Reviews

I need a Fang Muyang in my life.

Unexpectedly GOOD!!

I watched this drama because of Chen Feiyu, and this is my second drama of Sun Qian (after The Guilty). I initially started it as a filler while waiting for more episodes of Generation to Generation, and I’m so sorry I almost skipped it :(

This is a slice-of-life drama, and many people think this kind of drama can be boring because it usually has less dramatic conflict. But this drama truly turns the simplicity of everyday moments (and the innocence of youth—just like the Chinese title suggests lol) into a compelling, interesting story.

First, the setting itself provides so many interesting aspects for storytelling. The girl is a factory worker whose dream is to become a university student. Achieving that dream was extremely difficult during that period because of government restrictions, as the universities only accepted workers, peasants, and soldiers through recommendations from their workplaces. Come on, Fei Ni just wants to go to university, why make it so difficult, my goodness. And then there’s the boy, who becomes an accidental hero after saving several neighbours during a storm. He also has a complex and fascinating family story.

I think the core of the drama is about this poor couple (like, financially… lol) who have limited resources in every aspect of life, yet they continue supporting each other to achieve their dreams. They face one hurdle after another and only have each other to lean on, but of course, they never give up. How much sweeter can it get?

Fang Muyang is such a green flag main lead, an entire forest, I can say. From the innocent first-love vibes, to the clever way he reacts to the sabotage his girl faces, to the constant positivity he shows throughout the story, UUUGGGHHHH I. LOVE. IT. He sets his eyes only on Fei Ni from beginning to end, and we all clap our hands when Fei Ni finally returns his feelings. He is the number one supporter of his wife through rain and storm, even an earthquake (literally). He even refuses to back down in the face of political suppression. Honestly, he is the best husband EVAR.

I can confidently say this drama is not boring at all. The pacing, the story, the characters, and even the villain, EVERYTHING works perfectly.

AND! THE SECOND COUPLE, GOSH.
I didn’t expect them to steal the spotlight, but their story is just as heartbreaking as the main couple’s. A marriage of convenience turns into true love. Despite all the lies and detours, they started wrong but ended up in the right place. Just as they should. I didn’t expect to search their edits on my timeline because I can't get enough of them. The chemistry is chemistrying.

I love how both couples are not simply “fake love turning real,” but rather people who heal each other, grow together, and complement each other. In the end, they also achieve their dreams. I feel like the dream part is a bonus; it’s the process that matters.

I also really enjoyed the family backstories, from the restrictions, the separations, and the difficult reunions. It feels like everyone is learning how to be an adult together, including the parents.

Lastly, the villain, OH MY GOD, Feng Lin, you are such a loser lol. All the evil things you did didn’t even bring you anywhere decent. Karma really exists, and you deserve it. And the Xu family, including the son and daughter-in-law, eat that! The actors did an amazing job portraying their characters. I almost punched my screen whenever they appeared. AND DON'T FORGET THAT LIN FAMILY! A truly evil leech family, huh.

It’s a pity the drama was a bit late in getting recognition. I really want to recommend it to everyone I know. The production quality is also impressive. I can only imagine how difficult it must have been to build sets that resemble the 1970s. And the acting! Chen Feiyu surprised me. I didn’t know he could portray such a sweet, innocent character like Fang Muyang. Before this, I only knew him as Li Xun and Sima Jiao (I dropped Eat, Run, Love, so maybe that’s why).

Anyway, this drama is a great start to 2026 for me. Recently, modern dramas have been grabbing my attention more than the usual costume dramas (Generation to Generation, you failed us! Grrr).
‘

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Beautifully Acted, Lovely to Watch

The story is a combination of serious matters and light ones. A young king is deposed and sent into exile. The town he is exiled to welcomes him because they think they are going to make big money hosting him.
The king is depressed at first but gets to know the warden who takes care of him and gets to understand the live the warden has for his son and his town.
The acting performances are excellent and the scenery is beautiful.
There is a subplot near the end about the king and his allies trying to come back to power and this ends badly so I found the ending a bit heartbreaking. Overall an excellent film.

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A REFRESHINGLY PRACTICAL ROMANCE

Unlike many period dramas that rely on melodrama, this series offers a refreshing perspective. It focuses less on nostalgia and more on the resilience, humor, and ingenuity necessary for survival. The central dynamic is the chemistry between Fei Ni and Fang Muyang. Fei Ni stands out as a protagonist who defies the damsel archetype. She is a pragmatic factory worker who initially approaches Fang Muyang with a clear objective: securing a university recommendation. Her proposal of a 'contract marriage' to resolve her brother's housing crisis exemplifies her practical mindset. Fang Muyang, in contrast, introduces an unexpected gentleness. Arthur Chen portrays the 'injured hero' with a blend of vulnerability and charm, making their progression from roommates to genuine partners feel authentic rather than contrived.

The early stages of the marriage, during which the protagonists share a room, provide some of the most effective comedic and tension-filled moments. Under the direction of Chen Chang (Nothing But You), the series demonstrates a modern approach to 1970s aesthetics. It avoids the typical 'yellow filter' of retro dramas, instead presenting a clean and vibrant visual style that brings the factory and village settings to life. The narrative employs the 'marriage first, love later' trope but avoids clichéd misunderstandings, focusing instead on two individuals who sincerely support each other's aspirations—university for Fei Ni and painting for Fang Muyang.

The secondary couple, Qu Hua and Fang Mujing, embodies the social challenges of the 1970s. Due to the Fang family's 'Black Five' status, their relationship is marked by significant social stigma. While the main couple navigates practical concerns such as housing, the secondary couple faces existential threats. Mujing is compelled to 'disown' her parents on paper to remain in school. Their sacrifices are not material but involve relinquishing identity and family ties to protect one another. Many viewers perceive them as more 'obsessive' and 'mature' because their connection is grounded in shared trauma and mutual, unspoken support. Qu Hua serves as the emotional and aesthetic anchor, preventing the stoic Mujing from succumbing to the era's pressures.

The drama excels in production design, effectively utilizing period-appropriate props such as enamel mugs, sewing machines, and factory dormitories. However, it tends to minimize the true severity of the 'Black Five Categories' status. Although Fang Muyang's family background is acknowledged, the narrative sometimes reduces it to a romantic obstacle rather than addressing its profound and dangerous implications in the 1970s. For viewers who prefer an idealized heroine, Fei Ni may prove challenging. Her initial opportunism—caring for a hero primarily to secure a university quota—occupies a morally ambiguous space. While the series frames her actions as survival, her pragmatism often borders on manipulation, which may divide audience opinion.

In conclusion, if you came for Arthur Chen's charisma, you'll leave happy. But if you came for a story that actually presents the weight of the 1970s, you'll find yourself rewatching the Mujing and Qu Hua scenes. The lead couple gaves us romance, and the second lead gives us the truth. I recommend it.

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Fun & Light Undercover Drama

Undercover Miss Hong is a light and enjoyable drama that mixes comedy, investigation, and workplace moments in a simple but engaging way. The story follows an undercover mission that leads to many awkward and humorous situations while slowly uncovering a deeper mystery. Park Shin-hye delivers a solid performance and brings charm and confidence to the character.

The drama keeps a playful tone while still maintaining some suspense through its investigation plot. The supporting characters also add energy to the story and make the interactions more lively. Visually, the drama has a clean and pleasant style that fits its lighthearted atmosphere.

Although some parts of the plot feel predictable, the overall pacing keeps the drama easy to watch. In the end, it’s an Average and some Kind of Boring drama that offers a good balance of humor and mystery, making it a decent watch overall.

My Rating 7/10

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Not from the novel, rushed ending

If you thought it is an continuation of "Addicted" and have read the novels you will get disappointed. This version has nothing to do with the novels at all. It's a story of what might have happened. The story is a bit confusing and till the end there is no resolution especially with the woman who "drove Yoki to the ground".

Instead of wasting 6 minutes with a long intro and credits they should have invested more time in the actual story telling. Because they did, especially the last two episodes felt rushed, even when the finale got 11 extra minutes or so. I still have no idea what the contract was with the village chief because the translation was not clear enough. Also the subtitles had timing issues, so sometimes they subs where only shown for a second or two which is annoying because you have to stop the playback and go back and stop at the right moment.

The most positive about the show are the actors which did a really good job and the music. The negative is, that the show in a show did not feel like it... Normally you have tons of crew. multiple cameras, boom microphones and lights and nothing was present. I guess they had budget constraints, but they could have build in their own crew/stuff into the scenes to make it believable. Overall, this is an ok show, but nothing special.

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My aired drama of 2026 so far!

Undercover Miss Hong is a very thrilling and well-produced drama. It mainly features mystery and comedy (PEAK comedy) but also small amounts of romance and emotional scenes. The visuals and all colors were really satisfying to see.

Also liked that the ending was unpredictable unlike most other dramas. And even though the duration of each episode was longer than I’m used to, I barely got bored and was enthralled by the visuals, storyline and acting!

I LOVE the friendships so much! Especially the friendship between Hong Keum Bo and Go Bok Hee developed so much and I loved to see it. The girls were so kind and supportive to each other, which was super nice to see! Still moved by when Hong Keum Bo visited Kim Mi Sook at her workplace after coming back from the hospital.

Could have been better: I would have wanted to, at the end after Bom was talked about her aunties, know more about what happened to Albert. And of course I wanted him to date Hong Keum Bo seriously, but I may have been too delusional. At least she made up with Shin Jung Woo and didn’t date him 🤷

Nora and Bom were so cute, especially together! And Go Bok Hee looked SO FLIPPING GOOD,LIKE MARRIAGE MATERIAL, in the last episode!

I of course, as a big MIDZY, loved seeing Yuna in Undercover Miss Hong. I really enjoyed her acting and of course her visuals. She made a great series even more enjoyable for me!

Favorite episode: 14
Favorite character: Go Bok Hee

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A tale of separated brothers involved in turf war & murder mystery

I must say that this poster caught my attention - to be exact, Tian Yang's handsome face caught my attention. I wasn't in the mood for romance so to my delight, I figured that this drama could fulfill my no-romance drama mood. Overall I enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Great performances by Tian Yang and Jin Jia Yu. They had good chemistry and synergy and it was delight watching their interactions on screen.
2. ML characterisations - It's great that both of them had challenges to overcome. It enriched their characters. I personally enjoyed Chi Yuan's role in his gege Chi Yan's life.
3. Styling - I liked the outfits worn by both MLs.
4. Action - It was awesome to see both leads kicked butts.
5. Supporting characters - I liked Chi Yan's assistant. A loyal employee. I also liked Shu Wen, Chi Yuan's frmale friene.
6. Imposter - I liked this arc.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - I hated him for separating two brothers and being greedy.
2. Length - This drama is close to 2.5 hours. At times I felt certain arcs draggy.

Favourite scene
When Chi Yan confronted imposter in the warehouse

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There are stories that are just simple entertainment, to be consumed without much thought.
There are stories that push their message, whichever it might be, on their viewers/readers.
And then there are stories that try to do both -- be entertaining for those who just want to relax after work and still convey messages that go beyond the moment.
"Let's Go Karaoke!" is one of the few films (and series) that really manage to balance the two without one overpowering the other.
The plot itself is engagingly narrated with a clear arc of development for the story -- a viewer can just sit back and be entertained. And yet, the film clearly also talks about the first steps into adolescence: Both the physical changes and the way these changes force children to adapt their own lives and the way children, now teenagers, step into the adult world, and start to understand that adults are not less quirky, not less insecure, not less searching for the right path -- not less human! -- than the children. They start to think about love and friendship. They leave their childhood behind.
I am quite sure that there are also some thoughts about masculinity and machismo to be found.
In "Let's Go Karaoke!", the viewer doesn't have to consciously search for these themes, and neither are they forced unto the viewer.

The unlikely friendship between the Yakuza, who wants to learn how to sing to avoid punishment from his boss, and the middle schooler, who has always sung as a sporano but whose voice is about to break, is the scaffold with which these themes are built. Their power dynamics -- the adult is physically stronger and even dangerous but he still submits to the perceived superior knowledge of a fourteen year-old -- provide an interesting, and often humorous, frame for the story. When Oka Satomi steps into the adult world, he also leaves his childhood pursuits behind, ingeniously symbolized by choir member "Wada" who feels betrayed by Oka's leaving.

Of course, if JFF Theater includes a film in its line-ups, I'll expect high quality regarding the actors' performances and the technical execution; and I was not disappointed here. I was not only impressed by the actors' overall performance -- especially Narita Kyoji who is convincing both as a dangerous Yakuza and as a vulnerable man -- but also by the quality of singing in this film: you have to be very good to sing *that* badly.
The film mostly focuses on the two main protagonists, so the supporting charaters remain mostly quick sketches, but their actors also give them some personality -- for me, it's very clear that Wada, Nakagawa, Izawa and Hyena all have enough backstory that they could easily have their own film.
There were a very small amount of characters' action that only made sense in a "because the plot needs it" way, but these were very easily ignored.

Was it good?
Yes. Not only was I entertained but there was also a not-small amount of depth.

Did I like it?
A lot!

Who would I recommend it to?
To those who love coming-of-age-stories.

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Now that's what you call a wholesome drama

There are so many things that other directors could learn from this show. How to make your story gripping and engaging, how to utilise technology without being overly dependent on CGI, how to do proper editing, how to utilise actors in a way that their characters become believable. I don't remember watching any of Zhang ling He's earlier dramas and believing his characters completely, they always looked very superficial. But this time this director had other plans in mind and he gripped his character so well in a tight leash that it is completely moving the way he wants. No over the top expressions or using just the face card to make him act. You will be in awe, watching all the subtle changes in their expression and body language that even without dialogues sometimes, they are conveying every emotion with such an ease.
I am loving our FL here because her character is not all over the place. She is called brute in the drama but she is more than that. She is the exact image of a young girl that you could imagine from that era in impoverished state, without parents and struggling with the harsh realities of life. I am loving how they are not shying away from it just to make her look a perfect female character. Special mention for the child actor. I just adore every scene with her and all the village scenes and their interaction has a 'The story of Miglan' vibe a lot.
Complex political struggle is yet to unfold completely but so far it is interesting, I had no idea this show would give the best villain of all time to me. He would give you creeps. Court politics could make you skip certain scenes a little bit if you are not into that much politics but every character looks believable and have a story to tell, even the villagers and the side characters with extremely small screen time. What I loved the most is the way they used the natural lights to enhance the beauty of the scenes. Even the set design doesn't feel like as if it is a set. Costume and makeup are equally good and for me it is Zhang Ling He's best look so far. Whether it is romantic moments or any slow motion sequence playing with the scenery to amplify the presence of the character everything requires well thought out execution and all thanks again goes to the director and the actors. Whether it is romance sequence, emotional sequence, war sequence or slap sequence...cough*.... everything is top notch. It is THE best show for me of this year in all aspects.
PS: I don't remember which was the last drama where I felt a drama married couple had such a real couple vibes. I can just watch these two spending their lives in small town and doing all their daily work, forever and to all the people who think it is very slow in the beginning, the director is smart enough to take that time because he is building a world where viewers could feel the emotions of the later episodes, which is only possible if one gives proper time to all the characters. Believe me it will hit you hard when the time comes. Trust me this drama knows how to play with the feelings.
PS 2: Despite everything I still felt that this one is the best drama of yr (at least for now). My only complaint would be the way they started to cut the scenes and letting it all fall for viewers' imagination. Including Marquis' battle scenes. Towards the end I could feel how they were rushing badly and chopping the scenes to compress it all into ep. limit. The room that they were giving to breathe this world became too small in the second half. I had no problem with other leads getting a screentime but I felt our main leads needed more screentime as we got attached to their characters more. In second half, the leads were there for such a short time together or their story only became part of post credit scenes. But it will still be a nitpick because first half raised too much expectations. I will still recommend this show to everyone who is into Wuxia dramas. It has definitely raised the standards for others.

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The best show from kdramaland in recent years

This drama doesn't miss even once. It's thrilling, it's funny, it's heart-warming, at times makes me so sad but the next moment I'm either laughing or getting so excited or both. And I must put emphasis on "thrilling" because this drama is a goddamn ride. Part of what makes it so exciting and thrilling is that it is hard to guess what happens next. And this drama is great at building up to reveals, no matter big or small, which makes the reveals so impactful. Watching this you're constantly moving back and forth between "omg it's all over" and "we're so fucking back".
If you want to watch something that barely has any typical romance but so much love, has well written female characters, awesome female friendships and found family, has a courageous, bold, "never back down never what" FL who will literally do the impossible to set the wrongs right and prove that goodness prevails in the world, a show with lots of thrill and laughter and plenty of lovable characters, then I highly highly highly recommend this drama.

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a very realistic movie about two people who meet by chance and part ways by choice

was expecting to be sobbing and alldat but surprisingly didn't lol just shedded a few tears

a very realistic movie about two people who were together in the past and meet again after many years. there's a lot of small details and symbolism that keeps you thinking and the effects of the movie linger because of how much it reflects irl.

i understood the fl, and felt pretty devastated for her. for the fl, the relationship required way more sacrifices compared to the ml. before their relationship, him and his dad were her safe space, somewhere she could fall back to when things got rough. and if (when ig) they broke up, she lost that comfort. that's why she was so hesitant to start the relationship. and towards the end (of the relationship), it was sad to see the little details that he did. i.e. he moved the fan to face only him, and her enjoying the sunlight only for him to close the curtains on her. that small detail destroyed me. the symbolism was just insane. and the contrast to what he said before the relationship and that difference to now, with him shutting the curtains, was just heart wrenching (AND PEAK CINEMA).

in a way, the breakup was inevitable. they both had dreams and for them to stay together and maintain their lifestyle, they had to sacrifice their dreams for the future. without the breakup, he wouldn't have had the motivation to start coding his game again and she wouldn't have switched into architecture. when she left, she knew she deserved better, and similarly, he didn't chase her onto the train because he knew that her leaving was for the best and going after her wouldn't change anything.

the ending was good too. two different outcomes from the same breakup. and that stark realization that if he got on that train, she would've stayed with him.

acting from both koo kyo hwan and moon ga young was phenomenal. loved seeing him still silly and goofy but now, in a romance genre instead. he was so good. (watched for him too). and moon ga young, she was great as usual.

p.s. i still think it was a little weird of them to sit in a hotel room together and reminisce of the past lol even if they used to be together, its weird. especially for the ml cuz ofc the fl would get ideas since they were recalling the time they used to be together and especially talking about this in a confined space???

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