Reviews

I'm so surprised when i hear that a lot of people have never heard of this drama. i feel like it should be a classic. The story is very original and different from the typical rich boy, poor girl type that we usually see. Its a first time ive seen a drama deal with age difference being the main problem in the relationship, especially not when its the girl who is older.
i absolutely loved the fact that this drama was sort of... risqué. It doesn't try to conceal the truth about relationships and talks about couples sleeping together as it is; a normal thing. This is something i have NEVER even come close to seeing in a Korean drama. The acting was really good. Also, the character's were all pretty realistic too. There wasn't any "crazy" psycho girl that you want to punch in the face, like a lot of dramas these days. I really, really loved this drama and i can't wait to watch it again. This is definitely one of my favourites.

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Story: After reading the summary, you might think that this is just another cliche love story; and it is. There are many movies and TV shows that deal with romance with a supernatural element. It's been done before, many times, but this drama is much different from what you'd expect. I didn't expect much depth within the plot, but there was. There was so much emotion that as a person who never cries, I got a bit teary eyed at the ending. The first few episodes were great, I found it quite interesting to see Tak run around like that and trying to deal with what was happening. It gets a bit boring for an episode or 2 there, but then it picks right back up again and really starts to get serious as it's then starts to focus on the relationship between the two leads. This mini series shows not a light hearted romance, but a great love story with a good lesson learned, which I enjoyed to see. A bad ending usually ruins good shows for me, but there was none of that. I was completely satisfied with the ending, which can be hard to come by. It ended happily and there were no loose ends. To clear one thing up though, one other review said that the plot was confusing, but in my opinion, it was quite easy to follow along if you really pay attention. The show is more complex than it seems.

Acting/Cast: The acting done by the cast was better than I've seen in most dramas. To say it was good is an understatement, there was such genuine emotion in each scene and it all felt very real. L and Yoon So Hee did such a great job with their characters and their relationship. The only thing that actually bugged me was about Taks character. At first, I really wasn't into Tak. I wasn't sure how he could turn into a complete jerk, even through such stress. It did frustrate me, but it was nice to see an imperfect character get knocked back to his senses.

Music: I'm really not trying to overdo this review with more compliments than it deserves, but the OST in this mini series was so note worthy. The soundtrack was so great to listen to, and it fit the band and the vibe of the show very well. I especially liked the last song, One More Time, I felt that song was absolutely perfect to finish the drama off.

Re-watch Value: I don't re-watch dramas a lot, especially ones with complex stories. I'd rather re-watch shows where all you have to do is laugh and smile. As good as this was, I might just save it as a memory, I don't think I'll re-watch it all by myself. With a friend however, I can totally do that.

Overall: I wanted to give this drama a 9.5 for how I felt about it after just watching it, but after some thinking, I gave it a 9 for everything I said above. With the ratings and the other review, you might think on skipping this one, but I'm here to say that this is a mini series worth watching. It's a 4 hour long ride, so if you feel like it's not you're thing early on, give it a chance to prove itself.

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A Refreshing dive into 2023

HALF WAY REVIEW+ FINAL REVIEW
You're probably wondering if you should check
out this drama. My suggestion is a solid Yes 👌 And here are my reasons.

[Gonna be a midway review since I'm following This ongoing gem haha. I'm reviewing this so anyone hesitant about this drama will give it a go, Will drop a final review]

This drama seems pretty much underrated, Obviously for the reason of not having Top ranking cast. Only.

But from eps I've seen so far, it's absolutely more dept and solid than Most 2022 Cdrama out there. Trust me when I say, More Solid!

Plot.
Plot might seem like your usual high school blah blah blah, But oh, I was in for a little surprise. although not the most solid plot out there, but Oh dear, it was Something relatable lovely to view. A sweet highschool love story with a pinch of intriguing twist. curious? Check it out then🌝

Leads,
Of course they got that bubbly chemistry you see in most High school drama and that's what makes it Lovely to see two cuties cutely fall in love hehehe.

ML was basically a heartthrob to go for, His acting is surprisingly good for a first official drama from him! ( I think it's his first drama) He got the looks, refreshing and natural acting, and the pretty eyes and stare! what's there to not love.
FL? She gives off that normal highschool girl energy you always see. (Don't be fooled by synopsis tho. she's smart but not as described by synopsis lol) she's basically your normal highschool girl in Cdrama.
SL (Second lead) Ay, I had a soft spot for him Lol and still do. That's my undying support for Most SL lol. He was a pretty much loveable , playful character that gives you that bad student vibes. A perfect lover for a girl ( Omg I need him in a drama ASAP 😭) but overall his acting is AMAZING like ML and he's too good to be a rookie actor.

support roles are just okay. Doing their Jobs and supporting leads. And I love how the script doesn't make these support roles overshadow the leads storyline.. pretty decent writing I see here.

Acting, Hmm. the acting in this drama got me thinking.. Wait omg are these rookie and underrated cast I see? Because hell they embodied that Highschool role so well that I'm already in love.

But there are certain downside to this nice dramas I think would need some touching.

Classic Cliche?
lol, what's a Highschool drama without these cliches. And it's obviously found in this drama too. but what I appreciate here is the fact that MOST of these cliche were handled nicely. But doesn't mean all. Because some scenes will obviously get you cringing haha.

which brings me to my pleading! Cdrama please shorten or remove these cliche and cringe 😭 We've had enough😂

Music? Well music in this drama wasn't ok to me. It's cringe af tho. Maybe not my taste? Because I don't even remember any of it and oops, I skip the opening theme so. Not so good music choice

Overall
Like I Said, It's indeed a fresh dive into 2023 and a worthy refreshing, cute, bubby, funny, youthful drama you should check out while you're beginning your 2023, Because this drama is indeed a Underrated Gem That's amazing.

Not the best of it's genre but amazing.

so why are you still reading??😭 Go and click on ep1

FINALLY DONE AND HERE'S FINAL THOUGHT

🌺 A FRESH AND FLUFFY DIVE INTO 2023🌺

Finally finished this drama and have no words to expressed other than, Nostalgic, Cute, sweet, Lovely and did I forget to say NOSTALGIC AND CUTE!

The journey of watching group of friends go through their bubbly and harsh days in highschool while ending up in wedding gowns, chasing dreams and love. That's the feeling I got.

This drama wasn't all that exceptional and didn't have the most outstanding plot, with Twist and such.No, it was Just genuine and sincere.

What was really fluttering here is basically the casting. wow, The casting was one to dig for. And to make me believe they're rookies? Omg they're pretty much natural with their acting! Pulling off the Highschool to adult trope, I was impressed!

The plot, like I Said isn't something exceptional. but it was indeed a highschool to adult trope worth the watch

The leads were compatible and good, second lead guy..omg I think I had a heartache ahha. And the support characters were simply solid. I loved each characters stories which was presented to us..the break-up and makeup 2nd couple, was just heartwarming.

And Can we just take a minute to appreciate the buddy bromance we got unexpectedly?🤣 I loved how this drama somewhat proved that long gotten friendship is often superior than Love. [we lost our 3rd CP because I guess the guy picked friendship, his childhood buddy. Now that's something you don't see everyday! Amazing 🥺]

Overall, this is simply a refreshing watch worth your time. Although the synopsis is a little bit deceiving... because I think it wasn't properly generated. But anyways it was better than I expected.

Finished my 1st cdrama of 2023🌺 and it was indeed a cute Gem. I'll indeed miss this squad and their tale. One of my favorites of 2023 anyways.

Title: TIME AND HIM ARE JUST RIGHT 2023

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The idea of putting together the trinity, in a setting that somewhat reminded me of 'Friends' was genius(ok well maybe not genius but the fanservice is totally appreciated) - it was a break from GMMtV's usual Friday night BL schedule - even without the BL elements.

The plot was kind of forced and silly - six guys with the same name living in one house. Each one has their own phobia and will overcome it with the help of each other. This is a family drama with each one having their own backstory and a time to shine, although i feel like Singto's screentime was less than the others.

The acting and the production is outstanding, their house (production design) is also great, i especially love seeing the full glory of the house during the end credits. The pacing is perfect.

What i love the most is just seeing all of them together. Their chemistry is fantastic, its like watching real friends in real life.

What i hate is the fact that it is shorter than the average Thai dramas, and with only eight episodes i am left wanting more! Also i feel like i may have enjoyed this drama simply because im already a fan of all these 6 actors, but if it maybe a different stort if this was seen by someone who doesnt know them at all.

Still, im thankful for this series and will be rewatching.

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Homecoming

Hometown is a psychological thriller that revolves around three main characters; police detective Choi Hyung In, convicted mass murderer Jo Kyung Ho, and his estranged sister Jo Jyung Hun. The premise is based on the preliminary investigation of a murder case which escalates into the search for a missing schoolgirl and subsequently the mystery surrounding the abduction of her classmate. Both events spark an explosive chain of events with wide-reaching implications for their family, friends and the community they belong to.

Originally an OCN production, it was eventually broadcast by sister channel, TVN. Directed by Park Hyun Suk (Stranger 2) based on the screenplay by Cho Hyun Hoon. Initially credited via his pseudonym of Joojin, the screenwriter was removed from the production credits altogether once his real identity had surfaced which resulted in controversy and public backlash due to his past sexual harrasment case. Choi Seong Gwon is engaged as the composer for the drama.

What to watch out for

The story is set in 2000 with a re-telling of events taking place in 1999 and frequent flashbacks to multiple timelines in the 1980s, particularly to a terror attack on a bus terminal in 1987. The storytelling is non-linear for the most part, which utilises parallel and converging plots based on the shared narrative of the three POV characters.

The eponymous hometown refers to the fictional town of Saju which is located in Gyeongsangnam or South Gyeongsang province. Nearly all characters in this drama speak the distinctive Gyeongsang dialect, as opposed to the central dialects (Seoul or Gyeonggi) that most viewers are perhaps used to.

Elements of mystery and horror are present throughout but, rather than outright terror and fright, the drama projects an overall eerie, ominous and psychologically disturbing aura. By the time the halfway point is reached, if not earlier, viewers should be quite aware of the direction of the story.

Expect trigger warnings in the form of drug references, abuse and bullying, as well as some violence resulting in depictions of blood and gore in certain scenes.

What I Liked

I enjoyed the storytelling approach which feels distinctively neo noir in terms of the visual language, compelling dialogue and the variety of complex characters written in the screenplay. We have the hard-boiled detective who does the nitty gritty legwork, the charismatic yet sinister psychopathic mass murderer and the frantic family member of the victim. Add to that an extremely detailed worldbuilding and a whole host of intriguing side characters ranging from the questionably dubious to the downright bizarre that make their truly disquieting presence felt.

The first 8 episodes of the drama felt the most captivating for me. This is largely because of the mystery surrounding the events at play and the infusion of a rather horrific scene that reeled me in right from the start. It is also during this stage that I found myself still able to sufficiently keep track of the happenings which connect the dots to the grand scheme of things.

The cast is, without question, absolutely outstanding. Yoo Jae Myung’s portrayal of Regional Investigation Unit’s Detective Choi Hyung In is utterly convincing. He made me believe that he truly is a seasoned yet somewhat traumatised cop, in a gripping performance that is reflective of his experience in the industry.

Likewise Uhm Tae Goo delivers a compelling depiction of convicted killer Jo Kyung Ho. This is my first time watching him and what a talent he is. The most nuanced of the main leads, his subtle interpretation of the intricately written role and the delicate articulation of his lines through a deceptively calm demeanour and soothing voice literally enthralled me into a false sense of security.

The drama also features the award-winning Han Ye Ri, fresh from making her Hollywood debut with the critically acclaimed Minari for which she garnered 4 nominations. She provides another fine performance through her captivating portrayal of Jo Jung Hyun, a woman struggling to break free from the burden of truth and her tormented past that threatens to overcome her seemingly bleak and hopeless existence.

I truly enjoyed the brilliant original score composed by Choi Seong Gwon. This is not easy listening music for relaxing with a glass of wine but the kind that elevates the sense of foreboding and completely immerses the mind into the dark and ominous atmospherics throughout. The soundtrack also features two OSTs performed in English that actually sounds more contemporary than the retro settings of the drama.

유라 Youra - Remember
문수진 Moon Sujin - Hide and Seek

What I Didn’t Appreciate As Much

As riveting and morbidly entertaining as this drama was, I would have preferred for the “supernatural” aspects to be the main focus and potential for driving the story development. This would have provided a different spin and a breath of fresh air to the genre. However, although the story takes a more familiar course, the sense of unpredictability still remains and even culminates in a rather surprising and unexpected outcome.

Speaking of unpredictability, either the rationale behind certain plot points or much-needed connecting scenes were sacrificed as part of efforts to induce viewers’ intrigue and suspense as well as, in my case, confusion. Perhaps this was also attributed to the shorter duration of the drama, at 12 episodes. A number of key events shown, particularly from episode 9 onwards, were never fully or properly explained. Without giving spoilers, let’s just say that viewers will have to formulate their own hypotheses as the story unfolds because ultimately the ending does not provide clarity for all the questions asked.

Adding to the air of uncertainty is the countless switching of timelines, sometimes captioned for viewers’ benefit but at times they occur unannounced. It certainly doesn’t help when the disparate scenes are acted by different sets of actors that I end up having to pause and rewind simply to ascertain who exactly these characters are.

Conclusion

On the whole, Hometown is a very good drama with high production quality and a top tier cast whose performances are deserving of praise. The slightly over complicated narrative, uneven storytelling, somewhat surrealistic setting and arguably lack of logical clarification particularly during the final quarter may give rise to bewilderment for some viewers, as it did for me. This perhaps hints at the drama's selective appeal, particularly for those who are fans of the genre rather than the casual watcher. Notwithstanding the issues, I still had an enjoyable (and moderately spine-chilling) time watching this absolutely binge-worthy drama.

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I cannot recall the last show that I found so gripping and intelligently written. I feel that this show has raised the bar for me and placed it considerably high. I simply didn't want it to end! A show that had me hooked from the 1st episode to the last one without a single low point or a hitch - it's hard to come across those. I'd like to warn you that this review might be a long one, but such a show deserves nothing but unabridged words from the heart.

The story was simply genius. The twists and turns didn't seem deliberate, the characters were true to life, the sub-plots were all significant as well! Nothing, and I really mean NOTHING was out of place. No side characters seemed forcefully added or hastily exited (Although the finale did seem to exclude an end to a tiny plot the writers were building, but I'm willing to squelch that itch in my brain). The story itself taught so much! I still remember the great things I learned from I Hear Your Voice and the writers haven't failed to teach me several things in this show either. There was such commendable courage, unconditional love, and selflessness shown in this drama, it simplifies many things that have become complicated in our lives these days. The main pivotal element, that brought freshness and brilliancy to the story, was the drama's namesake medical condition - Pinocchio Syndrome. The inability to lie brings such delightful reprieve from all the deceits and hidden truths and misunderstandings that come along with relationships. If only people were usually so honest and open about their emotions, things wouldn't be so complex. There are some of the most beautiful bonds that I saw in this show that I will never forget. I could go on and on about how remarkable the story of this show was, and still not say enough.

I need to take a deep breath before I begin about the actors. Why? Because I need to make coherent sentences from the heap of positive adjectives that are popping in my head. All I can think of, are words such as - Perfect, incredible, incomparable, outstanding, amazing, brilliant, etc. etc. I can certainly say that from the leads to the guest appearances, EVERY single actor, that worked on this show, deserves an applause or a pat on the back at least. I've never seen such a plethora of great performances, all in one show. Each performance of the actors seems to be imprinted in my head. Lee Jong Suk was positively dazzling throughout the series! And Park Shin Hye pleasantly surprised me with her remarkable portrayal of Choi In Ha. I'd never been a fan of hers, but I have to admit, she gave an absolutely stunning performance. The veteran actors, that were part of the cast, need no extra praise, they were great as always. A special mention for Jin Kyung and Kim Hae Sook though, these two ladies gave such captivating performances as the antagonists that I couldn't help but respect and admire their characters even while hating them. Kim Young Kwang and Lee Yoo Bi looked really promising! I've seen other works by these two, but Pinocchio definitely brought out the best of them, as well as every other actor in the cast.

The OSTs in the drama struck a chord in every situation they were played in. The music really brought forth the emotions and conveyed the intensity of the moments spectacularly. There were so many scenes where I simply shed tears because of the perfect harmony of the music and the script.

Which reminds me to mention the powerful script that the show had! Such impactful words, such brilliant dialogues! The chemistry between, not just the lead pair, but every actor was evident and impressive. I've run out of adjectives that I usually get to use while describing a show, but I still have many things I haven't been able to mention. The list of things that worked in the favor of the show is too long to post in this already too long review. If anybody has had the patience to read till now, I'd like to request you Dear Reader, do not let anything stop you from watching this show, it'll be one of the best you've ever seen. I can guarantee that. I'm off to place this in the top slot of my favorite dramas.

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Amazing Romance with Adorable Alien and Hot Man

This is absolutely an adorable drama. Light-hearted, cute, simply makes one laugh out loud for the silliness.

Wan Peng, playing the role of the alien girl, Chai Xiao Qi, looks like your next door neighbor's daughter with uneven teeth. It is precisely this look that makes her so adorable, pure and authentic. As an alien from another planet, she has never experienced love as we humans do on earth. All she's aware of works in high tech systems and codes. So while on earth, she is super sensitive to opposite hormonal beacons and strongly attracted to them. Despite being an alien, she is kind, upstanding and fair. New to me, but I must say Wan Peng is such an excellent actress and she nails the role perfectly. She is simply natural and convincing.

The male lead, Hsu Thassapak, plays the character Fang Leng. Appropriately named, Fang Leng is very good looking, cold and emotionless, with a loving heart for his little half brother. When their paths cross, the events that followed Chai Xiao Qi the alien and Fang Leng are hilarious, sweet and sexy. Also as a new actor to me, Hsu Thassapak is extremely good looking and hot with a perfect physique. Every move he makes is simply elegant and classy. He is such a wonderful actor and I'll be watching out for his new dramas.

Fang Leng has an unflattery name of being a casanova or a playboy, as he has a condition of not remembering or recognizing any women he dates after a rainstorm. Gradually, unaware of his own emotions, Fang Leng falls in love with Xiao Qi. Despite his condition, he does not forget Xiao Qi.

And for Xiao Qi, her goal is to retrieve her transponder so that she can return home to her planet. But no one can control love, not even for an alien; she falls for Fang Leng. She is tormented - to leave her love or stay and be away from home forever.

I love the relationship between Fang Leng and Xiao Qi, both caring for each other but at the same time, trying to hide their concerns for each other. I also love the relationships between Fang Leng and his little brother, and Fang Lie with Xiao Qi.

And of course, there are the antagonists, Fang Leng's employee, his ex-girlfriend, his step-mom and step-mom's brother. However, whatever schemes they come up with trying to hurt either Fang Leng or Xiao Qi, somehow, one way or another, the schemes are never successful.

Oh, have I mentioned the CGI tortoise? It's so adorable and well done.

This is a lovely drama to watch to help with my withdrawal syndrome from "The Untamed". Great chemistry. Must watch.

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This would be one of those dramas you regret not watching when you had the chance. Months before I completed the drama I decided to give this drama a go. However back then all I could think about was Ariel's annoying character from her successful drama It Started with a Kiss 1+2. I played the first 10-15 minutes before Chen Berlin
even appeared and I stopped watching. The first 15 minutes were slow, If I had known that I was a little bit more patient or gave this drama an actual chance then I would find myself falling in love just a few minutes after dropping. Why? Chen Berlin who is known as Li Da Ren in this gem of a drama appeared and he just lit the whole drama up.

I finished the first episode and I was already falling for this drama truly, madly and deeply. I found Ariel lovable! and Chen Berlin dashing!I would slap myself silly for not continuing after those 15 minutes. If only I gave the drama a real go then it would have been in my life longer. We all make silly mistakes and I should really watch 3-5 episodes before thinking about dropping.

So this drama is about two best friends who have known each other for about 10-15 years and one thing is certain from the very start.
Li Da Ren loves and has always loved Cheng You Qing. It is also obvisous that You Qing feels the same but she's a woman and she's naive and I guess you could say she's scared about losing Da Ren. Li Da Ren starts to date a girl called Maggie who is very annoying and If I ever come across a girl like Maggie I will run for the hills. The thing about Maggie is she plans and she plots. Maggie wants the perfect boyfriend/husband and this girl has a list of qualities her perfect man has to have and it just so happens Li Da Ren ticks all of her boxes (He would tick mine too) so this begins the love triangle. Even though I said "I would run for the hills" I would say she did help You Qing wake up a bit but You Qing is very complicated especially in her love life. This is when her ex-boyfriend comes back and they had/have a very intense relationship. You know the type one minute they are arguing and the next they are sucking each others faces off.

Throughout the whole drama we are rooting for Li Da Ren to win his girl! We want Cheng You Qing to wake up and realise that Li Da Ren has always and will always be there for her. He is her soulmate. This is the type of drama where you watch one episode and you don't go "I might watch episode 2 tomorrow" no...you say "Next episode NOW!" and you keep on saying that until you realise 13 hours of your life have passed and the drama is over. The couple is no more and you
won't see anymore Li Da Ren and Cheng You Qing scenes. You will find yourself depressed and it will probably take you about 1-3 weeks to find another drama. However those 1-3 weeks of depression are worth those beautiful 13 hours.

P.S:. If you think Ariel and Joe Cheng are IT then think again. It's all about Chen Berlin and Ariel!

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A PLEASANT SURPRISE!!!!

"Rise of Ning" is a captivating historical drama that tells the story of Yining, a girl who returns home after being cast away by her father as punishment. Upon her return, she navigates the complexities of her family relationships and the intricate politics surrounding them. The drama delves into the mysteries of her mother's death and the secrets of her birth, adding layers to the narrative.

As Yining reconnects with her family, she encounters a man who is intricately linked to her past and is also ostracized due to his origins. This relationship adds depth to the story, as both characters work together to confront the adversities posed by their family dynamics. The series primarily focuses on the various family relationships and the political intrigue within them, showcasing how the female and male leads support each other in their individual battles.

I initially watched this drama for the cast, particularly Ren Min, who portrays the female lead. I have admired her work in various projects before. Similarly, I was drawn to Zhang Wanyi, the male lead, who I had previously seen in the historical drama "Are You the One." However, beyond the impressive casting, I found myself falling in love with the story's buildup and development.

The narrative, centered around family, adversities, and complicated relationships, is both intriguing and engaging. The writer skillfully navigates potential pitfalls in the plot, ensuring that the story remains cohesive and captivating. Although the pacing starts off a bit slow, it serves as an essential part of the overall buildup, ultimately keeping me entertained and invested in the characters' journeys.

Given that this drama revolves around family politics, one might expect it to lean heavily into darker themes. However, despite its deep and heavy plot, "Rise of Ning" manages to maintain a light and relaxing tone, which I found refreshing.

One of the standout aspects of the series is the way its characters are written, particularly the main leads. The female lead is portrayed as quick-witted, smart, and emotionally and mentally strong. While she may not be physically powerful, her vulnerability makes her relatable and human. I loved how she embodies both strength and vulnerability; she isn't a warrior and doesn't rely on physical combat but instead uses her intelligence to navigate various challenges. She also assists the male lead in overcoming his own obstacles.

On the other hand, the male lead is characterized by his calm and gentle demeanor, combined with a sharp intellect. He possesses a tough side that emerges only when provoked, which I admired. Together, these two characters shine throughout the series. For the first time, I felt that neither lead overshadowed the other; instead, they both stood out in their own right, complementing each other beautifully. Their dynamic as a team was incredible, and I loved their teamwork.

Additionally, the supporting characters were interesting and added depth to the story. This drama features a diverse cast, and whether good or bad, each character contributed to making the show even more engaging.

The character development and the balance between the leads created a captivating viewing experience. It's great to see a drama that successfully highlights the strengths and vulnerabilities of its characters while keeping the tone enjoyable.....

The relationship between the leads is developed in a slow yet delicate manner, considering they start off as a sort of family and then evolve into something more. I love how they drew that line; as family, their bond was portrayed in a pure and heartwarming way, allowing the audience to feel the fondness between them. When they transitioned into lovers, it was a simple yet profound change. The shift was nothing grand but rather subtle, with each step taken carefully, which I appreciated a lot.

The chemistry between the leads was beautiful to watch. Their interactions made me giggle, and I adored seeing them together—both as supportive family members and as romantic partners. It was a beautiful, delicate, and heartwarming relationship that felt comfortable.

What stood out to me was the equality in their relationship. The writer made a conscious effort to avoid misunderstandings between them by emphasizing communication. This, combined with the carefully built trust, made their bond even stronger. He was always willing to protect her, even when she didn’t ask for it, and she was equally willing to help him out. Their overall dynamic was amazing to watch.

They don’t delve into the romantic aspect until later in the series, but the buildup of their relationship was so well done that the transition felt smooth.

I also loved how they inserted moments of comedy here and there, which lightened the mood even more. This balance made the series not only engaging but also enjoyable to watch!

The ending was beautiful, I love how they tied the knots and everything felt pretty much sorted out....this drama was such a wonderful experience..from a personal view and perspective...I loved every moment of it and actually needed more..but it was wrapped up beautifully.

Overall rise of Ning was such a pleasant surprise, and I'm really glad I gave it a chance! From the impressive cast to the engaging plot, everything just clicked. I know some people have reservations about the female lead, but honestly, she nailed her role! And of course, Zhang Wanyi did it again—his performance was fantastic, and I can't wait to see more of his work in the future.

The characters were well-written, and the relationship development between the leads was so captivating. The plot execution was spot on, and I never felt like the drama fell short at any moment. This has definitely become one of the best Chinese dramas I've watched this year!

Do I recommend it ? YES like there is no other answer I would give exept give it a chance and it might be exactly what you want.....

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I have never written a review before, but I was so impressed with this drama that I felt I had to. Please forgive me for my lack of eloquence. If only I was as talented as the screenwriter;')
I came into this drama for the cast alone, but I got much more than I was expecting.   If you are expecting a great romance, you may be disappointed. There are some romantic feelings, but it is not the main point. The quartet of flawed but likable individuals find friendship and support at a time when they all have a deep need for it. As a hardcore romantic, I thoroughly enjoyed the friendship and didn't feel any lack due to the barely there romance.  

The best things about this drama:
1) the acting- the casting could not have been more perfect. Each actor seemed fitted to the role, bringing out the best in their character.
2) the characters- perfectly imperfect, and quirky. Their interactions with each other made each episode special.
3) the witty banter- I applaud the writer. So very clever. This truly made the drama a joy to watch.
4) the music- brilliant!

Quartet may not be everyone's cup of tea, but for me, this is the best drama of the year.

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Thrilling. Unsettling to some extent. Additionally to an enthralling story you get great acting.

"The Cursed" puts Korean shamanism at the center of events. Shamans play their role again and again in KDramas - even if they are only indirectly present in the form of yellow adhesive talismans in red Hanja writing for fertility, luck, prosperity, etc. But in "The Cursed" they actively determine what happens. The shamans are distinguished by their spirit conection and/or have inherited their practice. To this day, Muism or Sindo - the shaman religion - is firmly rooted in everyday life as the oldest popular belief system.

So you inevitably have to deal with magical rituals, shamanistic practices and (in this case) evil spirits who quickly possess people or e.g.. rather curse them. It is quite somber and frightening considering that mere human ability has little to counter these forces and practices.

Viewer ratings have more than doubled over the course of the TVseries. For South Korean audiences, the KDrama obviously struck a chord. For me it was an intense drama. Thrilling. Unsettling to some extent. Generally, I would recommend it, if you are open to face another realm besides our rational reality. Additionally to an enthralling story you get great acting. (No romance, though...)

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