Reviews

Started strong, ended really bad

This drama was very underwhelming. For the positives, Kim You Jung's acting was amazing, she just has the face of someone that can act like a sociopath. The OST and the production of the drama were also really good. For the negatives, Kim Young Dae's acting could be better, some scenes the viewer couldn't understand his emotions at all. For the argument itself, the story is bad. A girl that was abused, abandoned, tortured since a child ends up being the bad guy of the story. It is true that she used the first man to cover up her father's murder, however the rest she wasn't the one to be blamed at all. And the end was terrible. Jun Seo acknowledged that A Jin was in an abusive relationship and still his first thought was how evil she was and how he could blame her, no sympathy at all for her situation. In fact, if we analyze the entire story, we understand that she was a victim of the circumstances. Her stepmother drowned her, her father beat her up every time he was with her. Re Na bullied and physically assaulted her, In Gang was already deep into his depression before committing suicide. Grandma fell of the stairs, her high school stalker stabbed her and Jae O wanted to die for her. Honestly, she can be barely blamed, at all.

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No Tale to Tell Indeed

This drama turned out to be a huge disappointment. I was initially excited to start this drama. Fantasy romance is my absolute favorite drama genre. I thought the first 4 episodes were the strongest. They set the story up nicely and I thought we were going to get a descent story. Unfortunately, after the 4th episode, this drama just faded into a nothing burger. Nothing interesting really happened. There wasn't much growth in the characters. The shaman plot was so ridiculous and unnecessary. The other villain was annoying at best. I honestly should've dropped this around episode 7 or 8 but I felt if I made it that far, I might as well finish the last few episodes. Save your time on this one, there are much better dramas to watch.

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Well written romance with questionable friendships.

One of the most wholesome friends to enemies to friends to lovers scenario I have seen. I believed in everything that happened between Pran and Pat. The chemistry might not have been sizzling from the start, but it was undeniable and extremely natural as the plot progressed. Both Nanon and Ohm did an amazing job portraying actual emotions and love, instead of simple attraction.

That said, almost everything that surrounded the romance was mediocre at best, and bad at worst. The friend groups were ridiculous. It was not just teens disliking each other - we had harassment and abuse that could not be explained by them being young. The parents were just as immature and selfish, which led to a number of problems for the main duo.

Luckily, a lot of scenes were saved thanks to the female characters Pa and Ink, who seemed to be the only people with some brain cells and willing to use them.

Bad Buddy was carried on Nanon and Ohm’s backs, and if it was not for their stellar performance, it would not get half of the love from the audience. Me, and many others were willing to ignore quite a number of flaws, because what these two actors did not screen was worth it.

Another great aspect of the show was the OST. Not only were all the songs perfectly fitted for the scenes, but also… they are simply great songs that I wanted to listen to even outside of the drama.

The production value was definitely good. I loved the set design, the filming and editing. Sadly, I feel like all the focus and hard work directing and writing wise were put into making the romance storyline, forgetting that all the supporting characters are also what make the show. The pacing of all the side plots was not great and some conflicts had a Disney type of resolution.

Overall, worth the watch for the main couple. Truly amazed by the skills of Nanon and Ohm. Even with at times questionable writing, they made me enjoy the show and giggle more than once from both the comedy and the romance.

Bad Buddy was a bit like taking a walk in a beautiful mountain, but then seeing trash here and there, that’s just slightly ruining the view. Then you get to the top, but it's a restricted area… that sums up how I feel about the ending.

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A Breathtaking Fantasy Romance Where Allure Turns Deadly and Betrayal Cuts Deep

The premiere of Flower Boy is a stunning visual experience from ONE31, blending fantasy romance with a modern corporate world in a way that feels both fresh and cinematic.

Pearl and Peak reunite here, and their chemistry feels stronger than ever. There is an ease and intensity between them that immediately pulls you in.

The story begins in modern Bangkok, where a vice president is struggling to save his failing perfume empire. His search for something rare and extraordinary leads him to the legend of a mysterious flower tribe whose people carry a natural fragrance unlike anything else. That journey takes Scent (Pearl) deep into the mountains, and from that moment on, everything changes.

Once inside the Mudan tribe, the atmosphere completely shifts. The series becomes immersive in a way that feels thoughtful and detailed. From the traditional clothing to the wooden homes and the untouched rhythm of life, every element is beautifully crafted. The scenery is especially breathtaking, moving from dense forest to cascading waterfalls, making each scene feel almost dreamlike.

At the center of it all is Gaysorn, portrayed by Pearl, who is fragile, captivating, and impossible to look away from. His presence alone carries so much emotion.

The connection between Gaysorn and Scent is immediate and magnetic, creating a strong emotional pull from their very first meeting. The contrast between a man from the modern world and someone who has never experienced it adds an extra layer of depth to their relationship.

Even the names feel intentional. In Thai, Gaysorn means pollen or the pistil of a flower, symbolizing beauty and new life, which fits his character perfectly. Scent complements that meaning, tying directly into the way he is drawn to Gaysorn.

What makes this series work so well is how it blends corporate ambition, nature driven mystery, and a sense of forbidden romance, all wrapped in a rich fantasy setting that feels both intimate and expansive.

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Addictive, Great Chemistry, Great Actors & A Good Second Chance Drama (but watch only until ep 30)

We all love second-chance romance dramas, but we hardly find any good second-chance romance dramas. This drama had the potential to be one the best in this genre. But, somehow it made a disaster in the last part of the drama and especially in the last 6 episodes. If you consider this drama with only 30 episodes, this is still pretty good. There are a lot of positives to this drama i.e. very good chemistry of the main couple, excellent casts with top-notch acting, good visuals, and good OST's.

Why only till episode 30:
This drama is an adaptation of a Chinese novel. The screenwriters changed the story to some extent to write the script. Still, the drama followed the novel closely. But, they followed the novel only until episode 30. After that, they wrote the script totally by themselves which has absolutely no relation to the novel. So, After episode 30, the drama feels like a completely different drama. We got a realistic feel in the first 30 episodes. But, suddenly it became a melodramatic drama. It became so melodramatic that it could beat top melodramas with its melodrama plots. We the viewers got hugely disappointed by this. It was painful to watch those episodes. I hardly could believe how the drama turned out like that. I would suggest the new viewers, don't watch the drama after episode 30. We got somewhat of an ending at episode 30. Though it was not complete we can imagine the rest. No need to take the pain to watch the rest of the episodes.

Pros:
-Actress: Wang Churan was just impressive. This is the first time I saw her in any drama, and I instantly became a fan of hers. I just want to see her in another drama. She looked stunning in this drama. Her smile was the best thing in this drama for me. She is still new and there is a bright acting career ahead of her.
-Actor: Peng Guan Ying was great in his role. PGY acted as a cold doctor who doesn't show much emotion. He is a good guy but sometimes you feel mad about his actions, but still, he has his charm. You can't stop but root for him.
-Chemistry: Chemistry was good. There were a lot of problems in their relationship. Sometimes they feel distant but the chemistry was always there for them.
-Hospital Settings: We see a lot of medical dramas. Most of those dramas somehow feel unrealistic and sometimes cringe. This drama somehow portrayed a good hospital setting. It was not perfect but I would say It was very good, a lot better than some other top medical dramas
-OST's: I liked the opening song a lot. Overall music and OST's were good

Cons:
-Africa Arcs: Africa arcs were a complete disaster. We got to see the first 2 episodes were shoot in Africa. That 2 episodes were still ok. Then the last 5 episodes were shoot in Africa too. I just have no words for those last 5 episodes. Completely unnecessary with no story.
-Questionable actions by ML: In the past flashbacks, ML did some things that deeply hurt FL. There might have been some reasons behind those, but still, some viewers did not like those.
-Some medical plots/decisions: There were some medical plots/decisions used/taken in this drama, that were questioned by the viewers. There could be some arguments about whether those decisions were right or wrong. While watching those, we could still give some consideration as this is a drama after all. It's not perfect and actually, no drama is perfect. Some other medical dramas have more issues than this.

Ending: (Spoilers)
It got somewhat of a happy ending (episode 36). But it's not the kind of happy ending we wanted from this drama. There was an amnesia plot in the ending. Although the drama has somehow a happy ending, the ML and FL deserved a much better ending than this. We the viewers also deserve to see a much better ending.

Ratings:
8.5 from me. I could give this 9 easily if the drama had only 30 episodes and ended properly. But, I can't forget those last 6 episodes. I was disappointed and I can't just ignore that. I wanted to give this a 7.5 or 8. But, the drama was very good until episode 30. So considering everything I gave it 8.5

Recommendation:
The first 30 episodes of this drama were really good. The drama was very addictive. You dislike some parts, but you just can't stop watching. It was that good. So, I recommend this drama, but only until episode 30. If you want to watch the rest just watch that fast-forwarded.

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Insanely Good

ATTENTION: There are so many people watching CUT versions on other platforms. If you want to watch the UNCUT version with amazing subs, Please check out Idol Factory Youtube Channel.

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Not sure when I fell for this show, but it was early on the series. It has become a series I literally stop everything for to watch the CH3 version without subs; the Youtube Uncut and subbed version, then watch it again twice on Youtube because every scene is So freaking amazing! The actors, plot, director, Producer and all the staff involved did a wonderful job. If you dropped this series, thenYou're missing out on amazing series that has never been done before. Looking forward to upcoming episodes XD

Update: This series is literally a series that was created for LGBTQ+ that have not been represented in BL in the past. The actors are portraying the characters perfectly and with each cringe or 2nd hand embarrassment, there is a beautiful thing happening. I hope people give it a chance by watching episodes after Ep. 1. It has become my guilty pleasure and I can not wait for Friday to come quickly! I’m so proud of Saint for producing this series and for recruiting all these talented actors to his agency ???

UPDATE: Just watched Ep. 9 today... and I have to say... it was amazing! For those who dropped the show... you're honestly missing out on such a heart warming, Funny, Spicy, cringy, 2nd hand embarrassment giving show that has never bene seen before!

May 14th UPDATE: I finished the episode and I will say this again... 10/10 for EVERYTHING! There are some parts I would've liked to have been added from the novel but even without that, I still Love this series soooooo much! We definitely Need another series for TouchDaisy and SomTor/TorSom XD.

Thank you for producing this series IDF/Saint and to all the actors and actresses/ director/Staff and just everyone involved in this series.

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I originally had no interest in this drama.. But after watching a few scenes I kind of went into it because it gave me a vibe similar to Love Me If You Dare.. Well this was nowhere close to LMIYD.. It felt pretty generic and a bit too overdramatic at times but still a well written psychological thriller.. And the ML’s obsessive, possessive love was another reason to watch this.. The main leads had good chemistry and intense dynamic right from the beginning..

Obsession, guilt and regret are what make a psychological thriller like this thrive and this drama does that well.. The pacing can feel a bit slow at times with how much it leans into backstory and buildup but it’s clear every detail is carefully placed to connect the pieces and lead you to the finale..

I think we have to talk about the FL first.. She was at the center of a lot of criticism.. Personally, I don’t think she is completely blameless in the way she treated her husband but that just makes her human.. Her connection with her ex runs deeper than most people would imagine.. They were childhood friends.. He was part of her life for as long as she could remember and she loved him for years.. It’s not easy to just move on from something like that, right?? But she still did.. Even after he came back, even after it became clear he wasn’t the bad guy, she chose her husband.. She faltered at times and did hurt the ML, but she never crossed the line.. She made it clear that what she felt for him was in the past and now, she loves someone else.. She realised the ML was her safe place, her home, her future and she didn’t back down from that.. As for the rest of her character.. She didn't feel like a badass character no matter how hard they tried.. But the ending, she flipped the script..

“ I think you have been wrong about one thing from the start..
I didn’t come here to be your hostage..
I came here to avenge my brother..”

Yup that's when she was a badass..

And I have to say this, I keep seeing people call her character complex.. Seriously?? There was nothing complex about her.. She was just someone carrying deep regret, sadness and guilt.. Not every female character needs to be labelled complex just for the sake of it.. And let’s be honest, if the roles were reversed and the ML treated his ex like that, he would be called a creep, a red flag and worse..

The ML, well he was desperately, painfully, completely and maybe even a little foolishly in love with the FL.. I think Jing Boran did a really good job playing Jiang Hansheng.. A lot of people might not like how rigid and stiff he was.. But it fits someone who is so controlled on the surface but a mess underneath when it comes to her.. And his cat and mouse chase with the antagonist was genuinely exciting to watch..

The SML, I really didn’t find him pitiful.. Yeah, he lost a lot but that was the price of the choices he made.. He probably sacrificed the most in the entire drama.. Sure but that doesn’t mean he is entitled to a ' Welcome back, everything is just as you left it ' with a pat on the back.. His decisions affected a lot of people’s lives, especially the FL’s and not in a small way..

The twists in the middle phase weren’t all that surprising.. I had my doubts about Zhan Wei from the moment he appeared on screen but the identity of the mole, I didn't expect that..

Anyway the last two episodes really lived up to the psychological thriller tag.. The ML’s confrontation with Qi Yan, the antagonist was well done.. He stays calm and doesn’t lose his temper even with the FL’s life in danger, because he knows he has to target Qi Yan’s weakness.. The whole buildup was leading to that moment and it worked really well..

Overall this was a good watch.. The story development is neat and well written.. It builds slowly and with attention to detail which works well for a story like this.. I do think it needed a bit more psychological tension but that’s just my opinion.. I really liked how clingy the main leads were.. Even more so after they made up following the whole divorce situation.. I would have enjoyed it more if the SML wasn’t a focus in the final episode.. It felt like too much time was spent on him.. I wish we got more domestic moments with the main leads instead.. Now that they had worked through their issues and moved past all the revenge and chaos.. We deserved more of them just being at peace..

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A rich tapestry that frays at the edges.

Set during Tang dynasty, Brocade Odyssey 蜀锦人家 follows Ji Yingying's journey to the top of the Yizhou silk industry as she seeks to clear her father's name and to reclaim her family's reputation as preeminent weavers of the prized Shu brocade. This drama paints a realistic picture of women's roles in feudal society and the intricacies and cut-throat competitiveness of the ancient silk trade. Her path to "having it all" is littered with obstacles, betrayals and setbacks; her triumphs come at great sacrifices; she loses her first love, a few true friends and supporters and for some time, even her freedom.

This is not a light or fluffy romance drama. The main characters are dark and ambitious and some of their overlapping entanglements are messy and complex in a way that won't appal to viewers looking for more straightforward storylines. It is like a rich tapestry that frays at the edges in its over ambitious exploration of too many complicated themes. It is obvious from the start that both Yingying and Zhao Xiuyuan had ambitions that had the potential to get in the way of their relationship. While I didn't agree with Xiyuan's choice, I understood why he did it and I felt quite sad for him. While the digital face swap was surprisingly well done, I think Zhang Haowei would have better conveyed this role. What I didn't like was how when cornered, Yingying makes the exact same decision yet she had no insight from it and her attitude towards Xiyuan continued to be hard and unforgiving even though she had no real moral high ground. She just got super lucky with Yang Jinglan.

The cast is strong, and most of them are able to dub themselves and deliver commendable performances all around. It is difficult to find fault with Tan Songyun's empathetic portrayal of Ji Yingying's ambition, familial obligations and emotional conflicts. However, between her tomboyish girl-next-door look and simply dreadful styling, she does not convey the allure that draws multiple suitors, making the romantic subplots unconvincing. Zheng Yecheng really brings an exciting dynamic to the drama with his physicality and charisma. It is so rare to get such an excellent actor who is also properly trained in martial arts. The production took full advantage of this with many long, exciting, fast moving, muscular and flinch-inducing action sequences. It is a huge upgrade from all quick cuts the slo-mo posing and spinning that we normally have to make do with. I enjoyed their chemistry as a couple and how their relationship evolves organically from that of an alliance into a couple that complements each other in so many ways. Yet I wouldn't say that this is a CP that made a lasting impression on me.

Despite a solid start, this is yet another entertaining Chinese drama that self destructs in the completely unnecessary final Nanzhao arc. It was clearly meant to give Jing Chao, who is a fantastic actor, his own arc. Unfortunately, it is too late in the narrative to force the audience to reinvest in a whole new set of characters and political dynamics. I would also have preferred to see Cheng Fengze remain as a good frenemy, a business rival who valued Yingying for her talent and business acumen alone rather than turning him into yet another delusional suitor. Many of the conflicts that arise in this arc feel forced and all three main characters end up doing stupid things that are out of character. It took me twice as long to watch the final ten episodes as it did to watch the first thirty. There were also a few undeserved death that really made me want to flip tables. Even the terrific end fight scene could not make up for my dismay.

Overall, this is not a bad watch for the fight scenes alone and it is much better if you stop at about ep 30. It is thematically rich and explores female empowerment and the ties that bind in a complex and realistic way. I can rate the first 30 episodes an 8.0 but unfortunately the final 10 episodes are barely worth a 6.0 so my overall rating is 7.5/10.0.

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it's rare when the sequel is better but here we are

production: just what you would expect on a bl production from korea... nothing too expensive but not looking cheap either... fits the story they are going for. editing could be improved but i don't mind it that much.

story: well, well. i didn't expect to be so invested in the story. i saw some people saying that it's too fast but i disagree... making it any slower will make this show boring like other kbl out there because we don't have the benefit of longer running time so this is just perfect.

acting/cast: omg i love the new guy, he is handsome and he acts well... both the leads complement each other... i hope we sehyun on season 3 again... i think the acting definitely improved. it would've been perfect if the kiss is not a dead fish but whatever straight kdramas do it too...

ost: love the ost! will add it on my bl playlist soon.. i believe there's at least 3 songs and i love them all

rewatch value: i don't really like rewatching even with shows that i love but i'll be for sure rewatching scenes that i enjoyed.

overall: an improvement from the first! it helped that it was all released on the same day so i get to binge it... i think the problem with kbl nowadays is they separate a movie into episodes and the quality suffers... i'm glad that they released it all so i get to enjoy it more... can't wait for season 3!

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Women should not rule the world.

The Legend of Zhuohua is another in a string of recent female empowerment themed historical romantic dramas. The production is upfront that this drama is a work of pure fiction. It is impossible for women to exercise the kind of influence and authority portrayed in this story in ancient Chinese patriachical society. The attitudes and values articulated are also incredibly modern and unsurprisingly, resonate with current audiences. It should be enjoyed at face value accepting that many aspects of it are sheer fantasy.

Titular character Ma Zhuohua flees an arranged marriage to the capital; where she must pass the imperial exams to fulfill her ambition to be a female official. Quick witted and resourceful, she saves Lord Ding, a decorated war hero, when he is wouded in the middle of a clandestine operation. Their fates intertwine as he is the strongest advocate of opening up scholarship and official positions to women. As they collaborate on official assignments and work toward their shared vision of the country, they fall in love. Can their relationship navigate a feudal system that requires women officials to choose between marriage and their career?

The most enjoyable arcs of this drama are the early courtship ones. This is the first time I have enjoyed Jing Tian's playing such a clever, demurely mischevious and independent character. Despite a ghastly white color filter and not the best dubbing, the strong chemistry between Jing Tian and Feng Shaofeng is unmistakable. It is so refreshing and very hot to see such a candid, lively and purely adult relationship dynanic laced with flirtatiously racey dialogue. The humor is very well written and so cheekily portrayed that I laughed uproariously many times, and especially at the dirty jokes. The political commentary and philosophical debates are surprisingly well written, with a sophistication beyond what I would expect of a light romantic comedy like this.

Outside the empowerment theme, the sub-plots are not special but this top notch veteran cast is very charismatic and executes so well it makes up for some of the lack of originality. Both Shi Yueling and Wang Likun in particular deliver formidable, almost terrifying performances as Empress Dowager Zhou and Princess Roujia. I also found Roujia's complicated relationship with Shen Jinghong very interesting. Unfortunately just after the mid-way point, the narrative rehashes tired plotlines including noble idiocy, murder most foul and high treason. In quite a similar vein to Destined, it nose dives into a poorly designed political melodrama and predictible twists. Even incredible acting cannot paper over that this is yet another delusional ends justifies the means antagonist with an unconvincing villain origin backstory.

This would have made a much better 20 episode drama that ended on the intended message that women should seize their dreams. The writers took it one step further into women can also seize the world. And then left us with an unambiguous message that women should not rule the world. The first few arcs of this are worth about an 8.0 but the latter arcs are just 6.0/6.5. I can only give this a 7.0. Its still a quality production with some good laughs to pass some time but it won't rock your world.

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Only for Love has me in a chokehold!!!

I know this drama is not for everyone … BUT for me this drama is sooo amazing and addictive!!! Currently up to episode 10 and OMGGG I am obsessed!!!
- 1st of Bai Lu: I mean absolute Queen!!! Every drama of hers is a slay!! I have read the novel and Bai Lu really did a perfect job portraying ShuYi’s character in the novel!! the cheesy pick up lines, dramatic acting and everything to me was exactly as the novel!! perfection!!!
- 2nd is Dylan Wang: A lot of people are saying his stiff in the drama but I feel like he has definitely improved than he past drama!!! For example whenever his character ShiYan sees ShuYi he’s face brightens up liek a light bulb!! He is definitely a “he fell first and harder”
type of guy!!
Overall, this drama to me has been a masterpiece causing me to giggle like a psycho and blush like a tomato!!!

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Sometimes, you may need to believe in magic to get through dark times and make your life colorful. 

The Sound of Magic is based on Ha Il Kwon's (하일권) webtoon "Annarasumanara" (안나라수마나라). This was one of many dramas I was looking forward to in 2022, and I had high hopes for it. I'm pleased to say that my expectations were not crushed, and that it delivered far more than I expected.


This drama is about a high school girl named Yoon Ah Yi who is struggling to support herself and her sister. Her mother had abandoned her, and her father, who was in debt and had fled to make money. She had to work part-time to make ends meet. Despite having many adult responsibilities, she always managed to get good grades and was near the top of the school. She believed that poverty was the cause of her misery and her ambition was to become an adult as soon as possible and to acquire more wealth.


One fateful day, on her way home from work with her earnings, her money flies and flies and takes her to an abandoned amusement park, where she meets the mysterious magician of rumours, Ri Eul. The rumour was that the park is home to a handsome magician who performs real magic and will ask anyone who visits if they believe in magic. He asked Ah Yi the same question, and the terrified girl ran back to her house. Then they had numerous encounters, which helped him gradually gain her trust. But she still didn't believe in magic, which she thought was childish and that the fleeting joy it provided couldn't change the harsh reality. But, as the end approached, she began to believe in the magician and his magic, which also led her to believe in herself.


Yoon Ah Yi had a rival at school, Na Il Deung, whom she always beat in maths alone. They were in the same class and shared a desk. Il Deng always followed in his parents' footsteps and studied hard not to disappoint them. But, after meeting the Magician, whom he initially did not believe and even resented, he realises how trapped he is. He shows him how cold and dark the path he is on is. Il Deung has feelings for Ah Yi as well.


The mysterious aura surrounding this magician holds us spellbound, making the drama really interesting, and because the magician's true identity was concealed until the end, he poses many questions, even questioning whether all of this magic was truly real. When I first started watching the drama, I was concerned that the story would be weak because there are only six episodes. But this is completely false. The story and script were both intriguing and fascinating! It had the potential to keep viewers guessing about what would happen next.


As a musical, this drama worked well. The drama's start took me by surprise! For a brief moment, I almost mistook this for an Indian film disguised as a Korean drama, because the characters were singing and dancing, as is common in Indian films. In any case, the musical aspect was not perfect because some of the songs felt awkward in their creation and placement. But I really liked the music and the lyrics, which were some of the most meaningful and thought-provoking. Furthermore, the majority of the sound tracks were sung by the leads themselves, making them feel more realistic when the characters sing them.


Should I really bring up the cast? They were, as expected, fantastic! True, there are some scenes that made us cringe in between the songs, but overall, they were fantastic! Ji Chang Wook's performance was the one I most enjoyed. He captured Ri Eul's mysterious aura as well as his childishness.


The visual effects were incredible and mesmerizing! The scenes with the blue butterfly fluttering around are especially lovely. I couldn't take my eyes off the screen because they were so beautiful. This exceeded my expectations!


Finally, I really enjoyed this drama as a whole (very typical of a Netflix drama). Anyone can watch this drama in a single sitting without becoming bored.

P.S. May be edited afterwards.

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A love story that transcends time and space.

In a xianxia romance that spans multiple lifetimes and universes, When Destiny Brings the Demon chronicles the journey of Liao Tingyan as she is unwillingly transmigrated into a fantastical realm of immortals and demons. Blindsided by her abrupt displacement, she attempts to carve a quiet and lazy life for herself here — but fate has other plans. Against her wishes, she falls under the mercy of the notorious grandmaster, Sima Jiao, who is said to have a cruel heart and fiery temper. However, through their forced coexistence, she learns that beneath the lord's hotheaded exterior, he is a complex and lonely soul.

The initial episodes are weighed down by an influx of info dumping, but bear with it, because your patience will be rewarded with one of the sweetest love stories to emerge from cdramaland this year. Liao Tingyan and Sima Jiao's chemistry needs to be studied. From enemies, to servant and master, to friends, to lovers — their relationship develops fast but believably so. In a world where they are both outcasts and no one is to be trusted, they are drawn to each other. Passionate, angsty, selfless — I find myself gushing over all of their tender moments, and there are so many of them. You will laugh, cry, rage, and fall in love with their love story.

The actors, Wang Ying Lu and Arthur Chen, are sensational in these roles. In less capable hands, Liao Tingyan would have come off as annoying, considering how passive and meek her character started off as. Instead, Wang Ying Lu is able to make Tingyan relatable, funny, and endearing. She effortlessly transitions Tingyan from a damsel in distress into a force to be reckoned with — someone who not only can protect herself but her loved ones as well. Arthur Chen is also perfectly casted as Sima Jiao, brilliantly portraying his loneliness, pain, and rage in a way that brings justice to the character. Watching Sima Jiao's growth from a man who is suspicious of everyone into a man capable of compassion, trust, and forgiveness because of his love for Tingyan is as healing for him as it is for me to watch. The performances of these actors moved me and I have a new profound respect for the both of them.

Aside from the characters, there are also so many other things to love. The cgi is gorgeous and it adds so much vibrancy and personality to this world. The visual impact would not have been as memorable without it. The osts are haunting, marvelously complementing the story and elevating every scene to a new level of enjoyment. I constantly hum the melodies even when I'm not watching the drama and thinking about the music evokes a strong feeling of longing for the characters and their stories. The fight scenes are riveting — it is obvious how much thought and intentions the director and action choreographers put into those sequences.

My two biggest complaints are probably that the plot was secondary to the romance and the pacing was very slow at times. There are moments in the drama where the romance will be developing with ease, but the plot isn't moving at all. The conflicts in the first half of the story are repetitive, stalling the plot. Personally, I feel the drama could have been reduced to fewer episodes to create an even more engaging story. However, I recognize that this will cut back on some of the romantic scenes, and this will be a great loss for the drama since the romance is such an important factor in the story. Therefore, I am able to overlook the drama's weaknesses in this respect.

After finishing When Destiny Brings the Demon, I am only left with positive feelings of love, admiration and satisfaction for the story. Given the genre and the censorship placed on dramas with transmigration, I couldn't have asked for a better ending. The writers neatly conclude the story with no loose ends. It is definitely a love story that transcends time and space, worthy of experiencing, and I highly recommend it for the romance lovers.

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Understanding Love

'The Interest of Love' is a well paced, well written drama and the plot is easy to follow. The characters feel real, so maybe that's why some viewers have a problem with watching this drama. Like none of them are unrealistic, and not the candy typical far from reality that Kdramas like. Everyone in the cast is doing a fabulous job portraying their roles. All the emotions, confusion and acceptance in each episode, I love it. This will definitely make your blood boil, as well as make you frustrated. Like all of this workplace bullying, overt sexual harassment, and gossiping coworkers just screams toxic environment. Moon Ga-young, Yoo Yeon-seok, Keum Sae-rok, and Jung Ga-ram are all doing amazing. Fingers are crossed that this ends happily and we don't get yet another sad ending that screenwriters like to do nowadays. For now though everything is going smoothly and I'm genuinely enjoying the drama.

(EDITED)
So I finished the drama, and all I have to say is that give it some time before you decided to drop it or give it a bad rating. The ending wrapped up nicely for me and made sense.

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