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Completed
I Hear the Sunspot
0 people found this review helpful
May 18, 2026
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

Loved it!

I loved this drama, it is a great story about disability, acceptation, friendship, and love.
The production was very good, it had great visuals and good music.

The actors did a great job and the mains had great dynamics and chemistry. There was one kiss, but it was shot from far, so you didn't see anything.
This drama shows that a BL doesn't need kisses and such to be a good BL.

I highly recommend watching this!
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Completed
Genie, Make a Wish
3 people found this review helpful
by arib
May 18, 2026
13 of 13 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 5.0
Story 5.0
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 2.5
This review may contain spoilers

i dont know how to react for this serial

I’ve watched every episode of this series, especially since there are characters I like, but

The screenwriter (Kim Eun-sook) seems to have taken too many liberties mixing Islamic theology, Middle Eastern mythology, and K-drama fantasy logic, resulting in the following problematic points:

1. The Romanticization of the “Devil” (The Ultimate Evil)

This series uses “Devil” as the main character’s name (played by Kim Woo-bin) and frames it within a love arc, where viewers are led to sympathize, get emotionally invested, and support his love story with a human.

2. The Depiction of the Angel of Death (Izrail) as Evil

In its fantasy plot, the character Izrail is positioned as the antagonist or the “evil side,” serving as the enemy and fighting against the Devil. This reversal of theological logic is deemed highly inappropriate and disrespectful to religious beliefs.

3. The Concept of Humans Becoming Jinn and the Interplay of Two Realms

This drama crosses that line by creating a two-realm romance plot, even introducing concepts of reincarnation and destiny where humans can transform into jinn (or vice versa) for the sake of love. This logic borrows from Korean mythological tropes (such as the fox spirit/Gumiho) but forces them onto Islamic theological beings.

4. The Misuse of the Historical Name “Muthalib” for an Antagonist

The name “Muthalib” (which is highly revered as it refers to Abdul Muthalib, the grandfather of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), known for his wisdom and generosity) is also misused in this series.

This sacred/historical name is carelessly used to name a fictional character with a villainous nature (even associated with a villain). This demonstrates the production team’s extremely superficial cultural research.

5. Repetition of Negative Stereotypes Against Arab Society

In the early episodes set in Dubai, local characters are portrayed with outdated stereotypes (as aggressive figures or criminals) solely to serve as plot devices so the main character appears as a “hero” who defeats them.


This is why the international Muslim community has been voicing criticism en masse as the series airs; not to spoil the viewing experience, but to provide education and “guidelines” so that the general audience does not blindly accept that what is depicted on screen is part of actual Islamic culture or beliefs.


For viewers who are “naive”—meaning they are unfamiliar with Islamic history, do not understand the religion’s theology, or are simply non-Muslim viewers consuming this series purely for entertainment—the impact can be quite concerning from the perspective of information distortion and cultural bias.

1. Trapped in “Normalization” and Sympathy for the Devil

Uninformed viewers will see the character played by Kim Woo-bin as a handsome, humorous, tragic man willing to sacrifice everything for love (a hopeless romantic). Because it’s packaged with a polished Korean rom-com formula, viewers will begin to sympathize, feel sorry for, and even get emotionally invested in this character named Iblis. As a result, the original meaning of the word “Devil”—a symbol of absolute evil—shifts in their minds to merely an “endearing anti-hero.”

2. Distortion of Historical and Theological Information (Misinformation)

Since this drama uses real names like Muthalib or Izrail, unsuspecting viewers will assume these names belong to mere fictional fairy-tale or mythological figures, on par with Zeus, Thor, or Goblin. They will never realize that for billions of people, these names hold real, revered, and sacred historical significance. If they ever hear the name “Muthalib” in the real world, their first association will be the fictional character from that K-drama.

3. Assuming Islam/Middle Eastern Culture Is the Same as Korean Mythology

The general audience will uncritically absorb the idea that the concept of Jinn in Islam is exactly the same as Gumiho (the nine-tailed fox) or Dokkaebi (the Korean goblin)—capable of falling in love with humans, capable of shape-shifting, and whose fate can be manipulated through romance. This creates massive cultural distortion, where the theology of a religion is equated with local Korean folklore.

4. Swallowing Negative Stereotypes About Arabs/Middle Easterners

In the early episodes set in Dubai, if the local population is portrayed with negative stereotypes (aggressive, rude, or criminal), unsuspecting viewers will take this as a true representation of the people there. This reinforces existing biases and prejudices (xenophobia) in Western media, which are now being reproduced by Korean media.

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Completed
Exit 8
0 people found this review helpful
by ahhdra
May 18, 2026
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 7.5
Rewatch Value 7.0

Felt too realistic for me ?

Just realized that some movies I’ve been watching lately somehow match my real-life experiences this whole week lol. This one especially reminded me of my transit at Changi Airport. With the help of AI, I was trying so hard to see the indoor waterfall without going through immigration, and somehow I just kept walking in circles between Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 like I was trapped in an endless loop. 😭 Honestly, halfway through the movie I started laughing because it felt way too familiar. Okay… back to the movie before I start having airport flashbacks again.

For such a simple premise, this movie was surprisingly entertaining and stressful at the same time. I love how it keeps you thinking together with the characters instead of just throwing random jump scares at you. The repetitive looping situation could’ve easily become boring, but the pacing, acting, and atmosphere made it weirdly immersive. Japanese horror/thrillers really know how to make ordinary places feel unsettling without trying too hard. The movie also lowkey feels like a reminder to stop being glued to your phone and actually pay attention to your surroundings… which is honestly funny considering I got lost because I trusted AI too much at the airport. 💀

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Completed
#IWillTellYoutheTruth
0 people found this review helpful
by ahhdra
May 18, 2026
Completed 0
Overall 7.5
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 5.0

What's wrong with the ending?????

Watched this on a plane with zero context. The movie itself mixes multiple mystery stories together with twists, social media commentary, secret documentaries, murder cases, and some really tense moments. I actually enjoyed few stories a lot because they were suspenseful and kept introducing interesting reveals, especially the island kids storyline. The anthology format was fun at first, even if it made the movie feel longer than it needed to be.

But near the end, things kinda went off the rails 😭 The final act tried way too hard to be deep and preachy, and instead of tying everything together smoothly, it just became messy and confusing. The open ending felt abrupt. Idk what were they trying to do, but it did not work like that....

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Completed
The WONDERfools
2 people found this review helpful
May 18, 2026
8 of 8 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 9.5
Rewatch Value 9.0

Love it love it love!

I am not usually a fan of superhero genres, but this drama wholeheartedly exceeded my expectations. It’s probably the funniest drama I’ve seen in recent months and the cast all had brilliant chemistry. I love the crazy trio and misfits, while the role played by Cha Eun Woo was a lot more restrained and calm. The acting performances were really genuinely good, all the four leads were mesmerising in their own ways and while at times, some of the actions could seem a bit overboard, I do think that it fits perfectly well with the theme of the show ie them being wonderful fools. The overall plot could have addressed some lingering questions that I had and there were some bits of cliches, however, if you watch it purely as a kdrama - it truly works. I am hoping for a season 2 now and I hope Netflix grants that! Also, the song choices were good, I mean let’s be real, Radiohead Creep fit this show perfectly!

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Completed
Yield to You
0 people found this review helpful
by Yumi
May 18, 2026
71 of 71 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 4.0
Story 4.5
Acting/Cast 4.0
Music 4.5
Rewatch Value 4.5
POB story but without all the fun.

I understand they wanted the dramatic approach of the story so they removed funny side characters and the silly interactions between the leads, basically that's most of POB charm, so this came out bland and too dramatic.

The two leads were ok, I'm not trying to compare them to the OG but their romance didn't convince me that much, the FL was meh most of the time she just hace this puppy eyes and i believe in POB the FL was smarter or they showed that clearly.

The female costumes were slightly odd, it's like they rediscovered female collarbones and decided to show that off. All. The. Time. ~~

My opinion about POB was mediocre, it was good it but had some flaws, this one isn't a better option if you want to see POB ho for it, don't settle for this ...

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Ongoing 4/10
The Gaze
3 people found this review helpful
May 18, 2026
4 of 10 episodes seen
Ongoing 3
Overall 8.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 8.0
This review may contain spoilers

Literally the live action of the webtoon JINX minus the NC

I am not sure why we don't see credits to Jinx but this is literally Jinx to the core. They have switched up the sport probably cz they had a hard time finding a lead as buff as JK to cast but they've kept the eyebrows. They've switched the grandma to brother. Potato is now a photographer and the actor is an artist. The plot remains the same but cz they've removed NCs they've had to make some minor changes.

The NCs are barely there so JK doesn't seem as bad as the webtoon he seems like a normal tsundre ML who is unable to express his feeling🤭🤭 which is kinda cute. The only reason i am giving this an 8 is cz i love the webtoon a lot especially the boxing and the granny... so the change kinda makes me uncomfortable. Overall it's a good drama but the acting needs a little work in some places

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Completed
Chosen Home
1 people found this review helpful
by ahhdra
May 18, 2026
10 of 10 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.5
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 8.5
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 8.0

Not Just Finding Home, But Finding the Right One.

I started watching Chosen Home (2025) because someone recommended it to me. I had actually been searching for this kind of JBL for a while, so finding this gem while I was on my way home from Seattle felt like perfect timing.

This definitely won’t be everyone’s favorite BL series, especially for those who prefer sweet, cheesy Thai BLs. But that’s exactly what makes it stand out.

I have to admit, the topic they chose is incredibly intriguing. It feels like the series isn’t just about “finding home,” but about finding the right home later in life. There’s a maturity to it that really resonated with me. It reminded me so much of Ossan’s Love, balancing social issues with heartfelt storytelling, while still keeping the narrative engaging until the very end.

Damn… now I need to edit my favorites list one more time.

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Completed
Only Friends: Dream On
25 people found this review helpful
May 18, 2026
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 1
Overall 9.0
Story 8.5
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 8.0
This review may contain spoilers

Its a messy watch, but u could see me locking TF in

I DONT USUALLY TYPE REVIEWS WITH SPOILERS BUT I NEEEEED TO GET THIS ONE OUT.


Lets talk about why this is my 9/10 series first

two main reasons : romeraffy and arnoldtua PERIOD, POINT BLANK. Pretty self explanatory but i'll elaborate on why. (Ok...FINE. I love AouBoom......)
AouBoom and JossGawin did SOOO good. I was eating up every bed scene these two couples had, AND THE NON-EXPLICIT SCENES TOO. I loved ArnoldTua's pacing, they were quite honestly the only ones not making me lose my mind for a huge portion of the series. Like when the other couples were in distress, Arnoldtua were in their own little bubble. I also loved RomeRaffy AND THEY WERE MY TWO FAV CHARACTERS IN THIS SHOW + DEAN, and that should be obvious as is as to why.

And here's why that 1 went away.
I hated Jack x Dean. So much. Jack is a very toxic boyfriend. Period. BUT HE'S BEST FRIENDS WITH BOSTON, u can't be boston's bestie and be a good guy DUH. I genuinely hoped we'd get a boston x nick situation with these 2 and if u ahvent watched the series u jst wouldn't get it.
I really wanted to like Jack, I REALLY DID. Mostly because he was an INFJ and am an INFJ too. But the only INFJ thing this man ever did was "the show must go on." THERE'S A REASON WHY YOUR BROTHER HATE YOU MY GUY, LOOK INWARD.
He's been such a bad boyfriend that Dean gave up acting (yes he picked it up at the last episode but wtv wtv), he always thinks he's in the wrong, and he's scared of getting into relationships. LIKE, WHOLE TIME WE WERE GASLIT THINKING DEAN CHEATED ON JACK WITH GAMEPLAY BUT THAT ISN'T EVEN TRUE 💔💔💔💔🙉 I'm telling u rn, Dean was never the reason why Jack and Dean kept breaking up, it was because Jack couldn't bring himself to fully trust Dean.

I've seen a LAWT i mean a LAWT of hate on Raffy and Dean, which is really wild, because why are we not hating Jack instead....
I mean, frankly, Dean and Raffy were assholes BECAUSE OF JACK. Sure it was a choice, but people in love do some wild stuff okay? And they're jst sassy like that and lowk preach. I loved Dean, Raffy and Rome the whole show. And sure, you can tell me that Dean and Raffy kept going back to Jack on their own, but for two people who have loved Jack for years, it's not that easy to move on from him, even if he's a peice of shit. DEAN PROVED MY POINT BY GETTING BACK TOGETHER WITH HIM ON EP 12.....
My only problem with Raffy was him saying that Dean was a host at heart, knowing damn well if he was broke as hell, he would have done the same thing too. Why? Because Dean and Raffy are very similar people. But I get why Raffy doesn't like Dean, its not easy to like someone who's been ragebaiting u.

WTVWTV BUT OVERALL, a solid 9/10. Idc wat anyone says abt this not meeting season 1's standards, because you and I both know that if they kept it very similar to season 1, this series would get even worse ratings.

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Completed
Rebirth
1 people found this review helpful
May 18, 2026
40 of 40 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 9.0
It honestly is not that bad at all. In fact, one of the strongest points of this drama is the acting. I was actually impressed by how well the cast performed, especially considering their young age. The emotions, expressions, and delivery of the characters felt natural and convincing, which made it easy to become attached to the story and the characters themselves.
What surprised me the most was that some of the performances felt even better and more memorable than those from overly hyped actors in other dramas. The cast here did not rely only on visuals or popularity — they truly brought their characters to life with genuine emotion and strong screen presence. Whether it was the emotional scenes, action moments, or quiet interactions, the actors were able to make viewers feel connected to what their characters were experiencing.
Lin Yunrui especially stood out because he portrayed Zhuge Yue with so much depth and charisma. Even subtle expressions carried emotion, and his performance made the character feel layered and realistic. The same goes for Chu Qiao, whose strength, determination, and emotional moments were portrayed very well. Their chemistry and acting together made many scenes impactful and enjoyable to watch.
Another thing that made this drama even more beautiful was the OST. The soundtrack perfectly matched the emotions and atmosphere of the story, making many scenes feel deeper and more unforgettable. Chasing the Wind by Liu Yuning was especially emotional and powerful to listen to. It carried the longing, pain, and strength of the characters so beautifully that every time it played, it made the scenes feel more touching.
I also loved Rebirth by Curley Gao because it perfectly reflected the drama’s emotional journey and themes of growth, sacrifice, and hope. The song felt inspiring yet emotional at the same time.
Flowers Drift Away by Yan An was soft, beautiful, and emotional, adding even more feeling to the heartbreaking and sentimental moments of the drama. Meanwhile, Journey Alone by Hu Xia gave such a melancholic and emotional atmosphere that stayed in the heart long after listening.
Overall, the drama became even more memorable because of the combination of strong acting, emotional storytelling, beautiful chemistry, exciting martial arts scenes, and an absolutely amazing OST lineup. The music truly gave life to the emotions of the story, making the entire viewing experience feel even more beautiful and unforgettable.

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Ongoing 3/8
The WONDERfools
2 people found this review helpful
May 18, 2026
3 of 8 episodes seen
Ongoing 0
Overall 9.5
Story 7.5
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 7.5
Rewatch Value 7.0

I love it so far

So clever. Chả eun woo I thunk has always been a good actor and in this he is getting better. Park Eun Bin is always good and this is such a different roll for her. But I have to say she’s quite irritating at times amd works my nerves. Overacts.

Park Eun Bin really plays a harlequin. And at times I really long for her to just shut TF up.

As for Choi dae hoon and Im Seong Jae, I don’t agree they are an addition. Their continual loud screaming antics aren’t remotely funny and nearly ruin the whole series.
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Dropped 3/30
Everlasting Longing
0 people found this review helpful
May 18, 2026
3 of 30 episodes seen
Dropped 0
Overall 7.5
Story 5.5
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 1.5
This review may contain spoilers

Poorly directed

I really wanted to like this show, but there were so many problems with the world building that you were thrown out of the story, thinking, “that doesn’t make sense.” If you are someone who doesn’t care if the story/plot makes a lot of sense or offers something new, then this drama is for you. Each episode, from what I’ve seen, consists of the writer/director wondering which trope or situation they will include. Below are 4 examples of what I’m saying.
1. The tired trope of a woman with fine skin, delicate bone structure, and thin frame passing herself off as an adult man. No one notices because her hairstyle and clothes are masculine. Sitting with her legs apart doesn’t make her look manly.
2. The female lead has been captured and escapes. The ML runs after her. They start by a river and a nice forest. Soon they are running through the dangerous desert. (Lost in the desert, surviving without water). A sandstorm comes. She is buried but emerges with every hair in place. He is flat on the ground, laying neatly. No one is hurt by flying grains of sand. They walk for hours/days (unclear) even though they didn’t run far to get in the desert.
3. Just as they see trees, they are attacked by wolves! She manages to miraculously make a bow and arrows with enough draw power to kill a wolf. Amazing!
4. Later (episode 3), the ML and his buddy are in danger from their enemies. He sends her off quickly to ask for help from a friend. However, she decides to take the time to put on female clothes and fix her hair nicely, complete with jewelry. No rational reason exists for this.
Many more things make no sense, I just could not continue. There are so many shows to choose from, I couldn’t spend my time on this one.

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Completed
Twinkling Watermelon
2 people found this review helpful
May 18, 2026
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

A Time-Travel Masterpiece That Hits Every Emotion Perfectly

A Storyline That Feels Fresh and Emotional
=================================
The writing is one of the drama’s strongest points. The story balances comedy, romance, and emotional moments naturally without ever feeling forced. Every episode reveals something meaningful, making it impossible not to binge-watch. The emotional connection between parents and children is portrayed beautifully, and the drama constantly reminds viewers about the importance of understanding and appreciating loved ones.

Cast Performance
==============
The cast performance is nothing short of phenomenal.

Ryeo Un:- absolutely shines as Eun Gyeol, delivering both emotional depth and youthful energy with ease. His performance feels genuine, making viewers instantly connect with his struggles and dreams.

Choi Hyun-wook:- with his charismatic and chaotic charm as young Yi Chan. His chemistry with the entire cast feels natural and fun, bringing endless energy to the drama.

Seol In-ah and Shin Eun-soo:- deliver memorable performances filled with emotion, warmth, and sincerity.

Cinematography
=============
The transitions between timelines are smooth and creatively executed, making the time-travel concept feel immersive rather than confusing. Whether it’s a quiet emotional moment or a vibrant band performance, the cinematography consistently enhances the storytelling.

Music
=====
The soundtrack doesn’t just support the drama — it becomes part of its identity. Even after finishing the series, many of the songs stay in your mind long after the final episode.

Why “Twinkling Watermelon” Has Incredible Re-Watch Value
==============================================
It’s the kind of drama that makes you laugh, cry, smile, and appreciate life all at once. The emotional storytelling combined with lovable characters and meaningful life lessons makes it highly re-watchable.
Blending youth, music, family emotions, friendship, romance, and time travel into one unforgettable story, this drama delivers a heart warming experience

Rating: 9/10

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Completed
Viva La Vida
2 people found this review helpful
by Mark A Darien Finger Heart Award1 Flower Award1 Emotional Support Viewer1
May 18, 2026
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

A Heartbreaking Journey Through Love and Survival

Viva La Vida wastes no time immersing viewers in its emotional core, opening on an incredibly heavy and heartbreaking note. From the very beginning, the film introduces Ling Min and the harsh reality of her life as a 24-year-old woman suffering from kidney failure. Through scenes documenting her daily struggles, hospital visits, and emotional exhaustion, the audience quickly understands the severity of her condition. Ling Min records a video out of desperation, hoping her story can help her find a solution and ultimately allow her to live a normal life free from constant suffering.

One of the film’s strongest aspects is how it contrasts Ling Min’s pain with the seemingly ordinary lives of those around her. A particularly impactful moment features a mother and son repeating the phrase, “We live in a beautiful city. We have a perfect life. We should be thankful and grateful for our daily life.” This scene beautifully reinforces one of the film’s central themes: you never truly know what struggles another person may be facing behind closed doors. While the world continues moving normally around them, people suffering silently are often forced to put on a façade and pretend everything is okay.

The introduction of Lü Tu brings a refreshing comedic energy that helps balance the film’s otherwise heavy emotional tone. His personality sharply contrasts with Ling Min’s, and the film uses this difference intentionally to highlight their opposing outlooks on life. Their interactions feel natural and meaningful, showing how two completely different people can still form a deep emotional connection under unusual circumstances.

What makes their relationship especially compelling is how gradually and beautifully it develops throughout the story. The film carefully portrays the growing closeness between Ling Min and Lü Tu, emphasizing their care and devotion toward one another in subtle but heartfelt ways. Much of this emotional warmth comes from Lü Tu, whose affection and sincerity are consistently touching. Given Ling Min’s circumstances and emotional burdens, it makes perfect sense that she takes longer to fully open her heart, which ultimately makes the emotional payoff even more satisfying and impactful.

The film also delivers a raw and painfully honest portrayal of the emotional toll that comes with waiting for an organ donor match. It captures the fear, uncertainty, heartbreak, and emotional exhaustion experienced not only by patients, but also by the people who love them. Even routine treatments are presented with a sense of emotional weight, making every moment feel significant. The journey both characters endure after falling in love, while simultaneously wanting what is best for one another, is handled with great care and emotional maturity.

The performances from both leads are excellent, bringing authenticity and vulnerability to their roles. Their chemistry feels genuine, allowing the emotional moments to resonate even more deeply. Combined with strong writing, the film successfully delivers its themes about love, sacrifice, illness, and the fragility of life.

As expected, the cinematography is stunning. Chinese cinema continues to excel at capturing emotion through visual storytelling, and Viva La Vida is no exception. The film uses beautifully composed shots, meaningful visual symbolism, and well-written dialogue to strengthen its emotional impact. The soundtrack is equally impressive, enhancing both the heartbreaking and tender moments throughout the story without ever feeling overwhelming.

Overall, Viva La Vida is a beautifully heartbreaking film about illness, emotional struggle, human connection, and discovering love in the midst of pain.

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Completed
Perfect Crown
3 people found this review helpful
May 18, 2026
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 7.0
Story 6.0
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 5.0

Not Perfect, but Entertaining!

I’m going to share this review in a point-wise format so I can cover every aspect of this drama. I know it’s extremely popular, with ratings often around 9/10. While I respect those, I hope my views are also well received, because I’m on the other side. I liked the drama, but it wasn’t great for me, and my rating reflects that. I try to be as objective as possible, no matter how much bias or love I may carry for certain artists. With that in mind, here’s my take on "Perfect Crown".

[1] Expectations vs Reality
I had difficulty getting into this drama, but I’m glad I stuck with it. I expected a mix of serious politics and romance at equal levels. Very early on, I realized my expectations were mismatched. While politics and mystery were part of the story, the focus leaned more on visuals and entertainment. This isn’t a very serious drama - it should be seen as casual viewing.

[2] Non-Couple Chemistry That Surprised Me
For me, Ian and the Queen Mother had stronger chemistry than the main leads. There, I said it, and I won’t take it back. Their limited scenes, especially in Episode 11, were brilliant - their eyes spoke volumes, and the emotions swirling beneath were sheer acting brilliance. Even their casual meetup to buy a violin in Episode 12 was effortless, they truly looked like friends. I truly hope these actors reunite as leads someday. Since they’re from the same agency, I feel their kinship translated into authentic on-screen emotion.

[3] Huiju’s Character
I didn’t enjoy IU’s character, Huiju. This isn’t about IU’s acting - she portrayed it well - but I don’t like her in such roles. I felt similarly about her character in "Hotel Luna". On the other hand, I appreciated her acting in "My Mister" and "WLGYT" (from clips I’ve seen). It’s a matter of personal preference, but it did affect my overall experience of the drama.

[4] Supporting Cast Highlights
Huiju’s brother and sister-in-law were brilliant. I expected nothing less, especially from the brother. I had seen him in "Mr. Queen", where his comic timing was amazing, and here too his arc was engaging. They became my favorite duo.

The aides, Hyeon and Hye Jeong, were adorable together - I’d love to see them in more dramas. The other supporting roles from the royal household were also strong. Special mention goes to the young King: he was adorable, and his crying scenes were genuinely emotional. His moments with his uncle were endearing. He’s definitely a talent to watch for in the future.

[5] Underused Antagonists
The antagonists were under-utilized, and their arcs felt convoluted in a disappointing way - especially given the talents of Steve Noh and Jo Jae Yun.

Steve Noh, as Prime Minister Min, had a weak storyline. This was a shame, since I’ve seen him excel in both good and evil roles. In the final episodes, his sinister aura finally came through, but it felt disconnected and poorly justified. If his arc had been about long-standing feelings for Huiju, or plotting to abolish the Crown, it would have made sense. Instead, his storyline was too weakly written.

Jo Jae Yun, as the Queen Mother’s father, was predictably cast as an antagonist, but his role felt more like cameo appearances than a full-fledged villain. It was disheartening to see two brilliant artists not used to their full potential.

[6] Byeon Woo Seok as Prince Ian
This is the most difficult point to write. Those who know me - or have read my comments - know how much I love BWS. When he rose to fame with "Lovely Runner", I was over the moon, having followed him since his modeling days and supporting roles. Seeing an artist you’ve supported gain popularity feels amazing.

"Lovely Runner" was charming but felt a little short to me. I thought "Perfect Crown" would be similar, and it was, but I wanted the story to showcase his brilliance more fully. It did - but only in bits and pieces.

His eye acting is phenomenal. I’m a sucker for male actors who deliver crying or anguish scenes well, and BWS is one of them. His visuals and awkward antics make him both handsome and endearing.

That’s why I expected him to excel as a Prince. I had seen him do it in "Moonshine", where his royal presence and grace were convincing. In "Perfect Crown", however, that presence was missing. Even with background music effects, it didn’t feel authentic. The Queen Mother, by contrast, embodied effortless beauty and grace.

I know BWS can portray sinister and vulnerable roles - he proved that in "Strong Nam Soon", a drama I otherwise disliked but where he shone. I expected the same here, but it felt lacking. Part of this may be the script and direction, and partly the chemistry with IU, which felt forced. They looked good together and acted well, but I didn’t feel the butterflies. His scenes with the Queen Mother in Episode 11, however, were captivating.

It’s not about his acting - artists and directors bring out the best in each other. Here, it seemed the drama relied on visuals, a decent story, and cinematography, knowing hype would carry it. Less effort was made to deepen the narrative.

[7] Final Thoughts
This is my opinion, and I know it differs from most. My expectations were different, and even after trying to realign them, the drama didn’t meet them. At its core, "Perfect Crown" is pure entertainment, nothing more.

I’d love to see BWS in a non-romantic hero role - he would excel. I’ll continue supporting all his projects. Steve Noh already has a diverse range, and I hope to see him in stronger roles (this one I’d like to forget, except for his sharp jawline and aura). Gong Seung Yeon has been brilliant in everything I’ve seen ("Are You Human", "Karma", and now this), and I’m excited to see more of her - her face card is truly unmatched.

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