xiaxia

The Prequel that Did NOT Live Up to the Sequel (TBOY)

Going into "Dashing Youth," I didn't have particularly high expectations, but I was optimistic about enjoying it. The premise of a group of friends embarking on thrilling adventures while navigating the complexities of heroism seemed promising. However, by the time I reached the halfway point, I found myself disappointed and ultimately decided to drop the drama.

What started as an engaging narrative centered on the adventures of Baili Dongjun and his loyal friends quickly took a nosedive when the plot became entirely overshadowed by the romance between Ye Ding Zhi and Yi Wen Jun. This shift in focus felt like a poor choice, sacrificing the story's initial excitement for a love story that, in my opinion, fell flat.

The drama's highlight was undoubtedly the lighthearted and fun friendship between Baili Dongjun and his friends. Their loyalty and unwavering support for one another provided some genuinely enjoyable moments. The camaraderie among the group was refreshing, and it was easy to root for them as they faced various challenges together.

However, the worst aspect of "Dashing Youth" was the romance between Ye Ding Zhi and Yi Wen Jun. For a relationship that was supposed to be gut-wrenching and heartbreaking, I felt nothing. Their love story lacked depth and emotional impact, making it difficult to invest in their relationship. Ye Ding Zhi, who started as a character driven by a powerful desire for revenge, inexplicably abandoned his quest for justice the moment Yi Wen Jun entered the picture. It was frustrating to watch a character with such a strong initial motivation lose sight of his goals for a woman who didn’t seem willing to fight for their love.

Another disappointment was the female lead, Yue Yao. If I remember correctly, in the donghua, she was quite powerful and able to stand on her own. But in the drama adaptation, she is basically there for decoration. As a female lead, she fell flat for me too. I couldn’t bring myself to enjoy her romance with Baili Dongjun; it was just as stale as the other romantic arcs. Overall, I was disappointed in all the romance lines, and I believe the show would have been 100% better if there were no romance or at least very limited romantic involvement.

As for the characters, my favorite thus far was their master, Master Li, also known as Nangong Chun Shui. Like a true master, he was wise, kind, and generous. His love for all his disciples was undoubtedly the best part of the show. He knew when to step in and when to let his disciples figure things out on their own, striking the perfect balance between guidance and freedom.

Another standout character for me was Prince Roufeng, also known as Langya Wang. He is just as wise as his master, Master Li, but with the added perspective of a prince who must consider the greater good of the country. He made some questionable decisions, but if he didn’t, who would? Prince Roufeng seemed to be the only logical one among the main leads, making decisions with a clear head, unclouded by emotional attachment.

In the end, "Dashing Youth" started with potential but lost its way when it prioritized an unconvincing romance over the more compelling elements of its story. While the friendships and certain characters were bright spots, they weren't enough to save the drama from its missteps.

This prequel ultimately fell flat compared to its sequel, The Blood of Youth. I loved The Blood of Youth more because the plot was consistent, the actors did great with their characters, and there was zero to no romance at all. It’s unfortunate that Dashing Youth couldn’t live up to the same standard.

Read More

Loved and enjoy the first part. Loved and enjoyed the second part. It was so sad that it came to an end. All casts did amazing with their character even the support roles. This part made me fall more and more in love with the king who acted like a father to Ling Bu Yi and queen Shen An who continues to love and care for Shao Shang like her daughter. It was so sad to see her life come an end. It would be amazing to be able to watch this again for the first time. It was more angsty in this part, I dropped a few more tears than I did the first part. Again, Wu Lei and Zhao Lu Si did an amazing job!

Read More

I actually like how this ended

I don’t understand the hate Squid Game Season 3 has been getting . And I say that as someone who’s been invested in this series from day one. From the very first episode of Season 1, the show never promised comfort. It promised rawness, reflection, and a disturbing mirror held up to society. Season 3 delivered exactly that with its most brutal and philosophically profound arc yet.Yes, the ending was shocking and ehhh. A baby winning the games? Gi-hun dying after everything he went through? I get it, it's jarring. But isn't that exactly the point? Squid Game has always been about subverting expectations, exposing the ugliest parts of human nature, and forcing us to sit in discomfort. If this ending made you mad, maybe it’s because it hit too close to home. The outrage seems centered around the absurdity of a baby "winning" but I think that’s symbolic genius. A child, INNOCENT and UNTAINTED by the grotesque logic of the game, surviving when the rest tear each other apart. It's the ultimate commentary on innocence being the only thing that doesn’t voluntarily dive into the madness. Everyone else, including our beloved Gi-hun, made choices. Strategic, desperate, moral or immoral. The baby didn’t. And that’s exactly why it deserved to "win."

Gi-hun’s death was tragic, but also narratively fitting. His arc was never about triumph. It was about transformation, resistance, and, ultimately, sacrifice. He died trying to dismantle the system from within and in doing so, he reminded us that even within a hellish game designed to strip people of their humanity, there are still those who will fight for what’s right, even if it costs everything.Yes, I did wish that Gi-hun had survived. Along with some of my favorite characters: Player 120 , Player 222 , and player 149. Watching them die one by one was devastating. I bawled my eyes out beginning with episode 2 and it did not stop. I held out hope that at least one of them would walk away. But Squid Game doesn’t trade in hope, it trades in harsh truths. And the harshest one of all is that sometimes, no matter how much heart, courage, or wit a person has it is never enough.

And then there's Jun-ho. My god! this season, absolutely useless. The most useless he’s ever been, honestly. I get the frustration; we were all expecting to him catch on earlier that the captain Park isn't to betrusted and that he and his team would make it to the island and take everyone out . But instead, he was clueless, never suspect it and it led to the death of his team. And as frustrating as that was to watch... I still think that worked. Because his arc, or lack thereof, speaks to something uncomfortable, that not everyone gets to be the hero. Sometimes, the villains win. Sometimes, even good people don’t make a difference. Sometimes, the fight doesn’t end in victory but just in exhaustion. It’s maddening, yes. But again brutally honest.

What I loved most about this season was how it circled back to the original philosophical heart of Squid Game: that humans, like horses, are driven, broken, trained. That the elites, those with grotesque wealth and power will watch, bet, and cheer as we destroy one another for survival. The show never glamorized violence. It exposed it, contextualized it, made us question why we accept it.Season 3 was brutal, sure. But it was also bold, introspective, and incredibly human. It didn’t pander to fan expectations. it dared to say something. And in the era of safe storytelling, that deserves praise, not hate. So no, I don’t agree with the backlash. I thoroughly enjoyed this season. It made me think, made me uncomfortable, and made me grieve. That’s Squid Game at its finest.

Read More

I think I expected too much of this since I adored Zhang Ling He and Jiang Long. It was great in the beginning and then it started to decline. I ended up unsatisfied with the storyline and the ending. Zhang Ling He did great portraying 2 characters: Qian and Yan. Fight scenes were great but CGI was mmmmm.... questionable especially when it comes to the beasts. There were characters that I could not stand *cough cough* all the elders and Qian's sister. The whole Yi Mei revenge plot and her being the villain was something I didn't like. I had a feeling she was sus but they dragged the plot too long to reveal her plans in that last 4 or 5 episode was not it. And then Brick died and so did ZXT. *face palm* Their death was soooo unneccesary not was not emotional at all. Rewatch value is definitely a 0/10 for me.

Read More

Wished I enjoyed this more

I was really excited about Moonlight Mystique when it first aired. With its stunning visuals, interesting premise, and a strong cast, it seemed like a xianxia drama that would completely pull me in. And at first, it did. The world-building was breathtaking—beautiful sets, rich colors, and top-tier CGI that made the fantasy elements feel immersive. The first few episodes were engaging, setting up an intriguing story with high stakes and gorgeous cinematography. But as the drama went on, I found myself losing interest. By episode 12, I just wasn’t feeling it anymore and had to put it on hold. After the drama ended, I decided to pick it back up, hoping my initial excitement would return. Sadly, it didn’t.

One of my biggest issues with the drama was the main couple. I actually like both Ao Rui Peng and Bai Lu as actors, but they just didn’t work together in this drama. There was no real chemistry between them, and their romance felt forced rather than natural. Ao Rui Peng, while undeniably handsome and dressed to perfection, didn’t have the commanding presence needed to portray Fan Yue, the powerful demon king. He had the looks, but his performance lacked that magnetic charisma that would have made his character truly compelling. Meanwhile, Bai Lu’s Bai Shou started off as a strong, independent lead, but over time, she became more arrogant and frustrating. Her character development didn’t feel as layered as it should have been, and I found myself growing more detached from her journey as the drama progressed.

Surprisingly, I ended up enjoying the second lead couple way more—but here’s the twist: I didn’t actually like them as individual characters. Their chemistry was on fire, and every scene they shared had an intensity that was completely missing from the main couple. But if I separate their romance from their personalities, I actually found both of them pretty frustrating. Chong Zhao, the second male lead, was so annoying. He just couldn’t take no for an answer and was constantly obsessing over Bai Shou. Every other line was “Bai Shou this” or “Bai Shou that,” and he kept insisting she was safer with him—even though he could barely put up a fight! He was basically all talk, no action, and it got exhausting really fast. On the other hand, Fu Ling was easily one of the most standout characters in the entire drama. She played the rare role of a truly sinister villain without hesitation or guilt. It’s so rare in c-dramas to see a villain actually act like a villain instead of constantly struggling with morality, and I loved that she fully embraced her dark side. At the same time, her dual identity as Bai Xi, Bai Shou’s long-lost sister who was kidnapped, brainwashed, and had her memories erased, added a heartbreaking layer to her character. I actually pitied her, despite everything she did. She was probably the most complex character in the entire drama, and her story was way more emotionally engaging than the main leads’.

Another big issue for me was the side love stories. I honestly couldn’t have cared less about them. None of them were strong enough to be memorable, and they felt more like fillers than meaningful subplots. For example, I had no investment in Tian Huo and Mu Jiu’s romance. I didn’t even know when their love story actually began, and I had no clue when they even fell in love. One moment, they were just two characters doing their thing, and the next, we were supposed to be emotionally invested in their relationship—but I wasn’t. It felt rushed and underdeveloped, making it hard to care about their arc at all. That being said, I did love Tian Huo’s character. She was a steadfast, strong, and loyal friend to Fan Yue, and her presence added a sense of reliability and warmth to the story. Even though I didn’t care about her romance, I really appreciated her unwavering support for Fan Yue.

On top of all that, the pacing of the drama was another major problem. The first few episodes were strong, but as the story went on, it started to feel repetitive rather than exciting. The conflicts didn’t escalate in a way that kept me hooked, and I found myself waiting for a moment that would pull me back in—but it never really came. The visuals and production quality stayed consistently stunning, but a pretty drama alone isn’t enough to hold my attention. The story just didn’t have enough depth to keep me invested, and the emotional beats didn’t hit as hard as they should have.

I know Moonlight Mystique was really well-loved by many, and I can see why. It’s visually beautiful, and if you love fantasy dramas with strong aesthetics and intense second-lead romances, you might still enjoy it. But for me, the lack of chemistry between the main couple, the frustrating character choices, and the slow pacing made it hard to stay engaged. I really wanted to love this drama, but in the end, it just wasn’t for me.

⭐ Rating: 7.0/10 – Beautiful visuals, a strong second lead romance (despite annoying characters), but the main couple lacked chemistry, the side romances were forgettable, and the pacing dragged.
⭐10/10 for the OST. SA DINGDING ATTTTEEEE!

Read More

Love’s Ambition was such a good watch. I really enjoyed it in the beginning, and although my interest started to waver toward the end, overall, I still liked it. What immediately stood out to me was how the drama started with the couple already married. That alone felt refreshingly different from the usual “meet, fall in love, misunderstand, separate” formula. We were dropped straight into the chaos of two people who looked perfect on the outside but were slowly crumbling underneath the surface. It made for such an intriguing start; watching them navigate love, ambition, and pride while keeping up appearances.

Zhao Lusi absolutely ate this role. She looked incredible in every single outfit, from elegant dresses to chic casual fits, she radiated confidence and style in every frame. But beyond her looks, what really pulled me in was how naturally she expressed emotion. Zhao Lusi has that rare ability to say a thousand things just through her eyes, the way she smiles while clearly holding back pain, or pretends to be fine when she’s breaking inside. Every little flicker of emotion felt real. She played Xu Yan with such layered vulnerability that you couldn’t help but root for her, even when she wasn’t entirely honest.

William Chan also did great as Shen Haoming. On the surface, he was the perfect husband: gentle, composed, attentive, basically the dream partner. But beneath that calm exterior, he was detached, emotionally distant, and unaware of how much damage that perfection was doing. The irony is that while Xu Yan built a life based on lies and pretense to be worthy of him, he was doing his own pretending, too. Watching him slowly realize how deeply he actually loved her too late, of course, was both satisfying and frustrating. Their chemistry though? Off the charts. From their subtle glances to their more intense scenes, you could feel the tension, the push and pull, the unspoken longing. They made the relationship feel messy, real, and painfully human.

The tone of the drama was also a great mix: flirty, serious, silly, and occasionally heart-wrenching. It had all the elements that make a modern romance addictive, and both leads carried that energy effortlessly. But what stood out most to me was Xu Yan’s growth. After all the lies, the fake background, the made-up image, the exhausting act of trying to fit into a world that wasn’t hers, she finally learned to live for herself. She learned to stop performing and start being real. That part of her journey was honestly the most beautiful thing about the drama. Which is exactly why I kind of wish she hadn’t gone back to Shen Haoming. I know, I know, he regretted everything, realized his feelings, chased after her, got jealous, and groveled like his life depended on it. But still, after everything she’d been through, I wanted her to choose herself this time. She deserved a clean slate, free from the lies she once created for him. But hey, I guess it’s drama land for a reason, they love their reconciliations, no matter how bittersweet.

All that said, Love’s Ambition was still a gorgeous and emotionally engaging ride. Zhao Lusi and William Chan’s chemistry carried the show, the fashion and visuals were stunning, and the emotional beats hit where they needed to. Even if I didn’t love the ending, I can’t deny that it was a passionate and beautifully told story about love, self-worth, and learning when to stop pretending.

Read More

From witty banter to hilarious misunderstandings, the comedic elements of "Wedding Impossible" add depth and charm to the storyline, enhancing my overall viewing experience. The chemistry between the characters shines through not only in heartfelt moments but also in playful exchanges that elicit genuine laughter from the audience.

The dynamics between Ah Jeong and Do Han, portrayed with palpable chemistry, offer a refreshing take on the trope of a fake marriage. As Ah Jeong steps into the role of Do Han's wife to appease his family, their bond evolves organically, blurring the lines between fiction and reality.

However, the plot thickens with the arrival of Lee Ji Han, Do Han's ambitious younger brother, portrayed with nuance by the handsome Moon Sang Min. Ji Han's machinations to secure his brother's position as the LJ Group's successor add a layer of tension and intrigue to the narrative. His efforts to thwart Do Han's wedding, coupled with the introduction of Yoon Chae Won, inject unpredictability into the storyline, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats.

While "Wedding Impossible" initially captivated me with its promising beginning and engaging storyline, it's unfortunate that the momentum falters towards the middle of the 12-episode drama. Despite its comedic charm and entertaining moments, I found myself gradually losing interest as the story progresses.

One notable drawback of the series lies in its handling of Do Han's character arc. The introduction of Do Han's sexuality could have served as a compelling catalyst for character development, shedding light on the internal struggles and external pressures he faces. However, the story regrettably sidelines this crucial aspect of his identity, failing to delve deeper into his personal journey and the challenges he encounters as a gay man in a traditional and unforgiving environment.

Overall it was definietly a goodwatch. It was fun and entertaining. That's it.

Read More

Prepare to be spellbound by Bulgasal: Immortal Souls – a gripping drama that weaves together elements of fantasy, mystery, and revenge in an epic tale spanning centuries.

At the heart of the story is Bulgasal, a man-turned-immortal who has endured six centuries of torment and anguish. Consumed by bitterness and rage, he sets his sights on a woman with a mysterious past and present, believing her to be the source of his curse and the key to his salvation.

From the very first episode, viewers are drawn into Bulgasal's world of darkness and despair. His quest for revenge is fueled by centuries of pain and suffering, making him a complex and compelling anti-hero.

But it's not just Bulgasal's story that captivates – the woman he targets, with her enigmatic past and present, adds layers of intrigue to the narrative. As their paths intertwine, secrets are revealed, alliances are tested, and the true nature of their connection becomes increasingly clear.

What sets Bulgasal: Immortal Souls apart is its rich tapestry of mythology and lore. Drawing inspiration from ancient legends and folklore, the series creates a mesmerizing world filled with supernatural beings, mystical powers, and ancient prophecies. The production values are top-notch, with stunning visuals and breathtaking cinematography that bring the fantastical elements of the story to life.

But it's the characters that truly shine in Bulgasal: Immortal Soul. Dan Hwal, portrayed with intensity and depth by Lee Jin Wook, is a tragic figure torn between his desire for vengeance and his longing for redemption. And the woman he pursues, with her own secrets and hidden agenda, keeps viewers guessing until the very end

Special mention must be made of Lee Joon's portrayal of the villain. His character, though antagonistic, evokes a sense of pity from me. Lee Joon brings a nuanced performance to the role, making the viewer feel the depths of his character's suffering and despair.

Read More

Prepare for a heart-pounding thrill ride with A Shop for Killers! This adrenaline-fueled drama is a rollercoaster of suspense, action, and intrigue that will leave you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

Meet Jian, a college student whose life takes a drastic turn when she receives a chilling call from the local police informing her of her uncle's supposed suicide. But something doesn't add up – her uncle Jeong Jin Man was always enigmatic, but suicidal? Never.

Before Jian can even process the news, her world is thrown into chaos as she becomes the target of a deadly game orchestrated by a ruthless group of assassins. From gunfire to murder drones, Jian finds herself thrust into a deadly cat-and-mouse chase for survival.

Pinned down in her uncle's home, Jian must draw upon the mysterious training he imparted on her throughout her life if she has any hope of making it out alive. But as she unravels the secrets of her uncle's past, she discovers a web of deceit and betrayal that runs deeper than she ever imagined.

A Shop for Killers is a masterclass in suspense, keeping viewers guessing with each twist and turn. The action sequences are pulse-pounding and expertly choreographed, drawing you further into Jian's perilous journey.

At the heart of the drama is Jian herself, portrayed with strength and vulnerability by Kim Hye Joon. Her journey from a naive college student to a determined survivor is captivating to watch, and you can't help but root for her every step of the way.

The supporting cast is equally stellar, with each character adding layers to the intricate plot. From enigmatic allies to sinister adversaries, every interaction keeps you guessing about who can be trusted.

Visually stunning and expertly paced, Shadows of Deception is a must-watch for fans of gripping thrillers. It's a heart-stopping ride that will leave you breathless until the very end. So buckle up and get ready for a wild journey into the shadows of deception.

I had wished there was more of Lee Dong Wook and am hoping for season 2.

Read More

I did not know what to expect lol. I only knew that I was going to watch it because Choi Woo Shik and Son Suk Ku was going to be in it. From the outset, the premise hooked me with its intriguing setup. Lee Tang, an ordinary college student, finds himself in a nightmare scenario after a fatal altercation at his part-time job. The tension escalates as he grapples with the guilt and fear of his actions, only to discover a startling truth: the man he killed was a notorious serial killer. Lee Tang's journey from a guilt-ridden vigilante was portrayed with depth and nuance. I thought that his struggles and conflicts added layers of complexity to the narrative, making him quite a compelling ML to follow. SSK character added depth to this intricate web of morality and justice.

The first half was great! The storyline was sharp and kept me on edge but as it comes to the second half it became quite dull. Cast was top notch with CWS knocking it out of the park as LT. One minute you're rooting for him and then the other time you just questions him and his decisions. LOL.

This was quite a binge-worth drama. I only wished the thriller part of it was more and longer.

Read More

Watched this when it first came out. I did not expect to like it nor did I know any of the actors except for Vincent Jiao who I watched a few of his works when he was younger. I ended up enjoying this more than I thought. It is your classic enemies to lovers plot except more angsty. I read the novel before too and watched the original with Wallace Chung so I had a lot to compare it to. The plot shifted a lot and so did the love line. Originally, FHX and CN was lovers-and I love them in the novel. I hated that they chnaged it to FHX and MFL. In addition to that FHX and MFL had too many miscommunicatio- or non communication at all to the point where it was getting annoying and frustrated. Have to say my favorite character is Cui Nong and will always be Cui Nong. They should've just let her die in FHX's arms and leave it at that. Watching this drama gave me sooo much headache and stress. LOL. But because of this I became a fan of Zhu Yi Long. Rewatch Value for me is 1/10.

Read More

I would've enjoyed this in 2022

I really tried with Love Never Fails, especially for Liu Xue Yi, who I normally enjoy watching, but gawddd, I just couldn’t sit through this one. It felt messy from the start, and honestly, not even his presence could save it for me. The production didn’t have that dreamy, ethereal look that most xianxia dramas pull off. It wasn’t visually stunning at all. Had this aired back in 2022 like it was originally supposed to, I might have been more forgiving, but after all the delays and the major casting change, the whole thing just felt off.

Let’s be real, Yuan Bingyan would’ve absolutely slayed as Hong Ning. She has the spunk and emotional depth that the role needed. But with all the behind-the-scenes controversy, she was replaced, and props to Hu Yi Xuan for stepping in and reshooting everything in front of green screens. That couldn’t have been easy, and she honestly did what she could with a pretty flat script. Still, I felt zero chemistry between her and Liu Xue Yi and zero chemistry with the second leads too. Like, nothing sparked. The romance, the angst, the longing? All of it just felt... meh.

The plot was your basic god-demon forbidden love + reincarnation + misunderstanding formula, which could’ve worked if the execution was better, but I couldn’t bring myself to care about anything happening on screen not the leads, not the side characters, not even the world-building. Everything felt hollow and disconnected. After a few episodes of forcing myself to keep going, I just dropped it. Disappointed, but not surprised.

So yeah—Love Never Fails failed for me.

Read More

Okay, I need to talk about how obsessed I am with it. I honestly loved everything about this drama—from the fast-paced storyline to the characters, especially the main leads Dou Zhao.
The plot isn’t groundbreaking—our heroine dies and gets a second shot at life—but the way it was executed felt so fresh and engaging. It hit that perfect balance of political intrigue and emotional romance without ever feeling like too much of either. You’re constantly pulled along by the momentum of the story, and before you know it, you're five episodes deep at 2AM.

Meng Zi Yi and Li Yun Rui absolutely killed it. Every time Dou Zhao and Song Mo shared a scene, I got butterflies. Their relationship was so emotionally rich—tense, supportive, heart-achingly tender at times. They had this slow-burn connection that built so naturally, it never felt forced. Just two people learning to open up and lean on each other through all the chaos around them.

Also? The supporting characters really did their thing. I was so sure Wei Ting Yu was going to be one of those frustrating side characters that gets in the way just for drama’s sake—but he actually ended up being a total surprise. Surprisingly reasonable, thoughtful, and not annoying at all.

Dou Zhao’s dad was a whole other story. He was honestly infuriating for a good chunk of the show—weak-minded and way too easily manipulated—but eventually he stepped up, and his arc felt earned. I went from groaning whenever he was on screen to genuinely respecting him.

And Yuan Tong… sigh. He was okay. Some of the decisions he made, especially the ones where he thought he was doing what’s best for Dou Zhao, were just not it. But he meant well. His heart was in the right place, even if his actions didn’t always land.

Overall, this has everything I wanted: strong leads, an emotionally satisfying romance, intriguing politics, and a cast of characters that felt real and layered.

Read More

A Fun and Light Drama to Watch

"My Sweet Mobster" was a delightful surprise that quickly became a favorite. I went in without any expectations and automatically fell in love, especially with the main guy, Seo Ji Hwan. As the CEO of a food company that offers fresh starts to ex-convicts, his character was both intriguing and endearing. Despite his gangland past that has a tendency to follow him even after retirement, Seo Ji Hwan maintains a murky personal history with no known vices. He has this tough exterior, but when he's with our female lead, Eun Ha, he turns into a cute little puppy, which was absolutely adorable to watch.

The plot moved fast, starting with lots of bickering and back-and-forth between the main leads before they both automatically fell in love. I loved how their relationship developed, with the push and pull creating just the right amount of tension before they finally admitted their feelings.

But what I loved even more than the first leads were the supporting characters, particularly the crew at Thirsty Deer. They were impeccable with their comedic relief and played a crucial role in bringing the leads together every time they had a fallout. The crew added so much warmth and humor to the drama, making it even more enjoyable to watch.

There is nothing bad I can say about this drama. Everything was so fluffy, light, and cute, making "My Sweet Mobster" a perfect feel-good watch. If you're looking for something that will make you smile from start to finish, this drama is definitely worth checking out.

Read More

I Tried for Jisoo...But then I had to Tap out

Okay, I really tried with Newtopia. I went in with hope, mostly because of Jisoo—thought maybe this would be okay after an okay Snowdrop (which I also barely got through). But honestly? I couldn't even get past episode 3. I gave it my best shot, but the acting… girl, Jisoo just cannot carry this role. Her expressions, delivery, everything felt stiff and forced, like she was trying to emote but wasn’t sure what emotion she was supposed to be aiming for.

On top of that, the tone of the drama is all over the place. It's supposed to be this zombie apocalypse survival thriller, but then it keeps forcing in this weird comedy that just does not land. When it tries to be funny, it's exaggerated to the point where I physically couldn’t sit through it. Like… what are we even doing here? The drama doesn't know if it wants to be serious, romantic, scary, or just full-blown slapstick—and that messiness makes it exhausting to watch.

The pacing is a whole other issue. The constant flashbacks killed any momentum the story was building. Just when something interesting might happen, boom—cut to some drawn-out memory we didn't ask for. I was supposed to care about the emotional backstory between Jae Yun and Yeong Ju, but the way it was told made it feel boring and disconnected.

The supporting cast wasn’t doing much either. Most of the side characters felt flat or pointless, though I might have been into Aaron Park? Maybe? Not enough to keep watching, but he was at least mildly interesting in a sea of forgettable people.

Anyway, dropped it. No regrets. This one just wasn’t it for me. 3/10.

Read More