Reviews

full of romantic situations ✨

this is one of the most romantic dramas with huge romantic tension and many romantic/sexy scenes!

it seems perfectly cast, and strong fast paced start getting the leads together to create the dynamic we are all looking forward to see developing!

these actors arent among the best at their craft but when perfectly cast that becomes undetectable and i think this is such a case. the female lead ive not seen in a lead performance before so im pleased she’s balancing the aspects of her character so well. shes a good actress overall having seen her before in Blossom In Adversity.

Now thats its over i can say its a great series, but with some minor flaws. its still fave of 2025!

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Knew better than to expect happy but an ending would have been nice

Review with Spoilers

My rating for this third season is a 7/10.

After the relentless tension of Season 1 and the slow-burn rebellion of Season 2, I dove into Squid Game Season 3 expecting a climactic endgame—a moment where Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) would finally topple the sadistic machine behind the games. Creator Hwang Dong-hyuk hyped this as a “devastating conclusion,” and he wasn’t kidding: the season is a blood-soaked descent into despair that makes the earlier seasons feel almost restrained. But devastation doesn’t equal satisfaction. Season 3 cranks the gore and psychological horror to soul-crushing extremes, introducing a newborn baby into the carnage and pushing moral boundaries past the breaking point. Yet, it sacrifices coherent character arcs and narrative payoff for a bleakness that feels more exhausting than profound. Seong Gi-hun’s (Lee Jung-jae) near-catatonic guilt and baffling choices left me frustrated, and the finale’s hollow sacrifice only deepened the disappointment. It’s a visually stunning, thematically raw story that mirrors society’s moral decay but stumbles over its own cynicism, leaving me desperate for a mental cleanse.

When Season 3 hits, it hits. The production value is jaw-dropping—every frame drips with dread, from the neon-lit arena to the island’s claustrophobic bunkers. The new games are nightmarish inventions: the knife-filled hide-and-seek traps players in a maze where “seekers” wield blades, turning every corner into a potential slaughter. The jump rope game, played with a massive cable that crushes instead of trips, is a grotesque spectacle, its rhythmic thuds syncing with the players’ screams. The “Sky Squid Game” platform challenge is a final blow in an already emotionally gruesome cadre of horrific one upmanship. You sort of know the outcome as the "Os" have already shown they were psycho before they got there. No sidebars between them and horrific murderous acts has not improved their characters.

Thematically, the season is a brutal mirror to our world. The inclusion of Jun-hee’s (Jo Yu-ri) newborn is a stroke of twisted genius—her labor during a game forces players to protect her while dodging death. The baby’s cries become a haunting motif, symbolizing innocence crushed by systemic greed. The murder of their friend who had protected them to that point, by the baby's father was stunning. I thought I couldn't be more shocked after all we viewed in the other shows but I was. The mother-son duo adds another layer of heartbreak; their desperate alliance unravels as the games demands betrayal. These elements elevate the stakes beyond Season 1’s cash-driven desperation, exposing how far humanity can fall when greed and survival trump morality. The VIPs, now more prominent, are cartoonishly vile yet chillingly plausible—think tech billionaires wagering crypto fortunes on human lives. Their masked revelry, sipping champagne as players bleed, feels ripped from headlines about untouchable elites.

But here’s where my frustration kicked in, it with Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae). His performance is magnetic—those hollow eyes scream a man broken by guilt—but the writing traps him in a mental fog for way too long. After his failed Season 2 rebellion, where a trusted ally (revealed as Player 001, Il-nam’s successor, played by Gong Yoo) betrayed him, Gi-hun is paralyzed by self-blame and obsession with that traitor’s role in the collapse. He’s convinced the failure was his fault, yet also fixates on Il-nam’s lingering shadow, muttering about how one man’s greed doomed them all. This internal spiral renders him nearly comatose for the first half, sleepwalking through games while others die. As a viewer, it’s maddening: Gi-hun was our beacon of defiance, the one who dared to fight the system with a plan that could’ve saved hundreds. Seeing him reduced to a passive observer feels like a betrayal of his arc. One scene has him staring blankly as Jun-hee (Jo Yu-ri) begs for help during her labor, and I wanted to scream, “Snap out of it!” Lee Jung-jae sells the trauma, but the script overplays it, sidelining our hero when we need him most.

The detective subplot with Hwang Jun-ho (Wi Ha-joon) is an even bigger letdown. You’d think a seasoned cop would be sharper, but Jun-ho’s arc is a masterclass in narrative faceplants. His mission to infiltrate the island and unmask the Front Man (Lee Byung-hun), his own brother, sounds thrilling—until it isn’t. Jun-ho blindly trusts a shady captain (a new character, Kang Min-soo.

Did it end? It sure did not feel like it. We see they are still recruiting. None of the orchestrators were brought to justice. And there are a bunch of untied loose ends. The North Korean soldier woman is headed to China to potentially find her baby. The detective is given a baby and some money. Is he going to raise the child? It seems the structure still exists and we don't see any authorities rushing in and finding evidence. It felt very unfinished. And the one person who truly wanted to end the game is now gone. The Mr. "Why" detective seemed only interested in going to the island again and shouting why at his brother. Not sure what that accomplished but he sure did not seem that determined to end the game. So what? That is an end? It felt like a pause.

Synopsis

Season 3 finale released on June 27, 2025, with **6 episodes** averaging **60 minutes** each, delivering a disturbing crescendo of psychological horror and societal indictment that dares you to qestion your own role in the spectacle; if the first two seasons' thrills hooked you, this one is a bit of must watch as it does tie up some things

With the rebellion crushed and alliances in tatters, a broken Gi-hun awakens handcuffed in the players' dormitory, his quest for vengeance now a desperate bid for survival in the final, most sadistic iteration of the Squid Games—where floral fields hide lethal traps, VIP spectators wager on human frailty, and a newborn's fate hangs in the balance amid escalating betrayals, including a traitor in the detectives' ranks and a shocking international recruiter who seals the saga's grim reflection on complicity.

**Major Characters:**

- **Seong Gi-hun (Player 456) (Lee Jung-jae)**: Tormented by self-blame and the weight of lost allies, the once-idealistic survivor channels raw fury into a last-stand infiltration, his unraveling psyche blurring heroism with madness as he confronts the games' architects head-on.

- **Hwang In-ho / The Front Man (Lee Byung-hun)**: The iron-fisted overseer, haunted by his brother's dogged pursuit and his own faded ideals, enforces the endgame with chilling detachment, his fractured family ties exposing cracks in the unyielding facade of control.

- **Hwang Jun-ho (Wi Ha-joon)**: The rogue detective, now leading a fractured team plagued by internal betrayal, risks everything in a high-stakes island assault, his unyielding quest for truth clashing with the lethal cost of proximity to the organization's core.

- **Park Jung-bae (Player 390) (Lee Seo-hwan)**: Gi-hun's loyal bar-owning confidant, thrust into the arena by debt and friendship, whose steadfast camaraderie provides fleeting hope amid the carnage, only to underscore the games' toll on unbreakable bonds.

- **Kim Jun-hee (Player 222) (Jo Yu-ri)**: A resilient young mother-to-be entangled in the new games, her fierce protectiveness over her unborn child fuels cunning alliances and moral stands, turning personal stakes into a poignant symbol of innocence at risk.

- **Hyun-ju (Player 120) (Park Sung-hoon)**: The bold transgender ex-sex worker, hardened yet hopeful, leverages her street-honed instincts and vulnerability to challenge biases and forge solidarity, her arc a defiant cry for dignity in the face of systemic erasure.

- **Jang Geum-ja (Player 149) (Kang Ae-sim)**: The sharp-tongued granny con artist, blending maternal grit with sly manipulations, becomes an unlikely matriarch of the survivors, her foul-mouthed wisdom cutting through the despair like a knife.

- **Park Yong-sik (Player 007) (Yang Dong-geun)**: The anxious, gadget-obsessed gamer boy, saddled with familial debts, whose nerdy ingenuity shines in tech-twisted challenges, evolving from wide-eyed panic to reluctant backbone for the group's underdogs.

- **The American Recruiter (Cate Blanchett)**: A commanding, enigmatic femme fatale who lures high-profile marks with icy allure, her brief but magnetic presence amplifies the games' global reach, delivering a dramatic capstone on exploitation's borderless hunger.

- **Captain Park (Oh Dal-su)**: The duplicitous police captain harboring a treacherous secret within Jun-ho's squad, his oily charm and hidden motives unravel the investigators' fragile unity, embodying the rot of corruption from within.

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The Action Film That Hits You Right in the Heart

Wow. What a ride.

This movie had me hooked from start to finish. It’s dark, emotional, and seriously intense — the kind of film that stays with you long after it ends. Won Bin absolutely *nailed* his role as Cha Tae-sik. He barely talks, but somehow you feel every bit of his pain and anger. His quiet, cold exterior hides so much heartbreak, and when the story starts to unfold, you really get why he’s the way he is.

The bond between him and little So-mi was the heart of the whole movie. It wasn’t overdone or cheesy — it just felt real. Watching him risk everything for her was both heartbreaking and beautiful. Kim Sae-ron was incredible too; for someone so young, she delivered such a powerful performance.

The action scenes? Brutal but amazing. So well done — sharp, fast, and not over the top. I loved that the movie didn’t rely just on the action — it actually had *feeling*. The ending left me emotional but satisfied.

Won Bin was born for this role.
Emotional, brutal, and unforgettable

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Forgettable

The story starts off with a familiar arc. Strong female lead, disguised as a man, seeking revenge. She inadvertently gets caught up some drama and befriending some prominent people.

The FL herself shows some promise early on. She is quick-witted and shows some martial ability. She also has a sense of justice that makes her easy to root for. The show does a poor job in really explaining why she is so talented in some things, especially military affairs. Through flashbacks we see that she had potential as a VERY young girl, but she was removed from any environment where those skills might grow at a very young age. So, it's unclear why she is suddenly seen as capable of training and leading soldiers. Additionally, some of her tactics are just kind of terrible. The deeper that I got into the show, the less I cared about her which was particularly unfortunate because she was still the most interesting character in the series.

The ML is fine. I don't have anything good or bad to say about him. Typical playboy with little life experiences thrust into a position of power. Likeable enough, also completely forgettable.

For fans of romance there is a love story, and even a surprising kiss that happens pretty early on. This was one of the least authentic parts of the show as the two characters expressed extremely strong feelings for each other despite really not having spent very much time with each other to that point. Just another example of something that did not seem to fit the story's context and foundations.

Other familiar tropes are a king looking to kill off potential successors creating internal court politics while there is an external threat in the format of an enemy army.

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Sweet and bubbly

Good slow burn to relax and watch when you want something easy and cute.

Things I liked:
1. Extremely adorable series with a lot of funny moment's. The humor is not cringe/annoying, timed good and overall made me smile a lot.
2. Friends. They were definitely a highlight of the series for me. Such a genuine friendship and great support at times when needed was so nice to see.
3. Main character. I loved everything about him, nothing else to say.
4. A lot of cute moments, especially the ones with Amasawa being a bit of a cutie, buying matching keychains and stuff like that.
5. Food. Everything looked so good, omg!
6. So-called “love rival” can't even call her that, really. Even though she was supposed to be a love rival, I still liked her, she was so polite and respectful. She didn't overstep any boundaries and immediately backed off when was told that the main character doesn't share the same feelings for her. I honestly expected her to become a friend to the main character after that and thought she would show up again in the series, but sadly that never happen. I guess you can interpret it like she only saw him as a romantic interest, but still kinda sad she disappeared like that.

Things I disliked:
1. The whole father thing. It was confusing and was swept under the rug as fast as it appeared. Needed more screen time or honestly don't even put it there, it's still would be good, nothing would change if it wasn't there.
2. The age gap was a bit…Eh…I'm not a hater and honestly don't mind age gaps that much, but that was just not so necessary. At first, I thought it was less, but when they showed Amasawa's age I was a bit idk uncomfortable I guess? Because 11 years is quite a number, you know.
3. “We are both guys”. Bro, with all due respect, shut the hell up… Like y'all have an 11 years age gap and your biggest concern is that you both guys??? No way. They had infinite possibilities with making up some drama because of their age and making Amasawa's “thinking time” more about that, rather than adding this stupid thing about “Oh, but we both guys!” Oh! Really Einstein? I couldn't tell. Like, please stop this!
4. Hardly any actual romance, yes there are some cute moment's, but they had 3.5 kisses and that's it.

A thing that i neither liked nor disliked but is worth mentioning is that as I said before it is an easy watch, if you're looking for something more of a substance it is definitely not that. There are no crazy plot twists or interesting tropes, but if you want to just chill and enjoy a slice of life sweet story, that is exactly what that is.
Overall, it was so much better than I expected and I enjoyed watching it!

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RUTHLESS LOVE

I've watched this from a vertical drama platform titled A LOVE THAT DEVOURS. I'm a reader and I love some dark, obsessive and possessive heroes from the romance genre. So I dig this one.

Vertical dramas for me are just meant to be enjoyed not meant to be taken seriously, because if I do, I'd just stress myself out. 'Though I must admit they had improved much since 2023, the first time I've tried watching them. Admittedly they're engaging and entertaining, designed to hook you up with their short, fast paced addicting cliffy style, despite of the nonsensical, ridiculous and repetitive OTT plots.

This one I liked mainly because of Chen Si the ML and its darker theme. Nothing original but finely executed and entertaining nonetheless.

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Beautifully shot with best soundtrack

Japanese romantic tearjerking genre is my favourite kind and I knew I definitely have to catch this. Though there are too many cliches and coincidence but I guess I can see past them because the cinematography is simply gorgeous. I think the casting for Eiji Akaso works best here. Some gorgeous male lead might be a hit or miss when it comes to acting but I think when he has those sad puppies eyes, my heart totally cry for his predicament. The second male lead was great too but I find him annoying. I think it’s the way the character was written. The FL has the weakest performance here, that felt stiff and awkward at times.

Another highlight for this movie was definitely the OSTs. 366 Days and 恋して by HY definitely elevate this movie with the expansive orchestra arrangement or that vibey saxophone solo. Plus the vocals by the singers are chef kiss. The last verse of 恋して perfectly summaries the sentiments of ML with the dying FL and I can’t help to cry everytime I heard it. Rarely, I will praise a Japanese drama/movie OST because they are usually not memorable. But I think these two songs are really the best choices.

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Another KBL Done Right

I love everything about this BL series—from the plot, characters, main leads, and their development... and of course, the height difference! It's just too adorable! 😍

My Bias Is Showing is a cute story about a fanboy and a celebrity. Aejoon, a fan of Siyeol, unexpectedly meets him when Siyeol need to film a movie at the school where Aejoon works. Not only is Aejoon a fan, but he also has a huge crush on him. It’s so relatable—the awkwardness, the nervous energy—when you’re around someone you like and don’t know how to act.

What I really appreciated is how they written Aejoon’s character. It wasn’t exaggerated or cringey. His flirty little inner thoughts were super cute, and the sound effects made everything even funnier. The show starts off light, fluffy, and easy to watch. But by episode 4, things get heavier due to a past misunderstanding. Still, that kind of conflict keeps the story from feeling flat.

I can’t explain how much I enjoyed this series. It’s officially my second favorite K-BL—Semantic Error being the first. Every scene feels meaningful; nothing is boring or dragged out. The pacing is just right for a mini-series, and honestly, I wasn’t expecting it to be this good. The chemistry between the leads is amazing, and their acting feels natural.

Also, I don’t mind that there are no NC (explicit) scenes—it’s not something I look for in a BL. What matters to me is quality and a story that feels genuine and heartfelt, and this one delivered.

One thing I found a little unclear was the second couple's storyline. The whole breakup and one of them pretending to have a new boyfriend felt vague. If he did have a new boyfriend, I wish they had shown it more clearly.

My only complaint? It’s too short! Each episode is around 23 minutes, but about 6 minutes are usually recap scenes. There are only 10 episodes total, and I really wish we had more.

All in all, I’m completely satisfied. If you're looking for something adorable, funny, and light with just the right amount of drama, I highly recommend My Bias Is Showing.

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Rookie To Full Fledge Lawyer

In walks HYO-min, late for her interview, which rubs Senior Lawyer, SEOK Hoon the wrong way. Bad first impression. But, she showed confidence and is skillful in her presentation. She wins consensus and gets the job. She then chooses litigation, which falls under the authority of who? But, SEOK Hoon.

From day one HYO-min is all eager, bright eyed with her new job and with her supervising manager SEOK Hoon. In her eyes, SEOK Hoon is the leader she respects and she willingly leans on him for guidance. Though, irked by her clumsy demeanor at the start, SEOK Hoon began to see her determination, her hardworking ways, soon, became her willing teacher. He worked with her side by side and at times, sat in her cases in court, watched over her and made sure she has the best of his legal teaching as she flourishes to be a full fledge lawyer.

I love romance. And I really love how the relationship between HYO-Min and SEOK-Hoon developed organically. No games, no arguments, just through mutual respect, care for each other and eventually love. However, in the midst of this developing relationship is the backstory of their personal complications, with HYO-Min having to deal with an ex- and SEOK-Hoon from a previous marriage.

Apart of this, needless to say, the legal cases that comes on one episode after another is interesting to watch. From matters of the heart to dimentia to madness. I completed 12-episodes, so fast.

I believe there is a Season 2 follow up this this one and look forward to it, hopefully with more pulsating, fast paced and riveting stories..... and some hugs and kisses from the Male and Female leads ❤️❤️

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Love Between Fairy and Devil: The Power of Emotion (and Destiny)

Beyond the mortal realm lies a place above the heavens, inhabited by immortal beings — gods, fairies, demons — each with a destiny sealed from birth. Yet among so many powerful beings, there is a small Orchid in the fairy realm who knows nothing of her origin or identity. Because of this, she feels inferior and rejected by the other beings of Shuiyuntian. Living in isolation in the Arbiter Hall without her master, she spends her days alone among the flowers. Xiao Lanhua, the orchid, is an utterly lovable character — intelligent yet innocent, funny and honest. Her heart is pure, and within it she holds an unrequited love for Chang Heng, the god of war of Shuiyuntian.

The universe has its own ways of working and even playing and that’s exactly what happens when destiny decides to unite the light and shadow that separate the radiant realm of Shuiyuntian from the dark and fearsome Moon Tribe. It all begins when Xiao Lanhua enters the Haotian Tower, where deep inside lies the feared Moon Supreme, Dongfang Qing Cang, imprisoned for 30,000 YEARS(!!) after a fierce battle between Shuiyuntian and the Moon Tribe, in which Dongfang was defeated by the former goddess of war, Chidi.

Then, by accident, their lips meet in a life-giving kiss that not only frees Dongfang, but also binds their hearts through a curse! From that moment on, things get interesting and fun, because the contrast between them is so stark it’s often hilarious. Xiao Lanhua only knows the Moon Supreme through books and legends, so she has no idea what the cruel and feared Supreme looks like. Dongfang is a complete stranger to her, and she quickly nicknames him “hard-headed” sharing moments with him fearlessly — moments they would later miss. Dongfang, on the other hand, is direct and authoritarian, shaped by the fact that his emotions were removed by his own father when he was still a boy. As a child, he took the position of Moon Supreme after killing his father, and his reputation as a ruthless tyrant spread across all realms, earning respect through fear. But near Xiao Lanhua, he’s just a hard-headed man who doesn’t understand his own heart. And when their bodies are swapped, the acting show begins — the delicate orchid with a dark gaze, and Dongfang with a tough exterior throwing tantrums.

What was once silent and lonely becomes filled with Xiao Lanhua’s loud laughter, Dongfang’s impulsive actions and confused expressions, and many arguments. Subtly and unexpectedly, love begins to bloom through care — even if unintentionally. All Dongfang wants is to be freed from the curse so he can fulfill his purpose as Moon Supreme and rescue the soldiers trapped during the battle. Though 30,000 years have passed, the war’s remnants still echo, and hatred remains, despite Chidi’s sacrifice and Dongfang’s imprisonment.

The central plot is captivating. The curse of a heart was a prelude to the origin of the little orchid, who in the end wasn’t so little after all. Her noble heart, seeking fairness and believing in everyone regardless of their origin, was a sign of her true identity. Her birth was no accident, and even though she doubted herself, her destiny was written. On this long journey of self-discovery, Dongfang accompanies her while seeking redemption, transforming from a merciless tyrant into a compassionate and just leader. By episode twenty-eight, my heart was already surrendered to the true vision of love between them the bond they built over time, the loyalty and certainty that, despite defying ancient laws, they were willing to risk everything because they had saved each other. In a world where things happen so fast, love is not one of them. It is forged through sacrifice, misunderstandings, but also sunrises, flower soup, morning dew, and dumplings. Giving oneself to the other wasn’t difficult it was an honor.

Beyond the central plot, the supporting characters are essential. Chang Heng, the god of war, lives in constant conflict between obeying celestial laws, a promised marriage, his love for the orchid, and his mortal hatred for Dongfang (and a little mutual jealousy too why not? haha). Another interesting and frustrating character is his best friend Rong Hao, disciple of Chidi, who at first seems devoted and longing for his master, but is later revealed to be deeply obsessed. He is complex, cunning, manipulative, and willing to do whatever it takes to bring his master back to life even if it means betraying or killing someone.

It’s impossible to talk about cunning and betrayal without mentioning Jieli, an orphan who loves money and has a silver tongue. She does whatever it takes to survive, including deceiving others. Her bond with Xiao Lanhua starts as a seller-client relationship, with our dear Orchid owing her a huge debt (😂), and in return, offering her most genuine friendship. But Jieli always expects the worst from people, trusting no one and believing only in what she can gain. Through this cleverness, she develops a funny yet incredibly charming and lovable relationship with the loyal and naïve “Stupid Dragon”, Shang Que a dragon who serves Dongfang faithfully. Shang Que has a beautiful, honest heart and can’t tell a lie. Together, he and Jieli form quite the duo!

My journey through Love Between Fairy and Devil was fascinating. Every event connects in a surprising way from beginning to end (almost literally). The plot offers twists and dilemmas that ultimately boil down to a love that unites all things.

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