sunshinemoon_watches

Lovely Runner: Special and Memorable

**SPOILERS AHEAD**

I think the best way to describe how I felt while watching this show was warm. I fell in love with everything about the show: the plot, the romance, the characters, the music. And when you feel comfort with something, you aren't ready to let it go. Maybe that's why I delayed watching the final episode by three weeks: because I wasn't ready to let go of something that brought my so much joy.

I first started watching Lovely Runner because I was stressed: I needed something to take my mind off of school, and Lovely Runner seemed easy and fun to watch. I didn't think that by the second episode, I would be absolutely attached to everything about the show. But here I am.

First of all, the characters??!! Im Sol is a literal sunshine, and Sunjae is absolutely everything. But it wasn't just them: In Hyuk and Tae Sung also never failed to make me smile. I grew attached to every single character, and fell in love with them all over again in every episode I watched.

HUGE shoutout to all the actors: they were a huge reason that this show was so amazing. The chemistry between Wooseok and Hyeyoon will never be forgotten (Also the height difference??!! SOO CUTE). They literally sometimes just held hands, and I was blushing and giggling like crazy. And the comedic timing and writing in general?? IMEPCCABLE. The actors and actresses really put their whole heart and soul into this, and it's obvious.

Lastly, I need to give a shoutout to the songs. I cannot get over the fact that Sudden Shower was actually created for Im Sol. Like EXCUSE ME??!! THAT IS THE MOST ROMANTIC THING EVER. And I have been listening to Spring Snow non-stop. But all the songs are amazing, and seriously so worth it.

There is so much more I want to say about this show, but it would take a while. For criticism, I would say there were a few major plot holes. Why was the taxi driver attacking specifically Sol and Sunjae? Where did the Grandma's powers come from? What happened in the first timeline? Most of these plot holes were covered by the chemistry between the leads, but I am still curious.

Anyways, this review is me saying goodbye to some of the best characters, romance, music, and comedy I have seen in a show. I think this show is honestly for anyone who loves a good rom com, or anyone who needs a bit of comfort in their lives.

Thank you Lovely Runner for everything. And I hope to see all the actors and actresses in this show (with their well deserved success) shining in new roles in new universes.

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Bloodhounds

This is my third time trying to watch this show.

The first time I tried watching it, I think I gave up because I was too busy. The second time, I watched two episodes, and then got into a massive K Drama slump. I am pretty sure I didn't watch any show for around five months.

So what made me start watching this show? All the credit goes to the actors.

I recently watched Mr. Plankton, and I absolutely adored everything about that show, including the actors. Woo Do-hwan was phenomenal, and I wanted to watch more shows that he was in. Lee Sang-Yi also holds a special place in my heart, as he was a main character in the first K-drama I have ever watched (Hometown Cha Cha Cha), so of course I had to watch it for him as well. And lastly, I wanted to get a glimpse of an actress who I had never seen act, and who lives on in the memory of these dramas.

So with all of that in mind (mainly the cast), I clicked play on the first episode yesterday. And Bloodhounds did not disappoint.

First of all, the acting is insane. Every single person on the cast is crazy. The chemistry between Dohwan and Sangyi is also ridiculous: if you think that I didn't binge every single interview, every single snippet of any show they were on together, you thought wrong. I also watched every single edit they were in, and honestly, an edit I saw was one of the reasons why I even attempted watching the show in the first place (iykyk). Everyone else also acted incredibly: there weren't necessarily any standouts in my opinion, but I think that shows how balanced the acting was.

And then comes the story. I think overall, they had a very solid idea, and it turned out pretty well. The story was very captivating, and even despite all of the changes they had to make at the end, still turned out really well. My only issue is that we know NOTHING about Woojin. Who is his family? Why did he become a loan shark at the beginning? We literally have zero information on him, and I bet that they could have sacrificed some of Taeho's scenes for his scenes. It felt like Woojin was a side character in his own drama. That changed in the last two episodes, and hopefully it will improve in Season 2 as well.

Lastly, the FIGHTING SEQUENCES??!! Half the time, I was literally holding my breath. The scene where Woojin fought all of those men at once in the house? Honestly, it reminded me of one hundred men vs a gorilla, but instead of a gorilla, it's a lovable strong man. The scene with the archery??!! The scene where they had vents as their weapons at the end?? All of them were so so creative, and so well shot. I also really liked that their was less music during the scenes, and instead, you could hear the actual fight (like all the grunts and hits: it felt like you were actually there).

The ending was very heartwrenching in some ways, but heartwarming in others. Once you watch the show, you can decide for yourself.

I am so excited that Season 2 is filming, and I can't wait to see all these characters on my screen again!

And remember, sometimes thank you is just enough.

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Study Group: Hopeful

This show was incredibly well done.

***Maybe Spoilers Ahead I don't know***

Let's go by parts. First of all, the story was amazing. It was definitely a unique plot, and something that I don't think hasn't been done much in K-Drama Land, which I appreciate. It was also the perfect length: they didn't have too many random plots, and everything tied together well in the end.

Next, the acting. IT WAS AMAZING. Hwang Min-Hyun, I may have to watch every single drama you have been in. Ga-min was such a precious character. That may sound a bit odd, but I don't think there is really a better way to describe him. He was someone who really REALLY tried hard and did his best. He was so loyal and he was so loving to all of the characters. Especially to the ones who didn't really have much love in the first place. It was so nice to see. And of course, all the other characters were amazing.

THE ROMANCE. I definitley am reading too much into it, but I don't care. Sehyun's and Heewon's romance was so soft. They were just two people who seemed to really like each other, not for their tough sides, but for their gentle side. And that was something that I really appreciated. That little conversation while Sehyun was walking home that day will live rent-free in my head. And then on the total opposite end of the spectrum, we have Lee Jun and Jiwoo. I don't know about their romance. It was tough, but also sweet. They supported each other a lot. poor Ga-min was fifth wheeling the whole time.

And lastly, I want to give a shout out to the fighting scenes, because OH MY GOD. THE DIRECTING?? THE CINEMATOGRAPHY?? THE CHOREOGRAPHY?? THE MUSIC?? Everything about the fight scenes were so amazing. I also love how they made it a bit cartoonish in a sense? It was so so perfect, and so entertaining.

I would highly recommend this show: it's fun and interesting.

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Resident Playbook: Nostalgic and Heavily Dependent on Former Series

I have a tendency to watch some of the most formative dramas during my exam season.

Last year, I had two weeks filled with exams, and to keep myself from getting stressed, I decided to start a little K Drama called My Liberation Notes. It had a few quotes I saw online, and some beautiful characters, so I thought what harm would it do to start the show and just watch an episode a day?

Five days, sixteen episodes, and three crucial exams later, I had finished the whole series, and my life forever changed. My Liberation Notes, and it's anthem of "Something Good Will happen today" continues to echo on my lockscreen and everything I o. Son Sukku and Kim Jiwon continue to live on in my heart.

Obviously, I didn't expect Resident Playbook to have the same effect. But somehow it did.

All the actors were enthralling, and absolutely played their part perfectly: the bored Yiyoung, the bright Jaeil, the stubborn Sabi, and the romantic that is Namkyung. All of the characters were lovely, and their actors were even better. The fact that this is Han Yeji's (Sabi's) acting debut is insane, and I hope to see her blossom in other dramas as well.

I also want to give a shoutout to the actor that is Kang Youseok. I thought he looked familiar in the show, but kind of brushed it off as he may have looked like a character from When Life Gives You Tangerines. Then after a bit of a deep dive, I realized that he was in WLGYT, but a few years before that he was on a little show called Light on Me, where he played the main character. I, of course, genuinely DIED when I found that out because, WHAT??!! HE WAS SHINWOO FROM LIGHT ON ME??!! CLUMSY, INTROVERTED SHINWOO??!! And I think that shows how good of an actor he is, so props to him.

I apologize that was a bit off topic with the rant, but ANYWAYS.

So yes, of course the acting was phenomenal as expected, but the story?? well....

I didn't love the story. I didn't really like Yiyoung's motivations at all. I know it was important to the development of the character, but it jsut felt a bit odd. Despite the actor's best efforts, all the characters felt a bit two-dimensional. I am going to be honest, I don't think there are any character's that I am going to necessarily remember or anything. I think this is going to just become a show I watched. And I think that's okay.

I think the one thign that kept me going through this show were the CAMEOS, which I was so excited for. I really liked how Junwan's cameo was so him: I absolutley loved it. And Andrea's cameo?? Guys, I sobbed my eyes out it wasn't even funny. The depiction of grief was so honest and real that my heart genuinely hurt. Ikjun and Songhwa's cameo was amazing of course, and seeing them on screen in the same manner as usual, but just a bit more intimate made me so happy. Lastly, the fact that I got to see Seokhyung and Chu Min Ha on the same screen again??!! Words cannot describe how ecstatic I was.

So ya, overall, I believe the cameos really did carry. However, there was something also special about the year that this show was set in.

2023 was genuinely one of the most interesting years of my life. I was going through the worst heartbreak, was living one of the best memories, and was battling my inner demons if you will every day. I thought I wasn't really going to make it out the same way I did. I was in such a hole all year, and was miserable to everyone around me all year. However, when 2024 was about to come, I swore to myself that I was going to make it the best year ever, and that I wasn't going to let everything from 2023 follow me into 2024.

And it didn't.

So there was a bit of a sentimental thing going on with the year that this was set, which is why I may have liked it as much as I did. And if you are maybe looking for a piece of home, and a piece of yourself, maybe you can find it in this drama.

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Youth of May

***SPOILERS AHEAD***

I had planned to watch this in May, but alas, school caught up to me, and here I am after bingeing it in three days in June.

Youth of May has heart and warmth in the face of tragedy, which isn't very easy to create. I don't know much about the Gwangju Uprising, but I could feel the tragedy and the pain from everyone who was part of it.

Go Minsi and Lee Dohyun: the actors that you are! I know everyone is going to say it is weird that they were siblings in Sweet Home and then dating in this show, but I wasn't very bothered by that in general. Their characters were so beautifully done, and incredibly relatable. Their chemistry was also insane: their were so many iconic lines. "I'LL BE YOUR FAMILY." "MAYBE THESE FOURTY ONE YEARS OF PAIN WAS MY LOVE FOR YOU." LIKE HELLO???

But speaking of the tragedy, I was a bit upset about the ending. I know there were a lot of people who lost their lives unfairly, but I was still upset when one of the main characters died. With no one around her. In the cold. And she remained their for forty one years. I get the vision though: it makes the story more realistic.

Overall, this is a very nice drama: there is lots of sadness but there is also a lot of happiness if you look for it, so I would recommend watching it. If anything, you should watch it for the chemistry of the main leads (their eyes were everything) and perhaps for learning a bit more about Korean History (not exactly of course, but it makes you more aware of what happens in Korea).

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Ahn Min Hyuk might be my ideal man. Like EVERYTHING about him is perfect: from his looks (literally the most beautiful man I have ever seen) to his personality to his skills in technology to the way he is so comfortable in his masculinity. He was so in love with Bong Soon and it was SOO nice to see someone being so open with their affections with each other.

Okay I talked too much about Min Hyuk: but seriously Bong Soon was also absolutely incredible. She was so loving and sweet, and she cared SOO much about everyone. I especially loved her friendship with her best friend, and how they cared for each other. It was so nice to see.

THE CHEMSITRY WAS TOP TIER. I was literally screaming in joy at every scene.

Overall it was an enjoyable show. It was funny, the plot was interesting, everyone acted so well. There were some weird stuff, like the random Indian priest?? I didn't understand that at all. Also, the way the gay guy was portrayed was a bit stereotypical.

But I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants a lighthearted show with well developed main characters, and INCREDIBLE chemistry.

9/10 for me :)

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Fight for my Way

This series was so much fun to watch! it was very humorous, very warm-hearted, and very engaging.

This is my third Kim Jiwon series, and thankfully it did not dissappoint! The main couple's chemistry and love for each other felt so real. Their best friends to being in love, but also being best friends arc was so amazing to see, and you can tell that they like and love each other so much. It was really nice to see them both caring for each other.

The second couple's story was a bit depressing and pissed me off, but I am happy with the last few episodes regarding their story (if you know what I mean).

The drama overall felt very realistic. I could relate to a lot of the plot lines, and it is very comforting to people who may not know their place in life.

However, a few of the plots pissed me off. Mainly, the one with the ex girlfriend and the random plot twist at the end. It didn't feel very necessary and ruined the last few episodes for me.

This was a really amazing drama though, and I would highly recommend it for anyone looking for a fun story and a good laugh.

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Extraordinary Attorney Woo: An Extraordinary Watch

" I like you, but I'm afraid that I will make you lonely." WHY IS THAT THE MOST DEVESTATING LINE I HAVE EVER HEARD??

Park Eun-bin was INCREDIBLE: the Daesang was definitely well deserved.

The beginning episodes were SO interesting: I really liked the format of telling a new story every time. My favorite episode was definitely episode nine though.

I love the relationship between Young-Woo and her father. I think it was very well handled, and it was interesting to see how their relationship developed, and how honest he was to her (most of the time). I wish they had focused on that more.

Overall, it was very entertaining! A lot of the parts made me smile, and I think most of the topics were pretty well-handled. It did get a bit slow at the end, but it was still fun to watch!

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Big Mouth: High Expectations, Disappointing Ending

** I watched this a few months ago: these were my honest thoughts immediately after finishing **

***SPOILERS****

OKAY WOW.

First of all, I would not recommend watching the last two episodes in one sitting, because I was a MESS. The last four episodes were so sad and so painful and TERRIBLE. It feels like the screenwriters just gave up at the end.

First of all, every single character except Miho and maybe her dad is two-faced. Like they all suck so much, and I had no idea what to believe in. It was fun at first, but then it honestly got kind of boring. It was just plot twist after plot twist.

However, the main characters looked super good in this drama!! Lee Jong Suk was amazing in While You Were Sleeping, but I feel like this showed his range more, because that man can act!! Yoona was great too: her character was someone you just couldn't help root for. The actors were all amazing, which is what I appreciated.

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While You Were Sleeping

This drama was so enjoyable to watch: I finished it in about three days and thoroughly enjoyed every second. I am going to try to talk about the parts that I really loved about this drama.

For starters, the story is incredibly well done. The pilot episode has often been recognized by many as the best K-Drama pilot episode, and I can see why. It introduces you to the characters, the story, and it tells you exactly what you are getting into. Everything ties up very nicely in the end, and the way that it is formatted is completely new, which is exciting.

ALSO THE TWISTS WERE INSANE. I was shocked whenever even the most minor things were revealed (but also I am not observant so maybe that is just me)

Huge props to whoever edited this drama, because I think one of the reasons why the story worked out so well was because the editing is just incredible in general, and it matches the vibe perfectly.

Also, can we give a shoutout to the characters, and the acting??!!Hong-Joo is so cute, and Jae-Chan is the sweetest. Literally, Jae-Chan would be so stupid and clumsy, and I was actually in love. And Woo-Tak? I have only seen Jung Hae-in in DP, and he is a very stoic character in that drama, but he steals my whole heart in this drama. His kindness, patience, and love for Hong-Joo and in a way, Jae-Chan is SOOO LOVELY. The other actors were also amazing, and every single character had so much depth to them.

Overall, it was a very fun drama to watch. It had lots of humor, lots of love, and compelling stories. Highly recommend :)

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My Liberation Notes

I haven't finished a tv show in so long.

It's odd: I have been starting shows and then just stopping them. Life has been getting in the way, and in my head, I am going crazy. And then I watched this show.

This show became a comforting presence these past few days. The quotes in this show are going to be something I will remember for a long time. The warmth is something I will cherish. The love that emits from these characters, despite maybe coming from unconventional places are something I will store safely.

Definitely in my top 5 kdramas of all time.

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Mr. Plankton

When I saw the snow start to fall at the end, I wanted to smash my computer.

But oh my god, I wish I had watched this show sooner. it was unexpectedly amazing??!! I don't even know why I thought it wouldn't be amazing, but it exceeded my wildest expectations.

Okay, so first of all the ACTING??!! Woo Do Hwan and Lee Yoo Mi, I may have to watch every single one of your shows?? Their crying scenes so realistic (her trying to smile at the end while she was crying. snot running down his nose while he was sobbing his eyes out)?? Their CHEMSITRY??!!! Every time they had a scene together I felt like I was intruding on something. The way it was SO NATURAL??!!! That one scene where Hae Jo thought that Jae Mi was going to kiss him, but she bit her nose??!! The intimacy of every single word they said??!!

Also Bongsuk was amazing, loved her. My Liberation Notes is one of my favorite kdramas, so her actress/character holds a special place in my heart.

AND THE STORY IS PHENOMENAL. I cannot stress enough how this story could have gone wrong in so many ways, but it didn't?? The way they all loved each other so much and cared for each other in so many different ways?? Also, the fact that each character was done right made me so happy.

There is probably more I could say, but I watched this whole show in a day (2-12) and I lowkey need to sleep.

But of course, this show was so beautiful and heartwarming and sad and entertaining and warm, and you should definitely give it a try.

EDIT: OMG I FORGOT TO TALK ABOTU JOHN NA. Obviously, I wanted to see like who he actually was, but then when he revealed himself, and he was NICO KIM??!! I WAS SHOCKED, and then angry, because why would they cover NICO KIMS FACE THE WHOLE TIME??!! AND NOT LET HIM SPEAK??!! That was stupid. But hey, at least he was in the drama.

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Warm and Comforting

So I literally thought that I was writing reviews for so long, but it turns out, I was writing them in the notes section (i don't know how i didn't notice).

So this will be my first actual review on here, I suppose.

I heard about Racket Boys around one and a half years ago? I knew about the show, and I had heard great things, but honestly I didn't have the time to watch it. And technically, for me, this is actually the worst time for me to watch it. But I still decided some time last week to start watching it, and less than a week later, I am almost done.

There is something very charming about Racket Boys that can't really be found in other dramas, and I think that it primarily relies on the characters. They are people who you can't help but just root for: you want to see them succeed and you want more for them (2521 reference!). Hyun Jong is a perfect character in terms of how wholesome he is, and Yeong-Ja balances that perfectly with her strength and grace in a way. The five boys on the team and of course, Han-sol and Se-yoon are absolutely amazing as well: need I say more? The way that they grew together and shared each other's losses and victories, and their chemistry together was absolutely insane. I genuinely felt like they were a group of brothers, and in some way, soulmates. (Also, I can't believe that a bunch of people younger than me has a more romantic life than me TT. But it's okay, because the romance is so cute).

There was also so much care put into every single story, whether it was the main characters or the villagers or the coaches: every single character had a story to share. One of the ones that I personally liked the most was the city couple's: finding out why they moved was shocking (:O) , but seeing them grow and find more love around them made me so happy.

And of course, the music was amazing as well! It made me so giddy every time I heard the main theme when the kids were playing matches. The matches were already perfectly captured, but they became more enthralling with the music.

Overall, it's amazing!! A definite watch. I wish I had watched it when it aired, because apparently season 2 of Hospital Playlist was also airing this same time, and I think I would have genuinely found the secret to true happiness if I had watched these shows simultaneously.

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