Reviews

Title: Get Rid of the Lover and Hook Up with the King(2025) is a fantasy revenge drama with Wang Yu Wei (as Quan Ming He) and Huang Yun Yun (as Shen Yu Ling) in the leading couple’s role. T his is another adaptation from the web novel "Chuai Diao Yan Qing Nan Zhu, Gou Da Nan Pin Di Wang" by You Gong Yu. There is a different love interest introduced here but it is of little significance to the overall plot. The cast did well bringing their characters to life and the revenge plot is well done but the romance lacks intensity and the female lead is simply vindictive even to the Emperor that he also abandons regardless of their significant past together. Overall, the drama is not about romance, it is about carrying out revenge in the novel to become famous in her real time.
In the meantime, this drama can be found in YouTube under the caption:“The Best Actress Reborn Nine Times,Winning Over Emperor Quan Minghe with Her Acting Skills”
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tjnk7PntyYI)
Or: “The Movie Queen Travels Through A Book To Chase The Handsome Emperor!”
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTBW4EUVlKU)

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Helped Me Out Of The Kdrama Dry Spell

2026 didn’t start off that great for me K-drama wise. I’d been looking for something that would actually hook me instead of making me drop it halfway through like some of the newer dramas did.

Family Matters ended up being a really intriguing short drama about a family with a secret background filled with trauma and mysterious powers. The plot was well written and easy to follow, and I loved the mix of dark comedy and thriller elements. The pacing was great, although I do wish it had been a longer drama.

Honestly, I have almost nothing bad to say about it. Maybe that’s because I love dark thrillers with comedy and the found-family trope, so this felt perfectly tailored to my taste.
It does get quite gory though, so if you’re sensitive to that kind of content you might want to skip it.
Sometimes all you need is a short, well-written drama that knows exactly what it wants to be, and Family Matters delivered that perfectly.

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It gives you the ingredients and you've to churn out the delicacy

1. This drama is so much more than an action drama or a high school drama. It felt like a character study, of the rise and fall of a friend group and its consequences. These guys just wanted to be together. But couldn't. All because of minute, inconsequential things. The kind that one wouldn't blink an eye for. One doesn't know the hearts of another though. And somehow that nothing was actually magnified for another.

2. The drama doesn't spoonfeed you anything. You're free to come to your own conclusion. Hate a character if you want, understand them if you want or whatever. Think of some as a joke, if you want. There's no specific event that turned a good person bad. They always had it in them. And it was a gradual process of letting their inner darkness out.

3. I can also completely understand that Suho and Sieun shipping bandwagon. I am not a fujioshi but man! Straight or not, they are certainly soulmates.

4. Everyone is such a good actor. I couldn't tear my eyes of Sieun's eyes. They contained so much anger, sadness confusion and so many other emotions. Unlike others, I couldn't hate Oh Beom Seok. I understood his motivations and his regret. He's such a well written character. And Suho, too! I could understand why others looked up to him. Why Sieun within a span of 8 episodes cherished him so much. I believed in their friendship and their fall.

P.S: I will never look at a pen the same way.

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The actors' high ratings are only due to Surf and Java.

As I already said, I'm giving the cast a high rating only because of Surf and Java, who single-handedly saved this series for me from start to finish. Their chemistry and acting were the only reason I was able to watch this series. Let's put it this way: it's not exactly bad, but it's not good either. It's just a boring story with incredibly boring leads (NOT Surf and Java) that they tried to spin and make "gripping," but it didn't work. The entire series was based on the dynamic relationship and excellent acting of Surf and Java, which is why I wanted to see something new with them and ONLY them (it's good that MuTeLuv came out). The music in the series wasn't particularly memorable, and the kisses between the main couple left much to be desired; it was unbearable.

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This could be perfect drama.

I watched this years ago after watching Li Ruoqi drama with Du Yafei (I cant believe MDL didnt have those drama because it have almost same theme as this drama and i quite like the previous drama than this drama since the ending was okay)

FL remains clear-headed, dedicated, and contract-abiding, convinced ML is a good boss. She even burns incense for the "real" ML and sells her compilation of his preferences to SFL for profit. She believes she deserves love, doesn't want to be a substitute , and has feelings for the ML, but reason prevail and she prefer her dignity.

ML is very confident, self-assured FL loves him deeply. In reality, he's a hypocrite, having long loved by FL but denying it. He dotes on her and always strongly protects her. ML finally believes FL doesn't truly love him. He lowers his pride and starts pursuing her.

ML backstory was quite tragic , growing up in an orphanage, treated like a walking blood bank by his adoptive parents, and his only relative, his sister, is gone. FL is the family member he chose, so he loves her dearly. His grandmother conspires with the SML to cause trouble. Fearing he'll implicate the FL, ML agrees to a divorce.

On the day of the divorce, SML as if by divine intervention, kidnaps FL, and she learns of his love from him. She discovers she's not a substitute, that everything was premeditated by ML, and that his "white moonlight" is his sister. ML is even going to donate bone marrow to his father.

On the contrary, all the supporting characters help FL stay clear-headed and rational. The substitute trope doesn't torment her. ML and FL are well-developed characters; ML is flawless except for his arrogance.

Still recommended this though.

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This one was unexpected fun drama.

I watched this show just for Cheng Cheng. He's perfect for playing a Hong Kong gangster. For Xiang Yun Jie, i still have a trauma against her but it was far better drama than her drama with Ma Xiao Yu in terms of chemistry and plot. I watched another older Xiang Yun Jie drama with Cheng Cheng and i think they are quite match for the leads.

I never expected to have comedy aspect in this drama. FL is a secret agent who travels back to the 90s, gets drugged and sent to the gangster's bed, but ends up killing him, kidnapping him, and even having sex with him. However, FL secret agent identity is pretty useless; it doesn't really showcase her sharp skills. The plot wouldn't be reasonable without her secret agent identity.

I still recommended this if you have nothing to watch.

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Quite decent drama.

I watched this because of Hou Cheng Yue and have nothing to watch and realized the ML was Li Ruoxun. Speaking of ML character, he's really green tea-faced, competitive, and manipulative guy. He's quite interesting. He starts by boasting to the FL, calls her brother "brother," and acts all cute and pitiful. FL is brave and resourceful, a true general, and should go to the vast land to conquer and realize her ambitions For the romance chemistry, i feel they are kind lack on that think but i quite like other playful dynamic from the leads.

There's no reincarnation or time travel thing, be assured. The main plot of this drama is FL abandons the SML, and the SML and his mother reap what they sow. FL mistakes her savior for someone else, falls in love with the SML, and plans everything for him. The arrival of SFL leads FL to abandon SML. ML returns and proposes to FL, but she never agrees. In the finale, she only accepts ML. FL lets go very decisively, but SML keeps pestering her with his inexplicable confidence, while the ML keeps proposing to her, which she always refuses, finally accepting him in the end.

Worth watching if you're looking for something to watch.

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ML was most manipulative men in duanjus

I watched this last year because my friend recommended Yang Yubin's best works. I should said the kisses were hot but for the plot i quite hate ML to the bone and there is no redemption for him. He is included in my most manipulative ML on duanju. He appears to become FL's father business partner and FL mistook him as his father (girl, the obvious height different were clear) and ML started to obsessed over FL. ML took advantage of her vulnerability, meticulously planning every step. FL's father company went bankrupt (though not directly caused, he was the straw that broke the camel's back), FLfather got sick, and she fell into his trap. And he can forgive her so easily? I don't understand. FL were trying hard not to seeking ML helps and do anything to freed her and yeah ML acts as her only salvatation. The logic of this drama feels a bit strange. FL is a campus beauty, which I can't accept. I forced myself to finish it at 1,5 speed and wont rewatch again.

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Wen Yifan is an inspiring woman, her story emotional

Greatly impressed by this drama what starts as a unfortunate misunderstanding driving a wedge between two lovers develop into a journey of accepting love, getting more confident and learning to express one's feelings instead of always running away.

For me Wen Yifan's journey was so much more important than the romance itself. The unconditional love Sang Yan gave her was important of course but honestly a repeated plot. I regret Sang Yan only personality was loving Wen Yifan : he was fun, his love for Wen Yifan truly moving but his character outside her didn't moved me honestly. He is just a typical ML, 100% devoted to his lover but has not a real purpose outside this.

Anyway I really liked Wen Yifan, at the beginning we found a quiet woman, having trouble to connect with people, with the this tendency of running away instead of confronting her problems. As the story progressed she grow more confident, affirms her feelings specially toward Sang Yan. Also confronting her past with her "uncle" was so brave after everything she went through the first time.

Her family was frustrating specially her "mom", I just feel some people will never truly apologise for their wrongdoing because of their arrogance and selfishness. The only lesson we can draw from this aspect of the story is to learn to move on, some people will never apologise sincerely even if they know they did wrong specially parents. It hurts but if you can't move on, you'll never be able to live freely.

My only issue was with the Hong Kong arc : while it was somehow realistic it was like going backward because Yifan already started to do some progress. This arc was more an hindrance for the plot than anything. Sang Yan discovering more about Wen Yifan doesn't make this arc more enjoyable because he could've discovered that in an other way. It is also upsetting because Sang Yan did everything he could to reassure her so I don't think he deserved that.

That's also why I was not happy to see him not showing more anger about this. I will always side with Wen Yifan no matter what because I understand her way of thinking. But from his perspective he has every right to be angry and show it : not sulking for months but at least show he was hurt by her. He has to play the prince charmant so of course it's not possible, but I would've loved if he showed more personality.

The 2nd couple was very sweet, some may not like their story because they only like the MC's but they were interesting and not exhausting so a breath of air in the middle of some stressful moments.

I really recommend this drama, because it's worth it even if the story can heavy sometimes. The OST were good and the actors all did a great job (Big S/O to Zhang Ruonan, she did so well ♥️).

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A hidden gem from 2009

A little gem from way back in 2009. I never expected I’d get so hooked on such an old series, especially considering those terrible hairstyles. And yet, this show won me over with its warmth and authenticity. Back then, they really knew how to make dramas. It had a great classic telenovela-style plot, studio lighting that made you feel like you were right there, and a beautiful soundtrack.

For the first time, I saw actors in their younger days without plastic surgery, just normal people. With pimples, melanin, bigger noses, and without heavy styling. And still, they were all beautiful.

The main couple was wonderful, with great chemistry between them. The male lead really pulled you in, and both leads made you feel everything they were going through. When she cried, it genuinely felt like she was actually crying. I also loved their enemies to lovers dynamic. Watching them slowly grow closer was so satisfying, and the way their relationship developed never felt forced at all. The only thing I would have liked was a bit more passion at times, but I can’t really say that about such an old series, especially considering how conservative things were in Korean dramas back then.

Still, it was amazing, and I truly feel like I’ll remember it and think of it as a beautiful, sweet memory full of warmth and nostalgia.

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Mystery, Moms, and Missed Potential

Salon De Holmes begins with a promising premise and an engaging first episode that quickly draws viewers into its world. The series introduces a unique concept: a group of mothers who come together to solve various mysteries within their community. The opening episode effectively establishes the tone and dynamic of the group, creating anticipation for how these amateur detectives will tackle the cases that come their way.

However, as the series progresses, the way each case is handled becomes somewhat formulaic. Nearly every episode follows a similar structure in which the group encounters a new mystery and quickly works toward solving it. While the episodic format has the potential to keep the narrative fresh, many of the cases feel overly simplified and are resolved too conveniently. This sometimes diminishes the tension and complexity that a mystery-driven story typically thrives on.

Among the ensemble cast, Chu Kyeong-ja stands out as the most memorable character. Her storyline is arguably the most compelling, offering layers of emotional depth and personal development that make her journey particularly engaging. Close behind is Jeon Ji-hyeon, whose character adds another interesting dimension to the group dynamic.

Bak So-hee, on the other hand, feels underutilized. While she plays a role within the team, her presence throughout the series is inconsistent. She frequently fades in and out of the narrative to the point where her absence can go unnoticed until the group reconvenes. This lack of continuity makes it difficult for viewers to fully connect with her character or understand her role within the larger story.

Another central figure, Gong Mi-ri, brings strong investigative instincts to the group. Her sharp attention to detail and ability to connect clues are key assets when it comes to solving cases. However, her personality can sometimes overshadow these strengths. Her controlling nature and frequent harshness toward her husband make certain scenes uncomfortable to watch. That said, their relationship does provide a realistic portrayal of a marriage struggling with communication. Both characters contribute to the tension in their relationship, highlighting how misunderstandings and unspoken frustrations can shape a partnership.

From a broader storytelling perspective, the overall plot feels somewhat uneven. The narrative has interesting ideas but does not always explore them to their fullest potential. One of the show’s biggest issues lies in its inconsistent character presence. Several characters disappear and reappear without much explanation, which disrupts the flow of the story and weakens the continuity of the ensemble dynamic.

The reveal of the main villain is another aspect that ultimately feels underwhelming. Given the buildup throughout the series, the final reveal lacks the impact and complexity one might expect from a mystery-focused narrative. It leaves the impression that the show had the opportunity to deliver a more satisfying and intricate conclusion.

Despite these shortcomings, the ending clearly sets the stage for a potential second season. With its intriguing concept and strong core characters, Salon De Holmes still has the foundation to evolve into something much stronger. If a second season does move forward, there is significant opportunity to refine the storytelling, deepen the mysteries, and ensure greater consistency in character development and screen presence.

With improved narrative focus and more carefully constructed cases, the series could easily elevate itself from an entertaining but uneven watch into a truly compelling mystery drama.

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Enjoyable and easy to watch.

A very solid series! It had an incredible cast with all the well-known actors. I really loved the concept of virtual reality. Seo In Guk and Seo Kang Joon were absolutely amazing. The female lead was a bit annoying at times for me and had a tendency to overthink and jump to conclusions. As a series it didn’t have much intensity, which is something I usually look for in shows but for this genre is ok. The chemistry of the main couple was good, not explosive, but still nice. Also, props for not making them know each other since childhood like they always do in Kdramas . Overall, it was enjoyable and easy to watch.

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