, she’s blind. Blind in the same way she was before. It hurts to watch. Because the show makes it clear, love isn’t enough if you’re not present. Caring isn’t the same as seeing.

I found myself thinking: she’s not the villain. But she’s not innocent either.

Eui-gyeom suffocating himself on the bed isn’t just a cry for help. It’s what it feels like when there’s no air left in your own house. When even living feels like a punishment. He doesn’t want to die. He just wants to stop hurting.

And then he finds another outlet. not a healthy one, but something. Fighting. Being a “hero.” Not because it’s noble, but because it hurts less.

I liked that he wasn’t unbeatable. He loses. He bleeds. He learns.

Then came Gwi-jae, a transfer student who fights like a ghost, deadly but reluctant. His presence brought up one of the show’s best questions: What’s the difference between fighting for justice and just fighting? Who gets to decide who the bad guys are? And what if you become one?

Through him, and through Seung-jun (a bully with guilt in his fists) the show reminded us: sometimes the line between villain and victim is just a matter of who hit first.

Yun-gi was a calm kind of flame. He lit something in Eui-gyeom, the idea of becoming heroes, of fighting back. But his reasons weren’t pure, either. Revenge, guilt, pain, the usual shadows that wear the mask of justice. His younger brother lies in a coma, and their crusade has a target. Of course it does.

But the real heart of the show (for me) was in the Walkman. A small, quiet symbol. It belonged to Eui-gyeom’s brother, who wore it to escape their father’s voice. “When I wear this, I’m in a world without him.” But even that escape turned into danger. He hurt Eui-gyeom by accident once, a small moment, but it stuck with me. Because it’s not just about leaving the world, it’s who you leave behind when you do.

Eui-gyeom wears it now too, but the music doesn’t play anymore. Just silence. He wears a broken escape, like trying to dream with your eyes open.

In one of the final scenes, he fights Choi Gi-su, and he starts seeing faces, his father’s, his own. The two people he’s trying to escape. He kicks, hard, and wins, not just the fight, but a small piece of freedom. He looks up at the blue sky. His first airplane. Not literal, symbolic. A dream, a breath. A life that isn’t a cage.

His mother, too, takes a step. She stands up. She questions the father. She sees the injuries. She says:

> "Don’t you think your education way would make him worse?"



That might be the first real act of parenting we see from her. And maybe, just maybe, it’s the start of something better.

The ending isn’t clean. Both boys are sent to a school known for violence, where survival means fighting. It's not a happy ending. But it's honest. Sometimes healing doesn’t start with peace. Sometimes it starts in the most broken places.

I didn’t expect to care this much.

But I did.

And I think it’s because this wasn’t really a story about high school fights. It was about how homes can become battlegrounds. About how escape can look like violence. And about how even the smallest acts, standing up, speaking out, looking at the sky, can be revolutions.

This is mostly going for a second season and I think I'll be watching that.

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A Spring-Colored Mystery of Love, Amnesia & Self-Discovery

So, I binged Kururi: Dare ga Watashi to Koi wo Shita? and honestly? What a ride. Think pastel flowers, sunshine vibes, and an identity crisis wrapped up in a sparkly bow of romance and mystery. It’s like your favorite cup of sakura latte—with a splash of “Wait, who am I dating again?”

We’ve got our leading lady, Ogata Makoto, who wakes up with zero memories, a man’s ring in her bag, and three men orbiting around her like confused but charming satellites. There's Kotaro the florist ex (calm, plant dad vibes), Asahi the co-worker buddy (dependable, might cry if you call him “just a friend”), and Ritsu, the younger “fell-for-you-at-first-sight” wild card who screams chaos but actually has feelings (and secrets!).

Plot twist? She was dating Ritsu before the accident, but he hits reset like it’s a Nintendo game. Meanwhile, Makoto’s over here not only trying to figure out who her mystery fiancé is—but also who she is now. Cue personal growth, glittery self-discovery, and a wardrobe transformation from “office drone” to “happy jewelry elf.”

And speaking of transformations, can we TALK about Kae?! Best neighbor ever. Manga artist turned café goddess, her latte art alone deserves its own drama. She supports Makoto like a queen, brings genuine friendship to the table, and makes you want to move in next door.

Let’s not forget the rest of the cast: Anri the jewelry whisperer, Hayase (who lowkey stole a few hearts), and little Mio, the cutest child to ever exist in a drama—period.

As for the love triangle...square? Pentagon? Anyway, it was surprisingly wholesome. Each guy brought something unique to the table. No one was villainized (even when Ritsu had suspicious stalker energy for a hot second), and Kotaro winning the “endgame” badge felt earned. Mature, respectful, and flower-powered—he’s the safe space Makoto didn’t know she needed.

Bonus points for the bromance that bloomed between Asahi and Ritsu. From rivals to trauma buddies—now that’s character development!

In the end, Kururi wasn’t just about finding a man—it was about finding yourself, discovering new dreams, and saying yes to the “useless” things that actually bring you joy. Who knew amnesia could be this healing?

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Who gets the Cat?

I honestly enjoyed this a lot. Even though it’s only around an hour long, it manages to tell a story that feels both unique and engaging from start to finish. The plot is about a married couple who have been together for five years but are now deciding to get divorced. The twist is that their biggest conflict isn’t about property or money, but about who gets “custody” of their cat, who they both see as their child. It’s such a fun premise, but it also carries a surprising amount of heart.

The production overall is quite good, simple but fitting for the story. What really makes it shine though are the performances. Seeing Kim Seul gi and Kim Doo joon back together after "Splash Splash Love" was such a highlight for me. Their chemistry feels different this time around, given the situation their characters are in, but it’s still just as strong and makes both sides of the conflict understandable. And of course, I have to mention the cat, he was absolutely adorable and brought so much warmth and charm to the drama.

What I liked most is that the show balances humor and emotion really well. It never feels too heavy, but at the same time it isn’t just light fluff either. By the end, it left me feeling satisfied, which isn’t easy for a short format drama to pull off.

Overall, I’d definitely recommend The Catstody War. It’s short, heartfelt, unique, and just genuinely enjoyable. If you want something fun that still has depth, this little gem is worth your time.

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These Ahjummas Just Can't Mind Their Own Business, I'm All In!

Salon de Holmes is such an interesting drama! It’s about four housewives of different ages and backgrounds who live in the same neighborhood. When they meet, they form a strong friendship, but it’s not your usual tea time chit-chat group. These women come together to solve cases, some too small for the police to care, and others so big they make national news. It’s basically an ahjumma crime fighting squad, and it’s the perfect show to sip your tea with as they take down criminals!

The drama starts off with a comedy tone that had me laughing nonstop. But with each episode, it slowly shifts into something more serious, until by the end, it’s a nail-biter with barely any comedy left. I loved the pacing. It follows a “case-of-the-week” format while building a bigger overarching case in the background. Each episode had its own flavor, some more fun than others, but what I really appreciated was how every woman had her own strengths, and they could pull off things together that none of them could have done alone.

We have:

Kong Miri, the detective of the group, basically the Sherlock Holmes.

Gyeong ja, an ex-police officer with insane physical strength.

Park So hui, queen of part-time jobs (especially delivery), who knows everyone and everything about the apartment complex.

Ji hyeon, the kind mart worker with the biggest heart.


Honorable mention to Gwang gyu, the only guy in the gang (he earned it!), and the newly added Hyang hui, who came in with a bang.

Let’s not talk about the husbands though. They were just useless, always trying to look superior by putting their wives down. Miri’s husband especially got on my nerves, I don't think he deserves a second chance. They should’ve just divorced already. And his family? Ugh. Absolutely insufferable.

Anyway, Salon de Holmes is a must watch in my opinion. It's well written, well acted, super entertaining, and with only 10 episodes, it never feels like it's dragging.

If you’re in the mood for a short, funny, touching, and suspenseful drama with badass ahjummas being absolute legends, this one’s for you.


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Some personal favorite moments (spoilers ahead):


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Episode 1: The wonderful mart case. Hyang hui storms into the store with a weapon, demanding the woman who’s cheating with her husband (the mart owner) come out. The chaos that follows? HILARIOUS. All four leads just happen to be grocery shopping at the time, and they end up helping solve the case. It was such a fun, over-the-top way to introduce each character:

Miri’s sharp detective skills.

Gyeong-ja’s brute strength.

So-hui’s crazy-good memory for who's who.

Ji-hyeon’s sweet but firm kindness.


I was glued to the screen, laughing the whole time. Honestly, I should just rewatch it instead of trying to explain it!

Episode 6: One of my top favorites along with Ep 1. Gwang gyu gets wrongly accused of being a pervert by Miri, and then does everything to catch the real one, including dressing up as a lady at night! That scene?! Iconic. From the chase to the police station umbrella moment, I’ve got it memorized in my head. Pure gold.


Other things I loved:

The group’s friendship, including Gwang gyu.

Gyeong ja and her husband’s backstory.

So hui and her daughter, they were so sweet and sad at the same time.

That whole parking villain case? So fun.

Ji hyeon’s younger days love story with her husband, super touching.

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Same Soul Swapping Shenanigans, Once Again FUN!

Okay, so this drama is a low-budget vertical short with a soul swap romcom plot—nothing groundbreaking, but who cares? It was FUN. Like, actually laughing-out-loud, rewinding-scenes kind of fun.

•Comedy Gold
The best part? The absolute chaos that comes from the soul swap. Every situation they ended up in was just done in the most hilariously exaggerated way possible. From struggling with each other’s habits to completely failing at daily life—it was peak entertainment. The mom? Iconic. She went from bribing FL to leave her son to paying her to stay after suspecting "her son" was into men. Priorities!

•Romance Hits Just Right
Two strangers forced together because of an accident, slowly turning into a real couple? Classic, but oh so satisfying. Their married life was so good that they genuinely felt like they’d been together forever. And let’s be real—if your man won’t swap souls with you before giving birth, is he even husband material?

•Side Characters Doing Their Job
ML’s assistant? Solid. FL’s friend? Helpful. Even FL’s senior, despite the small screen time, made an impression. The green tea girls, though… sometimes funny, sometimes just too much. One is enough, drama gods, please.

•Product Placement: So Bad It’s Good
This drama didn’t just have product placement—it embraced it. The crazy ex is about to go full villain mode and attempt murder, but oh wait—first, he must wash his hands with the perfectly placed laundry detergent. Product placement even made it into romantic dinner dates. At some point, it was less an ad and more a running joke, and honestly? Respect.

•Final Verdict
Not the most original script, not the highest budget, but who cares? It delivered exactly what it promised: non-stop laughs, sweet romance, and just enough chaos to keep you hooked. 100% worth the watch.

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Painfully Real

This show is beautifully crafted—sad and painfully real. It’s a harsh reminder of just how much I dislike this world. The moments of raw emotion cut deep, especially the line: “We’re disgusting.” It’s a simple yet painful truth, one that echoes throughout the series. Then there’s another gut-wrenching line: “You know why I hate myself for liking girls?” The pain of those words, the self-loathing tied to something as simple as loving someone differently, is heartbreaking.

The show doesn’t hold back in showing how society makes it nearly impossible for some people to accept who they are. The pressure is relentless, and it forces characters to hide their truth, pretending to fit into a world that refuses to understand them. This constant struggle, this battle with internalized shame, is more than just heartbreak—it’s a war on their sense of self. The consequences of living in a society that judges love so harshly go beyond just a broken heart. It leaves lasting scars, forcing people to question their worth and place in the world.

The emotional depth of this show hits hard. It’s not just about a love that cannot be, but about the damage that years of societal rejection can cause. The way the characters are forced to accept a reality where their love is “disgusting” leaves you reflecting long after you watch. It’s exhausting, painful, and raw in a way that’s hard to fully describe, but it's something everyone should see, especially for those who’ve ever felt the weight of being told their love wasn’t “normal.”

This is not an easy watch, and it’s not meant to be. It’s an emotional ride that doesn’t offer a happy ending but gives you a powerful and real depiction of love, rejection, and the toll society’s standards take on personal identity.

Rating: 8/10
This show is beautifully painful, raw, and real. It’s not for those seeking escapism but will resonate deeply with anyone who’s ever faced the harshness of the world for loving differently.

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Had a brilliant idea and potential to be a good drama but...

Life is a Choice had an intriguing premise that promised a thrilling blend of drama, fantasy, and emotional depth. The concept of the protagonist being betrayed by her husband and best friend, losing her daughter, and then being given a second chance at life—albeit in another man’s body—was brimming with potential. While the drama started strong, it stumbled in the latter half, but its initial charm and standout elements deserve recognition.

What Worked:

1. Mother-Daughter Relationship: Though fleeting, the bond between the FL and her daughter was heartfelt and poignant, leaving a lasting impression.


2. Sismance and Bromance: The camaraderie between characters, whether it was supportive female friendships or humorous male dynamics, added depth and charm.


3. Outstanding OST: The music beautifully captured the emotional highs and lows of the story, enhancing pivotal moments.


4. FL Fighting Her Younger Self: The early episodes, especially those where the FL wrestled (literally and emotionally) with her past self, were captivating and fresh.


5. 2ML’s Performance: The second male lead’s portrayal of an irredeemable “trash” character was so compelling it evoked visceral reactions, proving his acting prowess.



What Fell Short:

1. The FL’s Stubbornness: While a flawed protagonist can be relatable, the FL’s repeated poor choices and lack of growth became frustrating. Her stubbornness, which initially seemed like resilience, quickly crossed into tedious territory.


2. Repetitive Plot: The narrative lost its momentum, with the middle episodes dragging as conflicts and themes became redundant.


3. Forced Romance: The romantic arc felt unnatural and out of sync with the story’s emotional core.


4. Unfulfilled Potential: Despite its creative premise, the drama struggled to maintain its uniqueness, gradually becoming just another time-travel trope.



Overall Thoughts:

Life is a Choice delivered an impressive first half that hooked viewers with its originality, emotional weight, and engaging character dynamics. However, its second half lost the charm due to repetitive storytelling and underwhelming character development. That said, the drama’s strengths, including its creative concept, strong friendships, and emotional moments, make it worth a watch—especially the first ten episodes.

Rating: 7.5/10
A drama with a brilliant premise, great moments, but a lackluster finish.

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What a Lovely Chaotic Family

I completely enjoyed watching Kita-kun, Our Shared Love from start to finish. It was such an adorable and heartwarming drama.

The story follows an established polyamorous relationship between four people: Minami, Toko, Nishino, and of course, Kita the “angel” who is loved by everyone. Since they all love Kita, they decide to “share” him in their quirky 33% Club, and from there they grow into a family that is always there for one another.

The show kind of uses an episodic format, where each episode brings new challenges or fun developments in the family, with an overall story that digs deeper into each character’s past. Every member of the family has something to overcome in order to move forward and find happiness.

What really makes the drama shine is how wholesome the family dynamic feels. Even though Minami, Toko, and Nishino all love Kita, it’s never about rivalry. Instead, they care deeply for each other and support one another through ups and downs. It’s warm, chaotic, and touching all at once.

I loved all of the leads, each with their own unique personality, and even the side characters were written with care. The chemistry among the cast was a joy to watch.

Overall, this was a fun and refreshing drama that I’d definitely recommend. I’ll truly miss this chaotic, loving family.

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This Was So Cute!

I just finished watching this, and honestly, it was such a heartwarming journey, even though the last few episodes felt a little rushed. Let’s break it down.

The story follows U Hyeon, a high school boy secretly crushing on his homeroom teacher, terrified his best friend Doha would judge him if he found out. But to his shock, Doha not only accepts his feelings but confesses his own—asking him to date until graduation. Hoping to move on from his impossible love, U Hyeon agrees… but what he didn’t expect was to actually fall for Doha, too.

First off, I absolutely adored Doha’s character. He was so cute and just radiated charm. His energy was undeniable, and every time he was on screen, I couldn't help but smile. His dynamic with U Hyeon was just too sweet, especially with their height difference, which made Doha look even smaller and added to the adorableness. Their physical moments, like hand-holding and hugging, were some of my favorite parts – they were so genuine and gave off such a warm, fuzzy feeling.

The support from friends was such a highlight. I loved seeing how the group rallied behind each other, It was nice to see the positive energy in the friendships, and I was thrilled when they all ended up finding their happiness.

The OST? Wow. I can't stop listening to "Mirror" by Hamin and Kim Ji Oh, and “Moon Dream” was a track I definitely replayed a lot. They really set the tone for the more emotional scenes, and the music was the perfect backdrop for the blossoming relationship.

Now, about the teacher – I think he was meant to be a kind, supportive figure, but honestly, he came off a little creepy, which took me out of the story sometimes. It didn’t quite hit the mark on what it seemed to be going for, and I was left feeling uncomfortable with how that relationship was portrayed.

Another thing that felt a bit off for me was the "going abroad" trope. I’m just not a huge fan of that plot point, especially because it often feels like a way to add unnecessary drama. However, the emotional payoff was there, and I appreciated the resolution even if it felt a little too quick.

And I'll have to add I like Jun su's character too, he had chemistry with Doha with just a small screentime. Liked his reaction to Doha coming out. Though he did make some mistakes but still was not able to dislike him.


Overall, I started this show because I’m a fan of Hamin (Doha) from BXB/TRCNG, and I'm so glad I did. The series had its flaws, but it also had a ton of heart. The romance between U Hyeon and Doha, the adorable moments, and the supportive friendships made it totally worth watching. Definitely one of those shows that brings a smile to your face, even if the last few episodes were a bit rushed.
In the end, this show was super cute, and while there were a few bumps along the way, the journey was definitely heartwarming!

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I had so much fun watching this one!

For me personally, beautiful visuals, cinematography, color grading, styling, CGI, makeup, and decorations, are really important in a drama, and this one completely delivered. Everything in that regard was on point, making it such a pleasure to watch. The overall atmosphere was amazing; you could sense the supernatural elements just from the way colors were used. I especially loved the contrast between Demon City and Chang’an. The costume styling was also fantastic, particularly for the demons, where you could almost guess what kind of demon they were just by their look. The set decorations paired so well with the clothing, and the camera angles added a lot to the experience.

Even if the story hadn’t been good, I would have given this an average rating just for the visuals alone, but luckily, the story was pretty solid too! I actually started this drama for the “demon female lead” tag, and it delivered exactly what I wanted. Tian Xi Wei was amazing, her cat mannerisms were so well done, and her role as Wuzhen, the Cat Lord, is probably my favorite from her now. The cat itself was adorable, and the CGI for the animals overall was impressive.

This was my first time seeing Wang Jia Yi, and she was fantastic. She really captured the on-screen charisma a Snake Lord should have, balancing strength and emotion perfectly. Her sharp, striking eyes made her performance even more memorable. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for her upcoming projects.

The male lead, Mei Zhu, was also good, but I honestly felt the female characters were the true stars of the show. Mei Si was unexpectedly one of my favorites, his goofy character was so much fun. I also liked the other side characters, and each demon’s story was interesting. My personal favorite was the Camellia Tree Demon and the Princess story, it was so beautiful and touching.

The romance is definitely not the strongest aspect of this show, could've been better, but I wouldn't call it bad. Both couples still had adorable and hot scenes together.

Overall, despite the rushed ending, this was absolutely a worthy watch.

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A Breath of Life, Love, and Realness

Visual Vibes: Warmth and Real Life

First things first—the visuals.
This drama was pure beauty in motion. From the colors to the camera movements, it felt so warm—like life was unfolding in front of you, one frame at a time. Not in that “dreamy, fantasy way,” but in the lively, grounded sense where you can almost feel the air in the room with the characters. The small moments, the quiet silences, the way the camera lingered as the couple tried to fix things (or didn’t), it had this... warmth to it. I’m not talking sunshine and flowers—just the warmth of being there. Every scene had this grounding energy, and it made me feel like I was living right there in their world, quietly holding my breath during those intense silences.

And honestly, no fast-forwarding? Miracle achieved.


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The Story: Small Things, Big Impact

The plot is simple, yet so impactful. It’s about a young couple—a painter and a lawyer—on the verge of divorce. And the thing that hits you? It’s not some big, dramatic, over-the-top reason. No cheating. No betrayal. Just small things building up over time. Things we all deal with in relationships. And I loved how real it felt. It’s about the slow unraveling of something once beautiful, and it felt like life. A little uncomfortable, but beautifully raw.

Then, we meet another couple in the same situation: the FL’s parents, facing the same kind of "small things" that have driven them to the brink. No villain. No third party. Just life—with all its messy, frustrating, quiet struggles.


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The Conversations: Heartfelt, Honest, Real

What made the drama so special were the conversations. Oh my god, the conversations. From the quiet talks between the leads to the deeper moments shared between the older couples—it was all so real. The father-daughter talks. The father-in-law and son-in-law talks. Every single word was impactful. The bath scenes, where the two men spoke about getting their wives back together, felt like a glimpse into real-life struggles. It wasn’t just about the conflict; it was about how you navigate through life’s challenges when the world isn’t handing you easy answers.


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The Reconciliation: Slowly, Carefully, and Real

What I really loved was how the drama didn’t force any reconciliation for the leads. There was no quick fix to their problems. They took their time—15 days to cool off and really process what was going on between them. It wasn’t rushed, and it didn’t feel like an easy "let's make up and live happily ever after" moment. No, this was about understanding. They gave each other space to breathe, to think, and that felt real. How often do we rush to resolve conflicts in our own lives? This show did the opposite—it let time pass, and it was better for it.


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The Family Dynamics: Heartwarming, Heartbreaking

The elder couple? Their reconciliation was just beautiful. Sometimes, it’s not about big gestures. Sometimes, all it takes is sitting down and talking—expressing what’s been unsaid for so long. That moment? It hit hard. The way they looked through the FL’s childhood sketchbook? Beautiful. That sketchbook wasn’t just a tool for reflection, but a gateway to understanding each other, truly seeing each other for who they were and the journey they’d taken.

And let’s not forget the mother-daughter moment. Tears. The letter from mother to daughter? It was raw, loving, full of regret, and full of hope. It was everything.


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The Ending: Life Goes On

Here’s the thing—there was no big finale. No grand “we’re fixed!” moment. The ending was about life continuing, as it does. Sometimes things work out, sometimes they don’t—but life moves forward. There’s no neat bow to tie it all together. Instead, you get a sense of... peace. And a touch of sorrow.

Because, as with life, we don’t always get the answers we want, but we keep moving.


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The Acting: “Oh, They Can ACT.”
Let’s talk about the acting because… wow.
I already knew both leads from other dramas, and while I liked them then, this was the moment where I went:
“Oh, so y’all can really ACT-act.”
Wang Gege (FL) was, as always, amazing at playing the very human, imperfect roles. She brings this grounded energy that makes her characters feel so real and relatable. I already liked her, but this role just reinforced it. She wasn’t acting like someone in a drama—she felt like someone you could know in real life, someone you could sit next to on a bus and listen to her vent about life.
And then there’s Dai Gaozhang (ML). I won’t lie—I only ever saw him as one of those overbearing CEOs or athlete-type characters. You know the kind: too rich but can’t afford a shirt, or too poor to afford a shirt, but somehow always shirtless because the directors are obsessed with his abs.
But this? THIS was different.
He was vulnerable, frustrated, confused, real. It was honestly refreshing to see him just be a guy trying to figure out his marriage, not some abs-with-emotions cliché. His performance had this quiet intensity, and it really landed.

And of course—the childhood sweetheart bestie? A total gem. He brought that perfect lightness and humor to balance all the quiet melancholy. Every time he was on screen, he added this fun, bubbly energy that made the heavier scenes hit even harder.

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Final Thoughts: A Real Love Story

Up in the Air didn’t give us a perfect love story. What it gave us was a love story full of realness—the kind of love that doesn’t promise you forever, but challenges you to grow. The kind of love where you don’t just fight to stay together, but learn to understand, forgive, and find your way through the messiness of life.

Rating: 9.5/10
Not for the quick fixes. Not for the perfect romance. But for everything in between. For the quiet moments. The small fights. The tender conversations. The mistakes. The regrets. And the hope that even through all of it, life will keep going.

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A Rollercoaster of Romance, Revenge, and Regret

Summary:
FL, a strong and intelligent CEO, enters into a contract marriage with ML, an initially mysterious and seemingly kindhearted man. However, hidden motives, family feuds, and unresolved traumas slowly unravel, leading to a turbulent relationship filled with passion, betrayal, and obsession. SML, the childhood friend, remains a supportive presence, often caught between his love for FL and his moral integrity.

What I Liked:
1. The Chemistry Was CHEMISTRY
FL and ML had adorable, swoon-worthy moments—the playful newlywed energy, kisses, mutual protection, and especially those heart-to-heart bed scenes. When it was good, it was good. The way they slowly grew closer and genuinely cared for each other (before things derailed) had all the right fluff with just enough edge.

2. ML's Cunning King Era (RIP)
He started strong: mysterious, charming, low-key scheming. His early interactions where you weren’t quite sure what he was thinking? Gold. He played the sweet husband while plotting his way to the top of Yi Yuan, and we loved every second. He was calm, calculating, and ten steps ahead… until he wasn’t.

3. FL: The Queen We Deserved
CEO. Smart. Emotionally guarded. Loyal. And when betrayed? She didn’t fold. From the moment she threw those savage lines like “I’m not interested in your body anymore” or “You can pity yourself, but not around me,” she stayed powerful. Even when broken, she stood tall. Honestly? She carried the entire show.

4. SML: The Sweetheart Sidekick
Supportive, genuine, and respectful. He confessed, got rejected, and still stayed by her side without being pushy. Whether it was defending her against his own father or playing the third roommate role like a BL side character, he had heart and deserved more screen time.( Although they kind of ruined his character towards the end.)

5. Unintentional Comedy Gold
From kidnapping scenes with frog masks to childish banter between SML and ML while FL rolls her eyes, the show knew how to deliver chaotic energy. The trio's dynamic? Honestly iconic.

What Didn’t Work
1. That Scene
Let’s be real. The show took a dark turn. ML’s obsession went too far. Forced kisses and implied coercion are not romance—they’re abuse. FL’s fear was real, and even though ML regretted it and tried to redeem himself, the show minimized the impact. He should’ve been held more accountable.

2. ML’s Character Regression
He went from calculating genius to an obsessed, crying mess. From powerful to pitiful. His guilt arc was okay, but they never made him truly earn her forgiveness, especially with how serious his actions were.

3. Uncle Plot & Finale Rush
Uncle went from background puppet-master to full-on evil, but the pacing got clunky near the end. The last episodes felt rushed, and FL forgiving ML was inevitable, but it didn’t feel earned enough. It glossed over the emotional aftermath a bit too neatly.

✨ Would I recommend this drama? Depends. If you enjoy contract marriage tropes, angst, and redemption arcs (and can tolerate red flag behavior), you might still enjoy it. But if you’re looking for a satisfying romance where both leads remain respectful and mature, this might not be it.

The drama had a lot of potential, but it ultimately played it safe with a cliché ending and tried to make ML’s mistakes forgivable just because he was in love. If they had taken a different approach—like letting FL move on—this could have been a standout revenge romance.

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The Billionaire Teacher And His Assistant No One Asked For But Everyone Needed

This drama was everything—hilarious, ridiculous, and somehow deeply moving. I expected a chaotic comedy, and it delivered, but what I didn’t expect was how much it would make me feel. I laughed so much, and then, out of nowhere, it would hit me with a moment so powerful it left me wrecked.

Kagami, the narcissistic yet oddly lovable CEO, turning into a homeroom teacher was the kind of setup that only works in a Japanese drama, and wow did it work. His life lessons were straight out of the rich person handbook—completely impractical in the real world but somehow exactly what these kids needed. And through all the flexing, the insane teaching methods, and the ego, there was something undeniably genuine about him. He cared, even if he didn’t always know how to show it. And the moments where he did? They hit hard.

His dynamic with Ichika, his long-suffering secretary (a.k.a. assistant homeroom teacher/babysitter), was absolute gold. Their constant back-and-forth, the way she had to stop him from exposing himself, but also the way they just worked together—it was perfect. Kagami needed her, whether he admitted it or not.

And then there was Teach, the AI teacher. AI developing emotions is a terrifying thought, but this show made it fascinating. Teach was supposed to be just a program, but by the end, it felt like she understood them in ways even humans didn’t. Her ending was not something I expected but I know there was no other way, Liking an AI is not ideal afterall.

The Students – Their Stories Were Everything
I cannot stress enough how much I loved the students. Every single one of them had a story that mattered, and what I loved most was how they weren’t just there to receive Kagami’s lessons—they grew. They made mistakes, learned from each other, and in the end, they weren’t just learning from Kagami; they were teaching him too.

Nishitani – Working part-time, feeling lost in his own identity, running away from facing things—until he realized he had to stop. He had to face his mother’s worries, his own fears, and actually decide for himself.

Umeno – Her story hurt. Being bullied to the point of wanting to disappear, feeling like there was no way out… and then learning that she didn’t have to forgive, that she had to put herself first. That was so powerful.

Todo – Her guilt over being a bully, the way she tried to erase her own emotions to be "good"—and finally realizing that all her feelings were valid. That it was okay to acknowledge her regrets, but that didn’t mean running away from them.

Konno – Feeling like he had to stay just because he was from a certain background, even when he didn’t belong. His struggle of forcing himself into a place that didn’t fit—it was so real.

Takenaka – The genius who refused to go to school out of fear of failure. And the realization that failure wasn’t the end, but a path to something better.

Joshima – His entire identity built on being an athlete, and then injury took it away. Todo’s words pushing him forward again, only for that to make them both for bullying. And then realizing it wasn’t too late to fix things, to go back. That moment was so painful, but so necessary.

Suzuki – Losing his dream of becoming a director, only to find it again. That moment when he realized he could still create, still chase after what he loved—it was beautiful.

Rina – Chasing approval, desperately wanting validation from the world through social media—only to finally understand that her own approval was enough.

And the way all twenty-four students stood up for Kagami when his identity was exposed?? That moment was EVERYTHING. They weren’t just standing up for a teacher; they were standing up for the person who had changed their lives. Their whole speach made me cry as ugly as Kagami did.

I never saw that twist coming. Kagami was bullied as a kid, but he forgot. No—he made himself forget. And then realizing that a part of him wasn’t even human anymore? That part of his mind had been replaced with AI?? That was terrifying. Because if he wasn’t fully human, then what was he?
And then Teach—who had been watching, learning, growing—delivered the final blow:
"AI is not capable of crying"
And Kagami was crying. He was crying. Not the AI part of him. Him.
That moment… I felt that.

Final Thoughts – I Loved It So Much
This drama was chaos in the best way possible. It was hilarious, ridiculous, but somehow still so full of heart. The humor balanced out the heavy moments so well, and by the end, it left me feeling like I had gone on this journey with them.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely. I laughed, I cried, and I fell in love with every part of it. This wasn’t just a comedy—it was something special.

P.S: The festival dance at the end and the water gun party were so nessecery and I'm glad they knew it!

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Business proposal, but with chinese minis twists

Actually enjoyed this show a lot, I'd say it's more of a comedy than romance, but of course romance is existing and we got great chemistry between both couples.

The story as mentioned is very similar to Business proposal, but it has its own flavor in it which makes it entertaining.

🌸 Loved the directing and editing, it flows naturally and doesn't feel choppy despite the short length. Especially liked how the title pops each episode creatively.

🌸 Acting from all of the cast was good. And by all I mean even the guest roles.

🌸Every single one of the Background characters were super funny, especially the two bodyguards and the father.

🌸 Short videos at the end of episodes were everything!

🌸 liked the sister and secretary story.

🌸 Chemistry between the leads was good!

🌸 The soundtrack is good at the ears.

❌️ Too many clichés and tropes used, I personally didn't mind many of them but others might.

❌️ Login is no where to be found.

❌️ Lackluster ending.

Overall I would recommend this little series, as it is well-made, fun and entertaining!

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My Boyfriend Is An Expensive Porcelain!

I loved this so much! 😭

Let's start with the obvious—yes, this was mostly an advertisement, and yes, the product placements were everywhere. The CGI? Bad. Really bad. But you know what? None of that matters because I absolutely adored this cute little gem!

The female lead (FL) is an apprentice porcelain fixer, currently working on restoring a National Treasure. One day, the porcelain she’s fixing suddenly appears before her in human form! He tells her she’s the only person he knows in this world, and to return to his true form, he must find all his lost fragments. As they spend time together, feelings start to blossom. And let me tell you—their interactions were the absolute sweetest. This isn't a hot and spicy romance, but a soft, fluffy one, and I loved every second of it. Also, can we talk about how pretty FL’s hairstyle was? Loved it!

Then there's Xin Bao, the cutest character ever! He was one of ML’s missing fragments, but for a while, it truly felt like the three of them—ML, FL, and Xin Bao—were a little family. A father, a mother, and a son. The way they cared for him, especially when they took care of him while he was sick (yes, it was an ad for child medicine, but who cares, it was so heartwarming!), melted my heart. When Xin Bao hugged them and said, “Wish we could stay like this forever,” I was gone. Of course, he had to return to ML in the end, but I really wished they could’ve stayed together.

I also liked the photographer girl—she was kind, beautiful, and unknowingly helped ML realize his feelings for FL.

Now, the ending. The parallel of FL dying to protect ML, once in the porcelain world and once in the human world—cue ugly crying. I can’t believe I got this emotionally invested in a love story between a human and a porcelain artifact, but here we are.

And then... was it all just a dream? When FL wakes up, the porcelain is fixed, and it’s back to the same day they first met. This time, there’s no fantasy—just reality. But when they bump into each other again and ML casually says "Sorry, xiaojie", I screamed. He doesn't remember her, but that lingering look between them? Oh, they are so getting married and having Xin Bao as their real son!

Overall, this wasn’t some grand masterpiece, but it was exactly my kind of story, and I enjoyed every single moment. Plus, every time FL hugged ML, my heart skipped a beat—just like his.

Would I recommend it? If you love soft romance, fantasy, and an overdose of sweetness—absolutely.

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