Reviews

Love, Leaving, and Lingering Feelings

another rom-com that quietly tests your patience with questions—why not stay, why leave, why struggle so much just to hold on to a relationship? But then again, if all those questions were neatly answered, there wouldn’t be a drama at all. This is a show best watched without overanalyzing the logic and simply letting the emotions lead the way.

I watched this drama mostly because of Park Seo Joon, and he did not disappoint. He conveyed pain, hesitation, and longing with remarkable subtlety, making his character feel deeply human. His eyes alone carried conversations that words could not. The supporting cast complemented him well, adding layers of quiet tension and warmth to the story.

What worked best for me was the emotional atmosphere. The drama captures the feeling of loving someone at the wrong time, of wanting to stay but feeling forced to leave. It’s less about perfect choices and more about imperfect people trying their best.

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Plot is poor and mess

Ma Lejie seems to like taking script about pseudo-incest lately but this is too messy.

I'll just go through it in order. Plot is about ML father brought the FL and her mother into the family when they were young. When they grew up, ML discovered that the FL had a crush on him and they accidentally slept together. Later, ML's mother committed suicide due to depression. ML believed it was caused by the FL's mother's affair with ML father.

I skipped through parts of it; I couldn't have continued watching if it weren't for Ma Lejie and Liang Siwei and i just cannot force myself to continue the drama since the plot is going nowhere. The script was poorly done, and the editing was very disjointed. It's a pity for these two actors. Dropped.

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Cute and Fluffy romance between two Green Flags, but don't expect a lot of Excitement and Twists

“Shine On Me” is either going to be one of the most romantic and sweetest dramas of the year, or one of the most boring ones. In order to enjoy this, you need to check your mood for what you are looking for, and know what to expect.

This is best enjoyed if you are looking for:
1. Main romance without a lot of ups and downs, or angst
2. Visually pleasing and great-looking leads
3. Great chemistry between the leads with decent skinship (love the hand-holding when pushing the grocery cart) and good but not amazing kisses (if you are patient enough to wait for them to happen eventually)
4. Sweet and witty banter between the main leads
5. Super green flag perfect ML who only has eyes from FL from start to finish
6. FL who is not afraid to speak her mind, stand up for herself and others, and pretty much a green flag herself (except when dealing with 2ML early on, but still more interesting than green flag ML).
7. Sweet and supportive family relationships: ML and his mother, ML and his grandfather, FL and her mom and extended family, FL and her cousin (my favorite character of the show).
8. Great co-workers
9. Strong women, whether you like them all or not - FL, FL’s mother, ML’s mother, FL’s aunt, the evil ‘villainy’ other woman, and even 2ML’s co-worker Chris.
10. The Photovoltaic Industry and all the business talk (LOL)

I love all the above except for #9, the photovoltaic industry. It is just not an industry that I know of or interested in learning. The drama spends a lot of time in this business world, but this industry is just not the right one for a drama adaptation. It might be better in the novel. The industry can’t really show us anything in action ,e.g. aerospace in “Your Are My Glory” with space ships and ties to ML’s character). It doesn’t sound or look good, e.g. the voice industry in “Love You, Love My Voice” and I love learning about the voice industry. Even the more boring traditional Chinese medicine in “The Best Thing” was more interesting, because ML actually uses TCM to flirt with FL and I found that romantic (though not super professional…LOL). “Shine On Me” really doesn’t hide Chinese propaganda in showing their photovoltaic industry to the world. Maybe that’s how they pass censorship or obtain a lot of sponsorship to fund the project.

I enjoy the slow burn main romance and how FL slowly falls in love. I think because of they are smart individuals despite new to love, they are not shy and naive. I love their flirting before becoming an official couple. Every single scene they are in, before and after being in a relationship, brings a super silly grin on my face. I just can’t stop smiling. I probably really enjoy this because I was intentionally seeking for a romance like that. Otherwise, as with many criticisms, the romance is somewhat smooth sailing that it can be boring. The super green flag ML is too perfect. You can have a green flag without making him into a boring character. Thank goodness he can flirt and has some witty comebacks. The love triangle lasted way too long. The 2ML’s storyline drags all the way to the end. I’m glad FL finally gave him a piece her mind and set him straight, I just wish it was done earlier and not drag for too long. But then, we have 36 episodes to fill. I personally don’t see 2ML as a handsome guy, but I do understand why ladies would find him attractive because he’s smart and hard-working. He’s just an expert in slimy Tai Chi - deflecting and not confirming his emotions to anyone until it’s too late for all parties involved.

The whole other family drama about FL’s parents and the ‘villains’ added a little extra ‘fun’ to the drama. Otherwise, “Shine On Me” is really boring. Yes, I do find these ‘villains’ annoying and I actually wanted a worse ending for them. It was sooo satisfying seeing FL finally said what she had to say to her father and defending her man and his integrity at the same time.

Because I know what I am getting myself into when watching “Shine On Me” and I really want a cute and fluffy drama, I had a great time watching it. It satisfies my cravings and I will recommend this to you if you like all or most of the items I listed above. However, I think of the 3 other fluffy dramas I listed above, this might be my least favorite of the 4, even though I LOVE the leads and romance. The business part is just too boring for me. If you want a twist-and-turn plot with excitement and chaos all the time, it’s best to skip this. Otherwise, you would be bored out of your mind.


Completed: 1/13/2026 Review #660

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Collectivism Propaganda Rooted in Women Writing Off Their Needs

The show portrays the complexities of being a parent. "All adults make selfish decisions, but that's because they'll do anything for their child." The writers threw everything they could at our main characters to make their lives so difficult that we can't help but acquiesce to the characters' selfish decisions.

The show was shot well. There were scenes that were very well performed. These are all characters you might know in real life. But I think the story lost itself in its collectivism propaganda. Ultimately, for a show titled (direct Chinese translation) "Beloved Child/ren", I didn't leave with "Wow, they really love their children," but with "Wow, all these freaking idiot men creating problems for the women in their lives and the women are just supposed to forgive and let go, unless the women plan to divorce these men."

I watched this show for the scene where Fang YiNuo and Xiao Luo meet up to divide their assets. I am leaving disappointed, but I think the actors did the best they could. I think there is value in a story about making sacrifices for your family and putting your own needs aside for the people you care about, but this show overdid it. Too dramatic.

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Honestly…

if I am being honest I watched this show and found no interest in the story or in the lead couple. However the second lead couple delivered. At one point I ended up mainly mostly only watching the second lead couple parts when they were talking to others or with each other. I could careless about everything else and the main couples story isn’t dry it just isn’t as interesting. To be HONEST it feels very typical and the chemistry between the two doesn’t feel real compared to the second lead couple.

On a side note I really enjoyed Park Hyung-sik’s performance and as well as Lim Ji-yeon

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One of the Best Legal Dramas in 2025!!

Jung Kyung Ho really seems to be settled in, portraying characters from the legal field!

This was my second time watching him in a legal drama after “Oh My Ghost Clients” and I really loved watching him spout legal expertise in both shows. Of course, both shows portray him with an antagonistic vibe and a redemption arc. Although I’m a huge fan of Jung Kyung Ho, I went into the show with zero expectations. It was mainly because I had never heard of pro-bono lawyers. In short, they are lawyers who represent low-income class victims with low or, in most cases, zero fees. I’m not sure if it happens in most Asian countries, because the legal field never offers anything for free. It is as cutthroat as other fields. So, watching this show was like a fresh breath of air. I have lost count of the number of times, I cried whenever any of the team members made a convincing overture to prove their client’s point in court; impoverished victims looking for someone to represent them and seek justice. The entire legal team in this show gels well; they do have their disagreements initially, especially Kang David who isn’t impressed with joining a pro bono team that makes no money. But slowly they evolve together, he begins to train them to win cases, albeit using his time & tested tricks. They learn to respect him, despite the shady choices he makes at times, because David’s heart is at the right place.

Read the complete article here-

https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2026/01/13/pro-bono-series-review/

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Same, but different

Episode 1:
I liked how cute and sweet it was, this story was definitely one of the better ones. It definitely reminded me of the series "La Pluie" with the rain and soulmates, as well as one of the characters not believing in the soulmates because his parents were soulmates but still ended up divorced.
One thing I will say, though, is that it definitely took me way too long to figure out how the whole soulmate thing works in this world and what exactly has to happen for them to find their soulmate. It would be better if they kind of explained it at the start or something like that.

Episode 2:
Totally different vibe from the first story, but I still really enjoyed this one. It was definitely my second favorite. I really liked Parinth's grandma. There are few things she did that I disagree with, but I still think she is a good side character in this story.
I also liked how good they were at so easily portraying a totally different story, which just shows how talented the actors are.

Episodes 3-4:
This one is my least favorite story. They made X to be a little bit weird/creepy ngl. Once a year, for multiple years, he's been going to a graveyard only to see that one person and then to ask his parents to be with him. I just find it weird. Also, this whole drama was so exhausting. Sucked out of thin air, and I was done with it already halfway through the fourth episode.
In my opinion, the fourth episode shouldn't have even been a thing. I feel like the third episode ended well enough that it really didn't need a continuation with all of that drama. For me this story ended on the third episode, and the fourth episode never happened.

Episodes 5-6:
This one is totally my favorite story out of all of them. So adorable and flirty, with great chemistry between the main characters.
I really liked their playful banters as well as Green just watching them and adding more to them. I really liked Green. He added a lot of cute and funny moments for sure.

Episodes 7-8:
At first I assumed all of the small stories were completely unrelated, but the series definitely found a great way to merge them all into the same universe. I can definitely appreciate the creativity they used for that. And the plot twist was quite unexpected but enjoyable.
The thing is, though, in my opinion, in these last two episodes their drama stretched out for too long. Same as with episodes 3-4, it feels like it could've been shorter with less drama. Even then, though, I still enjoyed it, and the ending was more than satisfying.

Overall, I would say that although there were some aspects of this series that I didn't like, it was still worth it.

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Incredible Acting, Incredible Story

Once you start watching this, it's difficult to stop. Although I must admit, going from episode one to sixteen, it's like night and day. Early on you see a nice amount of comedy blended in with some drama and suspense ... but that quickly changes the deeper you get into the series. At times it not only gets suspenseful, but rather dark and disturbing with certain revelations in the story.
Jin Young, who I'm always a fan of, was absolutely amazing in this role. He brought every emotion out in just about every scene he was in. Ye Eun was equally brilliant. These two protagonists not only deliver such strong performances, but they blend perfectly together, making for an enjoyable duo, watching their chemistry get stronger together as the episodes unfold.
With a very talented supporting cast, it really makes for great entertainment. The friendship between Lee Ahn & Dae Bong, although not a main storyline, it really plays an important part of the series. Jong Hyun was a great fit for this role.
Just when you think you understand this complex story, the last four episodes change everything. Shocking events from episode 12 right through to the end, send this series into so many unpredictable directions. Anything you thought you had figured out, is completely shattered going into the final two episodes.
One line used late in this drama really puts an outline of what this series was all about ... "If you miss the timing to treat the wound, the wound becomes a scar"

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A Beautiful and Twisted Tale of Obsession and Perfection

I honestly didn’t know what to expect going in, but by the time I finished this drama, my heart was touched. This drama isn’t a flashy kind of crime drama. It’s really slow and will force you to really sit with what you’re watching. You need to savor it episode by episode.

PROS
1. Gives depth to all of the characters.
2. Thought-provoking themes about humanity, obsession, and the need for appreciation.
3. Beautiful use of metaphors and art.

CONS
1. Very slow pacing (not a con for me; however, if you dislike slow-burn dramas, then you will probably dislike this as well).
2. Might be too plot-twisty (yes, such a thing exists) for some people. I enjoyed it, but I can see why some people wouldn't like it either. There's just a lot of plot-twists.

By the end, I wasn’t just thinking about the story. I was thinking about people, about how easily we get obsessed or detached, and how important it is not to. Human Specimens is fairly dark and isn’t particularly an easy watch. It might break your heart at certain points, but it’s so well-done that I can't help but appreciate it. Highly recommend giving this a try!

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Strong side BL and GL Couple

I know this is a first go for JaTae and I did appreciate seeing their potential in the series. I hope as time goes on they will grow in their comfortableness. My excitement in watching the series was DomonAtom as the side couple. Both fairly new to BL and it did not show at all. Their chemistry was very good, they played of each others characters well and it always left me wanting more in anticipation of the next episode. The GL Couple of NikitaJaja were so good!! They are so well suited and I will need to see them in a lead role with their own series.
This was Tae's first lead BL role and it is some big shoes to fill with partnering with Ja, like I said I hope they can continue to work on their comfortability with each other.

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Perfect chemistry

Song Wei Long and Zhao Jian Mai have perfect chemistry! Every time they are on screen together, you literally get sweetness overload. There were so many sweet moments and scenes that made me swoon and kick my feet. I totally loved their love story. There is something to be said about being with somebody who always chooses you and shows you they love you in so many ways. That is top tier love.

Now, let me be honest in saying there are some parts of this show that were a little off-putting, like the background effects in some scenes. Like who are they kidding with those green screen scenes? I am sure they have a better budget and tech than that?! That was just poorly done IMO. Some plots were drawn out and unnecessary too and I thought didn't really contribute or felt like was completely addressed.

But I would still recommend this for the love story, the OST, and just the over all vibes and visual of the main leads.

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On The Edge of Your Seat Type Series

Prepare yourself for a rollercoaster of emotions and that is in each and every episode. How do you even begin. Fan is deeply flawed, traumatized, broken, loveless and hopeless in finding any happiness in his life... until he meets Yu. Yu is a red flag himself but all heart that protects those around him and doesn't purposely go out of his way to hurt those he cares for but don't be fooled he can bite back. Their meeting is by chance and Fan sees it as opportunity to play his twisted cruel games but this time it's different. Feelings of love are not comfortable for him because he's never really known it. in his attempt to be close to You he is destructive and toxic. This series is not for the faint of heart, you are going to need nerves of steel to get through it. But....it is on of the BEST CBL;s I have ever watched. You will believe it or not feel sorry for them both and cheer them on.

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A green forest

Sangyan is not just a green flag, or a green tree, he is an entire green forest. Love is patient, kind and it waits and he is the #1 example to prove it.

I have been meaning to watch this for awhile now since Hidden Love is on my all-time fav drama list.. I kind of knew going into it based upon clips and trailers that it had a bit of a different mood than Hidden Love, meaning, it already looked to be a bit less lighthearted. And indeed it was.

The trauma and difficulties are very pronounced and present. So while Hidden Love gives you butterflies and makes you smile to ourself, this one pulls your heart strings and will make you tear up.

PROS: As I mentioned just Sangyan, a true gentleman with a loyal heart, who holds your hand and is willing to give everything he's got to protect you. He has a heart of gold and his character is what carried this drama for me. Super sweet eye candy, First and second couples are super cute.

CONS: For starters, I do think this drama could have been done in less episodes. There are a lot of flashbacks, which isn't necessarily bad but just take note. My main con is actually connecting this to Hidden Love. I was very intrigued when I heard we were getting ZhiZhi's gege's love story but let's be honest, First Love Sangyan had the complete opposite personality of Hidden Love Sangyan (even ZhiZhi, Jizxu, etc characters have completely different vibes). Both Sangyans are wonderful but the stark difference is quite shocking. I actually struggled the first several episodes because the contrast was so great, I had to actually disassociate and it got better for me. I did receive a suggestion to view it as Hidden Love is ZhiZhi's POV and First Frost is Sangyan's which is helpful to some extent too.

Ultimately, it isn't high on my rewatch but it was very sweet, I am going through some things right now so the FL having someone who was always there for her in spite of everything felt very comforting.

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