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The Idea Goes Right, Everything Else Goes Wrong
It has great concept and idea, and that's all. There's nothing more on this show. The idea about trying to save a building ownership by doing everything, including dirty work, seemed very good. This show was slow but promising at the beginning. However, it never reached the peak that promised. Everything went downhill after they killed the coffee shop owner. The characters kept making ridiculous decisions. For this genre, the pace is far too slow. Take out comedy from the genre, there was nothing there.A lot of talents wasted in this show, especially Lim Soo Jung and Krystal. Lim Soo Jung rarely takes drama jobs, why did she choose this? Shim Eun Kyung is probably the best in this show.
This show had too much going on together, but failed to entangle them between each other. I wonder how stupid was Gi Su Jong who trusted Nam Sang Ho on their first meet. The police killed the coffee shop owner like there was nothing going on. Gi Su Jong went to met the coffee shop owner at the bridge, even though he knew the police was tailing him. Also why the police kept eye on Su Jong after the fire incident, but not on Yo Na, especially when they were targeting Real Capital? And lastly, how come they all didn't go to the jail???
Should you watch it? Probably no. There are hundreds and thousands better show to invest rather than this one.
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This review may contain spoilers
Episode 2 slows the pace compared to the explosive premiere, but that's exactly what makes it work. Instead of piling on more drama, it starts peeling back the layers of each character, giving us a better understanding of why they act the way they do.Neen continues to be the scene-stealer. She's mischievous, outspoken, and effortlessly funny, bringing plenty of laugh-out-loud moments while still feeling genuine. Her playful personality balances the heavier emotional scenes perfectly.
The office setting also adds a refreshing dynamic. The interactions between the coworkers make the world feel more lived-in, and the comedy flows naturally without taking away from the emotional core of the story.
What stands out most is the growing chemistry between Runch and Neen. Rather than rushing into romance, the episode lets their relationship develop through small moments, teasing the emotional journey ahead. You can already sense that beneath the bickering and awkward encounters, they're slowly beginning to understand each other.
Visually, the series remains polished, with warm cinematography and expressive performances from Ling and Orm. Their acting continues to sell both the comedic timing and the quieter emotional beats.
Overall, Episode 2 is a strong follow-up. It trades the shock value of Episode 1 for meaningful character development, heartfelt moments, and plenty of humor. It's the kind of episode that quietly builds a solid foundation for the romance to come.
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Lack of love has never been the issue, but lack of communication certainly is.
I read the novel, and I have to admit it surprised me more than I expected. Since the channel is known for being quite conservative, I wasn't expecting such an emotionally layered story. Yet, after just two episodes, one thing is already clear: their love never faded. The real issue has always been their lack of communication.Runch is carrying the weight of expectations from every direction, while Neen has no idea of the battles she's forced to face alone. Living under the shadow of a narcissistic mother, even building a successful career hasn't given Runch the emotional security she needs to stand up for herself and protect her marriage in the way Neen longs for.
I always joke on Twitter that I'm part of "Runch's legal team" because I'd go to battle to defend her. But even so, I completely understand Neen. She was raised surrounded by love, so it's only natural that she can't accept the constant and unhealthy interference of her narcissistic mother-in-law. Neither of them is wrong; they're simply reacting to life through the experiences that shaped them.
My hope is that they learn to truly choose each other. Because walking through life's battles together is always better than facing them apart. Choosing love—and choosing the person we love—isn't selfish. It's one of the most human things we can do, perhaps even in the most biblical sense of the word.
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Episode 3 continues to blur the line between truth and rumor.
Jane is surrounded by frightening stories, yet every rumor seems to have one thing in common—the people involved broke their promise first. That makes it difficult to decide whether Jane is truly dangerous or simply misunderstood.Jenaree has always lived for the happiness of others rather than his own. Perhaps that's exactly why Jane was drawn to him in the first place.
The more Jenaree hears negative opinions about Jane, the more he wants to believe him. Ironically, love sometimes creates doubt instead of certainty.
At this point, I still can't tell whether Jane is a devil hiding behind a handsome smile or someone unfairly judged by everyone around him. The series is doing a good job of keeping that mystery alive.
I'm looking forward to learning more about Jane's past. Until the drama reveals more of his cards, it's still impossible to know who he really is.
🇯🇵 Streaming Information (Japan)
WeTV Japan (Japanese subtitles)
Rakuten TV (Japanese subtitles)
🌏 International Streaming
iQIYI (Available in selected countries/regions)
WeTV (Available in selected countries/regions)
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Slow start, but great finish
This series starts out so slow. It's a minimal cast with very little movement in location ... but even so, it begins to evolve into a really good story. If you give it enough time, you will be hooked on a murder mystery BL with many different sub plots.The cast is a bit difficult in jelling with chemistry, but even they adopt and start to come together by episode 3.
If you're looking for a traditional BL series, you may be disappointed. There are no evil antagonists trying to keep the two "love interest" apart. Normally that's always a big theme in BL's, but not in this one. While there is a sexual tension between the two protagonists, the main story stays distant from physical contact for quite a while. It eventually happens, but it's a while in coming. By episode 5, things change in a big way, and as you conclude that episode, things go off in a completely different direction, giving us a bit of sex, murder and back story on some of these characters. The more history we learn, the more unanswered questions surface.
Seung Beom is definitely great at being the thug, although a kind hearted thug! I did have a problem with Kyung Min. It wasn't his acting, he was good at his role, it was a bit difficult, though, believing him to be a cop. It did work out better toward the final episodes, and the chemistry does flow with him and his sexual partner, dong Jin by the end.
All in all, it is a very entertaining and pretty unique BL. Probably the best of 2026 so far!
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Omnia vincit Amor!
Love of Silom has just ended with it's 12th episode. What we got was an unusual pairing, a police detective and a Gogo dance/host falling in love with each other, both with broken families. Besides their calmly growing love, we had a brutal human trafficing and murder case which threated both Captain Krit and his host boyfriend Wayu.What was interesting was, how their different background both has family stuff to struggle. Krit, a tyrannical father who wanted to force his son into any profitable marriage entirely uncaring what Krit wanted or felt. He even threatend what he, as a Police General with his influence would do to Wayu, should Krit not cut tires. Tough stuff.
Seeing the scene of the Gogo/Host bar was one of my highlight, realistic or not, it was nice to see how Foei and the boys stuck together, and it was sad to see the only troublemaker found a horrible death just when he can come out to the good side. But it gave the show this gravitas, a lot can happen, even though we were sure the MC would not face drama, or at least I expected a good ending, the show gave a clear sense of danger, hostility and how the world is a dangerous place.
I know people critizised how Krit didn't resist his father, and I did so too. But this is Asia, and who knows if what I would have done would have been so much wiser.
I shall say something about the ending, because I... liked it. I didn't see the evil dad have a sudden turn out of the blue. Sure, it was shortened, but it took around 3 episodes, from the father seeing how Wayu was so desperate when Krit about about to die, with Krit in the end twice stating in no uncertain ways he would stick to Wayo no matter what, and yes the usual mother talking sense into the dad. Krit's father seeing what a respected student Wayu is and someone real.
But here is the thing. There is this story "Of the Lost Son" in the Old Testament, where the father, when the lost son comes homes is in tears and overjoyed and forfeits all anger, for the son is back. And here, here we have the Lost Father who finally turned. We could see hints of him struggling. In the near death moment of Krit, in the time after his wife talked clearly to him. And to be honest, I rather have a father who turns and yields in all things, than a revenge plot.
In the end, all where happy together, and is that not worth to say, alright, let's make this new start and let the past be the past and enjoy we have a big family, and Krit and Wayu married with all in the two families being united? I call that a win of love, and I rather have a father who finally yields and a good future than being eternally prisoner of the past. I know such people. It is not good. As such I found the last episode good, it made me feel happy and seeing the Dad doing the Gogo-Dancing with his cops in the after-scenes was just a nice fun, for an actor who always must play evil people, and maybe for that too I was glad to see him smile and be happy and everyone at peace together.
Having been well entertained with good acting, nice music, many interesting and well played side characters, drama and difficulties:
„Omnia vincit Amor; et nos cedamus Amori!“
- Vergil
9/10 Must have seen!
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The times and values are conservative but the Story is liberal
I started watching this for YangZi. Then I was hooked by the intricacies of the ancient ink making industry.Its an easy going drama of a family business with its own politics and business rivals competing for supremacy. The malevolence seems more dramatic than sinister. The Eight Branch of the century old Li Ink family is expelled after an incident that will only be fully revealed in the last 2 episodes. The initial intense competition for top ink maker was between the Li and Luo families to be the Imperial Tribute Ink. Within the first 5 episodes, this dynamic changed with the rapid decline of the Li Family due to a series of misfortunes and the near demise of the Luo Family when they fell from favour in the Capital.
Into this vacuum enters the Tian Family, who were stragglers within the Huizhou Ink community. Through a series of cunning schemes and devious plots, they rose to be top dog, and top villains, headed by Tian BenChang.
On the outside the previously favored granddaughter of the disgraced Eight Branch, Li Zhen, decides to pursue her passion and heritage. She becomes the apprentice of her Grandfather, the fallen Ink master of Li Ink who had to swear never to make another ink piece again in penance.
Essentially this is the story of Li Zhen (Yang Zi) and the rejuvenation of Li Ink against all odds. It is also a chronicle of family values, the Huizhou ink industry and relationships. Beyond the impossible romance between two lovebirds, there are many other more noteworthy relationships; mothers and daughters, grandparents and grandchildren, siblings, childhood friends, business partners etc.
Yang Zi did not disappoint neither was this drama her high point. She was best at her relationships with her Grandparents and most poignant at their demise. She was often inspiring when faced with challenges. I enjoyed her interactions with her mother most.
The MLs, both friends and foes, are at best, insipid. Luo WQ (EH) was more operatic than dramatic.
The settings, especially the shots around Huizhou, are magnificent. I also learned about isinglass.
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Hermoso Season 2 — Sometimes It's Better to Let a Story End
I honestly don't understand why this second season exists.The first season already had an ending. It wasn't a happy one, but it was a conclusion I could accept. It was emotional, bittersweet, and gave the story a sense of closure. Instead of respecting that ending, Season 2 reopens everything simply to create more drama, and for me, it completely undermines what came before.
The biggest mistake is the memory-loss storyline.
Amnesia is already one of my least favourite clichés when it's well written. Here, it feels like an excuse to force the characters back to the beginning and create an artificial love triangle. Watching someone forget the person they loved and start developing feelings for someone else—especially someone who should never become a romantic option—didn't make me emotional. It made me frustrated. At that point, I honestly found myself thinking I would have preferred the original ending to remain untouched.
The acting is once again perfectly acceptable for what the script asks the cast to do. I never felt the actors were the problem. They commit to the material and do their best with increasingly exaggerated situations. Unfortunately, even good performances can't rescue a story that keeps piling one melodramatic twist on top of another without earning them emotionally.
Like the first season, the production values remain respectable. The cinematography is pleasant, the locations are beautiful, and the intimate scenes are filmed confidently. But this time, even those strengths weren't enough to keep me invested. Instead of feeling like a natural continuation, the series often feels determined to shock the audience rather than tell a meaningful story.
Final Thought
Hermoso Season 2 takes an ending that was already satisfying enough and complicates it with unnecessary twists that add frustration rather than emotion. For me, this sequel never justified its own existence. Instead of strengthening the original story, it weakens it, proving that sometimes the hardest decision for a writer is also the right one: knowing when to stop.
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Hermoso — You Watch It for the Heat, Not the Story
Let's be honest: the main reason people talk about Hermoso isn't the story. It's the intimate scenes. The series is undeniably bold, and if that's what you're looking for, it certainly delivers. Unfortunately, once those moments are over, there isn't much left that kept me emotionally invested.The premise actually had potential. A romance between two men from completely different worlds could have become something memorable, especially with the beautiful coastal setting of the Philippines. Instead, the script keeps introducing new conflicts and melodramatic twists without developing them properly. Rather than becoming more interesting as it progresses, the story gradually loses its direction.
The cast also left me unconvinced.
The actors are physically attractive, and they handle the intimate scenes professionally. That's never the problem. My issue is that I rarely believed the emotional side of the relationship. Outside the physical attraction, I struggled to understand why these characters were supposedly falling so deeply in love. The chemistry works on a physical level, but not on an emotional one, and for me that's a major difference.
Ironically, the production itself is quite solid. The seaside locations create a beautiful atmosphere, the cinematography is pleasant, and the intimate scenes are filmed with confidence rather than awkwardness. It's obvious the production knew exactly what audience it wanted to attract. I just wish the same amount of effort had been invested in the screenplay.
By the end, I felt the series had confused passion with storytelling. Physical attraction can start a romance, but it can't carry an entire drama on its own. I needed stronger characters, a more coherent narrative, and a relationship that convinced me beyond the bedroom.
Final Thought
Hermoso is a series I'll remember for its boldness rather than its story. If you're looking for a BL with plenty of physical intimacy, you'll probably understand why it found an audience. I personally wanted much more than that. The chemistry may be hot, but without a stronger script, it never became a romance I truly cared about.
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so cute
this has to be the cutest JBL on this planet. the chemistry was sizzling. the acting was great. i laughed so hard and at one point I cried. this will be on my forever rewatch list. the ost was a bit annoying at times. i still rate it a 10/10 simply because it was wothout any toxic complications. it’s a fluff piece. but it strongly suggested how the bias of other can influence lives.that teacher ….! omg how much i wanted to smack him. but eventually he realized he was wrong. which was good
second couple qas also so very cute. that girl!! such a cute and strong personality! all 4 of them are great. i loved how their friends supported them unconditionally. just accepted everything around them. i wish it would be always like this. because their anxiety was legit!
i wish everyone would have such a great experience while figuring themselves out in high school
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The Promise of the Soul — Another Proof That Taiwan Knows How to Reinvent BL
Taiwan never seems afraid to try something different, and The Promise of the Soul is another perfect example. On paper, the story sounds almost impossible to make believable: a man is reunited with his soulmate after being reincarnated through his own grandson's body. Yet somehow, the drama makes this extraordinary premise feel deeply human. By the end, I wasn't thinking about fantasy anymore. I was simply watching two souls who had finally found each other again.The story constantly surprised me. Rather than treating reincarnation as a gimmick, it asks difficult questions about love, identity, destiny, and sacrifice. The fact that Ye Hai Yuan is the reincarnation of the wife Xia Cha lost decades earlier gives the romance an emotional depth that few BLs attempt. It's also heartbreaking to realise that this second chance only exists because his grandson lost his life. That tragedy remains part of the story from beginning to end, making the happiness bittersweet rather than perfect.
Martin Wong completely surprised me.
I remembered him as being very slim in his previous projects, but here he looks completely different. His physical transformation immediately gives the character a stronger presence, and he convincingly portrays someone carrying decades of life experience inside a young body. It's not just about looking more muscular. It's about making you believe this young man thinks, speaks, and reacts like someone who has already lived an entire lifetime. That balance is incredibly difficult to achieve, and Martin succeeds brilliantly.
Kenji Fan is equally convincing. He's naturally handsome, charming, and easy to like, but what impressed me most is how sincere his emotional journey feels. As Hai Yuan slowly accepts feelings he never expected to have, every step of that evolution feels believable. Because Martin and Kenji already knew each other before filming, their relationship never feels forced. Their chemistry develops effortlessly, making the romance feel genuine from beginning to end.
I also appreciated that the series never loses sight of its emotional core. Beneath the fantasy lies a simple story about two people who complement each other perfectly. They're complete opposites in personality, yet that's precisely why they fit together so naturally. Watching those differences slowly disappear as they realise they're soulmates is what makes the romance so touching.
The production deserves praise as well. Like many Taiwanese BLs, it doesn't rely on spectacular visual effects or extravagant locations. Instead, it focuses on intimate cinematography, expressive performances, and quiet emotional moments. Those choices allow the story to breathe and make even the supernatural elements feel believable.
Final Thought
The Promise of the Soul is another reminder of why Taiwanese BL continues to impress me. It's creative without becoming confusing, emotional without becoming melodramatic, and original without forgetting that the romance should always remain at the centre of the story. Martin Wong and Kenji Fan make an exceptional pairing, and together they bring a beautiful, bittersweet love story to life. It's a drama that made me believe soulmates might really exist.
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Finally, a BL with a different theme. 🤍I really enjoyed this series because it dared to do something different instead of following the usual formula. It felt fresh, unique, and kept my interest from beginning to end.
I’d definitely recommend it if you’re looking for a BL that stands out from the crowd. 🌸✨
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🌸✨🌈 Hiii~ Welcome to my kawaii corner~ ♡(≧▽≦)ﾉ✨🌸
You can find more of my reviews on Instagram~ 🌟💖
Check my homepage for my account~ (｡♥‿♥｡) 🌷
Some reviews are under 500 words, so I can’t post them here~ (≧ω≦)ﾉ💫
Thank you sooo much~ ☆:.｡.o(≧▽≦)o.｡.:☆ 💕🌸
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Cute series
Another series that I haven't read the novel yet, so the story really excited me. I didn't expect most of what happened. I also have a bit of a bias since this is part of the Fourever You Project. Hehe.First, I wish we got to see more of Mafia Tiger. I really wanted that aspect to be highlighted more. The pacing somehow felt both slow and fast at the same time. Maybe 8 episodes just isn't enough to fully cover an FY novel. The acting still has room for improvement, but the casting was great. Plus points for finding an actor to play Nuea who could actually pass as Golf/Nao's twin brother.
Overall, this is still a cute series, and I'd definitely recommend giving it a watch.
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Brilliant plot, actors and storyline!
As expected from this on screen couple, I love how they portray themselves as a married couple. Natural, relevant and funny. I enjoyed every bit of it. Like a breath of fresh air! Orm is very on point. Expect nothing but brilliance from her acting prowess. She can be bratty, sweet and seductive. Same with Lingling, they both portray their roles very well. Looking forward to this every friday.Was this review helpful to you?
Depth of Field — Japan Turns the Simplest Love Story into Something Unforgettable
There are dramas that entertain you, dramas that make you smile, and then there are dramas like Depth of Field that quietly break your heart. I cried more than once watching this series, not because it tries to manipulate your emotions, but because everything feels painfully sincere. From the first meeting on the school rooftop to the final episode, I felt as though I was watching someone's most precious memory unfold.I had already enjoyed the manga, so my expectations were high. Fortunately, the adaptation understands exactly what made the original story so special. It never tries to make the romance bigger or more dramatic than necessary. Instead, it embraces the quiet moments, the awkward silences, and the emotions that are often left unspoken. Rather than simply adapting the plot, it captures the soul of the manga.
The real revelation, however, is Usa Takuma.
I honestly think this is one of the greatest acting performances I've ever seen in a BL. Every emotion feels completely authentic. Whether Hayakawa is trying to hide his pain, falling in love without understanding why, or slowly allowing himself to become vulnerable, Usa Takuma never misses a single emotional beat. I didn't just watch his character suffer—I felt that suffering with him. That's an incredibly rare quality for any actor, regardless of genre.
Konno Ryohei is equally important to making the story work. His calm presence perfectly balances Hayakawa's emotional turmoil, creating a relationship built on understanding rather than grand romantic gestures. Their chemistry doesn't explode onto the screen. It quietly grows until you suddenly realise you're completely invested in them. That's exactly why their relationship feels so believable.
One of the things I admire most about Japanese BL is its ability to make ordinary life look extraordinary. Depth of Field doesn't rely on spectacular scenery or luxurious locations. Most of the story takes place at school, on a rooftop, or in everyday surroundings. Yet every frame feels beautiful. Through the cinematography, the lighting, and the careful direction, even the simplest classroom or corridor looks like a cherished memory from a first love. It's a kind of visual poetry that very few countries consistently achieve.
The soundtrack is equally remarkable. Rather than telling me how to feel, it quietly accompanies the story, allowing the performances to carry the emotional weight. Combined with the delicate direction, it creates an atmosphere that stays with you long after the final episode ends.
Final Thought
Depth of Field is everything I love about Japanese BL. It proves that a simple story, told with honesty, beautiful direction, and extraordinary performances, can be more powerful than the biggest productions. The manga was already excellent, but the drama somehow managed to make me love it even more. Above all, Usa Takuma delivered a performance I'll never forget. For me, this isn't just one of the best BLs of the year—it's one of the best I've ever watched.
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