Reviews

This is one of those dramas that is truly flawless.

Watashitachi wa Douka Shiteiru (aka Cursed in Love) is a drama based on the manga of the same name. It tells the story of a girl named Nao, who enters Kogetsuan, a traditional Japanese confectionery shop, under a false identity in order to investigate her mother’s death and prove her innocence.

Honestly, I was initially reluctant to give this drama a chance, as I’m generally not a big fan of J-dramas. Plus, I wasn’t sure how the story would unfold or if it would be worth my time. But I finally gave in, and once I started watching, I just couldn’t stop. This drama was so addictive that I watched seven episodes in one sitting, which was a first for me.

What I especially liked about this drama is that it offers a little bit of everything—romance, murder mystery, a strong female lead, interesting side characters, and an evil matron. On some levels, it feels like a typical soap opera, but what makes it truly stand out is the way it was executed. The plot, the cast, their chemistry, and the overall pacing were all just perfect. Plus, if you're into kimonos and Japanese cuisine, you’ll enjoy this show even more. Kudos to the entire cast, crew, and writers of Cursed in Love for creating such an amazing drama.

Finally, this drama is probably one of the BEST Japanese dramas out there, and I can definitely see myself rewatching it in the future. To anyone contemplating whether to watch or not—definitely check it out. I'm sure you won't regret it.

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No exaggeration. This is the best historical drama that I have ever watched. To be honest, I am not a fan of historical dramas though I love history but sometimes it really makes me bored. The last historical drama that I have watched that I only liked was Queen Seondeok. So, I will slice the review in all aspects.

Casting 10/10
Yes, I will give a high rating for the casts since everyone was an effective actors. I really felt all kind of emotions while watching this and that was because of the actors. They surely gave all their best in this drama. From Goo Hae Ryung to Sam-Bo to Min Ik-Pyeong. From the protagonists to antagonists to the supporting roles, they all mattered. Also, they're all perfect the roles and the chemistry, do I need to say more? 10/10

Story line 10/10
YES. I LOVE THE PLOT. I love the fact that they made Goo Hae-Ryung a brave woman who doesn't fear anyone even the king - not because she lacks respect but because she knows what she needs to fight for. I love how the story is fast paced but they made sure that the viewers will still follow. I love how the characters did not let the villain step on their dignity. It wasn't boring in fact the comedy part really made me laugh a lot. The drama was captivating. I must say that for me, the romance was just a bonus. I loved Cha Eun Woo with Shin Se-Kyung but I was really more focused with the political and all that kind of drama. But, the chemistry of these two, I must say they really made me smile! Salute to the writers of this drama!

Music 10/10
Even the songs in this drama contributed to my emotions. It also moved me and it really compliments the storyline.

Favorite Part (spoilers alert)
My favorite part was from the last episode, the banquet part. It really got exciting when Goo Jae-Kyung, Hae-Ryung's "brother" started to fight for justice by doing what he needs to do. When the historians fought for their rights (don't really wanna spoil how or what they did.) I also love the fact that the Crown Prince also fought for justice. Slowly, each officials pleaded the King as well, THAT REALLY MADE ME CRY. This banquet scene really is the best, all of the actors really showed their emotions and it also moved me.

I am so happy with the ending. I really love this drama and I must say that after Queen SeonDeok, no drama can change my mind. Rookie Historian Goo Hae-Ryung, aja! ♥

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That was one ridiculously fun ride! ?

Another completely biased review from me to you.

The story sounds like your typical wuxia/xianxia drama but trust me this is not! The humor is just spot on. The ML is outstanding, my favorite form of snarky ML who doesn't take himself or anyone else seriously at all. I am absolutely in love with Pan Lu Yu and can't wait to see more from him! And even though it is a short length series with each episode only 10 minutes or less (plus intro/exit music and credits) the story is so well written!

Lots of spoilery bits below:
The story starts out with the ML doing some sort of ascension trial (?) and ends up dying. That scene is when I knew this series was going to push all my buttons in the right way! The ML breaks the 4th wall and deadpans into the camera "I'm doomed.' His expression and delivery made this sweet perfection! 😘

The ML wakes up in the recently deceased body of a guy who was pretty much a lazy waste of space in his life and proceeds to snarkily have fun with this new life, going from a supreme being to a wastrel! 🤣

Along the way we meet his 3 gorgeous fiancés, his adorable maid who thinks he is the best in the world (everyone needs someone like her on their side!), his beautiful martial arts master, a foster brother who hates him and is constantly trying to get rid of him and talks smack to his father about him, and a father who treats him like dirt and definitely favors the foster brother. Not to mention a pair of incredibly badly over-acted villains with hair so bad you just know it's camp, right?🤣 Oh, and an evil prince too.

The quality of this series is way higher than most short dramas. The writing and direction are superior. The job the stylists did was fantastic (except for the villains of course). Even the OST is great. I let the opening credits play each episode cause I love the song!🥰

Oh, and the story ends nicely but then gives us a To Be Continued! I hope this is one that actually gets a second season 🤞

So what are you waiting for? Got watch this now! With only 24 ~10 minutes episodes it won't take up much of your time and is guaranteed to make you laugh!😍

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A Mature and Underrated Gem in the BL World

When it comes to showing off their stunning male actors’ butts, nobody does it better than Be On Cloud. From KinnPorsche to 4 Minutes and now Shine… truly the masters of cheeks on screen 🍑😂

It’s so rare that I genuinely love both couples in a BL, but this series absolutely delivered. Apo and Mile already proved their magic in KinnPorsche, and now seeing Son (Krailert) for the first time was such a revelation, he’s like a stunning Thai god, beautiful and perfect in every way.
The attention to detail is incredible. From the 1960s setting, the vintage clothes, cars, and houses, the production team poured so much effort into making this drama authentic and immersive. Every episode held my attention, I was never once bored, and the story kept me captivated throughout.
The highlight for me is Krailert secretly seeing his lover. It powerfully portrays the struggles of same-sex relationships and the pain of staying closeted in the 1960s. The NC scenes are another standout. They’re not just erotic but also deeply romantic, with the hauntingly beautiful violin background music making them unforgettable.
This series deserves way more recognition. 10/10 highly recommended for anyone who loves BL done with depth, beauty, and heart.

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Don't Miss This: Must Watch! Highly Recommended!

A gentle heads-up upfront: this piece touches on my overall journey through the three seasons. My aim isn’t to reveal surprises, but to share the feelings this series evoked the questions it raised, the emotional connections I made, and the reasons I’ve become deeply attached to the story. This is my personal reflection from the very first episode of S1 to the end of S3, and I want to convey why this is a series you simply have to watch. 10/10 for me.

Season 1: The Start – When I Knew I’d Found Something Special

It all began in (2022), on a quiet evening while browsing for something new. Little did I know that the next 36 episodes would mark the start of a journey I would follow for years. Season 1 deftly introduced Lu Lingfeng and Su Wuming two men of contrasting personalities, yet their partnership would become the beating heart of the entire series.

Lu was every bit the warrior: as deputy minister of the Grand Court of Justice, he wielded a sharp sword and an even sharper sense of justice, often leading him into precarious situations. Su, in contrast, was a registrar of cleverness, possessing a quick tongue and a gift for uncovering secrets he solved cases not with force, but with keen observation and wit. Together, they navigated mysteries that seamlessly blended the supernatural with the deeply human. I was immediately drawn in by how the narrative explored the complexities of human nature, set against the backdrop of a richly realized historical period.

One of the moments that resonated most from S1’s finale involved Lu and Su confronting an impossible choice between loyalty and duty. The scene where they stood together, refusing to compromise their values, remains etched in my mind. It was at this point that I recognized this was far more than just a costume drama; it was a profound exploration of courage, integrity, and the strength of true friendship. The final scene, with the pair vowing to continue their fight for what’s right, left me eagerly anticipating what was to come.

Season 2: To the West – When the Story Grew Richer

When S2 arrived in (2024), I felt a sense of nervous anticipation. Could it possibly live up to the magic of S1? Within the opening minutes of the first episode, all my doubts vanished. Under the direction of Bai Shan, this 40-episode arc transported Lu and Su on a perilous journey to the western regions of the Tang during Emperor Ruizong’s reign. The empire remained grand and prosperous, but beneath the surface, dark forces stirred, and strange incidents plagued the countryside.

One of the storylines that struck me most deeply involved a village terrorized by a “shadow demon.” As Lu and Su investigated, they unearthed a tragic truth regarding the pain and injustice that can drive people to desperate measures. The narrative served as a potent reminder that the most terrifying entities aren't always the supernatural, but the very real demons that reside within the human heart.

Season 2 also injected fresh energy into the team with the introduction of new faces. However, it wasn't without its challenges. Lu was forced to confront a personal crisis when a secret from his past threatened to unravel his world. Throughout it all, Su remained steadfast, their bond of friendship deepening with each obstacle they overcame. By the season's end, with the duo setting their sights back on Chang’an, I was convinced that the series was only continuing to ascend.

Season 3: To Chang’an – And Then Came S3

And then came S3 (2025) a chapter that captured everything I loved about the series and elevated it to unprecedented heights. Under the direction of Ju Xingmao, this 40-episode season brought Lu and Su back to the capital, where they were tasked with escorting a golden peach tribute from the Kingdom of Kang. What initially appeared as a straightforward assignment soon spiraled into something far more intricate: Chang’an was in a state of turmoil, with political intrigue permeating every corner of the city.

The team established their base at the Sushan Inn, covertly transforming it into an intelligence hub, and initiated a “citywide investigation model” to tackle a series of bizarre cases. What I found particularly compelling was how each case subtly connected to a larger, overarching political mystery, ensnaring our protagonists in a web of deceit that placed their friends, families, and even their own lives in grave peril. The emotional stakes were raised to an unbearable level, and the finale, while tinged with tragedy, felt like a perfect culmination of all that had come before.

Despite the heavy price they paid in their relentless pursuit of justice, Lu and Su once again stood overlooking Chang’an, this time as the city embarked on its path to recovery. Their unwavering commitment to protecting the people of the Tang remained unshaken, and while the future may hold uncertainty, their unity in facing it was never in doubt.

My Journey: Why It Never Let Me Down

Having followed "Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty" from its inaugural season to its culmination, I can confidently say that it’s a series that has profoundly resonated with me. Not a single episode has disappointed. The writing is both intelligent and deeply moving, skillfully interweaving elements of mystery, fantasy, and history in a manner that feels both fresh and authentic. Each case is meticulously crafted to keep viewers guessing, yet it’s the characters themselves who truly elevate the narrative to unforgettable heights.

The friendship between Lu and Su serves as the very foundation of the series, and witnessing its evolution over the course of three seasons, from cautious alliance to unwavering brotherhood, is an absolute joy. The supporting cast is equally brilliant, with each character contributing their distinct voice and unique story to the ensemble. The production values are simply breathtaking: from the intricate costumes to the stunning sets and the captivating cinematography, the Tang Dynasty is brought to life in a way that truly transports you into the world alongside the characters.

However, what truly distinguishes "Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty" is its underlying message. In a world that often feels shrouded in darkness and uncertainty, this series serves as a potent reminder that justice, compassion, and friendship are values worth fighting for. It demonstrates that ordinary individuals are capable of extraordinary feats when they unite, and that even amidst the darkest of times, hope can always prevail.

Each time I revisit the series, I discover something new to appreciate a subtle line of dialogue I previously missed, a detail in the set design that enhances the atmosphere, an emotion I didn’t fully grasp upon first viewing. It’s this depth and complexity that makes it the kind of series that lingers in your thoughts long after the credits have rolled, prompting reflection and stirring emotions in unexpected ways. It serves as a potent reminder of why I fell in love with storytelling in the first place.

The Magic That Awaits – Don’t Miss This

Throughout this review, I’ve touched upon some of the pivotal moments from my personal journey with "Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty," but there remains a wealth of untold stories waiting to be discovered. There are emotional crescendos that will leave you breathless and adventures that will keep you on the very edge of your seat. Each season stands as a remarkable journey in its own right, but when viewed collectively, they form a complete and unforgettable story that will stay with you long after the final episode.

I can say with absolute certainty that this is a series you will cherish. It will elicit gasps of surprise, cheers of triumph, and moments of profound emotional connection. It will immerse you in its world, forge deep bonds with its characters, and leave you feeling utterly and completely fulfilled. I wholeheartedly recommend this drama to anyone seeking a story that is both thrilling and meaningful it’s a true gem that deserves every ounce of praise it receives. Don’t miss this.

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JUST WATCH IT..

jst try watching once ,
at first i thought ok only seven episodes ,will they be able to convey the story nd all within nd tht too it's 45 min nd stuff but once I started watching omg it was perfectly done nd i wanted more of it .
The acting is jst best , cinematography the best , everything is done so well , the cast nd music is too good , u can feel the emotions of them in thier acting. I jst wanted more nd more nd more of it..

if u still don't watch ur gonna be missing a huge thing , yea some people who are unique may not like it but I guess nd wish most people will like this.

Only thing is i cried many times hah.
hope u watch this nd enjoy cry nd feel the emotions through out it , thank you :)

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Warning

This review is full of spoilers.

Korean crime drama all have the same trajectory - crime gets committed by good main characters which becomes entangled into something more evil, and then the real evil people are only there to justify the main characters role because 'I'm bad but not that bad' and then naturally they'll meet another character, possible shipping couple, and then you get unpalatable amounts of lecturing along the same lines 'don't do crime kids' and then the villain gets their comuppence. Everything from Watchers, Voice, to Psychopath diary, to Gap Dong, ALL follow this same pattern and no one besides me gets bored? Lol i dont understand!

The only ones that broke the mold -- WHITE CHRISTMAS. And HELLO MONSTER to some extent because at least it was obvious Jang naras character was being judgemental and self-righteous to some kid who grew up thinking that killing was the norm. But Seo in Guks character DID NOT which makes more sense and is more realistic because things change drastically when a sibling you think of as your own baby becomes a murderer. Even DUEL was extremely nuanced. Save Me. Children of Nobody. The Smile Has Left Your Eyes.

But that was years ago!

These dramas had nuance and complexity. I see this frequently in Jdramas like off the top of my head Aku No Hado, SCAM (Scum), Todome No Kiss, death note, Bokutachiga yarimashta, and even DYING EYE , again most of these are CURRENT DRAMAS or a year old at most.

But this preachy self-righteous lecturing really isn't the mature way to do things imo.

So, naturally this drama was no exception.

That said I was truly entertained watching this drama and Lee Ji Hoon s characters death gutted me. As did pretty much all the cast performance at some point. So I will say this, acting and direction was great no doubt. But the script was really just a very typical Korean crime drama.

So, not terrible but nothing memorable either. They kept killing people off because the story was just so bland so all the death of the brother and Lee Ji Hoon was so pointless! No character acts the way they were set up and the so called 'growth' felt more like the characters doing something really convenient to bring about a plot twist. Eh. Okay I'm done lol

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Few Korean dramas get better as they go along. Live shoots, script changes, and attempts to milk ratings tend to sabotage the second halves of shows. It is therefore remarkable that Mixed-Up Investigative Agency actually improves with every episode. It starts out low rent and silly, with broad acting and chintzy production values, but around the halfway mark, it morphs into a moving, tightly written meditation on friendship, life choices, and the way that the past always literally or figuratively haunts the present. Characters who initially seem like caricatures become multidimensional and unpredictable, with especially lovely turns by Ye Ji Won as a crackpot psychic, Park Hee Soon as an enigmatic gangster, and Ryu Seung Soo as an apathetic manhwa vender.

Off-kilter visuals, clever dialogue and ingenious music choices provide plenty of humor (don't miss the little bonus scenes tacked on at the end of each episode), but they’re in the service of serious themes. Without ever becoming overly didactic, the show notes the fragility of life and the importance of embracing the here and now. The protagonists may long for extraordinary riches (in this case, tons of hidden gold), but their everyday interactions are where true value lies. For the viewer, though, the biggest prize is getting to savor this underrated gem of a show. Like all treasures, it may be hard to find, but you’ll be well rewarded if you seek it out.

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A must-watch!

If only for the novelty of it in kdrama world, this is a must-watch series that I would recommend to any of my friends. At only 6 episodes long, it is a bite-sized series that kept me watching from start to finish, episode after episode. Although the story itself is not that remarkable, the message and execution is commendable and inspiring. For who doesn't know yet: The Sound of Magic has a lot of ... music. The story itself plays out when it needs to, and is supplemented by songs and dances à la La La Land. It is this musical-like feel of the series that makes the series stand-out. The series reminds us to go for what we truly want in life, without being constrained by the expectations of society, friends and family. But ultimately, the series made me feel a sense of wonder and hope.

For all of you who could use some joy and a reminder that everything will be alright: this is one for you!

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Awful! Awful! Awful!

I Really wanted to give this show straight zero's, my rating is being kind.

I think someone with a good idea wrote a horrible script and maybe they had money to throw away so they produced it, or had ties with someone in the industry, I don't know.

I did watch the whole thing, all though I watched other shows in between, but I really wanted to leave a review and I won't do that unless I watch it all.

It really is a convoluted mess. It's not really what I would call a BL since there wasn't really any romance, unless you want to count a couple of flashbacks that were pg rated.

I can't recommend this, but I know some of you will watch it out of curiosity, which is ok, as long as you understand it's all confusing, a bit creepy in places and the ending is as disappointing as the entire series.

This definitely goes to the bottom of my list - I certainly won't watch it again. In one review someone mentioned they hoped for a second season so they could get some answers???? There are no answers - and the only question I have - is WHY was this even produced?

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Way too long

What is it with Chinese dramas? They tend to be, for the most part, twice as long as they need to be. I will be upfront and say that my rating is based upon my enjoyment of the whole thing. I found myself getting bored (a lot) and I left it for two weeks and finally went back to finish it up, because I can't leave a show unfinished.

The main couple? I loved both of them. I really enjoyed her in Love Me If You Dare and I was so glad that their own voices were used. Dubbing makes the whole thing even worse. They were very cute together, the kind of cute that you just have to smile when watching them. I felt that toward the beginning she had some entitlement going on, which irritated me. She kept breaking rules and then didn't understand why he wanted her to leave the program she was in. She felt it was better to apologize than to ask for permission, apparently.

Second couple - if a woman continues to chase a man and he keeps shutting her down, my opinion of her lowers. It's like she has no self-esteem. His reason for shutting her down, when he obviously liked her, was missing so he irritated me as well.

The older couple - had an interesting back story, but I didn't feel overly invested in them, either.

A lot of the medical stuff was incorrect, as it tends to be in these dramas. Do you not have a medical consultant? That takes away from the story as well.

There is quite a bit of action, some bromance, and it's low on angst, so if you are patient and your expectations aren't too high, you might enjoy this show.

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A Satisfying Journey

Story: 49 Days is one of those dramas where the story is really interesting even if it was just the first episode. That is what dramas should be. Dramas should pull you in right at the start. The story was unique and very engaging right from the get go. The characters were also written with a lot of interesting shades so that no character looks dull and uninteresting. This isn't a fast moving drama but I thought that the pace was actually really nice. The flow of the story was just enough. I really liked how it gradually showed the story.

Acting/Cast: The acting didn't start out as strong as I would have liked it to be. It did improve a lot as the drama progressed. Some of the acting wasn't as good as the others but overall, everyone did a nice job of portraying their characters. The chemistry between the actors were really good.

Music: It surely doesn't have the best OST or music but there were some nice musical choices that helped the drama especially in some scenes. Some musical choices were a little jarring at first but it gets better as the drama progressed.

Overall: For me, 49 Days is one of the dramas that I will never forget. It is one of the best dramas that I watched because it actually has a really great storyline. It wasn't interesting just because of the actors unlike other dramas. It was interesting because it showed a really unique story.

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I was very reluctant to watch this show at first, since the first kdrama that made me fall in love with it was Love Rain, I only wanted to watch shows with Jang Keun Suk or Yoona in it. My tutor kept recommending me this, so in the end, there was an offer and I bought this cd.
I was just going to watch it to pass time. BOY, that was one of the most dangerous decisions ever. After the 2nd episode, I stuffed my homework in a corner and started racing through this show like crazy. I couldn't stop.Whenever I stopped I thought bout this day in day out! I marathonned this show till I couldn't remember where I stopped, and though I told my mum I would watch it with her, I hehe didn't. (though i still rewathced it with her after that). Okay, all these aside. i think you get my drift, this drama was hands-down AMAZING.

Plot: It's the typical rich-guy-poor-girl drama, but I happen to love those dramas a lot! It absolutely doesn't hurt that the leads have an AMAZING CHEMISTRY THERE

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I've never been a huge sageuk fan, but I can't resit a good ‘what if?’ historical retelling. What if, Jang Ok Jung wasn't the evil, conniving woman that history paints her as? What if she wasn't totally about greed and power. What if it really was all about love between Lee Soon and herself, to hell with all else…?

Pshh.. This is well documented Korean history.

But that doesn’t mean there couldn’t be more to the story than history has to say. Or that the inner motivations of these highly visible personages were ever truly known by more than themselves or a few other people.

In other words, history always gives us this much leeway to make a romance out of nothing. If you want to approach Jang Ok Jung, Live in Love as infallible history, don’t. But if you’re in the mood for a sweeping epic love story set in historical period based more or less on real people– this might be a good drama for you.

We’re certainly not working with highbrow historical revisionism here.
JOJ: Live in Love is a snapshot of Joseon history ca. 1680s. It's a complicated and very violent story of King Sukjong (before, Crown Prince Lee Soon) and his wives/concubines- among whom are some of the most well known female figures of the age, including the famously tragic Queen Inhyun.

JOJ, however is a romantic and simplified spin on what’s probably 10x more complicated than the drama depicts. I’m actually okay with that, because it does a decent job of making all these events make sense in a way that won’t make your head spin.

But it’s also romantic in that the story it tells is exactly opposite from what history tries to tell. Give a quick thought back to last year’s hit drama Queen Inhyun’s Man, and the depiction you get of Jang Ok Jung is of a conniving bitch. So who wants to see Ok Jung get a makeover? Apparently not Korean audiences, because the ratings were just not there. It took an extra dose of romantic scenes to garner interest in the show. I think it’s shame because despite the unconventional retelling, Jang Ok Jung wasn’t all that bad.

The actors were fabulous, particularly Hong Soo Hyun- she just does sageuk figures so well, and I loved how they played with her Inhyun character in tandem with Ok Jung's dramafied character.

Overall, it was compelling. However, this is history, and history has an outcome that won’t be undone by fiction no matter how good your script is. As for the love between Lee Soon and his beloved concubine/queen, I bought it completely. Even within the grounds of how unhistorical it was that King Sukjong could’ve only had one person he ever loved (or even slept with – because, history says he had tons of concubines and a parcel of children). But I liked how the relationship between the two worked as an anchor for the overall political story. Ok Jung was portrayed as smart and wily, King Sukjong as a master politician, and as such their teamwork was a boon to the storyline. It kept things fresh and interesting at least 80% of the time.

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