For the first time I have seen a neat comedy show without raunchiness. Creativity of the writers of this show is simply extraordinary. None can claim that their lives are free of trouble or they are living a life of constant happiness. These Waikiki people are no different. They are living an average regular life like most of us. They have dreams, aspiration and goals to achieve which is common for almost all of us. However, the only difference is how they handle the situations. As the genre is comedy, the humour is depicted through each character’s problem they face in their day to day life. Their troubles are unique and their technique to fight back or to solve a particular problem is also unique.
It is impossible to feel bored during watching this drama. Interestingly the whole drama is full of sarcasm within which there are mindboggling comic relief scenes enough to make viewers laugh their heart out. The story is typical yet could make a place in everyone’s heart due to its excellent unpredictable sense of humour ingrained in every dialogue and in every scene. Those were puckish but not obscene. Never for a second had it seemed that the humour was over the top or cringe worthy but rather capable of making viewers crave for more.
The story involves the struggle of three young men and three young women, who by the twist of fate somehow ended up living together at a guesthouse named Waikiki. Among three men: one was an aspiring actor, another aspiring director and another aspiring manga writer. Among three women: one was an aspiring pastry maker, another aspiring reporter and another fashion designer. We can all relate to their struggles and various difficulties they face everyday while making their dream come true. What they teach us is that it is extremely hard to live up to a particular target. We may fail repeatedly, our whole world may crumble after us but still to stand up and fight back with all honesty and sincerity is all what living means. Life is a bed of roses full of thorns. Nevertheless should we cry often getting pricked by the thorns or just pluck the thorns and keep on moving. The choice is all ours.
Through the depiction of these characters it is taught no matter how tough a situation is, at the end of the day it has to be taken lightly. Only then we can live life to the fullest. Being positive or always thinking positive is not the solution as a matter of fact. As a human being we are all fragile, we feel dejected, anxious, doubtful, tensed, emotional, resentful and so many other negative thoughts always dwell in our minds but to embrace these feelings and making them our strength can only make living possible. On top if we have supportive family or friends it s easier to relieve our stress. People of Waikiki though do not have any blood connection (except a pair of siblings) among them, had relationships much deeper and stronger. They stand strong for each other; give utmost support and assistance to each other. They fight and squabble with one another, abominate and reprimand each other yet confront crisis together. Their unity is lovable and deep down their affection for each other is commendable.
Having comedy as the main theme all through, though all the six main casts did justice to their individual roles, the show stealer was definitely Lee Ki Yung who played the role of ever unfortunate Lee Joon Ki. His dialogue delivery, acting, gesticulations, expressions and postures everything is tremendously funny. He is a well sorted, adept and a marvelous actor. Every single situation he faced in the drama was exceptionally hilarious and my heart seemed to explode while laughing. The second actor I personally feel did good job was Go Won Hee who played the character Kang Seo Jin. She also made me role on the floor literally. Except for professional comedienne, I don’t find any regular female actress funny. But this woman blew my conventional thought; she was on point with her role.
Oh how can I forget this tiny little character baby Sol played by Ah Reum. She was so adorable and one of the cutest creatures I have seen till date. I felt like biting that cutie pie every time she appeared on screen cackling with her chubby cheeks. She was out of this world adorable.
The background score composition was also intelligently done. Most of the sounds or music is blended comically regarding the scenes. Sometime it felt like rather than the dialogue or expressions of the ensemble these sounds made us laugh more or may be these sounds made the expressions even funnier.
The OSTs are also subtle and soothing.
All in all Waikiki is a riveting comedy show without a single profanity. I am not emphasizing that having profanity or raunchiness is outward wrong or unacceptable. Nonetheless, I could never imagine that a comedy can also be presented in such an aesthetically pleasing manner where a pure dose of laughter was only intended.
Hats off to the production team. My utmost respect for their hard work.
This is the best comedy Kdrama out there. So do not even give a second thought. Just watch it.
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Magnanimous, undeterred baseball player Kim Je Hyuk, most trustworthy and loyal friend Lee Joon Ho, incredible buffoonery of Yoo Han Yang a.k.a Looney, composed and cultured Choi Moo Sung, lovable and sacrificing brothers Jung Moon Sung and Lee Soon Dol, most sweet-hearted and loving Lieutenant Paeng, confident and disciplined Captain Yoo, humorous Kang Chul Doo a.k.a KAIST, sycophantic Crony, ever supportive and unconditional lover Kim Ji Ho, ever faithful Kim Yeong Cheol, impulsive but tough and determined Lee Joo Hyung, authoritarian Captain Na, talkative Song Gi Dong and many other characters surmounted Prison Playbook in a different level. Excitement has been created gradually in a slower pace. Every episode has something different to present. The fondness of each character would eventually grow in a viewer as the episode progresses which imprints a deep mark in the mind. The main focus is the eclectic characters indicted for wrongdoings which are basically not wrong as a matter of fact and finally acquitted after much hardships.
It started with the high-flier baseball player Ki Je Hyuk getting arrested for defensing a crime took place against his younger sister. After being captivated in the penitentiary, the journey of his life while he was serving his terms was the main theme. He met with different inmates of various age, professions, habits and personalities and the relationship he established with each of them through interaction was most amusing, sometimes heart rendering and sometimes empathetic. Remaining within the confined boundary he tried to help his cellmates and other inmates as much as possible. Also he established excellent relationship with other wardens and correction officers as well.
What makes this drama different from rest of the prison dramas/movies is that there is no single protagonist fighting against all the diabolism or morbidity a prison life can offer or how the protagonist fight against all odds to finally get released. What makes it distinguishable is that each character has their own endearing story and background to share. Not necessary that just because they are prisoners they are all heinous criminals. The story emphasized more on the positivity of different characters. Within 16 episodes every story of every character were written and presented meticulously. Eventually enamoured the viewers with the wonderful story telling. This is not the single story. There are multiple stories brought under one place, i.e. prison. This is the story started with a one famous person but there were more than ten to twenty stories. No one is shown as pure evil rather shown their aspirations, dreams or the purpose of doing certain act or how they had fallen prey to a certain situation/incident. It is a character oriented drama. Even the wardens and correction officers have their own story to tell. Not all wardens and correction officers are brutal. Here they displayed the warm hearted and kind team of law enforcement people who were very understanding of the prisoners’ needs and wants. The wonderful affability among these people made the overall story spectacular. All were strangers to one another but ended up having compassion for one another. The stories were simple but the portrayal is elucidated sublimely.
Correspondingly, the sarcastic comedy depicted by all the characters is another charming strength. In a moment it would make one cry and in next would make one burst into laughter. None of the scenes can be said superfluous. When any scenes were important it was there precisely rather than in a prolonged version.
I would like to bow in front of the entire cast and crew for giving us such a joyful thing to watch. I have grown tremendous respect towards them. It was more like reading a wonderful book. The life of this drama were its casts. Each of them poured their heart and soul to perfect their characters given to depict. It is difficult to praise only one actor. All of them did utterly tremendous job. My personal favourites are the characters called Looney and Lieutenant Paeng. Looney’s character was ravishing. Needless to mention that ninety percent of the actors acted here are either struggling or aspiring actors. Hats off to the production company for giving them this lifetime opportunity. Many actors especially Park Hae Soo and Lee Kyu Hyung gave outstanding performances and would definitely leap to fame in the near future. Actually it is pretty difficult to praise a single actor and criticize others. They were all diligent in playing their role no matter how small it is.
Another interesting things are the OSTs and background scores. The intelligent incorporation of certain sounds in the background while showing a humorous scenes were extremely enjoyable. In fact the sounds itself brought laughter along with the blank expressions of the actors. The OSTs are pretty decent and ear catching as well.
I am always a penchant for “prison” related stories but this one by far the best one I have seen till date and definitely going to my most favourtie list. Prison Playbook is the best example of swashbuckling drama and a best example of aesthetically pleasing art piece. The writers and director should be applauded for their creativity and adept story writing and direction respectively. Good things come once in a while and leave everyone awestruck. This drama should be cherished till the end of the world.
Those who haven’t watched it should watch it immediately.
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The dissension between bourgeois and proletariat were presented with two families where obviously one belongs to the privileged class whereas another from the lower middle class. Fate turned up in a way where both families come in contact with each other through adopting shoddy method by the latter. Eventually the temporary elation transformed into repugnant misfortunes costing both the families’ life of a loved one though there was no pernicious intention whatsoever from the beginning.
Basically to my perception, the writer wanted to elicit that accepting one’s socio-economic condition is the best way rather than being wafted by greed. Precipitous actions would always bring-forth debacle. As the very name suggests itself “parasite”, this social parasite had existed, existing and will exist but instead of indignation it is ideal to work consistently and persistently towards changing one’s situation.
All in all it is a fantastic movie. No wonder it already secured a reputable international award. The casts had all shown remarkable performances, alongside smart writing and direction. Everyone interested in movies in general should watch it because I have personally never seen such an unusual portrayal of a typical subject matter.
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A Heartfelt Summer Tale with a Deeper Message
Hear Me: Our Summer is a beautifully crafted romance drama that effortlessly captures the essence of a sweet, breezy, and soothing summer love story. With its warm, atmospheric storytelling, the film feels like a gentle glide through the golden hues of summer, making it an easy and enjoyable watch.The two lead actors deliver outstanding performances, bringing depth and authenticity to their characters. Their chemistry is both heartwarming and genuine, making their romance feel natural and deeply engaging. The film does not rely on grand gestures or dramatic twists but instead focuses on the quiet, tender moments that make love stories truly memorable.
Beyond its romantic elements, Hear Me: Our Summer subtly raises awareness about the lives of the hearing-impaired community, shedding light on the discrimination they often face from so-called "able" individuals. The film thoughtfully portrays how they are just as capable as anyone else, proving that they can contribute to society in meaningful ways rather than being seen as burdens. This underlying theme adds a layer of depth to the narrative, making it more than just a love story—it becomes a powerful statement on inclusivity and acceptance.
The cinematography beautifully complements the storytelling, with warm, sunlit visuals that enhance the film’s emotional appeal. The supporting cast also does a commendable job in bringing the world of the film to life, adding richness and authenticity to the narrative.
Overall, Hear Me: Our Summer is a heartwarming and thought-provoking watch. It seamlessly blends romance with social awareness, making it both touching and enlightening. With its charming leads, meaningful message, and soothing summer ambiance, this film is a must-watch for those who enjoy heartfelt dramas with a purpose.
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Weak Hero Class 2 — A Storm of Violence Without the Heartbeat of Part One
Weak Hero Class 2 arrives with heightened expectations, following the exceptional emotional resonance of its first season. Yet despite its impressive intensity and visual prowess, the second installment left me feeling disconnected, longing for the soulful storytelling that once defined the series.One of the greatest strengths of Weak Hero Class 1 was its intricate balance between brutal realities and tender human connection. It was not just a story of violence — it was a poignant exploration of friendship, loyalty, and survival. Each fight in the first season was steeped in context; it carried emotional weight, often revealing the characters' vulnerabilities and desperate need for belonging. Violence was never gratuitous — it was a last resort, an act of desperation or protection, making every blow feel necessary, almost inevitable.
In contrast, Weak Hero Class 2 seems to have shifted its focus almost entirely toward the spectacle of violence. While the production values are commendable — the action sequences are visceral, raw, and technically brilliant — the narrative often feels hollow. The relentless fights lack the strong emotional undercurrent that once made the pain onscreen deeply personal. Here, violence seems to occur for violence's sake, with the reasons behind the endless power struggles remaining flimsy, almost superficial.
I do appreciate that adolescence can be a chaotic, tumultuous time, where pride, anger, and insecurity fuel rash decisions. Teenagers can indeed be irrational in their quest for dominance and respect. However, the sheer extent of the brutality in Weak Hero Class 2, without sufficient emotional grounding, made it difficult for me to fully engage with the characters' journeys. I found myself questioning — why are they fighting so hard? What are they truly trying to defend or prove?
That said, the drama is not without merit. The deep bonds of friendship, a hallmark of the series, continue to shine in certain moments. Su Ho's arc, in particular, was beautifully tragic, evoking genuine sympathy and heartbreak. I also felt a profound sadness for Baek Jin, whose suffering was portrayed with a quiet intensity that lingered even after the final scene. These flashes of emotional truth reminded me of what the Weak Hero series is capable of when it taps into the human spirit beneath the fists.
Yet overall, the sequel struggles to match the emotional layering and character depth that made the original so memorable. Weak Hero Class 1 was a story about survival against odds, about fragile young men forging bonds to shield themselves from an unforgiving world. Weak Hero Class 2, by comparison, feels like a story of endless confrontation, with too few moments of introspection or growth to make the violence truly meaningful.
In the end, Weak Hero Class 2 roars with anger but often forgets to whisper the quieter truths about pain, friendship, and resilience that once set this series apart. It is a visually powerful sequel — but one that left me missing the soul of its predecessor.
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Firstly, the story does not at all fall into the category of typical horror genre. I was bit aversive at the beginning about whether to start it or not; however, I do not regret at all because it is ravishingly well made. This is the first time I am watching any drama genre which has given a completely different message using horror-thriller concept. Maintaining an aberrant concept with spirits/ghosts/any supernatural being to portray an underlying perfidiousness of mankind expresses perfect erudition of the writers.
One harbinger, one priest and a detective - are the three unfortunate people- relatively of same age are the three main characters of this drama. Through thick and thin and utter turmoil they fought with the unknown iniquitous power which has the ultimate target to make the entire human race its sycophant. During the time of atrocity, corruption or belligerence or in general during the weakest time of a human, when their morality dwindles, integrity shaken and corruption becomes rampant that’s when this invisible being becomes supremely powerful. Thus it possesses people claiming it would chew his/her heart, making them torpid and would take full control of their soul. The portrayal is rather a complex one enough to give the viewers harrowing feeling yet the charm of the story is simply ineluctable. Although many macabre scenes may produce nausea but it is a kind of masterpiece that has one prime message to deliver.
Upon hearing quite a number of dialogues regarding pinpointing at the facinorous characteristics of human, I became quite doubtful about what they want to depict. It is not at all an usual one. Never have I seen any dramas of this genre possessing deep edification. Everything became clear when the writers' thoughts have been expressed as an epilogue at the end of the finale episode. Following is what they said, “The guest tried to look at the problems in our society through another perspective. All bad things eventually start from the heart of people, and this is what we wanted to depict. They say humans are the most frightening beings. Just like the viewers called Yun Hwa Pyung “Yun Peace”, we hope all viewers find peace of mind”.
Apparently, though all the episodes are petrifying but if can be concentrated past the horror scenes, viewer can find the vehemence the writers depicted on the dark psychology of humans. As they have said it is simple, a person’s unscrupulous acts submerge them into intense evil. Thus the weakest heart full of malevolence would subject to debacle.
From the beginning till end the story, acting of the ensembles, cinematography, cliff hangers, OSTs and most importantly the pace are extremely intriguing. Chill would run down one’s spine still one would be glued to his/her sit. Guaranteed. All credit and a huge round of applause should go to the ensembles for doing marvelous job of frightening us even in the broad day light. Moreover, I cannot eulogize the directors enough for their meticulous and well thought out direction and the writers for presenting us a discerning story through the lens of supernatural action/thriller. In one word the drama is enigmatic yet the message it holds is explicable.
OCN always present us the darkest, most sombrous dramas with captivating plot twists. I cannot say much due to the fear of giving out spoilers. So, if you do not want to live in quandary and quench your utter dismay you should go and watch it.
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Metaphorically, some concurrent/pressing societal yet universal issues were sublimely portrayed which I would like to list down in the following:
1. Divorce rates are at rise in SK as per some authentic statistics whereas the marriage rate is decreasing every year. Through this drama it is expressed several times that life might get extremely difficult still divorce should not be the immediate reaction for a couple to break up rather both the person must respect each other’s space. Best is to talk it out and solve the issues at hand with patience and perseverance. None of the humans are perfect and both the spouse goes through some kind of hardships which they refrain from sharing from each other rather resort to superficial expectation or keep on grousing at each other making the relationship derailed and the problems irresolute.
2. Teen pregnancy is also at rise in SK. Adoption rate of these children are the highest in the world. Most teen parents (especially woman) abort the child due to heavy social stigma against single unwed mothers and also due to lack of support from the biological father. Subtly 18 again shows, mistake or whatever if you have the sensibility to satisfy your whimsical hormonal need then you must also be prepared to take full responsibility of the human(s) you’re bringing into this world. It would be excruciating to nurture but giving up should not be a viable option.
3. Respect towards in-laws. Often times it is seen that both the spouses are just sufficiently good to their in-laws on their face. There is always lack of ingenuity. However, taking care of the in-laws to the utmost and taking care of some of their basic needs is a candor habit many lacks. Just because they are aging doesn’t necessarily mean they need to be disposed or neglected.
4. Stereotypes about working mother, discrimination against women, sexual harassment, starting job at a later age and so on. All these female related issues are wonderfully portrayed and how women with utmost grit tolerate all these. Hurdles are numerous yet they manage to reach success if have confidence and hardheadedness. Empowering oneself no matter how much dirt are being thrown at and holding up one’s head high during adversities is also one of the hidden messages of this drama. Nonetheless, relentless support from the partner also makes a huge difference in boosting up a woman’s self-esteem has also been highlighted.
5. Empowering a girl child. Although the couple has twin children (one son and one daughter), mostly the daughter’s adoration, care and struggles are mostly emphasized for a reason.
6. Importance of martial arts for women. With abnormal hike on violence against women worldwide, undeniably martial arts are imperative for any women at least at a minimum. Both the mother and daughter in this drama are capable of applying few tactics during some unexpected events.
7. Workplace harassment. Nepotism, favouritism and cronyism are practiced intensely in high power distance countries like SK, where many becomes frustrated affecting their personal, social and familial life. Deserving candidates are always overlooked or are not given chance to show their true potential or are harshly treated by their higher-ups. The male protagonist of this drama has been unprecedentedly belittled by his higher up which in turn made his life completely upside down, only earned him disdain from his own family members due to their misunderstandings. Hence one issue could branch out to create several severe issues in a person’s life.
Last but not the least the epilogues stole my heart away, especially the one which says that there is no room for regret for life choices, if you regret that’s the end but if we take all the experiences as a learning process then every lesson will open a new phase in life; a new beginning will take place.
About the performances of the casts, Lee Do Hyun overshadowed everyone with his unflawed natural acting skills. What a superbly matured acting at such a young age. No wonder just after playing a supporting role in Hotel Del Luna, he landed up in a main role in a high profile drama like 18 again. His expressions, emotional portrayal, gesture, posture, looks, stares all are sufficiently perfect for the role. He might win few awards this year without a doubt.
Most importantly, the nine OSTs are the nine gems of this drama. Oh my my my each and every songs captured the right mood and set another mood which may be the scenes itself should not have done. So much feelings and emotions oozed out from every song. Especially, whenever, I listen to “Hello” and “Somebody” tears automatically rolls down, takes me back to which world or which era I can’t comprehend. They are simply magically to say it the least.
I really loved this drama a lot due to its tasteful balance of entertainment with some serious issues which was completely unexpected. Although I found the last episode bit cheesy but underlying points I mentioned above were the main reasons I have rated it 8.5.
It is overall an excellent watch.
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