Reviews

Atrocious and I'm being generous

Who the heck rated this a 10? Four sexist pigs and no talent. Please era has nothing to do with how bad this is. I checked it out because of the rating and I did expect some things to irritate me because yes, it's been released ages ago, but this is on another level.

I won't even mention the female characters because I think they deserve a bit of respect since they have been dealt with such sexist pigs in the drama. The 4 men are exactly the kind of men any sane woman should avoid and I'm being serious. It's not funny, romantic or interesting. It's just pathetic and yes, I'm fired up because it's not about character here it's about society and the rules some people abide to.

I don't mind red flags when there is a story that works, it's life after all. But here we have a normalization of cheating, of sexism, and ugliness. And I don't mean only the ML, I mean the whole concept. 40 years old, my arse. Rather 15 going 10.

Avoid it at all costs.

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One of a kind masterpiece!

They say they don’t make dramas like this anymore, and I have to agree. After completing more than 100 dramas I’m comfortable to say that, for me, no other makes me feel like this one. I just rewatched it for the third time, and the fact that I cried and laughed and held my breath like I did the first time I watched it is what pushed me to write this review. Fluke and Ohm are magnificent in their roles, as are the supporting characters. The only thing I didn’t like as much was the music during some scenes, but that’s rather insignificant compared to the plot, so it’s a 9.5 for me and an all-time favourite!

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Watching this right after Love Upon a Time probably wasn’t fair to this series, but seeing that they had the same rating on MDL, I thought it would at least match its quality, even if it didn’t surpass it. In hindsight, comparing them isn’t straightforward because they’re telling very different kinds of stories. Still, I don’t think expecting a relationship to have a believable progression is asking too much.

This has that typical KBL problem where everything feels like it’s rushing toward the finish line. We barely get to understand how they go from hating each other to sharing a bed. Where was the transition? The emotional development? Did I accidentally skip an episode, or did the series just decide we didn’t need any of that?

Even without a history of resentment, falling for someone you supposedly hate takes some convincing. With these two, I needed even more time to understand how those feelings changed. Instead, it happened so damn fast that I was still processing the hostility while they were already getting a room.

The story itself has a promising premise, which makes the execution even more frustrating. With such duration in every episode, there just isn’t enough room for the relationship to develop, and too much feels glossed over. I wanted to see the little moments that would make their growing feelings believable (not the bed-scene of course), rather than having to fill in the gaps myself.

I could’ve gotten behind this couple if the series had given me more time with them. Unfortunately, by the time I was ready to start believing in their relationship, it already felt like we were heading for the ending.

Is it time for me to go back to JBL? Hmm…

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Forced Angst and Disappointing Plotpoints

I can’t really say whether I enjoyed this. I did appreciate the slowness and the topics presented in the show, however, there’s no resolution.

What I did like was the sister and her love story, though it was very frustrating. They're supposedly sexually active and in the stage to get married yet, there’s not a single kiss scene, he still refers to her as Gijeong-ssi, and she speaks to him in high formality. They're just too awkward with each other. I also dislike the sister in law's addition to the story, I can't understand why she's so bitter and ties her whole livelihood to her niece and brother but doesn’t want either to be happy.

I also really appreciated Son Sukku’s acting. I think his character was written very poorly in terms of dialogue, thought processes, and plot and I genuinely didn't understand his character. Like it makes sense why he was depressed and an acoholic, but the way he acted overall was confusing. But Son Sukku still acted tf out of this role. Because of him, I can no longer say that acting can be bad due to the writing and direction, because even with the poor direction and writing, he was giving Oscar worthy performance.

Now to me Mijeong was obviously a neurodivergent character so I could get her for the most part, especially in the beginning. However, her dialogue and thoughts were a bit inconsistent and not expressed fully just like Gu and so I started to not understand her as the show went on. I also think Jiwon didn’t necessarily know how to portray a neurodivergent character, so she just came off as stiff. I don’t think she really understood her character either.

I’m also disappointed in the Liberation notes aspect of the show. I looked forward to seeing the little or big steps they would make to be liberated but it was never like that. They chose to stay small and even though one of their club rules was to not force yourself to be sad, a lot of times it felt like they were. There wasn’t any real effort with the liberation or any success so that was kind of disappointing for it being a big part of the show and its namesake.

And lastly, I felt like a lot of the show was forced angst. The characters, seemed to forcibly live in misery. For the beginning of the show that makes sense but they were supposed to move from that point and they never did. I even though Gijeong was the exception with her and her man but it honestly felt like once she was in the relationship she was still making herself miserable. She was no longer the confident woman as before and made herself small in the face of her sister in law and stepdaughter. Its like she was miserable in and out of a relationship. Same with the brother, no job or woman could he change his misery and that didnt feel realistic. And when you have characters like Mijeong, who recognizes that she hasn’t really been living and wants to be "liberated", there really should be more of an effort shown of them changing their lives and becoming "liberated". Also with Minki’s character, sometimes I like his random talks and other times it genuinely felt pointless and like another angst point that really does not tell a greater story overall. Even his relationship with Hyeona felt unnecessarily dramatic.

Overall I’m surprised this show did so well even if it has such popular actors because it's definitely a skip

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And Yet I persevered Till the End ...

This was a seriously lackluster series. The first couple had very little chemistry (the 2nd couple were a bit better.)
My individual section ratings were suggesting an overall score of 4.5: but I actually rated it a 7 overall. Why? Well despite the actual delivery; the idea was interesting, some unusual things happened (the boxing ring bedroom was chuckle worthy) and I just wanted to see how the story of our couple with the EQ and communication skills of elementary school students finally turned out. So it was interesting enough that I persevered but I'd certainly not rewatch.
And also honestly!!! what was with the 12-year-old university Professor channeling Corey Feldman in Goonies
--- and Ritt's haircut!!! Come on, it was exactly the one sported by the "Simple-minded Villager" character in every old-fashioned Chinese comedy movie.

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Song Kang has it like that!

Song Kang has a unique magic that gives him the ability to fit right in any kind of role. Its like every role he has was made for him- he has it like that! So, "Kang Bi O" has a lot of trials and tribulations with his playing, which is a result of never being able to reach his grandfathers standards, the one and only thing he played until his fingers bled his whole life, the emotional impact tormented him but when his friend became his competition, tension exploded into a chaotic battle of severe misunderstandings. I enjoyed this duo, Song Kang and Lee Jun Young worked well together. Another plus was Yoon Se Ah, I remember her from way back in "My Sassy Girl" and she plays a good twisted roe. This drama is well worth the watch.

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Fight Lies with Bigger Lies

Black Trick: The Lawyer Who Controls Justice (2026) is definitely one of those legal thrillers that grabs your attention right away, mostly because it flips the typical court drama playbook on its head.
Instead of going the traditional route where the heroic lawyer wins through pure, untainted truth, this show asks a far more interesting question: What if the truth alone isn't enough to beat a system built on lies?

Plot : In a modern world where social media mobs, manufactured stories, and fake evidence can destroy a person long before they reach a trial, the truth alone isn't always enough to win.
Enter Naoto Uramawashi, a brilliant and enigmatic legal mind who decides that the only way to beat corrupt elites playing dirty is to play even dirtier. When innocent clients are framed by fake narratives created by powerful people, Uramawashi crafts his own intricate traps and calculated deceptions to expose the real culprits and force the truth out.
Standing opposite him is En Aso, an earnest, by-the-book lawyer who believes in fighting strictly within the law. The core plot follows their tense partnership as they navigate high-stakes cases, clashing over ethics while trying to outmaneuver a justice system manipulated by dark forces.

What to Expect :
A Fresh Take on the Legal Genre: Seeing a lawyer use mind games and counter-manipulation rather than just legal jargon keeps the pacing fast and engaging.

Great Lead Chemistry: GACKT brings a calm, calculating swagger that makes Uramawashi fun to watch, while Mirai Shida keeps the emotional core grounded so the show doesn't lose its moral compass.

Unique "Anti-Hero" Angle: Instead of relying on typical courtroom speeches, the show focuses on psychological mind games and elaborate traps to beat corrupt figures at their own game.

If you like dark psychological thrillers, sharp courtroom mind games, or shows with morally grey leads who play multi-dimensional chess, this one is well worth a watch. It’s sleek, smart, and will keep you guessing about who's really in control.

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The conflicts die without explanation

The story don’t have real stakes, real motivation to go on and every conflict simply vanishes like it was nothing. For exemple, the villan goes to a reporter to distroy the carear of the actor, but the reporte refuses. Instead of going to another reporter he simply give up, BUT WE DON’T EVEN SEE HIM GIVING UP. The plot simply goes away.

They explain to us what happened on their school in the past, but we don’t see him apologising and explaini mg what happened to the other character, his anger simply goes away.

They introduces the conflicts and simply do not solve them in a proper way, they simply brushes under the carpet.

It delt like they hire the actors and the director and simply invented the story while shooting the show

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✨ LOVE, A BABY AND AN UNEXPECTED FAMILY

OVERALL IMPRESSION🌟
This was a sweet flash-marriage romance with an unusually dramatic beginning! The FL faced childbirth, bereavement and a vicious family dispute almost simultaneously, immediately establishing her as a determined woman accustomed to fighting for herself. The romance worked because the ML genuinely wanted both her and their child rather than treating their relationship as an obligation.

WHAT I LIKED💖
• The ML fell for the FL early and never became distracted by another woman. His excitement whenever he had an opportunity to see her made his devotion especially endearing.
• He supported the FL without taking control of her battles. He gave her room to protect her mother’s company and intervened only when she truly needed assistance.
• I appreciated that the familiar paternity-test misunderstanding was resolved quickly instead of being stretched across half the drama.
• The FL was strong-willed, capable and fiercely independent. Her decisions were not always easy to understand, but they reflected the pressure created by grief, family betrayal and threats against her inheritance.
• The ML’s parents initially had reservations, yet they changed their opinions after recognising the FL’s character and eventually welcomed and pampered her.
• The leads developed convincing affection as they moved from two people connected by a baby into genuine partners.

WHAT I DISLIKED⚠️
• The FL occasionally distanced herself without fully considering how her decisions affected the ML and their child.
• The ML concealed important information, allowing another woman to create avoidable confusion between the leads.
• Some hidden-identity developments competed with the romance when I would have preferred additional time devoted to the couple building trust.

PRODUCTION AND PERFORMANCES🎭
The story moved at a good pace and avoided dragging out its most predictable misunderstandings. Wang Jia Mao made the ML’s devotion, protectiveness and disappointment believable, while Kan Zi Yi gave the FL enough strength to carry the family and business conflicts. Their warm chemistry helped the transition from unexpected parents to a loving couple feel natural.

FINAL THOUGHTS💭
This was an enjoyable romance about two people choosing to become partners rather than remaining connected solely through their child. The devoted ML, resilient FL, supportive family and efficiently resolved misunderstandings made it an easy watch. I enjoyed their sweet relationship and would happily recommend it to viewers who like surprise babies, protective husbands and capable heroines.

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What Happened to the Plot?

From the mock trailer of this, I was SUPER excited to see GMM try out a sugar baby romance with EmiBonnie. Unfortunately, this one really missed the mark. While Emi and Bonnie did great in the roles, it felt like they never committed to the sugar baby plot in the first place, and fully abandoned it very quickly. From that point, it felt like every conflict was pointless, or had been done in a million other shows.

Chan (Emi) is a rich hotel owner, and Key (Bonnie) got a job performing in the hotel restaurant. Key is determined to get close to Chan after their one night stand. Since it seems Chan isn't looking for a girlfriend, Key decides to pursue her as her sugar baby, despite being in no need of money.

If you're going to give me a sugar baby plot, it NEEDS to be a real one. What was the point if Key wasn't in need of money? This show would have only made sense if Key was purposely pursuing Chan because she needed the money, and then falls in love with her later, giving us the conflict of "oh does she love me or my money" etc etc. Instead, they came up with a plot that makes so little sense it's baffling. Then, I was excited about the whole ex girlfriend coming back into the picture, but that felt half baked too! I don't know what happened here with the writing, but I hope EmiBonnie get a show with a better thought out plot next time...

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Bringing back plot!

I have only seen the first couple of episodes so far, however, I can already tell there is so much detail and beautiful storyline development on its way. First two episodes hook you onto wanting to know more about the characters and what’s to come. Love the play on history, the intertwinment of languages, culture, and more.

Acting so far has been amazing. Glad to see some familiar faces that I just know will give awesome performances. So excited to see where the plot takes us in the rest of the series!

Update: I am now up to date, patiently waiting for episode 7 & 8! Strong round of applause for Jinyoung’s and Youjoung’s acting in episode 6. Also, the intenseness of the plot is growing, so don’t doubt that there isn’t gonna be anything interesting happening soon! If anything, grab your popcorn or favorite snack, and get ready for an emotional rollercoaster! I will update soon! Thanks for reading!

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Brave but bland attempt at reversing a classic trope

I wanted to support this series because I like Sea and Keen but because of some major drawbacks I ended up disappointed.

One problem right away is the Cheewa character. Sea plays him like he's a robot, and tbh the supposedly brilliant facts that Cheewah spouts endlessly aren't really all that brilliant. ("The light from a star 100 light years away takes 100 years to reach us.") The writers dress up most of these insights using bigger, fancier words but there's no hiding the fact that they're things a 12yo should know.

This all means what we end up with is essentially a lay person's idea of what a genius sounds like. Ironically, this results in the opposite effect the writers intended by making Cheewa seem he's a little "off" and a bit of a poser.

Another problem is how they've given Sea a make-under (as opposed to a makeover), resulting in a Cheewa who looks frumpy. (The comments I saw about how cute he is seem to come from an alternate dimension.) I don't know why the series thought it was necessary to make Cheewa so plain looking. The other members of his science club are attractive in their classic nerdy way, so why not let Cheewa be attractive too? I mean, at least give Niran this much to latch onto once he learns that Cheewa likes him.

Which leads me to the aspect in the series that is the toughest sell of all: We're meant to believe that an attractive and popular athlete like Niran would accept romantic overtures from this odd, robotic junior, even seeing him as a potential boyfriend, let alone as a friend, and welcome his constant presence in his life both at school and at home.

I think this pursuit would make a lot more sense if the roles were reversed and it was Niran who was chasing after Cheewah. With such a setup it would be more socially permissible for the guy being chased (in this version the nerdy Cheewah) to put up a fight and recoil from the unwanted attention from a school jock. The story would have a lot more tension and entertainment potential.

As it is, though, because Niran is higher up on the school's social ladder he is required to remain kind and understanding at all times, lest he be seen as "punching down" at Cheewah. The result is the bland interaction we get here, with no dramatic spark. To compensate, what the series gives us instead are "hug scenes" with their contrived sweetness and "crying scenes" that strain to warm our hearts. And because both are repeated too often they eventually lose whatever effectiveness they had in the first place.

With an opposite setup where Niran chases Cheewah there'd be the opportunities that are missing from here. It would be okay, even funny, for Cheewah to "punch up" at Niran in his effort to make the guy go away. I think Niran's eventual display of emotional vulnerability would have a lot more impact too. And yes, I know this concept has been done over and over in other series, but that only further validates it as a classic trope. To pull off what they wanted here required a level of skill that the writers and director just couldn't manage.

I commend the production, though, for keeping things between Niran and Cheewah platonic until the very end of the final episode. That's where we finally get a chaste kiss that by BL standards is weak sauce but which undeniably fits the characters and the tone of the series.

I believe what GMMTV wanted to achieve is precisely the idea that a nerd can chase after a popular athlete and win him over, but the story they came up just didn't make it happen. Unfortunately, because of that I think this series is destined to be forgotten not long after it has run its course.

I hope Sea and Keen will get better material the next time around.

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