Reviews

The Road to the Cold Palace

Fu Tingyun seemed to have it all—she is the lovely, educated, highborn ninth lady of the Huaiying Fu family of four chastity arcs fame. In order to arrest their decline, the Fu family plans to match her with the rising Yu family of Yongning. Thus even the flowers at the Fu mansion seem to bloom in winter, and the snow dares not melt to dirty her embroidered shoes. But all the fake flowers and powder snow cannot mask the rot and false hypocrisy of the Fu family. Tingyun finds herself betrayed and cruelly cast aside at what should have been her moment of glory. With the help of Zhao Ling, a brave and ambitious young salt smuggler, she escapes and they reinvent themselves. They make a pact to work together to clear her name, reclaim her place in society, and ascend to the highest levels of official power.

The Road to Splendor is a sweeping critique of feudal society, seen through the harrowing ascent of an ambitious power couple through the treacherous Ming court and high society. On the surface, the narrative lays bare how suffocating and restrictive patriarchal society was for women, yet behind the scenes, evidently it was the women who really ruled the world. It is a plot- and character-heavy story steeped in the kind of realism that casual audiences looking for fairytales or light entertainment may not enjoy. Even though they did bad things, characters like Madame Zuo and Fan Yake (surprisingly) were products of their time and societal restrictions. I didn't approve of them, but I still pitied them. I found Madame Zuo to be the best-acted role in the drama. I am also a huge fan of Wen Zhongren and her Madame Yu is probably the best-written character in this story. That gave her a lot to work with and yet I didn't find her performance to be that differentiated from or on another level over her many other complex and superbly portrayed roles.

This is the first time I have watched Ding Yuxi and Deng Enxi. While neither blew me away, I thought they both delivered respectable performances. I won't lie—I did not enjoy Ding Yuxi's excessive posing, especially in the first half of the drama. He looked like he was auditioning for Batman Returns with the flamboyant sweep of his cape, his enigmatic tilted-head angle, and his silent, watchful glare. For a drama that takes itself so seriously in terms of production values and cinematography, such obvious idol fan service feels out of place. But he is a charismatic actor who does a noticeably better job in the later arcs, conveying an isolated, brooding Zhao Ling who suffers in silence.

As for Deng Enxi, her screen presence is not the strongest, and she bored me in the beginning. I also found her voice actor's over-assertive tone did not match her more demure and nuanced facial expressions. While I think she did a terrific job conveying a noble, educated, and imperious young lady and the character's aloof coldness, she failed to make her likeable. In the later arcs, she seemed angry all the time and wore a cold expression and perpetual frown that made me pity poor Zhao Ling. It is true the plot didn't give her that much to work with, but the actress also never convinced me she was in love. She looked at Zhao Ling like he irritated her—not like she adored him. Maybe that's a very young actor's inexperience showing, but either way, the romance never landed for me.

I did not mind that Zhao Ling and Tingyun's relationship is far from perfect—they had real personality clashes and conflicts that unfortunately never get fully resolved. I found their relationship journey a bit frustrating because they were often not aligned and seemed to be working toward different endgames. Their romantic journey, if you can even call it that, gave me frostbite instead of diabetes. I often wondered whether the real power struggle was between them and the Yus, or between Tingyun and the emperor over who was the master of Zhao Ling's fate. The love story was like watching Zhao Ling on the road to the Cold Palace. Luckily, I was not watching for the romance, and there was enough plot in the early arcs to keep me entertained and highly engaged.

What I enjoyed most about this story were the salt reform arcs and the mausoleum plot arcs. The rich history was so well researched and brought to life in such a vivid way that I was hooked. In both arcs, both the villains and the protagonists were smart, and their victories and defeats were well earned. Unfortunately, the subsequent subplots flirted with melodrama and were less logically constructed, forcing heavy losses on the leads. I don't mind when the villains get the upper hand because they were smarter, but after the mausoleum arc, it felt like they only won because supporting characters were dumb and greedy. After a low point around Episode 32, where I was bracing for dog's blood melodrama, the plot managed to recover and finish on solid footing. The ending was a mixed bag—the main villains got off way too easily, but some side characters I had already written off managed to surprise me in a good way. And while this is for sure an unpopular opinion, I personally would have set Zhao Ling free.

I was drawn to this drama because it was a story about someone who is a nobody, an outsider. Unfortunately it turned out that was how he was treated from start to finish. So while the rich historical detail and high production values engaged me during watching, the script lacks humor, the ending was only barely satisfactory and there is no part of it that I will rewatch. Thus my rating is 8.0/10.

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Perfect Crown? Debatable

I went into Perfect Crown without particularly high expectations, and honestly, that probably helped.

I love IU but Hui-ju felt like a disappointing role for her. Most of the time, she came across as Jang Man-wol from Hotel del Luna with a different name; same expressions, same tone, same mannerisms. And considering what IU has shown us in previous roles, it felt like she was barely scratching the surface of what she could do. Her character also gets increasingly swallowed up by I-an's arc, going from an impressive, independent woman to essentially just another person in love. Not exactly what I wanted from her.

Byeon Woo-seok is, of course, ridiculously beautiful. The man was filmed from every conceivable flattering angle, and honestly, I understand why. Unfortunately, he remains a very mediocre actor. He has about five expressions, and while the restrained nature of his character works in his favour for most of the drama, he struggles whenever he's required to convey anything more emotionally complicated than looking pretty and mildly distressed.

Gong Seung-yeon, however, absolutely grew into the Queen Mother. She ended up being my favourite of the leads. Strong, calculating and manipulative, but never completely evil, she is ultimately someone who wants all the sacrifices she made to mean something. Her breakdown in episode 10 was easily one of the best acting moments in the drama, and I genuinely wish the show had given her more scenes like that.

The romance was probably my biggest problem. The leads aren't completely devoid of chemistry, but there simply isn't enough of it to carry a romance-centric drama. We're expected to believe in this enormous, “I will literally die for you” kind of love after barely watching these people get to know each other. That fire scene in episode 11? Where did all that devotion come from?
This is the problem with cramming stories like this into 12 episodes. The script tells us these people are deeply in love instead of giving us enough time to actually feel it. And when the emotional foundation isn't there, all the grand romantic gestures start feeling artificial. Also the reveal that I-an has liked her since high school was so predictable I nearly rolled my eyes out of my head.

The story itself isn't particularly original either. It's basically a convenient-marriage trope with rich people, beautiful clothes and a massive budget. The royal-family politics felt painfully outdated. The Prime Minister's arc was just bizarre. For eight episodes, he's the quintessential forlorn second lead, quietly pining away, and then suddenly he's the villain. And not even an interesting villain. The shift is so abrupt and blandly executed that I wasn't invested, shocked or even mildly surprised. I just sat there thinking, oh, so I guess we're doing this now.
Also, can we please stop giving us second leads who spend years refusing to confess their feelings and then become problematic the moment the woman they love falls for someone else?

I would have much rather watched the Prime Minister and the Queen Mother fall into some forbidden romance. Now that I would have been seated for.

Despite all that, there were things I genuinely loved.
I-an's relationship with her nephew was probably my favourite relationship in the entire show. I also loved watching Hui-ju's family gradually warm up to her. There was no big dramatic reconciliation; they simply became kinder and more supportive over time, which felt surprisingly natural.

The costumes were gorgeous, especially the way they blended traditional Korean clothing with modern tailoring. The proposal, dance sequence and traditional wedding ceremony were all beautifully done. And IU walking into the palace in that red suit?
Absolutely iconic. I also really liked the eventual resolution between I-an and the Queen Mother. Once power and hierarchy stop getting in the way, their relationship comes full circle in a surprisingly delicate way.

And I have to mention Hui-ju's sister-in-law, who was basically a human marshmallow. Earnest, loving and genuinely supportive without ever becoming irritating. I adored her.

And then there is the part of my brain that spent the entire drama screaming:
ABOLISH THE MONARCHY.
I simply cannot get behind a modern-day monarchy. Historical monarchy dramas? Fine. It happened. It's over. But why are we still doing this in the present day? So when the show finally abolished the monarchy, I actually cheered. Best decision they made.

Overall, Perfect Crown is pretty, charming and easy enough to watch. It has some genuinely lovely moments, but nothing about it feels particularly memorable. It is, essentially, an average drama wrapped in very expensive paper.

Not bad. Not great. Just... pretty.

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Finished the series, and I have a lot to say. ?

As a super-duper WilliamEst fan, I really wanted to love this series from beginning to end. And after watching all 10 episodes, I can honestly say that my feelings haven't changed that much from my initial review. If anything, I now understand even more why I felt that something was missing.

First, let's talk about Barcode and Kin.

Not gonna lie, I found myself becoming more interested in Ten and Pun's story as the series progressed. Their characters, their dynamic, and the potential of their storyline made me wish they had been given more room to develop. At some point, I even felt that they had the kind of story that could have carried a series of their own. They were supposed to be the secondary couple, but I genuinely found myself wanting MORE from them.

And then there's WilliamEst.

I still stand by what I said in my first review: their acting range is way beyond what this story managed to offer them. William and Est have so much potential as actors, and I honestly think they deserve characters and material that will challenge them more. Their chemistry is there, their acting is there, and the sweet moment factor is definitely there. But the story? I wish it had given them more.

Dean and Moth's storyline honestly felt like something that could have been wrapped up in 3–4 episodes. In my opinion, the entire concept could have worked better as a 4–5 episode production or, even better, as a full-length movie.

And this is where I want to bring up GDH.

Imagine if this story had been developed as a cinematic movie with the kind of storytelling ambition and production treatment we usually associate with GDH. I genuinely think it could have reached a much wider audience beyond BL viewers and WilliamEst fans. The concept had potential, and WilliamEst had the acting ability to carry something bigger. It just needed a stronger and more compelling execution.

I actually enjoyed Episodes 9 and 10. Those episodes gave me something to appreciate, and I won't deny that I enjoyed watching them. BUT here's my problem: I was already more invested in Barcode and Kin's storyline, and the final episodes were among the few parts that really held my interest.

My mind keeps going back to one question: Can you really appreciate Episodes 9 and 10 if the first several episodes didn't do enough to keep you invested in the story?

Well, I'm not a professional critic, so maybe I'm just overthinking things. 😂 But that's genuinely how I experienced this series.

And now, a message to all the investors and people who have the power to choose projects:

PLEASE PUT WILLIAMEST IN A HIGH-GRADE MOVIE OR SERIES.

I'm serious. Give them a project with a well-written script, complex characters, beautiful cinematography, and a storyline that actually challenges their acting abilities. Don't just give them a project because their chemistry sells. They can offer so much more than that.

I hope to see them in something ambitious. Something that will make people outside the BL fandom notice their talent, too. I want a project that allows them to showcase just how good they can be as actors.

My final verdict?

You Maniac wasn't a complete disappointment, but it wasn't the WilliamEst project I was hoping for, either. There were enjoyable moments, good chemistry, and performances worth appreciating. However, the storytelling and overall execution could have been much stronger.

If I had to summarize my experience, I'd say this: I came for WilliamEst, stayed hopeful for the story, became unexpectedly invested in Barcode and Kin, enjoyed the last two episodes, and finished the series wishing it had been a movie instead.

I will always root for WilliamEst. That's never going to change. But being a fan doesn't mean I have to love every project they do.

WilliamEst deserves good chemistry AND good storytelling. We want BOTH. 😭❤️

Still my favorite boys. Still rooting for them. Just waiting for that one BIG project that will finally do justice to their potential. 🫶🏻

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The Edge of Horizon (อรุณรุ่ง) stands out as one

The Edge of Horizon (อรุณรุ่ง) stands out as one of the most compelling Thai period BL dramas in recent memory. Combining the high-stakes political melodrama One31 is known for with deep emotional yearning, the series delivers a masterclass in classic, forbidden romance.
Overview & Plot
Set against a backdrop of strict societal hierarchy and impending national change, the story follows Prince Thinnakon (Ongsa Theethuch) and Phob (Inn Jakkrasin), the son of the palace nursemaid. Inseparable as children, their early bond is torn apart by class divisions and royal duty.
Years later, their paths cross again. Thin is bound by dynastic expectations and royal decorum, while Phob returns as a military officer harboring an intense, unspoken devotion. Reunited under the watchful eye of a strict court, their rekindled feelings push up against a system where a romance of this nature is viewed as an unforgivable scandal.
Key Strengths
* Unmatched Chemistry: The screen presence between Ongsa and Inn is the heartbeat of the show. Their dynamic balances intense emotional vulnerability with effortless intimacy, making years of built-up yearning feel genuinely earned rather than rushed.
* High-Stakes Narrative: Unlike typical slice-of-life romances, every interaction carries real tension. The threat of discovery, family obligation, and political intrigue keep the pacing sharp and engaging.
* Production & Score: The atmospheric cinematography captures the quiet grandeur of the era. Supported by a rich soundtrack, the production design highlights the stark contrast between palace luxury and the emotional isolation of the leads.
The Verdict
Rating: 10/10
The Edge of Horizon delivers top-tier period romance. If you enjoy deep angst, rank-difference dynamics, and stories where duty clashes with devotion, this series is essential viewing.

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Good movie with correct subs

I just recently watched this on gagaoolala and luckily never experienced the bad subs everyone is talking about. The subs must make a huge difference because my mind is blown by the people saying the actors didn’t do a good job. They were great. The chemistry was great and intense and they acted their roles so well. The change in both of them after the switch up was so well done. That being said the story had so much potential and they just didn’t follow through. This could have been a great mystery thriller but they dropped the ball and even with good subs the ending was confusing. I would rewatch again only because the sex was hot. They did a great job with that and the plot is interesting enough but it could have been great if they had developed it more. The actors were definitely up to the ease.

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WTF YUJIN ???

I am writing this review to vent !!

Si Won was my favorite male participant and Yu Jin was my favorite female participant, so you can imagine my insanity when they BOTH started getting interested in each other midway through the show… and actually become an endgame couple.

But I still cannot wrap my head around the fact that Yu Jin ghosted Si Won literally just a week later. Like… WTF??? Out of all the couples, they seemed like the most solid ones, and the fact that they apparently didn’t even meet once after the show is actually crazy to me.

BUT this is where I have to be honest, the age difference between them was huge. And it wasn’t just the number itself; they had a whole GENERATIONAL GAP between them. Si Won is in his mid-20s while Yu Jin is in her late 30s, and that’s a pretty significant difference when you’re talking about where you are in life and what you want.

And as a woman, I think I can actually understand Yu Jin’s perspective. She was the older one, and maybe she ultimately felt responsible for making the difficult decision instead of dragging things out.. I believe she did the RIGHT thing.
Still heartbroken though..

One thing I am genuinely happy about, though, is that Jin Wo got his happy ending. And I’m even MORE happy that he and Jin Young are actually dating in real life.
As for the other couples… I’m honestly not that hyped about them.

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The Distance Between Us (or The Distance Between Us and Evil)

Just as the saying goes, "everyone is beautiful in their own way," everyone is also ugly in their own way. Are good and evil polar opposites, like two sides of a coin? How do we define a good person and a bad person? How is morality judged? All of these remain open questions.

Throughout my time watching the series, the single thought that haunted and followed me was that human beings are truly terrifying, yet simultaneously pitiful, as the things people do not understand are exactly what they find most terrifying; yet, once we dig deeper and understand them, we find them pitiful.

What are media ethics? Reporting objectively, accurately, fact-checking, and delivering news in a timely manner. But broadcast news also needs to secure ratings, chase KPIs, and provide for the reporters' own livelihoods and families. So, what makes a good journalist, and what makes a bad one?

What are medical ethics? Ensuring patients' health and thoroughly caring for every single case. But hospitals still demand high recovery quotas, and families wait anxiously for patients to be discharged. So, what defines an ethical doctor, and what defines an inhumane one?

What are a director's ethics? Creating a film with artistic value, dedicating oneself to the craft, and being innovative. But will financial sponsors and the entertainment industry support an independent director? What makes a talented director, and what makes an incompetent one?

What are a lawyer's ethics? Seeking justice and defending clients based on the protection of human rights. But does that mean standing on the same frontline as "evil" and putting one's own family in danger? What defines a lawyer who represents righteousness, and what defines a lawyer who sells out their conscience?

Ultimately, human morality—is it fundamentally a question of humanity regarding the "majority," or does it belong to a "minority" of individuals (who are still human)? Moral parents are those who raise their children to be "good" people. If they fail to do so, they become bad people, deserving of public condemnation. But what if being a good parent means being a bad citizen? The perpetrator's family must bear the guilt of the crime. The victim's family, on the other hand, becomes victims forever haunted by the past. A series of overlapping paradoxes and contradictions pile up, until, in the end, it seems human morality is forever labeled by a person's relationships with others, rather than by the individual alone, constantly teetering on countless boundaries.

People scrutinize a doctor's morality in relation to their patients, a wife's morality in relation to her husband, a mother to her child, a reporter to their subject, a perpetrator to a victim, and an individual to society. But how can we judge a person based solely on themselves, when the very nature of measurement and evaluation requires a yardstick, a tool to quantify? It is this exact yardstick, calibrated by these binding relationships, that judges you as a "bad person" in one moment, and simultaneously a "good person" in another.

In short, everyone is a bad person, and everyone is a good person. You are both the perpetrator and the victim. That is the answer the film provides to the question posed right in its title and through the myriad of overlapping relationships across its 8 episodes. Take Li Da-Zhi, for example: she is the family member of a cold-blooded killer, a potential reporter, a good friend, and a daughter to her parents. Or Li Xiao-Ming: a societal terrorist, the enemy of the victims' families, Li Da-Zhi's brother, and a son suffering from mental illness—perhaps the consequence of a family lacking parental attention. Everything is intertwined through such karmic ties of cause and effect. The evil and the good are connected by many threads, and some of those threads connect right back to themselves. That is exactly the distance between "us" (and evil).

Beyond the dichotomy of good and evil, the film also touches on numerous social issues and facets, such as the pressing issue of psychiatric patients, societal prejudice and discrimination, psychological trauma, class divide, gender issues, and the penal system (specifically the death penalty, reduced sentencing for the mentally ill, etc.). Whether it serves as a plea to support mentally ill individuals who need care and societal acceptance (with a more open-minded perspective), or as advocacy for the protection of marginalized communities... overall, it is clear that the entire film is a humanistic voice, elevating humanity and striving to find the human nature within people. It is a bit didactic and philosophical, but presenting these themes so directly is necessary for a film designed to educate, raise awareness, and awaken basic humanism.

Overall, the structure and pacing of the film are arranged coherently, and the relationships between characters are harmonious. The film places each person under a pluralistic, multi-valued lens, keeping them close to normal human beings (even though everyone still has a clear, distinct role to create a broader picture that "represents" a segment of society). The acting, soundtrack, and cinematography also fulfill their necessary roles perfectly to convey the overarching message. It is a little dry at times, but highly direct and deeply humanistic.

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Did not disappoint

Have been waiting for new WilliamEst series since ThamePo and yes it’s one episode but it’s was great! Their chemistry is amazing which is not shocking it’s been there since the beginning but WOW another level idk how! Both William and Est have really improved in their acting in general and with each other. Also loved the look of the show especially with a lot of the 1st ep being in a bar/club those can be really tricking to shoot but really thought it turned out really well! Parbdee really does great cinematography the shots look beautiful. Cant wait to see what the rest of the episodes are like so excited to see what’s to come for all the characters!

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BL Series of the Year!!!!??

What we got served is beyond expectations. When they said it's a 10 episode series I was like when will they gain momentum and when will it peak but Damn!!! The very first episode was a Banger!! The storyline looks so intriguing. The actors each one of them have done an excellent job. But coming to William-Est, this is just their second series and man how much they have grown since their first series ThamePo 🥹. They have nailed their characters for sure. Their body language, their eyes , their facial expressions all speak volumes. I am so proud to be their fan 💗.Barcode and Kin are equally good 👍🏻
This series will take the BL world by storm.
Can't wait for the next episode 🤩

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[contains spoilers of 'cause you're my boy obviously]

I somehow am the only one writing a review on this page? The original ending of 'Cause you're my boy wasn't my favourite. I did love the series and I feel like it is one of my favourite series from Gmmtv before 2020 together with Sotus. What I disliked about the original ending was that it was a bit too simple compared to the rest of the episode. I loved how they got engaged though. But it got fucked up by an advertisement at the end and I get Gmmtv got sponsored but it kinda ruined the ending for me.

The quality difference is huge you can notice the better camera and the hair cut of Mork/Drake was growing out. And the school uniforms?? They really got older in this extra. I also like the detail that Morn and Gord have the uniform on of the school and it really shows Morn and Gord are younger than Mork and Tee. I'm not a huge fan of the plot where Mork is preparing all sorts of things for Tee. I would've preferred an episode where you can clearly see them being older and their future lives. I feel bad for Tee but Mork really didn't mean too. Also we still haven't gotten any Morn and Gord so now I'm questioning myself whether or not they even are a couple in the series.

Overall this special episode is really cute. I'm just not a big fan of the 'cheating' plot and it's a bit cringy. I would give it a 6.5. I really hoped on something that would continue their story.

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A drama I genuinely wanted to enjoy more. A lot more.

**DISCLAIMER: my review may contain minor spoilers**

The breathtaking landscapes, the warm summer atmosphere, the stunning cinematography, the interesting premise, and the strong cast created such a solid foundation.
The first few episodes felt promising, with a storyline that seemed ready to explore family dynamics and unfold into something meaningful.
And I have to admit: I completely fell in love with the FL’s family house and her glass cabin in the middle of the fields — maybe that was just my architect’s heart speaking. 😉

But as the episodes went by, I found myself increasingly disappointed and frustrated.
The narrative pacing stalled early on, circling around the same situations without moving forward. The repetitive conflict scenes became exhausting, and the constant family shenanigans ended up overshadowing the characters instead of enriching them.
Characters who were already — and purposely — annoying gradually lost all sympathy and became downright unbearable. By mid‑drama, I honestly couldn’t stand the ML’s caricatural father or the FL’s two aunts anymore. Instead of adding depth, their scenes slowly drained the story of its charm. Because of that, their emotional progression in the end felt like a case of “too little, too late” for me to truly savour it.

For a character who gives her name to the entire series, Xiao Fang remains surprisingly “inaccessible”. She’s fun, strong, joyful, smart, level‑headed, decisive, kind without being naïve… almost too perfect, in a way that leaves very little room for emotional texture.
I personally didn’t see or feel much of her emotional conflicts. Even major life decisions (like breaking up with her boyfriend, childhood friend and father of her future child) are portrayed with almost no emotional development. She doesn’t seem sad, conflicted, or shaken; she bounces back within "minutes" and moves on as if nothing happened. Was she even in love with him to begin with?
Her emotions do indeed appear briefly on her face (Wang Ying Lu is a wonderful actress), but the script rarely lets her sit with and process any of her feelings. That lack of introspection in THE main character of the story makes her journey feel strangely hollow.
And on top of that, as a new mother she recovers incredibly fast. Xiao Fang regains her energy and her slim figure in the blink of an eye, and she’s suddenly ready to launch her small business and lead a team just a few short weeks after giving birth. It felt very unrealistic, unfortunately. A more grounded portrayal could have added real emotional weight to her journey.

Ironically, I felt far more emotional turmoil and character development from the ML. His arc shows genuine conflict, vulnerability, and growth — especially compared to the (almost always) perfectly composed Xiao Fang.

The final episodes, which almost felt like they belonged to a different drama altogether, focus on Xiao Fang building her small business. Just like the main character herself, the story shifts to something else with surprising ease.
At least these last episodes brought some much‑needed calm after all the loud and repetitive family shenanigans. But again, it felt like “too little, too late” for me to fully enjoy that final stretch.

Don’t get me wrong, Xiao Fang is a decent drama — it’s visually gorgeous, very well acted, and occasionally touching. But it remains a work with more promise than payoff: beautiful to look at, yet narratively underdeveloped and emotionally underwhelming. Sadly.

Final rating: 7.5/10

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Finally, a Series That Lets Us Fans Experience the Story From Our Perspective

I like this series more than I expected. Finally, a series that lets us fans see things from OUR perspective! 😂 Being a fan is one thing, but imagine actually getting the chance to work alongside your favourite celebrity?! I’m already loving this concept!

The story is off to a really interesting start. I like how it puts Wan into a completely unfamiliar world where he suddenly finds himself surrounded by actors he used to admire as a fan. There is already so much potential for funny situations, misunderstandings, romance and of course, plenty of chaos. I especially love the enemies to lovers setup between Wan and Third. Imagine thinking you hate someone, only to slowly realise they might actually be the person you fall for. I’m definitely here for that!

I really missed James after Bed Friend, so I’m glad to see him back. But honestly, what really got me hooked was Auau as Third. He is SO hot and attractive, and his aura is absolutely stunning. He has that cold and confident presence that makes Third immediately stand out. Save as Wan is completely different and so much fun to watch. He is funny, adorable and brings such a lovable energy to the character. Their contrast already works really well together.

The supporting cast also caught my attention, Wan’s friend and his sister. They add a fun younger energy to the story, and I’m looking forward to seeing how their characters develop as the series goes on.

The acting was really good for the first episode. Everyone felt natural in their roles, and the chemistry between the characters is already noticeable. I particularly enjoyed the interactions between Wan and Third because you can already feel that there is something interesting developing between them, even though they are still at the stage of constantly getting on each other’s nerves.

I also enjoyed the music and overall sound of the episode. It fits the light and playful atmosphere of the series without taking away from the scenes, and it helps give the drama that fun romantic feel.

Domundi never disappoints, and 7 episodes in was such a fun start. We have an interesting plot, hot actors, good acting, cute characters and one of my favourite tropes, enemies to lovers. I already have a feeling this one is going to nail it for me.

Imagine working alongside your celebrity crush Nine, only to end up falling for the person you hated at the beginning instead. What a plot! 😂

I’m already hooked after 7 episodes and cannot wait for the next episode!

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It's mid and could've been shorter

A few years ago I read tong the webtoon. I'm gonna admit that I totally forgot what it even was about. To many people their surprise I actually really enjoy these type of series. Although I normally watch BL or Romance in general, it's rare for me to even start these type of series. But today, I wanted to watch something with fighting and more in it. Tong wasn't bad, but there is definitely room for improvement. The plot lacks but the fight scene's are good. When I was around episode 7-8 it got more and more boring.

The thing I really like about this series are how well done the fight scene's are. It was enjoyable, although I did catch a few editing mistakes. I like how dopamine fed it is. But, the plot is just pure and only fighting. I wished we had more deeper moments and sometimes it became a bit overwhelming. It took me 3 episodes to really understand what was even going on, I had to read the description to understand it. I even rewatched the first episode... I was kinda confused on how to start with this series because I knew it was a sequel to the manhwa. It might confuse Manhwa readers but watching Tong:Memories before Dokgo rewind doesn't matter. It would be so nice if more parts of the manhwa series got a live action but if I'm honest, I don't think that'll ever happen.

For the acting, it's quite nice. This series acting reminded me a lot of Weak Hero. I actually wasn't familiar with the actors before so this is my first time seeing both Heo Ji Won and Lee Hak Woo as leads. One of the second things that made the series alright. When I first saw Myeong Hwa I was like "DAMNN". His hair is amazing, I love it. The girls in this series were badass as well. Like genuinely. Talking about women... this show lowkey had a few misogynistic moments, let's not lie. I understand it's all about men and I'm saying this as a male but... some moments just felt weird and direspectful. Maybe just different culture but I did not like it.

My main problem was how boring this show got the more I got into it. Everything until episode 7 was alright but after episode 7 it just felt like unnecessarily added episodes. What also made me more and more confused was the amount of random added characters. Like after watching a few episodes we do not need to keep getting more and more new characters. It would've been way nicer if they cut time by shortening the series. 7 or 8 is enough. Sorry but the last episodes were just bland and my whole motivation to finish this was BAD. The fights made up almost half of each episode too like...the fighting is what makes it good, sure.

I really enjoy the animations in this series. Like when the characters are introduced and the intro. Really well done. But we never got proper introductions of many characters. Also, the motivations are so unclear because the episodes are short and shit. I get the whole Tong thing but I just don't understand half of the time why they're fighting. There's more fights than actual talking it just pisses me off like where did that plot go?

I watched this on YouTube and had to find out if the music in ep 6 was the actual song originally used in the editing? Either way the very happy music while they seemed excited for the fight was crazy to me. How can they be soo excited to fight. episode 6 might be my fav ep so far. Even if I do have a bit of criticism, especially on the lack of plot and production, I do actually like it. I mean.. everyone has their own taste. My rating is still low and it'll probably stay this way. Mainly with the reason that it got extremely boring to me towards the ending. I somehow managed to finish it but if I'm honest, I did press that skip button during the fights a lot. Not recommended, but maybe you'll like it. This is purely based on my opinion.

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