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A fresh and thrilling tale against demons.
To begin with, I loved everything, the music, the costumes, the special effects, the drawings, the fights, the cinematography (especially the snowy territories), and the demons. The drama was cool and beautiful visually, despite not having as much budget as others.Speaking of the special effects, I was expecting anything but this, especially in view of the criticisms of this aspect? It looks even better than in the trailer. It's quality and I've clearly seen worse, forced criticism as usual... The fights were also superbly filmed and choreographed. This isn't a drama with huge production value either but I was fascinated most of the time. Xu Kai is way too cool and his mastery of the spear is impeccable, I can't even imagine how much he had to train.
Also, Snow Eagle Lord is neither a Wuxia or a Xianxia but a Xuanhuan, which appears to be uncommon. "Xuanhuan (玄幻 xuánhuàn) – literally means “Mysterious Fantasy”. A broad genre of fictional stories which remixes Chinese folklore/mythology with foreign elements & settings."
The story may not be original, but it stands out in its own way. Watching it is pure pleasure, and its freshness makes it even more special. It's consistently dynamic and engaging—I’ve never felt bored for a moment. It reminds me of the animes I loved when I was younger, and honestly, it feels refreshing. While some might dismiss it as cringe-worthy, I find it epic. Not to mention that I've never seen this before in a real-life format.
The drama delicately alternates between sweet moments, drama, action... The story developped very well and was very captivating to my taste. As you can imagine, the theme of evil demons versus good humans and the hero becoming all-powerful is far from complex. Nevertheless, I'm glad the drama brought a modicum of nuance. In addition, I loved the diversity of the characters.
Finally, claiming the romance is bad is ridiculous. Tension is not the only form of chemistry, romance doesn't have to be intense. Sometimes romance is a sweet and subtle thing that can be built upon.
If everything about Snow Eagle Lord gets you hooked from the first episodes just like me, and not only Xu Kai, you will have a lot of fun. Besides, we never really see him less as some people states here, maybe for a few small parts but it wasn't for no reason. It's true that there are a lot of characters. However, he's the character we see the most, and certainly the most important.
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Playlist with fmvs: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVlEiYP-9el428H6S5jq7xeNSKfpmpsWE
This drama was truly so good 😭 I love all the main characters... Xueying, Jingqiu, Yangbo, Youyue, Qingshi, Jirong and more side characters (my favorite was Yemei). Also, please don't pay too much attention to the first minutes, the drama is really good and by the end of the first episode you'll know that. Ignore the negativity, many love it (just look at Viki not this unworthy site but don't tell me 7.6 is a bad rating, Douban don't even bother it's full of haters and bots) and it was the first I loved in the genre. Be it sageuks or these fantasy cdramas, I usually can't watch them.
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A romantic story about life beautifully told in a slow-breathed and melodic narrative.
Please ignore worthless hateful reviews, this drama is excellent and had good ratings in Korea. Jang Kiyong and Song Hyekyo are amazing, my favorite drama from both (except that Kiyong has Born Again before). It's a slow-paced, melodic, mature modern drama with a melodrama intrigue aka makjang (which suits SBS). The focus on the women is also really good, and the friendships along with the work scenes added dynamism to the drama.Why the criticism? Haters of Hyekyo, noona romances and kdrama fans who lack the understanding to appreciate such dramas and only want a typical happy or sad ending, that's it and it's quite pathetic and not respectable to see such stupid hate here. Some comments are disgusting even and show how immature they are. In fact many people such as Kiyong and Hyekyo fans, especially adults and the elderly appreciate this drama. It's not meant to be the most entertaining but it's impressive. Why? Because it's poetic and relatable, because of its mature and philosophical dialogue, because of its title meaning so much more, because of its cast/ost/cinematography, because of its setting and work scenes, because of the scenes in Paris, the opening and the leads being the first to speak French so well in dramas. (I'm French so I know what I'm talking about)
it's simply not a drama full of cheesy lines, butterflies and face value. Add to that every kdrama fan who doesn't understand acting...
Hyekyo is great and she doesn't deserve hate. Personally I liked her the most here. The Glory being such a hit makes sense and I'm happy for her, but also, she got really close to the NWBU cast and it's probably the most important drama for her especially with what she said, which makes the drama and its storyline so much more beautiful.
Rewatch? Yes mostly for the leads, because they're so classy. Oh Sehun was also cool here.
-- Ending note in the comments
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스캔들 (Scandal) aka the Makjang Snow White
-- Where to watch: Kocowa for 1080p with a subscription (or Viki/Prime if it's available in your region), YouTube for free but not recommended because of the quality, and for free alternatives you have Goplay (1080p streaming, join the Discord) or Avistaz (torrents).-- Playlist I made with highlight video and teasers first: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVlEiYP-9el6wtW5e1YQZ_m0jlOhOU8VM
-- Have you noticed how they went from The Two Sisters (red thread tale) → Snow White → Cinderella → Queen's House? Peak KBS lol.
I loved the style of the main poster and the group poster in the cinema, so obviously I had to watch it. Young cast and refreshing drama (it's cute because they got close IRL haha), messy story and intertwined characters, good shock value (definitely unique lol), good mystery, lots of fun, a good portrayal of the Korean entertainment industry and an original concept of a drama script in the drama (my new favorite trope). I read complaints about the drama being too repetitive and slow, but it wasn't bad at all for me??? The drama was what it was and I loved it for that, as simple as that. Also, I never considered SWR easy to write as it basically started with the end (one of my favorite tropes) and completely stood out from other dailies. Worse, I can only imagine the pressure and hectic schedules. Considering how the writer changed in The Two Sisters, it seems like the higher-ups do whatever they want. It's clear the focus is on these three women: Jeongin (the villain), Seolah (Snow White), and Juryeon. The drama isn't about revenge in the conventional sense — rather, the love line is the focus, and the ML isn't meant to be likeable. He's an antihero. But to be honest, I liked him. I'm attached to the entire cast anyway. The drama is ridiculous, absurd and over-the-top, but I really love it and it was actually emotional for me. I care more about characters I enjoy watching, a great OST, and a storytelling that I find interesting than anything else.
If you look at this drama with the perspective of the classic tale made into a makjang, it truly becomes interesting, particularly because of Jeongin and Jinho (the antihero ML). About Seolah, it's annoying for me to see people saying that "weak" female leads should literally go extinct. Diversity and nuances are the best and I saw her as strong personally. It's the same with The K2 (I love Anna) and others, people always complain. Seolah is definitely one of my favorite characters and a "weak" character can be stronger than "strong" ones, and again that's all you reduce them as, "weak". Jinho isn't inherently a bad person (his robotic character looked so funny and dumb at times, I can't hate him lmao), same for Juryeon, and Jeongin... She's interesting for sure, and it's funny that she was like the protagonist. Again, all the characters simply suit my taste. I loved the comic relief, funny characters, and even the worst one, Taechang. If you ask me, I would say the best thing this drama has is Jeongin.
The ending was my favorite because it was something I had in my mind all the time (along another option), but I was still surprised. I don't want to spoil here, so all I can say is pay attention to the narration and dialogue in episode 1. The first episodes are also very aesthetic, being filmed like a prime-time drama, and this is the daily where I love the sets and lighting the most (nice use of darker colors including red like on the posters), so the drama could be a literal huit-clos and I wouldn't mind it.
If some things don't seem to have an explanation, don't bother. I think it was meant to be overlooked (what's makjang logic after all) and the drama is very enjoyable, in my view. It was something different and fresh, good for both younger and older audiences. Revenge overshadowed by romance is my guilty pleasure also... Revenge isn't truly what I care about in my makjangs anyway. I just like makjangs.
Lastly, I find it interesting how people criticize such "misleading" titles and synopsis because this can be a quality to others. Specifically Cinderella Game and Queen's House, which can be ironic, less literal titles or referring to a future development. But some titles also can just be a bad choice/marketing.
Snow White's Revenge should be more popular. Ignore the negativity and see for yourself. Enjoy!
P.S: Guys please follow this channel uploading the tragically unreleased BGMs of recent dailies: https://www.youtube.com/@ruby_638
Planning intention from Namu Wiki:
On the day of the drama’s wrap party, the production company’s CEO was found dead.
She was murdered, a note foretelling her death clenched in her hand.
The killer is one of the people who were present at the banquet that day.
Every one of them wanted her dead — no, they wanted to kill her!
Who did it? Why? For what reason was she killed?
Every person harbors hatred, resentment, and a desire for revenge in the chambers of their heart.
The moment those feelings are revealed, they risk becoming the most pathetic, cruel, or wicked person in the world — so no one dares to show them.
But when someone you love most is taken from you, how can you possibly suppress that fury?
This story seeks to provide a vicarious catharsis for the revenge that lies dormant in the human heart.
A mystery-charged, intense melodrama unfolds between a woman who wanted to own the world and another who risked everything for vengeance.
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Underdog story as an old-fashioned melodrama in the cutthroat world of fashion.
At least this was appreciated in Korea, but although it's unpopular here we owe dramas like The Penthouse (although I'm not quite a fan of it overall) to this and What Happened in Bali, both written by the same authors.What's Fashion King? A makjang-like drama (the time SBS peaked before The Escape of the Seven) with pathetic characters. The writers seem heavily focused on convoluted love lines, morally ambiguous or unlikeable characters, relentless misfortune, and the classic underdog-versus-rich trope. What's good about it? Everything. I won't elaborate but let me just mention one thing: the cinematography. You should absolutely pay attention to the colors in the first episode especially, and how it evolves. What Fashion King did overall can't be done today anyway. Also, the main characters' styling being in line with the story.
In summary, Fashion King is my first reference for antihero and underdog dramas. It's an emotional and thought-provoking epic journey which never gets boring and didn't need less than 20 episodes. However, I mostly found it to be an impressive and fun watch, contrary to others. Except the last episodes which were more painful.
Music? If we disagree on the story, you'll at least agree on that (and the cast/chemistry/sets/colors), trust me. Classical music with a spanish swing and 2012 techno is perfect. Standstill and the Japanese song are the best, I also love Lee Jehoon's version of one of the OST (sang towards the end).
How to enjoy it? Remove your usual black and white lenses and watch.
-- In defense of Shin Sekyung, other than her being appreciated in Korea and even having received top excellence awards and more, even nominated for Daesang (and being called the Sageuk queen): Whatever people will say about this drama - Fashion King was the one which let me look closer at her acting. I was surprised. I first watched Run On, and later on The Bride of Habaek had me more intrigued about her. Then Fashion King came and I became a fan. Some viewers will say, don't watch it, because she's a "doormat" as they say. But have they tried to look at her character being the youngest of the main cast, her personality and her story? Which contains far more emotions than being a mere doormat, like in Coffee & Vanilla for example. In the end, this label is unnecessarily harsh and in this drama, used as an excuse to hate on the woman because no one wants to criticize the men. For me, her character was realistic and relatable. Then I watched When A Man's in Love (my favorite performance of hers and I'm so glad she got a top excellence award for it). While it was similar to Fashion King, it offered a new side of her. I don't care that the ratings on MDL are low, I loved them.
-- Ending note in the comments / Standstill's lyrics (I really like them)
Playlist I made for the drama: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVlEiYP-9el7bpWy00vzk5ywUdunsQJxz
My favorite edit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ewyVz9lRCR4 - I'm not surprised Russians loved it due to the intense love line, high drama, unfortunate circumstances and societal aspect. Interesting how it resonates differently to such audiences, right?
Posted some pics recently: https://kisskh.at/3228-fashion-king/photos
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하백의 신부 2017
The Bride of Habaek offers a unique blend of fantasy (Habaek actually being part of Korean mythology) and romance that feels fresh and enjoyable. Habaek, Mura and Biryeom are such fun gods and I like the different vibe. I especially loved the character dynamics and the memorable love story. While it may seem a bit absurd at times, its playful tone adds to the charm. There is enough depth and details that make it a really good fantasy romcom (further review in the comments), in my opinion. The witty humor was really nice at times, and it's a visually stunning drama with some great dialogue and lines.On a side note, "The Bride of Habaek 2017" is a spin-off of the original manhwa, which has a historical setting (not for me), so it's almost completely different.
To many, this drama may seem bad (although it was a hit loved by many people), but for me—as someone who’s always loved fantasy—it’s good in its own way. It’s a drama worth giving a try—and I say this as someone who had his own moments of boredom and frustration with it, especially around the middle, if I remember correctly. Yet, I ended up sacrificing sleep to watch the last episode and woke up too late for school. Since I was watching it with a friend, my first reaction to the last episode was: "MAGNIFICENT".
No plot and no twists? That's not true and I'm glad it's a 16-episode drama. The plot is between the characters and their development, and there is definitely stuff going on without the script being too predictable, thus feeling "unfocused" I guess but it's my cup of tea.
As for the complaints about bad acting, especially regarding Shin Sekyung... That's nothing but a generic complaint from international kdrama fans who have no idea what they're talking about. Nam Joohyuk and Sekyung were really good and I loved their chemistry. To each his own. Their performance becomes even better when you learn that Sekyung fought her phobia of water for the role (like the character...) and Joohyuk his fear of heights. A last thing, the director actually told the screenwriter to stop watching Goblin because of the similarities, and they had to make changes in the script to make it more different and unpredictable. This surely turned out well for me, because I dropped Goblin after the first episode.
Finally, Habaek is truly more than just a drama to me. Habaek and Soah stayed with me. "If something gets bathed in the moonlight, it becomes a myth. I guess our story will become a myth." - that's how special they are to me.
I wish Netflix gets it back, but thankfully it's on Viki.
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A philosophical and poignant take on the end of the world. Together today, tomorrow, till the end.
Difficult (such as the writer persevering despite an illness) and unusual (due to the setting which isn't common SF) production adapted from a Japanese novel, but hate-bombed because Netflix wouldn't release it so they had to cut a few of Yoo Ahin's scenes. For me it was a great drama despite its flaws. I think it would have benefited from a longer duration and possibly a better translation other than not editing out anything, but it's such a complex and philosophical drama that's more than worth watching. I myself felt like I lacked knowledge on the setting at times and that being Korean might have helped but some things cleared themselves for me and aside from one storyline I didn't get on my first viewing, it might be better or worse for you, but not enough to be completely lost. An example of a drama like that for me was The Untamed and this was very far from it, since I was mostly not lost. Goodbye Earth is one of the realest fictions out there and is beautiful in every way, so if you like something emotionally resonant and intellectually engaging, it's a must-watch.I've seen the criticism but I can't agree with most of it. Why: 1. Tensionless? First, it was so damn immersive. Second, the tension was already in all these quiet moments, which constitute most of the drama. The mystery part was also really cool. And don't say the genre is misleading. It is mainly psychological/slice-of-life SF with crime thriller. 2. It wasn't directionless, the focus was on Ahn Eunjin, the protagonist (which is why cutting Ahin's scenes wasn't really a problem, you'll know what they removed and it's not much), what the actual catastrophe represents to her, and the perspective of these ordinary people you follow in their now extraordinary lives. People bashed it but the way it starts and ends made sense and actually proved them wrong. The editing wasn't bad at all either, not that different even. It only took patience to get to know the characters and connect the dots, which was satisfying. Even if it only comes across as messy and confusing to haters who exaggerate the flaws as if they hadn't actually watched it (since they act like it's pure garbage with no redeeming quality except YAI), it will remain a masterpiece in my eyes. Literally some people act like they watched it even though all they did at most was watch the clips of Ahin shared on Twitter. I understand why he chose this amazing drama. 3. You can't skip anything, there is a lot in every episode (subtle) and you have to pay attention to every scene so don't even think about fast-forwarding or using the speed function. How funny some viewers who obviously did that go to MDL to then rate it low (usually a 1) and comment about how bad it is, especially the ending. If it's not your thing just accept it. I personally loved replaying scenes, especially ending scenes. But the hater mindset everyone seemed to have taken here even before the drama was released, is just insane. Like so many who rated it a 1 didn't even watch it.
Also, "Goodbye Earth" sadly doesn't grasp the meaning of the original title, which means "The Fool of the End". This drama is eye-opening and progressive. It is the best work on humanity (giving hope amidst the chaos) and religion, in my opinion. They can find all the flaws they want, it won't change much.
-- Ending note in the comments
-- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mJeiiQcQBU (unreleased ost from episode 11 - read the description for lyrics)
-- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5q4F99v8bQ (goodbye earth ost - danny koo x hwang sangjun / spoiler episode 12)
-- https://www.instagram.com/p/ChwxoAEPJuL/ (ahin on goodbye earth set)
-- Added to my list of the most technically interesting dramas with unique storytelling: https://kisskh.at/list/LZ8wpJa4
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Through its different approach to love, Love Alarm denounces the excesses of technology.
(SunOh is just my username -actually taken from his character before I even watched the drama because of a friend naming herself Jojo in a Korean MMO so I did SunOh and HyeYeong- but actually I don't hate him at all and I love Song Kang)There are so many layers, details, and beauty in Love Alarm.
First and foremost, please watch it—unless you choose to be a blind misogynist. This isn’t a drama to fast-forward through; it demands your full attention, to be experienced at its natural pace, and ideally not dubbed. Genuinely more realistic than most dramas despite the setting and being a webtoon adaptation (only clichéd on the surface). Every episode of S1 gets better until it reaches its peak with episode 5 (went from an 8 to a 10 for me), and then S2. S2 was epic and I binge-watched it so fast compared to S1.
Jojo is my favorite complex female lead ever (or any character for that matter). Hyeyeong is far more interesting than a mere green flag, and Sunoh leans towards a red flag, yes, but he's better than that and he does have a pure heart despite his immaturity turning into toxicity for the people around him. The childhood flashbacks and how his family shaped him are interesting to see. About Jojo, saying she's toxic is a stretch. If anything she's a yellow flag, you can consider her a romance antihero FL even, with how hated she is. Such characters can't be categorized so simply because it lacks so much context and nuance. Love Alarm isn't all bright, but ultimately it's very human and requires to be watched with an open mind. It's genuinely one of the best shows.
Love Alarm is a nostalgic masterpiece that blends romance, science fiction, psychology, youth, and coming-of-age into a deeply moving and relatable healing drama that lingers with you long after it’s over. It also conveys the ambiguity and complexity of human emotions and relationships with striking honesty, while emphasizing the value of genuine connections and the quiet power of small gestures over the shallow validation of an app.
I personally connect deeply with Jojo and Hyeyeong; their story felt personal. Their chemistry was unlike anything I’ve ever seen—subtle yet powerful, mundane yet magical. They gave me butterflies in the most ordinary moments, redefining what romance can feel like.
A science fiction fan once told me that for him, the main character was the app and so for him the drama was ultimately SF, and an iconic one at that. I found his perspective very interesting.
The cinematography is stunning, especially in how the changing seasons are used to enrich the storytelling and highlight contrasts between the two seasons of the drama, and even cleverer for more reasons. The writing is also clever and the acting top-notch, especially in S2. The english lyrics of some of the OST are meaningful to listen to as well. Also, the drama is full of symbolism and metaphors and even has an interesting artistic dimension. Netflix promoted it as a love triangle for teenagers which is misleading in a drama full of such narration. It didn't look like the drama was so badly received in Korea, even though the draggy development of the webtoon (popular there) was criticized and it's not a story for everyone.
Love Alarm is a groundbreaking kdrama which touches the soul and earns its place as a timeless story.
-- Jung Ga Ram said that although the drama portrays a love triangle, he himself has never been involved in a love triangle before. Then he went into detail about the love triangle in the drama, saying, “It doesn’t feel like two guys are fighting over one girl. I thought it was not a love triangle. Rather it was just a story about people facing each other. Rather than competing, it felt like expressing and conveying each other’s feelings. It didn’t feel like the typical ‘I’m going to have her!'”
-- Garam and Kang are close in real life. Kang loves the drama so much he said he rewatches it the most, and Garam was a fan of the webtoon.
-- The webtoon can't be the same for obvious reasons, and it wasn't done yet at the time, even if the endgame was already known. Yes, for webtoon readers it might feel rushed and different in some ways but it's still the same base story, except that it's gonna be more subtle and the reaction might differ between mere drawings and a real-life adaptation, also depending on one's biases towards the actors.
P.S: please check my bio for links.
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Wild, stylish, and way ahead of its time.
The writing isn’t terrible at all — it’s wild in the best way. You either vibe with it or you don’t. And worst directed drama? More like one of the best. That modern/retro/edgy vibe, kind of Matrix-esque, totally works.Definitely a misunderstood gem — it feels like a ‘90s kid’s dream brought to life.
It’s a shame most K-dramas today don’t measure up, especially with the frustratingly short 12-episode (or fewer) formats. Don’t mind the haters — the drama only gets better with every episode.
Would’ve loved a Season 2. We miss you, OCN.
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Healing and coming-of-age.
It became my new comfort drama. I cried from the start with the narration at the end of episode 1, but it’s still relatively lighthearted and cute on top of being fun. First, I love the cast so much. Second, I love the approach to trauma; the drama is so innovative and fresh, even with clichés, which fit really well. I liked that the drama was well thought-out and reflective. After all, it's funny that a cliché as old as time such as amnesia is used as a base for the plot. Anyway, this drama had a very interesting psychological aspect and a good balance of darkness and brightness, depth, seriousness and humor. The idea of a bad-memory eraser is already great fiction, so you know what you're in for. I saw criticism about the drama being messy or toxic, but I loved it. It was really interesting, unpredictable, and always changing. There will always be criticism about this drama being all over the place, unfocused and whatnot, but don't worry. The writers know what they are doing.The characters are flawed but they are cute, you can't deny that. I was attached to them from the beginning and wanted the story to extend to develop them more and be able to know them best. I’m so glad it’s 16 episodes and not 12 because I didn't want to leave the characters so soon. Also, I love how "webtoonized" it is (without being an adaptation of a webtoon for once). Funny enough, most of the criticism stems from this (as well as the duration but I'll have to strongly disagree, and Jin Seyeon haters but mind you, she's one of my favorite actresses and I loved her character like always). I mean, with such an idea for a rom-com concept... Surprised much? Everything about this feels so colorful and never gets boring. Yes, it can be over-the-top and absurd but it's so creative and I love it. MBN doesn't have crazy budgets but this drama is an eye-candy even aside from the cast. Some of the cinematography is actually really good (and it always looks dreamy as if you were literally watching a webtoon, same in MBN's Perfect Marriage Revenge) and the opening is so pretty.
The ending was meaningful too. Overall, I loved how dynamic it was and how much unique charm it had.
-- added to my list of the most technically interesting dramas with unique storytelling: https://kisskh.at/list/LZ8wpJa4
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A unique and deeply touching fantasy drama that will enlighten you.
The Heavenly Idol is a standout fantasy drama that offers a rare blend of humor, emotion, and originality. While it may appear to be a quirky comedy on the surface, it quickly reveals a deeper and more meaningful narrative that touches on themes like healing, personal struggles, human nature, the Korean entertainment industry in general and its darker realities.The drama follows an otherworldly priest who is suddenly thrust into the life of a K-pop idol. This unusual premise sets the stage for a highly creative story that masterfully combines fantasy elements with relatable human experiences. The fantasy setting itself is particularly refreshing, borrowing more from Western fantasy aesthetics than traditional Korean ones, making it stand out in the genre.
The addition of a female lead to the story—a choice that diverges from the original—was a genius move to difference it in a remarkable way and make both as fun to discover. Her character brings emotional depth and a heartfelt journey of her own, adding layers to the narrative and creating a compelling dynamic with the male lead. Actually, I have to admit that I hold a preference for the drama, even if the original is very good. If not a big preference because of how important the presence of the FL is to me (the romance makes it more memorable), and the original is closer to a fun work rather than something serious and deep.
The soundtrack perfectly complemented every scene, whether emotional, epic, or humorous.
What makes The Heavenly Idol truly special is its ability to balance different tones. The drama transitions seamlessly between lighthearted moments and darker (the 2nd half and last episodes were the best), more poignant themes, keeping viewers engaged while offering thought-provoking commentary. The fantasy elements are complex and well-crafted, with a fresh take on the genre that incorporates unique world-building and epic intrigue.
Another strength of The Heavenly Idol lies in its colorful and charming supporting characters. Beyond the leads, the cast is filled with endearing personalities who bring humor, warmth, and depth to the story. It’s easy to grow attached to several of them, and their arcs add even more richness to the overall narrative.
Visually, the drama is stunning, with high-quality special effects that enhance the fantasy setting. The runtime is unfortunate as 16 episodes would have been ideal, but that's the issue with present-day dramas.
Overall, The Heavenly Idol is a highly creative and beautiful fantasy drama. Its balance of witty humor, heart, and fantasy intrigue makes it a must-watch for fans of unique and meaningful storytelling.
Conclusion: Watch it and be enlightened by Rembrary.
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Novel link: https://www.novelupdates.com/series/holy-idol/
Webtoon link: https://bato.to/title/87750-holy-idol - currently being translated (will be 86 chapters in total), completed in KR, no official release as of now for international fans.
Playlist with fmvs: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVlEiYP-9el6lBZUoR8C8V-hj7JX5D6L9
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Amazing surreal and absurd experience.
Side note about the term "makjang": It can be either described as a format (daily/weekend dramas) or a subgenre. "7 Escape" is a thriller-mystery drama, but ultimately a makjang, which is the extreme of melodrama here. It can be considered as a sort of high budget, prime-time soap opera, and a contemporary revival of the picaresque genre.(Btw, this poster is awesome: https://kisskh.at/photos/QJdAJ2_4)
Introduction: There is no limit to a show being incredibly cool, and Kim Soonok along with the cast and everyone who worked on both seasons made that possible. Haters will call out the execution and whatnot, but 7 Escape stands beyond perfection, so the criticism is meaningless. It's exactly what pure drama is and makes up for my disappointment with Penthouse.
This drama is the ultimate makjang — where logic takes a backseat to spectacle — creating an epic, extremely twisted narrative set in a grand, deliberately forced setting. I can't recommend it easily because the protagonists there are villains and it depends on how you feel about it. Personally, I felt great while watching it and was always very excited. I love these villains. It's a very chaotic and different, well thought-out drama with a great budget and a stellar cast. I love that the cast had a great yet challenging time filming it and especially had fun on the island, of course. Also never saw such genuine praises from a drama's cast to a writer before. The budget allowed the drama to surpass itself to such a provocative extent that cannot be surpassed anymore, which is why this is peak SBS. The main character is constantly switching here (shifting ethical and moral standards) and it's like a game you can't predict.
I want to add that the drama has great symbolism and the opening should never be skipped in both seasons, in fact you should rewatch the first opening after the first episode of S2 due to a foreshadowing with a certain character, you'll know who and that character also has another parallel in both episode 1.
Speaking of the characters... There is one comic relief villain who's a great antithesis to the drama. You'll know who.
Music? Stunning combination of classical and modern elements. Cinematography/aesthetic? Amazing contrast between both seasons and literally extraordinary. Details? References and cameos to Penthouse, The Last Empress and other iconic works unrelated to the drama's writer which you might or might not recognize (as well as maybe a niche one I'll share in the comments to avoid spoilers). The number Seven likely being a reference to the seven deadly sins and maybe even possibly the Seven from The Boys (an often brutal parody of the superhero genre with characters inspired by DC and Marvel - Marvel is actually mentioned in the drama). Dark humor? Amazing.
As Lee Joon said it, this drama is so fun that it feels like reading a comics. The drama starts out wrapped in a veil and the way it unfolds in the first episode already is genius. The island arc then serves as a mirror to the drama with a great contrast, fulfilling its promise of a divine punishment and how the work used Dante's Divine Comedy as an inspiration (the adventure novel "The Count of Monte Cristo" was also mentioned). It can be said that 7 Escape has taken the grey spectrum to its extreme, making it a memorable watch. The colors in the ending scene of S1 are even used to reflect that.
I know very well that the lack of logic makes it unbelievable and stupid to some viewers. But I disagree because it suits the drama and makes it stand out. Obviously, if you only look at this and not the bigger picture, then I guess you're right about it being stupid. As for how to enjoy it despite the unbelievability, we all know fiction crosses the boundaries of reality, but this drama takes "fiction" to a new extreme (even the makjang broke its own rule with one specific event at the end of S2). So at this point, you might as well think of it as happening in a parallel universe. Also, the storytelling was always meaningful.
Last but not least, the social accusation is the best here and the technology aspect is spot-on. People called it far-fetched but the drama was ahead of its time in many ways, and it was satisfying to see some Koreans themselves recognize their mistakes and praising Soonok, especially when the deepfake scandal broke out.
I have learned to know Soonok, and as crazy as her writing may be, she's a lovely person with a great mind and probably a religious person too. Definitely my favorite writer since I watched this. Seeing how it drove some Koreans mad, it should be considered a masterpiece. We know makjangs are exaggerated, but imagine getting mad that a fictional work shows the darker side of your romanticized country. Aside from this, it's just underrated and misunderstood.
The drama actually did well in Korea on OTT platforms for most of S1's runtime (only episode 5&6 were rated 18+ on TV), although the TV ratings were disappointing considering the budget. I'm not sure about S2 on OTT platforms, but the TV ratings got lower due to the focus on the characters being more serious and less fun (S2 had me CRY), which means that the main audience are the true fans. I'm hoping for a Netflix release, please think about requesting it here: https://help.netflix.com/en/titlerequest.
But honestly, even if you dislike the direction of the drama, how can you say it's not good? It absolutely is. I didn't have the best time ever watching it with my friend for no reason. Nor did I get so attached to the characters and cried so much for no reason. It's not only my best show out of 200+ but my favorite work ever. I lowkey started to hate Penthouse because of the hate 7 Escape received, and to begin with I wasn't a fan of that drama. I mostly liked the last episodes. Yet I'm not calling it bad. I won't tolerate 7 Escape slander, especially by Penthouse fans.
Conclusion: The Escape of the Seven isn't only a drama, it's a timeless experience.
P.S: still rewatching ep 5 and 6 to this day, peak fantasy, but also the psychological extremes... top-notch. also, don't miss the bonus scenes (they are crucial) at the end of the episodes in s2. I always wait until the previews (which I prefer to skip) but I know someone who would start the next episode way too soon lol...
-- Playlist and spoiler will be added later in the comments
-- added to my list of the most technically interesting dramas with unique storytelling: https://kisskh.at/list/LZ8wpJa4
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The Escape of the Seven: War for Survival
2 people found this review helpful
Amazing surreal and absurd experience.
Side note about the term "makjang": It can be either described as a format (daily/weekend dramas) or a subgenre. "7 Escape" is a thriller-mystery drama, but ultimately a makjang, which is the extreme of melodrama here. It can be considered as a sort of high budget, prime-time soap opera, and a contemporary revival of the picaresque genre.(Btw, this poster is awesome: https://kisskh.at/photos/QJdAJ2_4)
Introduction: There is no limit to a show being incredibly cool, and Kim Soonok along with the cast and everyone who worked on both seasons made that possible. Haters will call out the execution and whatnot, but 7 Escape stands beyond perfection, so the criticism is meaningless. It's exactly what pure drama is and makes up for my disappointment with Penthouse.
This drama is the ultimate makjang — where logic takes a backseat to spectacle — creating an epic, extremely twisted narrative set in a grand, deliberately forced setting. I can't recommend it easily because the protagonists there are villains and it depends on how you feel about it. Personally, I felt great while watching it and was always very excited. I love these villains. It's a very chaotic and different, well thought-out drama with a great budget and a stellar cast. I love that the cast had a great yet challenging time filming it and especially had fun on the island, of course. Also never saw such genuine praises from a drama's cast to a writer before. The budget allowed the drama to surpass itself to such a provocative extent that cannot be surpassed anymore, which is why this is peak SBS. The main character is constantly switching here (shifting ethical and moral standards) and it's like a game you can't predict.
I want to add that the drama has great symbolism and the opening should never be skipped in both seasons, in fact you should rewatch the first opening after the first episode of S2 due to a foreshadowing with a certain character, you'll know who and that character also has another parallel in both episode 1.
Speaking of the characters... There is one comic relief villain who's a great antithesis to the drama. You'll know who.
Music? Stunning combination of classical and modern elements. Cinematography/aesthetic? Amazing contrast between both seasons and literally extraordinary. Details? References and cameos to Penthouse, The Last Empress and other iconic works unrelated to the drama's writer which you might or might not recognize (as well as maybe a niche one I'll share in the comments to avoid spoilers). The number Seven likely being a reference to the seven deadly sins and maybe even possibly the Seven from The Boys (an often brutal parody of the superhero genre with characters inspired by DC and Marvel - Marvel is actually mentioned in the drama). Dark humor? Amazing.
As Lee Joon said it, this drama is so fun that it feels like reading a comics. The drama starts out wrapped in a veil and the way it unfolds in the first episode already is genius. The island arc then serves as a mirror to the drama with a great contrast, fulfilling its promise of a divine punishment and how the work used Dante's Divine Comedy as an inspiration (the adventure novel "The Count of Monte Cristo" was also mentioned). It can be said that 7 Escape has taken the grey spectrum to its extreme, making it a memorable watch. The colors in the ending scene of S1 are even used to reflect that.
I know very well that the lack of logic makes it unbelievable and stupid to some viewers. But I disagree because it suits the drama and makes it stand out. Obviously, if you only look at this and not the bigger picture, then I guess you're right about it being stupid. As for how to enjoy it despite the unbelievability, we all know fiction crosses the boundaries of reality, but this drama takes "fiction" to a new extreme (even the makjang broke its own rule with one specific event at the end of S2). So at this point, you might as well think of it as happening in a parallel universe. Also, the storytelling was always meaningful.
Last but not least, the social accusation is the best here and the technology aspect is spot-on. People called it far-fetched but the drama was ahead of its time in many ways, and it was satisfying to see some Koreans themselves recognize their mistakes and praising Soonok, especially when the deepfake scandal broke out.
I have learned to know Soonok, and as crazy as her writing may be, she's a lovely person with a great mind and probably a religious person too. Definitely my favorite writer since I watched this. Seeing how it drove some Koreans mad, it should be considered a masterpiece. We know makjangs are exaggerated, but imagine getting mad that a fictional work shows the darker side of your romanticized country. Aside from this, it's just underrated and misunderstood.
The drama actually did well in Korea on OTT platforms for most of S1's runtime (only episode 5&6 were rated 18+ on TV), although the TV ratings were disappointing considering the budget. I'm not sure about S2 on OTT platforms, but the TV ratings got lower due to the focus on the characters being more serious and less fun (S2 had me CRY), which means that the main audience are the true fans. I'm hoping for a Netflix release, please think about requesting it here: https://help.netflix.com/en/titlerequest.
But honestly, even if you dislike the direction of the drama, how can you say it's not good? It absolutely is. I didn't have the best time ever watching it with my friend for no reason. Nor did I get so attached to the characters and cried so much for no reason. It's not only my best show out of 200+ but my favorite work ever. I lowkey started to hate Penthouse because of the hate 7 Escape received, and to begin with I wasn't a fan of that drama. I mostly liked the last episodes. Yet I'm not calling it bad. I won't tolerate 7 Escape slander, especially by Penthouse fans.
Conclusion: The Escape of the Seven isn't only a drama, it's a timeless experience.
P.S: still rewatching ep 5 and 6 to this day, peak fantasy, but also the psychological extremes... top-notch. also, don't miss the bonus scenes (they are crucial) at the end of the episodes in s2. I always wait until the previews (which I prefer to skip) but I know someone who would start the next episode way too soon lol...
-- Playlist and spoiler will be added later in the comments
-- added to my list of the most technically interesting dramas with unique storytelling: https://kisskh.at/list/LZ8wpJa4
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바니와 오빠들
9 because I'm generous, not a 10 because it's not a masterpiece.Crushology is important to me because of the reunion between Roh Jeongeui, Lee Chaemin (love him as a tsundere) and Kim Minchul, as well as the spring setting (the whole drama is aesthetically pleasing), the sculpture university and the angst. I love the Nevertheless vibes so much albeit the drama's premise being a silly romcom, obvious from the webtoon itself. Ironically, kids would have a much more mature reaction to its later episodes than kdrama fans who can't have flawed characters at all.
Honestly, the highlight was Yeol's character because of his complexity which made him more interesting and adorable. Also, it's a beautiful romance. The writers had only done webdramas in the past (very short, clichéd, random) and this felt like one made into a standard kdrama.
2 posts I made + behind the scenes edit (not by me)
https://kisskh.at/profile/suwunoh/feeds/Ne7k2SZ
https://kisskh.at/profile/suwunoh/feeds/K8rbotA
https://vm.tiktok.com/ZNdrwFNU1/
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Through its different approach to love, Love Alarm denounces the excesses of technology.
(SunOh is just my username -actually taken from his character before I even watched the drama because of a friend naming herself Jojo in a Korean MMO so I did SunOh and HyeYeong- but actually I don't hate him at all and I love Song Kang)There are so many layers, details, and beauty in Love Alarm.
First and foremost, please watch it—unless you choose to be a blind misogynist. This isn’t a drama to fast-forward through; it demands your full attention, to be experienced at its natural pace, and ideally not dubbed. Genuinely more realistic than most dramas despite the setting and being a webtoon adaptation (only clichéd on the surface). Every episode of S1 gets better until it reaches its peak with episode 5 (went from an 8 to a 10 for me), and then S2. S2 was epic and I binge-watched it so fast compared to S1.
Jojo is my favorite complex female lead ever (or any character for that matter). Hyeyeong is far more interesting than a mere green flag, and Sunoh leans towards a red flag, yes, but he's better than that and he does have a pure heart despite his immaturity turning into toxicity for the people around him. The childhood flashbacks and how his family shaped him are interesting to see. About Jojo, saying she's toxic is a stretch. If anything she's a yellow flag, you can consider her a romance antihero FL even, with how hated she is. Such characters can't be categorized so simply because it lacks so much context and nuance. Love Alarm isn't all bright, but ultimately it's very human and requires to be watched with an open mind. It's genuinely one of the best shows.
Love Alarm is a nostalgic masterpiece that blends romance, science fiction, psychology, youth, and coming-of-age into a deeply moving and relatable healing drama that lingers with you long after it’s over. It also conveys the ambiguity and complexity of human emotions and relationships with striking honesty, while emphasizing the value of genuine connections and the quiet power of small gestures over the shallow validation of an app.
I personally connect deeply with Jojo and Hyeyeong; their story felt personal. Their chemistry was unlike anything I’ve ever seen—subtle yet powerful, mundane yet magical. They gave me butterflies in the most ordinary moments, redefining what romance can feel like.
A science fiction fan once told me that for him, the main character was the app and so for him the drama was ultimately SF, and an iconic one at that. I found his perspective very interesting.
The cinematography is stunning, especially in how the changing seasons are used to enrich the storytelling and highlight contrasts between the two seasons of the drama, and even cleverer for more reasons. The writing is also clever and the acting top-notch, especially in S2. The english lyrics of some of the OST are meaningful to listen to as well. Also, the drama is full of symbolism and metaphors and even has an interesting artistic dimension. Netflix promoted it as a love triangle for teenagers which is misleading in a drama full of such narration. It didn't look like the drama was so badly received in Korea, even though the draggy development of the webtoon (popular there) was criticized and it's not a story for everyone.
Love Alarm is a groundbreaking kdrama which touches the soul and earns its place as a timeless story.
-- Jung Ga Ram said that although the drama portrays a love triangle, he himself has never been involved in a love triangle before. Then he went into detail about the love triangle in the drama, saying, “It doesn’t feel like two guys are fighting over one girl. I thought it was not a love triangle. Rather it was just a story about people facing each other. Rather than competing, it felt like expressing and conveying each other’s feelings. It didn’t feel like the typical ‘I’m going to have her!'”
-- Garam and Kang are close in real life. Kang loves the drama so much he said he rewatches it the most, and Garam was a fan of the webtoon.
-- The webtoon can't be the same for obvious reasons, and it wasn't done yet at the time, even if the endgame was already known. Yes, for webtoon readers it might feel rushed and different in some ways but it's still the same base story, except that it's gonna be more subtle and the reaction might differ between mere drawings and a real-life adaptation, also depending on one's biases towards the actors.
P.S: please check my bio for links.
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