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Sometimes average is just perfect
The first episodes were dull, show gained momentum in the second half and the episodes kept getting better.A great plus is the stars-packed cast and the relationship between the characters. Even though the characters seem one-dimensional first, comparing their actions and overall appearance in the beginning to the end of the series clearly show character development.
Also, I just realised, I like how the depiction of character was evenly balanced out between male and female characters, if that makes any sense. Normally with K-dramas (not always of course), especially thrillers, I feel like male protagonists end up with more screen time, more depth in character and therefore are more likeable, while the female ones at some point are just annoying and dull, whereas here, for once, each character (except for the obvious villains) was likeable and the female characters were as top-notch and well-written as the male ones.
That hot shot of a professor, who seemed to be a knock-off of Annelise from HTGAWM was hard to bear in the earlier episodes but, I don't know how and when this happened, you end up liking him, even looking forward to his badass scenes.
The story itself wasn't that intriguing, but somehow still managed to pique your interest and make you look forward to the next episodes. The background score - actually just one song - was fitting and had a catchy tune like "We All Lie " from SKY Castle.
Even though romance is not part of this drama the scenes between Kim Bum and Ryu Hye Young were too cute - more chemistry than in some dramas tagged as romance. However, this was more high-key low-key in earlier episodes.
Also, I like how the show elaborates on shortcomings in the law. Especially a case in the beginning of the second half accentuated this. The 'law school' itself was not the main focus of the show, but the little insight into the lectures, study groups, mock trials and the overall struggle of (law) students with exam preparations, pressure to do well at school and fear of failing was captured well.
The show is not perfect and not even close to an outstanding thriller, it's pretty average, and that somehow works in favour of this show. It was something I would look forward to each week, but not like "dying" to watch, nothing too captivating, stressing and frustrating (like Mouse), but at the same time nothing where after a while you just can't be bothered with the revealing of the truth (like Beyond Evil, sorry) - just a decent thriller with a solid pace and surprising revealings which are not mind-blowing and yet, satisfying.
Also, this drama has definitely potential for a second season!
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Any BL fan would enjoy it. If you are looking for smut, this might not be for you as it focuses more on a romantic relationship rather than a sexual one. I would recommend this to those who are part of the LGBT community as well, as someone who is queer.
This story is really really cute. At first, I didn't like it because I thought it was going to be one of those cheesy BL stories that fill me with anger and hate. But it wasn't like that. The plot was very original compared to other BL stories I have read about, or even watched. I enjoyed every second of this movie, and wondered what would happen next. It was very unpredictable for me.
The biggest part in this movie that I would say had the hugest impact on me would be the characters. I felt like I could connect with them, I wanted to cry with them and laugh with them. The acting was so good. The silence in the movie had a huge effect on how I felt, and their relationship seemed so realistic. I could just feel their emotions. I found myself loving the characters as I kept watching and loved how we got to learn about their past a bit. There was a lot of character development. It was interesting to see how these two characters were exploring their sexuality.
Although the story mostly had instrumental music, I think it suited the story. It helped create the mood in the story as I kept watching and contributed to my enjoyment of the drama. The music is not very memorable though.
I would definitely rewatch this again. I hope they'll create a third movie maybe, or even a drama that continues this story... the ending is satisfying and I loved it. It was perfect, it hurts, but I love it.
Although this may not focus on the issues that LGBT people face, I think it's a wonderful love story. It was not forced, and seemed very consensual to me.
I'm definitely a huge fan of this movie now.
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REMARKABLE AND REALISTIC : TRULY, A BEAUTIFUL STORY OF LOVE, ACCEPTANCE AND FORGIVENESS
Everything about this series will give you a lot of realizations as well things to love and lessons to be learned for the following reasons:1. This series strays away from the university tropes because of the setting (rural village) that the characters are in. In addition to that, the series focuses on one couple (Tian and Phupha) and it does not rely on other side couples just to sustain the interest or attention of the viewers. Personally, I prefer a series with just one couple so that we could focus on it like Manner of Death instead of scattered side plots or side characters.
2. This series is REALISTIC AND WHOLESOME because of the situations that the main characters are facing like the considerations that they have to ponder in their relationship (their age gap, how society will see them and also the fact that Tian comes from a different family background etc.).
3. This series is not the typical fast paced plot with hot steamy scenes or kissing scenes because the relationship of the couple here is slow burn and I'm glad they put it that way. We need more dramas that portray relationships in a manner that there is progress and development. If you're into slow burn relationships, you will surely love this because of the wholesomeness of Tian and Phupha. I'm also glad that the director made this drama in a manner that it flows naturally in which the sweet or subtle moments of the characters are enough.
4. The series itself is giving a MESSAGE to the audience because of the life lessons that it's giving and it will surely touch you.
"Happiness can be found in the simplest things that we have."
"We all make mistakes. What is important is what we can learn from those mistakes."
"Where we feel our happiness is where we feel at home."
"Do your best and don't be discouraged by the obstacles that you have to face."
"Things might have been damaged or broken but nothing can bring us down so long as we have Love and Unity."
5. The ACTING, PRODUCTION AND OST USED IS BEAUTIFUL.
-I love the way Mix had portayed his characted in the story (Tian). I'm amazed by his facial expressions especially his eye expressions. Mix definitely stole the show from me. The way he expressed his character is amazing (Tian's happiness and sadness etc.)
Let's also not forget about Earth. How he expressed his character Phupha is remarkable. Their subtle flirting as well as their stares are ❤️👌... I'm also amazed by their chemistry. Kudos to them as well as to the other supporting characters most especially Tul (Tian's bestfriend) and Longtae!!
For the OST, I can say that it is definitely one of the best soundtracks of dramas I've heard because of the emotions the OST is giving. Also, the PRODUCTION AND VISUAL for the drama is well thought. You can really see the effort everyone had put through into making this series. Lastly, the CINEMATOGRAPHY IS STUNNING. You get to see places that are beautiful as well as everyone who was involved in the series who made it aesthetically pleasing that it will also touch your heart. This series is definitely a MASTERPIECE.
In conclusion, I thank the people for creating this series and be looking forward to more series like this in the future... :)
Edit : I just finished watching the last episode and this is definitely what we (viewers / audience ) need. A good ending. No cliff hangers, No open ending but A Wholesome ending for a Captivating Story..
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Found My favorite comfort series!
I wont write much except this show is Easily the best series in this genre. Each episode is better than the other. Its real issues wrapped in fantasy lore. Its Intriguing, Emotional,Funny, Thought Invoking and all the best qualities it could be. The actors did a great job. Hope they make a season 2 with these leads with a different story line but same premise.Whoever pitched this idea and whoever wrote this idea into a script did a REALLLLL good job!!!!
P.s if you struggling with mental issues please seek the help you need. It may seem hard and you may think people will make fun but there will 1 person who will listen to you. Hold on to that hope. You are not alone and definately not the things people say you are. ❤️🩹
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I'M INVESTED
Review for the first two episodes:
This series has totally hooked me with just the first two episodes! The chemistry between the lead characters is fantastic, and the mix of heartfelt moments with genuine romance is really well done. The characters feel real and their relationship is evolving in an engaging way. Each episode leaves me eager for more. If the rest of the series is as captivating as these first two episodes, it’s definitely going to be a standout show. I’m excited to see what happens next!
Review for the 3rd and 4th episodes:
Chefs kiss! This show is a must-watch! The two main leads deliver outstanding performances, and their chemistry is undeniable. The story really picks up in episodes 3 and 4, and it's no surprise the ratings jumped from 7.9 to 8.2. If you're looking for a series that will keep you hooked, this is it!
Review for the 5th to 12th episodes:
I have nothing more to say about this series; all I can say is that it is indeed a masterpiece.
Every episode had me hooked, and the emotional depth and beautiful cinematography only added to the experience. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a well-crafted drama. It leaves you wanting more, and I’m definitely hoping for a Season 2 to explore the story further!
Fingers crossed for a Season 2!
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The story is quite complex and the characters' motivations make you question their every behavior. At the same time, a quick guessing game will lead you to the correct answer, because at the end of the day, the ending is not as unexpected and surprising as one could wish for.
The acting was for sure the best aspect of the movie. To say I was impressed would be an understatement. While Haneul aced the role, I didn't expect any less of him. I was the most drawn to Kim Mu Yeol - acting and character wise. He showed both a soft/friendly, but also mad and driven performance, and both were done perfectly.
There was one moment in the movie that caught me off guard and I could not stop laughing for a good five minutes. One of the quite common tropes used in Korean dramas, that turned this movie into a comedy. Thank God it was close to the end, because I wouldn't be able to take any scenes seriously after it happened.
Overall, the process of watching the movie and guessing where it's going was more entertaining than the movie itself.
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There are two things about this movie that I really loved. The first is the scenery and cinematography. The second is the exquisite acting.
A small country-side town showered in autumn light, roads sprinkled in blustering, fallen leaves and dreary, rain-soaked scenes under a cloudy sky... This movie showcased the seasons like a beautiful painting or poem. The way the film is shot transported me into the scenes with the characters. I could almost smell the cool, fresh autumnal air and feel the achy dampness of the rain.
Hyun Bin and Lee Yeon Hee portrayed their characters emotions convincingly and beautifully. Personally, I have seen Hyun Bin in three roles now. I’m not sure if he just so happens to be type-cast or if he chooses these roles, but it seems he consistently plays the same character-type: rich bad boy turns softie after falling in love with unlikely heroine. Well, with so much practice, he plays the part extremely well. Lee Yeon Hee on the other hand (who, coincidentally, I’ve also seen in three roles) has a more diverse portfolio, and I am quite impressed with her range as an actress.
The bad:
The plot of this film is unoriginal, sappy and at times very brusque. Emotions seem to unfold suddenly and without pretense, which left me feeling a little... WTF’ish. My train of thought during the early part of this movie went something like this:
“Gah, stop being so mean to her...Oh, you like her now?... Love her??... What!?... How did you get in the room????.... You want to take care of her?...No? Wait wait wait, now you *don’t* like her??....*utter confusion*”
By the time the plot smoothed itself out, I found I’d just accepted the way I was *supposed* to feel and just went with it--which isn’t necessarily a good thing. As a viewer, you know what the director wants you to feel. As such, I just threw my hands up and gave in, as if to say, “fine director, I’ll accept your sappy and rushed love story, sheesh.”
Not a bad movie overall. In a way, I suppose it breaks even--balancing a predictable and choppy plot line against great acting and gorgeous scenery.
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The title says it all - Its an entire series about the SOTUS tradition, if you are looking for romance/love story, i feel like there was too little of it here. Kudos, at least for trying to show something a little bit different.
The strength of this series is the cast. Krist and Singto, and even all the support did a good job.
However, 20 episodes for the whole series is just way too much and I think they could squeeze the entire show into 10 episodes and it will still convey the same message. It feels like there were so many over extended scenes to fill up the time.
Lastly, the actual love relationship between the 2 main cast didnt really develop until the last few episodes leaving them with little time to actually portray the love story - there was almost no intimate scenes. Its like the characters stayed in the closet for too long and didnt want to ever go out. Even when they were alone there was almost no intimacy, leaving me to question if its really love or just bromance.
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I don't know what else to say but the only problem that I was scared of was the ending because I couldn't even think of an ending for this drama. I thought they will not be together cuz of their country or they might die, or just fall apart. Who knows. We even created (not me...I just joined xD) like a poll of 'How do you think this drama will end' because I believe we all are curious and this is a new drama and the first drama where we can't think of an ending.
I love both the protagonist n antagonist character but Sometimes you just gotta hate the antagonist you know. xD
iN MY opinion, this is the best drama I've ever watch in a Korean drama. Before it was DOTS ... but now it's this. I'm thankful to the creator and writers for creating such an amazing drama. This is my first time waiting every week to watch this drama because it's just another level of KDrama. I waited every week and did not regret it at all. I am very honored to be a part of this drama (watcher haha) and to enjoy it from the beginning till the end.
Thank you so much.
I love this drama so much.
And I am cheering for the casts to earn awards because they deserve it.
They worked hard no matter how cold the weather is.
Saranghae and FIGHTING!!
2/16/20
3:13PM
<3 <3 <3
P.S. THEY DID WIN AN AWARDS. MULTIPLE AWARDS. IM PROUD!!!!!! AND HYUN BIN won a grand award as well. I forgot what it was called but it's from 'Korean Popular Culture and Arts Awards Ceremony'
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Your blood will boil, Your heart will flutter
YOUTH OF MAY is a love story that happens to be taking place in the premise of Gwangju Uprising that had happened in May, 1980 but keep this in mind that the central story is not directly related to the democratic movement though it eventually leads to the major climax of Gwangju massacre. FYI, this uprising, that started from university student demonstration to save the democracy and it's essence, established the foundation of the rebellion against the dictatorship rule of the ones in power during the entire 80s in South Korea.Making fiction in the premises of real historical events are a great deal If you see how sentimental South Koreans are about both the nation's history and the honor of democracy, which is reasonable and everyone should be like that. There is always a thin line between what the incident is and what one writes about it. And I think the writer of YoM has done a pretty job on every level.
The story is really nice; the male lead and female lead's developing relationship not being the only thing going on, it also throws light on the events of the uprising and additional side stories of the familes of the leads. The main leads happen to be working in the medical field but it's not a medical drama, rather the healthcare premise is a shade of their work life; though a major part of last 4 episodes takes place in the hospital.
It might feel like a slow-paced story because the chemistry development between the leads are slow but there are so many other things happening so you won't be bored at all. The plot development is good and twists have been placed at right times. The director has done a good job too.
Acting? Superb! Lee Do Hyun is undoubtedly one of the most potential emerging Korean actors right now and I can see him growing to be a future superstar. His unique style of acting uff; been a fan since 18 Again. Also, the annoying Lee Do Hyun is so adorable, I just love him. So happy that his character in YoM has an annoying side too. Literally one of the few poster boys of warm pure romance Kdramas. Go Min Si, this lady has waited long enough to get a lead role and I am happy she did amazing in it. In fact, among all the actresses who have played 80s characts till now, I think she did it accurately. I really hope this will be a breakthrough in her career. Lee Sang Yi, my love, did really well even though his screen-timing was lesser than I had expected but not complaining since the dramas got only 12 episodes and his character, even though a major role, had not much to do around. Keum Sae Rok, truly won hearts playing the role of a rebellious girl of a rich household, she acted very well, ngl.
One thing to note in Lee Do Hyun's character as Hwang Hee Tae that it's different from the usual male lead character where they're all macho fighting around, protecting the female lead, etc and showing typical toxic masculinity by wrist-grabbing, non- consensual kissing and blah blah. It's sort of unique I would say for his heart is a fragile one, afraid of not being able to save someone as a doctor or to protect as a dear one. He doesn't forces things on his partner and maintains a healthy relationship and let others grow under his own shade. So respectful down-to-earth and one with a progressive mind he continues to do everything smoothly.
The set-up and management is pretty commendable given it's a period drama. The work of cinematography is not that evident but that's fine because the editing compensated for it. The OSTs are indeed beautiful and heart-wrenching and glad to have been recommended some real good 80s English and Korean tracks from the drama. .
Another important thing is that this drama taught a lots of things. Though the lives were messy and like under the cart, they taught us about life and the way of becoming stronger and braver by the days. The Gwangju uprising and the state-staged progrom to suppress the dissent by the oppressed will boil your blood for sure so make sure to learn from that too.
I won't lie that I absolutely loved it. And it would be definitely be on my good drama collections. The central story focuses on the art of loving & living and the essence of holding your life back even when you're on the verge of death. I, like everyone else, wished more than 12 episodes but anyways, the story has been well written with a good direction.
If you're confused whether to go for it or not thinking it's a period drama and that too set up in the premise of a tragic incident like Gwangju uprising, I am not gonna spoil it but I guarantee you, it's worth it.
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This review may contain spoilers
I watched this because Irene was in it
I have never written a review for a kdrama or a movie before, but for some reason I felt compelled to write one for Double Patty (probably because there are no reviews as of the time I am writing this). To preface, I had heard about Double Patty earlier last year when it was reported that Irene would star as the female lead in a movie. I was extremely surprised because the only prior acting experience she had was in a web drama that didn't really get much attention (I recall a lot of people talking about it), and starring as a lead in a movie seemed like a big jump from that. Now here is the review (I'm bad at writing essays so I'll just format my review based on the rating criteria above):Story: The story is about two characters who each have goals (one wants to be a news reporter and the other wants to be a wrestling champion). They both strive towards their goals, experience setback, meet each other at their low points, help each other overcome their setbacks, and ultimately reach their goals. On a basic level this story is fine, but I think it was the poor execution of it that made me feel like it was bad.
The biggest problem I had with the movie is that the main characters' backgrounds and motives are not well established. In the first two and half minutes of the movie we are shown a slideshow of both characters and how they reached this point of wanting to do what they want to do. Lee Hyunji's father and her father's friend were in the news industry. And while the friend succeeded, Hyunji's father did not. We do not know why he ended up failing, but we are shown a picture of her father protesting against the privatization of news. As for the other character, Kang Wooram, we are shown that he got into Korean wrestling while growing up. The relevant characters in his backstory are his friend/rival who quickly surpassed him in wrestling, and his wrestling mentor (big brother figure?) who has just passed away. That was it. Each character was given less than a minute and thirty seconds to establish who they were and what their motivations were, and now the rest of the plot is driven by that. Now I get this isn't a television series, so we aren't able to have hours of screen time to set up the characters. But if this is all we are given, it is hard to feel interested or invested in our leads' journeys. Movies that do a good job of establishing the characters and their motivations don't just tell you who the characters are, but they show it to you. A good example of this, I feel, is Forrest Gump. In Forrest Gump, we see all the formative experiences the main character has (in fact, we almost experience them with him) and then we reach the point of the "current time". Now of course I'm not saying that a movie has to spend 80% of the time establishing the characters, I just think that character and motivation establishment can take its time and can develop even while the plot is moving.
The other thing that bothered me was the relationship between Lee Hyunji and Kang Wooram. The first time the characters have contact is when Wooram catches a few glimpses of Hyunji in a restaurant and outside, and just has the expression of "wow yeppeuda." Later, the first time the two actually meet is when Wooram goes into the burger place that Hyunji works at and awkwardly orders the late night special. From then on, Wooram frequently goes to the burger joint because he likes pretty girls and good deals (who doesn't) and their interactions compose of them checking each other out when the other person isn't looking. Following this unknown amount of time, Wooram shows up one night to the burger joint drunk and they are conveniently out of patties (even though the main thing they sell are burgers and there are no customers). She knows that he is sad because of his mentor's death so she takes him out to eat, then takes him back to her place for some beer, then decides to go to his mentor's memorial service with him, then they walk around his hometown like a couple, then she comforts him while he is mourning over his mentor, then she successfully encourages him to continue pursuing his wrestling goal all within 2 or 3 days. Of course it's possible for two stranger to progress their relationship this quickly, but it probably isn't very common. Furthermore, it may just be personal taste, but I find it hard to root for a relationship that is based off of physical attraction as opposed to one built on an emotional connection over time. Or maybe that's just the jealousy kicking in saying "we get it, you guys are both hot." Regardless, all I felt was a sense of apathy towards their relationship as I didn't feel moved or invested in it.
Basically the movie felt like it was mostly being carried by Irene's face and Shin Seung Ho's body.
Acting/Cast: Irene's (Bae Joohyun) acting was mediocre. The thing I looked forward to the most when watching Double Patty was seeing the range of emotions Irene was going to show. I was thinking "maybe we'll see her cry, or see her ecstatic, or even see her angry." But we got mostly neutral Irene, shy Irene, and smiley Irene (shy and smiley Irene overlapped a few times). I don't know if she was doing a bad job of expressing her character's emotions or if her character was just written to be really bland. Also, it felt like half of her scenes were either eating food or drinking soju like a commercial. I remember specifically this one scene where they were on her rooftop patio and she was handing Wooram a can of beer. She had her head tilted slightly forward, her hair gracefully falling down, perfect makeup, perfect lighting, a big smile on her face, and there was even some wind making her hair flow. This was in the middle of the movie and it looked like they were filming a beer ad. I paused the movie right then and there and considered closing out the tab. Nothing wrong with looking great and being a CF queen, but it seemed like either she or the director was leaning too much on that, and it gave her acting a very unnatural feel at times.
As for Shin Seung Ho, his acting was not bad. Although not particularly amazing, he did have the one crying scene which was a pretty good performance.
Everyone else was fine, but none of them really stood out too much either.
Music: The music did its job, I didn't really notice it and I don't feel like going back through the movie to listen to the sound track. There was that one song that Irene sings that you hear in the trailer.
Rewatch value: The only reason I would rewatch this would be to give it a proper review. Then again, I rarely rewatch movies so I might not be the best person to make a take on this.
Overall: I don't think a 5.0 is "bad". If we rate a movie from a scale of 1 to 10, regardless of the distribution, the average should be 5.5 right? So a 5 is just below average. I don't know what to say except that I did not expect that it would take me over two and a half hours to write a review and now I'm up at 4 AM not knowing what I'm doing with my life. I spent more time and energy writing this review than I did on my English papers in college. There is more I would like to talk about on this movie, but I'm bad at articulating my thoughts in written form so this will be it.
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5
6
1
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1Payback Delivers Everything I Love: Dark, Intense, Emotional, and Absolutely Addictive
This is probably one of the longest reviews I have ever written, but some stories leave such a powerful impression that they deserve more than just a few simple words. Payback is one of those rare series that stayed with me long after the final episode, not only because of its intense storyline, unforgettable chemistry, and incredible performances, but also because of the emotions, pain, healing, and deeper messages hidden beneath the surface.I do not usually write reviews this detailed, but this drama impacted me in a way that very few BL series have.
Thank you to anyone who takes the time to read my thoughts. This review is divided into the following sections:
1. Introduction about loving revenge/mafia stories
2. Min as Sun
3. Story structure and timelines
4. Sun's backstory and revenge journey
5. Toptap as Jay
6. NC scenes and chemistry
7. Episode 8 love scene and emotional climax
8. Episode count discussion (12 episodes vs 10 episodes)
9. Entertainment industry commentary
10. Adaptation paragraph (novel/manhwa comparison)
11. Overall acting, story, music
12. Final verdict
What a fantastic series. This is exactly my kind of drama. I love stories centered around violence, revenge, and the mafia world because they create such an intense and thrilling atmosphere, and Payback delivered that from the very first minute.
This is my first time watching Min as Sun, and I am genuinely impressed. His performance is incredible. From his facial expressions to the changes in his hairstyle and hair color, he makes every version of Sun feel distinct and believable. I especially love how the series uses Sun's changing hair color to clearly show which timeline we are in. The constant transitions between the past and present are handled so well. The flashbacks never feel confusing or unnecessary. Instead, they gradually answer questions while introducing new mysteries, allowing the audience to piece everything together naturally. It is such a smart storytelling choice and one of my favorite aspects of the episode.
Sun's story immediately pulled me in. After years of carrying guilt over the deaths of his mother and younger brother, he continues to blame himself for a tragedy that was never truly his fault. The real betrayal came from someone he once trusted, and that pain fuels the revenge at the heart of the story. The title Payback feels fitting because every emotion, every wound, and every act of betrayal is building toward something powerful.
It is also my first time watching Toptap, and he made a strong impression as Jay. He was only 21 when he filmed this series. He once said that if he didn't get the role in Payback, he would have worked an ordinary job instead, but if he did get the role, he would give it everything he had. He definitely lived up to that promise. For someone so young, he delivered an incredible performance and showed remarkable talent. This was his first leading role, and I truly hope he gets many more lead roles in future series because he absolutely deserves them.
It's so hard to find a series that delivers both a strong, engaging plot and genuinely great NC scenes, but this series absolutely delivers on both, making it one of the most complete BLs I've ever watched. The kissing scene at the end of Episode 3 was intense and unforgettable. If you watch closely, you can even see the saliva dripping, which made it feel even more real, and I'm so glad it was an actual kiss rather than a fake one. The chemistry between them was intense, thrilling, and completely captivating. The riding scenes at the beginning of Episodes 4 and 6 were just as incredible and easily some of the hottest scenes I've seen.
And after watching more than 500+ BL series, I can honestly say Episode 8 delivered the most beautiful, intimate, and realistic love scene I have ever seen in the genre, and I am still SPEECHLESS. It never felt like I was watching two actors, it felt like I was witnessing two souls who truly belonged to each other. When Jay stand there holding the umbrella and Sun ran into his arms, holding him so tightly and begging him to cry, to finally let go of every wound, every grief, and every silent burden he had been carrying, my heart completely broke. It was heartbreaking and breathtaking at the same time. Every touch carried years of longing, every glance spoke louder than words, and every embrace burned with a quiet passion that felt impossibly real. The chemistry was undeniable, the emotions were overwhelming, and the cinematography captured every fragile heartbeat with such tenderness that the line between fiction and reality simply disappeared. It was not just a hot love scene, it was love finding its way through pain, sorrow, and healing, leaving behind a moment so raw, vulnerable, and unforgettable that it will stay with me for a very long time.
I also saw many people saying the series should have had 12 episodes instead of 10, but I think it is worth looking at the actual runtime rather than just the episode count. The later episodes were much longer than a typical drama, with Episode 7 around 75 minutes, Episode 8 at 87 minutes, Episode 9 at 68 minutes, and Episode 10 at 72 minutes. A standard series episode is usually around 50 minutes, so 12 episodes would be roughly 600 minutes in total. After adding up Payback’s actual runtime, the series already exceeds the length of many typical 12 episode dramas. For me, the issue is not about having more episodes, but how the story chose to use its time. I think the emotional journey and character development matter more than simply adding extra episodes.
One thing I want to mention is that I haven't read the novel or the manhwa, so I went into this series with no expectations and judged it purely as a drama rather than as an adaptation. I have seen many comments saying that the revenge was not as satisfying as it was in the original story, or that the drama did not fully capture the impact and depth of the novel or manhwa.
I understand why some people felt that revenge was not enough, but I personally see it in a different way. Sometimes revenge is not always about an eye for an eye or making someone pay in the same way. Sometimes the greatest revenge is simply finding peace and taking back control of your own life. For Sun, his true revenge was being able to heal, let go of the guilt and pain he had carried for so long, and finally allow himself to be happy. Seeing him stop living for revenge and start living for himself made his redemption arc even more meaningful and emotional.
I can see why people are comparing this series to the original novel and manhwa, and why some people may feel disappointed or unsatisfied. When you already have a strong emotional connection to a story, it is only natural to hope that the adaptation can capture the same feelings, impact, and satisfaction that made the original so meaningful. Howeve, I also believe that an adaptation should be judged based on what it achieves as its own medium. A novel or manhwa has more space to explore a character's thoughts, motivations, and inner struggles, while a drama has to rely on acting, cinematography, pacing, music, and visual storytelling to create the same impact. Changes are sometimes necessary, and the fact that something is different from the original does not automatically mean it is worse. Since I experienced Payback for the first time through the drama, I was able to appreciate the story, the characters, and the emotions without constantly comparing it to another version. For me, the revenge journey, the character development, and the emotional payoff were still powerful and engaging. In fact, this series has made me want to read the novel and manhwa afterwards because I am genuinely curious to see how they tell the story differently.
I also love how this series explores the dark truth behind the entertainment industry. It shows how older, more powerful people take advantage of young artists, manipulating and grooming them, not only through words but through sexual abuse, while convincing them that if they refuse, their dreams will never come true.
Imagine being a young actor with an entire life full of hope ahead of you, only to have it stolen by people you were taught to trust. It is heartbreaking to watch, yet it feels painfully real. I cannot help but believe that stories like this have happened in real life. This drama does not simply tell us about that reality. It makes us feel it, carrying us through the fear, the silence, and the pain that so many young people may have endured behind the spotlight.
Overall the acting is excellent, the story is engaging, the dark and intense tone is exactly what I was looking for, and the fight scenes were well executed. I also loved the music, which elevated many of the emotional and action-packed moments.
Payback has everything I want in a drama: compelling characters, emotional depth, revenge, chemistry, action, and a dark atmosphere that keeps you invested. It’s so rare to find a series that delivers a strong plot, excellent acting, and some of the best NC scenes all at the same time. This series has absolutely nailed every single box for me.
Payback has officially reached an incredible 8.9 on MDL, making it the highest rated BL ever! 🔥
For me, PAYBACK is shaping up to be the best Thai BL of 2026. ❤️
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One, the story is amazing. I mean yeah the plot could have been better written, but overall the story is good. It revolves around these kids who find their true selves in this school that teaches martial arts. But the school also teaches how to find your true self but indirectly. It gives the students challenges that they never thought they would do in their whole life.
Two, the acting/cast is amazing. Lee Hyun Woo is pretty much the main reason as to why most people watch this drama, unless you're new to kdramas and only watch it because of you're a fan of VIXX so you watch it because Hongbin. Speaking of Hongbin, he's actually a pretty good actor. I honestly thought he wouldn't be THAT great of an actor to the other drama I watched him in, but he's actually pretty good. Like his character changes and he shows the character has a bratty rich chinese kid who doesn't really want to befriend anybody but ends up befriending them anyways because of the development of the story. Seo Yi Ji was also an amazing actress because of the way she showed her emotions due to the situations that were happening. As I was watching this, I literally cried every time either Lee Hyun Woo, Hongbin, or Seo Yi Ji cried.
Three, let's talk about the music for a minute. The music is so bomb. Like legit, every time a song was on, I was turning up as I watched the scene happen. It made everything so much better like wow. Plus who wouldn't enjoy osts that are by VIXX? Especially when it was amazing to listen to. Also the song Lee Hyun Woo done also was amazing like damn. That shit was lit.
I highly recommend this drama to those who love either action or love, or even both! I loved this drama because of the way it was developing and the action of it was just amazing. The love also was amazing and I was legit on a rollercoaster ride with my emotions omg. One moment I was feeling this way, the next I was feeling something totally different.
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This review may contain spoilers
Story Built on Bad Decisions
Personally, not a fan of the “cheat on your current partner to find your soulmate” genre. Unfortunately, this drama turned out to be exactly that and that’s my biggest issue with it.The best thing for me was definitely the countryside visuals. I’m a complete sucker for countryside dramas regardless of genre, I almost always end up watching them. That’s the main reason this drama was on my watchlist in the first place.
What I didn’t like were the characters and the core story. Honestly, not a single character won me over. The entire drama is just people making one stupid life decision after another.
The male lead, Hae-ju, might be one of the most infuriating characters I’ve ever watched in a Kdrama. He dumps the female lead but the moment she’s about to get married, he finds out about his illness and suddenly kidnaps her to accompany him on a journey before his death without even informing her properly. He gives zero thought to what she would go through or the emotional state she’d be left in once he abandoned her again. Every tragedy in his life except the illness is self-created. He does the same to his birth mother, never allowing his adoptive father to process the fact that the child he raised isn’t biologically his. His mother eventually commits suicide and he leaves home and becomes a street kid. His entire arc is chaos driven by selfish choices.
The female lead, Jae-mi, is a pushover. This time, I could at least understand why she’s content with less than the bare minimum given her background. But let’s be honest many people in the real world accept the bare minimum only because it comes from a handsome face, no matter what others might have to offer.
Eo heung—the cuck. I felt sympathy for him at first but as the story progressed, that sympathy turned into pure irritation.
Despite hating the characters, I managed to finish the drama because I disliked all of them equally. I hate it when genuinely good people end up with irritating partners. I firmly believe that people with the same level of emotional mess deserve each other. And in that sense, the ending at least made the story feel more meaningful.
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A Dream Within a Dream: Not Confusing—Just Smarter Than Average
Some viewers struggle with A Dream Within a Dream because it doesn’t follow the usual formula. But that’s not a flaw, it’s intentional. This drama asks you to engage with nuance, not just react to surface-level tropes. A Dream Within a Dream isn’t trying to fit into a neat box. If you go in expecting a straightforward love story, you’ll be confused. But if you’re open to something layered, emotionally complex, and structurally bold, you’ll find a drama that rewards attention and rewatching.💫 Let’s Talk About the Heroine
Too many viewers get stuck feeling sorry for Nan Heng and overlook the true emotional core of the story, Song Yi Meng. She’s one of the most realistically strong females leads in Chinese drama, not because she’s cunning or hyper-competent, but because she’s deeply human. She’s smart, but not infallible. kind, but not self-sacrificing. Her strength lies in how she adapts, how she processes each new revelation, and how she makes decisions that balance survival with integrity.
From the start, Song Yi Meng is shown only the side of Nan Heng that reinforces her fear and distrust. She doesn’t get the luxury of seeing his inner turmoil the way the audience does. What she sees is threat, manipulation, and the looming shadow of a fate she’s trying to escape. And yet, she never sells out her family, friends, or even Nan Heng to protect herself. She navigates a world designed to test her, and still chooses compassion over cruelty, discernment over desperation, and love over fear.
🎭Exceptional Acting That Elevates Every Scene
Liu Yu Ning
Liu Yu Ning’s performance is powerful; he begins as a divine threat and gradually unravels into someone heartbreakingly human. His micro expressions are razor-sharp, a flicker of pain, a restrained smile, a glance that carries centuries of grief. He doesn’t overplay emotion, he lets it simmer beneath the surface, and that restraint makes every breakdown hit harder.
In action scenes, he’s magnetic. His physicality is fluid and commanding, never stiff or ornamental. Whether he’s wielding a sword or simply standing still, he looks like someone who belongs in a myth. And when he speaks? Every line is delivered with intention. He doesn’t just recite, he inhabits. His voice carries weight, his pauses are deliberate, and his emotional control makes even the quietest scenes feel charged.
Li Yi Tong
Li Yi Tong portrayal of Song Yi Meng is exceptional. The character is unpredictable, emotionally layered, and sharply funny. She had the difficult task of playing two versions of herself, one who naively falls for Nan Heng without knowing the full consequences, and another who is self-aware, burdened by knowledge of the original script, such as what happens to her, her family, and the cost of loving him. As her real feelings for Nan Heng deepen, she’s caught between foreknowledge and vulnerability, and Li Yi Tong navigates that tension with remarkable finesse.
What makes her performance even more compelling is her comedic timing. She brings a brand of humor that feels distinctly 80's 90's Hong Kong, quick, clever, and emotionally agile. Humor is notoriously hard to play, especially in a drama this emotionally charged, but she nails it. Her tonal shifts, her misdirection, her ability to pivot from satire to sincerity in a single breath, they’re masterful.
💞 A Love Story That Feels Earned
One of the most refreshing aspects of A Dream Within a Dream is how it builds its central romance, not through forced tropes or exaggerated tension, but through quiet, intentional intimacy. The love story between Nan Heng and the Song Yi Meng unfolds organically, shaped by trust, vulnerability, and emotional growth. It’s not rushed. It’s not manufactured. It’s earned.
Their chemistry is undeniable, but it’s not the kind that screams physical attraction every time they share a scene. Instead, it’s the kind of closeness that feels like two best friends slowly realizing they’ve become each other’s home. There’s a tenderness to their connection, a shared language of glances, silences, and emotional weight that makes every moment between them feel grounded and real.
And when the Song Yi Meng finally chooses to love Nan Heng, it’s a quiet resolution. Her trust in him is unwavering. No back-and-forth mistrust, no last-minute misunderstandings just to stretch the plot. Their connection doesn't lean on dramatic declarations or surface level chemistry, it grows from shared pain, mutual respect, and the quiet realization that, despite everything, they choose each other. Theirs is a relationship that feels lived-in, like two people who’ve been through the worst and still find comfort in each other. It’s subtle, satisfying, and deeply human, the kind of storytelling that respects both the characters and the audience.
🧠 Writing That Asks You to Think
Some viewers say the writing lacks emotional logic, but that’s only true if you’re expecting conventional payoffs. A Dream Within a Dream isn’t built for easy consumption. It’s a drama that questions its own structure, and in doing so, asks the audience to think more deeply about character, consequence, and emotional truth.
The dialogue is masterfully constructed. Every scene unfolds with intention, layering emotional tension, character insight, and thematic callbacks in ways that feel organic. You don’t just follow the plot, you start caring about every character, even the ones with limited screen time.
And the humor? It’s woven seamlessly into dramatic situations, never feeling out of place or forced. It’s clever, culturally resonant, and often used to highlight emotional absurdity rather than undercut it. Near the end, the writing revisit earlier themes, especially the concept of scene reset, with such precision that it brings the entire narrative full circle. It’s not just a callback; it’s a culmination. The story doesn’t just end, it resolves, emotionally and structurally, in a way that rewards viewers who’ve been paying attention.
🎬 A Finale That Actually Delivers
Unlike many dramas that leave secondary characters dangling in ambiguity, A Dream Within a Dream gives every major character a proper send-off. We see where they end up, what choices they make, and whether they find peace. It’s rare to get that kind of narrative closure, and ADWAD does it with elegance and intention.
🎶 Sound That Speaks
One of the most underrated strengths of A Dream Within a Dream is its music. The soundtrack isn’t just beautiful, it’s narratively precise. Every lyric is paired with its scene like it was written for that exact emotional beat. Whether it’s heartbreak, revelation, or quiet defiance, the music amplifies the moment without overwhelming it. It’s rare to see a drama where the OST feels like part of the script, but here, it absolutely does.
🔁 Rewatch Value That Keeps Giving
This is a show that rewards multiple viewings. On your first watch, you’re caught in the emotional whirlwind. On your second, you start noticing the patterns. By the third, you begin to understand each character’s position in the loop, what they know, what they fear, what they’re trying to change. Every rewatch offers a new perspective, a deeper understanding, and a fresh emotional angle. It’s storytelling that evolves with you.
📚 Let’s Talk Comparisons
So many reviewers on this site throw shade at and rate down A Dream Within a Dream, while praising The Prisoner of Beauty with a kind of disingenuous enthusiasm.
Let's be clear, there is obviously a bias at play, one that colors their entire viewing experience. They watch ADWAD through a lens of skepticism, picking apart characters and storylines that are simply too complex for them to understand or appreciate.
TPOB is fine. It’s an average romance story with familiar emotional beats. But it doesn’t take risks. It doesn’t challenge genre. It doesn’t ask you to think about storytelling itself. A Dream Within a Dream does all of that and more. If you rate TPOB higher, that’s a matter of taste. But let’s not pretend it’s because the writing is stronger. ADWAD is simply operating on a different level.
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