This review may contain spoilers
Gay romance with physical & emotional intimacy done well
This drama caught my attention when it was released last year but I only watched it 16 hours ago after being reminded of it yesterday when I compiled a list of LGBTQIA+ short dramas for CShortHaven Discord. I had low expectations because of China's law on LGBTQIA+. However I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of this drama.What I liked:
1. Writing - A plot that makes sense (most of the time) and executed well. I was surprised by sex scenes as I did not expect high quality production to have such scenes.
2. Xia Cheng Feng characterisation - I liked his character growth. He was quick to notice & make sense of his observations.
3. Romance - I have to say that I was bothered by how they started as a couple because Dr Jin Ye was aggressive with Xia Cheng Feng. However as their relationship foundation became solid, there were emotional connection that were beautifully presented. Thwy were hot for each other.
4. Acting - Wow, amazing performances by Pan Xin Yu and Zhang Qi Hao in their individual roles and as a couple. There was great chemistry between them. I will definitely check their other work.
5. Supporting characters - It surprised me that many of their close friends were supportive of their relationship. I liked Xia Cheng Feng's assistant, Dr Jin Ye's colleague.
6. Dr Jin Ye's characterisation - He was an alpha as a lover. I liked his doctor side although I think he was over the top with his treatments.
What I disliked:
1. Dr Jin Ye's actions - I disliked his possessiveness from the time he saw Xia Cheng Feng having a meal with the heiress to their first intimate moment.
2. Fan behaviour - Those racing fans were intrusive when they were at hospital.
3. Antagonist - He crossed the line after being rejected. I couldn't believe he even harmed the MLs.
4. Heiress - She behaved like a petulant child that it was a turn off. I disliked that she complained to Mr Xia when he didn't entertain her request.
Favourite scene
When Dr Jin Ye met Xia Cheng Feng after long time of not seeing him
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Silly, with no other solid categorization
The series started enjoyable with lots of silliness and with an adventure RPG feel. The ML has distinctive eyebrows so I recognize him from the recently watched Moonlit Reunion. He does a much better job in this series and is also much more charming. Not sure why so many reviewers are bashing on the appearance of the FL. I actually think she was a great cast for her role and unlike some other master/disciple romances, this ML/FL pairing made this part of their relationship very believable.Not familiar with the novel but this series is hard to define into any particular category. The clearest part of the plot is the ML growing in his cultivation with the friends he meets along the way. But otherwise, it actually felt more like a slice-of-life than an adventure or typical wuxia story. A lot of it consisted of the characters lifestyles and bantering with one another. There were a decent amount of action scenes but these were pretty poorly done. The underlying story of the sect and the unraveling of the main antagonist moved along in a zigzag manner on a path full of potholes.
Ironically, the best part of this for me was the FL and how her character is the type who hides her grief and pain behind a paradoxical real facade. The subtleties of when the relationship began to change for the FL/ML was good but it wasn't highlighted enough for it to maximize the impact. I sped through a large portion of the series only to finally get a slightly satisfying moment between the two at the end. Would recommend this only to those who are in the mood for mostly humor and the adventure RPG feel, with no expectations of a very in-depth plot. And if you're looking for real action, this one might be too slow paced.
Was this review helpful to you?
Was this review helpful to you?
Was this review helpful to you?
Watching for the Royal Glamour, Hoping for a Better Story ?✨
This is my first time writing a review for an ongoing K-drama because, honestly, I’m not a big K-drama fan. First of all, I want to say that this is actually quite a nice drama. If you watch it without thinking too deeply and are ready to enjoy it like a fairy tale 🏰✨, then this drama might be perfect for you.Usually, I’m very careful when rating a drama. When I really look into this one, I can’t say it has anything truly outstanding overall, but I do see some very top-notch elements. That’s the best way to describe my feelings — not fully satisfied, yet still impressed in certain areas.
About the acting and chemistry — honestly, I’m not very satisfied 😅. I don’t feel strong chemistry between the main couple, even though I expected it. In the first two episodes, I thought it was acceptable because the story was just beginning. But now that we’ve reached halfway through the drama, I still don’t feel the chemistry I hoped to see. Since the drama was announced, I had very high expectations because of the modern royalty theme 👑 and the A-grade actors cast as the leads. I also saw many people praising their past performances, so my expectations were naturally high. However, in this drama, both the acting impact and the chemistry feel weaker than I expected.
That said, I really enjoy the second female lead’s acting. Even though she is playing a darker or villain-type character 🖤, her performance feels convincing and engaging. She brings life to her role in a way that keeps my attention.
Now, about the plot — this is another area I care a lot about. I personally love complex stories filled with twists and layered conflicts 🔍. Yes, I know this is considered an idol-style drama, but I still expected more substance. Right now, if someone asks me what happened in the first six episodes, my summary would be very simple: a grand prince who suffered under royal responsibilities since childhood, now acting as regent for his nephew, enters into an arranged marriage with a smart but illegitimate daughter of a wealthy businessman who dreams of becoming noble. Their arranged marriage slowly turns into love, while political conspiracies unfold in the background. That’s basically it so far. I really hope the story becomes deeper and more eventful in the upcoming episodes.
About the music 🎼 — usually, I don’t pay much attention to OSTs, but I do have a good feeling about this drama’s soundtrack. Some pieces already feel memorable, and I think they match the luxurious atmosphere very well.
Now, the biggest reasons why I’m still watching this drama are the truly top-notch production elements. First — costumes and accessories 👗💎. A huge shout-out to the costume designers! They selected very high-end, luxurious brands, especially for IU. Honestly, this is one of the biggest reasons I continue watching. Seeing IU in those gorgeous dresses and accessories is such a visual treat — she perfectly matches the elegant royal image.
I also really appreciate BWS’s imperial costumes, especially his entry costume in Episode 1 and the imperial and military-style dress uniform in Episode 6, which looked particularly striking and regal.
Another major highlight is the architecture and interior design 🏛️✨. The palace settings and the Grand Prince’s private residence look stunning. They truly give off a sense of real royalty and pride. The world feels rich and carefully built, which makes the drama visually enjoyable even when the story feels slow.
The cinematography 📸 is also worth praising. There are many beautiful visuals throughout the drama. I still can’t stop thinking about the fireworks scene in the first episode — it was truly wow-worthy and left a strong first impression.
One of the main reasons I had such high anticipation for this drama was the royal theme itself 👑. A grand prince paired with a billionaire young woman feels like a perfect match — wealth meeting nobility. It’s refreshing because this isn’t the usual domineering CEO and poor girl cliché. Here, the female lead is neither poor nor foolish — she is intelligent and capable, which I really appreciate.
Another reason I chose to watch this drama is that it clearly feels like a true S+ production 💰✨. Everything — the sets, costumes, locations, and overall visuals — looks extremely luxurious. While watching, you can literally see the money on screen. 💸👀
Overall, even though I have my disappointments with the acting, chemistry and the pacing of the story, the visual richness and royal fantasy atmosphere keep me watching. I truly hope the drama improves in the second half and delivers stronger storytelling and emotional depth in the episodes ahead. 🤞
Was this review helpful to you?
Was this review helpful to you?
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Inconsistent
Things I loved1 Enemies to Lovers or Second Chance or Best friends to Lovers paired with legal cases is a perfect combination for me. I expected this to be great. It fell short though.
Things I liked
1 The FL. At first I loved her but after a while she fell to the liked list because her characters didn't grow the way I was expecting. She still did a great job and I liked her more than disliked.
2 The ML. I wasn't fond of his tortured character. This wasn't the drama to be that secretive about his feelings and act aloof. It's like the director didn't know what he wanted from him and of course he wasn't able to deliver. I also liked him more than disliked hence the high score. That said, I won't go out of my way to find any other dramas with him or her.
Things I disliked
1 The cases. Some were interesting, some were dull, some were awful. I'm not sure at the end of the day that they should go for drama. I think lighter cases and more comedy would have been greats for this premise.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Unfortunately, I was truly disappointed with the show.The beginning of their meeting should have laid the foundation for their love story, but it was so quick and banal that it didn't convey the deep feeling between the protagonists (especially the acting of ML was very flat).
Everything that follows seems strangely forced and awkward, it is not clear whether he remains close to this woman to keep the promise of engagement, out of humanity or something else (I know it is supposed to be for Love, but only on paper).
Once FL wakes up from the coma, things don't improve much... it's interesting to see the long and arduous rehabilitation process. I felt like I was watching a documentary, but what about the emotions?
I might be considered "insensitive," given that it's also based on a true story, but I have to be honest about what this film left me with, and the answer is: nothing. A real shame, because the potential for a great story was there.
The music bothered me and I didn't find it appropriate to accompany the film's scenes.
I consider it a barely decent film, which is too quickly forgotten.
I apologize for any mistakes, English is not my language.
Was this review helpful to you?
LOVE IT SO MUCH
i have rewatched this series three times already even though i normally nver review a series. The chemistry between the characters was so good and its something new. It isnt like the basic japanese bl but also not too dramatic. I can really recommend it to people that just want to watch a cute chill Japanese bl.Was this review helpful to you?
Long paragraph, but you must read this if you’re planning to watch it.
When this drama started, I honestly thought it would explore the idea that people working in the adult industry are no different from others that they’re normal individuals with their own emotions and lives. However, as the story progressed, it shifted focus and portrayed the male lead entering the adult film industry mainly due to depression and unresolved trauma from past sexual violence.Unfortunately, the execution falls short. The storyline feels weak, with several loopholes and a lack of depth in the narrative. Character development is almost nonexistent, making it hard to connect with most of the cast.
The drama tries to juggle three different storylines, but only Lanlee and Sea’s arc feels engaging and worth watching. The rest lack emotional impact and proper buildup.
The hate to love dynamic, especially with the shared room trope and emotional scenes like crying during sleep, feels overly familiar. In fact, episode 1 strongly reminded me of "TharnType*" almost as if it was trying to recreate the same formula but without the same intensity or execution.
Overall, the plot feels repetitive and underdeveloped, which makes it hard to stay invested despite its potentially meaningful themes. All love to the entire cast, but this series and its plot could have been much better.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
The best and so good!!!
Absolute perfection. This easily became my favorite BL of all time. The story, the acting, the characters, the music, everything about it I loved. I recommend it so highly. This is going to be a long review, so buckle in.The story:
I loved that if there was any conflict at all, it was solved so quickly. No miscommunication, no drawn-out plotlines that felt unnecessarily long, no breakups, none of it. Those things are almost always in dramas and especially BL's and this time there was none of it. The friendships felt so real and natural. Daung, Jamie, and Pae, might just be one of my favorite friend groups I've ever seen. I love how supportive of each other they were, how much they joked around with each, there for each other, etc. They truly felt like a real friend group. Even though we didn't see Qin, Tong, and Kim hang out as much, I really liked their friend group as well. Both were complete opposites of each other in some ways, but I think that is one of the reasons it was so enjoyable. I really loved the friendship Jamie and Qin had by the end of the show too. They really became besties and I love that. I think the show progressed at the perfect pace too. I loved how long each episode was and even though they were long, they still went by so fast. I love that the entire story took place over a years' time. It showed how much time has really passed and showed that nothing happened immediately and took time, which made it feel more realistic.
The characters and actors:
1. Duang and TeeTee! Nobody could've played Duang except 2Tee. He was the perfect Duang. 2Tee did such an incredible job. He made me laugh, made me emotional, made me feel all the emotions throughout the series. He is such an incredible actor. Duang has got to be one of the greenest flags ever. He's just the best. I love Duang with all my heart. He's so kind and caring and funny and was just so enjoyable as a main character. Loved him so much!
2. Qin and Por! I've loved Por since Your Sky and was hoping to see him in something else and little did I know it would become my favorite. Por did an incredible job as Qin. I, like I said with Duang and TeeTee, don't think anyone else could've played Qin except for Por. I loved Qin so much and loved seeing how he grew and changed throughout the story. I loved seeing him open up more and more to Duang and then get to open up to his parents as well. So beautiful. I love how much we got to hear him sing as well.
3. Jamie and North! North absolutely killed this. I didn't know North before this, and I am so glad this introduced him to me. I love him so much now. As for Jamie, I loved him so much too. Jamie was so funny. I loved seeing him with Duang, Pae, Qin, and especially Marvis. I just think Jamie was such a fun character.
4. Marvis and Otto! Again, this was my first time seeing Otto and GOD DAMN! I wish I knew him sooner. He killed it as this c*nty little diva. I loved Marvis a lot. He's so sassy but caring at the same time.
5. Pae and Wave! Once again, my first time seeing him and instantly fell hard. I loved Pae so much. He was so funny! I wish he was in the show more. The second half of the show especially felt like he definitely became more of a background character, but I kept wanting more. Either way love him, love Wave. He did an amazing job as Pae.
Couples:
1. Duang and Qin! COUPLE GOALS!! Where do I find this? They are such a perfect couple. They balance each other out so well in so many ways. They're helping each other grow in so many ways too. Best couple. I've never seen a couple in a show/movie feel so natural and real like them. From bigger moments between them down to the littlest kisses and gestures, they felt so realistic. They were such a true representation of what a healthy and in love couple looks like. I could talk about them forever.
2. Jamie and Marvis! I loved every scene between them, I just wish we got more!! I loved every time they came on screen together, but there wasn't enough. I'm hoping we get a special episode or something so we can see more of them (and hopefully actually get a kiss this time). I loved all their scenes though so much. The sexual tension was so strong. I loved seeing them have sweet moments too and see them start to fall for each other more and more.
3. Pae and Tong! (Yes, I'm putting them in the couple category) I thought we'd get more of these two together, even if they weren't going to get together in the show, I thought we would just see more of them together, but we really didn't. Pae kept mentioning a partner and with the whole Cherry thing I really thought they were going in that direction, but I guess not. If we get a special ep I hope they get at least some kind of scene just the two of them.
Overall, I just can't say enough good things about this show. It was incredible. I'm writing this on the first Saturday without Duang with You and I'm still so sad to see it done. I'm really hoping for a special because I don't want to be done with any of these characters yet. I fell in love with all the characters and actors and miss it so much already. I've had the music on repeat since they all dropped on streaming. I could genuinely talk about this show forever, but I'll end with this. Duang with You's thing is "not the best but still good" but this series truly was the best. I can't wait to rewatch.
Was this review helpful to you?
Strong start, weak middle, rushed ending
At the very beginning, this drama was very good. The concept of a high school girl like Seong A being a shaman at such a young age is something I have honestly seen for the first time, and that immediately made it interesting. The main storyline about Gyeong U being born with misfortune, where everyone close to him ends up dying, and the karmic connection with Seong A’s shaman life had strong potential.The starting episodes really pulled me in.
But as we progressed, the shamanism angle started taking over a lot. I understand that it is the core concept, but considering the genre, I expected a bit more balance with romance. There was romance between Seong A and Gyeong U in the beginning, but in the middle it completely disappeared. Then a cute closure. It was sweet, yes, but it felt like all the build up was lost somewhere along the way. Their chemistry had potential, but it never fully reached it.
I also had multiple theories while watching. I binge watched it in one day, so I was fully invested. But some theories started contradicting each other at the same time. Certain developments did not make complete sense. The mysterious lady introduced at the beginning had such a strong aura, but since we already knew she was the villain, it did not feel that impactful. Everyone already knew she was the villain, so when things started unfolding, it did not feel shocking. They were reacting like it was some huge surprise, like oh my gosh, she is doing villain stuff, but as a viewer, we already saw it coming.
At some point, it genuinely felt like they were putting themselves in danger. Like khud ke pair pe kulhaadi maar rahe ho tum (you are hitting an axe on your own foot). If you know who is behind everything, maybe stop trusting the same person again and again.
Now about the second male lead, Ji Ho. He was very resourceful, and honestly, he could have helped a lot more. He was with Gyeong U the entire time when Seong A was not, and still he did not know half of what was happening. They kept saying I will tell you later or it is not that serious. If you want Ji Ho involved in the plan, then tell him everything. Either keep him in the loop properly or do not. That half situation was frustrating.
The acting was good. Not bad at all. Everyone did their job well. No complaints there.
Even beyond the romance, I feel like the shamanism concept itself did not shine the way it could have. The constant variation and modification of theories weakened the impact. The finale, which was built up as something huge, ended up feeling underwhelming.
I would have rated the plot around 5 or 5.5, but since I binge watched it and liked the overall vibe, I gave it an extra point.
Final rating 6.6 out of 10
Potential Yes
Fully delivered Not really
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
A kawaii series, but with an annoying "ideal Japanese" FL.
PLOT: FL arrives in a new department (Sales) and encounters hostility, even malice, from her colleagues. However, ML (the head of IT, on whom she's had a crush for two years) discreetly helps her. One evening, she finds herself locked out (keys inaccessible) and he takes her in (he share an appartment with the head of Sales). ML (very introverted, almost autistic) and FL grow closer, confess their mutual love, and face their problems together. HE.+++ Fujii Ryusei (but with a щ(ಠ益ಠщ) щ(ಠ益ಠщ) hairstyle) as ML
+++ A fairly realistic story that addresses workplace harassment, forced alcohol at numerous team dinners, etc.
+++ For once, quite a lot of kisses and skinship.
### Konno Ayaka is undoubtedly a good actress, but she always plays the same role (the Japanese ideal woman): submissive, hardworking, forgiving, clingy... stupid!!
### The OSTs are too Japanese for me.
=> A series to pass the time, not memorable either. The producers should give the actors the opportunity to have more substantial roles!
*********************************************************
Série kawaii mais avec FL "idéale japonaise" agaçante
PLOT : La FL arrive ds 1 nouveau service (Ventes), et se heurte à l'hostilité, voire la malveillance de ses collègues. Cpdt, le ML (chef du service informatique, sur lequel elle a 1 crush depuis 2 ans), lui vient en aide discrètement. Un soir, elle se retrouve à la porte (clefs inaccessibles) et il l'héberge chez lui (colocataire, chef du service Ventes). Le ML (très introverti limite autiste) et la FL vont se rapprocher, s'avouer leur amour mutuel et affronter ensemble les pbs. HE.
+++ Fujii Ryusei (mais avec 1 coiffure щ(ಠ益ಠщ) щ(ಠ益ಠщ) en ML
+++ Story à peu près réaliste, qui aborde le harcèlement au travail, l'alcool forcé ds les nbreux diners d'équipe, etc.
+++ Pour 1 fois, pas mal de kisses et de skinship.
### Konno Ayaka est sans doute une bonne actrice, mais elle joue tjs le même rôle (idéal féminin japonais) : soumise, hardworking, forgiving, cluless, ... stupid !!
### OSTs trop japonaises pour moi.
=> Série pour passer le temps, pas mémorable non plus. Les producteurs devraient donner aux acteurs la possibilité d'avoir des rôles + consistants !
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Great premise, awful acting
Things I loved1 The premise. That would be great for a long series and I hope someone does it one day. It could be fun, original, romantic, whatever you want. The sky is the limit. Title: a 100 ways to break up.
Things I hated
1 The FL. Have you ever met someone who thinks is beautiful, smart and walks around with that belief written on their forehead? Well, if you haven't just watch this. The main actress can't act to save her life but she definitely can walk around like she's beautiful, smart and the world owns her. I hated her acting, I found her ugly because it's so obvious she thinks she's great, and her character wasn't better. I wish another actress would have been cast.
2 The ML. At first I wanted to put him in the dislike list because his character at least was a bit better. But after a few episodes his awful acting got to me. He walked around with eyes closed like he was a hazy state and it was annoying to watch.
3 The ending. I get now why they cast two awful actors. Because the writer also thinks he's smart etc. Why would you choose such an ending to a short series? It wasn't fun, romantic or even intriguing, Just frustrating. Therefore, 4 is generous, but as I said, the premise is perfect for a rom com, and that alone gets a 10. Add the awful acting, and the stupid ending, and it falls to 4.
Was this review helpful to you?
