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It was good? but mostly just annoying.
Just gonna do pros and cons so that I don't ramble TOO much.PROS:
+Yo Han
+Yo Han's mansion
+Yo Han's right hand man ("K")
+acting was top tier from the whole cast
+40% of Sun Ah's outfits
+Sun Ah shooting Heo Jung Se ( a.k.a K-Trump)
+the chemistry between Yo Han and Ga On
+the actress for Sun Ah played tf out her role
+the plot twist about the fire
+the shows general concept and the way they showed how interwoven the corruption was
CONS:
+ Ga On's naivety
+ Ga On being a self-righteous idiot until the very end
+ Soo Hyun being the WORST detective I've seen in a K-drama (not aware of her surroundings AT ALL, never calls for back up EVEN WHEN SHE BROUGHT A CHILD INTO A SITUATION WHERE A WHOLE GANG WAS BEATING PEOPLE UP......WITH PIPES, very biased towards one suspect even when given clues about others, indifferent to all the corrupt people in power because all her focus is on Yo Han)
+ SUN AH (every time I saw her face, it irked me; like, physical repulsion)
+ writers trying to give Sun Ah an incomplete redemption arc (it wasn't set up well)
+ people not having a brain of their own unless it's to blame Yo Han
+ GA OOOOOOON
+ the Ga On x Soo Hyun romance(very cliché and like ZERO chemistry)
+ again Soo Hyun being an idiot( how she gon' blame her tampering with a crime scene on Ga On? it was unnecessary for her to do it anyways??? they told you it was a suicide? you are also in control of your own actions?)
+how writers portray main female leads in a way that makes them extremely disliked by a lot of the audience; in this case, it would be Soo Hyun.
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From the first minute of this drama, I was hooked. Phenomenal cinematography alongside amazing actors -- I cannot recommend this drama enough.
STORY;
When it comes to crime and political dramas, I have seriously high expectations, but this drama met them instantly. Hell, it even surpassed them,
It is very different from the usual cliche dramas and does not sugar coat anything. If you want a plot line that will question your morals and have you seriously perplexed with what to think and lookout for (no pun intended); watch this.
Because it is crime and politics, you would think there would be cliche twists and over-used action *cough* The K2 *cough* BUT it is all seamless, well shot and written, with a highly intense story line with really well developed characters who have depth.
I also do not like dramas that shove the romance between the leads down our throats, basically, almost all kdramas, and hence, do not like general romance between characters. BUT because of the characters' well written backgrounds and development, I AM BEGGING FOR SOME ROMANCE TO OCCUR BETWEEN THE LEADS.
But due to the mind blowing twists, you have to inevitably accept the tension and lack of romance between the leads (but still hope for some romance)
This drama has changed my views and thus heightened my expectations for kdramas even more.
CAST;
I honestly was hesitant to watch this when I saw that Key from SHINee was in this, but oh man, he is good.
I am damn impressed with Kim Young Kwang, not to mention his height and demeanor is attractive as fuck. I always look for main leads that are psychologically complex and use their mind to play tricks, and Kim Young Kwang's character is emotionally complex, well executed and hot as fuck. He certainly plays the character well, as well as the character himself (Jang Do Han) is written for him perfectly. He has oozing charisma and makes you think why the hell is he being slept on.
I have a strong dislike for weak female leads which is no wonder that I do not like 90% of kdrama female leads, but the one in this drama is strong willed, determinate, independent and can sure as hell beat up someone. Lee Si Young is the perfect actress for this role.
MUSIC;
The first two are R&B and have a very unique vibe to them, very different from the typical ballads in other dramas that are overplayed at the wrong scenes.
OVERALL;
Watch this drama. Watch it.
I guarantee you that you will be hooked.
From complex characters, intricate questions regarding morale, intense and not over-used action to amazing acting and suitable OSTs and background music; this drama is the whole package.
UPDATE; after completing this drama, my heart's been broken.
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Another electrifying on-screen chemistry is heating up.
This drama has quickly grown in popularity since its release, surprisingly a nodding pair to validate that even an Ahjumma and an Ahjussi can sweep viewers off their feet in their heartwarming workplace love story. At this rate, I respect the person behind the casting for being able to find suitable actors that would capture all the yearning and longing in an unconventional romance genre like this.The story breaks the traditional norms in the office romance where a male boss and female secretary are forming a love adventure. This time it’s an intriguing story about a highly competent male secretary and an alpha female boss in the world of headhunting. They had an ill first meeting experience of each other when entangled in a competition to retain and recruit the same candidate and they both lose at the end. The aftermath of the situation backfired on the position of Lee Jun-hyuk, getting him unfairly dismissed by his company. Through a common friend, he is then recommended to be the Assistant of Han Ji-min who is known for being difficult to work with as someone with strong leadership but is faulty and uncoordinated with things around her. She’s been giving him unwelcoming attitudes but LJH is slowly warming her up.
I am a longtime fan of HJM’s career and can’t complain about her performances as she was acknowledged a few times in the award-giving bodies. Meanwhile, LJH wasn’t spared from the eyes as well of the performing arts experts with his collection of awards and could have a potential follow-up recognition through this drama. This is his first ever starring ML role in a romantic kind and it is such a delight to see it happening and seeing him on screen with outpouring charms. He is the perfect gentleman here and is well-molded in his characterization and incredible styling. I cannot stop thinking about how these two will continue to navigate each other’s lives and make us all feel that irregular love heartbeat with them.
I could tell this drama will be on the list of iconic romantic dramas that have won the hearts of many. While this genre easily resonates with global audiences, television productions are always being challenged to create a unique story that would set it apart from other romances like this one. It has relatable conflicts, a satisfying arc development of characters giving us a perfect romantic tension, and the praise-worthy visual executions that deepens our connection to the pair's emotional play of love. So jump on the bandwagon and have a good time watching.
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Legends of the Condor Heroes: The Gallants
31 people found this review helpful
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That milk was spoilt in episode 1
I wish I didn't remember details from episode one of this series, but more than anything, I'm glad I don't recall at least some of it. Oh goodness this was..The plot was non - existant. There was no plot, it's as simple as that.
I still can't figure why the two leads liked each other, I've watched ten episodes and I still don't know why they fell for each other. Their relationship is the basis for the entire plot and from my indication about the plot being non - existant you can put two and two together.
Individually, two of the worst characters I've ever seen on screen. They were right in naming one of the characters 'plain milk', because that's the amount of personality the two leads had. Like plain milk. I could never figure out why they were considered to be attractive partners when both of them had the emotional range and personality of a piece of cardboard.
But apparently that was enough to get the leads to fall for each and two other characters to fall for each of the leads. Boo to me I guess.
The second couple was better. Actually they were amazing. Until they weren't. For maybe seven episodes, they were the only characters who kept me going but you can't ruin your track record can you? The writing absolutely ruined their relationship as well by adding silly misunderstandings and arguments that went nowhere by the finale, and boo to me again.
The third couple were like a magician's act, they would appear in a few episodes and disappear for another few and then show up for one scene in the finale just because. Call it inconsistency or my general lack of interest after one point, but I genuinely forgot those two were a couple at one point. Boo × 3.
There were a bunch of side characters who's sole purpose was to create drama, a bunch of others who created drama but were also integral (not really) to the story and it was just a collosal mess that I started on a whim because I needed something to rant watch. Acting was.. fine I guess, but I suppose there's no necessity to act your heart out when your character is written to have only one expression or reaction.
This is a great rant watch by the way, zero plot, zero chemistry between the leads and zero patience for anyone who watches it by the end of episode 10. Have fuuuuun!!
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With each episode at 30 - 40 minutes a pop, this is easy to binge watch.
Speaking of watching, the subtitling Gods and Godesses thought enough of the Amazon Prime users to give us the whole season complete. Viki is catching up, but again on Prime it is complete.
If you make it to episode 10, then you may as well watch the whole thing because curiosity will kill the cat, and only viewing satisfaction will bring it back.
I do understand that my review does push for viewing, but to really understand what you are getting into...you gotta see for yourself.
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Story 9/10 : The general story is actually not that original. I've seen many American movies like it (for example Denzel Washingtons' Man On Fire). However, that doesn't lower the entertainment value of this film. This films story has you on the edge of your seat for the ENTIRE film. The scriptwriter(s) deserve much praise.
Acting 10/10 : They were all perfect. Everyone was perfect. I would not have changed any ANYBODY.
Music 7/10: The music was good, but it wasn't anything that I will remember. It served its purpose perfectly, and enhanced the effects of the movie. It's not an OST I will look up and listen to again later.
Rewatch Value 6/10 : This is probably the highest rewatch value i've given to any movie. I'm not someone who rewatches movies or dramas. This movie is action packed, so it should allow for a good rewatch. However, the amount of entertainment you get from this movie does hinge on its twist and turns so that might detract from its rewatch value.
Overall 10/10 : This is a great movie that I'd recommend to people OVER 18. It does have graphic violence and slight nudity. Overall, this is one of the best Asian movies that i've ever seen.
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Everything happened so quickly
The story was okay, not that great but it is watchable. The acting was not so good though, it could have been better but it is okay because in my opinin it didn't affect the story much.They production again could have been done better.
The episodes were short, everything happened so quickly. I wish BLs in korea have longer episodes. But the ending was beautiful and satisfying for me.
Now for their chemistry, I didn't think there would be much chemistry since the episodes were so short, but they did satisfy me towards the end. Tbh, I continued watching the series just to see their chemistry.
It's a good series but don't expect much.
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BLACK FLAG
My favourite novels out of the all novels are those with a possessive male lead that will do everything for their lover , i'm a big fan of the husky and his white cat shizun and i love moran who is the main character of the novel and the drama version which is called immortality , many people have immortality in their watchlist yet the come here and complain about how possessive hua yong is ,like how they don't know how fiction works and how most chinese novels are full of tragic and black flag characters .some of the most popular danmei's have black flag mls including (svsss,case file compendum , ERHA, the film emperor ....)
so if you are not interested in those characters this series isn't for you like the most chinese novels .
10/10 for me with no doubt and it's a masterpiece .
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1Fresh and Bold New Concept - Room For Improvement
My first impression of this new Korean series was beyond expectations. "Once again" is one of the first LGBTQIA+ series from south Korea that can keep a little bit up with the quality of higher-budget Korean dramas or at least it seems like it’s getting closer to the potential behind their skills. I mean, I wasn´t so sure in the first few minutes but the way this series is cut, the colouring of each scene, the screenwriting, the acting and the visuals - it kinda surprised me.Story >> 8.5 >> 8.0
This kind of basement for any kind of relationship is stirring. In my eyes, this plot had so much potential to blow up and leave not only me with goosebumps. I also liked that the pathing of each episode and the way they portray the story and also how both main characters stay loyal to their personality. Just felt like it missed a bit of their actual romance but with that storyline It’s obviously hard to display their love to the fullest.
Acting/Cast >> 8.5 >> 8.0 >> 7.5
Moon Ji Young (Shin Jae Woo) caught me off-guard in the first episode, I didn´t expect his performance to be so intense so early on but in the end his performance became a little to monotonous. I have a similar impression of Lee Hyun Jun, (Kang Ji Hoon) and the best friend, I think they all presented a solid performance!
Music >> 7.5 >> 8.0
The music was fitting the series mood. Actually, I even find it quite soothing.
"Once Again" is one of the Korean LGBTQIA+ series I´d recommend watching when wanting to see this industry evolve step by step and therefore it doesn’t have to be perfect.
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A huge disappointment
It was one of the worst dramas I have seen so far. I wasted my time on this that's what I regret most. With the promising and talented cast they messed up the whole story it's really meaningless and it doesn't make sense at all you just get a huge disappointment in the end I watched it due to high ratings but from what I can see the high ratings are just from fans of main lead because the story is a big failureRecommend to not watch this unless you want to waste your time or you are a huge fan of main leads so you can digest anything stupid like this...
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Everyone has an opinion
This has got to be one of the hardest review I have ever written, not because of the things everyone was pissed about. But because I actually really like this lakorn. Personally, I like an arrange marriage, deceiving, dramatic, and complicated plot. (and toxic but that just me) It has been a while that I have seen a good plot from Thai lakorn. The last time I even really enjoyed a lakorn is Roy Leh Saneh Rai starring Tik and Aom, and that was a long time ago. So just a heads up that this is my type of genre. I might even be the only on here that like this lakorn.I love a good slap kiss lakorn and I know it's not for everyone but that's what make Thai lakorn so different and unique from other dramas.
With that said, I do feel like a review is very much needed especially with all the backlash this lakorn received. I wanted to keep this review simple but I have personally been invested in this lakorn from the start that I just want to fully write my review and how I feel about this lakorn.
Firstly, the synopsis on here is partially correct. In this remake, Tawan is not related to Yadfad and her family (it is correct for the original version). Tawan lived with her mother and she's an online maid. Aside from the difference of Tawan and Yadfah not being related, they still follow the plot of Tawan being Yadah to marry Tohmon. Tawan occasionally work for Yadfah family. Tawan mother got sick and she needed money to pay her mom medical bill which led her to offer herself to be in place of Yadfah. I love a plot where FL is poor, independent, strong and striving. Tawan and Tohmom often run into each other but Tohmon never saw how she look like because Tawan always find a way to cover her face.
The first few episode were very comedic and rom-com that I will have to agreed that it is a bit too much. Some of the characters acting, the jokes, and the scenes overall was flat and dry. However, when you pass those scenes it's actually a good plot. The lakorn definitely took a turn and went to melo drama. Once the drama come on, oh boy, you better be prepared. You will feel so much hate and anger toward Tohmon.
I am very into a mean, cold-hearted, and heartless ML in lakorn so this plot was up my alley. Mai is such an amazing and underrated actor. I am so glad they chose Mai for this role. Mai played this character so well, he does such an amazing job at being an a-hole that I can't even hate him for long, he is so eye-candy. He does such a phenomenal job at conveying his expression. Mai carries out his jokes well and even his funny scenes. Not every actor can pull it off and Mai did great. As for Pie, this is her first FL role, I feel like she did great. She was able to portrayed her emotions, feelings, and expression well.
As for chemistry goes, I can see the chemistry between them. It is not those explosive and sexy chemistry but it's the kind of chemistry that make you still want to keep watching because both their acting are so good. Although, I was hoping for more of character development from Tohmon, his feelings toward Tawan wasn't as strong. It's the kind of lakorn where you can tell both leads have feelings for each other but it is not always as clear.
As for the nangrai, they are annoying but I definitely seen much worse, the nangrai in here are tolerable. Although I kind of wish that Sophit wasn't a bad person, in the episode she's very flirty with ML and he knows it too, he acknowledged her flirtiness but always reminds her that she is just his close friend. I was hoping that Sophit would just be the flirty secretary/friend who help Tohmon come to terms with his feelings for Tawan, but nope, Sophit just had to be a bad person.
Next is the backlash this lakorn received. There is a scene (episode 8-9) in here that may be a trigger to some audience. There is a scene that portrayed Tawan to be raped and everyone in the family has view Tawan differently. Rape is a very sensitive topic and never shall it ever be laugh at, make fun of or even joke about it. There should never be any victim blaming. I truly believe that there's not enough talk about rape in the community and there is no easy way to talk about it.
I understand that in the lakorn, especially Tohmon character could of assessed the situation better and be more supportive toward Tawan. In the episode, Tohmon character was portrayed as very disgusting of his wife after the incident. Every one of his actions definitely meant to be that way, perhaps. In my opinion, his actions came off that way, but he is just as hurt, he felt powerless as you can see his character changed. Tohmon actions were deeply rooted by pain of not being able to protect the person he love. He too went through a "traumatizing" incident of seeing his wife being kidnapped and "rape", not being able to do anything because he knows it is his fault to begin with. By no means I am justifying Tohmon and everyone else characters. He was definitely wrong for his actions.
With that said, I feel like this production took a risk and came upon a very sensitive topic that made many people upset. There is no easy way to address rape or rape survivors/victim blaming. This is the reality and the world we live in. As much as we want to perfect this topic in movies or lakorn, it is not perfect. There are ugly side to this topic as well. When we no longer talk about a topic or see it, (not just thai lakorn) it is so easily to forget that it does exist and that sympathy for the survivor is not always present. Don't twist my word and says that I am saying this is okay. I am simply saying, we see this happens in real life, we see how society treat some survivors and how much injustice there is in the world we live. I would of like it if the director, producer and writer included resources for the individual affected can seek help from. Both Tawan and Sophit went through a traumatizing event (we can see how this affected Sophit, her character changed, her mood switch, and she was always paranoid. This is the reality when a survivor went through a traumatizing incident). If there's anything that I am upset about, it's that the doctor didn't offer this help to Tawan.
I am sure many of you won't watch this lakorn after reading people comments and review. But honestly, you can read all of it and if this genre or topic is not for you, you are only wasting your time. At the end of the day, I know this is a scripted lakorn. People were already complaining that this lakorn was too comedic and now it is too dramatic. Either way, no lakorn is perfect. If you want to judge the logic of every lakorn then how can you ever enjoy them.
I genuinely like this lakorn and don't get me wrong, I was frustrated with Tohmon character but there's ways the innocent and hurt in his eyes when he see Tawan that just swoon me back in. It's has been a while that I can really say I enjoyed a lakorn from Ch3, their lakorn from last year was a huge disappointment for me. This one is so full of many emotions. I know some viewer will disagreed with me because of the direction they went and it also appears that this remake is completely different from the original. It's up to you to decide whether you want to watch or not. Be open minded and judge this yourself. If you do decide to watch it, I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
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“The best revenge is to be unlike him who performed the injury.”
MY NAME, as the name suggests is indeed a game of names. Reminds me a quote by Homer that said, "How vain, without the merit, is the name". The impact, influence and inemancy that a single name can bring in the world, is quite evident in the history and the present itself.The mini series by Netflix Korea is undoubtedly the 3rd best action thriller Kdrama of the year after Taxi Driver and The Veil, in terms of action of course. Revenge thriller plots and female fighter element is not something new for us, however, "My Name" stands out because of putting only a single girl at the center of the story who seeks vengeance at any cost.
Yoon Ji Woo is highschool girl who's bullied bcs of her father's deed and right on her birthday, see witnesses Yoon Dong Hoon, her father and only family, being killed through the peephole of the door. Despite resenting her father, she tries to give him justice but ends up at Dongcheon, the biggest drug ring of Korea, where she knew Dong Hoon worked. With the help of Choi Mu Jin, the leader of Dongcheon and Dong Hoon's closest friend, she prepares herself to avenge her father. Later she joins the police force and subsequently to Narcotics Control team on Mu Jin's conspiracy where she's partnered with Jeon Pil Do, a righteous and hardworking detective. The team is led by Cha Gi Ho, an old enemy of Mu Jin and can do anything to catch him. Jung Tae Ju is the most loyal subordinate of Mu Jin who controls everything in Dongcheon.
Talking about the story, it wasn't something wow for me. Can't say it's predictable bcs despite a common basic revenge story plotline, the screenplay and multiple chaptered elements of the script is actually well put. But again, avid thriller fans can point out or at least assume the main culprit of the story and that was my case too so I wasn't very surprised at the major revelations either, hahaha. Considering the entire thing, I am not very pleased. It started nice and expectedly kept the thrill up till the halfway of 5th episode but after a peak scenario that happens around it, the story started going a lil down and became somewhat uninteresting (?), yes! The ending? I'm very disgusted with how they shitted on the last episode. Well, the turning point at the beginning of the finale can be accepted considering some people actually change their stances under the influence of virtue but then they had to ruin it again in the same episode. Very disappointed bcs it could have been a lot better with the original plan but the writer seemed to have struggled to make it extraordinary, just to mess it up in the end, oof.
Well, will give brownie points for acting though the characters are not that wowish except for Han So Hee whose character also took a bad turn in the finale.. She as the central character did a very good job. I don't think she has struggled much in the industry with the number of dramas she's done but this sure should be a booster in her career. Kinda felt absurd when the character gave in to the ML in later episodes, when she had been the strongest being all her life. Ahn Bo Hyun finally getting attention? Yes! Well, glad seeing his improvement over years. His character was poorly written for someone as a ML and didn't leave any impact for me but fine. Park Hee Soon ahjussi, the master actor, surely won over with his performance & charms, plus his fighting skills. Lee Hak Joo has done his job just perfect all these years and it's evident from this as well. Do I really need to say about Kim Sang Hoo ahjussi? His existence is what we assures about the drama's quality haha.
Overally, the drama is dominated by Han So Hee and Park Hee Soon who are the most major character. The story greatly revolves around their relationship, trust build-up, loyalty, care, hate and finally to a downfall.
The direction is pretty amazing and it had to be bcs the person behind it is Kim Jin Min PDnim with a record of good and familiar titles. Cinematography work is notable too which is the signature mark of typical dark and shady Netflix Korea original series of it's kind. Background score setting and screenplay editing was on point along without the sound production. There aren't many OSTs in it but all of them are in English and quite catchy with a touch of modern pop that also fit with the mood of the drama and it's development. The lyrics wasn't on rhythm but at least made sense and was kinda enthralling to the ears.
Please note that comedy and romance are not the elements of this story so be prepared to be thrilled continuously throughout the drama. There are slight dark comedy adjusted here and there. And at first the partnership between Han So Hee and Ahn Bo Hyun felt like a subtle romance but what happened in the last ep was very absurd to me. That was unnecessary for the build-up. Also the ML's fate at the end was very stupid.
Finally, let's talk about the best thing about this drama, i. e. ACTION. YESSSSSS! This drama is entirely a power-packed thriller full of action and violence, even to the point of drastic bloodshed. In fact, the story is set up in the dark underworld universe of drugs business and mafia culture where fight for power, wealth and position is very common and a required element. You'll witness dreadful fights throughout; sometimes gangsters fighting in groups, one to one face-off, several beings ganging up on one or vice versa. The fights are not just the show-off of physical power and fighting techniques, they involve dangerous weapons, power-arms and sometimes, drugs. The one who dominated everyone else in the drama was Yoon Ji Woo (Han So Hee) who survived every single fight, proving herself the strongest in the race though that was not very realistic. Then it was Park Hee Soon (Choi Mu Jin) who was very good at fighting and was almost undefeatable. Watch it with a major TW if you're sensitive to brutality bcs there are a plenty of it, especially the group fights where people get killed in numbers like insects.
Han So Hee obviously needs a standing ovation for her performance. Her acting was nice but what makes everyone notice is how she she managed to good job in learning and showcasing her fighting skills throughout the entire thing, proving her determination.
OKAY! Overally, MY NAME is not something very fabulous but it surely is an interesting and enthralling watch which successfully keeps up the interest till the end even with an inconsistent graph. Only if the final outcome were a lil better and unnecessary events wouldn't have took place, I'd gladly mark it at 8.5/10. Ain't gonna discredit the entire work because of the ending, but yeah, I am displeased with it. Anyways, it's worth the one time watch, go ahead!
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Open your damn eyes please!!
(Only minor spoiler) All the BL fans here rating it 9 and 10,, I just–don't get how?
The storyline was such a mess. Characters weren't even properly contructed, it was like too many things coming together but making nothing out of it? Unnatural. Yes, that's the word.
I had such high expectations after seeing all the reviews but man, sorry to say but such low standards guys really!
The cringe was real and the ml Jin Won was really living on just one braincell.
The flashbacks and episodes were so confusing, atleast for me and most of time I was just wondering, "why the f*ck do we need that situation?"
Like the whole loan shark case really disturbed the show for me. I didn't feel anything for that angst. And again, Jin Won really made me frustrated like boi Sang Ha told you his whole life story but in the end again you still stayed dependent on that one braincell of yours rather than paying attention.
They could've just developed a sweet fluffy genre of the drama and it would easily cross more than 8 stars but sigh..really poorly written. Just cuz it's a BL, it doesn't have to 'SO AMAZING AND CUTE', I hardly could bare watching those 8 episodes of 10 minutes. So, yea, please consider the plot and background too!
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