This review may contain spoilers
Where Wounds Become Strength and Two Hearts Learn to Beat as One
The First Jasmine begins as what appears to be another arranged-marriage political drama but gradually reveals itself to be a remarkably layered story about trauma, justice, power, and healing. Set in the fictional Dachu Dynasty with Tang-inspired aesthetics, the drama follows Ye Li, a woman released from eight years of isolation on Lishan Mountain to marry the politically disgraced and crippled Prince Ding, Mo Xiuyao.Although it embraces familiar historical romance tropes, the series distinguishes itself through meticulous character writing, emotional maturity, and philosophical depth. Rather than relying on plot twists alone, it builds its story through psychological realism and carefully developed relationships.
YE LI: TRAUMA, REVENGE, AND HEALING
Ye Li is one of the strongest female protagonists in recent historical dramas. Calm, intelligent, and calculating on the surface, she is deeply scarred by the tragedy on Lishan Mountain, where she watched her family and friends die during the plague while remaining powerless to save them.
Bai Lu portrays this duality beautifully. Her hallucinations of the dead are presented not as supernatural events but as believable manifestations of unresolved trauma. The drama never sensationalizes her suffering, instead showing how trauma fragments the mind while allowing someone to continue functioning outwardly.
Her revenge is never driven by blind hatred. The four straw figures she keeps symbolize carefully planned justice rather than impulsive violence. Even her decision to eliminate Empress Dowager Guo Jin last demonstrates patience and political understanding. As the story progresses, revenge gradually transforms into healing as she learns to reclaim agency and build meaningful relationships again.
MO XIUYAO: STRENGTH BEYOND PHYSICAL POWER
Cheng Lei delivers one of his finest performances as Mo Xiuyao. After years of political humiliation, disability, and grief, he remains remarkably restrained, expressing pain through subtle expressions rather than exaggerated emotion.
His character challenges the traditional image of the invincible male lead. Although physically crippled, he possesses extraordinary intelligence, leadership, and emotional maturity. His recovery is satisfying not because he becomes physically powerful again, but because the audience has already learned to admire him before he ever stands.
His relationship with Ye Li develops naturally through trust, mutual respect, and shared suffering. Moments such as quietly caring for each other, cooking together, or simply watching the moon become far more meaningful than dramatic romantic declarations.
EMPRESS DOWAGER GUO JIN: A TRAGIC RULER
Guo Jin is arguably the drama's most fascinating character. Unlike conventional villains, she genuinely improves Dachu through tax reforms, women's education, infrastructure, and social policies. Yet every achievement comes at the cost of countless innocent lives.
Her final conversations with Ye Li explore one of the drama's central questions: does successful governance justify immoral methods?
Ye Li's grandfather once described Guo Jin as talented but lacking benevolence. She understood power but never fully understood compassion. This distinction becomes the philosophical heart of the series, separating effective rule from humane leadership.
Supporting Characters and Moral Ambiguity
The drama refuses to divide its characters into simple heroes and villains.
Mo Jingli's childhood trauma explains—but never excuses—his obsession with power. His final realization that he genuinely loved Ye Li despite originally viewing her as a political asset gives his downfall emotional weight.
Even Xu Wanzhou's controversial decisions stem from desperate attempts to save lives rather than selfish ambition. Throughout the series, good intentions repeatedly produce devastating consequences, creating a world filled with moral ambiguity instead of absolute right and wrong.
Supporting characters such as Lin Tinglan, Qin Cang, Li Feibai, Lady Yusheng, Wen Ran, and Feng Zhiyao all receive satisfying emotional arcs that strengthen the overall narrative rather than existing solely to support the protagonists.
THE CHESSBOARD PHILOSOPHY
Chess serves as the drama's central metaphor. Ye Li's grandfather teaches her about "solitary pieces"—pieces that become isolated from the rest of the board.
This metaphor defines several major characters. Guo Jin isolates herself through power, Mo Jingli through ambition, and Ye Li through trauma. Each discovers that isolation ultimately leads to emptiness, while genuine strength comes from connection and trust.
Rather than celebrating individual achievement, the series argues that relationships are what ultimately give life meaning.
TRAUMA AND RECOVERY
One of the drama's greatest achievements is its portrayal of psychological trauma.
Ye Li's hallucinations, emotional detachment, and gradual healing feel authentic rather than melodramatic. Recovery is portrayed as a slow process supported by understanding, patience, and love rather than miraculous transformation.
Similarly, Mo Xiuyao's hidden disability symbolizes emotional wounds carried in silence. Both protagonists learn that healing requires vulnerability rather than isolation.
The Lishan plague itself is particularly heartbreaking because it has no mastermind behind it. Sometimes tragedy simply happens, making the story's exploration of grief feel even more realistic.
FEMALE AGENCY
The series incorporates meaningful feminist themes without becoming preachy.
Women consistently demonstrate intelligence and leadership. Ye Li repeatedly outmaneuvers experienced politicians. Guo Jin transforms the country through reforms. Lin Tinglan pursues her career independently, while Princess Lingyun and Wen Ran each display remarkable resilience.
However, the drama also acknowledges that female authority often requires tremendous sacrifice. It celebrates women's achievements while recognizing the unequal burdens imposed by society.
THE SLOW-BURN ROMANCE
The romance succeeds because it develops naturally.
Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao begin as political partners before gradually becoming emotional anchors for one another. Their relationship is built through everyday acts of care rather than endless misunderstandings or exaggerated romantic gestures.
Their emotional confessions feel earned because they emerge after episodes of shared hardship. Cheng Lei and Bai Lu rely heavily on subtle acting, making small expressions often more powerful than dramatic speeches.
Secondary romances are equally meaningful. Feng Zhiyao and Princess Lingyun represent love destroyed by politics, while Li Feibai and Lady Yusheng explore freedom, choice, and respect rather than possession.
PERFORMANCES
Cheng Lei gives a career-defining performance. His physical acting convincingly portrays disability, while his emotional restraint makes scenes of vulnerability especially powerful.
Bai Lu delivers one of her most emotionally nuanced performances. Ye Li could easily have become another stereotypical "strong female lead," but Bai Lu instead creates someone whose strength exists alongside profound psychological fragility.
The supporting cast consistently elevates the material, ensuring even secondary characters leave lasting impressions.
PRODUCTION
Visually, the drama favors a restrained style. Warm domestic scenes contrast effectively with the colder political settings, while the dreamlike cinematography during Ye Li's hallucinations subtly reflects her psychological state.
Fight choreography is elegant without becoming excessive, and the soundtrack complements emotional moments without overwhelming them.
Although some CGI backgrounds appear artificial, these issues rarely undermine the overall experience.
## STRENGTHS
* Rich psychological characterization.
* Excellent performances from Bai Lu and Cheng Lei.
* Thoughtful exploration of trauma and healing.
* Mature political and philosophical themes.
* Organic slow-burn romance.
* Strong pacing with very little filler.
## WEAKNESSES
* Some visual effects feel noticeably artificial.
* A few minor supporting characters remain underdeveloped.
* The political resolution is slightly rushed compared to the careful buildup.
The First Jasmine stands out because it treats its audience with intelligence. Rather than relying solely on romance or palace intrigue, it explores grief, justice, political morality, and the importance of human connection with surprising maturity.
Its greatest strength is its refusal to simplify people into heroes or villains. Nearly every major character exists within shades of grey, making their choices feel deeply human. Combined with excellent performances, thoughtful writing, and one of the most satisfying slow-burn romances in recent historical dramas, the series delivers both emotional impact and philosophical depth.
Despite a few production flaws and a somewhat rushed ending, The First Jasmine remains one of the strongest historical dramas of the year. It proves that familiar genre conventions can still produce something memorable when supported by careful writing, nuanced performances, and characters whose emotional journeys feel genuinely earned.
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This show is WAY overhyped
I had a lot of high exceptions for this show, especially since everyone was calling it the new "Ashes of Love", a drama I that LOVED. This is not even close. I blame it on the characters development.The writers and directors did the female lead so bad, She's like Jin Mi from "Ashes of Love" but ramp up the naiveness and obliviousness 10x. It was so frustrating to watch and I only made it through the whole show because I felt so so bad for the male lead. This has nothing to do with the actors and actresses acting, but rather the characters themselves. The women in this show are so disappointing because their characters are literally the weakest link. I was really hoping for a stronger female character, but instead they fluctuated between nativeness/cutesy and cold/heartless. It was so hard to like the characters. I believe you can create a native character who still have some common sense and brain cells to understand certain situations. I don't understand why the writers did the female characters so bad. This show would be so much better if the characters were developed better.
The plot line was very good, it honestly was the only thing holding this show together. The side characters are great, and their storyline was honestly more entertaining to watch. I got so much second hand embarrassment from the female lead that I often skipped through her parts.
Overall, I would not rewatch this show. The ending felt like fanfiction and is like putting a bandage on a battle wound and calling it a day. Just watch Ashes of Love lmao, I think their characters and storyline are better and certainly more entertaining to watch than this drama.
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Bad script from the start
I watched it week to week and wanted to drop it and probably should have dropped it. It was just very boring and dragged on and on. I did not feel any butterflies watching the main couple at all. Just didn't feel like they really liked each other much. I would NOT recommend watching it as there are other fantasies that are much better out there.Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
another drama that felt short in the last part for me
so let’s talk with the good :1) Acting, I think the leads were great and side characters too
2) costumes and makeup were pretty
3) I didn’t wanna start because I thought: « oh a story about brocade, it will be boring », well not gonna lie, like almost every drama, there are some more boring parts, but I actually like the brocade plot. it was different from the usual shop we see in some Cdramas and interesting to learn about brocade history. So the premise was interesting and well written in general, I think it was flowing good, FL working, growing their business, the obstacles, etc..
4) I liked the friendship and how they all worked together
5) OST was very good
6) cinematography was also good
7) I like seeing the development between ML and his father, family. Made me smile their interactions in the last ep (always bickering with father ahah) and he even called her « mother ». I enjoy it when I think they deserved forgiveness and a second chance. And he actually made some efforts. I think his father and family deserved it (not like some characters in other drama, like cough cough The rise of Ning). even FL with his stepmom.
8) FL brother: he grow on me. At first I was like, what a weakling. But he stepped up, stood his ground and he surprised me. Like when the mom was in prison, bro wasn’t giving up, I liked that. A supportive and kind guy too
9) ML : I liked him a lot. Like many, I love red flag ML, but I also like green flag ML😂 well if he is the ML (and not a useless stupid weakling) I will love him. Always team ML and SML hater. He was kind, supportive, respectful. Always there for FL, but never overstepping. Pretty intelligent and resourceful. He was a great ML. Also, such a great fighter, always finds this attractive ahaha it was awesome eps 23-24 when he was running back and fighting to get to FL. Zheng Ye Cheng is great with fighting scenes, he should do more dramas as a martial artist and actions. also in ep 36, the fighting in that like arena or in the last ep, last fight.
10) FL : intelligent, kind and hardworking woman. I liked how she was working so hard to continu her father’s work and the brocade business. It was good when she was turning the plans of the uncle against him, it was always satisfying. Used her intelligence for example to changed the family rules and can we say the deal in the last few eps ? Or went she wasn’t trusting Bai at first and keeping some distance, didn’t accepted (before the wedding in ep 24) the help of Bai or the ex. Some choices were a bit questionable or stupid, but anyway I think it fits her character…
11) the romance in the first 3/4 : I think the development was really good. Mature romance ?them slowly working together, trusting each other and falling in love. We could feel their love for each other with the little moments. Then came ep 24, I think the scene of him crashing the wedding was really good and I liked the dialogue. Even before that, when the ex captured her, he came to save her and I think that scene was also very good. We didn’t get much, but their married life was cute. We got 1 kiss only, but it wasn’t bad. The cliff scenes and some others after the divorce, some good emotional moments and we could still feel their love. They loved each other a lot and were both ready to die for each other.
12) villains : we’ll get back to it, but it was somehow interesting to have strong villains who were winning sometimes before their loss of course ahah
13) happy ending. we’ll get back to it also
so what went wrong for me :
1) the 2 side guys with unrequited love and possessiveness became so annoying and never ending
2) the last part when FL went into Bai country: didn’t like it and why did it last for so long ? We already didn’t get a lot of FL and ML dating, but their screentime together was so reduced in the last 8 eps? we got more of FL and SML together, it’s like they were almost trying to romanticize that? because what was the point of all that screentime together. I didn’t give a damn. If only they didn’t went for the same old cliche plot, the bad guy falling in love with FL and wanting to possess her… Truly uninspiring and uninteresting. What could have been an interesting villain (and he was actually pretty powerful too), felt flat.
3) There was some sloppy weird editing
4) Some characters died to easily.
5) Ning girl wasn’t really interesting to get that screentime, just like the ex, who could have had way less screentime (at last got some character development)
6) stupid unnecessary death. why did they killed off the female friend? such waste, they had the brother confess and being rejected for a while. they got together really late, we got almost nothing and then they kills her off for no reason ? even ML’s friend… WHY DO THEY ALWAYS KILLS OFF ML FRIEND OR RIGHT HAND MAN???? in so many dramas
7) FL crying and mourning for Prince Bai (the guy who literally, kidnapped her and her friends, threatened them, hurt and tried to kill the man she loves, tried to literally assault her….), was just completely stupid and weird to me (I got a bit the ick). I don’t care if she sympathizes or something, just no. And they wasted screentime on this, we could have gotten more minutes for sweet moments between the leads. I don’t get it, what was the point, I read not of this was in the novel and he didn’t even died. Why did they make him die protecting FL and her crying for him? writers trying to glorify second leads or something sometimes (like the princess Royal or even the rise of Ning, in there too they made him die by « saving » FL)
8) happy ending, but I didn’t really feel anything. Also, after all that, months of separation, we got a smile ? not a hug or anything. That was disappointing, even the « wedding » (because we didn’t saw the wedding again), gave me nothing. FL title was something I guess. And the villain died, deserved death.
Anyway, it was still a good watch for the positive points
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Overrated. Not a relaxing watch
It started with a bang. Pace was also good, story and plot was good, acting was good all in the beginning And then towards the end it started dragging and that's when everything went down. It became confusing at some point trying to understand if the FL really loves our ML or not. Stone face is not acting. It's a torture of 1st grade. Heavy story . Jun ho definitely good acting. Beautiful costumes, i binged watched this and regretted it. If you are like me who loves to relax this is not for you. But if you are in to something serious watch it. I felt i wasted my time. I think the rating is too overrated or may be people like the feeling to feel traumatized.Was this review helpful to you?
Park Shin Hye Ate, Kim Jae Young Stole My Heart—Judge from Hell Was That Good!
Judge from Hell is an electrifying blend of thriller, romance, comedy, and fantasy, delivering a gripping storyline that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. From start to finish, this drama offers an exhilarating ride, with no dull moments or unnecessary filler scenes. The well-paced narrative, stunning cinematography, and powerful performances make it a must-watch.Park Shin Hye takes on a bold and refreshing role, showcasing an entirely new side of her acting abilities. She absolutely ate this role, embodying her character with unwavering confidence and precision. Every scene where she delivered justice and took her revenge felt incredibly satisfying to watch. Her expressions, body language, and overall presence made her portrayal both captivating and powerful. Despite this being a different kind of role for her, she fit right in, proving her versatility once again.
Kim Jae Young, playing the male lead, was an absolute scene-stealer. His character was charming and emotionally compelling, especially during the heartbreaking scene at his mother’s funeral, which left a deep impact. His performance was both raw and touching, making him an actor to look out for in future dramas. I would love to see him take on more roles in this genre.
The undeniable chemistry between Park Shin Hye and Kim Jae Young elevated the drama to another level. Their interactions felt natural and added emotional depth to the storyline, making their relationship a key highlight of the show. Additionally, the supporting cast provided the perfect balance of comic relief and intrigue, making the drama even more enjoyable. They truly served, adding charm and personality to every scene.
The plot was meticulously crafted, keeping me fully engaged throughout. While there were a few minor loopholes that left me wondering, they didn’t take away from the overall experience. One of the best aspects of this drama is that it didn't stretch unnecessarily. Many K-dramas tend to extend to 16 episodes, sometimes adding filler scenes, but Judge from Hell smartly wrapped up its story in 14 episodes, maintaining a tight and impactful narrative.
Visually, the drama was stunning, with carefully crafted shots that enhanced the intensity of each scene. The OST was another standout feature, with Sunmi’s 'Crossroad' being an absolute masterpiece. It has been on loop ever since I finished the drama, and I have no regrets! The soundtrack perfectly complemented the tone of the drama, adding an emotional layer to the storytelling.
If you haven't watched Judge from Hell yet, you are truly missing out. This drama delivers everything—from thrilling action and satisfying revenge arcs to heartfelt romance and comedic moments. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions, and I would definitely watch it all over again. Highly recommended for anyone looking for an exciting, well-balanced drama that keeps you hooked until the very end!
Obviously all of this is entirely my opinion and you don't have to agree with it...I believe that you should definitely watch the drama yourself and come up with your own opinions and perspectives instead of avoiding a drama based entirely on reviews which were not that positive..Hope everyone reading this has a great day!!
ヾ(^▽^*)))
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Arthdal Chronicles Part 1: The Children of Prophecy
29 people found this review helpful
This is the first time a kdrama with such a storyline and theme and CGs has been made and all people can do is critisize it
This drama has such a strong and impactful start ... Each and every actor is doing such an amazing job as if the characters has been tailored for them ...
I watched all the 6 episode and I can't wait to watch more ... The story is really intriguing and you won't date to skip any scene
For me the 1st season goes to TAGON ... Jang has portrayed it so FLAWLESSLY and he makes you fall I n love with such a brutal character
Song Joongki is as always MIND BLOWING in his character
So all I have to say is give this drama a chance for a change and you won't be disappointed
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This review may contain spoilers
Entertaining watch, but dropped in quality compared to the first season
I became enthralled with Physical 100 ever since I watched it the first time and I even introduced my boyfriend to it lol.I was really looking forward to the second season, but I must admit I was left disappointed.
Why?
1. Episodes became longer but with fillers of "ooh" and "aah" every thirty seconds.
2. The game were unimaginative. Some were rehashed from season 1, while others mostly focused on two things - sand and bags. And carrying them. While the maze and the minecart were "different" quests - they felt the same. Both had the same general idea. The final game consisted of three games - one of which was a consolation quest for losers in game one and the second one was - yep, you guessed it - related to bags and coal this time. Episode 8 was particularly hard to get through - watching them carry a metal cask full of sand for one hour and knowing who will lose before they even step foot on the game field wasn't really what I expected if you compare it to Season 1 and the mythological games they did, which were far more imaginative and allowed players to prove prowess in their respective fields.
3. Women will never, in any way, shape or form, have a chance in this format. While I understand they knew that when they applied, it's still not very pleasant to watch men treat champions and Olympic medalists as burdens and avoid them for group quests.
4. In the first season, we got a glimpse of contestants between quests. While they were lounging, we heard their talks, they did small contests, bonded. This time around, that was cut and the "reality" part of this reality TV show was really forced.
I expected more from a show that garnered so much hype (and funds). It was an entertaining watch, but left much to be desired.
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This review may contain spoilers
I See The Intention But... Such A Wasted Opportunity
I've never tried writing a review before but I'm watching BL's for over three years now and I wanted to try writing it. So please bear it with me.Dare You To Death was one of the tough ones to watch it. Writing in this series is... well to put it kindly: childish, sloppy, unprofessional. I understand the intention when they produced this series. But, my god the story just kept getting worse and worse each episode. Irrational behaviours of police officers, stupid decisions of the victims, jarring tonal shifts from romance to "mysterious" murder scenes... The list goes on and on. Firstly, writer/s clearly did not know how law enforcement bureaus work because the errors that have been made during solving the cases is just stupid. Knowing the potential victims but not providing them protection, not asking for a full autopsy report for the first deceased, or even not interrogate the suspects/victims fully in a police station is wild. And these things I mentioned here is just a glimpse. Anyways, there is so much to talk about the script of this series; but if I get in to that, it'd be full on spoilers so I'll cut it short here. It's just full of many illogical things that doesn't even cover up other story plots and left us with a whole bunch of mess.
The acting very surprised me. In my opinion, we saw the potential of Dunk's acting in Heart Killers. He was really good in that series. But unfortunately, Joong kept getting the same roles over and over again which is a very boring caracter type for me, we couldn't see his acting range. But in this series, I believe he really outdone himself. both Joong and Dunk. They both play different characters from their previous works which is refreshing. And seeing Joong in a character that can actually show emotions was really nice. Their acting really carried this series.
If I really have to say something about the music, its just boring. GMM has stock music/sounds to play in certain scenes. And they used those musics so much that using it here too is just feels lazy at this point. Also, the production quality was a mess either. Especially for a series that's been produced for Netflix. The audio issues were jaw-dropping. The editing that caused tonal shifts were horrific. At one point, It felt as if the production team didn't like certain people who were involved in this series so they tried everything in their power to ruin this show. And clearly they succeeded.
It's such a shame that these good actors were wasted in such a sloppy series. The only reason I gave this show a high overall rating is the acting in this series.
As I said in the beginning, this is my first attempt to write a review. I know probably not many people will see this review but if there are things you want to discuss or just talk about the series, let me know so that we can discuss it.
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didn't know i would love it so much..
WHERE DO I BEGIN???? This was an absolute masterpiece, definitely one of the best dramas in 2021, it was super worth the wait, ever since it was announced I was waiting for this. (I personally enjoyed this more than squid game, oops) EXPECTED FROM THE DIRECTOR OF EXTRACURRICULAR THIS WOULD BE GOOD AS WELL. If I have the option to give it a 11/10 I would honestly, I don't even know how to express how good this is LOL. Action-packed show, super fun super gore, filled with action fun and bloody scenes. PLS Sohee's ACTING HERE IS PHENOMENAL, I'm not even kidding, her acting is so top notch, she deserves nothing but all the awards she can get for this show alone, she didn't work so hard without a stuntman and risk her health just for nothing, because she really did so well, I never complimented someone's acting so much before but damn Han Sohee, she is just so good, really. The other actors did well as well. I won't say much about the stories and the plot twists here and there, the story alone looking from the synopsis, looks very common / original, nothing new, but please GIVE THIS A WATCH. Rewatch value is definitely a 10/10. My Name, lived beyond my expectations.Was this review helpful to you?
Love by Chance Season 2: A Chance to Love
29 people found this review helpful
WHY???
Season one left a big TinCan cliffhanger, so on paper, it did make sense to push for a second season even without Saint. We were also led to believe that this is a season for the second couple who gained a lot of following.But then this mess happened: Ae and Pete's, and Techno and Keng's story continued, but Tin and Can's story was rebooted, and we as viewers are just supposed to accept that.
At first i was willing to give it a chance, after all, thats more screentime for Mean and Plan. But then what they delivered was 6 episodes of TinCan rehash which was so poorly executed and rushed to cover all their important events from the first season. Unfortunately, the chemistry just wasnt the same anymore.
Whats worse was that the episodes after their supposed breakup and makeup, upto the finale, didnt improve things.
Ae's story, and the constant crying and/or sulking was so annoying that you cant help but fast forward his scenes. Techno's stupidity and the pretend hard-to-get with Keng is also tiring. Tum, Tar, Pond, Bow and Keen were also all useless. None of the stories made sense and didnt contribute to the overall cohesion of the series.
What they could have done is to just continued with TinCan's story line and focused on developing their characters.
What was a good season 1 suddenly transformed into a season 2 that felt like a high school film project. It felt like there was a contractual obligation and expectation to deliver a 2nd season that the makers didnt care whether its good or bad. Then at the end, they had the audacity to put a cliffhanger, i think in the hopes of producing a 3rd season. Please i beg the producers not to, and just let this story rest.
If you have seen season 1 and not seen this yet and you want closure of TinCan, just watch episode 1, then skip to episode 6 or 7. Play it in fast forward mode too, you dont need the lines. Giving this a 5.5 just because of MeanPlan. Im sorry Perth, i like you but this kinda diminished your star.
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Utterly disappointing (Only good for a HATE-watch)
The Next Prince feels like an underbaked cake with perfect icing, visually stunning, with gorgeous cinematography, lavish costumes, and clearly a high budget… but the writing is flat, disjointed, and lacking depth.I actually enjoyed the first episode and felt a spark of interest, but after that, it was all downhill. Each week I found myself less engaged, to the point of skipping entire scenes. The writer set up a promising world and then just… walked out of the room.
Let’s talk about Khanin, or not, because what is there to say? He started off strong with a sassy, confident personality, but the moment he stepped into the palace, all of that disappeared. He became a lovesick puppy following Charan around for no clear reason. Was it just because they’re Zeenunew? Because nothing in the story really justified the romance. Imagine your entire life falls apart after some random guy shows up, and somehow you're supposed to fall for him anyway?
And don't get me started on how Khanin completely forgot his life in the UK the second he entered Emmarly. That entire backstory might as well have been deleted. As for Charan, the idea that he has a debilitating trauma response to rain, and still gets sent alone to the UK to retrieve the crown prince, is just absurd.
Their romance had zero momentum for me. It started with promise but became boring fast.
I adore JimmyOhm, but the Ramil–Paytai dynamic was just bad. Paytai deserved to run far, far away from Ramil, who was cowardly, frustrating, and made no smart choices.
Calvin and Jay actually had an interesting storyline, but they got the screen time equivalent of a fruit fly's lifespan, blink and you miss them.
Princess Ava had potential to be iconic, but her character was reduced to spouting "girl power" lines while being surrounded by constant misogyny. She deserved much better writing.
Now Chakri, Chakri is the moment. Scene-stealer, fan favorite, and honestly the most consistent character in the show. No notes there.
Overall:
The Next Prince is style over substance. Beautiful to look at, but hollow. The cast did what they could, but the writing left them stranded. If you're looking for something to roll your eyes at while admiring the outfits, this might be your perfect hate-watch.
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This review may contain spoilers
The Fine Line Between Love And Obssetion
Okay, let me just say, this show was like a rollercoaster of emotions from the very first episode, and I am still processing everything that happened. The characters are wild, the drama is next level, and let’s be honest — I couldn’t stop watching. It’s honestly like an addiction; I didn’t know if I was watching for the romance, the suspense, or just for the pure chaos of it all. Let’s break it down, character by character.Daon
Daon is probably one of the most complex characters I've ever seen in a KBL. From the very beginning, you feel his vulnerability. He's trying to find his way in a world where he's constantly manipulated by people he cares about. The whole situation with Jaemin, Suhyeon, and Seong Hyeon just traps him in this toxic cycle, and it’s brutal to watch. Yet, the thing that makes Daon such a relatable and well-written character is that he isn’t perfect. He makes mistakes, he’s naive at times, and he falls for people who are clearly bad for him, but you can’t help but root for him.
Daon is caught between two worlds: the manipulation of Jaemin and the toxicity of Suhyeon, with Seong Hyeon being a much-needed anchor in his life. His relationship with Seong Hyeon was the only place where he could find peace, but it was also the place where he had to face his own trauma. Daon didn’t have a clear sense of what he wanted for a while because of all the chaos in his life, but once he started realizing what really mattered to him, he stepped up and fought for himself and for Seong Hyeon.
By the end, Daon chooses to live for himself, and the development is so satisfying. He moves beyond the toxic love Jaemin forced on him, rejects Suhyeon’s obsessive behavior, and starts to heal. He grows so much, and it’s honestly a beautiful moment when he realizes that he deserves better than all the manipulative crap he had to deal with. The final scenes with Seong Hyeon? Absolutely beautiful and heartfelt. It was everything he deserved after all the pain.
Jaemin
Jaemin is insane. No, seriously, I don’t know how anyone can watch his descent into madness and not be slightly terrified. At first, he seems like the perfect, charming person — the guy who has your back and is always there to help. But when you look closer, the truth starts to seep through, and it’s dark. His obsession with Daon is palpable from the very beginning. He manipulates Daon’s life, giving him money, tutoring him, and even going so far as to buy off Daon’s family — all in an attempt to control him. Jaemin doesn’t just want Daon; he needs him to stay under his thumb. It’s disturbing, but so well done as a character arc.
As the show progresses, Jaemin becomes more and more twisted, especially after he starts playing mind games with Daon, making him feel guilty, using his manipulative skills to control Daon’s feelings. He has this whole “I love you so much that I’ll do anything for you” mentality, but what he’s really doing is controlling Daon’s life and trapping him in a cycle of emotional abuse. The scene where Jaemin literally stabs himself to get Daon’s attention? Yeah, that's the point where I knew he was beyond help. He doesn’t care about anyone else’s feelings — he just wants to possess Daon at any cost.
Jaemin’s final breakdown was a mix of regret and rage, and it’s honestly chilling how far he’s willing to go to keep Daon close. The whole “if I can’t have you, no one can” vibe was real. His final moments, when he’s arrested in that wedding suit and laughing like a maniac, were the perfect ending for such a manipulative, obsessive character. You almost pity him for how broken he is, but then you remember everything he did, and it’s impossible to sympathize with him. He’s a master manipulator, and it was satisfying to see him lose everything in the end.
Suhyeon
Suhyeon is a more interesting character than I expected him to be. He's just as messed up as Jaemin, just in a different way. Suhyeon is emotionally driven, and while he might have had Daon’s best interests at heart at times, he’s also selfish and manipulative. His jealousy and desire to control Daon is just as toxic as Jaemin’s, though his methods are different.
What I found most frustrating about Suhyeon is that he constantly thinks he knows what’s best for Daon, even when it’s clear he doesn’t. He tries to push Daon away from Seong Hyeon, even though the bond between the two is genuine and healthy. His whole mindset is, “I know what you need, so let me take control,” and honestly? That gets old real fast.
However, I have to give Suhyeon some credit for the way he does eventually come around. In the end, he realizes the damage he’s caused and tries to make amends. He helps Daon, even though it’s too little, too late. He knows he can't control Daon’s life anymore and admits that he was wrong. But honestly, by the end, I was just ready for Daon to let him go for good and move on with Seong Hyeon.
Seong Hyeon
Seong Hyeon is everything. He’s the literal light in Daon’s life and the one person who never pushed Daon into anything he wasn’t ready for. He’s patient, kind, and so emotionally intelligent, it’s crazy. The fact that Seong Hyeon sees Daon’s pain and doesn’t force him to make decisions before he’s ready is one of the most mature and respectful things we see in the whole show. He’s the rock Daon needed to survive all the drama surrounding him.
What I love about Seong Hyeon is that he’s not perfect. He makes mistakes, he gets jealous, and he misjudges things at times (like the whole hickey situation), but his growth throughout the series is real. He learns to communicate, to trust Daon, and to support him through the trauma. His willingness to wait for Daon and understand that it’s not an easy path is really what makes him so lovable.
The relationship between Seong Hyeon and Daon is a beautiful evolution. They go from being two people with a shared history to two people who genuinely love and care for each other. It’s not rushed, and it’s not forced; it’s gradual, like two souls learning to be together. By the end of the show, Seong Hyeon and Daon have the kind of relationship that you can’t help but root for — two people who can truly heal and grow together.
Daon’s sister was honestly one of the highlights for me, and I can’t believe how underappreciated she is. She’s the only one in the show with any sense at all. Her role is crucial in calling out the emotional manipulation from Jaemin and Suhyeon. She’s the first one who saw through all the nonsense and even pushed Daon to stop feeling guilty for choosing his own happiness. It’s not easy being in Daon’s shoes, and she’s there for him without any strings attached. Her advice and care are a steadying force, and I loved the moments when she had to step in and remind Daon that he deserved to make choices that were right for him.
Cinematography and Visuals
The cinematography in this show deserves a standing ovation. From the very first scene, you can tell that this isn’t just your average KBL. The color palette is gorgeous, with muted tones that perfectly match the somber and emotional tone of the drama. There’s a lot of focus on shadows and contrasts, which really adds to the intensity of the emotional moments.
The lighting is so effective in setting the mood. The dark, moody lighting during the more tense scenes, like when Jaemin goes full psycho or when Daon is struggling, creates a sense of unease and anticipation. On the flip side, when Daon and Seong Hyeon are together, the lighting softens, and the colors brighten up, reflecting the warmth and comfort they bring to each other. The stark contrast between the cold, harsh lighting in the scenes with Jaemin and the cozy, intimate moments between Daon and Seong Hyeon really highlights the emotional differences between these relationships.
The camera work also deserves praise. The close-ups on Daon’s face when he’s torn between his emotions, or the lingering shots on his expressions when he’s confronted with Jaemin’s madness, really let you feel everything he’s going through. The slow transitions between scenes and the occasional flashbacks help convey the passage of time and show the depth of Daon’s internal struggle.
The entire cast did an incredible job. Each of them brought their character to life—whether it was Jaemin’s chilling manipulation, Suhyeon’s obsession, Daon’s struggle, or Puppy’s warmth. Their performances made every moment hit even harder. The four of them were not in the same room for many scenes but the chemistry was just there!
Let’s talk about the kisses. These weren’t just any KBL kisses. The chemistry, the passion, and the emotional depth were all there. The kisses between Daon and Seong Hyeon were genuine, tender, and full of love. But there’s also a darker side to this story.
There’s an instance of sexual assault (SA) with Jaemin forcing a kiss on Daon. It's a deeply uncomfortable and disturbing scene that highlights Jaemin’s possessive and toxic love. Daon’s inability to reject Jaemin in that moment shows how trapped he feels, unable to break free due to fear and manipulation.
Similarly, Suhyeon also crosses boundaries with Daon, in a way that feels like another form of manipulation. Daon doesn’t fully reject Suhyeon either, because he’s scared of the consequences and doesn't know how to stand up for himself. These moments are crucial in showing the emotional and psychological struggles Daon faces as he navigates these toxic relationships.
Final Thoughts This show was wild from start to finish. It had so many twists, so much tension, and so much emotional depth. The characters — even the toxic ones — were so well-developed and complex that I couldn’t help but feel invested in each of them. Jaemin was terrifyingly fascinating as a manipulator, Suhyeon was equally toxic in his own way, and Seong Hyeon? Seong Hyeon was the kind of partner Daon needed. He didn’t force Daon to choose between him and the others; he gave him the space to figure it out.
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Started out great but went downhill
I’m not the type to write reviews here but I just had to .It’s been about 5 days since I completed it but I feel I won’t be able to rest properly if I don’t write this review.
This is honestly one of the worst dramas I’ve ever seen . The drama had so much potential but the writer ruined it .
The ml Dino was so dumb and easily manipulated.
I also found him a bit manipulative with the fl
The fl was too trusting and naive .
There’s a thin line between being naive and stupid, and she leaned more towards stupidity.
The drama was a hot mess . From the hypocrite of a grandfather and mother , to the annoying second leads.
Honestly, none of the characters were lovable.
I initially started it for Luke but I guess even his looks weren’t enough to save this .
I genuinely wouldn’t recommend this drama to anyone except you enjoy experiencing anger and frustration
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This review may contain spoilers
This is one of those dramas that are not meant to be “bestsellers”, like mentioned in the drama, but tv stations would still produce them as they bring warmth to those who watched it. LJS left such a great gift for fans before his military enlistment. There were not unreasonable plot twists, nerve wrecking happenings, hate-able antagonists etc. Just a well thought through storyline, stellar acting, pretty cinematography and lots of beautiful references to books.
This is an inspiring drama, which I feel might be more relatable to a more mature audience. It’s the type of drama I would watch when I feel down because watching it, I can’t help but have a smile plastered across my face. LJS’ handsomeness in this drama definitely doesn’t help.
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