just a girl

3 Gerberas, 2 Funerals and A Match Made In Heaven

***DISCLAIMER: This is just my opinion. We don’t have to agree and I’m not here to argue with anyone. This review contains spoilers so I suggest watching the film first before reading.***

「 ❝An untimely frost upon the sweetest flower of all❞ 」

I just finished watching this, and I must stress that it is not for the faint of heart. If you are super sensitive still want to watch, I recommend bringing a box of tissues because you will probably cry. If you liked 20th Century Girl, you will definitely appreciate this.

General Overview:

Drawing Closer is an astoundingly beautiful film that had a great influence on me, with both its narrative and visual brilliance. From the first scene to the end credits, the film immerses the audience in a universe where every frame is precisely produced, with each shot a monument to the director's vision and the cinematographer's talent. The emotionally charged tale delves into the complex complexities of human relationships, capturing moments of joy, sadness, love, and loss with a raw honesty rarely seen in film. The characters are well developed, their journeys realistic and moving so much so that the story elicits a wide spectrum of emotions that remain with you long after the film has concluded. The performances are outstanding, with each actor adding a distinct and compelling presence to their role, heightening the film's emotional impact. The eerie and evocative musical composition perfectly compliments the storyline, increasing the emotional experience while adding levels of meaning to the plot. "Drawing Closer" is more than a film; it's an experience, a work of art that speaks to the heart and soul, leaving an unforgettable impression on anyone who sees it.

In More Detail:

The plot revolves around two terminally ill teenagers who come into each other’s life.

What to expect:

- Characters dealing with grief/death and how to overcome the inevitable.
- Two artists and how their passion of drawing / painting and seeing the world in different colors binds them together.
- Friendship and familial ties.
- Longing / yearning and first love.
- Secrets and misunderstandings (with good reason)
- A heartfelt, coming-of-age plot

The performance was convincing and well-done. Haruna has a fate she cannot escape, yet I really admire her positive view on life. Akito was a really endearing character. He was so charmingly sweet and soft boy coded. His hopeless romantic side really shined through. I adored how he wanted to make the most of his limited time by assisting Haruna in having a happy and fulfilling life while she still had hers. It's also great that they seemed to have saved each other. She was Snow White and he was her Prince Florian (iykyk)

I would rate this an 8/10 rounded up to an 8.5/10. It was so good it made me cry multiple times (after the 5th time, I stopped counting lol) The emotional side is undeniable, but I wish our leads had more moments together, including the kiss Haruna requested. I think I am being greedy but that would have definitely ended me. I have to say, this is a very pure and sweet story. It's simultaneously heartbreaking and heartwarming.

I loved it and I now have a much deeper appreciation for Gerberas and their symbolism.

I believe anyone of any age can watch this; I highly recommend it, especially if you want a good cry.

I don't think I'd rewatch it "right now," but maybe after some time has passed. I believe Drawing Closer is one of those films you save for when you want to feel something. It's a movie you can watch on a rainy day to let you reflect on the beauty of life.

One of the take away messages of this drama that really struck me was to live your life to the fullest. It serves as a reminder that regardless of how limited your time on this earth may be, you should embrace life fully and love deeply. Treasure those who are close to you because even if you believe you won't influence their lives, there is a huge possibility that you will, and those individuals will honor and respect your memory eternally.

With all that being said, this is a tragic story, and it may not be for everyone, so proceed with caution.


As always,
Thanks for reading & happy watching!

(P.S. If you are in withdrawal please go watch edits of the Drawing Closer couple, you won't regret it)

˚ʚ♡ɞ˚

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THE DISAPPOINTMENT OF TOMORROW

***DISCLAIMER: THIS IS JUST MY OPINION. YOU DON'T HAVE TO AGREE AND I'M NOT HERE TO ARGUE WITH ANYONE.***

I don't want to start conflict, so please keep scrolling to protect your peace if you believe you'll get defensive / triggered / be rude then obviously, this review isn’t for you.

As usual, this is a LONG one, so bare with me ツ


GENERAL COMMENTARY:

The title of this review perfectly encapsulates how I felt after watching the entire drama.

Long story short, Lovely Runner was really anticlimactic, to say the least. The drama was a promise unfulfilled, and it is severely overhyped imo.

Don’t get me wrong, this drama started as a cozy watch and I liked tuning in every week until we hit the midpoint.

There were too many plot holes, insufferable characters, a poor storyline, and no growth, which made the drama almost unfinishable for me.

I truly believe that this drama should have ended in 8–10 eps, 12 eps maximum. The plot was unnecessarily dragged out & going in circles.


IN MORE DETAIL (SPOILERS AHEAD!):

I really like Byeon Woo Seok (I’ll watch anything with him) but I think his character in Lovely Runner was just a big loser and that gave me the ick. The golden retriever boy is for some, but I don’t think they are for me. It’s endearing at first, but then it gets to a point, and ultimately becomes cringe. I also dislike how both characters are codependent and seemingly cannot exist without the other. Even when Sol erased him completely out of her life, they had to meet and reconnect. If she didn't want that to happen she would have relocated to somewhere he couldn't find her. Granted, the drama would have ended quicker / on a sad note but she didn't even try hard enough to avoid him?

First off, 34-year-old Sol did not behave like a 34-year-old. I'll give her the benefit of the doubt say that because she spent her first life confined to a wheelchair, she had no true perspective on life or dangerous individuals like the serial killer. This is why her choices seemed impulsive. She was no match for him, in my opinion, and I was bothered by the way she would scurry around terrified, waiting for him to attack. It was exhausting how she constantly put herself in danger and haphazardly traveled back in time without a solid plan in place.

Some people are engulfed in the fandom with their delusions and theories that would justify this “ill-fated” plot but the writers themselves became lazy and lost sight of their goals / the resolution for the drama. In a foolish attempt to break the fourth wall, the writers had Sol transform her experience into a script, and as Maddy Perez put it, "Is this f*cking play about us?" This arc was simply, corny / cheap and very similar to what you'd see in a Wattpad fanfic circa 2012.

I never thought I’d say this, but I felt sorry for the 2ML. I felt like he, too, was blinded by his love for Sol and became her biggest simp. Imo, he deserved better, and that plot where the 2ML always comes around and has to support the happy couple is such bs. It's overdone!

A lot of persons swear that this was the best drama they ever watched in their entire life and that the characters were fully fleshed out; that the time travel didn't need to make sense, and the storyline didn’t need to be elaborate or convoluted etc. but for me, I was more focused on the mystery and circumstances that created this time slip. I needed to find out the reason for Sol traveling back in time, Why Sol? How did this happen? Where did 19 y.o. Sol go when 34 y.o. Sol inhabited her body? Did Sunjae ever time travel in other timelines? Did they both happen to timeslip to save eachother? What was the grandma’s deal? Why and how was she able to time slip too? There were far too many unanswered questions and I just needed more plot.

The villain was lackluster and his sole purpose was to be an obstacle between the two leads. The serial killer lacks a backstory, previous killings, or reasoning for his focus on the couple making him a one dimensional character. It was like a dead end street watching both relentlessly try to escape their fate. I found his death cliche with the white truck of doom taking him out. They could’ve made him suffer more imo.

Byeon Woo Seok and Kim Hye Yoon did a good job. But if I'm being honest I think her character was annoying and overly emotional. She cried so much she could give Park Shin Hye a run for her money. She was also so sickeningly bubbly / hyper all the time which irritated me. Her voice was also grating to listen to, everytime she’d say “Sunjae-ah” I was so done.

The only time she was truly unhappy, grieving and sobbing uncontrollably was when Sunjae died. Ironic isn’t it? She literally could have saved Sunjae but she forgot to stop time in the moment? Be so astronomically for real.

I mean ok… let me be a little less harsh she was in “shock” seeing him get stabbed to death, but DID HER BRAIN STOP WORKING TOO? Excluding the last time she totally erased herself from his memory, all of her attempts to save him were merely ineffective. This drama had the feel of being stuck on a spinning merry-go-round with no way to halt or reach a satisfactory resolution / explanation for the happenstance.

I believe you could swap out these characters with any other actors, and I bet people would not be hyping up this drama as much, especially if the leads were not as attractive as the current ones. I can just see an alternate universe where people would just be hating on this same drama if that were the case. That’s just so crazy to think about but so telling.

I’ve seen too many heavily plot driven dramas with pretty good acting get bashed on MDL and other platforms because the leads are not attractive or don’t fit societal beauty standards. It’s sad the world is shallow like this but it’s a fact that visually stunning leads sell a drama more than the overall production, strong plot and great acting.

Which brings me to another topic. I honestly believe Sol was created for delusional soft girls / obsessive stans and I could not relate with her character at all. In my opinion, she was unpredictable, overhasty, and single-minded in many aspects. She also entered practically every timeline without a plausible and full proof strategy. Worse, I couldn't see upending my entire life for just a guy. Thank God this is just fiction.

The acting was also overly dramatic. At times I felt like I was watching a theatrical stage performance rather than a tv show. I understand this is the usual for dramas but in a lot of scenes it was overbearing. The acting didn’t feel natural in a lot of scenes and the hyperactive and big / flamboyant personalities were sometimes distracting. Not to mention a lot of Sol’s facial expressions were over done. She smiled and cried so much, but I didn’t really get any tender / loving looks from her which is essential for a good rom-com. KHY tried her best though and did numerous takes to try and capture what the director wanted so I really can’t fault her, I see her effort and dedication in the BTS scenes.

Additionally, I can’t stand dramas where the leads are one dimensional. I also wanted more in depth backstories for Sol, Sunjae and Tae Sung. It felt like Sol only cared about Sunjae and was willing to run off with him at any point in time. I feel like she got to time travel and had the golden opportunity of spending more time with her mom and grandma and she completely wasted it. If I was in her position and knew my grandma would get dementia and not remember me half the time I would’ve made the most of every single moment. Moreover, the drama started with her being his fan and then the scene where we find out he fell for her (at first sight no less) made me sort of kind of lose interest… like where’s the flavor in that? We also never fully understand why Sunjae even likes Sol. What about her is so special that he becomes a lovesick puppy / loser for her? Did he only see her smiling cheerfully and running with a bright yellow umbrella so he just randomly fell head over heels for her? Be serious.

As for their chemistry, it was good up to a point then fell flat / seemed forced to me. I feel like nothing could top their tension in the almost kisses or their first kiss as adults in the present. That episode where they went to the countryside was everything. When we got back to present day, I was bored and just over the anguish and yearning, so in episode 16, I couldn't even truly be happy because it just felt like fan service. I’m glad they had a happy ending, but was it realistic? Nope. I believe they mulled over a lot of their issues too quickly. How would Sunjae have stayed single for 15 years? That’s just not possible. I also hate how Sunjae apologized to Sol when she was the one who erased her from his memory. Bsffr!

I think a lot of the side characters (Sol’s brother and her best friend) took up too much screen time. I honestly didn’t really care for them and they were the basic bsfs brother trope. It was ironic how the drama used realism with the lottery, making Geum share the win with others because of his stupidity, while they suspended belief in other aspects. They seriously couldn’t just make him win and become rich?

Don’t get me started on Sunjae’s overbearing father. I couldn’t stand him at all especially after he slapped him in a previous timeline. The tipping point for me was when he insulted Sol in front of her mothers face. Was that meant to be amusing?

I believe his dad was better in other timelines, tried to encourage Sunjae and push him but Sunjae is grown and he should’ve been sensible enough to make his own decisions. It seemed like he just gave up on swimming out of the blue even though his characterization was that he was passionate about it and hoped he’d make it to the Olympics one day if not for his injury. I felt like he gave up too quickly and became shortsighted because of his infatuation with Sol.

Furthermore, these types of stories make it seem like being paralyzed is the worst thing that can happen to someone and that life isn’t worth living if you don't have legs or end up disabled because of an accident. I hope nobody who can relate to the former Sol or a similar situation feels like that or wishes they could go back in time to change the past. That's just so tone deaf and impossible. As people, we can only move forward and make the best of today. Worrying about tomorrow and what you could do differently will only bring you misery. Why torture yourself about things you can't change? Which is why I wished that they showed us another version of reality where she was paralyzed and still got to live her happy ending with Sunjae instead of the main plot we got with both of them lamenting the fact that they couldn't save each other.

Imo, representation matters and I think many viewers would have appreciated that arc instead. These inspirational stories are rare in everyday life and it would’ve been nice to see a resilient character be bold and daring in spite of their situation and just overcome life’s obstacles but maybe that’s a different drama for the future.

I’m happy for those who enjoyed this, but I really think I was expecting more. All I can think of is the wasted potential. I could have written this story at 13 y.o. I think LR was created for younger ie. teenage audiences and now that I’m a bit older I just don’t care for these weak plots. This drama had me frustrated somewhere between eps. 8-12 then disinterested from 13-16. I feel this drama should be tagged fantasy mainly because a lot of things don’t add up.

I realized that I like sensible, and resilient FLs, and sure some will say Sol “tried to do the best she could” but imo she was very flighty and unstable. Bffr, all she did was chase a man and I’m supposed to praise her for that?! ABSOULTELY NOT! I don’t like the message and I believe the essence of this drama is lacking. Yes, "hold onto memories, they will hold onto you" like the song says — but WHAT ELSE?

Of course the grandma’s quote that she was "time traveling through memories" can offer solace to individuals who have close friends or family suffering from Alzheimer's disease, but the drama missed the ideal chance to convey to us the full extent of her experience. What event caused her to acquire the ability to time slip and how was she now able to do it in her mind? Give us something, even if it is just a flashback to her youth or a memory with her husband. The grandma’s arc lacked depth and meaning. I believe that the drama's demise stems from the writers failure to make these quotes connect with the story and come full circle.

One of the only good things about this drama was the OST. I was really impressed knowing that BWS sang most of the songs. Throughout the drama however I think Sudden Shower and Spring Snow were played too often. Standouts for me were the last couple of songs: Gift, I Think I Did, Please Don't Leave Anywhere & A Day. Honorable mentions are: Monologue, Like a Dream & May I Love You.

I enjoyed the overall aesthetic of the drama. I thought the flashbacks to the past were really evocative and cinematic. The slow motion scenes create the illusion that you are seeing the character's pov at that moment in time. Kudos to the director for knowing what he was doing in that sense. The leads also had some visually stunning and cute scenes with plenty of kissing. If that's what you're looking for, the drama does not let you down or fall short in that regard.


FINAL THOUGHTS:

Overall, I think the drama was “mid” for lack of a better word. The drama initially amused me, but halfway through it, I began to lose interest, and by the end with 2-4 remaining episodes, they completely lost me. The fluff and filler bored me, and I felt like with each episode I could predict what would happen next.

The writers present this drama as a meaningful present but when you open the wrapping it’s just a basic ass necklace that you’d probably never wear (iykyk) As the light hits the small jewels, they appear shiny, and eye-catching from a distance. However, up close, you start to discover all of its defects and how cheaply made it actually is. In reality, you would return it as soon as you had the chance, even though you would act as though you liked it at the time.

LR is not terrible, it’s just not my favorite. I think it’s 2010s formulaic, and if you've watched many dramas, this one will feel boring and predictable. Imo, a lot of other time travel / youth dramas do it better. I think I would’ve preferred an open or more realistic ending over a happy one. If you are a beginner kdrama watcher however, this is perfect to get into dramas as it is reminiscent of dramas of the past, with less toxicity and more romance of course.

Would I rewatch this? Probably not, because I think an edit could suffice instead. This drama is another example where I think the edits are far better than the drama itself. They capture the positive and leave away the negative aspects of the drama.

Sorry (not sorry) but this drama was clearly not for me. If you’re looking for fluffy romance and no plot, then what you see is what you get. Unfortunately, my standards were “too high” and I expected too much (sarcasm)

I feel bad as I haven’t loved a drama in a while as they tend to usually start off pretty well, then everything suddenly goes downhill & I’m left feeling dissatisfied/ disappointed by the end. This was the case with Lovely Runner but, EVERYONE CAN'T BE EXPECTED TO “LOVE” EVERYTHING!

Overall, I give this drama a 6/10 mainly because this drama is just “meh” ntm extremely forgettable for me.

__________


SIDENOTE:

My friend and I were at a crossroads because they "loved" the drama and I didn’t. You can imagine that I woke up to 80+ messages from them breaking down the drama for me, like I hadn’t already watched it? So don’t bother with the essays / rants. We’ll just have to agree to disagree because I won’t change my mind. Also, this is not me “raging” or trying to “hate” on LR as what is amazing to one might be a let down to another.

I will not be someone who pretends to love a drama just because it is labeled a “masterpiece” by others. I also believe that everyone is entitled to their own preferences.

Personally, I’m waiting for the next groundbreaking rom-com drama that will fill me up and make me feel everything and then some. So I have hope at least!

Anyway, don’t let my review discourage you. I say WATCH IT AND FORM YOUR OWN OPINION!

Also what I’ve said here is merely a fraction of what I actually think. I only highlighted what came to my mind 1st.

__________

It’s unbelievable the amount of backlash I received. For those unaware, I altered my rating (as one does) after reflecting on the drama + also reading several offensive comments and DMs. IMO, a 6/10 is decent / reasonable and honestly, I should rate it lower given all I’ve faced due to fans who can’t accept differing opinions. Ultimately, it’s never too late to stop and think before commenting hateful words.

If you happen to stumble across this review and perhaps read this review with your eyes closed and are here to start unnecessary drama (ie. leaving hate) I advise that you quit while you are ahead. Thank you! ʕ•ᴥ•ʔっ❀

Once again, this is just my point of view. I never intend to offend anyone who thinks differently.

Thanks for reading & happy watching!

˚ʚ♡ɞ˚

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It was anticlimactic...

***DISCLAIMER: These are just my thoughts while watching the show. We don’t have to agree and I’m not here to argue with anyone.***

Tropes: sports romance, boxing, age gap, coming of age, grumpy/sunshine.

Idk... this was one of those dramas I started out of boredom. To be fair I felt like the entire drama was slow and the romance was subpar / lackluster. It only started getting interesting with the betting ring and when the men kept on kidnapping him and threatening him but they did not do enough to really develop that plot and make it compelling. Then with ML best friend dying... that just felt like a lazy way for the writer to give him some trauma so he'd turn over a new leaf and try to exit the rigged games he was participating in. I just felt depleted after all that and then to see FL lose the match at the end and not be able to end her career and retire on a high note sucked. The ending was not good, to put it nicely. I felt like that kiss high key came out of nowhere... I feel like it ended with more questions rather than answers. Like what exactly happened to the ML, why did the gun shot go off, why was ML bleeding, why did he disappear for months?

Usually I am one of those people who enjoys a reformed bad guy because he met a girl but this just completely missed the mark with me. Not to mention the FLs first relationship / bf just pissed me right off... he basically was using her so he wouldn't be unemployed then he turned around and became an agent? Spare me... if I was in sports I would not go to that man or trust him with anything.

I really wanted to rate this higher because I enjoyed Lee Sang Yeob's acting... I really feel like he put a lot of effort into his character and during his scenes you could feel the emotion dripping from the screen. It must have something to do with his really expressive eyes. Not to mention, he's good looking and has this floppy puppy dog thing about his mannerisms. His smirk / smile got me every-time and I really empathized with his character and wanted to see him win and get out of the mess he was in. But again, one man is not able to carry an entire show. I thought that the villain, Mr Kim Oh Bok (Park Ji Hwan) also did a good job of selling the role of the menacing ring leader of sorts and the FLs dad (Kim Hyung Mook) was also a scene stealer. I feel like this was Kim So Hye's debut in acting.. with that did she did ok for a first project but there are aspects of her acting that she can improve. Having said that, I'm sure she'll improve as she takes on more roles or receives more training.

Overall, I would not rewatch this drama and I'd say it is forgettable and I probably won't remember it much in the next couple of months. Nevertheless it was a good distraction and kind of kept me entertained when I had nothing else to watch.

I'd really rate this a 5.5/10 but I rounded it up to 6/10 because I did enjoy the acting and storyline to an extent... it's just that it could have been better executed and developed.

Would I recommend it to others? No, probably not. Unless you are a Sang Yeob fan and want to watch for his scenes, there's really no point. I'm not going to say anything else but if you don't trust my opinion then you should watch it and come to your own conclusions / judgments.

Anyway, thanks for reading and happy watching!

❤️

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A Hollow, Heartless Threequel That Never Should've Happened

***DISCLAIMER: This is just my opinion. We don’t have to agree and I’m not here to argue with anyone.***

I don’t even know where to start with this disaster of a season, but let’s begin with the fact that Gi-hun literally died for a baby that wasn’t even his. Let that sink in… The only reason he kept going was because he made a promise to the mother, Player 222. And here’s the kicker… she didn’t want Player 333, the baby’s actual father, anywhere near her kid. So the fact that she trusted Gi-hun instead spoke volumes about who really deserved that trust. By the end, I got it perfectly.

333 was the epitome of greed. I genuinely believe he would’ve sacrificed both Gi-hun and the baby for the prize money. Or worse, he’d have taken the money and run off with the baby, being a terrible father either way. His character had zero depth, no remorse, no humanity. The dude voted to continue the games and murdered people in cold blood just to survive. Meanwhile, Gi-hun tried his hardest not to kill anyone, even when given the golden opportunity to wipe the slate clean and take the money. That’s what made Gi-hun different and worth rooting for.

And that’s not even the worst part…

I’m beyond disappointed in Jun-ho, the cop. Bro, you could’ve stopped all of this if you’d just told Gi-hun that the Front Man was your brother??? Keeping that secret did absolutely nothing but get everyone killed. Zero plot value, zero payoff, zero logic… Just wasted potential and utterly horrible vibes all around.

Props to Netflix for squeezing every last drop out of Squid Game… then turning the leftovers into some tasteless, half-baked disaster nobody wanted. If Season 1 was a masterpiece, Season 3 feels like that last-minute essay you threw together at 3 AM while half-asleep and questioning all your life choices.

Honestly, I’ve never felt this robbed by a show before. Season 3 didn’t just miss the mark, it crashed the entire ship into an iceberg and then set it on fire for no reason.

And can we talk about that ending? Gi-hun dies. Like, actually dies. After everything… after the trauma, the rebellion, all the growth, the vow to burn it all down, he just gets killed off like some extra nobody? Wtaf?! So what was the point of the last two seasons? Watching a man suffer, lose everything, then die while his daughter gets handed some crusty, blood-stained jacket like it’s a cursed souvenir from hell?

And then the Front Man shows up in L.A. like some shady, broke Santa Claus, handing Gi-hun’s daughter a bank card and calling himself “a friend.” Bro, that’s not closure. That’s emotional theft. She didn’t need a jacket soaked in trauma… she needed her father. And we, the fans, needed a real payoff. Instead, we got a bleak, empty “twist” wrapped in fake sympathy.

This entire season was chaos for the sake of NOTHING. If I could give it a 0/10, I would. The only reason it’s getting a bit more is because I was entertained here and there. I laughed at some parts and was on the edge of my seat sometimes… but when the credits rolled, all I felt was anger. This story should have just ended with Season 1. I was better off with my delusional theories of Jun-ho surviving then teaming up with Gi Hun to end his brother and get some REAL JUSTICE. We didn’t need Season 2 and definitely didn’t need this hot mess of a Season 3.

Going back into the games brought nothing but pure, senseless carnage with no purpose beyond pain. No message, no growth, no progress… just mindless brutality fueled by nothing but cruelty. The Front Man could’ve changed the rules like in the Hunger Games and allowed two winners, but he didn’t. Because this show is obsessed with suffering.

And seriously, why was there a literal baby in the games? What the actual fuck. Yes, I get it… symbolism. “You can’t escape your fate.” “Society chews you up the moment you’re born.” Sure, sure. But it was forced and unnecessary. This season was a complete letdown… a total waste of time, talent, and emotional investment.

If anyone wants to come at me for this, whatever. I watched the show, processed it, and formed my own opinion. You’re free to do the same. But I’m not pretending 333 or the cop were good people because they weren’t. Period.

Keep thirsting after 333 and the cop or making them out to be way more heroic than they are… Meanwhile, I’m over here wondering why I even bothered sitting through it.

The deaths also rubbed me the wrong way. The only ones that felt gratuitous were Player 388, Player 100, and Player 044… all annoying characters who mostly served as cheap comic relief. I didn’t care when they died, especially 388, who turned out to be a lying coward. I blamed him for the ambush, even though it was obviously a suicide mission from the start because Player 1 controls everything. People told me I was being dramatic for hating him, but I wasn’t even close. I’m glad he died… and I’m glad Gi-hun was the one to end him. It felt earned.

Everyone died. Everyone we cared about, cried for, and held our breath for… just wiped out. No mercy, no satisfying moments, no deaths that actually meant anything. Just nonstop destruction drenched in hopelessness. By the finale, the only things left standing were the writers’ broken promises and all the emotional wreckage they left us with. -10000 aura points.

Jun-ho’s entire storyline? A total joke. If Hwang Dong Hyuk said this season would have “funny” moments, maybe this is what he was referring to??? Because after ten whole episodes of detective work, running, hiding, eavesdropping, and dodging death, Jun-ho literally achieves nothing. No confrontation. No closure. No progression. Just the same tired cycle of vague stares and dramatic pauses.

It honestly felt like Hwang Dong Hyuk had no idea how to write a real face-off between Jun-ho and In-ho, so he stalled profusely dragging it out with filler and hoping no one would notice the plot was spinning in circles.

And when Jun-ho finally yells out “In-ho… why?” at the end? It was genuinely pathetic. We circled right back to the exact same moment from Season 1… same question, same supposed “impact” (if you could even call it that) except this time, Jun-ho didn’t get shot and left for dead. He just stood there like a sad NPC while absolutely nothing changed.

The only characters I actually liked were Player 246, his daughter, Player 120 and Guard 11 (Kang No Eul). I was seriously impressed by Park Gyu Young. I’ve never been a fan of hers before… her characters usually annoy me… but here, she showed real range. Guard 11 was easily one of the best things this season had going for it.

Player 120 stayed with me because she was determined, resilient, a true fighter in every sense. But what made her unforgettable wasn’t just her strength, it was her heart. She refused to leave anyone behind. That loyalty, that humanity, was what ultimately got her killed. She went back to save Geum Ja and Jun Hee, and paid the price for it. Her death felt so unfair, one of those cruel, inevitable moments that shouldn’t have happened but did, just to remind you how ruthless this world is. And yes, I’m still upset that Player 333 was the one who killed her. Of all people. She deserved more... more time, more justice, more recognition. It’s always the ones with the most heart who go first, and honestly, it’s just really sad.

The games themselves still managed to be entertaining and kept me on edge. I’ll give them that. But even there, the mystery or "magic" of it all felt so much weaker.

Lee Jung Jae’s acting? Honestly, it was mid compared to previous seasons. He looked worn out, hollow, like the games had sucked the life out of him. Maybe that was the point, but it didn’t help. The jump rope game was his standout moment… his one scene of real emotional clarity.

Everything else? Flat, lifeless, and uninspired.

In the end, this season was a colossal waste of potential.

It could’ve been easily salvaged if player 001 came back to sacrifice himself for Gi-hun and the baby. That would’ve shown Jun-ho still had some shred of humanity left, that despite everything, he wasn’t completely lost. If anyone was going to die or be the sacrificial lamb, it should have been him. Imagine his brother finding his body and screaming “Why?” That moment would’ve spoken volumes and been more impactful.

It would’ve shown that beneath all the darkness, he still had a flicker of morality fighting against the twisted game that stole everything from him in the first place. That sacrifice could’ve given Gi-hun a chance at a fresh start, a new life… raising the baby as his own, finally making amends with his daughter, and maybe even building something to protect others from this brutal, senseless blood lottery. The Squid Game is literally a death trap where everyone loses, and that moment could’ve been a beacon of hope, a real act of rebellion against the cruelty that consumes them all.

But NO, instead, we got… whatever the hell this was.

It should have ended after Season 1. I’m not rewatching this mess. If I could, If I was a new watcher I'd skip it altogether because if you’re looking for closure... you’re NOT gonna find it here. With all that said, I give this whole shit show a 3/10. Save your time, trust me.

Also, can we please stop pretending we need Squid Game: L.A.? Nobody asked for that. Nobody wants it.

The thrill is gone… the soul is gone. Squid Game should’ve ended when it still meant something.

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It was good but it could have been great!

A solid 8/10 for me.

General Remarks:
Excellent writing, brilliant acting and a suspenseful story that keeps you on your toes.

1. Story about 3 sisters with absentee parents.
2. A mystery surrounding a girl who stole 70 billion won and left it in the account of one of the sisters before she was killed.
3. Main focus is one of the sisters trying to find out what happened to her friend and why she was killed.
4. Characters mysteriously being killed and willing to go to their graves to find this stolen money.
5. The interconnected storylines and drama in each of the sister's and their enemies lives.
6. Mystery behind the blue ghost orchid and the people wrapped up in a society that pledges their lives to it.

Let's start with the positives:

I really enjoyed the storylines of all the sisters. I felt like In Joo and In Kyung always had to be so strong for In Hye and tried their best to take care of and provide for In Hye because of again. absent parents.

I thought the plot was amazing and unlike any other drama I had ever seen or watched. I didn't know so much about orchids and I thought it was refreshing to see a show centered around a rare species of orchid (the orchid of death) and the whole group of people wrapped up in the organization.

I found In Joo battling what to do with all that money to be a realistic portrayal because really and truly most persons wouldn't know where to begin if that amount of money somehow fell into their hands.

I like how everyone's storyline became interconnected and it was like each character was serving a greater purpose in Song-A's "play" of sorts. They were all like her little dolls and she basically called all the shots. At first I was led to believe that she was being forced and coerced by Park Jae Sang but soon it became apparent that everything she was doing was a ruse. She believed herself to be an actress and presented herself differently to each person. Each person was treated like a new canvas or stage of sorts.

Personally I think Sang A was the most interesting character because she was a truly evil serial killer / psychopath. She had no qualms or regard for other people or their feelings (typical sociopath behavior). Finally, a villain being a true villain without any regretful backstory as to why they became that way. Song A was just born that way and though they tried to justify her actions by saying she killed her mom on accident and was living with the guilt and the trauma in her "closed room" (ie. the door that she never opened) Imo her recreating that tragedy was sooooo sick and I loved every minute of it. She was downright horrible and at a point I believed she was going to try and take everything away from both In Joo and In Kyung. I thought In Hye would have never escaped her and she was gonna get rid of Hyo Rin and mold In Hye in her image – creating the perfect daughter. Thank god that didn't happen though!

In Joo and Do Il left much to be wanted at the end – I am disappointed that we did't even get a kiss or a hug lol! The chemistry was there and despite everything they went through you could feel the sheer care they developed for one another. They may not have ended up together but I believe important lessons we learned. No amount of money in the world could make In Joo happy / satisfied and that she would give it all up in a heart beat to protect her sisters and the people she truly loves and cares about. Through In Joo, Do Il too realized that there are some people worth fighting for and more important than money.

I never thought In Kyung would give Jong Ho a chance but I lwas literally so happy at the end when they finally got together and admitted their feelings for one another.

Though In Hye was a really complicated character I thought her message at the end was sweet and behind her depressive and cold hearted exterior was a troubled teenager with a heart. She did care for In Joo and In Kyung but just had a sh*tty way of showing it. Her message to her sisters was sweet and I could kind of understand her reasoning for being distant and wanting to find herself first before appearing in front of them again. Even though she appreciated all the sacrifices they made for her in her life she needed to go her own way and find independence.

Negatives:

I could not stand their mother. She was awful and didn't give a singular f*ck about her kids and it was so infuriating to watch. She took her daughters field trip money and just ran away with the sh*tty excuse that In Hye is young and has so many opportunities to travel and that she needs to go now because she's "old" essentially. That was just soooo absurd to me considering the fact that the mother knew damn well that was In Hye's dream and the thing that would make her the happiest????? Imo she stifled those poor girls and was not fit to be a parent, not to mention their good for nothing father who the mother ran away to help and barely heard from ever since. In Joo and In Kyung practically raised themselves with the help of the great aunt who raised in Kyung for a while and then them turning around and raising In Hye.

I found In Hye to be ungrateful and selfish and the fact that she chose to find herself and travel the world with her friend rather than stay with her sisters even when the danger was eminent left me shocked.

I wish In Kyung's alcoholism was tackled more and we could see her path to recovery not like she just woke up and magically got over it. It's a touchy subject yes but I feel like many people struggle with alcoholism and it would've been nice to see a kdrama tackle such an important issue in the midst of all the mystery and chaos going on.

I wish we saw more character development but I understand it was hard to do so in 12 episodes.

I thought the last episode was rushed but again it was hard to fit everything into 12 episodes. I felt like Sang A died a quick and mildly painful death but she deserved to suffer wayyy more for her crimes... so it was upsetting seeing her die without having to atone for any of it while Hwa Young was badly burnt, survived and still had to go to prison. Imo Hwa Young has mental issues that also need to be taken care of because I don't know how someone can endure all that + their fake death and still be mentally sound. Also I am not sure how I feel about her getting involved in another gardening program (like especially if it has anything to do with orchids) like that was strange and it gave me the creeps. Hwa Young has the perfect demeanor and makings to be a villain / antagonist so it would be interesting to see her character arc in S2 (if there is one) Honestly I feel like she wasn't able to fully get her revenge and have peace of mind so I kinda do hope if there is S2 that opportunity presents itself.

Final Remarks:

Kim Go Eun really puts so much into her acting and you can feel that translate across the screen no matter what role she undertakes. Wi Ha Joon's character was mysterious and throughout watching I couldn't quite place him. Was he evil or was he good? It became clear that he was a morally grey character (which I ate up btw) essentially a wildcard that could swing either way depending on the situation.

I hope there is season 2 with a whole other mystery that the sisters are swept up in. Maybe this time it can start with In Hye and her friend Hyo Rin and then the others have to help save her. I would also love Hwa Young to make a reappearance and help them from prison if she can or this mystery finally frees her as we meet an even bigger contender / mastermind than Sang A was.

I liked it so much as I am still thinking about it and wishing there was more even though it's finished. I would definitely recommend it to others :)

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The Best Korean Dating Reality TV Show Ever!

I don’t usually give shows 9.5 stars but I really enjoyed watching Transit Love / EXchange. Going into it I didn’t know what to expect and I was pleasantly shocked at the emotions this program brought out of me. The storytelling was amazing and you could feel how genuine the cast was as they expressed themselves. I loved how they were all anxious at first but eventually everyone became comfortable with each other as if they’d known each other all along. I went through so much and I feel like I got invested to the point where I became attached to certain cast members. My emotions went from 0 to 100 at times. You’re going to feel happy, sad, angry and confused while watching their stories unfold but remember these are real people and it’s their life and their decisions so there’s nothing you can really do. The last 3 episodes stressed me out the most but I was happy because one of the couples I was rooting for since the beginning came through. Yeah… couples you may be rooting for won’t work out but don’t worry too much because in the end everyone grew from the experience. I even felt like I learned so much from watching these ex couples talk about their breakups, find closure, love and more importantly friendship. You can tell that the producers really put effort into choosing the cast because they all seem to be very charming individuals. I hope the friendships and relationships formed there last for a very long time. I hope they make season 2 with a new cast so I can experience a show like this again!

Parts I didn’t like: The ending. It seemed too rushed (especially when the persons who brought in at the end only had a week to get to know everyone and make a decision) I didn’t like how everyone ended up confessing their feelings to each other. It would’ve been nice for them to meet each other individually as the car scenes made the environment and situation really tense / pressurizing. I also think next time around the producers should have challenges and actually pick the dates for persons so that everyone gets to go on a date with people they wouldn’t normally choose and get to know each other instead of picking the same persons all the time (at least in the first & second week) After that the contestants can be free to continue picking the person they feel a strong connection with and going on dates etc.

Other than that she show was definitely worth the watch. I don’t regret stumbling across this because it’s a show I feel like anyone can watch and easily like.

**I highly recommend it to persons who don’t know what to watch but want to watch more Korean dating reality shows like Single’s Inferno :) **

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MY HEART CALLS YOUR NAME

***DISCLAIMER: This is just my opinion. We don’t have to agree and I’m not here to argue with anyone.***

TLDR: My review is long so if you don’t have time, just skip to the final thoughts section.

OVERVIEW:

The drama begins with Baek Sa Eon and Hong Hee Joo, a couple married for three years but trapped in silence due to mutual animosity and Hee Joo’s selective mutism. Their fragile relationship worsens when Hee Joo is kidnapped by a masked assailant who threatens her life to get Sa Eon’s attention. After escaping, Hee Joo’s resentment towards Sa Eon intensifies. She uses the kidnapper's phone to communicate her demands of getting a divorce. As the story unfolds, the couple must face their unresolved feelings and decide if they can move past their grievances to navigate the crisis together. The drama delves into their emotional struggles, tackling themes of trust, love, and redemption amid various external challenges.

__________

IN MORE DETAIL (SPOILERS AHEAD):

Fist off, I liked how When The Phone Rings (WTPR) was able to captivate me in 2 episodes, usually dramas take 4-6 episodes to draw me in but this one did not. It felt like a breath of fresh air and after the first episode I went immediately to the next, without a break or hesitation.

The vibe of this drama is right up my alley; it’s a romantic suspense drama with mystery / thriller aspects, arranged marriages and a bit of tension between the leads. The transition from childhood friends to lovers adds a charming twist. I enjoyed it! It was the perfect antidote for those times when you’re in a drama slump, looking for something quick, bingeable, and effortlessly captivating. I found it especially revitalizing, as I was starting to feel that K-dramas were losing their spark.

The storyline was quite engaging, even if it leaned heavily on makjang tropes and required a hefty dose of disbelief. Flaws are a given in any show, and this one is no different. However, each character and far fetched plot line served a purpose, and in the context of this drama, it all somehow worked.

Honestly, sometimes, you just crave a cheesy, cliché drama that feels like a warm hug. Watching their slow-burn romance blossom into heartfelt confessions and breakthroughs was simply enchanting. Their unconventional love story touched my heart in ways I didn’t expect.


MIXED EMOTIONS:

Initially, In A appeared menacing but ultimately reveals a non-threatening nature. It seems unreasonable for her to expect Hee Joo to resume speaking just because her surgery was successful, allowing her to hear and talk again. That part annoyed me because it seemed selfish, especially after relying on her as a substitute for so many years.

It was disheartening to find out that Do Jae was scheming against Sa Eon, even though I had a hunch about it. While I might be able to brush off his treachery, the memory of him starting a fire and pushing Hee Joo off a cliff, leading to her serious injuries, is hard to shake. Moreover, the fact that Do Jae managed to survive after being beaten, stabbed, and nearly drowned stretches believability to its limits. In reality, both of those events should’ve left them severely injured or dead.

The second couple didn't resonate with me much; they seemed to lack the spark I was looking for. Their love was more subdued and comforting, unlike the fiery connection of Sa Eon and Hee Joo. Despite this, I was pleased that they revealed plans for marriage at the end.

While I recognize that Sa Eon should have learned sign language sooner to communicate with Hee Joo, it's important to consider his peculiar upbringing. To the Baek’s, he was only a spare, which positioned their marriage as a business arrangement. He maintained distance, feeling unworthy of genuine affection. Nonetheless, I commend his later efforts to learn, which showed his desire to connect with her on a deeper level.


DISLIKES:

The 5th episode was likely the weakest link in the series; it felt like a filler and earned a modest 7/10 from me. I was hoping for more excitement, but it just didn’t deliver.

I believe this drama could have reached greater heights if it had targeted a more mature audience. The 13+ rating restricted the depth of the romance earlier on. Still, I admire Sa Eon’s gentle approach; patience really is a virtue.

Sa Eon’s so-called family treats him like a mere pawn in their game, completely disregarding his humanity and identity. It’s heartbreaking to see him, an orphan, uprooted from his life simply because the grandfather chose him for his own agenda. His existence has never truly belonged to him. The flashbacks of his childhood, especially when he was forced to eat fish broke my heart. On the other hand, it was endearing to see how back then he offered his plate to Hee Joo when she was forced to restrict herself. These little parallels between past and present add to the story and highlight Sa Eon’s unwavering care and protectiveness towards her.

I really wish we had seen more of the mother taking responsibility for forcing her daughter into silence. Honestly, she came off as way too nonchalant, and it’s hard not to see her as a deeply troubled and insensitive individual. Everything seems to revolve around her, with her excuse being that she wanted a better life for Hee Joo than the one she experienced. Sure, but in doing so, you subjected her to a different kind of suffering! The mental and emotional scars are not something that just fade away. That’s my main issue, along with the overused trope of parents trying to make amends and seek forgiveness.

I also felt like the news report at the end particularly with the use of fictional country names mirroring real-life ones was unnecessary.


LIKES:

This series featured a stellar cast, the actors played characters with a sense of authenticity and realism. Yoo Yeon Seok delivered as usual, I don’t think I could ever imagine anyone else playing Sa Eon now. Chae Soo Bin brought her own unsuspecting charm and innocence to the role, while also being super flirty and daring when she was 406. I liked seeing her range. She deserves accolades for her impressive sign language performance.

Conversely, the kidnapper exhibited a commendable performance. Finally, there is a villain with a compelling backstory, clear motives, and justifications for his actions. While I did not feel sympathy for him, I appreciated the depth of his character. His troubled relationship with his parents nearly elicited pity. However, I found his demise somewhat too quick and simplistic but then again, you can’t always have it your way.

In my opinion, the finale was a total treat for fanfic enthusiasts. Given that this story started on Wattpad, everything that unfolded was spot on, and I’m not even a little bit sorry for enjoying every second of it. I swear, watching the last episode I was giggling and smiling so much. The people who get it get it and the ones who don’t, don’t. In my opinion they’re just out of the loop or above cliches altogether, but then again, everyone has their own preferences.

I’m glad there was no love triangle or 3rd person attempting to sabotage the couple. Additionally, the absence of a trivial breakup is refreshing. Sa Eon’s departure was indeed heartbreaking, primarily due to his difficulty in confronting Hee Joo after realizing he was the son of the person who inadvertently forced her to be mute following the accident which killed her brother. I think these events laid the foundation for their eventual reconciliation in Argan, similar to dramas with military themes.

I liked how Hee Joo engaged in conversations with those who had a deep connection to Sa Eon, as it allowed her to feel closer to him. It’s such a relatable portrayal of loneliness and confusion; those small interactions were her lifeline during those tough days.

That kidnapping scene where she was blindfolded, it felt like it was lifted straight from a romance novel. It had the essence of multiple shows and movies blended together, but honestly, I didn’t care because Sa Eon looked incredibly handsome while rescuing her.

The cinematography is impressive. While some may dislike the imaginative scenes, I find them endearing as they offer a glimpse into the characters' thoughts and showcase more charming moments between the couple. I also value the subtle hidden details they added that help’s to convey the emotions of the leads.

The OST is also amazing. The first time I heard the captivating opening track, "Hear Me Out," and saw the theme, I thought it was quite intriguing. The first experience hearing “See The Light” was thrilling, and Lim Hyunsik’s vocals are powerful. "Numb", for "May I Love You," and "I Feel It Now," are my top 3 song, as it expresses the emotions of our leads so well. Honorable mention for "Say My Name" which is beautifully sang by Yoo Yeon Seok and shows off his amazing voice.


LOVES:

The leads chemistry is off the charts! I was breathless by the end of episode 2 and again in episode 7. The way they match each other's energy was electrifying. Their intimate scene following the kidnapping was truly something. The filming was excellent; the directors captured the perfect angles and flow. While some viewers criticized the earlier kiss in episode 10's epilogue, I believe the final scene redeemed everything. As a romance enthusiast, their love story resonated with me, and their unwavering connection was evident. The last 15 minutes of the finale were everything, showcasing them as newlyweds finally experiencing happiness after 11 episodes of struggle. It was a satisfying happy ending.

I also appreciate how, in the jungle scene in Argan, Hee Joo initiated the kiss. It was refreshing shift in dynamic showing her taking control. After all of Sa Eon’s encouragement throughout the drama to pursue her desires without hesitation, she finally embraced his advice. Talk about a well crafted arc! And let’s not forget the scene that followed was absolutely sizzling!

What I truly admire is how they handle their issues with such gravity. The years of pain they endured were no joke. The moment between In A and Hee Joo, where she realizes that clinging to the past will only bring sadness, was particularly poignant. I loved how they both showed mutual respect, with Hee Joo letting go of her resentment towards In A. That was a genuine breakthrough that really tugged at my heartstrings.

I loved the character development of Hee Joo. She transforms from a timid and naive person into a confident, determined woman who pursues her desires. Her newfound courage to confront those who have wronged her is inspiring. Similarly, Sa Eon undergoes significant growth, enduring numerous challenges before ultimately finding his happiness.

Sa Eon's affection for Hee Joo stands out, especially considering he was brought up devoid of love. He was raised to be perfect, to make up for the faults of his fake parents and to preserve their legacy. Although he developed a reserved and distant demeanor, his tenderness towards Hee Joo is heartwarming and his sweetness shines through. While he may appear rough around the edges, his love for her is unmistakeable. From the start, their hearts have called each other's names; it was merely a matter of time.

The beauty of that final scene lies in the fact that there were no pretenses this time around. Hee Joo was honest about her feelings, simply wanting him to return home. The progress they have both made in these 12 episodes has been truly remarkable.


FAVORITE QUOTES:

“𝘞𝘦’𝘳𝘦 𝘧𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘺. 𝘚𝘩𝘦’𝘴 𝘮𝘺 𝘸𝘪𝘧𝘦.”

“𝘐’𝘮 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘱 𝘤𝘳𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨. 𝘊𝘳𝘺 𝘢𝘴 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘢𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵.”

“𝘚𝘰 𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘮 𝘺𝘦𝘵 𝘴𝘰 𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘥. 𝘚𝘰 𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘴𝘩 𝘺𝘦𝘵 𝘴𝘰 𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘥.”

“𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘐 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘳, 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘐 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘪𝘭𝘺.”

“𝘜𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘣𝘢𝘥 𝘩𝘢𝘣𝘪𝘵. 𝘐’𝘥 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘱 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘬 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘣𝘪𝘵.”

“𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥 𝘸𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘧𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘢𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘪𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘢𝘬 𝘶𝘱. 𝘌𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘢𝘺, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶’𝘷𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘥 𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬. 𝘚𝘢𝘺 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵.”

“𝘛𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘮𝘦 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶. 𝘛𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘮𝘦 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶.”

“𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘉𝘢𝘦𝘬 𝘚𝘢 𝘌𝘰𝘯 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘏𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘏𝘦𝘦 𝘑𝘰𝘰.”

“𝘐 𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶. 𝘐 𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶.”

“𝘐 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘣𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘢 𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦. 𝘓𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘪𝘴𝘯’𝘵 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘤𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘯𝘦-𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘴𝘢𝘤𝘳𝘪𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘰 𝘰𝘳 𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘶𝘯𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘰𝘣𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘮𝘦.”

“𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘴𝘯’𝘵 𝘢 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥-𝘪𝘯. 𝘍𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘵, 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘸𝘪𝘧𝘦.”

“𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘐 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘐 𝘧𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘴𝘸𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘰 𝘸𝘩𝘺 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘩𝘺 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘴 𝘉𝘢𝘦𝘬 𝘚𝘢 𝘌𝘰𝘯. 𝘐𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘦𝘦𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶.”


FINAL THOUGHTS:

This drama was an absolute delight! As a fan of heavier and more emotional stories, it was a nice change of pace to watch something lighter that didn't leave me feeling drained. Some persons would beg to differ but for me, this drama was not that deep. It was simply a joy to watch.

All in all, I simply loved how they blended almost every genre together, the mystery, thriller, romance and romantic suspense which kept you on your toes and had you eager to watch the next episode.

This drama was made for yearners and slow burn lovers. Yu Yeon (formerly Sa Eon) and Hee Joo perfectly encapsulate that dynamic. I love the name he chose and their cozy little married life. The ending was so heartwarming, especially the scene where he tells her if she wants their home to be more lively they need to add to their family and then lifts her bridal style to the bedroom.

Is it a masterpiece? Absolutely not. Is it binge worthy and enjoyable? Definitely. WTPR may not be perfect, but it had me hooked! Although the last 2 episodes faltered a tiny bit, the show's overall excellence still prevailed. It provided a much-needed escape, lifting my spirits and making for a gratifying watch.

Would I recommend it? Yes, especially to persons who are beginners or just watching for a good time. I even roped in 4 friends to watch, including two who had never even watched a K-drama before. So far, they’re loving it, and it’s fun to have people to discuss the episodes with.

The romantic suspense and chemistry was brilliant. The leads were so captivating that they definitely earned some extra points in my book. I genuinely loved them, and I can confidently say there was rarely a dull moment in this drama for me.

I need to see YYS and CSB in another project together. Also, what is Yu Yeon up to at the end? He looks like he’s giving some secret agent vibes fr. I just can’t get enough! This drama definitely deserved more than 12 episodes. 14 or 16 would have been perfect. Fingers crossed for the possibility of a 2nd season!

My averaged episode scores put When The Phone Rings at an 8.5/10. While the characters and storyline definitely could've been more fleshed out, I enjoyed the performances by the cast and suspenseful elements. Everything combined made this drama such a fun watch.

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SIDENOTE:

While some claim WTPR is overhyped, I believe its popularity is well-deserved. It captivates and entertains throughout. Everyone has different preferences, WTPR met mine. If you are still unsure, by eps 2 to 4, you'll know if it suits your taste; if not, it's best to move on. Manage your expectations to avoid disappointment, and remember it’s literally based on a Webtoon / Wattpad novel.

I tried to keep my review neutral, concentrating on the main points of the plot and my viewing experience. It is important that we maintain a respectful and focused conversation without any political biases or jumping to any premature conclusions.

Anyway, that’s my two cents lovelies.

As always,
Thanks for reading & happy watching!

˚ʚ♡ɞ˚

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WISH GRANTED, CHAOS DELIVERED!

***DISCLAIMER: THIS IS JUST MY OPINION. YOU DON’T HAVE TO AGREE AND I’M NOT HERE TO ARGUE WITH ANYONE.***

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OVERVIEW:

Genie, Make A Wish is a fractured fairytale full of chaos, romance, comedy, and surprisingly deep emotion. It is basically about a young woman deemed a psychopath, completely devoid of any emotion, whose life is suddenly turned upside down when a 1000+ year-old genie shows up threatening to kill her.

The story follows Ka Young a mere human and Iblis, a mischievous and “evil” genie obsessed with proving humans are corrupt. Their wild, messy journey twists through wishes, secret mysteries, complicated feelings, and yes, a surprisingly intense love story. Fans of My Demon and under supernatural dramas will recognize the same mix of emotional pain, supernatural intrigue, and morally grey characters. I came for the reunited onscreen pairing, stayed for the magic and chaos, and was left wanting way more.

The best way to describe it? Aladdin meets Lucifer, a crossover where wishes, divine rules, and forbidden romance collide.

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COMMENTARY (SPOILERS AHEAD!) :

• Initial Thoughts

The first three episodes hooked me instantly. The pacing, tension, and setup were perfect. The chemistry between Iblis and Ka Young was explosive, even though their backstory was heartbreaking. They gave off ill-fated lovers vibes, like their souls belonged together.

Their dynamic was very much enemies to lovers. Ka Young constantly gave him a hard time and he loved it. Every time she kicked, fought, or beat him up, I was dying laughing. They are so silly, literally losers in love and I adore them.

The show balanced intense, somber moments with lighthearted fluff. Beneath all the magic, it hits deep about love, loss, and the fleeting nature of life. It’s also about choices, showing how even as a human or supernatural being you get to decide who you want to be. Iblis, through loving Ka Young, changed his ways, finally bowing to a human and appreciating the fragility and bliss of life. Being with her across lifetimes felt like the epitome of soulmatism.


• Themes & Character Depth

The drama portrayed how different people respond to being granted three wishes. Some were consumed by greed and abused their power, forgetting what truly mattered, like family and love, while others realized they were happy with how their life was before or showed repentance for their previous sins. The show’s message was clear: greed destroys, but love redeems. You can’t alter the past, but you can make choices that shape a better future.

Ka Young herself embodied that message. Her life was rough, and her antisocial personality disorder acted like armor, shielding her from the full weight of abandonment and pain from her mother. No child deserves to be discarded for being different. Over time, her dark humor and constant threats became endearing because you could tell she would never truly cross the lines her grandma set. Ka Young’s conscious decision to continue learning and trying to be better, studying emotions and facial cues, following routines, and trying to stay calm for her grandma, touched my heart. Their relationship was one of the sweetest and most grounded aspects of the drama.

Pan Geum and Mi Ju’s story was heartbreaking in its own right. When Pan Geum became young again and heard what the villagers said about Ka Young, it crushed her. She was the only one who loved her granddaughter unconditionally despite her differences. That’s why she accepted Iblis so quickly. She knew he would stand by and love her granddaughter no matter what, and that brought the story full circle.


• Love & Loss

Ahn Eun Jin was perfect as young Pan Geum. She captured the same essence as Kim Mi Kyung and I honestly couldn’t imagine anyone else. The budding romance between Min Ji and young Pan Geum / Mi Ju was a little odd, but also sweet. I feel the show didn't really push the romance and made it one sided like an innocent crush. Was it unnecessary? A bit however, Min Ji was none the wiser so I just took it as her falling in love with a stranger… when she did come to know though I felt bad.

The scene where Pan Geum finally died hit hard but I was annoyed that Ka Young didn’t weep then. I guess everyone grieves differently, and we need to remember that Ka Young’s go-to mechanism is not feeling anything. Even though she had tears well up in her eyes at the thought of losing Iblis, in my opinion it was like she couldn’t bring herself to believe her grandma was really gone. She was trying to cope while also just generally being her emotionally numb self. We finally saw the extent of her being unable to express her emotions and repressing them in as she breaks down in the desert before dying too. In a way, I found it ironic because her intention was always to die along with her grandma, and in that regard, she got her wish. But as it turned out, her grandma wished her another life, and she got reincarnated which to me was the best possible ending for the couple. I only wish the grandma came back in some form as well.


• Performance Highlights

Suzy absolutely slayed in this role, she ate and left no crumbs. She was phenomenal as Ka Young, effortlessly embodying the stoic, ice-cold, almost expressionless vibe of a character who is hard to read yet completely captivating. Her character was meant to be stoic and detached, but in very small the moments she let her guard down, it was clear there was an actual person beneath the personality disorder, someone still capable of "caring" deep deep down and trying to protect her friend(s) and family. Those glimpses were beautiful and felt entirely authentic.

Her acting landed perfectly. I loved the scene where Iblis shocked her by taking charge and kissing her back, seeing the subtle shock on her face was everything. Additionally, the scenes of her beating up Iblis and threatening the bad guys had me dying. She seems so frail but has this insane energy that makes those moments hilarious. Her outfits were always on point, matching her character’s cool, untouchable aura. She is a visual who owns every frame she is in. For me, her performance here surpasses her previous projects. She brought a grounded authenticity to Ka Young, never overplaying charm or forcing emotions, yet leaving you completely charmed by every scene.

Woo Bin was such a delight to watch in this role. I finally got to see his sassy and funny side, which was a refreshing change from the more stoic, reserved characters he usually plays similar to roles like Ka Young. His timing and delivery were impeccable, and the way he expressed humor and subtle sarcasm made him instantly charming without ever feeling forced. It was fun to see him lean into this lighter, more expressive side while still keeping moments of depth when the story called for it. For me, it showed a versatility that I hadn’t fully appreciated in his previous roles, and it made his character incredibly engaging and memorable.

The scene where Iblis tried on different outfits had me laughing hysterically, I even had to replay it. Seeing him dressed up as Choi Young Do from The Heirs was such a trip down memory lane and honestly was not on my bingo card. The fact that Woo Bin still looks almost the same after 11 years is crazy. Then there’s the moment when she punches him in the face, which was just as hilarious. They’re truly so silly together, and their dynamic deserves to be cherished. They definitely give grumpy², but she brings out his fun side and softens him whenever they’re together. The scenes after their first kiss were also adorable, especially when Ka Young kept tracking him down just because she wanted to kiss him again.


• Chemistry

The chemistry between Woo Bin and Suzy was absolutely electric and I found myself giggling and kicking my feet quite often anytime they'd interact. Their interactions crackle with tension, humor, and vulnerability, making even the smallest gestures feel full of emotion. Ka Young isn’t really one for emotions or affection, which made the moments she did show them all the more powerful. Every time she hugged him, I melted a little. The scene where it seemed like she almost had tears in her eyes, her eyes red at the thought of losing him, was genuinely touching.

Suzy did well in the intense moments and also the funny lighthearted ones. Woo Bin matched her perfectly, balancing charm, wit, and tenderness, creating a dynamic that felt natural and entertaining. Whether they are bickering, teasing, or sharing quiet moments under the stars, the sparks between them are undeniable. Their energy elevates every scene, drawing the viewer in and making even the lighter, comedic moments feel meaningful. The tension, warmth, and understated vulnerability in their relationship are what make their connection so compelling and memorable, truly the emotional heartbeat of the series.


• Past Lives & Sacrifice

The past life backstory between Iblis and Ka Young was heartbreaking. Woo Bin nailed every expression, you could feel and see the pain in his eyes. I got déjà vu watching him suffer again like in Uncontrollably Fond. But finally, they got their happy ending. Seeing them be reunited and have a happy ending in this drama / life highkey healed me.

The sacrifice of Min Ji making her last wish knowing she would forget Ka Young but making it so she would be able to live out her dreams, was bittersweet. I only wished Min Ji had said, “I hope you reunite with the ones* you miss,” instead of “the one you miss,” so she could remain in Ka Young’s life despite the rule that after the final wish, the wisher forgets everything. I wish they had included this loophole or something.

The only relief was seeing Min Ji going back to the desert in Dubai to watch the genies waltz years later. Behind the swirling sands, seeing Iblis and Ka Young dancing again was adorable, and of course, he’s still stepping on her toes after all this time.


• Highs and Lows: Where they (almost) lost me

Somewhere in the middle, the drama lost me a little. Making the genie out to be Satan felt over the top. The dynamic between Iblis and Ejllael reminded me of Lucifer with the fallen angel, brother conflict, and heaven versus hell storyline. Ejllael was lowkey hot and that made it hard for me to hate him.

One thing that annoyed me was how everyone could just suddenly enter Iblis’ lamp. There was no mechanism to decide who could enter or exit. As long as you were a supernatural or had a supernatural being bring you in, you could basically walk in. Don’t even get me started on Khalid also being able to get in too… that pissed me off.

Additionally, Shadi’s storyline with his son Khalid, a half-spirit, half-human child who endured illness then became immortal through body / soul swapping and sought even more control, and power felt drawn out and frustrating. The revelation of the decrepit old man behind the child’s body was shocking / terrifying and darkly humorous, adding a surreal twist to the narrative. Khalid’s relentless havoc, manipulative nature, and pure envy made him a character I couldn’t wait to see meet his end. When this tiny terror was finally was killed by Iblis, I couldn’t help but cheer. This messy father-son dynamic, steeped in supernatural elements and moral ambiguity, added depth to the story, highlighting themes of power, identity, envy, greed and the human desire for control.


• Flaws & Missteps

The biggest flaw or downfall of this drama, in my opinion, was how much lore it tried to cram in. Angels, demons, shapeshifters, gods, all at once. I really liked Sade and Irem, their shapeshifting had genuine potential, but so much of the storytelling got lost along the way. The wish logic was inconsistent as well. Every time someone made a wish, there was always one person who remembered, like the old lady who recalled her daughter’s past life, or Halmoni Pan Geum becoming young and turning into Mi Ju, only for someone else to piece it together and use it against her. At times, it just felt like there was too much going on, which made it hard to fully follow or invest in the story. I can understand why some people gave up. You really had to pay close attention to certain scenes to keep up, or it was easy to get confused.


• Visuals & Sound

The cinematography was stunning and captured the feeling essence of the village life, the beauty of Dubai as well as the magic of it all. The cherry blossom scenes were definitely my favorite not to mention the stargazing moments where it seemed like they were the only two people on earth.

On the other hand, I do think the fight sequences between Iblis and Ejllael had some wonky CGI, but honestly, that was part of the fun for me. It added a layer of humor and kept things lighthearted. I mean, everything can’t be perfect, and i just accepted the drama for what it was… flaws and all.

The OST was amazing, especially Lover by Ha Hyung Sang, Your Other Name by Kwon Jin Ah, and A Night Full of You by Suzy, which perfectly captured the melancholic yet hopeful tone of the series.


• Controversy

Some viewers have raised concerns about the use of the name “Iblis,” which in Islamic scripture is a jinn who refused to bow to Adam and was cast out of Heaven. I understand why that could feel uncomfortable or even offensive to some. I do think it came across as careless and insensitive to their religion to use that name when they could’ve easily chosen something else. I’ve also seen people say the drama was “romanticizing Satan,” but I personally I didn’t see it that way while watching. The story focuses on a genie (not the literal devil) and the name “Iblis” seems to have been used more as a cultural reference since the setting ties to the Middle East. I would say it’s similar to how other adaptations like Aladdin have drawn from the same folklore.

I am not Muslim, so I approached it like I usually do with fantasy-heavy dramas like My Demon and Doom At Your service. I tried to keep an open mind and separating my own beliefs from the story. That helped me focus more on the plot and the characters’ personal and collective journeys rather than the religious implications. Still, I think anyone who’s sensitive to those themes should do a little research first so they know what to expect.


• Suggested Audience

I would recommend this drama especially to those who enjoyed My Demon. That one missed the mark a bit and didn’t make sense for me because the mortal/immortal situation would have prevented a real relationship. Here, both characters eventually become immortal since Ka Young is reincarnated as a genie. They can finally be together without the suffering. My only gripe is no final kiss before they dispersed to fulfill their daily genie wishes but maybe I’m just greedy.

The ending was hopeful and happy, so anyone who was wondering can rest easy.


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FINAL THOUGHTS:

Overall, I give this drama a solid 8/10. Genie, Make a Wish was flawed, messy, and chaotic, but also endearing, and the ending left me happy for the most part. It made me laugh, swoon, and even tear up. By the resolution, I felt like I, like Ka Young, went through the five stages of grief—feeling the heartache, joy, and a little magic all rolled into one. Honestly, my younger self would never believe the day would come where the Uncontrollably Fond couple would reunite and finally get their happy ending. It was truly sweet seeing their journey come full circle.

NB: This drama definitely won’t be for everyone so tread carefully. Luckily for me it was entertaining and ended up being right up my alley.

Once again, this is just my opinion and I never intend to offend anyone who thinks differently.


Thanks for reading & happy watching!
˚ʚ♡ɞ˚

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DON'T BOTHER WASTING YOUR TIME — HORRIBLE PLOT, ACTING & INSUFFERABLE CHARACTERS

"IT'S SOOOOO BAD I WANT TO GIVE YOU A ZERO. BUT THAT'S NOT POSSIBLE SO I GIVE YOU A ONE."

I hate this drama and doubt I'll ever watch it again. I was irritated to death by the FL. I despise the plot and everything else about it. The entire premise of her being bullied, then relocating to another school and learning to do makeup so that she is suddenly liked, popular, and attractive sends the wrong message. The flashbacks of her allowing her ex-classmates to harass her in this way and without fighting back or trying to defend herself made it much worse. The whole plot of bullying someone just because of their appearance enraged me even more. When the FL then attempted to commit suicide because she was bullied for being ugly just made my head hurt. The point is that she isn't even ugly. The fact that the writers deemed an ugly person to be someone who clips up their hair, has acne, wears glasses, and has rosacea infuriated me even more. Overall the whole transformation of female lead -- her watching videos and learning how to put on makeup in order to be beautiful when she was already perfectly fine left a bad taste in my mouth. Ugh next. I'm sick of these boring, insipid female leads... didn't we leave this behind in the past? Then having the most popular guy at school ignore / dislike her when she is "beautiful" and treat her nicely / appear as if he likes her more when she is "ugly" makes absolutely no sense. Not to mention that the male lead is bland and dry as hell, and he CANNOT act! I don't care if you people like him because you think he's gorgeous that you ignore his horrible / emotionless acting because I WON'T.

Idk what else to say other than I dropped this show and I see it as a complete and utter waste of time. I legit cant even fathom why my friend recommended this garbage to me.

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