sayratial

Comedy, Rivalry & Romance

This drama delivers everything I love: intense rivalry, heart-pounding romance, comedy, and a high-stakes virtual world! The story revolves around Fang Li and An Hang, two fierce opponents who get into a "convenience marriage" as they battle for survival in a game where only one can return to reality. The catch? Their system missions are completely at odds with each other, leading to a tense, thrilling battle where strategy, wits, and cunning are key.

Fang Li is an absolute badass—strong, intelligent, and always in control. She doesn’t need saving, and she’s never afraid to take charge, whether it’s in battle or navigating their high-stakes mind games. An Hang, on the other hand, may appear innocent at first, but beneath his soft exterior, he’s just as sharp and cunning as Fang Li. The chemistry between them is undeniable and electric. They’re enemies turned reluctant partners, and the way their relationship develops is fueled by their intense dynamic, mutual respect, and constant push and pull. Their interactions are a perfect mix of tension, wit, and attraction, making their romance deeply satisfying to watch unfold.

The second couple, Luo Yan and Lin Yu, also brought something special to the table. Their relationship had a lot of depth, and I loved the balance they brought to the story. The bond between An Hang and Luo Yan as rivals and brothers competing for the CEO position was equally captivating, and their chemistry had me hooked from the start.

The comedy in this drama was spot on—light-hearted moments that never felt out of place. Episode 20, in particular, delivered a great mix of mystery and comedy that had me laughing and intrigued at the same time. The friendship dynamics in the show felt wholesome, and I really appreciated how the different characters supported each other.
There were some cliche tropes but called out by the main leads in a hilarious way, I didn't mind them at all.

Visually, the CGI was impressive, and while the cinematography wasn’t groundbreaking, it definitely added to the overall vibe of the show. The costumes were stylish, and the OST was well-chosen, setting the tone perfectly.

All in all, the writing was strong, and the cast did an excellent job bringing these characters to life. The blend of humor, romance, and suspense kept me engaged from start to finish. I loved this so much, it's definitely one of the most enjoyable dramas I've seen in a while, almost a 10 for me.




P.S: I absolutely loved the brief but fun "Mary Sue mode"—it was such a memorable moment that I don’t think I’ll forget anytime soon. The way Fang Li took charge was just too satisfying.

And one of the funniest moments had to be when the two brothers, An Hang and Luo Yan, got genuinely afraid together—while their wives/girlfriends were completely unbothered! That contrast was hilarious and such a great moment of comedic relief.

As for the ending, it wasn’t the most exciting, but I still loved it. It wrapped things up in a way that felt true to the characters and the story.

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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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This Is Totally Worth Watching!

This drama is exactly what you need whether you're in a bad mood or a good one. It’s pure fun from start to finish, with a cartoonish, manga-style live-action flair that makes it completely enjoyable. Honestly, I think China should make more dramas like this, Japanese-style storytelling, exaggerated expressions, quirky characters. It was absolute gold.

Even though it has 33 episodes, it never felt like it dragged. Each episode was entertaining, lighthearted, and full of laughs. The comedy is front and center here, it’s not trying to be deep or heavy on the romance, The romance is more of a cute side dish than the main course, but still, I really liked every single pairing. The casting was on point across the board, every character felt like they were made for their role.


Zuo Qian Dai and Lu Ye Qi were super fun to watch. She has an obvious crush on him and keeps following him around, even after unknowingly getting rejected. Meanwhile, Ye Qi is the totally oblivious manga artist, laser-focused on his work and completely missing the signals, until feelings start to sneak in later. It was classic, chaotic, and adorable.

Jing Yue and Ruo Song might honestly be my favorite. She’s the badass sporty “jie jie” who everyone is a little scared of, and he’s sporty too, but a bit timid at first. Their chemistry was great, fun, playful, and full of energy. Watching them together was a joy.

Then there’s Gu Zheng Xing and Lu Dao, who are kind of the “unexpected” couple. Lu Dao is the gorgeous, popular tomboy that girls crush on, while Zheng Xing is tough and masculine but looks amazing in feminine clothes. Their dynamic reminded me of Tom and Jerry , constant bickering, tons of tension, but clearly fond of each other. Loved them.

Chai Zi Yu and Ye Zhen were technically a bromance, but let’s be honest, they had more “romantic” moments than the main couple at times. Their quirky-serious combo worked so well. Zi Yu, in particular, was my favorite character, the way he’d say cringe stuff and then get super embarrassed had me laughing every time. Hilarious and endearing.

And Kenji as Qian Ye was a perfectly cartoonish, unhinged villain. and I lived for his scenes.

Overall, this drama was an over-the-top, high-energy, ridiculous ride, and I loved every second of it. If you're into exaggerated humor, fun characters, and manga vibes brought to life, definitely give this one a try. It doesn’t take itself seriously, and that’s exactly why it works. A total gem.

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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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A Slice of Life to Cherish - One Day Off Is a Must-Watch

If you're someone who doesn't typically gravitate toward slice-of-life dramas, One Day Off might just be the show that changes your mind. Though I wasn't initially drawn to the first episode, I soon found myself increasingly enchanted as each episode passed. By the time I reached the final episode, I didn’t want it to end—I wanted to cherish every moment, savoring the gentle yet powerful experience it provided.

What makes One Day Off stand out is its ability to balance simplicity with depth. The drama explores a variety of topics within its brief runtime, often weaving in moments of introspection, familial connections, and personal growth. Each episode is a gentle reminder of life's quiet beauty, and the show does a masterful job of bringing out the emotional weight in even the smallest of moments.

The stunning visuals also play a huge role in elevating the experience. The breathtaking scenery in each episode creates a sense of calm and wonder that mirrors the introspective nature of the show. The beautiful settings are more than just a backdrop—they enhance the mood and reflect the inner journey of the female lead. Watching the stunning landscapes unfold with each one-day adventure truly adds to the soothing quality of the series.

One episode, in particular (Episode 7), encapsulated everything I loved about the series. As a bread lover and fan of family-driven narratives, I was captivated by the story of the female lead following a little girl and her grandmother through a series of bread shops in search of the elusive "snail bread." The quiet tension between generations, the determination of the girl, and the FL’s reflection on the beauty of finding a hidden gem really hit home. It was one of those rare moments where a show’s plot felt like it was speaking directly to me.

But what I truly appreciated was how well the drama used its limited time to touch on so many different themes without feeling rushed or superficial. It’s not often that a show can delve into so many topics—be it the value of family, the joy of simple pleasures, or the act of self-discovery—while still leaving you with a sense of peace and satisfaction at the end. Even with just eight episodes, the drama leaves a lasting impression, inviting you to reflect on your own life and relationships.

While one episode may not have resonated with me as strongly as the others, overall, the show felt cohesive, emotionally satisfying, and—despite its quiet nature—surprisingly gripping. It’s rare to find a drama that pulls you in without relying on flashy plots or overly dramatic twists, but One Day Off does just that with grace and sincerity.

If you’re looking for a drama that will soothe your soul, pull at your heartstrings, and leave you with a sense of contentment, One Day Off is a must-watch. Even if slice-of-life isn’t typically your go-to genre, this one might just win you over—just like it did for me. And trust me, you won’t be skipping the opening. I found myself eagerly anticipating it each time, so much so that I started reciting the narration along with it.

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Not me, Not you, But everyone

Let me start by saying this: I didn’t touch my phone once while watching Not Me. No fast-forwarding, no distractions—just me, completely immersed from start to finish. And if you know how I usually watch dramas (a little skip here, a little scroll there), you’d know how rare that is. That alone should say something.

The story follows twins White and Black, who were separated as children. White was raised abroad while Black remained in Thailand. Years later, White returns only to suddenly feel a mysterious pain—soon learning that Black is in a coma after a violent attack. To uncover the truth, White disguises himself as his brother and infiltrates Black’s motorcycle gang, suspecting someone in the group betrayed him. But as he dives deeper into Black’s life, White finds himself entangled in political resistance, personal awakening, and an unexpected emotional connection with the very people he once viewed as strangers.



What I Loved:

The Social Commentary: This drama didn’t just mention injustice—it held a mirror up to it. From systemic corruption, class disparity, and police brutality, to the internal guilt of privilege (especially shown through White’s monologues), Not Me tackled complex topics with honesty and boldness. It never spoon-fed solutions, but made you question the world you live in.

Romance That Wasn’t the Whole Plot: The romance—especially between White and Sean, and Yok and Dan—was powerful because it wasn’t the focus. It didn’t feel forced or tokenized. It felt like real people connecting through shared struggle. Their love stories bloomed naturally within the story, not because of it. And that made all the difference.

Gun Atthaphan (White/Black): Gun absolutely blew me away. This was my first time seeing him act and—wow. I genuinely had to check if the twins were played by different actors. He brought so much nuance, pain, and personality into both roles. You could feel the contrast between White and Black not just in dialogue but in posture, eyes, even breathing. And then to top it off, he also played White pretending to be Black?? The layers!

Female Characters That Weren’t Just Props: Eugene and Name were written like real people. No exaggerated reactions, no weak plot devices—they had depth, strength, and stories of their own. I loved every scene they were in. Even Nuch, who had less screen time, made a lasting impression—especially with her line: “Law is a door to justice, not justice itself.”

The Whole Ensemble Was Strong: Gumpa, the emotional anchor of the group, stole my heart. He was everyone's protector—but made me wonder, who protects him? Yok’s story was deeply moving, especially the portrayal of his relationship with his mute mother and the added layer of how society treats people with disabilities. And that heartbreak when he saw Dan’s betrayal? Gut-wrenching.

Tod and Black’s Relationship Deserves a Whole Spin-Off: Friends to enemies to… possibly friends again? Their story was so layered. They both wanted change, but walked different paths—Tod believed in changing the system, Black wanted to burn it all down. Their conflict was philosophical and emotional, and the coma twist? Brilliant.

Black, in His Own Right: Though absent for much of the drama, when Black appeared, he made it count. A character with a hard exterior and a soft, fiercely loyal heart. The way he left Eugene to protect her, how much he clearly cared for his brother—it all showed how human he was underneath the rage.

The Twin Bond: The special connection between White and Black added mystery and heart. That line in the finale—when Black says maybe he doesn't feel angry at Sean anymore because White loves him? Chills. It was both tender and thought-provoking.

Realistic Aesthetics: One thing I really appreciated was how natural everyone looked. The makeup was subtle and real—you could see pores, scars, skin texture. No beauty filters, no overly glossy perfection. It made the characters feel like people you could actually meet, and it suited the raw tone of the show perfectly.

Cinematography & Soundtrack: The camera work was gorgeous. Natural and unpolished in the best way, with stunning shots that highlighted the grit of the story without glamorizing it. And the soundtrack? Perfect. Every piece matched the mood without being overused or intrusive. It added to the scenes rather than overpowering them.


A Few Tiny Critiques (Because I Gotta Be Honest):

I wish the group had shown a bit more care about what happened to Black. It felt slightly under-addressed considering how central he was to their cause.

The constant product placement (PPL) pulled me out sometimes. Especially when the show was making such raw, anti-establishment statements—it felt a little contradictory.

And if we're being realistic they would have been either dead or arrested before the drama even started. There were some plot holes now and then too.

But did it ruin anything? Not at all. The show still delivered one of the most daring, powerful narratives I’ve seen in a long time.


Not Me was not just a drama—it was a statement. It dared to be political, queer, and emotionally complex all at once. It told the story of resistance, love, guilt, identity, and change in a way that felt real.

It wasn’t just good. It was important. At least for me, and won't be forgetting about it soon.

on a side note, I'm going to pretend the "flying" scenes didn't happen, because my rating would've been so much lower for how cringe that scenes were!

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Fun But Messy

This drama started off with a really interesting premise, but somewhere along the way, it kind of lost focus. The whole gold storyline was introduced as a big deal, then just… got forgotten? Logic also took a hit in the later episodes, but for some reason, I still kept watching. I guess it had its fun moments!

I liked the ghost stories—they were actually pretty cool! The second couple was entertaining too, even if they were mostly there for comedy. Speaking of comedy, they really threw in a lot of random stuff, and while some of it was funny, a lot of things just didn’t make sense.

I absolutely loved Yena and Yujeong’s friendship—I ended up shipping them! And the villain? Completely unhinged, but the actress nailed the role. She was so good.

Also, Jin Ki-joo is amazing as always, and this was actually the first drama of Seo Kang-joon’s that I finished—he’s definitely handsome!

Overall, the drama had its flaws, but it was still a fun watch in its own way. I just wish they had kept the focus on what they started with!

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Charming, Romantic, and Full of Chemistry

The animation in the first episode was absolutely adorable and set the tone beautifully. The costumes and hair accessories were a feast for the eyes—the colors and decorations were so intricate and captivating. Visually, the show was stunning from start to finish.

The romance was a major highlight, with the main leads’ chemistry being nothing short of outstanding. Their connection felt so genuine and was a joy to watch unfold.

On the side, I couldn’t help but ship the guard and the uncle. Their chemistry, especially in the umbrella scene, was too good to ignore—it added an unexpected layer of charm to the story.

Episode 18 stood out in particular, with the cast’s reaction and acting during the harassment scene deserving high praise. It was handled so powerfully and left a lasting impression.

And of course, this beautiful line:
"Chu Ningxi, you must remember. I love you without any reason and without any condition."
That moment was so emotional and perfectly captured the heart of the story.

Overall, this was a delightful watch with beautiful visuals, engaging romance, and memorable characters. I truly enjoyed it!

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An Exiting Journey with a few bumps

I really enjoyed the first few episodes—they were so exciting and had a lot of great character development. The costumes were gorgeous, and the cinematography really made the show feel special. The fight scenes were amazing, too! I loved how well-choreographed everything was, and the soundtrack added so much to the overall vibe. That line, ‘Not born together but die together,’ really hit me. The villain was one of my favorite parts—he was really interesting and added a lot of depth to the story. The romance scenes were also great, adding a sweet and emotional touch to everything.

That said, as much as I loved it, the plot did have some holes that became pretty noticeable later on. Honestly, if the writing had been a little tighter, this could’ve been a 10/10. But still, I enjoyed seeing it as the LABF couple’s second chance at happiness—it felt like a nice, hopeful ending after all their past struggles."

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Chaotic, Silly, Sweet and Frustrating at times

This was honestly chaotic, and I live for chaos, so of course I stuck around till the very end. It was completely entertaining, silly, sweet, and exactly what I imagined it would be, which made it all the more fun to watch. The characters are all so over the top that you never quite know what to expect from them, and that’s part of the charm.

Yunjae is trying his best to get used to the situation, and it’s clear he really loves Ji Eun, but oh my god he was frustrating. Especially with how he acted towards Minju, his attitude had me wishing for a breakup more than once. Ji Eun honestly deserves better. Yunjae sometimes comes across as dumb, but it’s obvious a lot of it stems from his toxic family (who were played off comedically, but I couldn’t stand them). I just wish he could set boundaries better.

Ji Eun, though… absolute sunshine. She’s adorable both as a girl and as a man, and all I want is for her to be happy. She’s selfless to a fault, she hides her situation from her parents, always puts others’ feelings before her own, and just radiates warmth. I wanted to reach through the screen and give her a hug.

Ji Hye was Fun, reliable, and a great older sister to Ji Eun. The love triangle with her, Jeong Ja, and Young Seok was… fine. I loved how fair and supportive Ji Hye and Jeong Ja were toward each other, but the man himself? Meh. Still, I appreciated seeing both women as strong, successful characters.

Lee Minhyuk is adorable and hilarious, pure fun to watch. Honestly, he gave off such gay-coded vibes at the start that I was just waiting for him to have that “aha” moment of self-realization. (Also, it was great to see Hyunjun again!)

Choi Yuri, my girl, was so real. The lovable best friend who could fall for Ji Eun’s male look and also be a BL fan? Iconic. She and Minhyuk were easily the best part of the show for me. I went from shipping each of them with Ji Eun to shipping them with each other, and the fact that they actually became a couple was Chef’s kiss.

And then there’s Minju… oh, Minju. She came in bringing the absolute chaos. She’s such a “green tea white moonlight” type of second female lead, it was almost embarrassing at times. Honestly one of the most ridiculous SFLs I’ve seen in a while, way too toxic for me.

At the end of the day, this drama is just a silly gender-bender romcom, but it’s fun. Messy, chaotic, ridiculous fun. And sometimes, that’s exactly what you need.

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A Gentle Flavor of Love and Warmth

This was an absolutely adorable, wholesome arranged-marriage drama with a younger man/older woman dynamic, and honestly every moment felt healing. I truly have nothing bad to say about it.

The characters are beautifully written. The female lead isn’t just a modern character dropped into a period setting, she feels like a genuine woman of the 1950s: strong and resilient for her time, yet still tender, talented, and utterly adorable. The male lead is also excellent: a refreshing and well-rounded portrayal of a younger man who grows into his role with warmth and sincerity.

Their relationship begins as a marriage of convenience but slowly blossoms into love through a gentle, believable slow burn that makes you root for them every step of the way.

The food scenes are especially delightful, adding coziness and cultural flavor, while the cinematography and visuals give everything a soft, nostalgic charm.

If you’re looking for something comforting, heartwarming, and quietly romantic, I can’t recommend this drama enough. It’s the perfect healing watch. 🌸

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Find Your Own Male Lead!

This short series was quite enjoyable! It starts off cliché, picks up momentum in the middle, and ends... well, with another cliché. Exactly what you'd expect from a low-budget web drama, but in a good way. The story hooked me more than I thought it would.

A high school girl bonds with a mysterious "player" in an online game and plans a virtual wedding. But on the big day... he ghosts her. Determined to uncover his identity, she gets into his university for a bit of light revenge. But she doesn’t know what he looks like, and two possible male leads fit the profile.

I think they handled the mystery well. I was genuinely second-guessing who she’d end up with until near the end, and both male leads got enough "main lead" screen time to keep things balanced. The second couple was cute and brought a nice side flavor.

As for the twist... I didn’t see it coming, but it wasn’t mind-blowing either. Still, it added some emotional weight(?)

Spoiler:

Seol Rem really has no survival instinct for wanting to marry someone she’s never even met irl, but okay girl. Though I’ll admit the way "he" saved her (which turned out to be three people texting her and reporting she was locked in a room) was sweet in a chaotic groupchat way.

Then we find out Cali, her in-game bestie for a year, is actually Juhan's twin who had an accident on the way to the wedding?!. I kind of wanted it to really be Juhan behind Cali, but in the end, she ends up with U Yeon... maybe?

The ending definitely felt a bit rushed. Not gonna lie, I didn’t expect that kind of ambiguity. Juhan confesses, but we never hear her answer. Then there’s a happy U Yeon, and the epilogue just has Ju A and Mu Il wondering who she’ll choose, like we’re all in some interactive game. A three-way ending? All just friends? A "choose your own ending" type? I’m not mad about it, actually, I kind of love these open endings.


It’s cute, it’s got pretty faces, and it doesn't take itself too seriously. The drama isn't trying to be perfect, but it knows how to deliver some feels and keep things light and engaging. If you're into campus vibes, gaming tropes, and light romance-mystery, it’s worth a watch.

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Just Kids In Love, And I Loved Watching!

I honestly loved this series so much, from the very first episode to the very last, it just kept getting better. With each week, I found myself even more attached to the characters, their stories, and their little world. It’s the kind of fluffy, feel-good show that you can’t help but smile through. I loved it for both its flaws and its strengths. It’s pure comfort, the type of show you press play on, knowing it’ll make you feel warm inside. A proper serotonin boost. Something to sit back, relax, and enjoy without stress.

Like the title says, it’s simply about boys falling in love– and being absolutely adorable while doing it. What I appreciated most is how the characters actually felt like teenagers. The actors looked their age, and the characters behaved like actual high schoolers, not in an exaggerated or childish way, but in a real, grounded one. Sometimes immature, sometimes surprisingly mature. Just… teens being teens, learning, messing up, and figuring things out.

And for me, that hit even harder because I watched it at the same age as them. I’m in 12th grade too, standing at the edge of high school and about to step into college life. Watching this felt like I was growing alongside them. Their worries about the future, college, growing up, it all felt very real. There was something kind of bittersweet about it, but also comforting. Like I had some fictional friends going through the same things at the same time as me.

Also I loved the no-uniform rule at their school! It added so much personality and color to an already vibrant drama. Every student had their own style, and you could genuinely tell a lot about each character just from the way they dressed. It was like their wardrobes told part of their story. Tar’s outfits especially were my favorite, they matched my own style a lot. But really, the whole cast looked amazing, and I just loved how colorful everything was. The color palette of the series overall was super cheerful and soft, just really easy on the eyes. It added to that feel-good, light vibe so much.



Shane & Kit
These two were opposites from the start, and that contrast had so much charm. Shane is academically smart but emotionally insecure, while Kit is emotionally intelligent and super grounded. They meet when Shane is asked to tutor Kit (who hates studying), and at first, Kit kind of drives Shane up the wall.

But what I loved most was how much they talked. Like, they really communicated. Whenever something went wrong or there was a misunderstanding, they talked it through. No dragging out drama unnecessarily, just honest conversations and sweet hugs. It honestly blew my mind how well they handled conflict. Kit is such a green flag, always giving affection, reassurance, support. He shows love through words, touch, acts of service, all of it. Just the best boyfriend. Shane, on the other hand, struggles with insecurity (especially due to family stuff), but it was beautiful watching him grow and slowly believe he can be loved. Their hugs absolutely melted my heart every time.

I also really liked Shane’s siblings and Kaiju! They were fun little additions to his story.



Kim & Mon
These two were just pure cuteness. We had love at first sight with Kim falling for Mon, followed by the awkward (and adorable) flirting, and then a hilarious accidental confession when Kim gave Mon a giraffe plushie that says “Kim loves Mon.” Peak high school romance energy.

They became a couple early in the series, so their arc focused more on couple dynamics, small arguments, little jealousy moments, and cute makeups. Mon would get annoyed, Kim would win him back in the sweetest ways, and they'd be stuck to each other again. They were very much that “we need to be together 24/7” type of high school couple, and it was so charming.

Mon is more academically inclined, while Kim is the emotionally mature one who tries really hard, even going out of his way to impress Mon’s mom! Total green flag energy again. Their relationship was playful and soft, but grounded in real effort and communication. I especially loved the doll Mon gave Kim at the end, full circle and so precious.

Plus I'll always remember how Mon went out to reag the Doraemon books after learning it's Kim's favorite so he has something to talk about.




Per & Tar
MY SILLY CUTIES. I genuinely adored every second of these two on screen. While they didn’t end up as a couple, their bromance was everything to me. You could just tell they were each other’s person in a way that’s hard to explain. They went from “we’re basically strangers unless we have mutual friends” to “we annoy the life out of each other but are secretly ride-or-die.”

Tar is loud, playful, and chaotic, while Per is quieter and more observant. They constantly bickered and roasted each other, every conversation was a new level of creative insult, but there was so much love under it. And when things got serious, they knew how to be soft too. Their friendship felt unbreakable.

And honestly, I liked that they stayed friends. It was refreshing. Not every important relationship has to turn into romance, and this one showed how deep and meaningful a platonic bond can be. Personally, I headcanon them both as aroace. Tar is curious about relationships because of the people around him, but Per just doesn’t care that much. I would’ve loved to see a queerplatonic relationship between them, that would’ve been perfect. But even as it was, their dynamic was just so good.




Tan & Nat
Even the teacher couple was cute! Again, total opposites who just worked. They had such a nice chemistry, and it was sweet seeing a more mature relationship sprinkled in.



Overall, I really loved this show. Despite its flaws, I’ll be remembering it for a long time. It brought me joy when I needed it, and it felt like a little cozy world I could return to each week. The colors, the softness, the characters, everything just came together into something that made me feel warm and seen. It gave me comfort and company in a really special way, and I’m definitely going to miss them all.

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So I finally gave in and watched F4 Thailand, 4 years after it aired.

Not gonna lie, I’ve started other Boys Over Flowers adaptations before, but this is the first one I actually finished, and that alone says something. It was a fun ride for the most part. I especially enjoyed the first 8 episodes, everything felt fresh and engaging. but somewhere along the way it started leaning into that makjang-ish drama territory (you know the type), and I didn’t vibe with that as much. Still, I’m glad I watched it.

It had that nostalgic energy without being as toxic as older versions (though let’s not kid ourselves, there was still some). But overall, it felt more palatable, and the storytelling + character work really helped. I wouldn’t call it outstanding, but I get why it got the hype. Visually, the show was gorgeous too.



Gorya

I really liked her. She was understanding but not unrealistically saintly. She didn’t go around trying to change the world, just wanted to survive school and not get stomped on, and honestly, relatable. She had a backbone when it counted (especially for her friends), and Tu portrayed her in such a grounded way. Only complaint? Someone please tell her people can hear her even if she doesn’t shout when talking, but it added charm.

Thyme

Okay... he’s a mess. An adorable mess, but still a mess. I know he’s supposed to have character development, and sure, he stopped the red cards, quit the bullying, but let’s be real: it kinda felt like his growth was very dependent on Gorya being there and not rejecting him. Like, this is a boy who threw a chair after a breakup argument. If they broke up after the series timeline? I’m betting he’d throw another tantrum.
But somehow, I still adored this little stupid boy. Bright really was made for this role, he played it with so much charm and chaos, I couldn’t look away.

Ren

Too good. Too calm. Too emotionally available. I loved him. Minor flaws, but nothing major. Him and Gorya honestly felt like a better fit to me, especially around episode 15. Their dynamic gave mature couple vibes, and the show was lowkey pushing it too with the way they framed them together. That fire alarm scene? Gorgeous. But I also liked their friendship, it was comforting to watch.

Kevin & Kanninga

To be honest I didn’t care much about them. Kevin’s backstory was fine, but the romance wasn't selling to me. That being said, the bar fight scene for him? A moment.

MJ

MJ didn’t need a backstory or a romance arc. he just existed and that was enough for me. He was hilarious, his hand gestures were iconic, his expressions were everything and whoever gave him that hairstyle deserves a raise. He was like the good boy of the group who quietly did cool stuff (hacking, clubbing) and looked fabulous doing it.

F4 Friendship

One of the best parts of the show. Their chaotic friendship was so fun to watch, minus the bullying part (ew). The way they cared for each other, or better said the three solving problems for Thyme, the child of the group! and especially how the other three would abduct Thyme and force him to be a functioning human being, I can't.

Thyme's mom was so brutal both as a woman and a mother, but she is so classy doing that I started rooting for her to break up her son and Gorya at times.

Costumes

The wardrobe team did not play! Everyone looked incredible. But someone please get those boys a fan, they were wearing furs and jackets in tropical heat. That’s commitment.


F4 Thailand wasn’t perfect, and I’m not about to pretend it didn’t have its problematic bits, but it was entertaining, had a solid cast, and managed to make a classic story feel more digestible for modern audiences. I had fun, I yelled at my screen, I swooned a bit, and that’s all I really wanted.

Glad I finally watched it. No regrets.

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Accidentally an Assassin? Yes, Please.

This was such a funny watch, like way funnier than it had any right to be considering it’s literally about a woman who quits her job and becomes a full-on assassin?? And yet, it was lighthearted, cute, and just all-around chaotic good energy.

So basically, Kanako gets fed up with her boring office job, says "peace out", and ends up trying to find a new gig. But instead of, like, becoming a barista or something, she accidentally joins a hitman agency. Relatable, right? Her first target ends up being her abusive ex-boss (karma is real), and she just... kills him, like it’s the easiest thing in the world. The boss of the agency sees her talent and is like, “Yep, you’re hired.”

The whole thing is played for laughs, classic Japanese comedy style, and somehow they pull it off. Like, murder but make it funny. The vibe is so absurd in the best way.

Every character was such a win. I even liked Hosomi, who is 100% a wild-eyed psychopath, but you kind of love him for it?? He’s just doing his unhinged little best. And then there’s Sakurai, the cold, emotionless killer guy who’s always threatening Kanako with “I’ll kill you” like it's his version of saying hi. But let’s be real, he’s totally soft for her. Their dynamic is so chaotic and entertaining, I couldn’t get enough.

Also, can we talk about the little animated animals that appear on Kanako’s shoulder to show how she’s feeling? Like??? Genius. She literally talks to them. They’re adorable and hilarious and honestly added so much charm to everything.

The show doesn’t take itself too seriously, which I loved. It’s sharp, quirky, and somehow makes being a contract killer seem like the most wholesome career pivot ever.

Overall I Loved it. Laughed. Would watch again. Chaotic energy.
Totally worth it if you're into comedy with a side of unexpected murder and animated emotional support animals.

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