Legally Yours!
This was a delightful cocktail of drama and comedy wrapped in a refreshing narrative that defies the usual tropes (not a university BL). It is fun and uplifting, offering a refreshing escape with a balance of lighthearted moments and meaningful connections.Ryoma was an interesting character. He is a passionate lawyer with a very peculiar relationship with his succulents. He has that classic tsundere energy but deep down is such a softie. On the other hand, Haruto is charming yet mysterious, hiding his secrets until the last few episodes. Even though it was pretty obvious that Haruto had ulterior motives when he first contacted Ryoma, I couldn’t help but side with him. The suspense added intrigue, but I do feel like they revealed his secrets a bit too late, and what followed after , felt rushed.
The chemistry between the leads Ryoma and Haruto was so palpable and cute!
Their relationship was beautiful. The way Ryoma risked everything for Haruto and trusted him despite all odds against them was touching. It shows how pure and strong their love is. And Haruto, who initially approached Ryoma for his own reasons, ends up staying and going to great lengths for him. They both needed the calm warmth and unconditional emotional support the other provided. There were moments that gave me second-hand embarrassment, but it was filled with that perfect mix of laughs and swoon-worthy moments.
While their romance had its ups and downs, I do think the pacing of their relationship was a bit fast. But considering the 19-minute episode length, it’s understandable.
Overall, this was a pleasant surprise. Though it has its flaws mainly with pacing and some ambiguous character intentions, it still managed to keep me hooked with its great chemistry and decent comedic moments.
If you're looking for something light and fun, I’d definitely recommend it! It’s the kind of show that’s better binged rather than watching one 20-minute episode a week.
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for one thing I think it's really easily relatable, Go Ha Neul was just like any one of us, she was a job seeker that was lost and kinda desperate for that stable job, so everything was new to her, and that could be scary, but she handled it all so admirably~
Bae Ssaem was one of my favorite characters, he was easy going, simple and friendly, he really made everyone feel at ease.
Park Sung Soon was the shield for her team and the kids, she always tried to protect them and do what's best for them. and with Do Yun Woo's cool persona, the team felt so diverse and beautiful~
even characters like Kim Yi Boon who seemed like the selfish mean character turned out into a supporting sweet person.
the music was perfect, it fit really well with the atmosphere~
my rewatch values are always a 1 or a 10, and I was really satisfied with the ending and overall message~
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Every scene was made in a artistic way with a unique camera and music which suited the scene and was creating the atmosphere so you could feel the actual emotions. I would like to point out how logical was the plot. It happens a lot in dramas that some things don't fit together and it seems a bit weird. Here, every scene had a logical reason why to be put there. It was amazing to see that some scenes from the beggining were actually much more important at the end and had much more meaning behind it.
Also the acting was so beautiful. I can't find any other word how to describe the acting. See it for yourself.
After a lot of dramas which weren't good I've finally experienced the feeling when you finish drama and you feel empty the next day and the day after,....
If you're looking for an intelligent drama and has a hidden meaning which can be also interpreted to a real life - I wish you a pleasant and deep experience.
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it started and ended with a documentary
⚡ our beloved summer brought us inside of woong and yeonsu’s journey as individuals and as a couple. the slow burn romance that one falls in love to as they watch more. we felt the flutters, frustrated, and cry with them.⚡ordinary that’s extraordinary. we resonate with how the characters are struggling, and how they are facing their unresolved issues. we have been woong, yeonsu, and jiwoong in our lives. we have the 3 idiots personality within us.
⚡our beloved summer reminding us — it’s not a dull life we are living, but a dazzling one. in times where we felt we’re alone, there’s someone who’s always there. you’re not alone. it also reminds us — our year hasn’t ended yet, there’s still more to come.
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This review may contain spoilers
<< Plot : 7.5/10 >>From the first few episodes, it appeared to be the typical clumsy damsel in distress who falls into misfortune and a smart, stoic yet charming prince charming waltzes into her life and coolly fixes all her issues. While the male lead, Han Che, does do a lot for the female lead, Nuan Nuan, Nuan Nuan actually grows a lot independently and a lot of credit to her growth should be given to her and pleasantly not the male lead.
It's quite refreshing to see the klutzy female lead have a storyline that allows her to grow and mature (because quite often, these cliche dramas leave it to the charming male lead to fix everything). Plot wise other than Nuan Nuan's growth in the fashion industry is pretty typical. Nuan Nuan loses her final chance at debuting as an idol due to Han Che misinterpreting his savior as Nuan Nuan's groupmate, Lin Jia Yi. He soon finds out that he repaid the favor to the wrong person and is determined to pay it back to Nuan Nuan by assisting her when she decides to pursue her fashion passion. As expected, Nuan Nuan and Han Che become close as they spend more and more time together and they eventually fall for each other, but the truth about Han Che causing Nuan Nuan to not debut comes out and it puts a roadblock to their relationship. Like the stereotypical romance line goes, Nuan Nuan forgives Han Che and they get back together.
** On the side note, biggest thing that I'm not a fan of the two are probably the kissing scenes. Reminds me of a truck ramming into a wall during some scenes.
Aside from Nuan Nuan and Han Che, there is some plot focus on some side characters including Nuan Nuan's best friend (who is also Han Che's older sister), Han Xue and Gu Li, who happens to be Han Che's subordinate and a long time "di-di" friend of Han Che's. Drama "villain" Lin Jia Yi gets some attention as well, and also Han Chen who has long harbored romantic feelings for Nuan Nuan.
Overall, the plot is cheesy and predictable, but that's what I signed up to watch. Brownie points awarded to the development story of Nuan Nuan.
<< Acting: 8/10 >>
I haven't watched much of Eleanor Lee, but she's quite natural and adorable. I wish she had a better hairstyle and makeup throughout this series because the hot pink lipstick definitely was not a good pick. But style wise aside, she executed Nuan Nuan quite flawlessly -- the clumsiness, quirkiness, happiness, and cuteness were all done so in a non-cringey way. When she was upset, it felt realistic as well.
I watched the Meteor Garden remake and got used to Leon Leong as the smiley sunshine boy, so the stoic genius role of Han Che took some time to adjust to. Regrettably, I must say that LL is probably the weakest of the acting bunch and it's quite lucky his character is stiff...to match with his acting. Still, he isn't a seasoned actor and his portrayal of Han Che wasn't terrible, so I still look forward to seeing him grow in the future.
From the secondary cast, Li Min Jun's portrayal of the adorable Gu Li was my favorite. He's actually my favorite character in the drama and I thought he conveyed his puppy-like character quite well. His chemistry with the actress who played Han Xue was quite believable as well. Xiong Yu Ting reminds me of another idol/actress who I can't remember right now, but I definitely liked her spunky and bold character. Her friendship and loyalty to Nuan Nuan was sweet and I love the BFFs together -- especially in the beginning when they crashed Lin Jia Yu's birthday party.
Lin Jia Yi and Han Cheng served their roles as the "villains" or "obstacles" to the main leads quite well, though I have to argue that LJY was a lot more annoying than Han Cheng. For a while I actually quite pitied her losing her friends for the chance to pursue her dreams, but after her learning that Han Che and Nuan Nuan were an item and still trying to interfere made me realize that her selfish character hasn't grown at all. As for Han Cheng, I feel like he's more of an obstacle as a villain; I feel bad for him and his feelings for Nuan Nuan that aren't reciprocated. The respective actor and actress played their role decently well, a bit stiff at times, but not bad.
TLDR: If you're looking for a cliche romance drama that has a relatively strong female lead then this is the drama for you. Nuan Nuan's storyline has you rooting for her from the get go and I don't remember a time when I stopped rooting for her. Second lead's Han Xue and Gu Li's romance is also quite cute and you'll most likely also be rooting for Gu Li to get the girl. Overall, probably will not rewatch but this drama put Eleanor Lee and Li Min Jun on my to-look-out-for actor/actress list.
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This review may contain spoilers
Healing happens quietly, almost imperceptibly, in daily life and in togetherness
Love, Take Two is different. No grand gestures, no dramatic twists. Instead: women holding one another because no one else will. Mothers, daughters, friends—bound by necessity and by choice.What makes the series remarkable is its healing quality—not only for the characters, but also for the viewers. The relationships in Love, Take Two grow slowly, leaving space for vulnerability and allowing old wounds to be touched gently, without being torn open. Healing happens quietly, almost imperceptibly, in daily life and in togetherness.
Ji‑an, the mother, is no heroine. She is tired, wounded, and yet present. Hyo‑ri, the daughter, runs—not away, but toward herself. And in between: a village that heals and helps without prescribing therapy. Among surfboards, tomatoes, and empty houses.
The men in this story also deserve attention. They do not compete with the women, but meet them as equals. Their roles are finely attuned to the women’s lives, complementing and supporting without pushing themselves to the forefront. Often it is small gestures, understanding, and mutual respect that shape the dynamics between characters. A coexistence emerges in which differences do not divide, but enrich.
The series does not tell us how to live. It shows how to survive—and how, in the process, one slowly learns to breathe again. Grounded. Beyond clichés. It conveys that healing need not be spectacular or final—sometimes it is simply the quiet act of moving forward, of enduring together, of sharing moments that bring comfort.
This KDrama stands out for its calm narrative rhythm. It has its own pace. It forgoes excessive drama and instead leaves room for genuine emotion—for grief, tenderness, and the subtle tones that often lie between the lines of dialogue.
In the end, it is not a conventional love story. It is a story about loving—despite everything. Carried by women who, against all odds, chart the path forward, and by men who, in their own unique way, become part of that journey. It is precisely this quiet harmony and the careful, almost invisible healing that make the series so special.
Worthwhile and valuable.
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That said, I also like the male lead. Like some characters in the series, there seem to be many "layers" to Xia Chun Yu. You just gotta keep watching to discover another side of him, which adds to the mystery of the entire story. The supporting characters and their respective stories are just as nice, as they compliment the main plot.
However, it does get a bit draggy towards the end... Regardless, I'd still recommend watching it if you're looking for something that's not too heavy (in terms of content).
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Sweet and hollow as a marshmallow!
I am almost as disappointed as Mark was by how this drama turned out to be.Now, there are two kinds of “no plot fluff” dramas. One that wraps you up in cozy, feel-good vibes and makes you feel warm. And then there is the other kind where it is so sugary, overloaded with sweetness and cliches, it gives you a sugar crash (metaphorical). This lands in the 2nd category for me.
The drama is light and fluffy, but it leans so far into cliche and surface-level storytelling that it forgets to offer anything remotely substantial. It started out promisingly with fun banter and a playful tone but quickly spiraled into repetitive campy comedy that we have already seen so many times.
Instead of staying in its fluff lane, the drama tried to juggle too many arcs with little to no payoff.
Romance? Check.
Jealousy arc? Check.
Family drama? Check.
Emotional growth? Well… it tried. Kind of. But none of it landed properly.
By the time we reached the last four episodes, it felt like someone had cut the script into pieces and taped them back in the wrong order. The editing was choppy and a bit incoherent.
Chemistry-wise, I will give credit where it’s due. The leads did have sparks and with a better script, I believe they could have delivered something memorable. But this script gave them so little to work with.
Still, their playful interactions and NC scenes were done tastefully well. Those moments did bring a silly smile to my face despite everything bland going on.
Another bright spot was Jimmy as Captain. He swooped in with such charm and even though he brought the classic jealous second lead trope, it somehow worked for me. He gave the show the energy it desperately needed.
I also enjoyed the OSTs here. Make me smile is my favourite from the lot!
In the end, this was a classic case of "style over substance", like a perfectly rich cake but when you cut into it, it's just air and disappointment.
Recommended If you are looking for fluff and fluff alone, this might scratch that itch. But don’t expect anything more than a cute smile and a lot of filler.
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Good show, bad ending. TW: Violence & Gore
Dark Hole is a zombie apocalypse Kdrama with a slight touch of supernaturalism and fantasy with ths likes of Sweet Home but unlike Train to Busan which is a typically pure zombie drama.T W: As the name suggests, the drama is dark, gore and scary. If your over-sensitive and fragile, watch it with precautions.
The drama is set up in a semi-urban South Korean city, Muji in the Jeolla province and involves a number of characters that includes major, supporting, minor to very minor ones just like a survival series should have. The drama focuses on a city mass-survival efforts of different groups of people. The main plotline mentioned above also includes few other major plots for the lead characters and numerous subplots to fit in the concept of compelling individual's interred angst for someone who has done injustice to them.
Dark Hole is about an extra-terrestrial being with unlimited power of rapid mutation. The method of changing people into mutants is the transmission of spore like black substances via a foggy smoke which turns people into monsters with immense power. The purpose is to gain control over human beings.
The most prominent character is a detective who comes to Muji to catch a serial killer, an ex-policeman who works as a towman, chief of a sub- police station, a failed shaman always seeking authority over people, a highschool girl, victim of tragic incidents and a 10yo girl who lost her mother in that incident; everyone commonly sharing a cataclysmic past. Unlike Sweet Home where everyone was stuck in the same building, Dark Hole has different group of people stuck at different places trying to run away from the mutants as well as the black smoke and escape from one place to another. And in that courses, they're separated and unified multiple times.
Most important part about this drama is that the plot development and twists at any instances will make you doubt about the genre of the drama. At a point you'll think it's zombie horror, but next you'll assume it to be sci-fi and after a while it will feel it's supernatural and so on. The fact that the writer kept us intrigued till the end proves how great he's as a screenwriter. FYI, the Jung Yi Do jakka-nim is the writer of dramas like "Save Me" and "Strangers from Hell". And for the matter of fact, Kim Bong Joo pdnim has done a very great job as the director even though it's his first, so a big round of applause for him.
The major cast has done their roles pretty well, specifically Lee Joon Hyuk, for whom a majority of people took interest in this drama has undoubtedly played his charismatic and daring character throughout the drama giving a satisfying result. Also, Kim Ok Bin noona's fierce character is such a treat; her acting, the stunt scenes and the moments she had to deal with the monster in the void, everything was accurate. Oh Yu Jin, the one playing the highschool girl had a difficult task to do but she has done a remarkable job too. Im Won Hae as a police officer is bit namby-pamby yet manages to handle things by risking his life for the honor of his job.
Screen editing, connecting plots, proper organisation of subplot are very good in the drama but some things are making me complain which I am pointing out. Even though the drama is a mixture of so many subplots to keep it intense and eventful, the cause of the drama seemed lost when the drama was heading towards the end; few of the plots perished into nothingness.
Around the midway of the 10th episode, the plot gradually started fastening that gave the feelings that they're trying to rush things but still manageable till the end of 11th episode. But what happenes in the 12th episode which is the finale was totally disappointing. They rushed the entire thing; given that so many things happened in just that episode, they could have extended it to one more episode giving it a smooth goodbye but Idk where did it go wrong. This very good drama just turned into an average thing just because of that episode. This indeed is an missed opportunity and could have been a lotttt better. They simply could have otherwise pur less content which would have not made it look rushed.
I am actually sad that it turned out be this after showing us it's potential during the entire thing but overally, it's not a bad show. I would rate 8.5 to it if I don't consider the last episode.
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This review may contain spoilers
Hmmm........This is a super thrilling detective drama, with episodes leaving you thirsty for more action.
It's filled with twisted plots and the cinematography is just wonderful. Each episode has a different and unique plot, and the characters were wonderfully developed, each character development has a different background colour.
The music is the type that just keeps on replaying at the back of your mind, even after it has finished playing. I did really like to post the title of the track and all, but that would be a huge spoiler so.........
TEN is really a wonderful K-drama. Plus, it only has 10 episodes hehehe.
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office romance but better
let me preface by saying i love secretive romance, romance where couple has to hide that theyre together in a public setting, but in private everything is hot and heavy?? secretive eye contact that only they know the meaning of?? accidental but not really skinship??? them taking care of each other in their own way when no one else notices??? who doesn't love this!!!i love the actors hence the reason why i started watching them. was the high school setting needed when the actors are already in their 30s?? no i wish the cp age in the drama are set older instead of late 20s, dont be shy!! we need more proper adult romance!! i cringe watching the flashbacks bcs theyre just adults among teenagers buuuut it is cute nevertheless.
i think the romance is mature what with the start of the coupling, the eventual romance, incidents, third and many more parties interference, etc. they learn to become a couple eventually with better communcation with each other and not shying away from saying what needs to be said. the parents are good influence for them. this eventually helps them in their change of office dynamic where he becomes the direct boss and she as one of the employees. the characters have their flaws and problems yet it doesnt hinder their relationship, theyre supportive of each other respectful trustworthy. one of the better romance in cdrama
edit: finished and im glad the romance stays fluffy til the end. this is feel good romantic story with some (minimal) drama. ps: do read the webnovel its rly good!!
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The abundance of (epic) tragedy is KDrama at its finest - meanwhile the Joseon empire is born
"My Country - The New Age" is set in the historical transition period between the Goryeo era and the Joseon era. The context is General Yi Song-gye, who for the next approximately 5 centuries tied the throne to his bloodline with a coup d'etat. However, this KDrama isn´t a history lesson as such, though historical figures get involved. Also romance is not the predominant matter. ... First and foremost it's about loyalty, unconditional male friendship and love as its basis. Secondly, it is about relationships between fathers and sons. Thirdly it is about romantic love, too. Besides and as a backbone for the storyline´s dramatic dynamics it its about political attitudes, visionary leaders and the throne. Overall, "My Country - The New Age" is definitely worth seeing, yet you should be prepared for makjang-like emotional roller coasters.The actors significantly contribute to the intensity of the story. Above all, the charisma of Jang Hyuk as Lee Bang-won (the 5th son of General Yi and later 1st Joseon King), as well as Ahn Nae-sang as the fictional Nam Jeon, whose political stances are reminiscent of the historical Jong Do-jeon (the historical Jong Do-jeon and chief chancellor, who set the political, administrative and legal course for the newly blossoming Joseon Empire.)
----------------- SIDE NOTE: --- Lee Bang-won (later King Taejong) and Jong Do-jeon (first chief chancellor of the Joseon aera) ---
These two crucial historical personalities (Lee Bang-won and Jong Do-jeon) were both driving forces in those early years of the new empire with quite lasting impact, and at their time fundamental adversaries.
Jong Do-jeon as the first Joseon King´s chief chancellor decided all matters relating to military affairs, diplomatic procedures, questions of education, new legislation and constitution (the once feudal state was now organized in a bureaucratic manner), new tax laws as well as new state religion (Buddhism became Confucianism). He ultimately moved the capital to Hanyang (now Seoul). He also named the districts of Hanyang and the 8 provinces in the country and caused many slaves to be freed. He was a man with strong visions for an innovative political system in the new kingdom - and consequently implemented those (quite unscrupulously).
His opponent was Yi Bang-won, who did not want an empire with ministers being more important than the king. Rather, he prefered a powerful monarch, a solidly grounded monarchy. He was also one of those who had contributed most to his father's successful coup d´etat. However, the latter had finally disappointed him by not choosing him as his successor. After the Queen's death, Bang-won took advantage of his father's period of mourning and invaded the palace. In doing so, he killed the state chancellor, all ministers loyal to him and the children of the deceased queen as well as the crown prince, too. So he (also) took the throne by force - his father could only abdicate and reluctantly hand over the crown. However, as King Taejong, Bang-won effectively contributed to a stable system of government in his own way. Among other things, he enacted a law allowing all citizens to register and established new Ministries: of Human Resources, Finance, Protocol, Defence, Justice and Public Affairs.
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With Jang Hyuk as Lee Bang-won and Ahn Nae-sang as the fictional Nam Jeon, who to a certain extent represents the ideas of Jong Do-jeon, the KDrama paints a strong picture of the crucial conflict between those political visions from the very beginning. The actors live their roles with high intensity. We get to know more about their character in their respective relationships with the two protagonists Seo Hwi, son of a once-legendary soldier of the Goryeo Empire, and Nam Sun-ho, the illegitimate son by Minister Nam Joen. Since childhood they are best friends. Then there is a twist of fate. (Here, again: two actors with splendid performance - Yang Se-jong and Woo Do-hwan.) Minister Nam Jeon alone is responsible for the twist of fate in this friendship, but Prince Bang-won becomes a free rider in this.
In short: "My Country: The New Age" offers an epic, visually stunning story with a lot of action and emotion, worth seeing sword fights (actor Jang Hyuk does the stunts all by himself), plenty of blood and even more emotion. Yes, of course there are also women and love involved ... The abundance of (epic) tragedy is KDrama at its finest.
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It was good till it was not.
Success is getting what you want, happiness is wanting what you get. Success and happiness doesn't necessarily go hand in hand but what matters is how you strive to maintain a balance between them as well as thrive with a content heart.Drama series UNCLE is a remake of the UK television series of the same title that aired on Channel 4 in 2012 and BBC One from 2014 to 2017, created by Oliver Refson and Lilah Vandenburgh. Its a mixture of comedy, melodrama, music and makjang. The Korean remake is produced by 2 companies "Hi Ground" and "Monster Union", broadcasted on TV Chosun.
UNCLE is a story about a failed musician who takes over his sister for taking care of his nephew and the family who move into an apartment complex as renters while trying to escape from their abusive family. The story includes the uncle trying to rise in his failed career as well as trying to protect his nephew from all the odds created by the ruthless Granny and the sly group of mothers, namely "Momblies".
Wang Joon Hyuk (Oh Jung Se) despite his failed music career due to fraud and betrayal by his friends and family is a sincere and selfless person always ready to lend a helping hand to the needy. Already distanced from his family, he initially hesitates to meet them but eventually embraces them with all his love. Min Ji Hoo (Lee Kyung Hoon) is a kind-hearted kid with OCD who gets panic attack even by thinking about his granny. He's inclined to music just like his uncle and loves his mother so much. He takes his time getting used to his uncle and later on becomes so fond of him that he can't imagine his life without his beloved uncle.
Wang Joon Hee (Jeon Hye Jin) is a divorced lady who separated from her husband after being abused for 12 years by his in-laws, to protect her son who also was beaten mercilessly. Her character is something that wins heart by realistically expressing her emotional curves, a character with an unusual narrative. Park Hye Ryung (Park Sun Young) is a sly and manipulative lady who controls the group of rich mothers, called "Momblies" as it's "Diamond". With her connections and influence she can pull any thing off but chooses to veil her toxic life with lies.
Other good actors in major roles are Ju Kyung Il (Lee Sang Woo), Kim Yoo Ra (Hwang Woo Seul Hye) and Chun Da Jung (Jung Soo Young) as the residents of the apartment complex. Song Hwa Eum (Lee Shi Won) as the middle school teacher, Jang Ik (Ahn Suk Hwan), as the 'Hot Bar' owner, Shin Hwa Ja (Song Ok Sook) as the Chairperson of Gangto Money and Ji Hoo's Granny, Min Kyung Soo (Yoon Hee Suk) as Ji Hoo's father.
Among other major child actors are Ju No Eul (Yun Hye Bin), Ye So Dam (Kim Ha Yun), Shin Min Ki (Go Kyung Min) and Park Se Chan (Park Shi Wan).
Plot development in overal is just fine. The introductory episodes were impressive though the screenplay didn't seem usual and it was difficult to decipher whether it'll be a sitcom or melodrama themed. Progression was also good despite very typical elements used; it might seem like a makjang but it's actually not. Personally, I liked it a lot for the first half and it continued to be entertaining even after interval, until the 10th episode where it started going downhill.
The major characters suddenly become dumb out of nowhere, unable to decipher the conspiracies by the antagonist side. It takes at least 2 episodes for them to figure things out and then their strategies to counterstrike them were even more typical, which even became very repetitive. The final outcomes by the end of 14th episode weren't very impressive and didn't keep up the interest for the finale week. And trust me, the finale week was even more underwhelming.
Despite the shoddy decline towards the ending, one thing that remained constant was the love uncle had for his nephew, which, in fact, saw an uprise in the graph. Many scenes involving the heart-touching interactions between many characters were emotional. The story involves many elements such as: failed marriage, abusive relationships, mental health of children, bad parenting issues, greed for power and money, teenage pregnancy, toxic relationships, devotion for music, ideal teaching techniques,
Ji Young Soo PD-nim and Park Ji Sook jakka-nim have fair share of experience in the industry; even though the drama isn't that good, their skills were well-utilized. The screen-editing, play management and execution is well taken care of. The writing was a bit off and I think the major issue was turning a sitcom into melodrama. The screenplay is surely full of comical elements for most of its parts but it wasn't portrayed as a sitcom to begin with. 3/4th of the story is okay but the last quarter becomes shoddy.
There 12 OSTs in total with 3-4 tracks used as a drama version (as Joon Hyuk is a singer) which are sung by Sangmin Chu to keep a consistent voice for J. KING. "Your Dream" by Sangmin Chu is my most favourite followed by "Living Together" by Sangmin Chu and Lee Kyung Hoon (Ji Hoo). Sangmin Chu has also sung "Even if we break up", "Time to say goodbye" (drama version), "On The Beach" and "By your side". "BLUE BIRD" by Lunch, "Stay with me" by Lee Kyung Hoon (Ji Hoo), "Love Sign" by Lizia and "Not Alone" by Bae Sung Yoon are some other tracks from the drama. "Butterfly" sung by the child actors of the drama is so cute.
Overally, "UNCLE (엉클)" is a good one time watch. Too many characters and incomplete arcs were the limitations of the drama and it went downhill in the later half but it's not really bad having so many heart touching moments. The first half (or let's say till 10th ep) was a fairly balanced watch. Can't say it's a must watch or something but it doesn't really offer something exciting or impressive to look forward to, either.
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1This is a fabulous show with a lot of depth - one of the best out there
DO NOT BELIEVE THE NEGATIVE REVIEWS. This is one of the best historica dramas out there. The only thing I agree with: the poster is misleading but only a little, because at the heart, it's a socio-political drama. This shows highlights:The foundation of trust and friendship is what matters most;
that agency of women has been hard fought and we are still fighting;
people in power will do anything to keep their power unchecked;
social injustice unhinges people; revenge is never pretty and is a vicious cycle, and one day someone has to sacrifice something to break it.
learning to be humble and thankful for things we often take for granted (freedom to make choices, having enough to eat, having a roof over the head, trusting people around you when anyone could kill you anytime);
And it's about making the right choice. This drama also features one the most FEMINIST heroes that I have seen in a very very long time. It's unbeleivable how beautifully that arc has been shown. His belief in his woman's capabilities is limitless and is a pure delight to watch. He is never the knight in the shinning armor, and only steps in if his woman is facing trouble because of others' prejudices. As Jay Yi beautifully says in one instance "he is a man who breaks down high walls for a woman who is stuck behind it'.
It IS a romance but not the regular kind we see today. It's more a vehicle that moves the narrative forward. Yi Hwan (the Crown Prince) falls in love with a woman he has no chance with - she technically belongs to his best friend (whether she wants it or not, she is just an object in the eyes of the soiety she lives in), while the best friend has this unhealthy attachment to a woman he has never met as an adult, making life truly difficult for the Prince; plus she does not fit any criteria to become his Crown Princess even if she were to be absolved of the murders (The Crown Princes were governed by strict rules of marriage, he had no choice in who he could marry as it was always a politica decision taken by the royal parents; the Kings however were not bound by any of it, they could choose their own Queens if they wanted). Min Jay Yi, duty bound to marry the man her family chose for her, marriage being a contract between families with no place for choice/love, is now an accused murderer on the run and, not only she loses everything - her family, her home, her reputation, her identity, but she also ends up falling in love with the most unatainable man she could imagine.
Hence, they have no chance with each other. But when does heart ever listen to reason? Yes, they never touch each other and totally adhere to the Josean principles of physical space between a man and a woman at all times. But their relationship is so wholesome, beautiful and pure that it harks back to the times when romance was all about yearning and longing. Don't miss their interactions, they confess to each other throughout without saying the actual words and it's beautiful to behold. And their interactions are hilarious at times. He is stuffy, morally upright, naive and insanely competitive. She is fiesty, unconventional, motor mouth but keeps her innermost feelings bottled up because that's how she has been raised. He falls for Jay Yi for the world she shows him outside of his very lonely existence (she is fearless and she drinks haha!), someone he can trust, rely on, beleive in, and laugh with, while she falls for his progressive thoughts, and benevolence. Both are brilliant people and never fail to complement each other for that. Or take each other down a peg when the situation demands.
All of these are packaged into a constantly moving narrative, packed with super funny moments and sparkling chemistry between Park Hyung Sik and Jeon So Nee. The side characters are to die for - Myung Jin and Ga Ram (Lee Tae Sun and Pyo Ye-Jin) are fabulous and the four make an investigative team (Shield team) that eventually resolve the mystery, with each of them bringing something to the table. These four could easily have a spin off show. Jeong Da-Eun as princess is super adorable and a very interesting character. The main villain is one dimensional but at the end, that makes his end supremely satisfying to watch. But it's the backstory that keeps you hooked.
The cast is steller, but Park Hyung Sik is ethereal as the Crown Prince. Not only he is blindingly good looking, but boy, can this man act. He brings Yi Hwan to life, and he does it with just his voice and his eyes. You cry with him, you laugh with him, you feel his heartache, you feel his jealousy, you feel his helplessness and rage at the injustices he is trying to fight . This is an award winning performance and hope he gets recognized for it. Jeon So Nee is a perfect foil to him. She starts ordinary and then grows on you. The fact that she is drop dead gorgeous is a bonus (take her out of the Eunuch uniform, put her hair down, put her in a plain unfashionable white gown and she takes your breath away). She goes through various stages of her performance with aplomb, and absolutely aces it in the emotional scenes (her confession will give you goosbumps and stay with you for a long time). She is an actress to watch out for.
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What a hilarious ride!
So let me tell you first... it doesn't have anything special in the story coz it's pretty much a whole mess. Plus it is a very very low-budget drama so if you like beautiful sets, costumes, and all other things... then it's not the right place to find coz you'll be disappointed at the end of the day. It doesn't have anything which can count as great or amazing.BUT it doesn't mean it's not worth watching. You just have to switch off your brain for a while and enjoy this hilarious ride, it's so funny and interesting. Five brothers what's say about them lol.. the twins nailed in their chemistry, and the kid haha I really liked him. And yeah hats off to FL for her expressions coz they were priceless.
So if you are looking just for fun.... and entertainment nothing more than that, then go for it!
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