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The first few episodes felt forced, like the director was trying to make the scenes unique by switching rapidly between past, present, and imagination scenes. By the 4th episode, however, I was hooked. The editing became much more smooth and the transitions between the different scenes started to make more sense towards to plot. The double meaning of the title is true to the plot- b*tchy women and the 'must marry' woman. The story explores both themes.
Story: The whole revenge plot in the first half of the drama was refreshing and definitely something new to watch. It set up many misunderstandings that while on the surface seem to be obstacles for the sake of having obstacles (in other words, 'dragging'), the misunderstandings were very uniquely directed and slowly revealed the characters' inner thoughts/motives. The interactions between Huan Zhen (Alice) and Hao Meng (Roy) of calling each others bluff were hilarious and full of chemistry. I loved watching Huan Zhen and Hao Meng's journey of falling in love.
Alice Ke and Roy Chiu finally collaborate again and their chemistry is still spot on! I find it hard to compare Marry Me or Not to Office Girls because the characters they portray are completely different. If Office Girls had a more chaste and cute vibe, Marry Me or Not is like the mature and sizzling version. I think Alice's acting was more natural in Office Girls but her crying scenes have improved immensely in Marry me or Not. Roy Chiu hasn't changed a bit; his crying scenes still get to me. The directing and cinematography in this drama was gorgeous and the date/deep talk scenes were so different than the norm. No cliche stuff here in that regard!
The supporting cast was great, no complaints at all. The office cast was adorable but didn't really stand out to me. Sheng Nan (Joanne Tseng) and Hao Meng's (Roy Chiu) sibling love was done so well and I loved how their relationship was portrayed. Many viewers disliked Sheng Nan but honestly I don't know how I'll act if I was so in love like she was. She's the perfect example of love can make you blind and do stupid things. But because of that, her character was so real that you could relate to her and that made her character come to life. The parents of Hao Meng and Huan Zhen (Alice Ke) were stark contrasts. One was in an 'unloving' relationship while the other was very much in love. Their respective marriages were a form of symbolism for the different kinds of romantic love and the director used that to set up the main plot between Hao Meng and Huan Zhen. Now, the other male lead, Qian Yao (Harry Chang), is the most 'evil'; character in this drama. Nevertheless, I still liked him and Harry portrayed this faceted, flawed character well.
Amazingly, there were no seriously vindictive second leads at all in this drama. Rather, their worst enemy was themselves and their pride. For those of you out there that didn't like this drama as much as I did, I do think that connecting to the characters in a drama really helps the relatability of a drama. Unfortunately, there are still some family problems in this drama but it doesn't detract from the drama- it actually unveils more understanding. I think a huge part of this drama was understanding the different forms of love and also understanding yourself when you're in love. Honestly, this drama taught me so many life lessons and although there were a few bumps along the way plot-wise, I still think this drama showed a lot of heart. Dramas like this, with lots of inner monologues, are hard done well because they can get boring but not only does Marry Me or Not keep them interesting, but they add so much to the episodes. Seriously, I cried too many times.
Music: The soundtrack was well rounded. There are lively upbeat songs, and super emotionally wrecking songs. A little something for everyone. I loved this soundtrack, even for my high drama ost standards. My favorites are Lost Heartbeat and the song sang by Joanne Tseng, also known as Sheng Nan in the drama! I listened to the soundtrack so much that I started to notice the lyrics for many of the songs correspond with the plot perfectly and describe many of the characters really well.
This drama kind of reminded me of the famous T-drama, In Time With You, not just because Li Da Ren (Chen Bo Lin) cameoed for a small part but also because this drama is more about mature, thoughtful, retrospective, love, not innocent fluffy young love. The monologues and self reflection scenes were also very reminiscent of some In Time With You scenes, but definitely still different. I wholeheartedly recommend this drama even for those people who don't like T-dramas because this drama felt completely different from the usual T-dramas I watched. Since I already re-watched a few episodes, I would assume the re-watch value is high! I most definitely recommend this drama for those romantics out there (like me!) and those looking for a incredibly well done drama that feels very fresh and has fantastic acting all around. (10/9.5)
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a heads up though:
1. the show is really choppy and messy. even from the first season, the first half of each season would be based on their life in school. then it'll suddenly change to an alternate universe of some sort where they have magical powers. those parts seemed really draggy to me.
2.there isn't much romance. maybe a little tease here and there but there's literally barely any romance at all. literally, we only get that tease of romance in the last two episodes.
3. their audio dubbing is good, it sounds pretty fluent. but lip syncing? not so much. especially when the characters perform or sing. it's like the actors don't know what they're singing or performing. it's so out of sync, i thought they added a random audio clip over the scenes.
i really do like each character's personality and their backstories. this drama is more about friendship than anything else. the theme song is really good, it's upbeat and easy to understand. still, the best part of the entire drama are the comedic scenes.
personally would not watch this drama again.
if you're looking for a comedic highschool drama, give this a go.
but if you're looking for something with a solid plot and romance, this isn't for you.
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This drama can’t touch your heart
This is far from being a must watch drama. Actually from the very start, I couldn't dive into the story. Not that the plot was uninteresting, nor the actors that bad, but something was missing or just annoying…This drama is all about changing peoples fate and clearing up injustice. On first episode, 3 characters share the same fate, finding death in a military putsch. Those three characters have been given the chance to restart their lives and were brought back to childhood. One of them (Dou Zhao) is given a book stating future political and social events but also the main events of her life. This book will make her understand that she can change her destiny but also the Nation’s. What a big task ! So of course Dou Zhao is more than smart, she knows everything about everything, from how to make commercial benefits (and generate a fortune) to how to heal people. She also creates a spy network to collect all kinds of information. Such capabilities, for a girl in her early twenties, are far too much ! I admit I hardly stand this kind of characters.
Dou Zhao is the one who can make things change, but also is the monk (Ji Yong). He is now a scholar and a strategist. He recalls Dou Zhao and how they were brought together back to their new life. They are friends but Ji Yong don’t tell any of his plans and even make Dou Zhao believe that he is working with the enemy !
Song Mo (the 3rd character) doesn’t remember anything of his previous life. Why ? Certainly because he needs Dou Zhao’s guidance…to get revenge and to find his true self. Together, they will bring justice changing the nation’s fate and their own destiny. Poor chemistry between those two actors make this drama boring, we have to wait for the last episodes to find some chemistry. Until episode 26, I would think : « The more they are together the less the drama is good ».
In the middle of the drama, the plot is a bit messy, I got lost and felt like dropping the show.
Some characters, like Song Mo’s father and brother were hard to understand. We are supposed to get explanations but to me their behaviors were just illogical or inappropriate even though.
Song Mo's brother turned out to be quite an interesting character at the end, giving some thrilling moments, making the drama a little bit more interesting !
Script flaws, questionable acting and questionable characters make this drama not worth watching.
If you really want to watch this drama, here is my advice : GO STRAIGHT TO LAST EPISODE…
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Like the synopsis, its about hacking and murder with hardly any romance and a speck of comedy here and there. But the suspence is so gripping you cant let go. It keeps you guessing and trying to figure whats going to happen next to the extent you just want to keep watching.
Im sure there are other similar ones, but this a first for me that had me so addicted (to a suspense drama)
The main pair is nice but the second lead pair is really cute, I enjoyed their scenes a lot.
Then ending was amazing and they finished off the drama really well. I really have to praise the writers for that..(cant say for some of the others who mess up a real good drama with a messy ending eg bag guy, big)
Well guys if you want to see a drama that keeps you on the edge then go for it!!!you wont regret it even the romantic lovers like me
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This review may contain spoilers
stellar visuals with mediocre writing (watch suggestions)
Overall: it has a unique premise but the pacing was very slow and the writing was lackluster. 12 episodes about 23 minutes each. Aired on GagaOOLala https://www.gagaoolala.com/en/videos/5405/the-promise-of-the-soul-2025-e01 (available in the Americas, Europe, Middle East, Australia, New Zealand, India, Southeast Asia) ; iQIYI https://www.iq.com/album/the-promise-of-the-soul-2025-w4opu9ieap and VBL Series YouTube channel with membership (not available in Japan) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akfMhc4hIXw - VBL (Variety Between Love) has also produced: Fight For You, Eternal Butler, Stay By My Side, You Are Mine etc. There are sometimes bonus scenes at the end, including at the very end of the finale.Content Warnings: non con touching/kissing/sexual assault multiple times, past deaths, death, bullying, punches, ex-partner intimate abuse, held against will, blood, suicidal thoughts, attempted suicide (it's complicated)
Watch Suggestions (if you aren't into slow pacing/a cold ML and focus on their sweet/steamy parts)
- read the synopsis
- skip episodes 1-4
- episode 5 watch 5-11:10 and 19:45-end
- episode 6 end at 21:55
- episode 7 watch 4-10:35 and 13:20-end
- episode 8 watch beginning-19
- watch episode 9
- skip episode 10
- episode 11 watch beginning to 9:10
- episode 12 watch 3:30-5:15, 6:50-8:05 and 15:45-end
What I Liked
- visuals
- the grandpa
- that everyone knew what happened right away
- the GL couple
- VBL cameo with the dorm supervisor and his boyfriend
Room For Improvement
- slow pacing
- the sexual assault (multiple times) and then poorly done redemption arc
- tropey (the accidental kiss)
- nonsense (not talking about the premise) perfectly coiffed hair after waking up in the morning, he wasn't brought to the hospital at the beginning of episode 7
- in episode 8 our supposed hero acts exactly like an abuser
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An After-School Passion For Crime...
The message of the Extracurricular becomes clearly evident for viewers over the course of the show ; South-Korean society can become a “ dog-eat-dog” world if individuals are impoverished, or if they do not match-up to the expectations of being “ successful ”( succeeding in school, being rich , going to university and getting a good job), and none so are these pressures more apparent than for our main protagonist, Ji Soo.Kim Dong Hee ( Itaewon Class , SKY Castle) ventures once again into another South-Korean social critique as the high schooler Ji Soo; a model-student who soon falls from grace when he becomes involved in illicit after - school activities in order to attend and pay for his fees to go to University .
Directed by Kim Min Jin ( Time Between Dog and Wolf, Lawless Lawyer) and written by screenwriter Jin Han Sae ( Irish Uppercut) , Extracurricular undeniably addresses many realistic issues typically glossed over by mainstream South-Korean high school dramas; delinquency, prostitution, violence, the poverty gap, crime and academic stereotypes, are refreshingly neither “played down” nor ignored over the course of the series.
Nevertheless, despite its realistic topicalities and issues, Extracurricular was severely flawed by its characters, plot inconsistencies and overarching storyline as well.
Whilst it is hard to really fault any of our main cast within their performances, the character progression around many of our main protagonists was fairly lacklustre to say the least. By default, Ji Soo should have been an intriguing protagonist; hardworking, impoverished, a tragic past and who becomes a victim of the forced social pressures in order to “ succeed” by partaking in numerous shady crimes. However, in reality, there were few prominent or truly captivating traits or elements present within Ji Soo as a character. Although he arguably had some form of strength within wanting to survive in a cruel world, his impassivity at key moments often made him hard to feel any strong sentiments towards as an individual.
Arguably our female main lead Gyu Ri ( Park Joo Hyun) had some elements such as coming from a well-to-do family , holding a nasty grudge against them and her mysterious reasons for getting close to Ji Soo which made her a more intriguing character than our male lead. On the other hand similar to Ji Soo, Gyu Ri lacked a lot of character depth during key moments, making it hard to hard understand both her initial enmity towards her parents as well as exactly how she became so interested in Ji Soo in the first place. Similarly, the second leads of the series, school bullies Min Hee ( Jung Da Bin) and Ki Tae ( Nam Yoon Su) were undeniably intriguing characters, however, their lack of emotional depth and backstory often made them feel more like “ stock” leads simply used as plot devices, rather than actually intriguing individuals.
To summarise, it’s fair to say that the series Extracurricular, isn’t your run-of-the-mill high school drama; it isn’t afraid from offering a deeper insight into tricky issues, themes and topics, as well as having an intriguing plot, however, a fairly inconsistent ending , several badly-written characters with poor depth and backstories and lacking realism at times, often made this series feel a little lacklustre in comparison to other psychological high school dramas out there. Worth a watch if you’re looking for something to pass the time, but certainly not worth actually investing time towards.
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I have seen many historical dramas, but I have to admit this one tops them all.
It is very well made and high quality, the plot is very strategic but believable
and the suspense is intense since you watch one ongoing plot all the time (there
is just a straight cut at the ending of each episodes, kind of when you just turn
off your movie in the middle of it).
The martial arts are great and (for Chinese standards) not so much over the top.
The actors are insanely good.
If I had anything to critisize, then it would be that I hoped for an itsy bitsy more romance
going on (just a tiny bit, too much would have destroyed the mood of this drama), at least
at the end.
And the ending itself could have been shown more. It is a final ending, you know what
happens, but still, I would have hoped to see it actually happening (but this is just my preference).
This drama is in its own league when it comes to historical dramas and you would be insane
to miss it if you like this genre.
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This review may contain spoilers
Honestly I don't know where to start with this. Maybe it's my fault, for having such high expectations after reading the synopsis. I waited a lot before starting it because I read a lot of negative comments about it, but I liked Won Jin Ha in Just between lovers and I was really looking forward to her next project.This drama felt so off in many aspects, primarily because it's not really clear what it wants to be: rom com? sci fi? thriller? comedy? Well, not that mixing genres is necessarily a bad thing, but it was like..."compartmentalized"? There are comedy scenes, romance scenes, sci-fi scenes but they don't blend together...it just jumps from a scene to another and you're left with the feeling you're watching 3 different dramas at the same time.
One thing I really disliked in Strong Woman Do Bong Soon (from the same writer) was the unnecessarily abuse of violence for "comedy" purposes. This time is Mi Ran's ex boyfriend that got beat up to a pulp several time. Was he a douche? Absolutely. But let me repeat myself: a woman who abuses a man is not different from a man abusing a woman. It's not a "strong woman" trait. It made me uncomfortable seeing the man getting abused in almost every scene.
Another thing that felt off was the way the two leads adjusted to their new life, there was some heartwarming sibling scene but I didn't feel any real grief from a guy who lost his father "yesterday" (knowing he died on a stroke while still searching desperately for him I don't know, I would have been devastated), somehow they adjust and beside of the "keep your temperature at 31° or you'll faint", it becomes an office rom com at some point. Even his ex was quickly left aside (well compared to those old dramas where the guy keeps wavering till last episode I suppose I prefer it this way LOL) I probably would have left out some of that unfunny comedy with the broadcasting staff and the ex to explore more the consequences occurred to them and their families.
I mean there was this premise earlier when we see some of their "99 life", where I felt this sadness slowly creating the atmosphere between both leads and their relatives, and when they reunited instead of a moment of pathos (with the only exception of when Nam Tae reunited with his sister) there is this chaotic scene with everyone screaming like crazy, crying loudly and objects falling noisily on the floor. Ruined to the core.
The romance was plain flat, they went to 0 to hero in half episode and it felt odd till the end: the first kiss was sudden and completely uncalled for, as for Dong Chan's reaction when he got jealous of the ex-boyfriend (in the police station, when Mi Ran hit him AGAIN - I cringed because they barely know each other, it was too soon for me). Just like that, to me there was no building, no climax and at some point I realized I didn't even cared about it much.
The mystery part was messed up and completely uninteresting, I found myself skipping a lot and I didn't even felt "lost" for doing so, the plot was too predictable.
In the end, I just finished it for the sake of the cast (Won Jin Ah mostly)
The idea wasn't bad, but was really wasted.
Also. If Mi Ran never actually even kissed Hwang Byung Shim, do they count as a couple?? To me is even a mystery how laws of attraction worked in this drama LOL
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CLEARING THINGS UP
PLEASE READ EVERYTHING CAREFULLY.i was never the type to write reviews to simply hate, i never even write reviews even to movies i like but there's been tension going around involving the orv readers and to those who just wants to watch the movie bcs your favorite actors are playing the roles.
well, the readers arent just hating on the movie for reasons you think it is. we are just expressing our disappointment, we know live actions to most manhwas cannot really be perfect but changing the whole plot? that's a different story.
let's start with the title, "Omniscient Reader; the Prophecy" is already wrong, Kim Dokja, the main protagonist in the story isnt a prophet in anyway, if you've read the novel or the manhwa you'll know he never claimed himself to be a prophet or to be called as one.
next is the weapons, they're using guns, which aside from gong pildu's tanks and sht arent in the movie. they use swords, which is significant considering the minor constellations being significant ancient korean characters.
and the plot? the skills, the backstories? completely changed which is also obviously very significant to the story. yoo sangah, a woman who doesnt want to be seen as weak just because she's a woman is suddenly turned into a healer instead of a powerful fighter sponsored by the entire olympus nebula, a group of powerful greek gods. and kim dokja turned into a literal murderer, which contradicts to the real story, the real reason why he started reading twsa like WTF?!
and really guys, blinks? jisoo's supporters? we know you just want to see your idol in a movie but dont yall get it? they're only using her to promote the LA (if you dont believe me, look at the first movie poster, then the new one with jisoo in the front.) im not hating on your idol, infact i also like a few of her songs and follow her on social medias too. but y'all gotta wake up, we ain't hating on your idol. let's also talk about how her character, lee jihye is shipped to yoo joonghyuk, lee minho's character.
the relationship between two is purely a master and a student, lee jihye idolizes yoo joonghyuk for his skills in fighting and wants to be like him. lee jihye is a highschool student while lee joonghyuk is 28 when the scenarios started (in three ways of survival) it's just so wrong.
there are alot fo characters I'd like to talk about but then it will only make this very long. so i suggest yall start reading the novel, or atleast the manhwa to get a gist of what really happens in the story.
WE HATE THE DIRECTOR FOR CHANGING THE ENTIRE STORY that probably also helped alot of people. it might sound cliche but i know there are alot of people who resonated with kim dokja.
did y'all think that if this story wasnt well written alot of its fans would be so mad by the DRASTIC changes it made in the LA? if you only knew how excited everyone was when it was revealed that ORV was getting a LA but as the progressed it only seemed to get worse since the trailer was released.
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Please skip this show do not waste your time
My review is like the others here- this is the worst kdrama of 2026. What do I hate about it? Everything. From the scriptwriting to the storyline to the acting- everything is stale and should’ve gone in the bin than be produced into tv.I admit the first two episodes is what got me interested in the drama because it was an unexplored concept in kdrama. But you would think there would be character development after 14 episodes but I genuinely do not think anyone has developed a backbone or some consciousness. The rating for this should honestly be lower. Without communicating their feelings the main leads decide to date other people for a month. A whole month. And still get married after. Like are you joking? And they keep dragging this on-it seems like no one is interested in anyone. There’s a bit of lust but not real love. Like what people mentioned before, the FL has depression but the writer skips over that the following episode. We don’t get to see her get help or move on with her career.
The whole plot is all over the place. Nothing connects with anything. All episodes are weakly written. A 13yr old wattpad kid could have written better than this. People saying they were are complaining when a new concept gets launched-no- we are complaining how poorly this whole kdrama was produced. Every bit of it. Even the acting in my opinion was subpar. And I have seen the previous kdramas the main actor and actress have starred in. But it’s not entirely their fault. There’s not much you can work with something so utterly pathetic.
Please spare yourself the grief of wasting 14hours of your life on this garbage that can’t even be recycled.
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This review may contain spoilers
WHY? Why is this not popular? I mean I know it is not a school drama which most people watch, but this drama is so satisfying to watch. First of all, the cinematography is extraordinary. I'm not even sugarcoating this or anything but this is one of the best cinematography in a drama (the other which is SKY Castle). This drama is set in Jeju Island which means we really get to see a peaceful and serene view of the ocean and landforms there. There were a lot of shots that were just the scenery of Jeju and it made me want to visit and do the same things they did!Story-wise, it was a cute drama about friendship and misunderstandings. I enjoyed this drama for the main reason that I will never be able to do this in my own country. Meeting friends unexpectedly and hanging out together? Way impossible lmao! Throughout the whole drama, I was just smiling at how cute the relationships developed. Also the few easter eggs of Love Playlist were so cute HEHEHE
Cast and Acting was on point. I especially found Jae-young's acting so good when it came to his backstory.
The music was so heavenly! I really love boramiyu's Like or Love so much!!! BOL4 also sang an OST for them which was really nice!
Overall this drama deserves a 10 from me. Sweet, short, and simple.
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This review may contain spoilers
"Rebirth" draws more attention on the poster than on screen.
“Rebirth” is a film that looks far more interesting on its poster than it actually is on screen.While the premise suggests themes of transformation and emotional renewal, the execution fails to support that promise. The script is weak and inconsistent, preventing any real sense of narrative depth or character development. As a result, the story never fully engages or convinces.
The female lead is particularly undermined by poor writing. Instead of a clear and meaningful character arc, she feels underdeveloped and inconsistent, which weakens the emotional core of the film. Without strong writing, the performance has little room to elevate the material.
The central romantic pairing also lacks chemistry. Their interactions feel forced rather than organic, with no gradual build-up of tension or emotional intimacy. The noticeable age gap is never meaningfully addressed within the story, making it feel more like an awkward detail than a deliberate narrative choice.
Direction-wise, the film gives the impression of ambition without delivery. It suggests emotional depth and complexity but ultimately fails to translate those ideas into something impactful or engaging.
In the end, “Rebirth” is a disappointing experience — a concept that looks compelling at first glance but collapses under the weight of weak execution.
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There's nothing to say much about the cast, they played their characters perfectly to the point where it was easy to get irritated, to laugh, cry along with them. Each and every actor brought their characters to life in style and color.
The Music was just a perfect match to each of the situation they were supposed to be matched with.
I would totally recommend this drama if you are looking for a well adjusted drama about life that's clean funny and relaxing. Even if you are not in your 40's this drama is written so beautifully that it's easy for anybody to actually relate to and be like "oh that could so totally be me."
SO in clear if you are looking for a funny well adjusted and well written drama there you have it try this one just take a sit back and be charmed by all those oppas who are going to make you feel like life is just oh so well good ...
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This review may contain spoilers
that joyless place. I like to call; The last 11 episodes
"Whoa. Speculation reset. Just toss everything we thought we knew last week out" (2 months ago). My comment after episode 6 aired - where the line draws, and romance ends.Where, watchers thought maybe a great chemistry could climb out into the light toward freedom. A place, that hunted-young-couple would discover love and themselves in the process. But, that story-180, took our leads away from originality, and right back where they started.
Where, the rich can take your organs, ruin your life, kill your child, and force lust on you. While, clueless vengeance and misunderstandings loop repetitively. We all know that place, that joyless place. I like to call it; The last 11 episodes of this soap-opera.
That wonder of walking down a dirt road, in a crown of straw, with a pony-tailed man - With old nanny as witness to a wedding under a open sky. All fell to nothing, and in the end the house they built, meant even less. That couple; mundane, but rich; chemistry gone; wander the earth; to write five star hotel reviews in branded gear. What a difference, that time skip made.
There are better romances out there. This could have been something special, but, it isn't. Not recommended.
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