Full disclosure: I wasn’t planning to pick this drama up, but positive word-of-mouth and its short runtime convinced me to watch it. But boy, I didn’t know it would be this heavy. I know dying was involved; it’s right there in the synopsis. Usually, when a drama begins with a dead character, I have already prepared my mind to accept this death as final. What I was not ready for was the avalanche of tears that accompanied me on this brief journey.
I have to commend Kim Min Ha as an actress. Despite not fitting the mold of a flashy romantic heroine, she delivered a standout performance in this drama, particularly in her portrayal of teenage Jung Hui Wan. She’s as brass and bold at school, and pretty much arm wrestles Ram U into an unconventional friendship that started out from a prank.
Not so shabby keeping up with the lead actress is Gong Myung, who played the introverted Ram U like a deer caught in the headlights when being steam-rolled by Hui Wan. As a Grim Reaper, Ram U surprisingly forsakes his responsibility of leading Hui Wan to the afterlife and instead convinces her to continue living. And it’s this message that is at the heart of this short drama.
The production team’s execution is superb; the muted tones, tranquil background, and somber music all contribute to the drama’s melancholic mood. The flashbacks intertwined seamlessly with the present moments, with both Hui Wan and Ram U reminiscing about their time spent, and about the loss of time not spent together.
Perhaps it’s because of the regrets of both main characters that lead them to this path. We can never know what would have happened if Hui Wan decided alternatively to join Ram U at that moment of his death, or what would have happened if Hui Wan went to the observatory instead of Ram U. Their running joke of exchanging their names since that fateful day seems to have backfired, if we are to believe Hui Wan’s insistence that it was her fault that Ram U died.
The drama makes us realize that there’s no rhyme or reason to anyone’s death. No matter how you turn it over your head, when it’s someone’s time to depart, it’s final. Mulling over what ifs would not bring them back to life. Though it’s easier said than done, the best way to honor their existence is to move on and live a fruitful life.
Despite its lackluster ratings, I quite enjoyed this drama. It’s reminiscent of “Business Proposal,” or WWWSK, but throw in a time loop and you have SBWTRE. I know it’s cliché and predictable, but watching the characters creatively and ridiculously escape the time warp each reset is genuinely fun. For a short web drama, do not expect that they bring out the big guns. Recognizing its resource, budget, and time constraints, this drama smartly avoids overstuffed plots, a frequent downfall of similar short dramas.
What I like about this drama is its simplicity, and how it does not take itself so seriously. The banter between the leads shows their natural chemistry. It’s a very bingeable, bite-sized drama that tickles the funny bone and might make you say “Awwww.”
Touted as the Chinese version of “Mr. & Mrs. Smith,” this drama delivers quite a punch. The characters are sassy and have mad skills at sword play. It was funny to watch Xiao Nian and Wu Ming make up excuses about their whereabouts when asked, and how they attempt to hide their secret identities from each other. Especially enjoyable is Xiao Nian’s antics in hiding her stash of wine jugs! These two together are so sweet!
Equally loveable is the second pairing of Wen Fang and Bao Er. I find Wen Fang’s cute, awkward moments with Bao Er, and her way of sniffing him out, very amusing. The production team deserves commendation for their creative and captivating interpretation of the source material, despite limited resources. A great effort for an ambitious task.
This drama would be the story of LI Tong Guang and Ren Ru Yi (from A Journey to Love) if Ruyi returned Tong Guang’s affections. But Chu Ning Yuan is not as obsessive as Li Tong Guang, which is a blessing. The willingness of the Seventh Prince to be subservient to a maid is unexpected in a historical Chinese drama, and this unusual dynamic encourages other maids to challenge traditional roles and speak their minds. Not sure if this is a good or a bad thing. To promote female empowerment, let’s assume that this is an improvement and that social class distinctions are solely based on positions.
Plotwise, it’s as straightforward as it gets. Shen Yan wants revenge and helps the Prince along the way. Female badassery at its finest for a short drama. Acting wise, they are both decent, but when paired together, their chemistry is chemistrying. Looking forward to their other works together!
This drama reminded me a lot of “Shining for One Thing,” and therefore, perhaps unjustifiably, I made a lot of comparisons to that show. In contrast to “SFOT”, this drama is mediocre, and it’s no fault of the actors. I’ve seen Zhang Miao Yi in other works, so I know where her capabilities lie. I don’t enjoy time-travel dramas unless they are well-made. Granted, this has a shorter runtime, it’s not surprising that there would be some kinks that still needed to be ironed out. Possibly, a bigger budget or production could allow for a more fully developed story and plot. As it stands, it’s passable.
I didn't know much about Kdramas in 2023 and this was the second one i watched, and it was fantastic, I tried…
I think the length of the series is perfect for what it is. Any longer would make it draggy but I do agree with you about knowing it's history will help and totally also on board with the letter monologue! That would be daebak!
This drama is surprisingly decent, and I have to lay the credit on Leo Yang’s shoulders. His performance as an undercover agent who was also a mafia boss was impeccable, a compelling duality of good and evil where he balanced fighting for justice with the sharp mind needed for shady business.
However, the same can’t be said for Han Le Yao, and it may not be entirely her fault. I thought her character was poorly developed; she attempted too much with insufficient understanding. Ling Yi only latched on to A Sen hoping to gain information on how her aunt died. Instead, she only became a burden. I’m quite annoyed by Ling Yi’s repeated rescues. I place the blame squarely on her, regardless of her well-meaning interference, which consistently creates difficulties for A Sen. How is an officer supposed to do their job when she puts herself in danger? Instead of helping, Ling Yi has become a liability for A Sen.
The plot, though interesting, has its fair share of loopholes. But if you overlook them, this could be an entertaining watch.
This drama is a decent attempt to incorporate fantastical, mysterious, modern, historical, comedic, tragic elements into one big pot. Who would have thought that a Demon and a Demon Hunter could be besties, and change each other’s perception of human or demonic nature? The concept of this drama was certainly intriguing.
The arcs are all self-contained, with a well-managed transition between past and present narratives. I don’t expect the best CGI, makeup, or props, and yes, some of the acting could be improved, but for a low-budget production, I believe it maximized its limited resources.
When this drama started, it reminded me of “A Walk to Remember.”
Both FL’s from the movie and this drama were studious and strait-laced, while both Males are trouble-makers, and because of the numerous similarities between this drama and the movie, I was not expecting this drama to veer off the script. While the movie tugged at my heartstrings, this one did not. It was a lackluster attempt to replicate the story, even though perhaps this is not the drama’s intent. As a standalone, it’s passable, though no fault of the actors. They were great in their performances, if perhaps given a better vehicle.
What a saucy, sassy, spicy and succulent show this is!!! Where I initially thought that the goody-two shoes Ming Yu would be a demure. damsel in distress, she turns out to be a bad-ass and knows how to play the manipulation game as good, if not better, than her opponents. Then there’s the man of mystery, the scrumptious and sexy Xiu Zi, who presents himself as a bad-boy but turns out he is just a lost puppy looking for his master.
You could easily imagine whips and chains in a story such as this. Oh right, yes, they did use them as props, but not in bed. So sad.
Ke Chun and Yu Yin provided the visuals and brought their acting chops to the table. Their chemistry is on fire that it almost burned a hole through my screen.
I know this is a low-budget, low-brow kind of drama, but I just can’t get enough of it. Such an exciting and short vertical drama that kept me at the edge of my seat while fanning my face. The only detraction for me is I watched this on iQiyi and god, the English names that they gave the characters were jarring! I could not even! Otherwise, it would be a perfect 10!
While this drama slowly started as a woman trying to shirk her filial duty into marrying into a noble family,…
I am really weird, in that I DO like age-gap romance when the FL is older than the ML (drama or IRL), but not so much when the ML is older than the FL. What do you call this? Ageist? Sexist? So that's why I was rooting for Crown Prince & ZH, hahaha.
Quick Summary:I’m trying to figure out how to review a touching drama with subpar acting. Don’t get me wrong,…
The start was encouraging, especially given Bloom’s supposedly low popularity as a boy group, so it makes absolute sense if their performances were lack luster. By the show’s end, I thought they would have improved, but they flashed the same old choreo and some of the wardrobe choices that should have been left inside the closet.
The friendly family feel between Asuka and the group was nice, but I’m unsure how Yuri living in the dorm advanced the story. Is that even allowed? What gives Asuka the right to let her sister stay on company property without prior consent from the boys or management? Why even bother adding the sister’s backstory? It served no purpose, just as the last-minute addition of an ex-member did to the plot.
I think it’s the ear-worm soundtrack that saved this drama. The songs were stuck in my head for weeks. I also appreciated how delicately the drama handled the age-gap and teacher-student relationship. It was sweet and not bordering on creepy or icky territory. One might even call it understated romance, as Dan clearly felt stronger romantic feelings for Asuka, but it’s unclear if Asuka reciprocated those feelings to the same degree. Her feelings for Dan might simply be those of a mentor towards a mentee. It was very vague, and perhaps Asuka’s fondness had no further meaning beyond encouragement. While some people were clamoring for a kiss between Dan and Asuka, I’m content with a hug as a conclusion to their relationship.
I’m trying to figure out how to review a touching drama with subpar acting. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed this show immensely, with its message of going after your dreams and never giving up. What detracted me from the show is the contrived conflict that they produced, as an excuse to dismantle the band.
A decent, quick watch, but nothing ground-breaking. Full review in the spoiler below:
The premise was interesting, and the beginning started out great. At first I was low-key shipping the brother and the adopted-sister, without even knowing the whole story until the brother’s bestie proved himself a worthy partner. As it turned out, He Ting Zhou had been silently pining her for years. I was fine with the evil step-mother even, as is she’s the staple villain that is requisite in every Cinderella-esque story.
But what blind-sided me is the complete reversals of some characters and there was not even any warning. Shen Yu’s pathetic attempts to grasp Shuang Yu’s misplaced affections are equally absurd, like a cowardly child hiding behind his mother’s coattails and sulking when his friend takes his sweets. A decent, quick watch, but nothing ground-breaking.
2 
I have to commend Kim Min Ha as an actress. Despite not fitting the mold of a flashy romantic heroine, she delivered a standout performance in this drama, particularly in her portrayal of teenage Jung Hui Wan. She’s as brass and bold at school, and pretty much arm wrestles Ram U into an unconventional friendship that started out from a prank.
Not so shabby keeping up with the lead actress is Gong Myung, who played the introverted Ram U like a deer caught in the headlights when being steam-rolled by Hui Wan. As a Grim Reaper, Ram U surprisingly forsakes his responsibility of leading Hui Wan to the afterlife and instead convinces her to continue living. And it’s this message that is at the heart of this short drama.
The production team’s execution is superb; the muted tones, tranquil background, and somber music all contribute to the drama’s melancholic mood. The flashbacks intertwined seamlessly with the present moments, with both Hui Wan and Ram U reminiscing about their time spent, and about the loss of time not spent together.
Perhaps it’s because of the regrets of both main characters that lead them to this path. We can never know what would have happened if Hui Wan decided alternatively to join Ram U at that moment of his death, or what would have happened if Hui Wan went to the observatory instead of Ram U. Their running joke of exchanging their names since that fateful day seems to have backfired, if we are to believe Hui Wan’s insistence that it was her fault that Ram U died.
The drama makes us realize that there’s no rhyme or reason to anyone’s death. No matter how you turn it over your head, when it’s someone’s time to depart, it’s final. Mulling over what ifs would not bring them back to life. Though it’s easier said than done, the best way to honor their existence is to move on and live a fruitful life.
What I like about this drama is its simplicity, and how it does not take itself so seriously. The banter between the leads shows their natural chemistry. It’s a very bingeable, bite-sized drama that tickles the funny bone and might make you say “Awwww.”
Equally loveable is the second pairing of Wen Fang and Bao Er. I find Wen Fang’s cute, awkward moments with Bao Er, and her way of sniffing him out, very amusing. The production team deserves commendation for their creative and captivating interpretation of the source material, despite limited resources. A great effort for an ambitious task.
Plotwise, it’s as straightforward as it gets. Shen Yan wants revenge and helps the Prince along the way. Female badassery at its finest for a short drama. Acting wise, they are both decent, but when paired together, their chemistry is chemistrying. Looking forward to their other works together!
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https://www.koreaboo.com/asia/prom-ratchapa-worrasarn-sex-scandal-fans-minors-agency-responds/
However, the same can’t be said for Han Le Yao, and it may not be entirely her fault. I thought her character was poorly developed; she attempted too much with insufficient understanding. Ling Yi only latched on to A Sen hoping to gain information on how her aunt died. Instead, she only became a burden. I’m quite annoyed by Ling Yi’s repeated rescues. I place the blame squarely on her, regardless of her well-meaning interference, which consistently creates difficulties for A Sen. How is an officer supposed to do their job when she puts herself in danger? Instead of helping, Ling Yi has become a liability for A Sen.
The plot, though interesting, has its fair share of loopholes. But if you overlook them, this could be an entertaining watch.
The arcs are all self-contained, with a well-managed transition between past and present narratives. I don’t expect the best CGI, makeup, or props, and yes, some of the acting could be improved, but for a low-budget production, I believe it maximized its limited resources.
Both FL’s from the movie and this drama were studious and strait-laced, while both Males are trouble-makers, and because of the numerous similarities between this drama and the movie, I was not expecting this drama to veer off the script. While the movie tugged at my heartstrings, this one did not. It was a lackluster attempt to replicate the story, even though perhaps this is not the drama’s intent. As a standalone, it’s passable, though no fault of the actors. They were great in their performances, if perhaps given a better vehicle.
You could easily imagine whips and chains in a story such as this. Oh right, yes, they did use them as props, but not in bed. So sad.
Ke Chun and Yu Yin provided the visuals and brought their acting chops to the table. Their chemistry is on fire that it almost burned a hole through my screen.
I know this is a low-budget, low-brow kind of drama, but I just can’t get enough of it. Such an exciting and short vertical drama that kept me at the edge of my seat while fanning my face. The only detraction for me is I watched this on iQiyi and god, the English names that they gave the characters were jarring! I could not even! Otherwise, it would be a perfect 10!
The friendly family feel between Asuka and the group was nice, but I’m unsure how Yuri living in the dorm advanced the story. Is that even allowed? What gives Asuka the right to let her sister stay on company property without prior consent from the boys or management? Why even bother adding the sister’s backstory? It served no purpose, just as the last-minute addition of an ex-member did to the plot.
I think it’s the ear-worm soundtrack that saved this drama. The songs were stuck in my head for weeks. I also appreciated how delicately the drama handled the age-gap and teacher-student relationship. It was sweet and not bordering on creepy or icky territory. One might even call it understated romance, as Dan clearly felt stronger romantic feelings for Asuka, but it’s unclear if Asuka reciprocated those feelings to the same degree. Her feelings for Dan might simply be those of a mentor towards a mentee. It was very vague, and perhaps Asuka’s fondness had no further meaning beyond encouragement. While some people were clamoring for a kiss between Dan and Asuka, I’m content with a hug as a conclusion to their relationship.
I’m trying to figure out how to review a touching drama with subpar acting. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed this show immensely, with its message of going after your dreams and never giving up. What detracted me from the show is the contrived conflict that they produced, as an excuse to dismantle the band.
Full review in the spoiler below:
But what blind-sided me is the complete reversals of some characters and there was not even any warning. Shen Yu’s pathetic attempts to grasp Shuang Yu’s misplaced affections are equally absurd, like a cowardly child hiding behind his mother’s coattails and sulking when his friend takes his sweets. A decent, quick watch, but nothing ground-breaking.