Reviews

Great ingredients gone astray

More often than not, a rating of 8.7 or higher on MDL equals something that delivers. This however, did not. I can see that the screenwriter, actors, and director have talent. Unfortunately, the individual elements just didn't work. What a disappointing ride.

First, the positives:

Every line was delivered naturally by charismatic actors. Lee Sung Kyung as Bok Joo played her part naturally (as much as she could), and I enjoyed her expressive way of acting in this character. Nam Joo Hyuk as Joon Hyung was super earnest in his portrayal of the young, fun swimmer. I also applaud a show focused on a female lead who is supposed to break the norm of appearance and gender stereotypes, especially in a society that focuses so much on gender roles. Finally, the script included straightforward lines that were endearing in their honesty, even if they were overdone sometimes.

Now, the negatives:

The entire plot was based on immature and silly misunderstandings and dramatic twists that didn't fit. It was as if the writer didn't know how to create challenges naturally so they resorted to making up far-fetched dramatic build-up for the characters to get tangled in. Instead of simply presenting unrequited love, they had Bok Joo make excuses and steal away to the clinic and have friends cover up and then get in trouble from coaches and parents for it all. Instead of letting Joon Hyung's childhood trauma play out naturally, the writer added lies that the adopted family kept up for years, tried to tie this to his relationship with his adoptive brother, and had the parent return to cause more drama. The list of ways in which natural drama could have built up and how each character could have grown as they dealt with it was completely wasted. And the heap of random characters and side plots were brief and distracting.

What could have made this show great:

- Focus on Bok Joo and have the drama in her life revolve around: sick father, working on accepting her unconventional appearance and value as a weightlifter, slowly falling for Joon Hyung, and of course, her actual training and competition hardships (which were handled so minimally and poorly in the show)
- Focus on Joon Hyung and have his story revolve around: abandonment, inability to start races, maybe throw in a rival swimmer to push him forward in swimming, and slowly falling for Bok Joo
- Get rid of all the rest of the meaningless characters and random tiny dramas and let the athletes actually show us what it's like to be an athlete: train hard, win and lose, get injured, pick themselves up again, have conversations about all of this, and sprinkle in a bit of drama and romance

All the ingredients above are things we've seen in dramas before. Even if they were handled in conventional ways, it would have yielded great results: deep conversations, personal growth, and inspiration. Unfortunately, we are left with the opposite.

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Warm, Caring, Supportive Male Lead

Let me start by saying I loved the feel of this drama. The warm undertones and emotional connection between Zhoa Jin and Xu Nuo kept me watching. This drama portrays the growth of the relationship between the ML and the FL. They met by chance and felt a pull toward each other. At the start, the FL was in a long-term relationship with her boyfriend, Peng Yu An who never seemed to have time for her. It is also clear that his father is against them being together and wants Yu An to have a more advantageous relationship with his partner. Without going into details, the FL breaks up with the boyfriend, but he refuses to accept the breakup. Yet, Zhoa Jin and Xu Nuo continued to grow closer and this is the part that made this drama so beautiful.

There is a secondary relationship between the FL's best friend and ML's friend Xu Yang. There is also a touching storyline with the ML's sister and her friend. This drama shows different relationships and motivations. Some relationships are based on dependency and convenience. Some are formed based on what might be considered to be advantageous. And some grow even when up against adversities...this is the slow burn we see with the ML and the FL.

I loved the ML! It baffles me that there are so many negative comments against the ML. He was warm, caring, supportive, considerate, gentle, and smart. His character is appealing because he shows strength and conviction. But even though he appears soft on the outside, he can defend himself. The ex-boyfriend sees him as pitiful as he is divorced and has a younger sister who has health issues. But this is just one of the indications that the ex-boyfriend is overconfident and too much into himself because others see the ML as handsome and wonderful. The ML is the main reason I watched this drama. Zhang Wan Zi is now on my favorite actors list! Sigh...

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got my brain twisted

I don't have much to say about the story. Didn't expect it to be such a tragedy. There were tons of hints being hinted at the beginning of the movie. I was foolish enough not to realize it lol.
Acting wise is superb especially the leads. Welĺ, the most vital thing that stood out to me beside the acting is, the twist. I honestly think without the twist, this movie is just gonna be plain. Overall, I had a good time watching this. It's not the type of movie that would be easily forgotten cause the plot twist is strong. I don't enjoy rewatching movie with unpredictable twist cause the second time you watch it, it's never gonna be the same.

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If there is a score 100 for acting, I would definitely give it here. To Eita and Hikari . They were OH MY GOD. I see this kind of acting very rarely or should I say almost never. Eita is in my top 10 actors ever but after this role I think he's going up straight to the top, he is truly unbelievable talented actor, expressions he makes, the look in his eyes, I felt every single little emotion he felt in this drama, I honestly think that he is not human, I mean it's hard to believe that some actor can do to me the things he has done, that I was hypnotized all the time when he's in the scene. And the chemistry with Hikari, one of the best chemistry I've ever seen in whole drama land although it's not a romance drama, although there's no kisses and some deep physical contact between them, it is a chemistry that is rarely seen. Both of them were brilliant and I can only say that these two must have some other drama together but as a couple. The rest of the cast was great, Kazama as a crazy, psycho brother, he portrayed the twisted guy amazingly, I was mesmerized with his acting.
The story itself is already very sad, dark and depressed and all of those actors just gave the whole drama a big plus with their great acting. And although it is a very tragic and heartbreaking drama it has positive sides, through the whole drama you'll see the constant battle inside the characters whether to forgive or revenge, whether to be good or bad, whether to love or hate...And those words HOPE and LIFE were there all the time with them to remind them to fight and live on. I was crying, I was smiling, I was terrified, I was scared, I was sad and I fell in love. All these emotions has gone through me while watching this drama and in the end it remained the feeling of emptiness because everything was over. I can say this for sure that no doubt Japan has the most heartbreaking, emotional, amazing dramas that nobody in the world has. When they make some drama it is certainly that you're going to be different after watching and that you'll feel the strongest emotions ever. It doesn't matter whether drama is tragic or happy. And that is something that no one else can do. Of course there are exceptions.
As for the music, this is the first drama that I didn't care about the music and that there weren't music almost at all except for that main song.
So in the end I hope that more people will make the time to see this drama because definitely deserves more attention. And for sure you won't regret it. At least I haven't. Nor I will. I can only be grateful for watching this masterpiece.

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Let Me be Your Knight meets Idol-the Coup with a twist and an Age Gap...

It started a 9, went up to a solid 10 but took a dive to a 7,5 and well ended up an 8,5...

While I am not one to encourage people to fall for their teacher, I did fall for the main couple in this drama, it helps that he is a pretty cold mature type and an adult when the whole falling in love part actually takes place.. but I would be lying if I did not say it bothered me a little.. That said this is the story of the burnt out teacher who finds her self as the house mom of a failed boyband who just happens to include a student at her former school who she once encouraged to pursue a career in music... the start of a very complicated journey of friendship, encouragement, jealousy, and yes tiny (very tiny )amount of romance...

I loved the boys during the first 6-7 episodes or so, the music, the fluff... whole Idol-The Coup meets let me be your knight with a Japanese twist and an age gap definitely has all the ingredients to make me completely fall in love with this show , which I did... However as the episodes passed by, the I found that they added on some of my less loved cliches and shifted focus from the stuff I loved to stuff I did not care for as much ... taking away my oh so beloved fluff, it was still ok but I felt a bit cheated by the os so Perfect for me start... But that does not have to mean that you will not enjoy the last third of the show. As it was not bad or anything... I guess I felt that several of my beloved characters disappointed me and had some negativ character development....

Being a former teacher myself I love how the female lead guides the boys and tries to dig out their full potential... I alos love the representation of different types of people in this, as it just fits in perfectly in the dialog and plot and does not feel forced. There are also a bunch of adorable animals, a unique umbrella scenen and just a whole lot of good... and it will have you smiling from ear to ear thinking ooooh so cute...

So if you like watching dramas about idols, music, people who have been completely ruined by the world try to come agin... then tis is definitely a good place to watch it. If you do not like dramas about idols, ands etc... then I wonder how come you got this far in this review as this is obviously not a drama for you.

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Indiana Jones has a love child with Laura Croft in the 5th dimension

By rights this show should be a hit because the leads are superb actors and who doesn’t like an adventure romp.

They have oodles of charisma, and their chemistry will keep a house warm in the dead of winter. There is a catch though. The world building in the first half of the show is problematic.

It leads us into a fantastic parallel world, but it also left us with more questions than answers. On the surface, the parallel world is unique and interesting, but it is like the shifting sand our leads travel through. It is an unstable base to build a civilisation if you don’t create some solid foundations. There are plot holes and inconsistencies galore. It was okay in small doses but as the plot deepens, it begs more questions. The show ploughs on regardless. It is not until ep.20 when we finally get a long winded exposition on how the world came about but even then, it was more a history lesson than any practical information.

Here lies the fundamental problem with this show. To sustain the fantastic setting the writer used every trick in the book. It is closer to a xianxia drama with cars than a contemporary adventure a la Tomb Raiders. This means all kinds of magical macguffins and invented lore are used to sustain the narrative.

This is a double-edged sword. It allows access to all kinds of wondrous situations, but you can tie yourself in knots if you don't have a deft hand. The protagonist needs a flying horse to get out of a tight spot? There is one grazing right there! The antagonist needs an evil doppelganger? There's one in the bag. Sometimes it can feels like cheating.

It is no surprise that the plot gets more and more convoluted as the show progressed. Is it class struggle, power play, love triangle or historical feud? It is raining revelations, expositions and flashbacks in the second half. Some are true, others are red herrings and false memories. We don't have a clear picture until the last few episodes.

End do cometh to us all. As ending goes, it is serviceable, but it feels flat. The resolution doesn’t make a lot of concrete sense. Yes, one side won but how this can leads to eternal peace is more than a bit vague. It is too facile. We are then told the whole show is just a richly embellished fable even though the characters are driving modern cars and using cellphones. Also hinting that the HEA ending is just our wishful thinking. Nice. Did the writer just gave up?

Nevertheless, kudos to the production team and ensemble actors for their dedication as shooting on location must have been a real challenge. The desert landscape is harsh but starkly beautiful. Who needs CGI when nature provide something that eclipse our imaginations.

In the end, it is a rollicking escapist romp. It is action packed, cheesy, tense and swoon worthy but it also has a lot of world building issues and plot holes. I would have stayed for the leads alone but it does test my patience at times. You really need to switch off your frontal lobe to truly enjoy this show. Beers and pizzas help too. Peace out.

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Mr. Plankton Review - ZyKuu

"Two drifters embark on their final trip together" - The story is very chaotic but entertaining, and there are many valuable life lessons taught throughout the show. The cast was sweet and sour for me. I am a huge fan on the main lead Hae-jo, I thought he played his role well and was the most excellent amongst the cast. The female lead Jo Jae-mi was wonderful as well and she really displayed her acting ability. Their romantic chemistry was great. Other roles that I enjoyed were Bong-suk and Yoo Gi-ho (KKari). I found them to be great side characters that added to every moment and made the show more memorable. The OST was decent and I was pleased by the shows aesthetic. This drama is somewhat random, but everything ties together neatly. The show is very eventful, and the lessons taught within are golden.

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This was one of the most exciting dramas I've seen. One of my ultimate top favorite dramas. The story is itself is pretty interesting and extremely addicting. There are tons of action, funny scenes and sweet scenes. Every episode captures your attention and makes you want more. The cast is amazing. You definitely get attached to many of the characters. In particular, Lee Jun Ki did an amazing job. You get to see his array of acting skills because of his character transformation. The music was fitting. This is a series that I would surely want to watch again in the future. This one is definitely worth the watch!

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Where the Shore Meets the Storm: A Masterclass in Psychological Tension and Redemption

I have watched many Chinese BL series, and this is my first time reviewing one. All Chinese BL series are superb, and To My Shore is certainly one of the most outstanding among them. This production, adapted from the web novel Si Mian Fu (四面佛) by Su Er Liang, is a masterclass in psychological tension, character growth, and the complexities of human desire. By blending the atmospheric storytelling of Chinese dramas with the vibrant production quality of a Thai collaboration, it offers a viewing experience that feels both grounded and cinematically grand.

A Study in Contrast: Stability vs. Chaos

At its heart, To My Shore is a character study of two men who exist on opposite ends of the emotional spectrum. You Shu Lang is the embodiment of the "shore" a man who has spent his life building a foundation of stability, professional integrity, and quiet dignity. As a director at a pharmaceutical company, his life is governed by logic and routine. He is not a character who seeks out drama; rather, he is someone who values the peace he has cultivated.

In stark contrast, Fan Xiao represents the turbulent sea. As the heir to a Thai conglomerate, his upbringing was not one of comfort, but of calculated survival. His "twisted, manipulative worldview" is not merely a personality trait but a defense mechanism. When these two worlds collide quite literally in a car accident the drama begins a fascinating exploration of how trauma can shape one’s approach to love.

What makes this drama so compelling is the maturity of the writing. It does not rely on simple misunderstandings to drive the plot. Instead, it focuses on the internal struggle of You Shu Lang as he navigates the sudden intrusion of Fan Xiao into his life. The series asks a profound question: Can someone who views people as chess pieces ever truly learn to see them as partners?

The Art of Manipulation and Genuine Connection

The first half of the series is a psychological game. Fan Xiao’s decision to "entice" Shu Lang into a relationship after discovering his orientation is portrayed with a chilling elegance. We see Fan Xiao using his resources, his charm, and his understanding of human psychology to create a "perfect" version of himself that Shu Lang will find irresistible.

However, the beauty of the performance lies in the subtle shift. As Fan Xiao spends more time with Shu Lang, the mask begins to slip not because he is careless, but because he is being affected by Shu Lang’s genuine nature. Shu Lang’s kindness isn't a performance; it is his reality. For Fan Xiao, who has lived a life of transactional relationships, this sincerity is both terrifying and addictive. The drama captures the moment Fan Xiao realizes he is no longer the hunter, but has himself been caught by the very man he intended to trap.

Production and Atmosphere

The co production with Thailand brings a unique flair to the series. The cinematography is lush, using lighting to reflect the emotional states of the characters. The scenes involving the pharmaceutical corporate backdrop are handled with a professional touch, making Shu Lang’s world feel lived in and authentic. The pacing is deliberate, allowing the tension between the leads to simmer before it eventually boils over.

The chemistry between the two leads is electric, yet refined. They convey a great deal through silence and lingering glances, which is a testament to the actors' ability to inhabit their roles. The dialogue is sharp, often layered with double meanings that reward the attentive viewer.

Detailed Review: Why This Series Resonates

I love this drama because it treats the audience with respect. It doesn't shy away from the darker aspects of Fan Xiao’s character. Many dramas attempt to "soften" a manipulative lead too early, but To My Shore allows him to be truly flawed. This makes his eventual pursuit of redemption much more earned and impactful.

You Shu Lang is a refreshing protagonist in the BL genre. He is intelligent, experienced, and self aware. Watching him slowly open his heart, only to have his world shattered by the truth, is heartbreaking. His reaction to the betrayal is not one of a victim, but of a man who has been deeply wronged and must decide if his principles can survive his feelings for the man who hurt him.

[SPOILER SECTION: Proceed with Caution]

For those who want to understand the deeper narrative arc, the "true colors" reveal is the turning point of the series. When Shu Lang discovers that their "chance" meeting and subsequent romance were meticulously planned by Fan Xiao, the fallout is devastating.

The drama takes a bold step here: Shu Lang does not immediately forgive. He retreats to his "shore," cutting Fan Xiao off entirely. This period of the series is the most emotional, as we see Fan Xiao now truly in love spiraling because he lacks the tools to win someone back honestly. He realizes that money, power, and manipulation are useless against a heart that no longer trusts you.

The climax involving the pharmaceutical company’s stakes and Fan Xiao’s family legacy serves as the final test. Fan Xiao is forced to choose between his conglomerate's interests and Shu Lang’s professional safety. In a powerful subversion of his earlier character, he sacrifices his leverage to protect Shu Lang, proving for the first time that he values Shu Lang’s well being over his own control. The ending is bittersweet but hopeful, suggesting that while the "shore" was damaged by the storm, the two can build a new, more honest foundation together.

Final Thoughts

To My Shore is a sophisticated, emotionally resonant drama that stands out for its complex characters and high production values. It successfully navigates the "red flag to green flag" trope by grounding the transition in genuine character development rather than plot convenience.

If you are looking for a series that combines corporate intrigue with a deeply moving, mature romance, this is a must watch. It is a story about the courage it takes to be honest in a world built on lies, and the transformative power of a love that is truly genuine. It is, without a doubt, a superb addition to the world of Chinese and international BL.

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Angsty, Murderous and Twisty

This is definitely a dark, short length cdrama. I’ve written the trigger warnings below. The drama is about the female lead who discovers she is a novel character assigned the role of the villain who dies at the end of the story. With the help of the “Book of Fate” (a book that has the future story written down), she begins to fight against fate to change her tragic ending.

POSITIVE:
- Villainous/cunning female lead.
- Heartless/morally grey male lead.
- 100% angst. The plot, the romance, everything is angsty.
- Murderous vibes.
- Lots of twists and turns.
- A pinch of sweet moments. Yes, there are sweet romantic moments but they are very sparse.
- Non cliche path. The writers really went to places that not a lot of dramas dare to do.

NEGATIVE:
- Too dark at times. Some scenes were very disturbing to watch and very emotionally heavy.
- The male lead was great but at the same time I felt something was missing. Not sure if it was the fact that he has a baby face when his character is ruthless or maybe that he needed to have more scenes at certain plot points that were important for his character.

OVERALL:
If you want a villainous female lead with 100% angsty plot, romance and murder vibes, watch this drama.

TRIGGER WARNINGS:
Multiple attempts of r**e, as well as suicide, abuse and murdering.
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READ THE BELOW ONLY IF YOU’VE FINISHED THE DRAMA!!!!!!!
I saw some comments from people saying that there are plot holes (not true) in the drama and some people being confused about the ending. Here are my explanations about the ending and Book of Fate.

How did the Book of Fate fall into the FL’s hands?
FL began to have desires that were different from what the Book of Fate had written. That’s why in the end FL says to the Fortune Writer “You want to control everything. I’m your worst ending”. In the very final scene, we have a little boy that opens another Book of Fate and the new Fortune Writer says “as long as there are desires, I’m here”

How did ML break out of Fortune Writer’s hold?
Just like the FL, he had strong desires that were different from what the Fortune Writer had written. He was always supposed to kill FL, not protect her. As his desire to love and protect her grew, the hold the Fortune Writer had on him lessened.

How does ML regain his memories?
We see the ML getting glimpses of his memories before he kills himself to protect FL. After FL defeats the Fortune Writer, we see all characters forging their own path. Since ML’s desire is to be with FL, he regains his full memories to fulfil his desired path. In the drama it’s mentioned that 3 months have passed, that is more than enough time for him to regain his memories.

Who is the ultimate Fortune Writer?
In the final scene, a little boy gets the book and thus a new cycle begins. The boy is just like the FL that will start fighting with the new Fortune Writer. The point is that everyone in this drama is a book character, so as long as they are book characters there will always be a Fortune Writer that they will fight against. The characters and the Fortune Writer are interconnected. Every story needs a writer. And every writer needs its characters.

The drama also mentions “Zhuangzi's dream of a butterfly”. Fortune Writer also says that in the drama “Am I dreaming or are you dreaming” “Are you real or am I real”. The dream of a butterfly tells the change in consciousness between reality and illusion. To me this shows that FL “awakens” from the novel and becomes her own real self. So from another perspective we can see the Fortune Writer is another part of the FL. Both are playing their respective roles. When you think about it, even though Fortune Writer seems like the enemy, he actually pushes FL to awaken and break free. Otherwise why would FL gain the ability to see the plot before it happens. It's all connected.

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It was a fun ride, but...

Another airing drama that I followed ending! Honestly, I have mixed feelings with this one, so I feel like this gonna be a lengthy review lol so bear with me :)

What I love:
–Pi, I love Pi's character as a whole. Honestly, I would say I love him as much as I love Tian from ATOTS if not less. Him, his insecurities, his weakness, his determination, I love how he is flawed and it made him such a complex character, and he feels real. His story was so sad if we actually think about it, and every action he made honestly really understandable considering how hard it has been for him all these while. (and honestly? the portrayal of him as someone ugly before he change is just BS lol, he is pretty from the beginning!)
–Nan!! Of course I'm gonna mention the character that made me start this from the beginning. I understand why Pi was so attracted to him, hes like all the good things in this world put in a person. I wish he wouldve had more screen time (which he couldve had if this series didnt give so much screentime for the loud annoying shippers lol) because most of his scene was wise and just calming to watch lol
–Duean & Meen! Honestly, I love them to the coreeee omg I never feel THIS much love for a 2nd couple but their scene never fails to made my day, and honestly i find their final confession scene more adorable than the main couple! I'm gonna miss Duean's lack of braincell and Meen's bubbly personality so badly

What I dislike:
–Lemme just drop the bomb and say, I dont like Mork :D Well hear me out, I dont HATE him, just a lil dislike towards some of his action on Pi, especially when he kinda force himself to Pi and almost not respecting Pi's space. Honestly, even in ep 11 when he said he respect Pi's decision to keep their relationship a secret, yet his action shows otherwise lol! He also didnt know how to keep his boundary when crushing on Pi and truth be told, I feel like Pi deserve someone better lol BUT he actually came thru for the last bit especially on the final confession scene so okay yeah he is acceptable or whatev lol
–For the nnth time, i freaking HATE the shippers, theyre straight up a creepy obsessive stalker who didnt know how to keep their nose away from others' business! Like do these folks dont have a life??? They didnt even respect Pi's privacy! Pi was literally scared shitless knowing they wanted to take photo of his house like thats just too much!
–That fake girlfriend character i forgot her name but all of her scenes cringe me to the core and honestly i wasnt even surprised when it turns out she was the one who revealed Pi's photos, she was sus from the start
–The pacing in this series is way too off! The first part feels like it can actually be sum up in less than 9 eps, then everything happened so fast after that which I feel couldve been lengthen into few more episodes instead. The pacing was slow at first and then BAM BAM so much thing happenend towards the end, you know what I mean? lol

LMAO i knew this gonna be lengthy at the dislike part 🤣 But nevertheless, it ends! I especially love the part after the two years past, its adorable seeing how Pi suddenly become clingy after Mork is no longer by his side all the time lol, I feel like I will remember how complex and unique Pi's character is for awhile, gonna miss him and Duean Meen now

7.2/10

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While I was watching this drama, I kept going through these rabid fangirl moments where I recited in my head, the praises I would sing for it after I completed it, but as I write this now; words simply elude me. I'm emotionally spent, harboring a subtle lingering ache in my heart and overcome by a deep sense of satisfaction all at the same time. All these emotions are making it extremely hard for me to explain in just a few words what this drama truly made me feel because the truth is; you don't just watch Kill me, Heal me- you experience it, you breathe it and it morphs into unrelenting claws and keeps you with it till the end.



Ji Sung- I have so much love for this man. He captures my soul every time he comes on-screen. He has always been one of my two most favorite actors and will always remain that way. I can sing odes in way of his acting and it still wouldn't be enough. In this drama he plays a Chaebol with 7 different personalities and his transitions are so real and vivid, that each of the seven personalities seem like entirely different people.



Shin Se Gi= The over dramatic bad boy who made me giggle, swoon, cry and fall in love.



Yona= The side-throbbingly hilarious and bratty mean girl who I wished I was friends with.



Ah Sub= The genius and serious teenager who had a penchant for suicide.



Perry Park= The ahjussi who shined so brightly and tinkered with bombs for fun.



Nana= The child without a voice.



Mr. X= The man who brought forth reason and rationale when Do Hyun was truly ready to embrace himself.



Cha Do Hyeon= The beautiful and complex man who suffered so much and yet, never stopped fighting.



I used to believe in the stupid "real men don't cry" stereotype that our society worships. I was so awful that if a hero in a show I was watching cried, I'd think him weak and turn away but Korean Dramas changed it for me. Korean characters often communicate with their tears, the feelings they don't verbalize, express themselves in the way of salty water. Tears are not a sign of weakness, they are a sign that you're alive. Cha Do Hyeon often had tears leaking from his eyes and every single time they moved me. Sometimes my heart hurt from all the pain, sometimes my lips hurt from smiling wide. His tears were gorgeous as was his struggle and will to become whole again.

Ji Sung deserved that Daesang and more.



People call Ji Sung the king of Kill Me, Heal Me and he no doubt is but what many don't say is that Hwang Jung-Eum was also undeniably the queen. I've heard many complaints about how Jung-Eum screams too much, how her obnoxious loud voice is unbearable, how she over acts and tries hard and frankly, I think all these people are just tripping. True, she does shout more than is necessary and she'll probably rupture your ear drum with all the noise she makes, yet there is not a single other actress who can even dream to properly pull off the roles she has executed.



She always grows on you and makes it work. She is the Empress of expressions and I don't know why but whenever she cries ( and she cries a lot and it's rather ugly) I always cry too. I don't even know why. I love her so much and to this day, she's one of my favorite actresses. The roles she plays, whether it's the self-sacrificing woman in Secret or the scarred psychiatrist in KMHM, always show inner strength. Oh Ri JIn is a brilliant, full of light and empathetic woman whose strength knows no bounds.



Ji Sung and Hwang Jung-Eum are undoubtedly the Korean industry's most powerful pairing. They are both excellent actors in their own right and together they are undeniably magic. Their chemistry is off the fucking charts. They move in sync and it's apparent how much they understand each other. Secret had left an impression on me and yet, KMHM without being influenced by that, made its own indent in my heart. Usually, in K-dramas the female character is overshadowed by the male's but Ji Sung and Hwang Jung-Eum exhibit equality of the sexes. They are both formidable players at their game and they play effortlessly together and bring the victory home, every single time. Despite the fact that Ji Sung's role was very powerful, Jung-Eum held her own and due to that, they co-existed beautifully.



Then comes Oh Ri On. Ah, my baby. He was also one of the best characters in the show and literally the best brother ever. He loves her but he let's her go. Park Seo Joon couldn't have done a better job in my opinion.



Every single actor from top to bottom brought their greatest to this drama and made it the masterpiece it was. I think it's rightfully one of the best Korean productions ever made. It had me bawling and heaving at one point and clutching my stomach laughing and gasping for breath at another. It made me feel bittersweet melancholy, made my heart fill with warmth and made me be so unwilling to let it go that despite dying with curiosity, I wanted to prolong it in some way so that it wouldn't end. This drama has pain yet joy, tears yet laughter, incredible heartbreak yet so much love. Not a single second is filler, it's filled to the brim with powerful dialogues and the suspense element is excellently done. You simply cannot get better than KMHM.



The OST (Auditory Hallucination) is definitely one of the best ever made. It always played on the perfect time and made the already soul stirring scenes a thousand times more impactful.



Yes, there were some medical errors in the drama but despite that, mental illness and trauma have been wonderfully explored to their core. It offered a peek in the life of a man waging war against his own mind and how an equally scarred woman became his sword and together they were conquerors.



This drama showed everything that makes Asian dramas so raw and poignant. If you haven't watched this and you call yourself a K-drama fan, I say you need to check your priorities.



Rewatch value is worth more than can be described. The moment I even begin to forget it (which will be hard) I'll watch it again because I never want to lose all that I felt while I was on the journey of watching Kill Me, Heal Me. I am sincerely thankful to Jin Soo-wan for writing this gem.

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