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JUST ADMIT AND ACCEPT THE FACT THAT THEY'RE BREAKING BL STEREOTYPES, AND WE NEED THIS KIND OF BL.
I think we can all agree how Lovely Writer lowkey shading the toxic part of BL industry, exposing and destroying the BL series cliché and all. The fact that they're tackling serious contents like overdue issues of consent, sexual harassment, the behind-the-scenes, the crew, the shipping and excessive fan service. This is not the typical BL series every year.But what I don't understand is why there are people who continuously trying hard to drag down this series. I mean just because it is so good that even surpassed your fave bl or shading that fave bl series or couple of yours, you need to throw hate into it?
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Story- The first episode was just really interesting and the chemistry between the leads was so good. The possibility of a romance between them led me to want to continue watching and see what this drama was all about. As the drama unfolded I became more intrigued as there was a bit of mystery to some characters and how they were connected. . The romance was sweet and subtle as the plot was more about the main character finding out who he is and about his past. The synopsis doesn’t do this show justice, as yes its about the family ties that develop between the people who work and live at Earth and Man but its so much more. It’s heartwarming, engaging, and emotional. The ending is bittersweet.
Acting/Cast- Wonderful acting by the entire cast. Not just the main actors but the supporting cast as well. Everyone made their characters stand out. I loved all the characters and they really felt like a family to me. I'm glad I got introduced to SIG because I’ll definitely be watching out for other things he’s in=)
Music- Interesting score that fit the scenes really well. The OST was very good but nothing I’d listen to out of the show.
Rewatch- I’d definitely watch this again but not too soon.
Overall Kimchi Family was a pleasure to watch and I will definitely miss watching every week.
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Why did I continue watching it? Because of Sung Yu Ri and the great story.
The story starts off as an ordinary story, but at an unexpected point it turns into a deepp story. You get dragged along by Han Tae Wong and Kim Bo Ra's bitter sweet lovestory. You feel their pain and joy.
Hyun Bin and Sung Yu Ri pull of their roles in an overwhelming way. I especially loved Sung Yu Ri's performance.
the overall cast is good and also the side stories are adorable.
The music is very fitting and you are being pulled in the story by the music.
For the fangirls out where: Hyun Bin is an eyecandy not to be overlooked. Sweating Hyun Bin ;)
I gave this drama a 10/10 score even though someone spoiled the ending for me.
Would I rewatch it? Yes, I want to rewatch it, but as I don't have that much time.
Enjoy the drama, but have a box of tissues in your reach.
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This review may contain spoilers
Highly recommended drama
This drama is definitely worth watching. If you want to watch a light and calm drama, this is totally for you. It's sweet, funny, and cute, which will make you relax and enjoy watching it.The story is very common, like a CEO falling in love with an employee. But it is so great that I definitely watch it again if I have a bad day, the comedy is not corny and it is surprisingly good.
The chemistry is great. I love how their characters grow with every episode. At first, I was a bit annoyed at the FL because she was being judgmental in her perspective about rich people. But I love her character development in the next episodes. I loved the ML, but I also didn't like how selfish he was for making the FL choose him over her dreams. But I'm glad he realized his mistake afterwards. The supporting characters also have a good story, and I'm glad they showed us some scenes of how their relationships develop throughout the episodes. Their acting skills are also undeniably good.
Btw, the OST is also good, especially the intro before the show starts. I'm singing it in my head every time because it's so catchy.
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FYI it is based on the real life of the last princess of Joseon Dynasty of Korea and her life's events are more or less depicted accurately. Some parts have been dramatized for entertainment but I liked that the major events shown were how they went down in history. It's quite emotional and I think irrespective of the country you are from, you will be able to relate with the pain Korean people went through under Japan's rule.
The casting of the film was on-point. Right from the child actress to Kim So Hyun to Son Ye Jin, everyone portrayed the princess excellently. I felt her pain and sympathized with what might have happened to her. Not only her but so many people in her life were affected because of the Japanese rule and if you look up her life on Wikipedia, it's becomes even more sad.
I love that this movie has an undertone of patriotism throughout and everyone can relate to that. The romance and rebellion is also there but it doesn't ruin or make the movie any heavier than it could have been. It's rather lighter than how I expected it to be. While this princess had a hard life I equally felt for her servants who waited for her for some 40-odd years.
The best part about the movie was the ending. Not only was it inspirational that life can go on in spite of hardships, it shows that this person who went through so much in her life got what she wanted at the end.
Hope everyone watches this film because it will make you respect the princess. The only flaw was the 'villain' because he was a little difficult to be taken seriously. At times it seemed too fictional and that's where the movie got lost a bit.
I commend the nice direction, great costumes, sets and the cast for their acting. Do watch this for a memorable experience.
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Obviously, I love the story. It has everything, interesting and unique characters with very complex pasts/personalities, amazing character development, and a great ending that leaves the audience not only satisfied but also inspired!
The only annoying part is the fact that for some strange reason they tried to make the characters 2-3 years older! which creates huge inconsistencies, since the whole story would only make sense if they were underage! so yeah, I basically ignored the whole college-grad school references and thought of them being in high-school, going to college!
The acting was good and the main characters had good chemistry!
I would say other than the stupid age shift, this drama had two other problems: bad cinematography and excessive repeat of the music! The lighting in many scenes was off, and the song, even though I LOVED it, was repeated so many times that it kind of annoyed me!
Let me just say this one more time, the story is AMAZING! It has many deep psychological elements to it that makes it one a kind! Although at a first glance it might seem like every other drama, but it's very unique. Give it a shot, I promise you won't regret it!
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But what sets this drama apart is perhaps the interesting feature of its two main protagonists; The King looks evil on the outside but on the inside is being seduced by the daring Queen despite her brutal and inappropriate actions, how did he always think the Queen was playing 'hard to get' hahahaha when you're already dealing with the 'hormonal dilemma'!!
Excellent acting and plot. It brought me a lot of laughs, thanks for the drama Mister Queen :)
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This review may contain spoilers
Not as good as expected due to some huge flaws in the logic.
1/ STORY:After her father, a notorious gangster, is assassinated, Yoon Ji Woo goes to take vengeance on the killer. She is helped by her father's best friend to learn how to fight and enters the police where the killer is hidden. The plot is thin like a paper of cigarette. But there is a huge twist and then a huge counter twist which lead to a very predictable final. The fights are the best part. They are bloody but the choreography of the violence make them very enjoyable. Overall the story is nothing surprising. It would be good enough if there was not a few illogical things:
- Why a 17yo girl would decide to avenge her father who was a gangster for16 years and made her life miserable?
- Why she was trained for years and sent as an undercover gangster among the police for a task that only needed a killer just like for her dad?
- Why the bad guy was accused of stabbing the thug to death when he was shot dead by a cop in front of another cop?
- How come the ex junkie helped the FL out of the blue?
...
There are some weak points in the script that made the drama look not very well written for me. But in the midst of the action, it is less noticeable.
2/ CHARACTER/ACTORS:
- The FL: Loved her fighting spirit. She looks weak but she is resolute and ready to suffer to achieve her goal. In another hand, she is a bit reckless and naïve. Han Soo Hee did a good job here. She is surprisingly good in this action drama too.
- The bad guy: A scheming and ruthless guy but also a little bit psycho behind a nice facade. The actor was impeccable.
- ML: Not a very smart cop. I found the actor was not so good as he looked a bit bland or the character is supposed to look like that?
- Bad Guy's right hand: interesting guy. He should have had a bigger role.
- Gang Jae : a little bit too crazy and not realistic for someone who wanted to climb the gangsters ladder.
Other characters were ok.
3/ OST:
Good enough but a few songs were a bit too loud just to give a style.
4/ REWATCH VALUE:
Not the whole drama but some scenes are quite fun especially towards the end where the pace is faster and the action is particularly savage.
5/OVERALL:
Despite a few flaws in the writing the drama is still enjoyable because it is only 8 eps long and the vengeance is well told in the end and makes it a guilty pleasure. 7.5+0.5 because it is an easy watch.
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This review may contain spoilers
far better than the original...
While the original dragged on for ever this version is very compact. The "Ai" and "Rak" characters were played very similar while the "Kaishin" and "Mut" characters are quite different. The japanese version is less fluff and more animalic in the first half. The story plays out in the same fashion with the difference that the GL "to be" couple is far less abnoxious.Now that MDL changed the episodes there are two special episodes after that but MDL could not be bothered to add them in the index yet. I felt the finale was a bit disappointing even with an happy end for all. The acting was far superior to the original series, the chemistry was there and they did not hold back in the NC-scenes either. Production quality was also high but less polished to the original series, so imho it felt more "natural".
Overall I prefer this compact version compared to the thai version which felt boring most of the time. So, if you didn't like the original version, chances are high, that you will be more comfortable with this version.
Update: Because MDL does not have an entry for the special episodes I like to mention them here. They are much more finale then ep 10 imho. Which rounds up the series nicely.
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Cherry Magic! Thirty Years of Virginity Can Make You a Wizard?!
19 people found this review helpful
This review may contain spoilers
kurosawa is love. kurosawa is life.therefore, multiplying adachi with kurosawa equates to infinite rays of sunshine.
(not to be confused with plants vs. zombies type of sun)
out of all the bl dramas that recently came out, this one was such a delightful surprise. while many found the last 2 episodes lacking, i'm just far too deep in the hole i dug and so i succumb to this addictive fluff.
what is so good about this drama? it's just a chill feel-good drama that deals well with portraying characters who have different personalities but all in all, they have their different point of views. there was no failed attempt at delivering characters with depth and while adachi may be the typical shy character, it was worth it to wait every week to see him try his best at getting out of his comfort zone to try new things. kurosawa is literally the most patient and lovable character i have seen so far. i loved seeing a character who respects boundaries and someone who may seem perfect to others but he really wants to be seen not only with his looks. the episode centered around his point of view was wonderfully done.
fujisaki my girL yooooooo i absolutely love the writers for not making her yet another revenge obsessed type of character. alike kurosawa, she is seen as someone who consistently has her self together. the truth is she does get tired too. she's the sweetest and supportive friend. i'm conflicted whether we deserve her or not.
i can't entirely say anything much about the side couple. they didn't appeal to me that much but it was entertaining to see chaotic tsuge trying to get his shit together. minato trying to achieve his dream is admirable. the combination of these two somehow works and i liked seeing adachi help tsuge and minato get together. it goes to show how pure their friendship is.
why should you watch this?
-story is a bop.
-acting is a bop.
-music is a bop.
-rewatch value is a bop.
overall, this drama was like the light at the end of tunnel in this year. it's great to see noncomplex couples with no unnecessary love triangle and overexaggerated drama. be prepared to swoon tho.
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A Standout Animated Film
KPop Demon Hunters is easily one of the most compelling animated films released this year. It manages to blend modern pop culture with supernatural action in a way that feels fresh without trying too hard. The premise—K-pop idols secretly fighting demons—could’ve gone gimmicky fast, but the film handles it with a surprising level of care and style.What really stands out is seeing this film listed on kisskh. Usually, animations—especially ones from non-Asian countries—don’t make the cut there. But in this case, it actually makes sense. Unlike a lot of Western attempts to tap into K-culture, KPop Demon Hunters shows a real understanding of its influences, and it doesn’t just borrow the aesthetics—it respects them. That’s probably why it was given a chance where others weren’t.
The animation is clean, the action is sharp, and the characters are well-designed both visually and emotionally. The music hits the right notes without overshadowing the story. It’s fun, but it also has enough substance to hold your attention beyond the spectacle.
It’s not just good “for a Western animation”—it’s a strong film in its own right, and a smart, entertaining watch for anyone interested in a cross-genre story done right.
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Caught between two lovers, feeling all confused.
If Only It Weren’t You is a provocative and emotionally charged drama that walks a fine line between romance and discomfort. At times, its sensual tone pushes the boundaries of what one might expect from a mainstream series, and had it gone any further, it could easily have tipped into something far more explicit - pornography. That said, the physicality in the story is not without purpose—it underscores the emotional entanglement and psychological pull between the characters.At the centre is Onuma, a woman at a vulnerable turning point in her life. Having just ended a relationship and entered her thirties, she is confronted with the sudden reappearance of Ureshino—a man with whom she shared a physical and morally complicated past. Their relationship, even a decade ago, was built on betrayal, as both were involved with other partners at the time. This history casts a long shadow, making their reunion both charged and deeply uncomfortable.
Onuma’s initial instinct is to distance herself, to maintain composure and bury the past. However, Ureshino’s persistence quickly erodes that resolve. His presence is unsettling not only because of what they shared, but because of how easily he reawakens something in her that she cannot fully control.
In contrast, Kusaka represents stability and sincerity. His growing interest in Onuma offers a clear, healthier alternative—someone dependable, respectful, and emotionally available. Yet, despite recognising this, Onuma finds herself drawn back into Ureshino’s orbit, reigniting a relationship that is as intoxicating as it is destructive.
This creates a deeply toxic dynamic. Onuma is caught in a painful push-and-pull—wanting to break free, yet repeatedly falling back into Ureshino's arm (or bed). While it may be easy to judge her as indecisive or lacking resolve, the drama invites a more compassionate perspective. It reflects a reality many can recognise: the difficulty of escaping emotionally manipulative or addictive relationships. Much like real-life toxic attachments or affairs, the pull is not always rational, nor is it easily resisted.
Ureshino is a particularly compelling, if troubling, character. His behaviour raises constant questions about his true intentions. Does he genuinely care for Onuma, or is he simply exerting control and indulging his carnal desires? When he senses her drifting toward Kusaka, he shifts tactics—suggesting a more “serious” relationship, which only deepens the ambiguity. His ability to manipulate both Onuma and the situation reveals a calculating, narcissistic streak that makes him both fascinating and unsettling to watch.
What makes the drama engaging is how it places the viewer in Onuma’s position. You are drawn into her confusion, her hesitation, and her internal conflict. Even as you recognise the toxicity of the situation, there is a lingering curiosity—perhaps even hope—that Ureshino’s feelings might be genuine. Yet, the memory of his past actions casts doubt over everything, creating a constant tension that drives the narrative forward.
Ultimately, If Only It Weren’t You is less about romance and more about emotional vulnerability, flawed choices, and the complexity of human relationships. It explores how desire, history, and unresolved feelings can blur judgement, leading individuals into situations they know they should avoid.
One thing, however, remains clear throughout: Ureshino’s manipulative tendencies and self-serving behaviour make him a deeply problematic figure, and the drama does not shy away from showing the damage such personalities can inflict.
Setting aside the emotional aspects of the drama, I felt that the male lead’s hairstyle did not quite suit him. It fell heavily over his eyes, making his face appear smaller and somewhat obscured. If the intention was to create an air of mystery or suggest a more elusive, unreadable character, it did not quite achieve that effect. A neater style, perhaps brushed slightly aside, would have been more flattering and effective on screen.
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It doesn't take long before the audience figures out all the truths in the drama but the writing is exception in my opinion. The acting of the cast, especially the main leads, was well worth watching. The kids of the drama, in the first few episodes, also do an amazing job acting out their parts. The filming and ost of the drama are beautiful and touching.
I gave the acting a 9 because the second female lead can sometimes frustrate the viewer with her general lack of common sense/courtesy. Rewatch value is a 6 because it is a slower-paced drama that is amazing the first time around. The second time around you know all that's going to happen and will just skip the irrelevant parts and watch the parts you remember and loved.
I recommend giving this drama a chance if you enjoy the korean romcom genre with a lot of melodrama.
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A little Ray of Light Got Through
This is not for the weak of heart. This will shatter you. This series is a beautiful porcelain teapot with millions of cracks in it. It has lost its shine and now its disgusting, seeming almost worthless. Whatever it lets out is dark, vile, broken, hard to stomach and hurts to comprehend. But every once in a while, a little ray of sunshine manages to get through the cracks, and although what comes out is a mess, chaotic, dysfunctional and unhealthy, it's also bright, happy, full of life, hopes, dreams, and above all else, it's beautiful. It's a beautiful mess that comes with facing a storm and coming out a winner. The rainbow after the storm,This drama made me cry. Made me question the love of a parent and humanity. I'm not going to write a long review, cuz I am sure everyone felt how I did when I watched this, so no more words are needed. We all know, Haoren and Chihiro's story would stay with us for a long time.
Applauds to everyone who worked on this one, they all did well bringing this to life in a way that touched the viewers.
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This review may contain spoilers
Surprise! I actually liked and enjoyed this movie.
Gonna lay this out first. If you're expecting Peninsular to go exactly as Train to Busan did, you might as well go rewatch the first movie and not have your high expectations be dashed. If you dived into this movie without any set expectations you might surprise yourself to realise that you actually enjoyed this movie. I mean, I watched this in the cinema and regardless of how much CGI had been used in this movie compared to Busan, I haven't even had time to think about that. Because yes, the movie was quite fast-paced but it was exactly due to that what made any kinds of CGI barely noticeable.I mean face it, the setting was four years after the escape to Busan. And even then, the situation was already chaotic. And the setting for the movie was focused on the other surviving people who had to try to escape the zombies by other ways BESIDES taking the KTX to Busan. Certainly, you can't expect the situation to unfold exactly the same as the people on that particular train. And the story still has a similar theme; how fear and desperation will affect the people trying to escape from the virus that will turn you into an undead. And what'll happen when the efforts to curb the zombie pandemic did not show any results as other nations decide to abandon the people still trapped in the zombie-ridden country because they find it pointless to help an already fallen country?
And to be honest, this isn't the first zombie movie that does use CGI for some of the zombies (like seriously, you don't run actual people down with high-speed cars so how else you wanna film THAT correctly?) and that never stopped people from enjoying movies like Silent Hill or Resident Evil. Heck, I enjoyed this movie a whole lot better from Rampant and that's saying something. Besides... I love all the Fast & Furious parts. That was fun. It's so fun that I felt like screaming in fear but it's still fun. And it's amazing how the survivors made use of the sensitivities to light and sound to try to divert the zombies around in order to make their escape. And of course like in Busan, there ARE assholes in this movie as well. More than a bunch of selfish assholes to make good people's lives harder just to survive. And we do get a great climatic 'battle' near the end. And we also got an unexpected plot twist just as hope seemed to be lost near the end of the movie. So all in all, this movie is good in my book.
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