Enjoyable, Fun & Light
This is honestly one of the rare times that I wish the episodes are longer. I just want to see what happens next on both sides of the story- past and present.Although storywise it's just the usual hate to love plotline embedded in political drama, what carried the show is the chemistry between the leads. Though their romance progress took time to develop it was still entertaining to watch. Honestly, I wish they also gave time to show how their story will progress during the present time.
Overall, this is a great show to watch to past time.
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Expect Chemistry & Lots of Ruckus and Laughter
A light and fluffy drama that'll surely give viewers the feels.Definitely enjoyed the banter, the hate - love relationship between the CP and the ML with his advisor, the chemistry between the main leads, Yu Chang Ya's chemistry with the FL, and the interactions of the whole palace gang. I also appreciate how until the end the advisor chose the best interest of the country and the emperor even though most thought he was the villain, and how the story tied up everything in the end.
I also got really attached to the story of the advisor and FLs Mom. I wish we saw them get married in the end. But overall, this was such a feel good drama to watch, there was absolutely little to no stress, and just pure enjoyment.
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This review may contain spoilers
Great Series and Storyline
The plot kinda reminded me of Hotel del Luna. But can I just say that... The chemistry is insane!It's also amazing how all the people Dong Joo helped is somehow related to her birth story. I love how they tied it all up creatively in the end. It's actually a surprising and genius move! So heartwarming!
If you guys thought all the episodes are tearjerkers, the last one will definitely break your heart so bad. Though, I did kinda forsee it, it was still so painful to watch. The actors did such a great job at portraying the characters that they were able to built viewer attachment.
I feel that the only thing the story felt short on, especially around the ending, is the romance aspect. Tae Hee and Dong Joo's ending could've been written and portrayed so much better after all the build up they did. Don't get me wrong, I love how mature their relationship is and how they are each others rock; as seen when both of them encountered very difficult moments in their lives. I love how their presence is silent and yet very unwavering. But towards the end, I just truly wished they showed more scenes of the two of them being together more (?), whether it be just silently bonding or what. I just feel robbed of that moment wherein it's just them. But that's just me.
The murder mystery part was also humanely written. The choices Hae Ahn did was always because he wanted a good life, a life far from his childhood. Sadly, he was too blinded by it that it changed him. But I'm glad he showed remorse towards the end and did the right thing.
Lastly, can we give props to Vincent and Uncle Priest. Their interactions and screentime were always pleasurable to watch and also helped carry the show. They're humorous and yet also full of love. Ahhh~ such amazing people to have in one's life.
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Healing Journey w/ Comedic Value
Bo Ra! Deborah is a drama that focused on the different stages of relationships. While it is not perfect, people got hooked on it because it actually makes a lot of sense.The storyline is ingenious, to be honest. It focused on the personal growth of not just one character but almost all of them.
I most especially appreciated the growth of Bo Ra, initially, she tried too hard to cloak her real self to fill the mold of what her previous partner preferred. It was maddening because it seemed like she had no real personality and was living in a Barbie world. The breakup while it wrecked her, also helped her in the end to be the best version of herself or try to be. Plus, while the portrayal of her wreckage was very cringe-worthy it was still part of the healing journey and was very real- I mean, let's be honest, most people really do insane things when brokenhearted, it's just that her actions seemed over the top.
I also appreciate the moment Soo Hyuk entered Bo Ra's life. They helped each other in more ways than one. They became each other's pillar and at the same time, they learned more about each other in the realest way than the other couples. I really appreciate how they saw each other in their lowest stage and became friends and each other's support system. I also liked how Bo Ra didn't push Soo Hyuk to be the person he isn't, she helped him overcome his difficulties in communication by meeting him halfway and allowing him to digest his feelings without rushing him. I also loved the part wherein Soo Hyuk said that "Whatever you do, nothing can make me stop liking you." Because from the very start that's what Bo Ra needed, someone to accept her as she is. And that admission is also what Soo Hyuk needed, a person who'll make him finally break the dam that prevents him from accepting his feelings.
My only qualm is that while we saw both Soo Hyuk and Bo Ra grow and get over their previous failed relationships, the drama lacked in showing how they are outside of that bubble. Like what will Bo Ra and Soo Hyuk be into now that they're together? How is their dynamic as a couple? What are the things they do together that they both enjoy? I think those little things would make so much more impact on their storyline. Either way, they still gave them an impactful story.
As for the other couples, I think that their storyline is done in a way that's a middle point between acceptable and needs to be improved or fixed.
San Jin's storyline. I actually appreciated the first part of his story a lot more than I realized. The story about his divorce and how they both failed as partners was perfectly portrayed. It highlighted how failing to communicate as partners will eventually lead to the failure of the relationship. But sadly, the appreciation of his story ends there. Sang Jin's new love interest is a mess, not only do they have nothing in common and have no chemistry at all, the progression of their storyline also makes zero sense. I'm left wondering if he gave in because she gave him exactly what he was looking for; whether it be attention or the youthful and innocent portrayal of her admiration. I really don't know or understand.
Then there's Yu Jung and Jin Woo. The married couple seemed like they were only roommates. I honestly don't understand this couple or the resolution they gave about their marriage problems in the end. It's clear that Yu Jung would always need validation regarding Jin Woo's love, which might be because she was the one who proposed to him, and there'll always be a lingering insecurity there. I think that Jin Woo on his part really needs to show value to Yu Jung. I'm not looking for over-the-top showering of attention and all, just any small action on his part just to show his love and appreciation for her would be nice. Them meeting halfway on each other's interest would be nice too. The ending they gave, which is to dive into foreplay is not actually a real solution to their problems but just a patch to the hole.
Lastly, the young love of Bo Mi and Jin Ho. Oh my. I think that the ending they gave this couple is the weakest one in the whole series, and their storyline had such great potential! This couple needed to learn more about themselves and their place in society at first, and they know and have discussed this. Seeing them grow into the people they're meant to be while still choosing each other would've been great. Instead, they shocked us by impregnating Bo Mi early on giving them no chance to grow at all. Bo Mi just became dependent on both Bo Ra and Jin Ho without having the chance to know what she wants for herself. Also, can we also note the fact that we know little to nothing about Jin Ho other than him being instantly in love and attracted to Bo Mi. What is he going to do to support Bo Mi and their twins in the end? Oh well... I guess this part of the story refers to the youth today and how unstable things are in this generation.
Overall, Bo Ra! Deborah is such a great drama to watch with healing and growth as its main point. The romance between the main leads while lacking airtime is still something to look forward to on every episode.
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The butterflies love and young love give.
A great salute to ones teenage to adult years. A great story that's embedded in friendship and love.To say that I fell in love with this series is an understatement. It gave me all the feels. I enjoyed the friendships and relationships that took place. I enjoyed the growth and the portrayal of men showing feelings more than just being stoic.
While to story was mainly centered on the two childhoold friends, Ling Chao and Xiao Tu, the development and character growth of Jiang Juan Juan and Jia Sia Wen was the perfect icing on the cake. From total opposites, to uncanny friendship and camaraderie, to long distance relationships, to break up, and back to growth and being back together. The sacrifices and growth in that journey was the main highlight of the show to me. It was only in the last three episodes that they were given proper highlight, but the way their story was written was so beautiful and heartbreaking. The quiet sacrifices they both did for each other, especially the story of Jia Si Wen made me bawl my eyes. The insecurities of Jiang Juan Juan also hit home and made me bawl some more. It was beautiful and it honestly portrayed youth. While they aren't the main leads in this show, their story had more pinch to it. It resonated with me more.
Definitely won't tire rewatching this show!
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Butterflies, Good Vibes and Giddy Feelings All Over
Saying I love this drama is an understatement. It's just so beautiful.I love how admiration, love, maturity, friendship, and relationships were portrayed here. I love how there's no big drama to ruin the relationship. It's just so beautiful. And I'm truly at loss for words on how much to share how this drama just made me overall so happy. The good vibes it gives is just enough to tell people to watch this masterpiece.
The story transported me back to the days wherein high school was truly a mix of fun, studies, and just giddying interactions with crushes and all that. Although not all high school love stories end up everlasting, the way the story was portrayed it was enough to just root for these couples.
The way she calls him Rang Rang will always be something that giddies me up. While it may be annoying if others do it, the way she portrayed her love and admiration through calling his name was just so sweet. Ahhhh~ this show gave me so much butterflies and love. I wish they made more shows like this.
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cute, heartwarming, homey
Honestly, this was such a great show.I love and appreciate how all the characters in the series (mainly the housemates) got to each grow independently and yet still with the support of each other. They all have different issues and it was great to see them tackle it…
I love that the romance here isn’t clouded by jealousy or messy headache inducing love triangles. It’s actually quite mature. It’s human nature to have miscommunications from time to time, but I appreciate how they are also able to resolve it without drama.
My only caveat as to why I can’t give this full stars is because the story actually started moving better and more interestingly around episode 8. 8 out of 10 episodes before the main leads actually became main leads with interesting stories…
The chemistry of the main leads are top notched. But like all relationships in this series, it felt both too slow and too fast how their story progressed. Too slow in a way that their moments together while cute still lacked some depth to have conflicts resolved too fast. I hope that made sense. But yeah, basically I wish they main couple had more moments to solidify their relationship. It honestly felt like the Orca understood them both better than themselves…
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eye opening but sadly lacking
This was such a cute and wholesome show that also emphasized the work culture of Japan and how even in progressive companies, this kind of mindset is still a struggle to erase.I appreciate how this series showed a homey and yet hustle based work atmosphere. I also appreciate the realization of the main lead as she works and discovers more about herself.
Some caveats that I have is that since this was such a short series, the growth of the female main lead didn’t actually push through. It seemed like in the end she reverted back to her old self. While the main male and female couple had great interactions and chemistry, it kinda felt lacking how their relationship progressed. It seemed more one sided…
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missed opportunity with the leads
The premise really started out nicely. But as the series progressed, the main point or storyline got lost.The series is quite long with 35 episodes, but it felt like the main couple just started their real journey towards the last two episodes. May I also add that they stopped acting like teenagers around the last episode only?! Truly, what a missed opportunity this show was. The main couple really had chemistry and it was a pleasure to see them interact on screen. But their interactions are always so limited and felt lacking towards the end.
It was sad that the secondary couple got more exposure and more couple development than the main leads. While their story wasn’t as exhausted as the main leads, it was still a better told story than the leads…
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Lacking
It was so hard to like this drama.It felt too long and the story and the villains were too obvious from the start.
The chemistry is also lacking for the main leads.
It was honestly a chore to finish. I found myself forwarding more than necessary and finishing a whole episode in less than five minutes sometimes. Why? Because at the end of it all, there wasn’t really anything worth noting on the episodes.
It really a shame. I know for a fact that the actors are good in their craft. The story just didn’t click for them. Plus, the way they make the actors act was too unnatural. It was like watching a forced school play come into television.
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The Bromance!!!
Such a fun show.The story was consistent and had an actual plot going on.
I appreciate that even though there are a lot of things going on, it was all still connected in the end.
The main things I truly love from this drama are the Bromance and the second main couple. The bromance was built on loyalty and I just couldn’t help but be touched by how the main leads bestfriend would do everything for him. He treated him more than family and that’s just so heartwarming. The ending they had was truly a big deserve moment. And then the second couple in the story was something I looked forward to seeing as they were truly fun to watch. They have this schoolmates kind of chemistry even though they’re adults. It’s just truly fun to watch! Plus, Veronica Park is just too iconic! Love her character!
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fun until it got too dragging
I initially really enjoyed this drama.It was fun until it got too dragging.
I liked the female main lead- at first, but her life just revolves around her work. I understant the grind. The love one has for their work and passion. But in this case, it superceeds almost everything in her life. At first it was cute and admirable, but as I kept watching, it became too cringey and dragging. It felt like it was romanticizing how you’re supposed to just take every hit if if means you get the goal. It portrayed how its okay for a company to just use you as a tool, as long as you produce something again, they’ll take you back. It’s aggravating to watch. And the female main lead just allows it all to happen.
I also have an issue with how nothing about this series goes a bit deeper in terms of personal relationship between the leads… For almost all the 36 episodes all she ever talks about with everyone is work. All about the book, manuscripts, ghost writing, etc. I swear, it’s all about books and work. I know that’s the theme, but there should be something deeper in there. It felt superficial. There is nothing in this story that gave the characters some dimension. The male lead has so much character in him, but when he interacts with the female lead it turns bland, because it’s all about work. Nothing fully about them…
Episode 35 is one of my favorite episodes as it was a full circle for the father and son. Out of all the episodes, this one showed heart the most. The essence (challenges and happiness) of parent and child relationship was fully embodied here.
Out of everything they dealth with in this series, the issue with the celebrity is the part I loathed the most. Too much unnecessary drama for a series that’s supposed to focus on the publishing world.
I came here after watching a drama from the same leads, I had high expectations because I gave that drama such high ratings, but this, the story and execution, sadly really disappointed me.
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Wasted Potential
The initial story started out cute. The leads never failed with their tried and tested chemistry. While there were some scenes that seemed a bit cheesy and over the top, it was still fun to watch. But... towards the latter episodes it became dragging. There seemed little to no growth with the main characters and the antagonist was so obvious from the beginning that the whole story just ended up cringey. Honestly, this series had so much potential. Honestly, I think 'Starlight' was the only saving grace of this drama. His role portrayal was top notch.Was this review helpful to you?
Light & Fun to Watch
Minus the street fighter style of fighting which was really cringe worthy. This drama is such a light and fun one to watch. The chemistry between the leads is there, the drama has an actual storyline albeit a light one, and there is even growth for all the characters. It also doesn't hurt that both MCs are good looking and very easy on the eyes.Maybe just another point for improvement is the acting. It seems like the leads are all just newbies. Other than that, this is a great show to watch to past time and still feel good.
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Enjoyable but could be better.
Oh My Lord got it down already with the chemistry of its leads. They're phenomenally electric! I just wish that their relationship will get stronger and more mature if a second season does happen. Their story could be so much better than what we currently have...The storyline of this season, while cliche was enjoyable, until they started adding more angst. The angst could've been okay if it was inline with the story and if it would give the characters more growth. But the angst started a little bit too early and was resolved a little bit nonchalantly, thus not making the growth possible. Also, the politics aspect of the series, while made as a leverage at first to start their relationship, just became disregarded then suddenly on the last episode they made that the main point of the cliffhanger...
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