Reviews

Raw and Real

Better Days (2019) is a visceral masterpiece that transcends the typical teen drama. Directed by Derek Tsang, it’s a raw, unflinching portrait of survival and sacrifice that you don't just watch—you feel.

What makes the film extraordinary is its commitment to authenticity. The emotions are raw and ugly, making them painfully real. The bullying is shown with unflinching honesty, highlighting not just cruelty, but the systems that allow it to fester. It forces you to sit with discomfort, which makes the story heartbreakingly genuine.

The performances are breathtaking. Zhou Dongyu embodies vulnerability with quiet devastation—you see the weight of the world in her eyes. Jackson Yee is a revelation, disappearing into his role. Behind his rough exterior, he reveals profound tenderness with just a glance. Their chemistry isn't romanticized; it's built on shared silence and unspoken understanding.

Derek Tsang's direction makes you feel the exhaustion in their skin. The muted colors and dirty streets mirror the characters' suffocating weight, while intimate camera work makes the experience feel personal and private.

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Overrated and Lacked Any Spark

I went into this drama with high expectations because I remembered all the hype while it was airing and saw its high ratings. But yet again, I am disappointed. This show is incredibly overrated and simply didn't captivate me at all.

I found myself pushing through the episodes, constantly hoping that I would finally feel invested in the story, but it never happened. It was just boring. There was no "drive" or hook to keep me interested, and I eventually dropped the drama at episode 5.

If I compare this to my previous watch, To My Beloved Thief, there is no contest. That drama was perfect in every way, yet its rating is lower than Love Scout. I truly don’t understand how a masterpiece can be rated lower than a show this dull. It just goes to show that high ratings don't always mean high quality.

Final Verdict: Don't let the hype fool you. If you're looking for a story that actually respects your time and keeps you "glued to the screen," look elsewhere. This was a tedious experience that I couldn't wait to stop watching.

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It is not irrelevant, but it never reaches the weight it seems to aim for

Love Alert leans on an old formula: the romance between an emotionally open young man and a man who turns affection into a power game. The premise itself is not the problem. Melodrama thrives on archetypes. What weighs it down is the uneven execution, shifting between moments of genuine intensity and rushed, underdeveloped narrative choices. There is a good story buried in the concept, but it rarely finds the right way to express itself.

Toh is written as the embodiment of vulnerability. His devotion is absolute, almost reckless, and the script repeatedly places him in a cycle of hope and disappointment. At times, this creates empathy; at others, it feels repetitive. The series touches on emotional dependency and manipulation, yet it uses them more as immediate dramatic fuel than as themes to explore with psychological depth. Even so, there is an internal consistency to the way Toh loves. He is not inconsistent, just painfully constant.

Jimmy, on the other hand, drives the conflict and also represents the show’s biggest weakness. His personality blends charm, arrogance, and impulsiveness, but the line between complexity and caricature is often crossed. The script seems interested in portraying him as a wounded man unable to face his own feelings. However, his actions pile up so aggressively that his redemption arc loses credibility. When his emotional shift finally arrives, it lacks the groundwork needed to feel convincing.

The supporting characters offer the most stable moments in the narrative. Fah serves as a rational counterbalance to the central storm, while Teh moves between flaws and loyalty with more nuance than the main lead. In these parallel interactions, the series shows it can handle conflict with greater balance and less exaggeration. It is in these moments that the drama finds some emotional stability.

Technically, Love Alert has clear limitations. The direction favors simple, almost overly television-like framing, and the editing sometimes disrupts the flow. Scenes do not build tension; they simply follow one another. The soundtrack serves its basic purpose but rarely enhances the emotional weight of the scenes. Nothing is disastrous, yet there is no technical element that truly elevates the material either.

The acting is serviceable. There is visible effort and commitment, especially in confrontation scenes, but the script rarely allows the actors to explore more subtle layers. When intensity is required, the writing leans toward exaggeration; when introspection is needed, it offers little subtext. Even so, the cast manages to maintain a basic level of credibility, despite the script’s weaknesses.

The repeated focus on intimate scenes stands out. The physical chemistry is present, but repetition weakens its impact. Instead of deepening emotional connection, the series often uses physical closeness as a substitute for character development. The result feels excessive: there is bodily proximity, but limited emotional growth.

Overall, Love Alert is a drama that provokes more frustration than catharsis. It has an interesting premise and occasional impactful moments, yet it stumbles over predictable choices and storytelling that prioritizes immediate shock over emotional construction. It is not irrelevant, but it never reaches the weight it seems to aim for. It remains in between: intense enough to hold attention, yet too inconsistent to become truly memorable.

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Abracadabra

A bunch of fun-sized stories, all sprinkled with a little mysticism and superstition. The best part? If one story doesn’t charm you, no worries — just hop to the next. The characters and plots aren’t connected, so there’s zero emotional commitment required.

It’s like opening a box of totally random cookies. One’s classic mint chocolate, the next is mango-chili, and then — bam — strawberries with black pepper, buried under way too much pink frosting and rainbow sprinkles. You literally never know what’s coming… and honestly, that’s half the fun.
Most of the stories were genuinely entertaining and kept me smiling. A couple didn’t quite land for me — but hey, not every cookie can be your favorite flavor. Overall though? Fun.
My absolute favorite was MuTeLuv: Love Lock — nothing wild or dramatic, just soft, sweet, and feel-good. I also loved MuTeLuv: “Hi” by My Luck — so fun, so charming, and honestly kind of perfect… especially if you’re into BL. And then there’s MuTeLuv: Fist Foot Fusion — silly, lighthearted, and very enjoyable. Am I slightly biased because of Sky Wongravee? …Maybe. Probably. Yes.

Overall, it’s a cute little anthology with some genuinely strong stories hidden inside. My average score would be 6.5, but I’m rounding it up to an 7 (in my grading system, that's actually a good grade.) because the good ones really are that good.

I’d recommend this series to anyone in the mood for something easy, sweet, and low-stress — like dessert, but calorie-free

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A complete review

MuTeLuv is definitely a series worth watching. A lot of the stories in this one is better than a lot of full series. Here is who every story would fit along with my own review and thoughts:

"Hi" by My Luck: This fits everybody who have had/have a fear of failure, people who were/are the smart kid in school, people who just wanna have a good time.
This story is super fluffy, barely any angst or conflict. Basically all the characters are redeemed in the end. This story managed to find its place right into my heart in a period where I needed it the most.
WHO IT DOESN'T FIT: People who wants very serious stories, people who are tired of school stories

Not My Father: Simply put, if you enjoyed Peaceful Property (who's director also directed Not My Father!), you're probably gonna love this as well. If you haven't watched it, then if you love cults, comedy and relationships that hit right into the heart, then watch this. This reminded me so much of Peaceful Property and made me so happy.
WHO IT DOESN'T FIT: People who don't like scary dramas, people who take things very seriously

Diva Deva Meta: This fits people who are just there for a good time, who enjoys comedy. This story surprised me with it's emotional ending, and also in a way reminded me of Mean Girls, not the plot, just the vibes.
WHO IT DOESN'T FIT: People who wants a serious drama, people who wants real plot (and I mean that in the best way possible.)

Fist Foot Fusion: This fits people who likes the actors, thinks the premise sounds fun and doesn't care too much about deep relationships. I've heard many people say that this is the worst one, and I'm willing to agree, BUT I think it's mainly the relationship between the characters.
WHO IT DOESN'T FIT: People who wants the emotional relationships, people who wants all characters to be good

Hello, Is This Luck?: This fits anyone who likes the premise, people who have been/is currently struggling with mental health issues. This one surprised me with how much I liked it and how much I could relate to the characters.
WHO IT DOESN'T FIT: People who are easily triggered by mental health issues, people who don't like very contemporary stories

Love Lock: This fits people who believe in second chances in life, who like comedy and stories about exes making up. I'm gonna be honest and say that this story wasn't for me, but I truly believe it has its right audience somewhere.
WHO THIS DOESN'T FIT: People who believe in "once a bad person, always a bad person", people who might have delt with bad exes in the past.

Love Me if You Swear: This fits people who like the premise and who likes the small things. I really liked this one and I think it's a great one to close off with.
WHO IT DOESN'T FIT: People who don't like the premise, people who dislike slowburn

Overall, MuTeLuv is a great series and you don't have to watch them all, pick one that chooses your taste, cause I can asure you that you'll find at least one.

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Looking at everything that acting should have from many angles, unfortunately Peat Wasuthorn Chaijindar is a very bad actor, you can read his face in advance what he will do or say. It can be seen that he did not graduate in acting, but was trained. Fort Thitipong Sanggey is solid.
As for the script and the series itself, there are many ambiguities, the director thinks that we are in his shoes and that we know what is happening, it is so confusing and he runs from stage to stage in a period of a month, 6 months and even a year, so it is very confusing to watch. We don't know what the director had in mind, we are not in his head.

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OMG their chemistry is driving me crazy!!!!!

I can't control myself , y are they so adorable ? One of the best enimes-to-lovers series after H2H series this is the second one I really really like / adore . Two rivals started spending time together and eventually fall for each other , the way I am saying ik it seems kinda boring , but in reality it is so damn good , highly recommended from my side !!!!! I am now a big fan of this incredible series , literally some parts were so hot and I totally like the concept and the storyline , after these two got together they became even more cuter , I can't believe those were actually show - offs , they got to know each other's weakness . They hooked up two times and the last ep kiss was very passionate . Tum and Oh turns so sweet later on .... Even though it's a short series it's concept is so damn good that it blew my mind it's flawless . I would like to give it a 10 on 10

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An Action Show That Lost Its KDrama Touch

This show is far from a typical Kdrama. It's better to be labelled as a western action drama played by Korean actors. This show runs in a quick pace, but lacks of depth. The suitable way to describe it is probably Korean John Wick. The beginning was really promising, an innocent deliveryman was taken as a scapegoat of a murder. Everything was alright until An Yohan arrived. He was a psychopath who tried to destroy everything for fun, it's totally a western superhero villains trope. Park Tae Jung was tortured behind the bar, suddenly found a way to escape and gained a fighting skill out of nowhere; another western superhero trope. He ofter came into a difficult situation without or with minimum preparation. During the prison era, everybody was fighting him with weapons. He, on the other hand, rarely used any. Yet he always survived, because that's what the hero do.

The pace during the prison era is too slow for an action show. The story takes too much focus on Park Tae Jung. All of his friends were only given a very little part to the story. Meanwhile the backstory of each characters are questionable. Nobody knows what happened and how the relationship was built between Yohan and his nanny. The ending were questionable, especially his nanny whereabouts. The storyline involved too much coincidental events, which we usually call makjangs. For example when Deok Su was chasing him for his car, the one saved him and Ji Yong was another car accidentaly got in their way. It was also weird for car no 11 to join the race after he had been shot to death. The super ultra powerful villain was beaten at the end with just a little bit of again, luck.

Thankfully, Ji Chang Wook, D.O and Jo Yoon So played really well here. In conclusion, maybe kdrama world should stop replicating western style. This show is recommended for someone who got tired with Kdramas. But if you're seeking a Kdrama because you want a story like a Kdrama, this show is not suitable for you.

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Strong start, disappointing ending

At the beginning I was quite intrigued by the plot with the switching of their fates etc. But the romance felt very fake to me idk. I just didn’t think the leads had chemistry.
Also the villains were sooo unnecessary and annoying, especially the Shaman. I think this drama could have easily been a good 7 without the villains.
I wish instead of the villains plotline they could have showed more of how the main leads were trying to do good deeds again and helping the people that Eun-ho tricked as a gumiho.

Also the last episode literally went from Goblin to Single’s Inferno 😂😅😅 Like seriously, what was that??? sooo so random!

I guess it is an ok drama if you watched something super sad or heavy and need a palate cleanser in the form of sth rather stupid and ridiculous then I recommend. But definitely not a masterpiece 😂

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Excellent storytelling

I went into Reply 1997 not really knowing much about the 1990s Korean nostalgia it’s famous for — and honestly, it didn’t matter at all. I still enjoyed it so much. It was so funny, so warm, and so easy to love. You could really feel how meaningful that time was for the characters. I can only imagine how nostalgic and emotional this must be for Korean viewers who actually lived through it.

The music choice was absolutely epic. Every song fit perfectly and added so much emotion and energy to the scenes. The soundtrack alone made so many moments unforgettable.

The acting was amazing across the board. Seo In-guk and Jung Eun-ji had such natural chemistry. Their bickering, slow-burn tension, and emotional scenes all felt real and heartfelt. The entire cast brought so much charm and authenticity to their roles.

The storyline was also brilliantly structured. I loved the back-and-forth timeline and the mystery of who the female lead ends up with. It kept things exciting without feeling forced. The story took so many themes like personal loss, family relationship, friendship, love, none felt forced in the storyline, every arc had a reason, this is all because of the excellent writers.

There’s really only one thing I didn’t like or didn’t fully understand: the relationship between the female lead and the male lead’s brother. I feel like we weren’t given enough screen time to truly see their relationship develop. Because of that, when she said yes to his proposal, it felt a little sudden to me. I just wish the drama had shown more of their emotional build-up so that moment would have felt more convincing.

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Disappointment is an UNDERSTATEMENT

So here comes my rants…ahem…review.

I thought about whether I should write a review on this show because it left nothing but disappointment for me (and many other, I believe). But I decide to do it after giving my time to finish it and thought I should be able to express my feelings. Let’s start with what the story was supposed to be, a Thriller! Yes, it got my attention right off the bat when I read the synopsis, being a sucker for thriller. It being a bl, I was even more excited since I wanted to see something new in the world of bl for once, from GMM (because if you read the comparison between them and other company under bl series, it’s not hard to guess many are feed up with how badly produced their series are).

I decided to give GMM and this pair, JOONG AND DUNK, a chance. Though I have watched some of GMM series, in the earliest making of bl series, JoongDunk was a first, I thought they looked good, which was a plus of course in entertainment industry, especially in bl world (for all the fangirl/boy, the requirement to make money). I wanted only two things, decent story and decent acting but guess what, both GMM and JoongDunk (especially Dunk) disappointed me.

The series did not turn out to be what was promised, it was so bland, tasteless and unrealistic beyond comprehension. It look like GMM wanted to balance the gore to be lightened by the fluffy (cringey) romance of the leads but ended up messing it up so bad that they ended up with nothing on both part, no part was developed in its potential, like the dog that wanted the bone in the reflection and ended with nada. They killed a very potential series by trying to focus on something else, the romance of the two that should be chasing bad guys and solving the crime to prevent another dead! It’s like they think a bl have to have romance, no, two men flirting, kissing and NC scene is a must! They should learn from Chinese bromance series. They should realize by now that exposing everything is less attractive than exposing this and that, minimum, leaving viewers some imagination. Not everything has to had it all spelled out. I believe if they had toned down the romance and focused on solving the crime, it could have been one of those rare gem produced by them. Romance wasn’t needed in this kind of genre, not to mention how they choose cringey romance instead of matured kind of it. The mystery wasn’t that mysterious either with how predictable it was, even Jay’s “crime” was I able to guess (maybe growing up watching Thai drama helps).

The most thrilled I was was when the first murder took place, so much for being a thriller, after that the series pretty much went down, nothing was thrilling and the disconnection the inspector and captain have to the case took the charm of a possible thrilling series away. Like, how could they be so busy with their own romance that they practically look like they only exist to catch the killers in the last episode and didn’t need to do anything to investigate? Like they weren’t the ones who were supposed to be solving this murder spree. They were so misplaced. Most of the time, it felt like the murderers were plucking flower petals after each crime—they are on their way, they are not—and ended up going home bored to death, wondering if they made it too hard for the duo. If I were in trouble, I sure as h*ll did not want these two on my rescue team.

Moving onto the cast/acting, I think the only ones who acted decently were Chimon and Sing. The other avengers team did good job too with the screen time they were given, Joong was okay but I think he can do better. On the other hand, Dunk, this actor was so stiff it made it uncomfortable to watch him. I am not lying when I said I already saw his wooden acting from his first appearance, the car scene. At first I thought it was me who wasn’t used to him but the more I watched, the more I feel that he lack. And reading the comments, it doesn’t look like this was his first project. And many claims that this was his “improved version” which made me wonder how the h*ll did he act in his previous projects. How did he even secure this project to lead? And the next. Frankly, he really needs to take on acting classes. As a leading man, for his fans and his co-star, he owe that much. I don’t think it was he being in character, sure, Kamin was supposed to be reserved and strict but those two personality did not equal to being wooden stiff. It was his acting that lacked, too stiff. Many says that he and Joong are very comfortable with one another but maybe because of his stiff acting, for me, he always looked guarded, especially in those intimate scenes, that I couldn’t feel the chemistry between them. It looked too awkward. Too uncomfortable to watch. Many blames the director for how it turned out but they could only direct and guide, the acting was done with the actor’s ability, his perception of the character, maybe this was how much the director could bring out from Dunk which says a lot about him. I hope he saw how he act from the reaction videos they made and have enough self-awareness to try and improve himself. He is not ready to be Kamin. Give it 3 stars for cast/acting as a whole cast.

What I like about this series would be the idea, the story and development we didn’t get, and I like the ending credit ost in earlier episodes.

Rewatch? H*ll no, one round was more than enough. I am not putting myself in that torture again. (Geez, why is it a must to rate rewatch value when there is none?!)

Yup, it’s decided, I am leaving GMM and JoongDunk behind, as I had wisely done until now.

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