Ethnographic Depth in a Sugar-Rush Rom-Com
While many Thai BLs offer a "High-So" fantasy of luxury condos, Cooking Crush is a breath of fresh air. It expertly tucks a grounded study of Bangkok life inside a bright, adorable romantic comedy.The series excels in its commitment to the rhythms of everyday Thailand. The canal-side neighborhood—with its porous boundaries between home and commerce—offers a rare look at traditional urban life. From the pharmacy’s "living-behind-the-store" dynamic to the restaurant’s open-air porch kitchen, the setting provides a genuine lesson in community-centered business.
The core romance between Gun (Culinary) and Ten (Medical) explores intellectual respect across disciplines. By treating the Culinary Faculty with the same academic weight as Medicine, the show reflects a Thai tradition of affording high status to all fields of study. This creates a beautiful tension between Gun’s grandmother—representing Grasae (traditional knowledge) and cooking "by heart"—and the university’s globalized, professional model.
The cast is instrumental in grounding these themes. Off Jumpol showcases impressive range, shedding his "cool" persona for a vulnerable voyage of self-discovery. Neo Trai remains the gold standard for supporting actors as the high-energy "Fire," but the breakout is undoubtedly Aungpao. As "Dynamite," he provides the propulsive sincerity that keeps the series moving.
GMMTV deserves credit for a brief but meaningful scene advocating for the human rights of sex workers, proving that even a series defined by its 'adorability' can acknowledge modern social realities. This infectious energy—an 'adorability overload' fueled by bright production design and Fluke Nattanon’s theme song, 'Baby Crush'—is what defines the show’s heart.
Final Verdict: If you watch BL to learn about Thai culture and the rhythms of 'normal' life, “Cooking Crush” is a massive win. It is a rare series that manages to be sweet without being shallow, leaving a warmth that lasts much longer than a simple sugar rush.
Was this review helpful to you?
Elegy of a Nice Guy
Innocence and Justice are two things you won't find here. If we were to divide the life of Dong Soo into segments, there would be two distinct periods ; before and after Do Young. This is a detailed case study of a chance encounter between a downtrodden attorney and a seasoned young gang leader that gives way to a burgeoning bond between the two. What seems to be a simple happenstance becomes a catalyst for a(n) (un)welcomed awakening.Genre
Psychological, dark humor , crime, gang-related.
The Technical Stuff
This is storytelling that says "Look here, what do you see? What do you think happens next? ". The skillful use of lighting , camera direction and nuanced acting made the writing shine even more.
Dong Soo and Do Young
Do Young, a young gangster who is number 2 in his organization after having fought and schemed his way up the ladder of success finds himself inexplicably drawn to the unassuming Dong Soo. Dong Soo, on the other hand, a nice guy who no longer believes in himself and has accepted his fate of being the perpetual underdog meets the alluring Do Young who is everything he knows he should stay away from. The mind games ,wordplay and the ever-present yet subtle undertow between the two leads made for an electrifying chemistry. Honestly, in the last arc ,I felt like the kid of divorced parents who was being forced to choose who to live with, I couldn't choose. I absolutely loved the look of pride and mirth in Do Young's eyes every time Dong Soo's brilliance was on display. Can the pupil be greater than his master? Back to the awakening, as the story unfolds, you start to realize that there's a leviathan lurking in the recesses of Dong Soo's heart that only Do Young can lure to the surface.
If this was to be packaged a paperback novel I think the table of contents would look something like this:
Ep /Chap.1 Enticement
Ep/Chap. 2 Unease----> terror
Ep/Chap. 3 Affinity
Ep/Chap. 4 Kindle
Ep/Chap. 5 Descent
Ep/Chap. 6 Rumpelstilskin
Ep/Chap. 7 Bloodlust
Ep/Chap. 8 Renaissance
Ep/Chap. 9 Fracture
Ep/Chap.10 Scorn
*Sigh* I'm off to find another dark drama to stave off these withdrawal symptoms.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Cute Chinese medicine practitioner heals both body and soul
**Top Notes**A very green flag male lead heals a heartbroken girl. It's slow and simple without too many complications. The biggest barrier between the leads is themselves.
It's your classic mellow, heart-warming drama. The male lead is VERY caring and thoughtful.
**Middle Notes**
Some people might find it slow, but I think it shows how thoughtful he is, always going at her pace and being considerate of her emotional state. The drama didn't emphasize it, but she was going through a tough time and could definitely be scared off if he approached too aggressively.
I personally like the pacing because it felt like 2 individually happy people coming together. Both their lives were centered around family and career until their lives collided and they brought that joy to each other, him a little more than her. No silly misunderstandings and realistic communication; not perfect, but they're communicating.
They kept He Suye's backstory short to keep it simple, and I'm glad they did that. It really highlighted what a great person he is because he had his own trauma and problems, but he never burdened her with them. He's able to handle his own problems and has the capacity to support her as well.
The drama's visual aesthetic was very beautiful, a fusion of traditional Chinese visuals and modern aesthetics. I personally love modernized traditional Chinese styles, so this was a feast for my eyes. It matched the theme perfectly, as this is a modern romance with a backdrop of traditional Chinese medicine and culture.
The last time I watched Xu Ruohan was in Perfect and Casual, and her character there was different from The Best Thing. It was nice seeing her in a more mature role, and she's gotten better at expressing complex emotions.
Zhang Linghe's face card is still lethal. He did well with He Suye and had great chemistry with Xu Ruohan. Their sharper features also look great together.
**Base Notes**
THANK YOU FOR KEEPING THE EX'S PLOT SHORT. This drama is about healing and would have been annoying if the ex kept coming back to traumatize her and cause miscommunication. I like that they stuck to the theme the whole time and just let everyone heal and live quietly.
He Suye is not real. Ima tell you now, men like this don't exist. I have not met a single Chinese medicine practitioner below the age of 40. Men also do not wait months for you to heal from heartbreak before pursuing you cautiously. They also DO get mad when you give mixed signals before rejecting them, just to take it back again.
I will be rewatching this one.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Good, but Feel Off About Sang Yan's Devotion
I guess I'll just start off with some problems?Sang Yan is just way too obsessed with Wen Yifan. I would've understood more if she actually did something incredible for him but she didn't. All they show is that Sang Yan falls in love with her at first sight which is just underwhelming. I mean seriously, you follow a girl around everywhere she goes and care about everything she does and for what? It's just desperate and borderline creepy. Even after she said all those horrible things to him, he was still willing to do everything for her. I just wish the guy had more self respect. His obsession with her ends up ruining him as a character. His entire world and personality is just her and nothing else.
As for the second leads' story, idk i don't really care.
I loved the production and thought it was very high quality. It gives the drama a nice atmosphere. I realized just how good it was when I started watching hidden love and I just didn't like how empty the drama felt. Maybe the production for the drama was cheaper? Anyway, I'd rather watch this drama than hidden love.
Even with the problematic relationship, I still liked their chemistry and I thought the story itself wasn't too bad. There were some boring moments with the second lead and Su Haoan's grandparents. But I did get frustrated with the Hong Kong arc and thought it wasn't necessary when Sang Yan, the best boyfriend in the world, was literally right there and could help her out. Did she seriously think that writing a letter "Don't look for me and don't miss me" will prevent him from becoming super depressed over her being gone? And there was one moment that sort of pissed me when Che Xingde shows up at her work. I mean, if your sexual abuser is "coincidentally" showing up at the same places your at and ends up getting a job at your work place, do you A. quit your job, B. make sure you always are around people that can keep you safe, C. go to the police to get a restraining order or D. leave for work as late as possible so that no one else could possibly be around to help you, allowing your abuser to easily confront you and threaten your safety. Such a stupid, unrealistic choice that pissed me off so bad and I think that was just a lazy writing moment honestly but it didn't turn out to be that big of a deal.
The acting is good despite a few awkward moments.
The music? I thought it was generally good. My favorite songs were Stubborn and There is You Amidst Raindrops.
I wouldn't rewatch this because of the one-sided relationship dynamic but it's definitely one of the better dramas I've watched in my life.
Was this review helpful to you?
Chaotic but Funny
It was nice to see different people with different professions in one show. We have singers, actors, and a DJ. What surprised me is that they are signed with different agencies/companies.This show had me laughing every episode. All members have their own sense of humor. They have their own weaknesses and strengths. One thing for sure, all of them are not here just to play. They might be fooling around, but every one of them takes the challenges very seriously. And you know how I know? It’s because almost all of them are injured! 🤣🤣
What I like the most is that within those 10 episodes, you can see the progress of their bond. Also, you can see their individual transformation. They started off shy in the early episodes, but became more fearless and strong as the show went on.
I also like that they have different guests every episode. It helped me discover different artists (I just got to know Phuak, Oat, and Ink here).
It’s just sad when they are not complete. If I remember correctly, they were only complete in 3 out of 10 episodes. But, you know… showbiz. It’s really hard to keep schedules aligned.
Was this review helpful to you?
Well managed shortness and a lovely romance
Who would have thought that such a short drama could actually deliver everything you want in a drama.- a decent story with no unanswered questions
- really good acting
- because of the shortness of the drama a clever male lead!
- sweet chemistry between the leads and a well developed romance (despite the shortness!)
- well created intimacy and passionate kisses~
- politics take up space for like 5% (which is considering the length almost nothing). I didn't mind, I didn't care. It delivered a basic background story for world building.
- decent setting
- good makeup and costume
- good music
- and even a REAL plant!
The female actress' acting was a bit lacking in the beginning but she improved throughout the drama (again despite its shortness!), while Cheng Lei was already in 2022, it seems.
Yes, it's predictable at some point and has its usual tropes, but I didn't expect anything spectacular anyway. I can live with and enjoy predictable, too, when it's well made which was the case here.
Anything to complain about? Yeah, well, the shortness again! I could have delved into that sweetness of those two far longer~ And Cheng Lei sadly never really wore his hair open... ;(
A short review for a short drama ;)
Was this review helpful to you?
Plot-twist after Plot-twist
I personally never liked crime dramas where the whole entire drama depends on one singular case but this one really changed my mind!! I started this drama without any expectation as it didnt have much view or recognition in YouTube, but my mind changed from episode 1!! The drama made me question every single character and even until the second last episode, I was unsure of who the mastermind is!! I honestly loved all the "criminals" as well because the people they killed were justified. I personally wish the mastermind got a bit lenient punishment but I do understand why they got what they did because after all their actions arent justified even though the reasoning is, I'm extremely happy with the punishment others got!! Also, if anyone needs the translated writing of the punishment everyone got then please do dm me or comment and ill reply with it!! Anyways, please give it a go, atleast watch upto episode 3 and see if you want to keep going!! ♡the music is 5/10 because in YouTube the music was mute as it is copyrighted so I'm not sure what the actual music was in the drama so I gave it such low rating!! In addition, I put rewatch value as 7/10 because it is a crime drama and I personally wouldnt want to rewatch a crime / suspense drama that I know the plot, mastermind and everything of because then theres no suspense left.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Three sisters and their grandma healing after tragedy
**Top Notes**ADORABLE DOGGIE <3
A beautiful story about 3 sisters and their grandma navigating love and life after loss. Each has their own love story, and everything is well-paced even within 12 episodes.
This is an emotional, but feel-good drama. The plot is simple and follows the recovery of Sunwoo's memories, unraveling the events from 7 years ago. It did drag out towards the end with the repeated flashbacks, but the story does end well, and all the loose ends are tied up nicely.
**Middle Notes**
All the actors did great with portraying the deeper, complex emotions these characters were feeling. This is my first time watching Chae Jong Hyeop, and I think he did great in expressing both sides of Sunwoo's character. Lee Sung Kyung has never disappointed before, and she did great here. I feel like all the characters she takes on are quite similar, but she does it well.
The main leads and Hadam with Yugyeom had great chemistry, but I was a bit disappointed with the development between Hayeong and Taeseok. I think they dragged out his guilt for too long, which didn't allow time for him and Hayeong's relationship to develop on screen. I think they have a really cute story and would have liked to see more of them.
The story between Grandma and Manjae was really sweet. Manjae and his coffee shop played a healing role for the main leads, so it was nice to see him heal Grandma as well. They were all just one big happy family by the end.
**Base Notes**
I think more than each of their love stories, I loved seeing the relationship between the sisters. They genuinely care about each other and have the kind of relationship where they understand, even if you don't speak. They support and depend on each other, even with their different personalities.
Genius is the bestest, goodest dog I've ever seen. I'm so glad he played a central role in the story, and we got lots of scenes with him. I loved it when they all sat at the window waiting for Sunwoo. Genius did so well!!
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Left me at the edge of me seat every time!!
This is such a beautiful love story about rebirth and karma. I love how much lessons from Buddhism is being taught---and not to mention the acting is phenomenal! When I first watched Koon Chai Yai see Mun Kaew pass away on their wedding night, I didn't think much of it but after all of the amazing backstory, I cried watching the same scene. I have to say though, Ying Thae's actor did the best out of everyone else. Her emotion and complexity was amazing to witness. To watch this lakorn for the first time again..The only issue I've seen other people agree with is that the 2nd arc / lifetime was stretched on for too long. I really don't understand why Rachawadee could just sneak out mid-arc after serving Ying Thae for a while and have a happy life with her dad before Ying Thae could poison her again. I also would've preferred if we could see more of the 3rd life. I think it only lasted 2-3 episodes? They should've made the 2nd arc/life more concise and left the 3rd arc/life with more lore and story. I wanted to see their full wedding, children, all of that cheesy love stuff. Plus, the sexism was crazy. Everyone always accused Ratchawadee for luring the 2nd ML into cheating (which didn't even happen because she never even showed signs of liking him), when it really deserved to be the other way around. That really frustrated me but that just lets me know the writers did their job.
This whole lakorn was a whole rollercoaster. I felt sad, empathetic, angry, affectionate, I felt all the feelings. To conclude, this is a must-watch :)
Was this review helpful to you?
Is it PALM or THEE ?
PALM really went back in time, became a lord and something shifted because why did he suddenly start acting like THEE (from "me and thee") 😭 the whole energy changed...his attitude, the flirting , the sudden confidence… everything feels different, it’s giving alternate timeline behavior and I’m lowkey loving it lol ...Was this review helpful to you?
Is this drama boring? YES, CHEF!
PLOT🗯️🗯️
our story opens up with our poor shin su. Our girl died 3 years ago and is about to turn into an "evil spirit". In order to leave the earth peacefully she has to let go off her grudges, in her case dying as a virgin.
To reach her goal she possesses the body of na bong, a shy cook.
The plan seems to work out until they both fall for the same guy and some inconsistencies about shin su's death arise.
Premise🗯️🗯️
Definitely interesting. Following both a human and a ghost as their "lives" merge was interesting, at first. Primarily because shin su is hilarious.
I liked her character very much.
She is funny, resilient and has a heart of gold.
We grow attached to her even though we already know she is dead and we'll have to let go of her.
On the other side there is na bong.
She is a very timid girl with only her grandma on her side. She wants to follow her dreams and become a chef even though her self esteem is on the ground.
She is connected to the spirits which she sees since forever. That influenced her upbringing and the way she interacts with others.
Even though I understand where she is coming from, I couldn't care for her. She is just so bland a nervous ball.
She looks afraid of both humans and ghosts. For a screen character she is not much Interesting.
Even her love for the chef isn't that much moving. I don't even know if she likes him or just admires him. Seeing her writing about him in her diary came out of no where to me.
The male interest in the drama is this cocky chef. He is a good guy at heart but a bit irritating.
When the love story takes off I felt bad for him, na bong and shin su. That love story doesn't feel real because when he bonds with na bong, she is actually possessed by shin su. Basically he is falling for the ghost without knowing it.
Talking about him specifically I didn't feel any type of way. He's kind of annoying and to bland to move the needle.
The love story🗯️🗯️
To be honest I find the love plot the weakest point of the drama. I wished they focused more on the mystery, the underworld etc.
As said before, the love story didn't feel authentic because the chef is dating the ghost without knowing it. Na bong is boring as hell and he only starts having feeling for her when she is possessed by shin su.
The love story itself was kind of boring. At the very beginning there is this sort of hint at a love story between the chef and his old friend. It felt quite useless to me.
When the chef and na bong get together they feel like father and daughter. They interactions Never scream "unresistable love" even though they talk about liking each other sooooo much and solo deeply.
I'm currently on episode 12 pondering if ditching this drama would be the best thing.
The only thing keeping me interested is the actual mystery around the police guy.
There is also some plot inconsistency.
The spirit lady can see shin su at every corner but doesn't realize the police guy is an evil spirit nor does shin su. She meets him multiple times but never suspects anything.
At the end of episode 12 they address the fact that the chef fell for the ghost. Good for you na bong.
Was this review helpful to you?
One of the most accurate archery dramas I've watched.
I watched this back in 2018 and I am usually super picky when archery is featured in a drama, especially when it's the main focus.You'd be surprised how many people get it wrong even when archery is the character's main personality. These guys - the writers, the crew and the actors - properly did their research. I can't believe I was watching a pretty accurate representation of target panic in a drama!
To most people, technicalities with the sport are not the main focus for them. They will look at the story and the acting. For someone who does archery, I cannot stress enough how good it is for such a short series!
Was this review helpful to you?
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
the fight scenes were AMAZING, the kiss was ehonly watched it for my oshi though
anywhoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
the plot was okay not nearly as good but the acting was somewhat good
i was so tired watching this so not really good for rewatch value
Was this review helpful to you?
Thought-provoking and cliche college romance
All the makings of a cliche Kdrama; the naive damsel-in-distress FL, cold popular ML, mean girl 2nd FL/villian, and comedic supporting friend group in a university where popularity is ranked by beauty. All the classic tropes and somehow it actually was a fun watch.The drama touches upon one of the most controversial topics of Korean culture (unrealistic beauty standards and plastic surgery) in a such a compelling manner. Mi Rae is an loveable, naive idiot but you can't help but root for her since she tries so hard to gain back her confidence and self after her surgery.
Gyeong Seok is definitely the star of the drama. Eun Woo does an amazing job with his microexpressions, his judgmental side glances towards everyone are hilarious. I love how their relationship stems from his relentless support in Mi Rae to grow her confidence. His annoyance and unwillingness to give even an inch to the villainess is satisfying to watch as well. Though, I will admit the leads' chemistry is very low and slow-paced (not even slow-burn). Their kiss scene was so awkward.
It's such a touching storyline as we see Mi Rae grow into herself and even develop sympathy for the villainess 2nd FL as they buckle under the pressure of Korean beauty ideals. While the drama has all the classic tropes to the point you can literally predict what happens next, it is a satisfying slice-of-life drama that teaches true beauty comes from within.
Was this review helpful to you?
