Reviews

Taxi Driver: School Bully Version

Teach You A Lesson was one of my most anticipated dramas this year and it didn't disappoint!

Ep 1 was a great start after which the momentum stabilizes to a case by case format of troublesome school after troublesome school. Through 10 episodes, the drama covers all the major bullying crimes including physical violence, substance use, cyber crimes, stalking, defamation and scamming.

Kim Mu Yeol and his slaps keep delivering until Jin Ki Joo, P.O and Lee Sung Min join the action. The main cast comprising these four Anti-Bully Avengers definitely carried the show with their friendly camaraderie. Kim Mu Yeol has charisma for days and the swagger of a believable action hero protagonist, while Jin Ki Joo and the rest of the cast are equally engaging in their roles.

Having said that, I do want to mention that this show seems to have a lot of fourth wall breaking, preach-heavy moments. Satire usually hits when the message is more subtle and indirect so I do wonder if the ones who truly need these lessons both among students and the adults around them will get the message.

At the same time, it's very evident that the makers put a lot of effort into shaping the script in such a way that they'd cover all the possible domains of potential criticism from viewers beforehand. From public outrage from hypocritical human rights warriors to making sure they mention that they're only after the bad apples among both teachers and students and acknowledging the good ones that do exist and reassuring that their mission is for their protection, they've done a good job presenting a neutral unbiased view that keeps educational rights at the forefront.

While this helps theme-wise, this creative choice may have tipped slightly into becoming an overcorrection with constant repetition of similar thoughts across multiple episodes which has then also compromised the overall pacing of the show. This can put off some viewers who are more used to the steady build up of anticipation and dread in more conventional action/thrillers, especially high school themed thrillers set around a single school and one common enemy.

Regardless, this was a fun watch overall with a solid theme. Lots of entertaining action choreography and a healthy balance of humor and emotion.

Teach You A Lesson is a really fun addition to high school themed revenge dramas, this time with adults delivering the slaps-err-justice!

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Idiocy in its glory.

This drama was the literal meaning of frustration. I have so much boiled up in me after watching it and i don't know how to get it all out.

I JUST WANNA SCREAM IT ALL OUT.

Each time you find yourself forgetting a character's idiocy, comes another foolish shit.

I don't know how i finished this series because each time someone open their mouth i just wanted them to shut up. They never talk like normal people, rather like babies screeching, the sound is haunting. SHUT UP FOR GOD SAKE AND FREAKING THINK FOR A SECOND. Funny to say nobody in the drama listened to me ^^.

This plot would have been intriguing in the hands of a genuis writer. All we got in this drama was nonsense to fill up the pages. Full of plot twists that just don't make sense, just to try to get that wow effect. It is only right to say that it was a shit effect.

I'm rather a fan of shitty endings, but the problem with this drama was not the ending, it was rather the drama all in itself, poorly written, thinking that a bunch of unexpected deaths here and there is what makes people emotional and connected to the drama. I for myself couldn't care less about what happens to those bunch of screeching kids, they were all but stupid, frustrating, with poorly written personalities and perspectives, making me not feel an ounce of connection to them. All i want is for me to forget this drama as soon as possible.

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A Love Forged On The Edge Of Hatred, Tempered By Silence And Pain

"Feud", also known as "Lin Jiang Xian" (Lament of the River Immortal), presents itself as a xianxia drama rooted in misunderstanding, but beneath its surface lies a haunting, layered tale of how grief can blur the line between love and hatred.

At the heart of the story is the tragic bond between Hua Ruyue and Bai Jiusi: two souls once intertwined by fate, only to be torn apart by pain and betrayal. Their relationship, rich with longing and unresolved devotion, forms the emotional backbone of the drama. Their journey was never about romance, but of healing — a reflection of how love, when wounded deeply, can either wither into ruin or be transformed into redemption.

STORYLINE ₊ ⊹❀
The drama opens with a deceptively lighthearted tone, focusing on the fairytale-like romance between Li Qingyue and Bai Jiusi. Their sweet, almost innocent dynamic hints at a familiar setup. At first glance, it feels like a typical love story within a xianxia setting, and yet, something about it feels quietly off. There were no backstories offered, no clear exposition given, especially regarding the main leads. This deliberate withholding of context created a sense of mystery which piqued at my interest. I thought this choice of narrative is one of the drama's strength because as the story progresses, it unravels into something far more tragic and complex.

After the illusion of simplicity fades with the revelation of Li Qingyue's true identity as Hua Ruyue, the tone of the drama takes a dramatic and somber turn. Her reemergence is not merely just a shocking twist, but a pivotal moment that reframes everything that came before. What once appeared to be the beginning of their love is actually just a continuation of a deeply fractured bond. For me, this arc marks the start of their true story, it is what made the drama more emotionally engaging and narratively unique. Each revelation drew me deeper into their twisted entanglement.

The transition from the first half to the second half of the story was seamless —it felt organic rather than jarring. The pacing struck the right balance, and the nonlinear structure of storytelling, through the use of flashbacks, added richness and layers to the characters and their relationship. What stood out most during this part was how the drama avoided a simplistic narrative of right and wrong. Instead, it carved out a space for both Hua Ruyue and Bia Jiusi to exist as flawed, grieving individuals — not heroes or villains, but as two souls shaped by their heartbreak and longing. The moral ambiguity embedded in their contrasting ideologies became the lens through which their pain and conflict were explored. I appreciated how the drama didn't ask to choose sides, it rather asked to understand.

Furthermore, the side characters weren't merely added as background figures, each of them carried enough weight and nuance to feel real rather than one-dimensional. Fan Linger wasn't confined to the typical trope of an annoying second female lead ; her arc became one of self-love and growth. The Jingyuan Sect deviated from the usual portrayal of a hypocritical or power-hungry factions in xianxia dramas. Even Xiao Jingshan, who walked the darker path wasn't portrayed as inherently evil but as someone affected by the weight of his pain. While the romance wasn't the central focus of the drama, the chemistry between the main leads was palpable, and the few moments of affection and tenderness they shared felt both authentic and heart fluttering.

The drama's conclusion wasn't a conventional happy ending, but one far more meaningful and symbolic. It didn't erase the suffering and tragedy Bai Jiusi and Hua Ruyue endured, instead it illuminated their long emotional journey towards healing. It was deeply moving to witness each character learn to let go of their hatred, resentment, attachments, and obsession. In the end, it wasn't about neat resolutions, but about choosing peace after pain, and choosing love even in the aftermath of loss.

The CGI in the drama wasn't anything groundbreaking, it was more in line with what you'd expect from older xianxia productions but it did serve its purpose. The cinematography, on the other hand, was visually pleasing and managed to capture the tone of the story well. As for the costume designs, what particularly stood out for me was for the main leads. I especially adored the intricate details in Hua Ruyue's hair pieces, and the soft, elegant color tones of Bai Jiusi's hanfu which suited him perfectly. I only found one aspect lacking, it was the sound effects. At times, they were overpowering the dialogue in certain scenes. Also, the comedic sound cues felt misplaced and distracting, like the glass shattering sounds.

CHARACTERS & ACTING ₊ ⊹❀
Bai Lu as Hua Ruyue | Li Qingyue
Hua Ru Yue is the most compassionate immortal god to exist. From the moment she first opened her eyes to the world, her heart was already soft. Despite her divine status, she never turned a blind eye to mortals suffering. She saw their pain, recognized their worth, and treated them not as lesser beings, but as lives equally deserving of dignity and care. Beneath her gentle spirit, lies an unshakable will. Hua Ruyue doesn't confine herself to the rigid laws of heaven, nor does she flinch at the face of fate. She is strong minded and unyielding, she follows her own truth even when the cost is great.

Meeting Meng Chi, a mortal whom she saved, marked the beginning of Hua Ruyue’s fated entanglement with cause and effect. His life was like a mirror — one that reflected the eternal divide between immortals and mortals. Birth, aging, sickness, death… the joys and sorrows of mortal life pass like fleeting shadows in the eyes of gods. But in an instant, Hua Ruyue came to understand the weight of those fleeting moments. She saw how "love" — that fragile, flickering flame, is what mortals cling to even when knowing they are destined to fade. And in that, she realized how divine power means nothing if it’s only used to look down with pity. Its true meaning lies in the courage to share in the pain of all living beings.

Though Meng Chi's life was brief, his impact on Hua Ruyue was profound. She came to see that if immortals are eternal but unfeeling, then they are no different from stone. Mortals may be fragile, but their suffering, born of love and foolish hope, weighs heavier than the sky. Hua Ruyue’s sword did not only slay the drought dragon — it shattered the cold, unyielding rules of the heavenly realm. For only by loving the fleeting can one become unafraid of the impermanence of life.

But even the kindest hearts can break. Hua Ruyue’s descent into hatred was never born of malice, but from heartbreak. A grief so vast, it devoured her light and twisted her love into vengeance. Losing her child, Shi An, was a wound deeper than any suffering she endured afterward. Her hatred towards Bai Jiusi blinded her to the truth, but before she was an immortal god Siling, she was a grieving mother. Hua Ruyue was trapped between the thin line of love and hatred, and though her anger burned fiercely, it was clear she still only loved Bai Jiusi. Each time she tried to kill him, she wasn't afraid to die along with him, because deep down, that love never left. And if proof was ever needed, it lies in Li Qingyue. Although she wasn't real, she was still Hua Ruyue, a part of her untouched by time, pain, and betrayal. How can someone who has endured so much still carry a version of herself so loving, so pure, so tender? That alone speaks of a heart that never fully closed — of a love that, no matter how scarred, still quietly endured.

Hua Ruyue was able to let go of her hatred through the quiet acceptance. It was the time artifact which Xiao Jingshan gave her that allowed her this final journey. She wasn't returning to the past to alter the future or reverse her pain. Instead, she was rewriting it as an act of healing, a way of finding peace within herself. This time, she chose to reunite with Bai Jiusi once more, not as someone who is broken by grief, but as someone who had lived through it, carried its weight, and slowly learned to lay it down. She approached him no longer as a mother ravaged by loss, but as Hua Ruyue, a woman who had loved deeply, suffered greatly, and finally made peace with both.

Hua Ruyue is now undoubtedly one of my most favorite character that Bai Lu had portrayed. She didn't disappoint. She delivered a performance that was both powerful and deeply moving. I have always admired her talent, especially in angsty and emotionally charged scenes, yet she still managed to surprise me with her stellar performance here, particularly during the revelation of Hua Ruyue's suffering in the mortal realm. Those scenes were gut-wrenching, it reminded me of the same emotional devastation I felt when watching her in One and Only. This truly stands out as one of her finest performances to have ever come around. Although, it is a pity that she didn't dub the character herself, her raw acting carried every scene with grace and intensity.

Zeng Shunxi as Bai Jiusi
Bai Jiusi is the opposite of Hua Ruyue. He is bound by the laws of heaven and carried the immense burden of guarding the infinite steel. He had a great sense of responsibility and never wavered from his duty, he was someone more restrained. Unlike Hua Ruyue, he doesn't resist the wheel of fate but accepts it. This wasn’t because he lacked the courage to fight, but because he believes in a natural cycle governed by karma and heaven's order. But that acceptance came at a cost.

Beneath his composed exterior lies a soul full of ache. He loved Hua Ruyue deeply, yet he never once voiced it aloud. Instead, his love was reflected in the way he remained steady, like still water, quietly enduring the storm of her resentment. Every part of him belonged to her. That love never wavered— not even when he lost his memories, not even when his soul was shattered. Even his sword remembered only the love he bore for Hua Ruyue.

Bai Jiusi's tragedy is that of a man who loved too deeply but spoke too little. He often chose restraint over expression as a way to protect others. But in doing so, he unknowingly built a wall between himself and Hua Ruyue. His passivity, though rooted in care, became the very force that allowed distance and misunderstanding to take root. He was not without flaws. Every time he withheld his truth, every time he let the moment pass without reaching for her, the space between them grew. His understanding became a substitute for confrontation, and in trying not to hurt her, he ended up letting her hurt alone. The weight of things unsaid, pain endured quietly and love never spoken became the very ache that defined their bond. In the end, his greatest flaw wasn’t a lack of love, but the silence that cloaked it.

After he learned the truth of Hua Ruyue's suffering and his unintentional role in Shi An's death, he became consumed by overwhelming guilt. That realization shattered what little composure he had left, however, he didn't try to justify himself. His redemption came in the form of self-erasure — allowing Hua Ruyue to strike him down if it could ease even a fraction of her grief. And even in death or near-death, his love remained resolute, never tainted by bitterness or resentment. He let himself become the villain in her story because he believed her pain mattered more than clearing his name.

Yet, his ultimate redemption was not in dying, but in surviving long enough to be there when Hua Ruyue finally let go of her hatred. He was still there, quietly enduring, when she returned from the past having found her peace. And that quiet reunion, free of drama or grand declarations, was his final offering. His love was the kind that asked for nothing in return, a love that didn't seek to be seen, but only to remain.

Zeng Shunxi's performance is remarkable considering this is his first time starring in a xianxia genre drama. His portrayal of Bai Jiusi's inner turmoil and quiet devotion with subtlety spoke volumes of his emotions even in silence. The expression in his eyes which often held more sorrow than words could express added depth to his character. He absolutely also gave an impactful and memorable performance with his heavier scenes. I am looking forward to see him act in this genre again.

OSTs ₊ ⊹❀
The drama didn't have any powerhouse OSTs and the rest of the songs used were not that memorable. The only two songs which I really ended up loving were the ones sang by Bai Lu and Joseph, both these songs had lyrics that matched with the story and characters too.

OVERALL IMPRESSION ₊ ⊹❀
Feud is a compelling tale that goes beyond romance and traditional xianxia. It explores the fragility of love, the devastation of grief, and the moral ambiguity of choice. With its rich character depth, emotional storytelling, and quiet reflections on healing and forgiveness, it's a drama that lingers, not because of how dramatic it is, but because of how deeply it makes you feel. This drama was worth every emotion it pulled from me. I genuinely hope to see Bai Lu and Zeng Shunxi reunite in another project, as their chemistry and performances left a lasting impression.

FAVE SCENES ₊ ⊹❀
- Li Qingyue proposal to Bai Jiusi
- Fan Linger using her shadow to kill Li Qingyue
- Revelation of Li Qingyue being Hua Ruyue
- Sweet moments of Bai Jiusi and Hua Ruyue during the first time they descended to the mortal realm
- Hua Ruyue seeing Meng Chi's painting of her after he passed away
- Hua Ruyue walking to awaken Bai Jiusi who was frozen
- Bai Jiusi learning how to coax his wife from his friends
- Bai Jiusi's amnesia and search of his wife
- Hua Ruyue and her masters late night drinking talks
- Hua Ruyue time with Shi An
- Bai Jiusi soul guiding Hua Ruyue during the final fight

˖ . ݁❀𝜗𝜚❀. ݁₊

"In the long endless night, only the sun brings light. The warmth of the sun is like hope at the end of darkness. And that radiant warmth is what the color gold is like" — Hua Ruyue

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Somewhere inside Goblin, buried under a mound of PPL and tears, is a good show trying to get out. The first two episodes suggest what might have been, deftly mixing intense action and off-beat humor in a dark world filled with ominous reapers, wounded goblins, ghost-seeing teenagers and cabbage-wielding grannies. The stage seems set for a life and death clash of epic proportions. Alas, it soon becomes apparent that the writer forgot to include an antagonist. The goblin-reaper face-off devolves into a chummy bromance, leaving “fate” to play the role of spoiler. Unfortunately, it’s hard to fight disembodied destiny. Whole episodes are spent weeping in pretty scenery and eating Subway sandwiches. The talented cast tries to up the urgency, but with nothing tangible to battle, the pacing slows to a crawl. The extended episode lengths and the director’s tendency to linger a little too long on every moment exacerbate the problem. Even the romance falters on the uncomfortable age gap between the protagonists.

Every so often. interesting ideas pop up about guilt, redemption, and the role of kindness in a cosmos more random than rewarding. Alas, the fickle gods that rule this universe stay above the fray. A drama that actually allowed its characters to take them on rather than simply lamenting their cruelty could have been powerful indeed.

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Before any of you die-hard BoF fans rage at me for the ratings, please not that this is my own *personal* opinion, ergo you don't have to read it if you don't like it. II'm not trying to be mean or rude, I'm just saying that everyone has an opinion and you have to accept that.
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"Boys Over Flowers" might have been my first drama ever, but I can't really remember. I do remember that this was the first drama I watched I finished. At the time, I really had no idea what to expect, but seeing how much the friend who introduced it to me loved this drama, I figured it had to be pretty good. So I watched it and wondered how exactly a mess like this got such high ratings.
Story: Speaking from an objective standpoint, BoF is a hot mess. The fans must have been really forgiving to fall in love with characters who drove kids to suicide, and a story that had the main couple breaking up and getting together pretty much every other episode. I like romance and watching the OTP get through conflicts victorious, but I also like having another overlying story arc to keep me interested. In here, was there even something beyond Jan Di's and Jun Pyo's romance? I didn't even ship them.
Acting: Lee Min Ho, despite his mane of shame, is a good actor. I haven't really seen him anywhere else, but he's good here. Kim Bum is outstanding and his chemistry with Kim So Eun was pretty much the only reason I kept watching this. Kim Joon didn't really have that many scenes, but he was good and I'm fairly certain the only reason Kim Hyun Joong is here is because they needed another "flower boy" and were running short. He's really not that great of an actor, but pretty moves mountains. I'm not a hater, since I'm a huge fan of his music, but maybe he can brush up on his acting. Ko Hye Sun, frankly speaking, annoyed me to no end. Not just her character, but her in general. I don't think I'll ever watch a drama with her ever again. She's not a bad actor, but I don't feel like she's particularly good either. Plus, her chemistry with Lee Min Ho felt a bit forced.
Music: I'm still not sure if it was meant to be so funny. "Almost Paradise" killed me no matter what scene it showed up in. The director was really unwieldy in using the music wisely and spacing out the songs, so most of the other music grated on my nerves by episode 15.
Rewatch Value: Ha. No. Never. You would have to pay me to get me to sit through it. This drama may have been other people's favorite, but to me it was tedious and long. The plot spun in circles and the angst shot through the roof and there was still no plot beyond Jan Di and Jun Pyo.
Overall: This drama was so popular for a reason, I guess. Pretty is such a powerful force its nearly sentient. Another reason? If you were sincerely rooting for the main couple and honestly really liked them together, you would watch just for them and for the gratification that came with seeing them together. If you really did not care about the main couple, you would probably throw your computer out a window.

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Left Underwhelmed

I was excited to watch this movie after seeing its praise and hype continuously pop up in my news feed, as well as in light of the many prestigious awards it's won. However, having finished it, I must say that I am firmly rooted in the camp that's left a little underwhelmed. I found the movie entertaining and remained interested until the end, but for reasons stated below, I couldn't bring myself to rate it as highly as others have.

Perhaps the best thing about this film are the actors. Each one was amazing, performing incredibly well in his or her role. That said, the characters fell flat for me. All of them were stock characters: one-dimensional creations that lacked depth and complexity. The plot left me feeling like little was accomplished, and story lines felt under-developed and rushed. Certain scenes seemed to be added only for the sake of shock value; they added little (if anything) to the story and didn't, in my opinion, serve much meaningful purpose. The theme of class warfare, which has been highly praised as one of the film's accomplishments, was superficial and shallow, relying on stereotypes to portray a message that could have been explored more deeply had more time been spent on it.

Overall, it's a decent movie, but I wouldn't call it a masterpiece. For as many awards as it won, I wouldn't say that this is the best Korea has to offer (which is what I'd expect given the number of accolades). It's not that I don't understand what the writer and director were trying to accomplish and portray; it's that the message got lost in one-dimensional, stereotypical characters and situations, as well as scenes that added little to the story beyond gratuity and cheap thrills.

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Our Beloved Summer; The “ Break Up” Story With A Twist…

The “ break up” story is a trope in rom-coms which is timeless. Main lead meets main lead, a love story ensues only for the characters to end their relationship through an acrimonious breakup. However whilst Lee Na Eun’s screenplay alongside the directing reigns of Kim Yoon Jin offered viewers a fairly heartwarming coming-of-age tale with an element of mystique , it is important to establish that the drama rarely touched upon new subject areas or topics either.

In the past Choi Woong ( Choi Woo-shik) and Kook Yeon-Su(Kim Da-Mi) were high school classmates and polar opposites. Whilst Yeon-Su was an intelligent, hardworking and top-achieving student, Choi Woong was a laidback teen during his high school days; caring little about being a low-ranking student and being focused upon his artistic abilities instead. By a whim of fate, Yeon-Su and Woong discovered that they were chosen as the main subjects (,out of wide selection of candidates,) for an indie-style filmed-documentary.

Even after the documentary finished filming , Woong and Yeong-Su’s mutuality for one another soon grew into sincere feelings as the duo began to date during their college years. However, shortly after finishing their respected diplomas, the former sweethearts went their separate ways with the intention of never meeting one another again,but, fate has an odd way of bringing people back together . Several years into the future , the documentary has become gained a viral cult -following and consequently both main leads find themselves reunited once more.

‘ Our Beloved Summer’ is a fairly lighthearted watch for the most part. Whilst the series does run highly upon certain elements of angst and melodrama surrounding certain relationship dynamics and unrequited feelings , Lee Na Eun’s focal drive of the series surrounded mainly the relationship dynamic between its main leads.

Of course, it’s wrong to say that ‘ Our Beloved Summer’ wasn’t entirely
absent from its more droning “lovey-dovey exchanges” and tedious romantic setups, but, in a series where the focal point surrounds a niche break-up story and potential love story ( which could either irk or appease audiences), satire is sometimes quintessential to helping break the ice. Director Kim Yoon Jin presented the series as a self-conscious reflection of popular culture influences and references. The insertion of evident allegorical homages to different genre films such as; I Know What You Did Last Summer’, 10 Things I Hate About You’, ‘ Pride And Prejudice’, ‘ Catch Me If You Can’ ‘ Love Actually’ helped to present the different emotional stages of the main leads’ relationship in an obvious yet admittedly intuitive manner.


Yet whilst Kim Yoon Jin’s clever usage of titles and filming will certainly not go amiss amongst viewers, there is admittedly one elephant in the room which should be addressed openly surrounding the series; , the pacing. For the most part, ‘ Our Beloved Summer’ is slow-burn. Whilst the average episode could last around an hour and did take time to focus upon certain elements of relationship and character building, the series could feel somewhat dragged out by the latter-half also.

Naturally it isn’t always necessary for a series to have a specific antagonistic force or evident end goal. However for a series to keep viewers engaged characters can often be presented with motives, drives and personal goals in-between the main storyline to give flare or help to flesh-out character building. Whilst we did see some opportunities for this to happen with certain characters, the main leads were rarely given a more dynamic or personal raison d’être as characters. ( Aside from the potential impositions of their relationship or character drive for the “sake of plot”. ) As a consequence, ‘ Our Beloved Summer’ could sometimes feel as though it was slightly conflicted and dragged down by its pacing. Instead of either compacting the series into twelve episodes or attempting to add a more decisive plot-motivation, cliche misunderstandings, misconceptions and niche setups began to arise as the storyline entered its final part.


Nevertheless, the main cast were fairly dynamic as our main leads. Choi Woo-Shik versatility as an actor is proven again within his charismatic performance as main lead Choi Woong; a formerly deadbeat student and a successful artist and illustrator in adulthood who has shared complicated feelings for female lead Kook Yeon-Su.

Admittedly, Choi Woong could often feel shoehorned into “ plot” moments and tension in order to keep the storyline “ intriguing” . ( Incliding through several main subplots .) Yet rather than allowing the main lead to become the reimbursed “ vengeful lover” or “ cold and aloof” trope, screenwriter Lee Na Eun adds an air of subtlety within his equilibrated character strengths and flaws. He has an endearing relationship with his father ( Park Won-Sang) and mother ( Seo Jeong-Yeon) as well as with his best friend Kim Ji Woong ( Kim Sung Chul).

Costarring alongside Choi Woo-Shik is Kim-Da Mi. The actress likewise presented her persona as main female lead Kook Yeon-Su with a dynamic ambience onscreen. At times, Yeon-Su initially could often feel like a carte blanche female lead; enforced to become the “ polar opposite” to Yeon-Su. However , ‘ Our Beloved Summer’ rarely shied away from giving golden opportunities for viewers to understand more about her as a character . Her misconceptions and labels placed upon her from others, a surprisingly heartwarming relationship with her quick-witted grandmother Kang Ja Kyung ( Cha Mi Kyung), as well as most notably coming to terms with her mundane office job , did allow some intuitive insights into Yeon-Su’s persona.

From being at one another’s throats in ‘ The Witch; Part 1’ to former-lovers in ‘Our Beloved Summer’, Kim Da-Mi and Choi Woo-Shik’s onscreen chemistry was undeniably one of the driving strengths of the series. However whilst Da-Mi and Woo Shik’s chemistry was sweet and heartfelt, their characters’ onscreen relationship could admittedly a feel a little shoehorned at times through plot and did place slight strain upon the written relationship feeling natural.

Kim Sung Chul’s role as Kim Ji-woong played a pivotal role within kicking off certain events of the series. Admittedly Ji Woong’s presence during initial events and revelations of the series could admittedly feel a little staid at the best of times but his involvement in later events of the drama is provided as necessary for plot-drive.

Then there’s also second female lead NJ ( Roh Jong Eui) ; a popular K-pop idol who becomes enamoured by main male lead Choi Woong after he doesn’t fall for her charms. Unsurprisingly, NJ’s role in the series was evident from the beginning to present an “ obstacle” within the battlefield of affections for the main leads. However , rather than reimbursing NJ as the “ jealous second female lead” archetype, the series does provide some golden-opportunities to explore some more depth behind NJ’s feelings as well as her personal-growth.

Director Kim Yoon Jin seemed to have a fairly tactful eye behind the camera also. Professional long distant shots and close-ups were cleanly cut , unobstructed and slick in order to delve into the characters’ mindsets and daily lives. In particular, Yoon Jin’s presentation of vivid palettes and tones stood out through the frequent usage of mellow-yellows, tonal whites and blues in order to bring about a hazy tone of nostalgia throughout the entirety of the narrative.

The OST was mainly subtle and predominantly composed of gentle instrumentals - sweet and helping for viewers to focus on dialogue ( instead of lyrics), but admittedly certain tracks delivering a more emotional and memorable impact also.

It was evident to see from the outset that ‘ Our Beloved Summer’ would attract a lot of intrigue and interest from its main cast; particularly A-listers Choi Woo Shik and Kim Da Mi’s dynamic onscreen reunion and performances. However despite the series offering a different take on old tropes and diverging from expected character archetypes with a touch of depth , ‘ Our Beloved Summer’ could sometimes feel weighed down by its predictable setups and inconsistent pacing in parts. Nevertheless, whilst ‘ Our Beloved Summer’ did not possess an original setup, the series was a surprisingly heartwarming watch also.

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Perfectly paced and focused

This is officially the best break-up, moving-on, and recovering/healing drama ever. Not just in K-drama land, but in the entire world and in history.

Maybe it's too early to claim that, but 6 episodes in, and it's very evident already.

They let us see up close and personal what a person who loves someone so much, have given them everything, feels like and goes through after a nasty break-up, (specially because of cheating).

They did not rush the story. It was paced well, to bring out the emotions, the pain, the hurt. The psychological impact, and ultimately, how a person can get back on their feet.

The monologues were awesome as well. Every single one of it were felt. They showed us the process.

And as someone who have been in such a situation, Yoo In Na captured everything so well. Did she experience it herself? Because gawd, that was me. Desperate. Shaking. Hopeful. End-of-the-world. Will take all the blame, will even take the blame for killing Abel, or Julius Caesar. Will turn a blind-eye. Will even accept sharing your partner! Because at that moment, you're thinking you can not live without them.

You can not accept the new reality in front of you. You want to move on, but the new reality is unrealistic. You are not in denial anymore (otherwise you wouldn't even beg), you just do not want to embrace your new reality. You want to run away from it.

“No, that's not a reality I will accept, I can make this work, I can choose which reality I want, I can manifest it.”

It will be for a long while before this show is dethroned in my list as the #1 break-up, moving-on, recovering/healing relationship story.

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Watch the first 15 episodes only

I am writing my first review out of frustration with this show. It is a shame because it had a promising start, which is partly why I at least wanted to write this. After all, I felt I invested a good amount of time watching this show, only to be short-changed at the end. You wanted to see how they will separate and find each other again, but after their major break-up in the middle, the show would spend 13 of the rest of its episodes with the FL just hating the ML and pushing him away, only to suddenly realize at the last episode that she is lonely enough and realize that is she okay now to get back with him. The show spent such a long time with their reconciliation, dragging it along with such a bad story arc of revenge, a third richer guy competing with the ML, and business stuff. By the time you get to the end and the leads reconnect, you are left with a lingering annoyance, asking yourself what just happened. By this time, you are so frustrated with them dragging the story along that you just could not feel happy when they finally got back together AT THE LAST EPISODE because it just felt so rushed and out of nowhere. Especially the decision process of the FL, she and her friend were just really annoying with their bitterness and desire to be successful. I mean there is no pay-off in terms of maturing or learning from their mistakes, the two women are just miserable, until the 2nd girl gets cancer, and the FL suddenly just misses the guy that she tried to push away really aggressively, even sabotaging his business, and just decides okay let's get back together. Again, by this time, you are just so mad at her that you don't want them to end up together anymore. As I painstakingly watched the show progress, I learned that the writer is known for such endings, so next time I will steer clear of said writer's work. they say the source was a bit darker, but the writer of the show managed to make it worse by dragging it along. Like I said, watch until the middle, then move on... because after this the series becomes with a story that could not get out of its angst.

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Just adorable

Okay so I don’t like crude humour, so I dropped this show in episode 1, only to pick it up again and grow to love it.

The plot is light, fast paced, humorous and romantic. This drama is the ultimate antidote to a stressful and hectic life. It has a great heart, excellent character acting, and is actually deeply romantic. It is one of the most comforting and reliable dramas I’ve seen.

While I love all of the characters, Ma Tan with his Mr Darcy type persona was my favourite and his love line was very sweet. I’m at episode 10 so 🤞I just hope that he gets the girl because she’s amazing too. Looking for a warm-hearted hug of a drama? Look no further, this one’s for you.

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A weak manga improved but it could not reach "the proper way"

The story starts as revenge story, but even half way through the series we all know it's not about revenge anymore. It's about the struggles and misunderstandings of Hiro who has to come to terms of his feelings. It's more a coming of age story then anything else. In contrast Natsou always was clear in his feelings but he did most things wrong to the person he already loved in school. Not only by peer pressure but he could not express his feelings at all.

The original manga was just a side story and a very short one at that. It did not really explain a lot or had a big scope to go on. So this series struggles a bit to fill in the gaps. It seems that Hiros only changed his appearance to be another person, but he also changed to be more outgoing and to be able to talk to people. That's why I think he choose to be a hairstylist/hairdresser because he has to interact with people. He emanates confidence in his job but he is still struggeling outside of it.

While we got two episodes per week for 1 through 6, we had to wait a week for the finale. At least the finale did boost this show in the end and the NC scene was more than unexpected from a JBL. No dead fish kisses was refreshing after some shows lately, which failed to go "the extra mile". A special bonus for me is that the height difference and characters impressions were reversed for the top/bottom expectation. That was a nice touch.

Production was well done, acting was very good even when I thought Natsou looked a bit old compared to his partner even when they are the same age in real life (The story plays out 4 years after graduation, so they should be around 22). Or the other way around, Hiro was the more believeable character in looks and acting. The story struggeled a bit doing a good job, because Natsou seems a bit too dumb not to catch on early and also the pacing is sometimes choppy in some episodes. The struggles for Hiro were very well expressed. Overall an enjoyable show which did not do the stereotypical BL things and even when you could count it as "enemies to lovers" tropé. It tried very hard not to go in any clichés. For me it feels more realistic compared to other shows and that's why it's worth a watch.

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CONTENT
- A female character with very little personality, bravery and cowardice, intelligence and stupidity and the superpower of visualizing very faint sounds.
- A male lead who strongly respects the law but curses, threatens, yells and physically hurts people a lot.
- A "psychopath" murderer with a very superficial diagnose and very adventurous symptoms.
- Corrupt people with power and informative side characters with somewhat of a spark.

This drama contains a lot of blurred gore and insane deaths. There will be blood and what they claim are "smashed heads", a lot of fighting scenes, stabbing, shooting and punching. There is no romance, and chances of crying are low. Medium if you're sensitive.

Not very bingeable. I got tired of it easily when some episodes felt dragged out and predictable.

Some scenes were very powerful and dark and really made it hard for me to sleep. They had some very creepy elements and the director did a good job sparking discomfort in the viewer. I liked the concept that every episode had a new, smaller case, that lead the main characters closer to the person they were trying to catch. Although some scenes were very unrealistic and this drama contains a ton of mistakes, some cases were very exciting to watch and kept me at the edge of my seat.

I have to say though, this is not the best crime drama I've ever seen. Most of the time, I was annoyed with the characters, disappointed with the twists, and calling plot holes. I can't praise the actors too much either. The only person I think did an amazing job, would be Kim Jae wook. He played his role perfectly until the end.

If you want a daring crime drama without romance, but don't care too much about details. I guess this drama is for you.

ENJOY!!

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Love Wins

I really wish this could have been a full-length drama and not a short-episode series.

I would have loved to see the back stories of our ML & FL - two flawed, broken people who come to know and accept love despite their past. I loved the chemistry between them. I loved that he was the weaker of the two, but he loved her enough to let her go. I loved how no matter how much she denied it at first, she finally let him love her till she was able to love him too.

Their love scenes were tender and sweet, even with the chaste kisses. The cinematography added to the unspoken romantic interactions of the lead couple and was quite appealing and effective.

Loved the interjection of the time traveler and her sweet (well-deserved) ending. Hilarious!

I will definitely watch this one over and over again.

*Update - I had to amend the rating I originally gave this drama because I have come back to rewatch so many times! I hope there will be a Season 2.

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The best ending, power couple with a child and both their families' blessings

What makes interesting from start to end is having a power couple. Yining who used to be an outcast when her mom died met Shen Yuan who was also an outcast at that time because his mom was a maid and his father never accepted him. However, when they solve cases, they make the best pair. The male lead knows martial arts and became a scholar's student and the top scholar himself. He has book knowledge, sword skills, and business skills. In his family, he is ordinary but outside, at nights, he's the most dangerous assassin you wouldn't want to meet. Yining is a smart female lead and didn't have to be the-princess-needs-rescuing-type all the time. In other dramas the family matters usually take time to unfold and be solved becoming draggy but things are fast paced for Rise of Ning.

The second male lead's obsession is dangerous. He won't take No for an answer. He was an eye sore because he can't move on and kept pestering the female lead. The only thing I find skipable were all those flashbacks of him and Yining as Mei in the past, I think it's too much. I wasn't sad when he shielded Yining from the arrow because I think he was the target but yeah they gave him a redemption arc.

Yining using kindness to melt her stepsister's heart is one of her best traits I love and we did not have to see her and her stepsister destroy each other and drag on the episodes .This is one of the reasons I love this drama, things go fast paced and solved
I love the two families. I was nervous I thought he lost Duke Ying, her real father when I was growing find of him as her father. On the other hand, throughout the story, there's always a behind the scene.

Rise of Ning has different themes of love included, mother-daughter, father-son, siblings, grandparent-grandchildren, and romantic partners.
One of mother-daughter scenes were the situation of the sixth lady and her mother. Her mother had good intentions as a mom but used the wrong methods. She became too obsessed with her children's marriages without regards to their happiness. Yining's mom became a victim of her jealousy and false assumptions too. she got what she deserved

My favorite people beside the power couple and the grandmas of both families are the second couple and the goose, Madam Lin the best mom for both Yining and Shen Yuan and Duke Ying is the father of the year.
Ren Min's make up is beautifully done, when she lets loose her hair, it's much better on her. I love her as Yining and her chemistry with Zhang Wanyi as Shen Yuan. I love Zhang Wanyi's acting here, when he fights, he looks awesome. They are both magnificent.
, don't miss this out, slow burn but mixed with comedy and is not drama heavy, transitions were smooth, the ending is not rushed, story is wrapped up well,

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