Reviews

"The Ballad of Horrible Families, Take Two".

If it was up to me, I would rename this show: "The Ballad of Horrible Families, Take Two".
This is a reincarnation tale, where the protagonist Dou Zhao gets a do-over in life. Armed with the knowledge of her last life, she awakens as a young girl and dedicates herself to changing fate. Her destiny, however, is tied to that of Song Mo, who died by her side in the previous life and seems doomed to experience the same betrayals and heartaches in this one.
This may sound silly, but going in, I didn't realize how politically heavy this drama would become. The previews made me think it would be more action and fighting with some politics sprinkled in for good measure. This is not the case. If you are looking for an action packed story--without the political backstabbing and family bickering--this may not be the drama you're looking for.
The acting is spot on. The connection between the male and female leads was fantastic, and even the characters we hate are played convincingly enough to truly despise them. So, why only a seven?
1. The first episode was amazing, but episodes 2-17 were very rather tedious. I get that there was a lot of things to go through--betrayals of both familial and imperial natures--but I nearly dropped the show so many times. How much time does it take to point out that her step-mother is evil, his uncle was innocent, her father is purposefully blind to the injustices around him, and his father wants to kill his own son?
2. Once the two leads are finally together, the show picks up, but it didn't leave much time to explore what the two of them would be like romantically. We get to see very little of their love life. They are either planning strategy, fighting injustice, or being ignored for minor characters. For characters that actually get together rather early for a c-drama, we are permitted very little insight into that. The little we could see was constantly interrupted. Some of this was humorous. Song Mo’s soldiers were fantastic, but Duo Zhao’s cousin literally interrupting their wedding night to talk about her own romantic issues? Wow.
3. I personally feel there were too many characters for the allotted time. The story around Song Mo and Duo Zhao was great, but their friends, cousins, siblings, uncles, parents… Trying to get through plots and endings for each character left the last bit of the story too stretched. The main duo was barely in the last six episodes and they had some serious complications going on! Less time about her friend marrying a psychologically damaged man and more about how they are doing with one of them slowly dying from poison, please. I realize this is following a book, but the extra plot lines were just too much.
4. Also, on a personal note, this show may me very angry at times. As shown in the previews, both of the main leads have truly horrible families. From parents to in-laws, and half-siblings to step mothers--it's worse than a harem. Selfishness, cowardice, 'justified' cruelty--you name it, it happens. Neglect, miscarriages, characters who are harmed (even killed) simply out of carelessness. People who crave nothing but power and those who stand by and do nothing while those they love are abused and mistreated. Meaningless punishments and pointless justifications—truly horrible things happen and the perpetrators have the audacity to claim innocence, hiding behind tradition and family loyalty like that excuses their behavior. It has been a long time since I watched something where people die for no reason and scapegoats are created simply to appease someone's pride. The number of people consumed by greed and selfishness was off the charts. Even the Emperor was shocked that Song Mo resented him for betraying his uncle—the emperor’s best friend since childhood and the only parental character shown in a good light.
If you can watch that sort of thing without getting really worked up, it is a good tale. There is no doubt the actors all put their hearts and souls into their performances, and there were some truly beautiful moments. For my own blood pressure, I think I’ll be taking a break from something with this much corruption. Otherwise, I’m likely to jump through the screen and take out the evil doers myself!

Read More

an unmatched, enthralling masterpiece

i don’t even know where to begin to describe how excellent this drama is. i knew i was going to enjoy it after watching an edit of it on social media, but i didn’t know just how much of a treasure it was going to be!

as a history lover, i absolutely relished this excellent period work of art.

not once did i fast forward or feel bored during any episode. i felt sad as i was nearing the last episodes. and so, i enjoyed everything a little extra, not wanting to let go.

the longing and yearning is absolutely tear jerking and the romance worthy of swoons! as someone who leans more towards romance, the politics within Joseon and across nations were so interesting and captivating that i was curious to see how it all ended.

i love the feminism and patriciachial society themes.the FL & ML are both feminists in a way that’s fitting for their time and their viewpoints really touched me.

trigger warning: sexual assault

a line that will stay with me from the ML is when a woman he knows tells him how she has “dirtied” herself for “sleeping” with the barbarians (the foreign ruler actually raped her). she blames herself as if the violent act was her fault, despite being the victim. but the ML says, “if a dog bites you, did you dirty yourself? if a barbarian beats you, did you dirty yourself?” you can see the glint of realisation in her eyes after hearing his words. they took away her shame and guilt because it wasn’t hers to carry in the first place.

it’s the first drama i’ve ever watched that depicts how gruesome and barbaric war really is.

i also really love the touch of realism in the drama. for example, the blood stained clothes the FL wears for days while fleeing from the war stays on her for a couple of scenes, which makes sense because they don’t have time to wash their clothes or properly take care of themselves during a time of war while fleeing for their lives.

the stylists and make up artists did a great job at portraying the characters as sick because they really looked like they were going through it!

the battle scenes are the most frightening i’ve seen so far from any drama. there were scenes where my body was tense with anticipation or worry from both the politics and the life or death scenes. i physically squirmed when a sword was pierced through someone’s body as if it’s happening to me. at times it felt like a horror movie!

none of the characters are one-dimensioned and the actors delivered astounding performances. phenomenal. i feel so proud as if i know the cast personally.

the story telling is so evocative and thought provoking.

the ML’s voice is everything. my phone literally vibrates when he speaks. so raspy. so deep. so calm. so confident. his appearance is a delightful treat for the eyes.

approaching the final episodes, i was worried if the end was going to turn this drama into a ktrauma for me. i can’t fully express how glad i am it didn’t because i enjoyed every minute of it!

this drama is definitely first-class. i’m fondly going to remember this one.

Read More

This show worth the watch if you have seen Thamepo!

I didn’t expect to like this series.
I noticed one of the main leads was from “Don’t Say No” as a side couple. I really enjoyed his acting especially paired with an actor I haven’t seen before. Overall plot was great and cute. I feel like Akin at first comes off as caring and confident which I like. His break down on feeling like he was becoming less popular was very emotional. Going from once a star that shines so brightly to now dim was hard for him. The negative comments “fans” had commented on Akin being light to how actors are really treated in the industry especially in modeling. They do things they do not like but feel obligated to because it may boost their acting careers. It is very competitive in the industry. This series coming after watched Thamepo was great timing.

Read More

What endures

This is a great addition to the demon-hunting/solving cases genre, with some real attempts at probing some deeper themes and not just a light-hearted romance or adventure story. The first half of the show has a more eerie, creepy vibe that I found more interesting, while the second half did suffer a bit of being too long-winded and sentimental. However, overall, this is a rewarding watch for fans of the cast and period dramas in general.

While the ending may leave some dissatisfied, when considering this genre historically in Chinese literature and mythology, it is not a surprising one. It also matches the overall tone of the drama - hopeful yet always with a tinge of sadness. Bittersweet, as some would say. Such is life, and such are the lives of many in this show. Only love perhaps can endure all bitterness and heal all wounds, but it may take time or a lifetime to find such love that can overcome all.

Read More

Splendid in every aspect!

I had the pleasure of discovering this drama quite by accident while browsing Facebook, and from the very first scene, I was completely captivated. It was evident almost immediately that this production was crafted with immense care and dedication, and I found myself drawn into the story in a way that few dramas have ever managed. Every element, from the breathtaking visuals to the intricately woven storyline, was executed with a level of precision and artistry that truly set this drama apart.

The cinematography and visual presentation were simply outstanding. Every scene was beautifully composed, creating an immersive atmosphere that allowed viewers to connect deeply with the emotions of the characters and the overall narrative. The painting and artistic elements incorporated throughout added a unique and visually stunning layer to the storytelling, enhancing the emotional weight of key moments.

The storyline itself was masterfully crafted, with a compelling plot that maintained its momentum from start to finish. The emotional depth and character development were particularly impressive, allowing the audience to truly invest in the journey of the protagonists. The heroine’s tragic loss of her family was portrayed with such authenticity and sensitivity that it was impossible not to feel her pain. This loss set the stage for a deeply moving arc of healing and redemption, made all the more powerful by the timely and compassionate intervention of the male lead.

The chemistry between the lead actors was nothing short of extraordinary. Their interactions felt genuine and natural, adding a profound authenticity to their relationship that elevated the entire drama. Their ability to convey complex emotions with such subtlety and depth was truly remarkable, and it was a joy to watch their bond develop over the course of the series. The male lead, in particular, demonstrated an exceptional portrayal of care and concern for the heroine. His unwavering support and gentle strength were beautifully portrayed, making his character’s actions feel heartfelt and sincere.

The supporting cast also deserves recognition for their exceptional performances. Each actor brought their character to life with depth and nuance, contributing significantly to the richness of the world within the drama. It is clear that the success of this production was a result of the collaborative efforts of a highly talented team, including the directors, screenwriters, and the entire crew, all of whom deserve the highest praise for their outstanding work.

In conclusion, this drama was truly flawless in every aspect. It left a profound impact on me and has set a new standard for excellence in storytelling and production. I am eagerly looking forward to seeing more works from the lead actors in the future, as their remarkable chemistry and compelling performances were among the greatest strengths of this production. Congratulations once again to everyone involved in bringing such a beautiful and memorable story to life.

Read More

Hidden Love ʚଓ A Beautiful Story of Timing and True Love ʚଓ

SUMMARY ❀˖°🍓

Sang Zhi catches feelings for Duan Jiaxu the guy who used to always come over and hang out in her older brother’s room playing games. He’s five years older than her. When she was younger, she had this huge crush on him, but then they lost contact for a while. Later on, after Sang Zhi graduates, she ends up going to university in the same city as him. And from all their little moments together, getting closer day by day, they slowly fall in love. It’s based on "Secretly, Secretly; But Unable to Hide It" (偷偷藏不住) by Zhu Y.

Hidden Love is a beautiful, well-written love story that deals with friendship, sibling dynamics, family, and the journey of Sang Zhi and Duan Jiaxu’s love story. It’s about two people who started off at the right age and the right time. Sang Zhi is this vibrant, super friendly girl who first meets Duan Jiaxu when she’s young. As a teen, yeah, she did like him first, but as she grew up, she got to know him better and learned a lot of good lessons that helped her stay focused on her studies.
The way their story plays out is honestly so beautiful. They meet again when Sang Zhi leaves for university, and little by little, as they start talking more, Duan Jiaxu falls for her too. Eventually, he asks to woo her, and that’s when they officially get together. Hidden Love never made their story feel wrong or weird, Sang Zhi was at the right age, and everything happened at the right time. It was never about anything inappropriate, no matter what some people tried to say.

CHARACTERS 𓂃 ོ☼𓂃

Chen Zhe Yuan As Duan Jiaxu ⋆˙⟡♡
Starting off with Duan Jiaxu he’s such a well-written male lead. He went through some serious hardships because of what happened in his family. The consequences of his dad’s actions messed him up a lot, and people around him always criticized him no matter what he did. But even with everything he went through, Duan Jiaxu stayed focused. He never let it break him. He kept pushing toward his goals and worked hard to build a better future, not just for himself but also to pay off his family’s debt.
Along his journey, he met Sang Yan his male best friend, before he even crossed paths with Sang Zhi again. Then came Sang Zhi, and honestly, she was like this light that showed up during all his dark nights. But what’s beautiful too is that Jiaxu didn’t just rely on others he healed himself too.

Duan Jiaxu is a man of his word. He’s so determined, hardworking, and respectful. He doesn’t just care for Sang Zhi, he takes care of her in the most beautiful, patient way. And let’s be real, he’s also handsome, super charismatic, and elegant without even trying.

Chen Zheyuan absolutely brought this role to life. He didn’t just act Duan Jiaxu he became him. Every little look, every smile, the way he carried all of Jiaxu’s pain, hope, and love,it was so natural. I could feel everything through his expressions alone. He brought so much depth and softness to Jiaxu’s character that it made you love him even more. Honestly, no one else could have pulled off Duan Jiaxu the way Chen Zheyuan did. He understood the assignment and delivered it better than anyone could have imagined.

Zhao Lu Si As San Zhi 𓂃˖˳·˖ ִֶָ ⋆🌷͙⋆ ִֶָ˖·˳˖𓂃 ִֶָ

Sang Zhi is such a well-written female lead. I loved seeing all the transitions she went through how she handled being a younger sister, a daughter, a friend, and then growing into her own person. She was so good with her relationships with everyone around her. Whether it was with her family, her friends, or anyone she met, Sang Zhi always knew how to balance being sweet and playful while still being respectful. She’s the type of girl you can’t help but like because she’s real, she's humble, and she carries herself so well.

Even though her parents are rich, Sang Zhi never acted entitled. She was raised right, you could see it in the way she spoke, the way she treated people, and how she handled tough situations without ever looking down on anyone. And honestly, her maturity was such a treat to watch. She knew when to be playful, when to be serious, and when to step back and reflect. She was smart too, not just in school, but emotionally smart.

And Zhao Lusi? She Slayed in this role. She didn’t just play Sang Zhi, she made Sang Zhi feel alive. I kept rewinding during her close-up scenes because she was so gorgeous and her expressions were just perfect. Every little look she gave said more than words could. Lusi really captured all the layers of Sang Zhi, her innocence, her growth, her confidence and she made it look effortless. I really admire how she gave Sang Zhi so much heart and made you connect with her instantly.

Victor Ma As Sang Yan .☘︎ ݁˖
Sang Yan was such a good brother to Sang Zhi. You could really tell he cared about her deep down, even when he was acting all funny and teasing her. He never once treated her badly, it was always that typical older brother energy where he jokes around but would still fight anyone who hurt her. I loved how their sibling bond felt so real and natural, not forced at all. They bickered, they teased each other, but at the end of the day, Sang Yan always had Sang Zhi’s back.
And as a friend, Sang Yan was honestly such a good one to Duan Jiaxu too. He never judged Jiaxu for the hardships he went through and always treated him like family. Their friendship felt solid like even if they didn’t say much sometimes, you knew they were loyal to each other no matter what. Sang Yan was the bridge that connected Sang Zhi and Duan Jiaxu in the beginning without even knowing it, and I just loved how he was always present in both their lives without being overbearing.

Victor Ma's Acting here was very natural and good, i loved how he conveyed the comedy in this drama, it felt natural and not cring at all and he was very good as a big brother.

SUPPORTING CHARACTERS
I also have to say the supporting characters in this drama were so good. Everyone’s acting felt so natural and real. It never felt like they were acting just to move the story along; it felt like every character had their own life and story going on in the background. It made the whole world of the drama feel more alive and believable. You could tell the whole cast understood their roles and made everything come together so perfectly.

ROMANCE PART────୨ৎ────

I love the romance in the drama, everything came out at the right time, right moment, and the feelings were mutual and not forced at all. The maturity in Sang Zhi was such a treat to watch, Lusi really slayed here as she always does and I kept rewinding during all her close-up moments cos she's so gorgeous. I love how Jiaxu respects Sang Zhi and never crossed any boundaries.

I liked how the drama showed how a healthy relationship should be, just like Sang Zhi and Jiaxu, even when there is a misunderstanding they open up to each other on time. It’s so refreshing to see two characters communicate, compromise, and show vulnerability without it feeling too dramatic or over the top. Their dynamic felt like a real relationship – supportive, understanding, and full of mutual respect. The way Jiaxu listens to Sang Zhi and values her feelings is just... chef's kiss.

There are so many scenes I loved in the drama and I really liked the proposal scene, the birthday scenes, like I said every scene. EVERYTHING ABOUT THEM IS CUTEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE °❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･. The little moments of just them being together, laughing, or sharing a quiet gaze... it felt so pure. And let's not forget the chemistry, it's electric, but in such a natural way. These two were so in sync with each other, and it’s honestly the kind of relationship that makes you believe in love a little more. Just... PERFECTION.

Favorite Scenes 🐻‍❄️ྀིྀི
I loved the OST so much. It just blended perfectly with the drama. Every song matched the mood, and it made each scene even more emotional. The music didn’t overpower the moments ,it enhanced them.
Their first date
Sang Zhi’s birthday
Sang Zhi with her friends
Sang Yan and Sang Zhi’s bickering
Every moment of Sang Zhi and Duan Jiaxu’s relationship-from their awkward but sweet conversations to their more mature moments, I was living for all of it. Their growth as a couple was so natural.
The proposal scene

Overall Thoughts on Hidden Love ｡ ₊°༺❤︎༻°₊ ｡

Hidden Love is easily one of the best dramas I’ve watched. The story is so well-written, and everything just falls into place. The way love, family, friendship, and life in general are portrayed is amazing. Author Zhu Yi has a real gift when it comes to blending all these aspects and creating something that feels real and heartwarming. She doesn’t just write a love story she writes an entire life story. Honestly, I might need to ask her to write my own love story (LOL).
This drama is so rewatchable for me. It's never boring, and I can watch it over and over. I even watched the special episode where the behind-the-scenes cuts and the main leads shared their experiences. It was so nice seeing how comfortable they are with each other and how friendly they seemed off-camera. Since I joined the Hidden Love fandom a bit late, I’m not sure how the fans feel about each other, but I really hope Lusi and Jiaxu get paired up again. It’d be tough to get a second season, though.

The summer’s coming, so you bet I’m going to rewatch it again. Even when I was tired after work, I watched it, and it made me feel alive again. It’s just that good. Now, I’m diving into watching edits and even planning to create a Pinterest board for this drama.

So, would I recommend this drama? A thousand YES, no doubt. Would I rewatch it? Well, I’ve already said yes, and it’s a big YES. And here’s the thing: watch it at your own pace, don’t let FOMO rush you. I watched it at my own pace, and I enjoyed every moment of it.

🐻‍❄️ྀིྀི🧸🎀
"Our story began when he was 22 years old. I once buried my feelings towards him worried that someone else might find out. I worked hard to become a better person to match his pace. And when I finally caught up to him, that's when I knew that I wasn't the only one running. He was running towards me too. In these five whole years, I healed his trauma. He gave my bittersweet first love a happy ending. Our story began when he was 22 years old. And it came to an end when I was 22 years old" - Drama's Message ₍ᐢ. .ᐢ₎ ₊˚⊹

Hidden Love – Released 2023, Watched 2025 LOVED BY PRECIOUS ִ ࣪𖤐

Thanks For Reading ✮ ⋆ ˚｡𖦹 ⋆｡°✩ Final message from the BTS - Love changes one's chaotic life into two mutual journey, going through High's and lows together. ‧₊˚ ☁️⋅♡🪐༘⋆

Read More

First Impression: The Bangkok Boy

Overall: excited for a grittier story. 12 episodes about 55 minutes each. Airing on GagaOOLala worldwide (except Thailand) https://www.gagaoolala.com/en/videos/5273/the-bangkok-boy-2025-e01

Content Warnings (a lot but I'm keeping this spoiler free for now)

What I Liked
- different plot/aesthetics
- fight scenes seemed well done
- visuals

Room For Improvement
- started in the present and then moved into a flashback which wasn't super clear at first
- what sounded like AI English dubbing
- a lot of characters, not clear on who everyone is, their motivations, etc

Read More

A little Better Than Average Series with Interesting Villain

Overall, I liked this series. Dr. Frost is cold, and unemotional (hence, the name) but a brilliant psychologist. I liked Song Chang Eui in the role. He's very good. I have never seen him or the FL Jung Eun Chae who plays assistant Yoon in anything and they played off each other very well.

There were different crimes each episode with and over arching main case. I thought each case was good and I liked the supporting cast of police and Detective Nam. Detective Nam was good comic relief but he was also a good cop which you don't always get in these series. I also, adored young detective Cha.

I also, really liked the main villain. I won't give any spoilers away but he was a very interesting character . They could have done more with him and maybe that was the plan b/c the ending makes you think there could be a 2nd season but maybe not enough people watched to warrant one.

4/27/25

Read More

Decent Story & Acting, Weak Writing

Despite some plot holes here and there, My Destined Consort is a watchable drama centered on power struggles—both in the open conflict between two brothers vying for their father’s succession and in the shadows between their scheming wives. The villains are no mystery, as their true nature is revealed early on. While the storyline, setting, and acting could use some refinement, they’re generally acceptable. Since the plot leans heavily into political maneuvering, don’t expect much action. That said, the scheming itself offers decent entertainment value.

Storyline
The story is set in the fictional Dong Zhou (East State), one of four states in a larger kingdom—the others being Xi (West), Bei (North), and Nan (South). Shen Jiangli (played by Hai Lu) is married to Lu Jing Ming (Xu Hai Qiao), the second son of Dong Zhou’s ruler. Jing Ming has an older half-brother, Lu Jing Xiu (Wang Luo Jia), born to their father’s first wife. Though the younger brother has never fought for succession, Jing Xiu grows increasingly insecure, convinced their father favors Jing Ming for his intelligence and compassion. Determined to eliminate his brother, Jing Xiu begins plotting against him.

Just within days after Jing Ming and Jiangli’s wedding, he is summoned to battle an emergency war. Meanwhile, Jing Xiu’s wife schemes against Jiangli, framing her for a crime and getting her banished to guard the ancestral mausoleum for life. When Jing Ming returns from war—his entire platoon slaughtered—he blindly accepts the false accusation that his new wife attempted to kill his mother and sister. Angered and feeling betrayed, he cuts ties with her, though she remains in his heart.

Five years later, Shen Jiangli returns to the Lu mansion, no longer the timid, naive bride but a skilled physician seeking justice and revenge. Her transformation shocks the household, and to make matters worse for the villains, she brings with her a son—Jing Ming’s heir, now a direct threat to their power.

The rest of the drama follows the relentless schemes of Jing Xiu’s wives as they try to harm Jiangli and her child. Yet, each of their plots backfires, forcing them to reap what they sow.

Acting & Characters
Shen Jiangli’s evolution from a meek girl to a confident woman who protects herself and aids her husband against his brother’s schemes is compelling. Her medical expertise and newfound boldness make her a formidable force. Hai Lu delivers a convincing performance, portraying Jiangli’s solemn and stoic demeanor with nuance. Though she’s been in numerous dramas, this is one of her stronger leading roles.

Xu Hai Qiao, a seasoned actor, does a passable job as Lu Jing Ming. My only gripe is his hairstyle, which looks oddly bulky, almost like a hat. Otherwise, he carries himself with regal charm, though his role feels secondary compared to Jiangli’s dramatic comeback.

Lu Jing Xiu, the eldest son, is ruthlessly ambitious. As the rightful heir to his father’s throne, his obsession with eliminating his younger brother, Jing Ming, seems excessive—until it becomes clear that his ambitions stretch far beyond Dong Zhou. He dreams of conquering the other states, even if it means plunging civilians into suffering—something his benevolent father would never condone. But Jing Xiu couldn’t care less; power is his only goal. Though thoroughly unlikable, Wang Luo Jia’s portrayal is spot-on, making the character chillingly believable.

The rest of the villains are equally detestable—but not in a mysterious way. Their wickedness is laid bare from the start, so there’s no suspense about their intentions. While some characters may grate on the nerves, they’re more irritating than truly menacing.

Plot Holes & Weak Writing
One glaring plot hole involves a character who is mentioned but holds no real significance to the family—despite supposedly being one of the daughters. It’s revealed that Jing Xiu and Jing Ming had another sister who was allegedly killed in the same fabricated battle that wiped out Jing Ming’s platoon. Yet, throughout the entire drama, this sister is never acknowledged, mourned, or even referenced. Then, out of nowhere in the final episodes, her name suddenly surfaces, and Jing Ming accuses Jing Xiu of orchestrating the battle that has caused her death as well. The lack of buildup makes this twist feel forced and emotionally hollow.

Another instance of weak writing is the confusing timeline surrounding Jing Ming and Jiangli’s romance that may have given them their son. Jing Ming was supposedly sent off to war right after their wedding, leaving viewers puzzled about when they even had the opportunity to conceive a child. The drama never clarifies this inconsistency, making the son’s existence feel like a convenient afterthought rather than a well-planned narrative element.

Final Thoughts
The storyline isn’t groundbreaking, but it’s engaging enough when you’re in the mood for a scheming-heavy period drama. The romance isn’t a typical push-and-pull dynamic; instead, it’s about rekindling love between a married couple bound by a child. It’s a tale of a husband seeking redemption after wronging his wife through mistrust. The drama also touches on the harsh reality of politics—where there’s no right or wrong, only strength and weakness—a theme that still resonates today.

I wouldn’t call My Destined Consort a must-watch, but if you’re looking for something to pass the time, it’s an interesting choice.

Read More

Clean ending/beginning to a game of Go

I don’t really understand why the drama was split into 2 seasons as S2 is an immediate continuation of S1- it was a little unnecessary to split the drama, in my opinion. However, I’ll ignore that when rating.

I really enjoyed how the drama ended- everyone got the punishment they deserved. The best punishment, I believe, was Park Yeonjin’s. Her biggest fear (being a failure of a mother) happened. Her one and only daughter claimed she no longer looked up to or felt comfortable with her mother. The best part about it? Dong-Eun had nothing to do with it! Yeonjin simply set herself up for the worst.

The ending to Yeojeong’s (Dohyun) story seemed a little fast but I think it was suitable because it just meant a new game was beginning. It was almost a reminder that everyone is playing a game of Go- Ha Doyeong, Yoon Sohee, Kang Hyeongnam. It was a simple yet fitting ending.

Thank you to everyone who worked on this drama. It’s a good watch but definitely not for the faint hearted!

Read More

Had potential but bad execution

At the beginning the plot seemed interesting, like a bit of intrigue and clues to put together. it was very cliche that the FL had amnesia or at least was faking it but still kept on watching.

The plot of the uncle and ML started becoming a bit boring at some point, like they were always one step ahead and always knew what the other would do and so on but gladly he wasn’t the main villain.

Now, for the real villain even though it would have been a good plot twist, it suddenly left many open questions in general and why he started not caring anymore and being completely open about being evil as soon as the uncle was caught.

I also hated that the FL even though she appeared strong and smart at the beginning, was reduced to just being a side character and not doing anything useful. Also breaking up with the ML just because Minghao told him her sister was in danger? Like really? She was supposed to be smart and cunning if she didn’t want to break up and love Li Zeliang she could have come up with a strategy with him and together take him down.

And lastly, what they did with Shi ChuChu. Another female character they ruined. She is supposed to be a smart and capable business woman, then suddenly was reduced to nothing and played like a fool by Minghao all because she was heartbroken… Then almost at the end after someone with no proof more than just words, tells her “Hey Xieyi really doesn’t want to take revenge” suddenly became 100% trusting and finally decided Li Zeliang was right and Minghao was evil.

Again, I was about to drop it several times but only kept going because I really hate abandoning series … and always have hope they “fix” it a bit with the ending.

Anyway, definitely wouldn’t watch again ever.

The soundtrack was nice and the acting was good, even though the poor actors had to follow a very bad executed plot, those two things it’s what keep me from not giving it a 5/10

Read More

Not great but def not a 1 or 2 rating! (Spoilers indicated)

I simply don't get the super low ratings for this series. No, it's not great, but compared to a lot of other more highly rated dramas it is on par.

The Good:
- Mostly good acting. I particularly liked Gong Hoo-Jin. Super good job! Lee Min-Ho was good too, but the way his character was written made it hard to like him in this role (not his fault!).
- Interesting story - different

The Sub-Optimal:
- Plot holes you could drive a space station through
- Irrational choices by characters were so annoying :-(
- Bad science (although they obviously did their homework).
- LOL there are no noises across distance in space and it would have tightened the tension if they had not fouled this up. My undergrad degree was physics so this is hard to ignore ha ha.
- The ending clips were a tad to "artsy" for me and kind of didn't fit the rest of the show
***Spoiler***
- Very sad ending which I did NOT like at all. I'm not saying it's "bad" but I don't watch 16 hours to be bummed at the end.
***Spoiler***

In any even, this is NOT a 1 or a 2 rating. Not sure why people dislike this so much. It is very comparable to other KDramas that are more highly rated. I'd say give it a watch, but it is not worth a second watch.

Read More

Cunty sweet gay musical/short film

I don’t have much to say about this since its so short but this movie is so far ahead of its time and I know i’m not the first one to say that about this short film.

I knew Lee Jehoon was in this movie but I didn’t know Yeon Woojin was in it. Two popular Kdrama actors in an LGBT movie.

I understand how much significance their small roles could’ve made for a conservative Korea at the time, and this made me view the actors differently. I genuinely hope they start opening up to lgbt shows with popular kdrama actors from now on.

Even in 2025 they keep censoring gay relationships (especially lesbian). Can’t believe they haven’t progressed much even after this banger dropped!

Though it was lowkey surreal lol I didn’t know what was happening during those singing montages but it was sweet. I’m glad the couple ended up together despite being caught. Very cute and quick watch.

Read More