Reviews

"What's so good about Hioki?" "Everything"

Is it cliche? Yes! Is it addicting anyways? Also yes. It's straight up butterflies and fluff, once you start there's no going back.

- MC: Hioki Asahi
- ML: Watarai Tsukasa
- Friends: Morisaki, Hotta, Nakasato

What it does well:
- Cute scenes, not overdoing it but still never boring
- Friendships like the friend group was actually the sweetest. I think it was a cool move to make them look super scary to the MC at first bc they're popular but then reveal their soft sides. They're not scary at all.
- Theme of wanting to be seen as your own person. The ML deffo struggled with that (very cliche move) but you don't see this in BL much. It's the kind of drama you could give to younger audiences (especially queer teens who need this to feel less isolated) bc it does give fairytale vibes. DEFINITELY SKIP THE EXTRA EPISODES THO IF THE AUDIENCES ARE VERY YOUNG. Otherwise it's great for normalising queer in the world.

Js some critique
- I didn't like that line about "I'd like you whether you're a guy or a girl" it's not exactly wrong but felt... off-putting. Might need to avoid that next time
- Those girls were WAY too nosy, like I get it your eye candy (Watarai) found someone and it's not someone you'd think be a match, but like YOU'RE STILL IRRELEVANT TO THEIR LIVES. I guess the attention they were getting was... uhh cute-ish? Still could be better if they made it more subtle.

Overall, it's kind of reminds me of When I Fly Towards You (different plots, same warmth). I will gladly watch again!

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Even Better Than Season 1! A Phenomenal Crime Thriller ❤️

Secret Forest 2 somehow managed to do what I honestly did not expect: I loved it even more than Season 1. Season 1 was already an incredible thriller, but Season 2 felt even more gripping, mature, and intense to me. I absolutely loved the storyline, the investigations, the suspense, the twists, and the way the drama explores the complicated relationship between the police and prosecutors. The writing is once again incredibly smart, and I was completely invested in every case and every development.

Bae Doona was once again absolutely fantastic as Han Yeo-jin, and I honestly loved her even more this time around. I have become such a huge fan of Bae Doona through all the K-dramas I have seen her in, and she continues to prove why she is such an incredible actress. Han Yeo-jin feels so natural, intelligent, determined, and emotionally grounded, and Bae Doona brings all of that to life perfectly. Her presence was one of the biggest reasons I enjoyed Season 2 so much, and seeing her return to this character was genuinely one of my favorite parts.

Cho Seung-woo was also brilliant once again as Hwang Si-mok. After Season 1 was my first K-drama with him in a leading role, I was already impressed by his performance, but Season 2 made me appreciate his acting even more. Hwang Si-mok's calm, analytical personality makes him such a fascinating protagonist, and Cho Seung-woo's subtle expressions and controlled performance make every scene involving him compelling. His dynamic with Han Yeo-jin remains one of the strongest parts of the series, and I loved watching these two characters navigate everything thrown at them.

What really made Season 2 stand out for me was the combination of thriller, suspense, mystery, emotions, and phenomenal character writing. It feels like a natural continuation of Season 1 while also expanding the world and raising the stakes. There were so many moments where I was completely absorbed in the story, trying to figure out where everything was heading. For me, this season took everything I loved about the first one and made it even better. I absolutely loved Season 2 and, honestly, I enjoyed it more than Season 1. A brilliant K-drama and one of the best crime thrillers I have watched! ❤️

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Im going to miss them when I turn my tv off

I’ve always had a thing about not wanting the ML’s to be arrogant/ non empathic a-holes — besides the fact that Boran is gob smacked handsome— and the FL’s to be meek but for some reason I couldn’t get enough of their dynamic. It felt real, insanely personal, and intense. They were by far not stagnant characters who didn’t have any depth to them. They had so much about them that was complex and sometimes we couldn’t read them and their choices would leave us dumbfounded. But you can’t help but be reeled into their world and wish them the best. Just two non perfect human beings learning what it means to love and be loved.

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Why can't all plots be as detailed and thorough as this?

Revamp is a series you need to watch more than once and one that you have to focus your full attention on. The story is so layered and intricate; nothing is a mistake or done just for the hell of it. Everything means something.

It took me a very long time to finish this, not because I didn't like it, but because I needed to use my brain and actually think about what I watched, try to connect the pieces, and understand what was happening. You never get the full picture of what is going on; you only get little bits and pieces, and the bits and pieces you get are never connected to what you already know.

I can't stop praising how thought-out and detailed the plot/story is; I really wish every show took as much time with the story as Revamp did. Every character is important to the story, and while romance is a part of the story, it's not the main plot, which I didn't think I'd enjoy, but I did.

The show was very careful to keep the vampiric aspects of Ramil and the others, like in episode 7 when Ramil and Punn were brushing their teeth; Ramil didn't have a reflection. I love when they pay attention to little details like that in a show.

Ciar. You can't help but agree with him. For the last hundred years, their clan members and Ramil's actual family members have been hunted and killed. They find out Punn is a hunter, which Ciar suspected all along, and everyone is okay with it. Meanwhile, hunters storm their hotel during their celebration and try to kill Ramil while also killing a bunch of vampires and seriously injuring Mekhin. While Punn does deserve some credit for coming to save them, he only tried to save Ramil. No one else. So, in some ways, I can understand Ciar's anger.

The surprise twist with the whole time manipulation involving memory still confuses me, and I'm not totally sure I fully understand it. Seeing the way it was peppered throughout the earlier episodes with little hints and subtle clues was a fun reveal. Allow me to figure out my own thoughts lol. Ramil and Punn aren't actual soulmates; the only reason Ramil knew Punn could break his curse was that he went into Punn's mind in the future and saw it. I thought it was weird when Ramil saved Punn from an out-of-control Methus that Ramil's shirt was a different color. At first I chalked it up to a filming error, but in actuality Ramil saves Punn through his memories. I still don't understand how Ramil could change the past just by helping in Punn's memories.

I am a sucker for found family, and the kitchen scene at the end of episode 9 was so funny and wholesome. Ciar basically became a baby duck and imprinted on Punn.

Sadly, the ending of Revamp wasn't my favorite. It was very rushed, and everything was resolved with Ciar, Jett, and Feratu way too quickly. The show should have been the standard 13 episodes instead of 10. A lot of questions weren't answered or even addressed: what about the rebel group of vampires that helped Feratu trap Ramil whatever happened to them? Is Feratu's body gone since his spirit is dead?

I also had an issue with Punn deciding to leave his brother and go live ageless/timeless in a painting world with Ramil. Everything Punn has done has been for Pokpong; he quit the hunters so Pokpong could come live with him, but he's okay with basically abandoning a 16-year-old? Punn says he'll come visit, but time is meaningless in Greenmore, not to mention I don't think Methus, Ciar, or Mekhin can enter the painting, so how would Punn and Ramil ever know if something is wrong? And Punn is giving his shop to his 16-year-old brother to own and run??

The whole concept of Greenmore being timeless was an interesting way to solve the whole Human/Immortal situation.

Overall, I enjoyed a lot about this show; you could tell it was a passion project, but I wish they hadn't made some of the choices they did, since those choices don't match up with the characters at all.

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Strong start, but the story faded.

This was a great series for the first 15 episodes or so, Then it just fizzled. ML is great, as per usual. FL is too prickly for my taste. She’s strong and smart, but petty, cold and a bit mean. She’s just not very likable. Support cast is awesome. Zhao Xuan is my favorite in this series- had me laughing all the way through.
But the story line went wonky. I was never sure how much time had passed. For example, the party with the parent meeting seemed to happen fairly early. Then it seemed some seasons had passed and all of a sudden they were at a 5 year anniversary. But the other characters were still talking about the party as if it was recent and none of those issues were addressed, much less resolved. A secondary couple seemed to get together, but then they weren’t together. It was unnerving.
The dramatic plane landing was horribly done. They used views of multiple different planes during the scene, and they were not subtle differences. It was glaringly obvious that they just didn’t care. Never mind the unconscious guy they sat in a chair and then ignored. Don’t get sick with that airline, they’ll just leave you to die.
And then, of course, the “.Everything’s been great, but let’s quit because it suddenly had a snag’” bit. Doesn’t surprise me from that character, but I still hate that trope and it’s usually enough to get me to stop watching. But the wonky timeline was the biggest factor here. And what’s even going on with her mom? That’s been drug out and ignored for too long.
So, it started great. Turned mediocre and then completely flopped. I’ll wait to see some of the cast in their next projects.

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Underrated Gem That Deserves Higher Rating

This is the first series of Peng Xiaoran that I’ve watched, and I was really impressed by her. It’s also another Ding Yuxi series that I followed. When I first started watching, I thought the rating was too low — it deserved to be higher. Later on I understood why a bit more, but I still think it should be higher.

The early part was fun, even though the male lead was a little annoying at the beginning. I liked the themes in the middle — self-growth, the female lead’s career, and the respectful relationship between the leads. There were funny and cute moments. The whole time I was watching I kept hoping they wouldn’t play the “the female lead’s father killed the male lead’s father” card… and of course they did (even if it was a misunderstanding). It started from EP29 and I found it boring and unnecessary, like they just wanted to force some late drama so the leads would have conflict. What I really appreciate is the acting of the two leads. Ding Yuxi did a great job with both the cold and the warm/cute sides of his character. As for Peng Xiaoran, like I said this is the first time I’ve seen her act, and she was excellent. She can play the “villainous” side as well as the playful, smart, business-savvy, and naturally cute side. Their chemistry is really good — sweet, believable, and full of lovely moments.The second couple (Gui Bai and Niang Zi) is also cute, and many supporting actors performed well. Jia Naina as Wen Wan was especially annoying in the best way.

Overall, it’s a light-hearted romantic comedy that focuses on the main couple’s relationship, the characters’ growth, and how they support each other. There are funny and cute moments. The later part felt a bit rushed and stuffed with some unnecessary elements. The leads’ acting is excellent and their chemistry is natural and strong. If you like sweet romances, I definitely recommend it.

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Dropped: I Wanted to Like This One, but the Story Didn’t Pull Me In

This is a partial review covering episodes 1–39 only.

Unfortunately, this one just didn’t hold my interest. I went into it solely for Liu Ning. I really enjoy the raw energy and skillset he brings to the vertical and micro-drama space, and I find that he takes on a good range of roles with interesting plots.

However, I didn’t find that here. I didn’t mind that the production was raw—I can overlook weak script if the story is engaging and unique. But the premise felt overdone for me. I’ve seen too many similar transmigration narratives where revenge and misunderstandings are used as the primary plot devices. So, it ultimately didn’t stand out to me. I ended up letting it go halfway through.

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Too Long; Too Short

This gem is too long at 20 one hour episodes, and it has rough edges especially in some of the acting and plot twists in the early episodes. However, it is very engaging right from the first episode. I found myself looking forward to the next episode and by the end I felt it was too short.

There are some unexpected but well done plot twists and reveals towards the end. This was offset somewhat by a few sub arcs that were left stranded and matters seem to meander a bit. Perhaps as the episodes rolled out the director/writers adjusted course to reflect audience reaction. For sure all the good far outweighs any flaws.

Definitely worth a try.

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Fans of Fantasy ? ?

Flower Boy delivers an ambitious, high-concept blend of modern corporate drama and fantasy romance. Reuniting Pearl Satjakorn Chalard as Scent and Peak Peemapol Panichtamrong as Gaysorn, this 8-episode production leans into a unique "scent-based romance" premise with strong performance chemistry.

​Strengths & Highlights
• ​Captivating Chemistry: Pearl and Peak carry the "push-and-pull" dynamic effectively. Pearl captures the icy, desperate ambition of a cold executive, while Peak shines in balancing soft innocence with calculated vengeance.
• ​Intriguing Mythos: The concept that Gaysorn's intoxicating body fragrance peaks only when he is in love adds high-stakes romantic tension to Scent’s attempts at emotional manipulation.
• ​Cinematic World Contrast: The production establishes a stark visual dynamic between the dreamy, fairy-tale forest environment of the Mudan tribe and the cold, high-rise corporate backdrop of modern Bangkok.
​Flaws & Weaknesses
• ​Script Pacing & Logic Gaps: Compressing corporate fraud, secret tribe lore, and a revenge subplot into 8 episodes leads to rushed narrative resolutions near the end.
• ​Variable CGI: The visual effects in the forest scenes—particularly CGI butterflies and exaggerated atmospheric effects—can feel overly artificial at times.
​Verdict

Aspect and Details

Premise & Lore
Highly unique fantasy spin on corporate romance.

Lead Chemistry
Strong performance dynamic between Pearl and Peak.

Pacing & Script
Tries to juggle too many subplots in a short run-time.

Overall
Recommended for fans of fantasy BL, angst, and deceptive love stories.

I enjoyed this series, would have liked a bit more back story on Scent and his ex, why they broke up.

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Massive disappointment due to terrible editing, direction and pacing.

Almost everything about this show was very good. Lovely, talented cast. Great costumes, sets, cinematography, OST. But the editing and direction were just awful. So much over-use of long, drawn-out 'dramatic moments'. Events that should have taken 2-3 minutes to convey were constantly taking 10-20 minutes of screen time! And this happened more and more as the show progressed. The last 4 episodes were ridiculous and barely watchable. You can literally just skip through most of these episodes and you won't miss hardly anything. And the show really just wasted the talents of Chen Du Ling as the FL because her character is nearly useless in most of this story. Not the actress' fault. She's just rendered by this story as simply incapable of doing much other than getting hurt and watching others getting hurt and crying about it all. Overall, very disappointed in this show and don't know how it got such a high rating. I literally wish I had not watched this show.

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It truly defines landing on my heart, I love it!

The story is different from the others... A girl who used to be a flight attendant, who truly loves flying, and really wants to be a pilot. We are shown how Ruan Sixian’s struggle really needs to struggle to become a pilot, it's really touching, because Ruan Ruan really loves flying, her dream is as high as her flying to the sky! In addition, behind the independent girl, there is a man who always supports and is always by her side... that's the role of Fu Mingyu, he will always accompany Ruan Ruan, a mature man who truly learns from his past mistakes that initially made Ruan Ruan resent him HAHAHA, but Fu Mingyu eventually submits to Ruan Ruan, because whatever Ruan Ruan wants, he will do it (including the plane). Their relationship is really cute and unique, even their proposal and wedding are different from others, I really love it! In my opinion, Miles Wei and Liu Xiening are a perfect and harmonious couple.. they really make me feel carried away, really like a real couple huhu. In terms of the story I have already said above, it is really good, it is a must watch, because the story is different from the others, where we are invited to get to know the actors, their characters, their families, the packaging of the plot is really neat. The soundtrack too, I think is very fitting.. I really like the soundtrack, it describes Ruan Ruan and Mingyu! If asked about the acting, it is clear that Miles Wei's acting is very undoubted, really WOW, but different from Liu Xiening, I know this drama is her first long drama as the female lead, but she is very, very good at acting, really getting into the character of Ruan Ruan, she even really learned to fly a plane just for this role of Ruan Ruan, I really admire her, I’m very proud! I think you guys shouldn't wait any longer to watch it, watch it now, I guarantee you'll be carried away by their feelings, a.k.a fall in love with their relationship! (I even melted watching it, because it was that sweet)

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This series had everything that could made this a masterpiece, but the flaws holds it back

First love again i a bl series that contains reincarnation trope which is rare to see. And i look forward for such series. The series is good, but how good is it ? Let's dive in

First i'll talk about the positive things. The story is written well even though it has some flaws it still has the potential to hook you. The acting is also good. It also contains funny moments. The places shown in this series are beautiful. The pacing of the series is also something i liked.

Now the negatives. The weakest point of this series comes in the second half where the relationship changes from i just don't like to i love you without any explanation. I mean you could have given so many reasons but they just did not. Another thing is that i did not feel the emotions in some emotional scenes. It also doesn't go deep in the second life. I mean you keep asking yourself what actually happened.

Is this series worth watching ?
If you are looking for something light with something unique in its than you can give this at least one try.

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Amazing start, but the story fizzled.

Changed my review: The first 35 episodes of this series are phenomenal. I was all set to enjoy a truly epic adventure. The cast, the story, the production- loved all of it. And then it just stopped. They cut most of the important parts, especially pertaining to the development of relationships. They started jumping ahead months and years, from one crisis to the next. Over and over, we get thrown into the future with none of the warmth or affection that should be present in a story like this. They routinely skipped key developments and you just have to assume things happened. Even the ml discovering the fl’s true identity was a non-event. That was supposed to be a big deal. I’m not entirely sure how she started liking him. One episode she still hated him. The next episode they were holding hands. Then all of a sudden she was giving birth. She wasn’t ever pregnant. They just skipped a year or so again, straight to the birth. However, they kept all of the moral/ life lesson speeches. There are so many that it seems horribly forced. Lots of speeches about how life wasn’t fair for women. I know that, but I’d still like a story, please. I started with a rating of 10 from the start. And I slowly lowered it. Now I’m giving it a 5 and I’m not sure I’ll even finish it. To say that I’m disappointed is an understatement. Still love the cast and this wasn’t their fault. Hopefully their next projects will be more worthy of their skills.

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