Reviews

mukbang scene between Kim Seonho and Go Younjung made me stay

lets start from things i like:
of course the cinematography and places! the production team went all out with the budget. Now i have a set of places i want to go to when im going to Japan, Italy, Canada and Spain. Also the actors are all soo pretty, esp Go younjung. she has that boba eyes for sure. moving on to the characters, i'm surprised to root for the second ml. it's cause sota fukushi played it really well! His korean accent wasnt stilted or awkward, and he got charming chemiatry with gyj. I was thinking maybe if she met him first, she would like him better lmao ALSO THE KISS! omg my firat mukbang in 2026 rofl

things i feel lukewarm abt: the sudden love lines in supporting characters. why would there be love linr between pdnim x assistant? idc about their scene at all. and his mom marrying without telling her own son? weird but whtv

and lastly, what i dont like abt this drama is why would there be a sudden alter ego plot? It would be better if they stayed d
digging more into relationship between selebrity x non-seleb, how struggling would an introvert interpreter be dragged into her dazzling showbiz world, the obvious power imbalance would make such a DELICIOUS miscommunication that drive the plot REALISTICALLY. But they choose the DID path, in which even the mental illness wasnt even properly showcased and cared for in the end. i feel like her having alter ego is just for the sake of convenience to... what? we could se how pitiful her background is? to make her closer with the ml? thats just so bizzare to me. I almost dropped this drama if only i didnt see their kissing scene spoiler on tiktok.

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"Your delusions are sad because they're beautiful"

Note: I talk about story details as they were essential to connecting my thoughts to the drama. I still tried to avoid heavy spoilers, though.

Before anything else, if you’re hesitant to start this drama, I hope you try it first. Test the waters. You can always drop it if it’s not your type. I don’t think extreme negative or extreme positive reviews should be the deciding factor here. This drama depends a lot on what you value emotionally as a viewer.

Going into this drama, my expectations were shaped by the trailer: a slow-burn, slice-of-life romcom. And lots of yearning. Actually, emphasis on the yearning. To some extent, the drama does deliver that vibe, especially in its early stretch. But as the story unfolds, it also reveals a gap between what it wanted to be and what it actually was.


⁂ The first half vs the second half
The opening episodes gave me what I was expecting from the trailer. The pacing is comfortable, the banter easy, and the chemistry between the leads immediately readable. It has a solid romcom foundation, paired with a calm, scenic atmosphere despite the somewhat chaotic energy between the leads.

The second half is when we get to know Do Ra Mi better. When Do Ra Mi finally steps into the story not as an inner voice but as a physical presence, the drama shifts. Unfortunately, this makes a painfully clear shift in tone. Around this point did I realize, however, that the entire story revolved around the FL's inner struggle.


⁂ FL and her alter ego
One of the most important aspects of this drama was the FL’s mental health, especially her hallucinations coming to life (DID), and should've been emphasized more before the drama even started. After all, we realize that this isn’t a minor plot device, it’s in fact central to the story, the romance, and the overall.

I was honestly bummed this wasn’t clearer in the trailer, synopsis, or even the MDL tags. From the description alone, it’s easy to assume the “dual image” simply refers to an actress’s on-cam vs off-cam behavior.

Contrary to some complaints, I didn’t find the reveal abrupt, although the tonal shift in the second half is very evident. As early as ep 2, the hints began as inner voices and hallucinations, tied to past trauma, anxiety, and the pressure of popularity and public perception. Later on, when the FL accepted the alter ego's existence, it becomes clear that Do Ra Mi exists to carry emotions the FL couldn’t process on her own, and conceptually, this could've been one of the drama’s strongest plotlines.


⁂ The rom ....and the com?
The romance itself is a study in contradiction. This is not meant as a negative comment. It was quite entertaining to watch, even if it came with frustrations.

The ML is consistently gentle, thoughtful, and caring, yet also emotionally distant and cold when it comes to the female lead’s feelings. He clearly cares, sometimes too much, but he keeps drawing invisible lines. He’s painfully professional even when he clearly knows the FL’s feelings and is already being swayed himself. His words can be sharp, and he knows they are, yet he doesn’t soften them.

Their dynamic becomes a push and pulls of mutual concern and emotional misalignment. They banter, they communicate, they look after each other… and yet, they never quite speak the same emotional language for quite a while. His jealousy clashes with his emotional restraint, and while this does get addressed to an extent, I wish the drama explored his inner conflicts at least a bit deeply as it explored the FL’s.

What I thought this drama will be filled with was what it lacked: yearning and maybe angst. There was real potential for deeper yearning and angst, especially given the leads’ acting ability, but the drama least commits to it. Ironic how I felt the trailer had a lot stronger yearning than the entire drama. Emotions sometimes feel rushed or underdeveloped, making certain conflicts feel emotionally hollow rather than deep. I felt this especially when Do Ra Mi fully entered the story, I guess understandable because she exists because FL escapes the angst lol. I guess I should blame her for cutting the yearning short. The result is a romance that tells us it’s a painful scene without allowing us to actually feel that pain.

I'm more than okay that misunderstandings are resolved almost as soon as they are introduced, but there were moments that should've let the ache linger longer before the plot moves on. I only felt this after the "breakup" (because they weren't even together yet lol) before Do Ra Mi surfaced.


⁂ The attempt to add everything for every chance possible
I’m not entirely sure what direction the Hong sisters ultimately wanted to take with this drama. At times, it feels messy, not because of the ideas themselves, but because of how abruptly the story shifts tone and focus. One moment we’re grounded and reflective, the next we’re pulled into a comedy skit, then a psychological thriller, then something else entirely.

The alter ego’s goodbye, for instance, arrives with narrative importance but little emotional aftermath. Instead of sitting with the loss or allowing the FL to fully realize being her whole self again, the story quickly feeds us twists to add more problems to the ones barely even resolved.

By the final episodes, the drama introduces yet more twists that feel like they were always meant to matter, but never fully had the space to unfold. There were answers, yes, but also a sense that some mysteries were solved too late to resonate as deeply as they could have had. Maybe it would've been the better choice to leave certain things unanswered.


⁂ Final thoughts
One of the drama’s strongest ideas is stated outright by Mr. Kim, the ML's novelist friend and our second half cupid: everyone has their own personal language, and misinterpretation is inevitable when we assume others speak ours. This theme echoes throughout the series, not just between the leads, but also with the side characters' own stories, and even within the female lead herself.

Although I spoke a lot of what I saw were the cons, the drama isn’t without its strengths. The banter remains consistently charming. The dialogue occasionally lands with surprising emotional clarity, and there are conversations I still remember fondly: the aurora metaphor, the kitchen wordplay, and a few of the quiet moments that briefly captured what this drama could have been at its best.

At its core, this drama did touch on the themes I was looking for. While these ideas weren’t explored as deeply or as satisfyingly as I had hoped, there were moments where they still resonated. Moments where I paused and reflected. In the end, this is a drama I'll choose to remember closer to the feeling that its trailer promised than the story it ultimately told.

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Was it worth the hype ( one of 2026 most anticipated dramas)

Like many people, I had been waiting for this drama since it was announced. I’m a fan of Kim Seon-ho, and I’ve always enjoyed the Hong Sisters’ dramas—from their iconic early works like My Girlfriend Is a Gumiho to underrated ones such as The Master’s Sun and Hwayugi. Their most recent drama, Alchemy of Souls, was incredible, so naturally my expectations were high. I was also curious to see them try a different genre.

Story

I went into this drama expecting a rom-com, or at least something with more comedy, since the Hong Sisters are known for their hilarious moments. That wasn’t really the case here. While there were a few funny scenes, nothing stood out enough to be memorable. That was my first disappointment.

Although I enjoy melodramas, this one felt like the characters were constantly going in circles, especially in the dialogue. It’s hard to explain, but it felt like I understood what the writers were trying to do,yet it just wasn’t landing emotionally. Visually, everything was stunning: the cinematography, the actors, the atmosphere. However, it often felt like the drama was trying too hard to be “poetic,” without the story having the depth to fully support that tone.

Characters

The acting was undeniably strong. However, when it comes to Kim Seon-ho’s character, I was a bit disappointed. I usually love his roles, but here, aside from speaking multiple languages, there wasn’t much that made his character stand out. That said, he still did an excellent job with what he was given. ( he didn't have those charming vibes as usual)

As for Go Yoon-jung, she was fantastic. I haven’t seen much of her previous work, but this drama made me appreciate her more as an actress. Still, I think the writers wanted her character to be deeply touching, and for me, it didn’t quite work. I understood her trauma, but the way it was portrayed felt fragmented and underdeveloped. Personifying her mental struggles was a good idea, but it wasn’t taken far enough. Dramas like It’s Okay, That’s Love handled similar themes much more effectively. Here, it felt more like an attempt to create a “cool” character,somewhat reminiscent of Wednesday Addams,rather than offering a nuanced and impactful portrayal of her inner struggles.
Conclusion
Overall, I didn’t dislike this drama. It was an enjoyable watch and visually beautiful, but not particularly memorable. Slow-paced melodramas are difficult to execute well; this one was decent, but not groundbreaking. Honestly, I’m not sure I would have watched it if it weren’t for my interest in the actors.

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NOT EVERY ONES CUP OF TEA BUT GIVE A TRY YOURSELF.

"It's crucial to approach any series with an open mind, ready to embrace its chosen direction rather than imposing preconceived notions. When a show, like 'Can This Love Be Translated,' begins with an expectation of lightheartedness but evolves into something far more complex and profound, the true measure of its quality lies in how it navigates that shift. Instead of critiquing its divergence from initial assumptions, a more insightful review would explore how the narrative unfolds, how characters grapple with new depths, and whether the journey taken is compelling in its own right. This series, in fact, excels at this very transformation, rewarding viewers who stay to understand its richer, more nuanced emotional landscape.

'Can This Love Be Translated' is a beautifully crafted emotional rollercoaster, far exceeding typical rom-com expectations. It masterfully intertwines a burgeoning romance between a multilingual translator and an actress with themes of profound connection, understanding, and healing. Go Younjung delivers a tour-de-force as Cha Muhee, a character grappling with personality disorders, portraying her journey from free-spiritedness to vulnerability with breathtaking authenticity. Kim Seon Ho is equally compelling as Jo Ho Jin, the translator whose patient warmth becomes a healing balm, communicating volumes through subtle expressions. Their electric chemistry fuels a narrative of slow-burn tension, mutual support, and undeniable love, making their evolving relationship the series' most captivating element. While its deliberate pacing demands patience, the superb acting, stunning cinematography, and unforgettable OST culminate in a deeply meaningful and resonant viewing experience. Give it a try; it might actually be your cup of tea."

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What a masterpiece

So many actors coming together in a show is rare.
Solely watched it because of HOU MINGHAO and what a watch truly fell in love with it.

The story starts off strong, well paced and with all it’s twists and turns it keep us engaged.

The costumes, cinematography and music are much appreciated.

The short stories in between adds layers and depths in understanding of each character well.

Also the comic timing was perfect.

The growth of each one of them is worth watching. How Zhao and Zhuo became best friends from enemies, How Zhao wish he could be with the goddess but dares not to dream and try for a happy life.

All of them have great bond with each other and the way it transforms from just few ppl grouping up together to such meaningful relations was mesmerising and so genuine.

Just wish that they could have explored zhao and li lun story more, zhao past life could have been shown more.

And no it’s not a BL or GL.
NOT every relation is that of lovers..they could be soul mates, best friends, bros and sis…..loved how well they portrayed that!!

It’s gonna be a fun ride…i promise you will fall in love with them all and it will break your heart to say goodbye.

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Couldn't have been better

I'm not saying it lightly when I say that it couldn't have been better.


Some people might complain that it's overly cringy, but that just means they don't get the show.
Yes, Thee acts very cringe sometimes, but the writers knew exactly what they were doing and how to make it actually funny and not painful to watch.

I'm usually not a big fan of cringe shows, but Me and Thee proves that, if it is well written enough, a cringe show can actually be very good and funny.



I love how it shows two people from very different backgrounds and with very different personalities, but their connection feels so natural.
Sometimes when the main characters are very different, the connection can sometimes feel made and not natural, but not here.

We see that even though Peach doesn't like how Thee uses his money to do everything, but he still gets this warm and happy look on his face because he understands Thee and the deep affection behind his actions.

Even though Thee grew up very sheltered and doesn't understand Peach's world, he tries his best to understand Peach and find out what brings him joy.

These two characters manages to love each other so deeply and so naturally even though they are so different.



The characters love each other for their personalities and not just for their looks.
In a lot of romantic shows the love feels lustful and intense, but here the love is romantic and soft. Even when the characters display lust, they still show deep affection for the other person.



Rome and Mok's story shows two people who clearly love's each other and knows that the other person loves them back, but can't be with each other due to circumstances. This is a fairly common trope, but they do it without the extreme amounts of hurt that usually comes with it. None of them feel the need to hurt the other to push them away, they just say that it isn't possible without all of the extra shenanigans.



If you have read this far and still not watched Me and Thee, what are you doing??? Go watch it now and thank me later

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Don't watch if you don't like police being useless and corrupt

If you come to watch this because of Johnny Huang, it's fair to warn you that his screentime is actually quite limited. Eric Wang, the antagonist, has much more screentime (70 percent more than Johnny). And Eric Wang really sucks in this role. If I were to count how many hours we get to watch nothing but Eric Wang sitting in his chair and contemplating and munching his mouth (give the man some lip moisturizer ffs) I'd say 10 mins per episode. In a 30 episode drama, well, you can count how much that amounts to.

The beginning episodes are interesting and the first arc is watchable. We get a cop desperately committing suicide as a wake up call that the police aren't doing their job investigating murders and corruption occurring in the city of Hangzhou. (And to spoil: we don't really get any results from the police and they keep being corrupt and hampering investigation until the very last episode of the whole 30 episode run).

The Punishment was supposed to build on the tragedy of brothers turning on each other and becoming enemies. But actually we get only few immersive or touching moments. The most memorable moment is when Tianye makes the decision to not turn evidence to his brother Qin Feng (JH) but instead to use it to build a criminal enterprise of his own.

We get 3 arcs of different enemies and antagonists who Tianye outwits and removes from the chess board. A lot of what happens is the antagonists talking and fighting each other. As the police make zero progress in their investigations despite their huge sad sacrifices, the rich and corrupt money and power hungry criminals keep taking down each other. Tianye turns his village's livelihood and enterprise into a crime syndicate. But somehow Qin Feng seems pretty blind all of this (something that didn't go down well with me at all).

The Punishment is like a poor man's watered down version of the Knockout. There are many similarities (too many to mention) put pls watch The Knockout instead because it really is a masterpiece. The criminals in The Knockout are interesting characters, whereas in The Punishment they are just one dimensionally disgusting mostly (and we get to spend a lot of time with them).

What I liked most in the drama was Zhang Tong as Mai. An unwavering ex-cop who never really let's go of investigating the crimes that went unpunishned, without even being on the payroll. If you want to watch a better role from Johnny, I'd recommend Lost Identity. It's so much more suspense filled and serious. 6.5

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Why are these episodes a little masterpiece?

The originality of the concept. Abandoning the "kumiho dreams of becoming human" template is a stroke of genius. Yeon‑ho does not crave humanity, but she is forced to find it, and this creates a unique conflict.

The chemistry of the actors. Kim Hye Yoon and Lomon are the perfect duo. Their interactions are full of energy: from snarky exchanges to moments of vulnerability.

The balance of genres. Fantasy, romance, comedy and drama are intertwined so harmoniously that not a single element outweighs it.

Attention to detail. From Yong‑ho's costumes to the symbols of the amulets, every element works for the atmosphere.

An intrigue without spoilers. The plot gives hints, but does not reveal all the cards, forcing you to guess.: what will happen next to the fate of the heroes?
The first two episodes of "No Tail To Tell" are a celebration for fans of high—quality fantasy. It has everything: charismatic characters, witty dialogues, a beautiful picture and a deep thought about what it means to be human. The drama doesn't just entertain — it makes you think, laugh and worry.

Final assessment: 10/10. An absolute hit that is worth watching for anyone who appreciates a creative approach to mythology and sparkling humor. Don't miss it!

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Review: No Tail to Tell (Episodes 1-2) A Sassy Start With Heart on the Horizon

If there's one takeaway from the first two episodes, it’s this: Kim Hye-yoon is a comedic force of nature. As a defiant, MZ gumiho, her character veers away from the traditional "mystical predator" trope to something far more refreshing and chaotic.
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In the first two episodes, she carries the show with a nice blend of sassiness and quirkiness. I find her gumiho portrayal a breath of fresh air and somewhat relatable especially when she's using her powers to navigate small inconveniences, her "IDGAF" energy is hilarious!

• ​Her comedic timing is sharp, making her character’s arrogance feel more like a charming personality flaw than a villainous trait.
• ​Her character seems perfectly content being a bit of a menace, which makes for some of the funniest sequences in the drama so far.
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Expectations:
​While the first two episodes are heavy on the laughs, I really feel that Kim Hyeyoon is just getting started. She has a unique ability to peel back the layers of even the most abrasive characters to reveal a vulnerable core (think Kang Yeseo of Sky Castle).

Right now, we are enjoying the firecracker personality, but I believe (or am hoping) the seeds of a deeper story are being planted. I’m fully expecting that as the series progresses, Hyeyoon will inevitably bridge the gap between her character’s prickly exterior and the viewer’s heart. Her "flaws"—the selfishness, the defiance, the ego—will likely become the very things that make her eventual growth so moving.
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In conclusion, the first two episodes are a high-energy introduction that proves Hyeyoon can lead a rom-com with her eyes closed. However, I am really excited for that moment she makes us cry just as hard as she’s currently making us laugh.

Note: It seems most of the mixed reviews/criticisms are currently geared towards the CGI and directing but I honestly am not that bothered by it so far so I have no comments on those aspects.

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Bad pacing......... over hyped....... unbelievable characters

I belong to those minority group that did not like " The first frost "....... let me explain why :

1. the biggest show stoper for me was the FL..... many might criticize me but hear me out..... the fl faced may hardship in her life, but some of them could have been avoided if she had just faced them.... every time a problem occurred the first thing she did was run away.... most of the time I was frustrated because she never speaks out her problem, the show just shows that she is so miserable she cant say any thing..... there was so much build up up to episode 19 were the leads were finally able to behave like couple but then suddenly her uncle came back and started blackmailing her..... she initially showed some spine by warning them to not interfere with her life but then in the next episode she runs away without saying any thing to any one, even the ml...... so what was the point of everything..... the ml was miserable for those 6 months and she was trying to forget everything and move on in her life.... the show only focusses on portraying the fl as weak and miserable where as they should have also shown how she fought back her misery...... she was basically sheltered by the ml........ in her previous work place where her boss misbehaved her and the wife of boss slandered the fl, the fl was just standing still there listening to all the accusations without replaying any thing.....

2. the ML in a nutshell : a guy who helped fl endlessly but the fl dumped him ( with the excuse if she goes some where far away then her problems might stop ), after he got dumped by the fl he remained single for 8 years, after meeting the fl again after 8 years he again supported her but then got dumped again searched for fl for 6 months again....... this kind of person even for a story is unbelievable.... the ml was there in the show just to help the fl....

3. the pacing : the show has pacing issue but i watched the first 16 episodes at 1.5x speed.... the cinematography, music were great, but the show focused too much on the hardship of the fl rather than her fighting her problems.....

4. the chemistry : for me the chemistry between the ml and the fl was ok.... they had their sweet moments in some episodes which i felt wasn't enough ( especially if you are marketing the show saying romance genre)

It was just my personal opinion regarding the show.

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From Desert Isle to Center Stage

Castaway Diva follows Seo Mok Ha, a girl who dreams of becoming a singer. The story begins in Mok Ha’s high school days, where she endures abuse from her father. During this time, Mok-ha meets Ki Ho, a boy who is also suffering at the hands of an abusive parent. They form a bond and decide to run away together from their troubled home lives.

However, Mok-ha’s journey takes a wild turn when she becomes stranded on a deserted island for 15 years. After a decade and a half, she is eventually rescued and returns to modern society, which sets the stage for her eventual pursuit of stardom.

What initially sounds like a classic tale of struggle and triumph is complicated by unexpected shifts in focus. Instead of keeping the story centered on Mok-ha’s rise to fame, Castaway Diva devotes a substantial amount of time to Ki-ho’s backstory and family issues. Mok-ha was supposed to be the main focus, but much of the narrative energy gets sidetracked.

Seo Mok-ha (Park Eun-bin) – Mok Ha is a resilient and sympathetic protagonist. She dreams of becoming an idol and remains kind-hearted despite the abuse she suffers. Park Eun Bn gives a strong performance, capturing Mok-ha’s vulnerability during her time on the island and her determination to fulfill her dreams.

Kang Bo Geol (Chae Jong-hyeop) – He is producer. His character is charming (Chae Jong-hyeop’s “puppy-face” acting helps) but his storyline turns out to be very heavy on melodrama. This means that Bo Geol storyline often overshadows Mok Ha’s own narrative. In some ways, Bo Geol struggles generate curiosity but they also distract from the main plot.

Yoon Ran-joo (Kim Hyo-jin) – Ran Joo is a top K-pop star whom Mok Ha admires. She has her own comeback storyline, the drama portrays her with nuance. Ran-joo is neither purely good nor bad but also human and fallible. I liked that her character had depth; for example, she shows doubt and also stands up for herself when needed.

The romance between Mok Ha and Bo Geol exists, but it is very understated. There is definitely chemistry between the two leads their friendship and feelings from childhood are still there but the show does not always give this relationship plenty of breathing room.

Much of their connection is based on what happened when they were kids. As adults they have a gentle lingering affection for each other but there are not many grand romantic moments as one might expect. In other words the romantic aspect feels more like a gentle undercurrent than a main focus.

Where the series really shines is the music. Mok Ha’s singing performances and the original songs in the soundtrack are enjoyable highlights. There is at least one song she sings that I found especially catchy and uplifting. While the score is not revolutionary it fits the mood well.

The show benefits greatly from its cast Park Eun bin as Mok Ha and Kim Hyo jin as Ran Joo deliver performances that keep you engaged. Many of the series best scenes involve Mok Ha’s determination and the heartfelt interactions between characters.

However I could not help but feel that the story sometimes lost its way. Too many episodes were devoted to side plots especially Bo Geol’s family drama at the expense of Mok Ha’s own storyline.

Because of that the narrative never quite delivers the purely inspirational idol story that one might have expected. Instead it leans heavily into melodrama.

So who might enjoy Castaway Diva If you are looking for a heartfelt melodrama with a female lead this show can be rewarding. It is particularly appealing if you like emotional backstories and a bit of idol life mixed together.

On the other hand if you were hoping for a straightforward female centric story about achieving pop stardom you might feel a bit underwhelmed.
All in all Castaway Diva was a decent watch with its share of highs and lows.

It was not an amazing series but it was not terrible either. The premise and performances are definitely interesting even if the execution is not always focused. If the idea of a young girl overcoming hardship to follow her dreams sounds appealing and you do not mind a plot that wanders through extra subplots you will likely find something to like here.

7.2/10

Thank you for reading my review:D

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A masterful blending of fiction and history during the late Qing dynasty

"Legend of the Magnate" (大生意人) is the last drama that I completed in 2025  (December 27) and it wrapped up the year pretty well for me.

The story is set during the late Qing dynasty, a time fraught with internal conflicts and pressures from foreign powers. It focuses on Gu Ping Yuan, a bright young scholar whose life is turned upside down when he is falsely accused of wrongdoing in the imperial civil service exam. This leads to his exile in Ning Gu Ta, a cold town in the frontiers of the Qing empire. He works his way up and after 5 years, he meets Li Qin, son of the rich businessman Li Wan Tang, who comes from the capital for a business deal. Soon after, Gu Ping Yuan escapes from Ning Gu Ta with the help of Chang Si Ye, Chang Yu Er and their horse caravan. As he readjusts to life outside and begins engaging in business, he meets many people such as a Mongol Prince, the heads of the rich families in Shan Xi and General Li Cheng, to name a few. He also reunites with his family and encounters challenging situations that test his resilience, business acumen and abilities.

STORY / PLOT 📚:

The story creatively intertwines fiction with the historical events in China at that time. It shows the growth of Gu Ping Yuan, from an exiled former scholar to a fast learner of business and politics with a heart to help the country, in the context of the late Qing dynasty where foreign powers had started to pressure the government into business deals with them. It also shows how politics and business affected and influenced each other. In the latter part of the drama, I like that the story shows the interactions and negotiations between Qing representatives and the Westerners.

The drama moves at a steady pace for the most part and one arc moves smoothly to the next one.  However, I feel that they tried to pack too many stuff into the last few episodes, thus the happenings feel a bit rushed. Despite this, the show wraps up the ending quite well.

I like how Gu Ping Yuan was able to overcome challenges despite many trials, as things did not always go smoothly for him ~ from pawnshops and banks, growing Huizhou's tea industry, helping the people of Nantong get lower grain prices, and to fighting against foreign acquisition of the crucial salt trade.  But he did not win alone as there were people who helped him along the way and he knows it.

Another thing that I really appreciate is how the drama team showed the change in Gu Ping Yuan and Bai Yi Mei's relationship. They did not use a convenient plot device such as killing off her character before Gu Ping Yuan returns to Shanjian village. Instead, they showed how she grows and unexpectedly finds her own love in Li Cheng, one of the generals in the southern rebellion. They did a good job in developing that subplot and connecting it to the overall story 👍.

As for Gu Ping Yuan's search for his missing father, it had been part of his quest in the story, and when it finally unraveled, I have mixed feelings on how it got resolved. Still, I think the drama team made the best out of it.

ACTING / CAST 🎭:

Chen Xiao was able to show the different sides of Gu Ping Yuan quite well - smart scholar, savvy businessman, loyal friend, devoted person and unwavering patriot. He nailed his expressions and mannerisms. He was able to inject humor in scenes where it's needed, e.g., with his brother Gu Ping Wen. I can't think of another actor as Gu Ping Yuan 💫.

The team made the right choice in casting Sun Qian as Chang Yu Er. She was able to show the different sides of Chang Yu Er ~ brave, straightforward, loyal and a great fighter, yet she has her vulnerable moments. She has rescued Gu Ping Yuan more than once. They complement each other.

Li Cheng is my favorite character in this drama! He does not appear in many episodes but he plays an important part in the overall story. Zhu Ya Wen convincingly portrayed the principled, stoic and yet warm-hearted general, who's had his fair share of hardships and is fighting injustice. He brought Li Cheng to life 👏. He's now one of the actors that I'm following. 

Julia Xiang did a great job as Bai Yi Mei! This role effectively shows her range as an actress. She was able to portray the timid and smart young woman who, after unexpectedly finding the man she wants to be with for the rest of her life, made a brave decision to pursue this love despite the consequences. Her growth to become the strong wife of a general is truly believable and her character development is very solid 👍.

Luo Yi Zhou is righty cast as Li Qin, who is the heir of the wealthy merchant Li Wan Tang. He was able to show Li Qin's wits and his carefree, somewhat naive and competitive personality. He and Gu Ping Yuan are friends but also competitors. In the latter part, he was overcome by his anger and grief that led him to make impulsive choices. I got annoyed with him so I would say his acting was effective.

Su Zi Xuan is an astute woman with ample money, many connections and her own agenda. She's behind the scenes of many happenings and she's a gray character, because at times, you're not sure where she really stands. Li Chun fits the role, and her portrayal is good, though I wouldn't say it's exceptional.

The other cast members gave good performances and added to the positive watch experience.

OTHER THOUGHTS 🔮:

• Though romance is not the main theme of this drama, it's worth mentioning the love story of the two main couples. The romance between Gu Ping Yuan and Chang Yu Er grows over time and through many trials. It is the kind that is comfortable, reliable and a great partnership. They have good chemistry in that sense but I don't feel their fiery passion. On the other hand, the love between Li Cheng and Bai Yi Mei develops in a shorter time and also in difficult situations, but it is more passionate (you can feel it in their embrace, conversations and interactions, and the looks they give each other), heart-touching and unforgettable (刻骨铭心) ❤️. Although they don't appear in many episodes, their story line is significant.

• The location shoots and cinematography are excellent, especially scenes in Ning Gu Ta, the Mongolian plains and the tea plantations in Huizhou.

• I like the soundtrack and my favorite is the  theme song "Wan Liang" (万两) , literally "Ten Thousand Taels", sung by Liu Yu Ning! It's upbeat and has rock elements.

FINAL VERDICT ⭐️:  If you like a business-themed drama that blends fiction and history, with good story-telling, interesting characters and a dash of politics and romance, then I would definitely recommend this. I enjoyed it and it's a great drama to wrap up my 2025!

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Great sequel

I couldn't stay away for very long from season 2, because the season 1 ending was too good!

I very much prefer shorter dramas when action is packed because you get gems like these. As others have been saying, Seo Bi was the savior here, loved to see how people could be cured although the ending... Also, I have to say I didn't like Chang's choice in the end but hopefully we'll get a third season. There are so many questions left unanswered, they have to get back to it!

Great acting, OST. My rewatch value is a bit lower because of the ending but overall, it's an amazing watch. Screenwriters, Netflix, please, don't abandon this. It deserves an ending!

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Disappointing more damp squib than Dynamite Kiss

I just finished this yesterday and boy was it a struggle. I had never seen either FL or ML in anything before - I found the ML's acting quite good and believable.. The FL may be a good actress but the character /direction wasn't great: hard for me to believe a 30 year old still sitting civil service exams for 5 years in any country... Found her quite self-centred in the first episode and after the 'dynamite kiss' (which really wasn't passionate at all even by K-drama standards) felt that the ML was totally more into her than she was ever into him (ready to sell that blue dress at the end for example). So difficult to believe in the romance.. Felt really sorry for the SFL who got a rough deal and the SML really wasn't playing fair.. Loved the Mother's working group and most of the cast were pretty good actors but the storyline which was completely chock-a-block with all the k-drama cliches let them down. Really didn't like the 'group dance' at the end and actually felt that the FL and ML dancing together showed how little chemistry there was between them.. Relative newbie to k-dramas and j-dramas but perhaps I've been spoilt by the FL/ML leads chemistry in 'My Demon' and 'Destined with you'. The poor working class heroine and the son of chaebol scenario was more wittily handled in "Business Proposal" which also had fewer episodes.

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