Reviews

Good fun

I watched this as it was airing, but put the review in the wrong section, so I'm re-adding it here.



Major spoilers!



That ending was ridiculous! But I am still giving this a 10/10 because I love this show so much. I still recommend that everyone watch this show. But pretend it ends at episode 39, or pretend it ends after the wedding, when everyone is still alive.

Favorite parts of the show:
1. The sisterly bond. In a lot of shows, we constantly see siblings backstabbing each other over petty things or over love, so it was nice to see sisters who are willing to do anything and everything for each other.

2. The romance. Watching YT and QK experience love for the first time with YQ and CF was such a joy to watch. Additionally, there are many couple pairs in this cdrama.

3. The importance of family bonds. Even the villains were willing to go to the ends of the earth for their loved ones. Watching how the void empress loved her son was very beautiful, even though she was very...crazy.

4. Friendship. In YT's and QK's darkest moments, watching their friends be there for them was so heartwarming.

5. Comedy. There are so many funny moments in this drama.

I have more favorite moments/things about this show, but I will just leave it at this.

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Fun times

Posted this review in the wrong section, so I'm reposting it here. This is the review I wrote when it had just gotten done airing on Netflix.

This drama was so refreshing and fun. There are a lot of tropes that are common in romcoms, but they are well done and funny. Plus, the relationships the main leads all have with each other are so nice and wholesome. For example, the friendships that the respective best friends have and how they are always wanting what is best for the other/holding each other accountable. When this drama was announced, I was so excited and had high expectations, which were met. I wish it were more than just 10 episodes, and that we got to see the leads get engaged. I hope to see the main leads in more romcom dramas because this was so good, and the other dramas I have seen them in haven't been romcoms. Definitely a 10/10, and I recommend this to everyone who wants a lighthearted, funny, easy breezy drama.

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It was a fun ride

There's so much I could say, but overall, I loved everything about season 1. Here are some highlights:

'Acting with one's eyes and subtle movements. ' So many of the actors/actresses in the cast are able to convey complex emotions through simple movements and their eyes. It's very moving and captivating.

Beautiful clothing, hairstyles.

Memorable dialogue.

Heartbreaking reunions. When XY thought she saw her mom again, I cried so hard. That was the hardest I cried throughout the drama. It was everything I thought it was going to be. The emotions were captured so well.

Yang Zi. What can I say, I don't think I have ever watched a drama that she was the lead in that I didn't like.

All in all, 10/10.

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Happy ending ... I guess.

I watched this show a long time ago, but I left my review in the wrong section, so I decided to repost it down below.

Abbreviations: MX --> Mo Xi, WJG --> Wan Jia Gui, BFY --> Bai Feng Yao, CWD --> Chen Wen De, WY --> Wu Yin,

Complaints: Note - Major spoilers

MX starts off romanticizing WJG and how his status can free her from her life of misery, but all that ends up happening is her being deemed unworthy of him by his parents, himself, and everyone else in their society besides BFY. And in the end, she is always self-sacrificing to save both him, BFY, who only seems to know how to cry, and eventually CWD.

Saving CWD is weird because he is a general and has more experience than her, yet he could not think of a way to take down his powerful enemies, and she seems to do it in one swoop? Sure, WY helped her, and she had time to save up and infiltrate the inner circle of the bad guys as a woman, but CWD should have been smart enough in the beginning not to make it known that he wasn't on the bad guys' side. He should have pretended and gathered enough evidence and support before making his move. There were also so many times he put the men under him in danger for MX, who made it clear that he did not hold as much significance in her heart.

Also, him forcing her to be with him and forcefully kissing her?... Then she's somehow magically in love with him?

Lastly, CWD's death...how did he even survive that? We saw that WY's legitimate brother had a brain injury from falling, yet somehow, all that happens to CWD is scars on his face?

Things I liked:

Controversial, but I liked MX a lot, even though some of her actions irritated me. I also liked BFY (not her crying or unnecessary righteousness), and I liked WY. I also liked the school arc. Additionally, I liked the acting, production, and OST. Lastly, aside from when CWD is forcing himself on MX, I liked their interactions.

8.5/10 simply because I don't know if I'd rewatch this show tbh, but I do think it was a decent watch.

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Funny an d Bright Love Story

I followed the drama because of the ML who is so handsome.
The ML despite his being rich, very intelligent and powerful didn't abuse his power or always gentle and respectful of the FL. Unlike others who torture the FL even though she is already his long time wife. Here the ML respected and protected the FL which is so gentlemanly of him. It's nice also that even if for a very short time the ML got to show his body shirtless. Hihihi....
The FL is very intelligent and talented but also funny and hardworking. She is a good role model for girls. She is also level headed.
I love the character of the sister of the ML. Very bright, friendly and supportive to her brother and to his beloved, the FL.
The parents of the villain are so despicable.
Nice drama with happy ending.

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Brewing Love is exactly what it sounds like—warm, slow, and comforting.

It’s not flashy or dramatic, but if you enjoy watching love blossom gently over cups of coffee, small talk, and quiet acts of care, this drama delivers exactly that.
The leads have lovely chemistry—not in a high-energy, will-they-won’t-they way, but in the kind of connection that feels grounded and believable. Their relationship evolves at a peaceful pace, and much like brewing the perfect cup of tea or coffee, the joy is in the waiting. It's about two people growing out of loneliness, not by rushing into romance, but by learning to see each other slowly.
The setting—a cozy café—adds to the mood, and the food and drink visuals are beautifully shot. It gives off that same soothing atmosphere you’d get from dramas like Rainless Love in a Godless Land or Meet Yourself. That said, it does take its time. If you're looking for dramatic twists or fast-paced storytelling, this might feel a bit too light. But for those in the mood for healing, everyday romance, this one hits the spot.
Pros:
✔ Soft, genuine romance
✔ Beautiful cinematography and café aesthetic
✔ Healing themes and emotionally mature characters
✔ Comforting background score and food scenes
Cons:
✘ Very slow pacing—not for viewers who need high tension
✘ Some side plots don’t fully develop
Would I rewatch?
Yes—on a quiet night, wrapped in a blanket, with something warm to drink.

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I had a blast watching it - but it just ends so abruptly

I love watching Uhm Jung Hwa. She's so charming that I can watch just about anything she's in. This drama had it's flaws, but overall, I had a great time watching it.

The leads have fantastic chemistry! Their comedic timing was spot on and I believed the romance. One of the rare times the "we knew each other several years ago" story points didn't just annoy me. I found their story to be really sweet and I loved all of their scenes together. The past AND the present versions.

I thought everyone's acting in this drama was wonderful. Always a joy to see Cha Chung-hwa! I must say, I enjoyed seeing UJH give a more dramatic performance. Her audition scene was killer! I was very impressed with her work here. I think the decision to show BCJ/ISR her past was interesting, though it muddled the timeline a lot. It was an interesting tactic to make the audience feel sorry for the lead and reveal she was sort of her own undoing later on.

There were a couple of things I think lessened my enjoyment of the drama:
- The villain Go Hui. There was a point where it seemed the narrative suggested BCJ/ISR was wrong for refusing to film the commercial with her 25 years ago. Why? I thought it was clear ISR didn't want to work with someone that treated her staff poorly? The scene where BCJ/ISR seems to think she was awful to Go Hui back then was odd to me. Like, I feel bad she was one of the victims in the exploitation plot, but that doesn't excuse all of the horrendous things she did. Not just to BCJ/ISR either. Also, we just get an article that Go Hui overdosed and that's just the end of her story. No mention of the investigation or her role in BCJ/ISR's accident.
- All of the bad guys seem to just disappear. I don't even remember if we see the mayoral candidate get arrested or anything. One of the many things that made me think this drama may have been longer and then cut to 12 episodes. That or the production ran out of money and had to cut it short.
- Bong Baek Ja's life was depressing. I kept hoping there'd be some sort of resolution for her. She missed out on getting to go to college, got saddled with a bunch of debt, and her life was stunted caring for her (honestly kinda selfish) sister and her father who never acknowledged her existence. Then she somehow ends up a single parent with a daughter that just lies to her a lot. I hoped the ending would be her finding some passion or some outlet that was just for her and self focused. Instead, it just ends with her letting her daughter become an idol. Sad.
- Not sure what happened to SSY after her live confession. Did the cops interrogate her? Did she lose sponsors? She just sort of disappears.
- Not super important, but the male lead in the drama with all the dating rumors with ISR also just disappears. It's like they only paid the actor for like 2 days and then couldn't bring him back
- What happened to Yu Ran? Did I miss it? How did she die?

Anyway, this could've used like 2 more episodes, but I still really enjoyed it. I had a great time watching it and will definitely be rewatching it.

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I absolutely loved this series. It’s a hidden gem, full of symbolism, and it explores loneliness, aging, and unconventional love stories (age-gap relationships) with such sensitivity and respect that it feels genuinely heartfelt and honest.

Tojo Suzume is such a charming character because of how vulnerable and real he is. He’s quiet, but endearing, dreamy, sweet, and gentle. At 39, he’s facing a quiet existential crisis: stuck in a routine between home and work, no excitement, and no relationships for over a decade. That realization leads him to make a list of “10 things I want to do before I turn 40.” It’s a simple gesture, but deeply symbolic, his way of reconnecting with the world and with himself.

Tanaka Keiji, on the other hand, is confident, playful, charming, romantic, idealistic, and emotionally open. He believes in love, even when it’s messy or inconvenient. The way he challenges age differences and workplace norms shows how confident he really is.

And it’s the chemistry between Suzume and Keiji that makes this series so special. They’re opposites in many ways, but they complement each other beautifully. Keiji brings color and spontaneity into Suzume’s life, gently nudging him out of his comfort zone. His assertiveness is never pushy, it’s rooted in genuine affection and curiosity. Kazama Shunsuke and Shoji Kohei absolutely nailed their roles. Their interactions felt so sincere. Also, I have a soft spot for couples with a height difference. 😉

Suzume represents so many adults who, at some point, wonder if it’s too late to experience something new. His journey is about rediscovering joy, connection, and the courage to be vulnerable. And the answer he finds through humor, affection, and bravery is a beautiful reminder that hope is always within reach.

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What really stood out to me were the supporting elements.

This is a long drama where, surprisingly, the main couple was not the true highlight. The male lead may be handsome, but his performance was disappointing—and this isn’t the first time I’ve felt the same in one of his dramas.

The female lead, on the other hand, is stunning and delivered a brilliant performance, though her character, unfortunately, failed to captivate me.

What really stood out to me were the supporting elements: the family, the friends, and especially the charming, funny older gentleman. He was easily one of the high points of this story—a well-written character brought to life with excellent acting. I also enjoyed the secondary couples, particularly Mimi and her professor. They were adorable together and truly deserved a more complete resolution.

In the end, it’s a drama that is certainly watchable, but not one that will stay with me.

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Surprisingly good Drama. Beautiful Male lead

I didn't think the female lead could act but I got her wrong. She did very well in this. Her character was vain and overly willfull but she had a nice side too. The Male lead is an other Stunning Chinese Male Beauty. There are so many of them. Hopefully we will see more of him in the future. The story was sad and sensitively handled. He was brilliantly suited to his role. His horrific background was ugly and his mother was a vampire. The Female lead was very good at drawing him out and opening the door to a fuller, happier life for him. I loved the Granny. Her character was perfect and the friends little boy also did a great job. There were some excellent comedy situations too. I was surprised and have already watched it twice. I was put off by the Female Lead who also had a role in 'Love at Night' with another Gorgeous Male lead . On reflection it was her role and character that was off. Great acting all round. Well done.

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excellent chemistry

Overall: hope to see these two together in more series. 2 special episodes, about 1 hour each. Aired on iQIYI https://www.iq.com/play/my-stubborn-special-episode-episode-1-1e368v13eq0?lang=en_us

Content Warnings: harassment

What I Liked
- intimacy/chemistry
- showed using lube and condoms
- Sorn may have matured a little by not immediately yelling at Jun towards the end of episode 1*
- good that Jun clarified things pretty quickly in episode 2
- caring/sweet moments

Room For Improvement
- exposition dump in episode 1
- comedy sound sound effects didn't make things funny
- told the co-worker before checking in with Jun
- kind of nonsense why he didn't just block the guy but I guess how they solved it worked so...
- *Sorn stayed overly-jealous as he sent someone to spy on Jun
- didn't like how Jun was insecure in episode 2 and initiated things because his friend suggested it

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When 2007 Kdrama Vibes Meet 2025

Honestly, this kdrama was both cute and enjoyable to follow, offering a rather light form of entertainment. At the same time, it attempted to touch on weightier themes such as sexual exploitation in the entertainment industry, systemic corruption, and the challenges faced by older professionals who often find themselves sidelined despite once having a brilliant career. However, these topics were only superficially addressed, most likely because the drama had too few episodes to properly explore them while juggling multiple subplots.

One of the highlights was seeing veteran actors in a project of this nature. Their experience brought a certain maturity to the performances, but what stood out most was the sense of ease and enjoyment they radiated. The BTS footage included in the finale underscored this, but even on screen their performances carried a lightness that suggested they were not only working but genuinely HAVING FUN.

The chemistry between Uhm Jung Hwa and Song Seung Heon deserves special mention. Their interactions felt organic and fluid, making the relationship between Lim Se Ra and Detective Dokgo Cheol both believable and touching. Even with the 25 year gap during which the characters had not seen each other, the drama managed to convincingly convey the affection and admiration they still held for one another after all this time (and through all this time).

As for the storyline, it was consistently engaging, though not without its flaws. I was surprised to see some viewers raising questions that had already been addressed early on (for example, whether the protagonist had lost her memory for 25 years... When the first two episodes had clearly established that it was her second accident). Such oversights show that while the drama doesn't demand intense attention, it does reward viewers who follow closely.

As a whole, My Troublesome Star works well as entertainment and carries a nostalgic tone reminiscent of the kdramas of the late 2000s. However, it should be noted that this "old-school" vibe also brings with it certain drawbacks. The drama reproduces outdated stereotypes that feel out of place in today's landscape, such as presenting curly hair and darker skin tones negatively. While these choices may reflect cultural attitudes still prevalent in Korean Society, they remain disappointing, especially when other global industries have moved forward in challenging such portrayals.

In conclusion, My Troublesome Star is far from flawless, but it offers a charming, nostalgic experience for viewers who long for the feel of 2007–2010 kdramas. What the narrative lacks is more than compensated for by uniformly strong performances, with both veterans and newcomers leaving a mark.

Rating: 7.5/10 – recommended.

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