Reviews

Excellent story-telling and character development.

I read True Education years ago, right when it got cancelled on (English) Webtoon due to a string of controversial storylines by the author, revolving around reverse racism and the like. Before that point, the manhwa was wonderful at crafting a unique spin on school violence. Instead of being an underdog student, it is a vengeful teacher as the main character, whose craziness and believable mastery of fighting make for a much more enthralling story.

The show naturally gravitates away from the webtoon when it comes to certain characters and plot points. Ten episodes is not enough time to adequately develop them all, but in the little time that is given to characters each episode, the storytelling provides a great characterisation. Moreover, given the wide variety of cases that the ERPB deal with, we will likely see a second season of the show that addresses more complex situations in detail.

Story:

I truly enjoyed the story. They provided us with a heartbreaking backstory for both Hwa-jin and Han-rim that fundamentally characterises them for the audience. The show tackles modern school violence, the use of social media, the corrupt education system, the lack of guidance for students and teachers, each providing a satisfying conclusion. My personal favourite are the four juvenile delinquents sent to prison as a taste of their possible future. It is this type of punishment that draws the audience to TYAL as it handles school violence outside of the realm of the classroom too.

The character Deputy Director Bong is a new character made for the show and as much as I enjoyed his theatrics, I did find the romance with Han-rim unnecessary. Han-rim's character should have been used to circumvent the criticism a male teacher might receive for their handling of female school violence, as well as discussing the backwards stereotypes over female teachers and soldiers. Bong is an outsider perspective, mirroring the audience, as we follow the main characters.

Additionally, the concept of a "final enemy" didn't really bode well for me at the end. I found Gyu Cheol's character interesting but not enough so to warrant so much screen time to him as some ominous final boss.

Acting:

This show has some BRILLIANT acting. In fact, I am writing this review rather late, but I still think about Gyeom Ma's actor in Episode 6. The infamous "Bully Killer" when they describe him in a flashback, showing the actor, tormented by his decision, wrapping a pen into his hand and then charging into the classroom. We don't see the violence but we hear it. Visceral. The blood pools and spills outside of the classroom door. The bodies fall onto desk. And Gyeom is screaming. The blood is all over his face. And we, as the audience, can truly feel the despair he must have felt to take the lives of his bullies. Similarly, Jin Ki Joo's performance as a teenage Ha-rim being beaten bloody and teary-eyed before receiving help from Hwa-jin is a moving scene, that does well to help situate Ha-rim in the audience's mind as a great character. The actor for Gyu Cheol has a distinct, porcelain face. His down-turned eyes always give the impression he is never giving the person his full attention, like he is innately above them, and I love it, it magnifies his arrogance for the audience to see.

The fight scenes were punchy and classic. Overall, I enjoyed this show plenty, and it acts as a redemption to alienate itself from the source material's original controversy, yet remains consistent and familiar through the characters and the cases that the EPRB investigate.

Hoping for a second season, based on all the reception, we will likely see one, and I am interested in the direction they will choose to take, as I want the show to examine Korea's education system rather than singling out certain individuals.

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Not as good as only friends, but still worth watching

Only Friends was a fantastic series and somewhat spoiled me for this second series. Although good, Dream On did not have the same level of intensity or chaos. I think part of this shortfall was its known pairings so if you are a fan of GMMTV’s other works you will know who will end up with who eventually.

The story is set at university and centres round the play Romeo and Juliet that Jack, the director, rewrites to include two male leads and renames to Romeo and Romeo. It’s a given that his boyfriend, Dean, will play one of the Romeos but what soon becomes apparent is that he must reluctantly split this part across two actors - not only his boyfriend but another student, Raffy, who makes no bones about the fact that he also wants Jack. Added complications arise when the second Romeo, played by Arnold, is caught on camera in what looks like a compromising position with Dean the fallout of which is felt across the whole department with Dean and another student Tua becoming the main casualties. Added to the mix and also collateral damage are Rome, Pete and Boston (from the original series).

There are also cameos from First & Khaotung and Book & Force and Mark resurrecting their roles from the first series, namely Sand & Ray, Mew & Top and Nick which is sweet and a very GMMTV thing to do.

There is much to love from this latest offering from GMMTV - production values, plot line etc are all top notch but I struggled with Jack, played by Earth Pirapat who wrestled unbelievably uncomfortably with pretending to smoke and adjusting his glasses but many of his facial expressions and body postures were rather stilted as well. He may have a gorgeous physique but I felt Dean, played by Mix, outshone him completely and perhaps this was why Earth’s performance appeared so lacking - the actors were poles apart in their level of delivery.

I loved Aou and Boom’s portrayal of Raffy and Rome (a pairing who I’d met before in Perfect 10 Liners where they played polar opposite characters to this story) and Joss and Gawin who played Arnold and Tua who’s own storylines were complex yet believable. Boston was more grown up, mature and oddly slightly sad when we first meet him but when he encounters Nick you get to understand why.

If you watch this as a separate story to Only Friends season 1 it’s ok, but not a patch on it.

Would I watch it again? No

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Interesting concept, cliche execution. Waste of time.

The concept of banning romance at school is a long-overused trope for the sake of 'forbidden romance', but Chastity High twists it by mirroring authoritarian mechanics and surveillance control. We have seen this before in the Nuremberg Trials and in Orwell's 1984, yet CH's ten-episode story fails to develop any meaningful conclusion. Frankly, this could have been a movie and would have been the same because it is boring to see the plot go in the same direction it usually does. The trailer for the show pointed to the horror of a surveillance state in education, but in reality, multiple weeks go by in the school where no one is truly punished for their actions. The rabbit-hunters are a joke as it is only their existence which exerts fear not their actions.

Ichika is described in Netflix's synopsis as uninterested in relationships, or something along those lines, as I can't quite find the wording for it, yet she quickly falls for the school's misunderstood heartthrob. Their team-up is obvious, but also painfully done in the sense that we could have had much more depth to Ichika's character, and much more of a slow-burn! 10 episodes is far too short to develop these characters, hence why the plot panned out the way it did. The show could have gone deeper to address issues such as grooming, sexual assault, and a lack of sex education + peer pressure amongst students, but in reality, it all leads back to the headteacher's unresolved trauma stemming from her best friend's death. Ayami as a character could have been used to detail this, instead a lack of insight into her character makes her seem like the girl who falls in love easily with whoever is nearest. She doesn't even report the inappropriate relationship with Haruto and isn't encouraged to either. Moreover, the stakes didn't quite resonate with the actions. Ryogo gets off scot-free thanks to nepotism, even if he resents it, but the show doesn't do the impact of expulsion/loss of virginity justice. Moving onto to Atsushi, his entire character is an archetype, and just so flat. His initial portrayal comes off yandere-ish and yet he doesn't really do anything? The show just wanted to put in different examples of how love can ruin families without actually formalising the implications.

Finally, the fact that they spent a whole episode doing a trial? The trial itself was improper and more of a stage act, a final hurrah/battle to overcome. Ichika never blackmailed anyone and they had obvious receipts to prove it. The trial was just a way to make it all feel more "real" and terrify a teenager. At the very end of the show, the school holds a vote about whether to abolish the no-romance rule, and surprise, surprise, people still want it in action. The show is skewed towards the bias of people who believe in love, and preach about freedom and privacy and all that, but doesn't adequately explore the other side of the argument, the students who probably wanted to keep their heads down and focus on studying.

Overall, the show had decent acting, and a somewhat coherent plot to follow, but the ending does not pair well with the initial concept whatsoever. Even though this show is based on a true story, the dramatisation took away the enjoyment for me. Also, the music completely took me out. Why choose so many flamboyant Western songs that don't really pair well with the theme of the show? To appeal to a Western audience?

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Two less lonely people and it's gonna be fine

the story was unexpected, i mean for me cos what do you mean you will connect to this boy at school because of his stepmother being your biological mother and you wanted to ruin your mother's life? (I EAT THAT SH--) and cliche as it sounds, like how the FL and ML grown close all because of revenge but their feelings are genuine and you know what? I AM SEATED FOR THAT.

i loved the novel to be honest and i don't plan to watch the adaptation but when articles were released that my girl bao shangen is playing as zhou wan? SIGN ME UP!!! fangirling aside, the cast did great on their characters and i always laugh when ping ge and jiang fan shows up huhuhu dumb and dumber at its finest 😭😭😭 and the role of the mom/stepmom? girl, i am seethed in anger because the nerve of her calling herself a mom? AHHHH tho i love the grandma (aren't we all love good grannies in dramas like this)

MUSIC? I LOVE THE INTRO AND OUTRO!!! it's giving a healing drama vibe!!! like i don't have anything to say cos it's beautiful!

this review is solely subjective so, don't come at me hehe (will probably edit this review also in the middle and after the drama aired)

PS. as a reader of the novel, i really loved how well written and complex the characters are. it's a bummer that the high school scenes are just for 4 episodes (or maybe not) because it's the cherry on top of the novel, how lonely the two are and how they bonded over it (without discussing it definitely) but they had this certain connection that no one can describe. their unexpected arcade meetings and lu xixao always bothering her like, i wish they made the high school scenes longer so they can expound the tension between them and how did lu xixao grovel before zhou wan and zhou wan blinded by her revenge? gosh, i loved it.

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An original drama with court intrigue, a return to life, and a romance with a tiger-like ruler.

I started watching it by accident, thanks to Jerome Deng, and was immediately drawn in. Even the initial episodes, usually controversial, were engaging.

The plot concerns Shen Zhinian, who returns to life after a tragic death, much like her sister. Shen Zhinian decides to escape her own destiny and forces Zhinian to take her place in the imperial palace. Zhinian must demonstrate extraordinary intelligence, cunning, and cunning to survive court intrigues and betrayals. To survive, she decides to gain the favor of the tyrannical emperor, which, of course, turns into a complicated romance.
And it's one of the most interesting romances I've seen recently.

This drama has many elements I really like – the cast is excellent – ​​watching the main couple feels like we're watching an exciting duel that starts off aggressively but gradually evolves into a beautiful dance. The chemistry is incredible. The supporting characters are also lively and captivating. The entire story doesn't insult the viewer's intelligence and is written in an engaging and coherent manner. There's a fair amount of cruelty in this drama, so if you're sensitive, be warned, but the ending is positive.

My only reservations are about the ending, as everything was crammed into two episodes when it could easily have been four. Perhaps there was a lack of funding, as it's not a large production with a huge budget.
We have beautiful cinematography, good direction, and a solid script. Maybe they could have hired a better hairdresser for Jerome Deng.

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Still rewatching after 5 years

I watched this while this was airing with my ex girlfriend in 2021. We would have sleepovers just to watch the new episodes coming out. This series is like a core memory to me and even though so much time has passed I have to admit that this is one of my comfort Bl's. I'm writing this after my 4th rewatch by the way. Because so much time has passed, the humour and the romantic scene's are, in my opinion, a bit cringy and outdated. I don't even think 5 years ago is a long time ago but you can clearly see the difference when you watch a newer shower vs an older show like this. What you can notice clearly with this series but also in cutie pie, bad buddy and fish upon the sky is the 'quicky' acting. Which you need to be okay with if you wanna watch this series. By the way, this doesn't ruin a show for me and I hope it doesn't with you either.

I'm sad First hasn't had any big roles since 2023 (he did play a side character in reset 2025). I really love him as actor and hope to see him take more main roles in the future. He and Ja are such a good pair, they genuinely had a lot of chemistry. Some of the acting wasn't amazing but that was mainly the first 'emotional' scene, that's it. Ja's acting sometimes felt like it was VERY read from paper but I don't mind too much. It was mainly the first 2 episodes but slowly it kinda goes away.

Like I mentioned it's 'old' so ofcccc they had to use the annoying 'high school' plot. I do like a high school plot but at moments it feels really unrealistic. What I mainly dislike is the whole 'rich popular boys' trope they tried in 2021. Why must they be rich and popular? It's annoying and It makes no sense, I don't like it. I couldn't help but think "why are they popular?" while watching this. The only reason I can think of for Leo is of course his dad and maybe the basketball group don't say no. But I'm so sorry, being popular because of his dad makes no sense to me... especially since his dad was only mentioned like 2-5 times through the story.

A chaotic friend groups always makes the series better. I do not like some of the comments they made and went too far, as friends you should know your friend's limit. I do like them but they really had no filter bro. I don't get how Fiat didn't really get mad at them but got mad at Leo for useless reasons. I would NOT let those jokes slide bro. Like Fiat just rolled his eyes...

The main thing I remembered from this series is the angst going on with the mother and through these past 5 years it has been stuck inside my head. This was something done really well, I don't like the parents of Fiat that much. It kinda feels like Leo and Leo's mom were the only one who cared about Fiat.

I just loveeeee the way they chose for the awkward stage of just getting into a relationship. Or like Fiat says in episode 1: "When the word boyfriend gets included, why is it so difficult?" That awkward stage when you just got a relationship is so real. Fiat being embarrassed about Leo even though the whole school ships them and loves their relationship is a bit confusing to me. Leo WAS a big greenflag but he keeps letting his emotions out over fuckin everything. Same thing with Fiats patience. I'm irritated that Leo ignored Fiat and doesn't try to get him back sometimes. Like u had a fucking argument and you just let Fiat walk out?

Another things having to do with the date this came out. The annoying sound unoriginal effects and the talking to yourself inner dialogue... Like showing how someone feels should not be done through fucking talking to yourself. Sure, everyone talks to themselves in real live but with this series they over-did it. The only once who this didn't irritate me with were Leon and Pob. Leon and Pob deserved better. The only couple I cared about through the series. Not only here but also in the side story they deserved better. After rewatching the special episode I'm confused because I remember a different ending, but maybe my mind is fucking with me

I'm gonna be very honest right here, I only suggest this if you watched this years ago. This series is like I mentioned, outdated. Not only the humour but also the acting and trends. Compared to the newer BL this just isn't good. I really hope to see a THAI remake of this series and maybe people will enjoy it more.

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A Masterpiece Built on Talent, Brought to Life by Net & JJ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is the best work ever made in BL history. I loved every single second of this show. It's a masterpiece from start to finish. The story, acting, characters, music, and cinematography are all absolutely top-notch. Every episode had me completely hooked, and by the end, I was left wanting more.

Now let's talk about Net and JJ because WOW. These two are the heart and soul of this series. Their chemistry is genuinely unreal. Every glance, touch, smile, and emotional moment felt so natural that they didn't just play characters in love—they made you believe in them. They stole every heartbeat of mine, and honestly, I still can't get enough of them.

I've been following Net for a long time, so I've always known how talented he is. I've always believed he's an incredible actor, but for years I felt like he was still waiting for the perfect partner—someone who could truly match his talent, challenge him, and elevate every scene. After watching Love Upon a Time, I can confidently say that person is JJ. No one comes close. JJ is, without a doubt, the best acting partner Net has ever had. Together, they bring out the absolute best in each other, and the result is pure magic on screen.

And then there's JJ. What an absolute revelation. What an actor. He made me laugh, cry, yearn, and fall in love right alongside him. Every emotion felt real. His performance as Klao/Nakhun was extraordinary, and I genuinely cannot imagine anyone else playing this role. He didn't just play the character—he became him. JJ has incredible screen presence, emotional depth, and versatility, and this role proved exactly why he is one of the most exciting actors in the industry right now.

The NC scenes and kisses are some of the best I've ever seen in a BL—not just because they're beautiful, but because they're filled with emotion and intimacy. Every moment between Net and JJ felt authentic, meaningful, and unforgettable.

I also want to appreciate all the side characters because everyone did an amazing job and helped make this story feel alive.

Love Upon a Time has set the bar so high that it'll be incredibly difficult for other shows to catch up. This is the kind of series that reminds you why you fell in love with BLs in the first place. A once-in-a-generation BL.

If this show, Net, and JJ don't sweep the awards this year, then I'll seriously have to question every award show out there.

10/10. A masterpiece. I don't think I'll ever be over this show.

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PERFECT IN ANY ANGLE and NO BORING EPS

I have always been an "isekai" kind of viewer—from Mr. Queen to IFYLITA—and I can confidently say that this is one of those series that stays with you long after the final credits roll.

First, the cast, especially the main couple. Their chemistry is simply magnetic and, in my opinion, among the best I've seen in the entertainment industry. The acting felt natural, authentic, and emotionally gripping. NETJJ did an incredible job portraying every twist and turn of emotions throughout LUAT. And the antagonists? They made my blood boil—which only proves how well they played their roles.

Second, the OSTs. Absolute chef's kiss. No further explanation needed.

Third, the cinematography. Massive kudos to the production team behind this masterpiece. Every scene was beautifully crafted and visually stunning.

Fourth, I have to commend the animation and opening credits. It's the kind of opening you never skip. The concept was creative, unique, and perfectly executed.

And finally, the plot twist. Whoever came up with that deserves all the praise. Finding out that Phop was the mastermind all along completely blew my mind. If fate works hard, Phop works even harder. He literally did everything he could to make sure that he and Klao would reunite and continue the love story that was cut short. And honestly? I LOVED THAT.

This series gave me everything—romance, emotions, beautiful visuals, unforgettable music, and a plot twist that genuinely caught me off guard. Definitely one for the books.

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perfect for summer

omg I have been waiting for this drama for so long, i love the FL. Lowkey wanted to watch it only for her but the story is interesting. also the ML is so hand and so fit into the story.
The chemistry is serving. the height difference??? omfg its so hot, exactly what we needed.

Till now everything from side roles to ost to main leads everything is on point and not a single scene to skip. I hope it stays the same, after watching today's 4eps I really really have high expectations.

And for my sake I hope they dnt traumatise us and give a happy ending, I have a feeling I need tissue in upcoming days haha. so loving it.

The ost's are so hard, loving it.

DAMN I LOVE THEM SO MUCH. 10/10

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A must-watch 2026 drama as expected from Bai Lu and Cheng Lei!!

Don’t read the spoilers; just start watching!!!
Bai Lu’s dramas are always great, and Cheng Lei’s acting is excellent. The story is very interesting; it unfolds slowly, layer by layer, with new things to discover in every episode. I’ve seen many historical Chinese dramas, but this one feels different. It does a great job showing how the two leads, who both have traumatic pasts, support each other. Novel readers might have different opinion but I didn’t read the novel, drama itself is very good in my opinion.
Their chemistry feels very natural. I also really like the cinematography, which has the gritty, authentic feel of older 2010s historical dramas. It’s refreshing to hear the actors using their own voices, and the more realistic, natural makeup makes the whole production feel much more grounded.

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Watch The Invisibles Instead

It's fun if you've never seen Jazz Boon's other works. If you have, it's boring and predictable.

I'm glad people are calling out the oversexualization of the actresses (and actors too at times). We get it. They're fit, they're hot. But I'm watching this for the crimes and the police procedures not unrealistic portrayals of female cops with long beach waves in their hair, fighting bad guys with short shorts and low neck tank tops. They're either tied up on a chair, on a table, tossed around, a**aulted, or drugged constantly. It's so distracting. There are literally camera shots solely focused on Tiffany's butt as she's talking. The skin-showing is gratuitous. It makes me very uncomfortable just knowing how overly sexualized the actresses are. There is an entire case where the Tiffany and Rosita were dressed up in skimpy maid costumes. This is some weird fetish content fishing for views. I think the actresses deserve better merits for their acting and stunts instead of the directing calling for cheap tricks.

This series is a recycled "The Invisibles." It's literally the same plot. Joel and Moon have the same relationship barrier as Kenneth and Natalie, albeit more silly. Owen's adopted daughter, as cute as she is, takes up way too much screen time. I don't really care about her as a whole. TVB STOP FORCING CHILD ACTORS ON US.

Tiffany Lau's character cries too much. Owen is really carrying the series. Moon Lau is pretty good too. Joel's character fades into the background. Rosita looks way too frail and young to be in the position she's in at the police force, and her contact lenses are distracting. Jazz Lam literally plays the SAME character as he did in The Invisibles just without the disability.

The humor is annoying. It's the same trope. Couple who loves each other but do not get together due to a misunderstanding caused by poor communication. They risk their lives to save each other; the misunderstanding gets settled, then they get together and have a really awkward bed scene that's played for laughs. It was in Line Walker, The Invisibles, and here it is again. The cases while fun, are incredibly unrealistic. EVERY case is connected to the main characters and/or their relatives. Man, Hong Kong must be really small if the police force are only picking up cases that endanger their family members. The way Jazz Boon writes his female characters are so bad. They're emotional, rash, and crybabies. They blame their male love interest for something dumb, and their male love interest end up saving their butts multiple times. Jazz Boon loves when his male characters jump in to heroically save the day while consistently getting blamed for things they didn't do. Oh, boo hoo.

Overall, I'm tired of the Jazz Boon (the producer) formula. He's out of ideas. The sets, the clothing, the pacing -- it's just The Invisibles all over again.

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