Reviews

The ML Character Feels So Dragged Down

So… I’ve decided to officially drop this one. This was actually my first Cheng Yi drama, and I did plan to check out more of his works if ever I don’t have homework or when I’ve got nothing else to watch. But being honest here—ever since he mistook Liu Sui Feng (power gang member) as Feng Liu (the original Lucky Pocket), I just couldn’t take it seriously anymore. Like, how can he be the writer of the story but can’t even recognize the characters? Still, I tried to hold on, thinking, “Well, he’s a transmigrator, of course there will be problems.” I don’t hate Xiao Qiu Shui, but after watching up to episode 19, it feels like the writer kept dragging his character down unnecessarily. I do understand the brothers, since their parents died, but putting all the blame on Xiao Qiu Shui was so frustrating. Honestly, I just wanted him to sit them down and talk like a modern person.

Then there’s Xiao Ming Ming (the transmigrator). At first, I thought his modern personality would shine through, but as the story went on, he didn’t feel like a modern person at all—more like his soul just fully adapted to this world. And when he got the sword (I forgot the name), I couldn’t help but think: if it were me, I’d just go back to the modern world and re-write the novel since he’s the author anyway, rather than staying and losing my real identity. Maybe that’s selfish, but watching it just stressed me out more than it should. Also, I still haven’t figured out who’s supposed to be his romance partner—if there even is one.

Lastly, the biggest reason I’m dropping it is just practical: I’ve got a lot of schoolwork, and if I’m being honest, I’d rather spend that time on other shows. I might rewatch this one someday if I hear it gets better, but for now, it’s not for me. On a positive note, the characters that grabbed most of my attention were Liu Sui Feng and Song Ming Zhu (she actually reminds me a little of Fu Ling).

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Lovely for what it was

Not the most riveting series, but still quite lovely.

Acting:

Pretty good stuff all around. I think the story called for a lot os subtlety from the actors and they did a good job executing that.

Writing:

For what it is, it’s well written. That being said, personally, I need a little more conflict, drama, passion, etc. from my entertainment. But it was a very specific and interesting plot overall. The years apart followed by the makeup was done very quickly and I think it would have been better the show more.

Chemistry/Romance/Kissing:

Decent chemistry within the bounds of the story. They went the soft, subtle, romantic direction and they worked well that way. This was a solid romance story. The kissing was mostly great from everyone.

Music/SFX:

Pretty darn good stuff. Fit the vibes and all that. SFX were solid.

My attention span is awful so I did need to pause a lot to go read or watch something else so I could get back into the story. But it was a pretty good show regardless.

Now, for some highlights from my notes:

- They didn’t start referring to the Great War as the First World War til around 1939, tho
- Thee is a sweetie what a guy
- Brb, gotta go read up on Siam-French relations in the late 1800s to the early 1900s
- So, not great…
- FOOOORD FORD IN THE HOUSE
- Just in, Great and Inn will not be continuing as an acting duo as of 9/19, weird timing
- Damn societal norms and pressures
- An almost cheek touch??? Ya’ll are WILD
- Have to keep taking breaks because ADHD, my attention span is shit during shows like this
- Baby is CONFLICTED
- AHHHHH they KISSEDDD in the water under the moonlighhttttt
- Oh dear, here comes trouble in a teal skirt
- But granny, I love him
- Ayyye reciprocationnn
- Things aren’t looking great out here
- *Think of me, think of me fondly when we've said goodbye. Remember me, once in a while. Please promise me you'll try. When you find that once again you long to take your heart back and be free. If you ever find a moment. Spare a thought for me*

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Elevator boy on a rampage

I really liked this drama for around 20 episodes - or more? All the characters are well played and the plot wasn't super fast-paced, but engaging, set up well. Characters were well rounded and believable. Plot was coming along nicely.
And then the ML transformed into a creepy dude who doesn't care if the FL wants him or not, kisses her without consent, grabs her by the throat multiple times, forces her onto a bed and: she starts catching feelings for him around that time.
Under the guise that "she was misunderstanding his intentions the whole time and now that she knows spoilery stuff about him, she isn't afraid of him anymore and realizes what a great guy he is". Except that he just demonstrated he isn't. He forced a kiss, he didn't stop, he strangled her.

Sure, there should be multifaceted, grey characters, bad guys in a story. This is the ML and this story is set up in a way that shows "hey, just be forceful and persistent and the girl will be yours" and I freakin cannot stand it.
She tells him off after they spent the night together, he asks her to marry him, she needs to think about it and he acts like a four year old who didn't get to keep his favorite toy. But that is the extent of it - after that she's back to liking him.

There's imo nothing steamy about their interactions, because they are all forced - from kiss one onwards. I despise this kind of narrative. I don't even want to give it one point, if it wasn't for all the stuff that they did great on before that.

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toxic ties, powerful message

this drama is not just an ordinary story about friendship, but a deep and realistic exploration of toxic relationships that can destroy lives. and although its pacing may be uneven, it’s definitely worth watching for its characters.
surprisingly, i found it difficult to empathize with the main character, eung-jung, because she essentially allowed sang-yeon to ruin her life — though i do understand how hard it is to escape such toxic bonds.
on the other hand, sang-yeon was fascinating to me from my favorite analytical perspective. she is the true “red flag,” someone who destroys her own life rather than becoming a victim of circumstances, as is so often the case in dramas.
i think this drama became special to me because it reminds us that we are the ones who ultimately choose what kind of life we live.
it’s a story that painfully, yet honestly, shows: while we cannot choose our traumas, we can always choose whether or not we allow them to destroy us.

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John Kim

I'm sooo biased. I can't even lie. This drama had me sucked in by all the eye candy, especially John Kim. Had dreams of that man. Everyone is so attractive, even the enemies. Watching this was a feast for the eyes, especially the scenes where the Main Leads' chemistry was super present. This was such an adult drama, and I loved it.

I loved how the weight loss was gradual and not for revenge. John Kim is so sweet, we all want a man like him This was such a wholesome and great drama, aside from ya know... . you'll see. It has its moments that make you esp angry towards the ' bad characters '.

The little group they form is like their own family, and they're all cute too, and really funny. I enjoyed the side characters' romance journeys too. And while others say this story is all over the place, while I agree that it does not focus on John Kim, but it's still a fantastic watch.

Totally worth the time spent watching this, and I've watched it at least twice now, maybe more in the future. Hhh, I love them.

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I looked at something that can't be explained.

In my opinion,
This drama is a bit disappointing, even though I gave it a 9.
Personally, I only liked the story concept and the semi-main antagonist
namely O Gwi, I expected the story to make more sense towards the end (but it didn't)
I don't even know who is what zodiac sign he is besides: tiger, pig and horse, I'm not even talking about dragon because at first I didn't even know it was Mi Reu
CGI, it was just weird, especially in the fight scenes
In my opinion, for O Gwi to be a better written character, he should have been the evil final boss i dont know
The writer didn't even bother to give the story any meaning
And why did he leave O Gwi's body dead at the end, right where the hell hole was sealed, why didn't they take him out of there.
MI Reu (the dragon) didn't do anything, it seems to me that she was paid just to be kidnapped
I thought she would be a person with a more evil purpose but I was wrong
I don't even know why the guy lived, I mean what exactly he wanted to do, conquer the world or destroy it, it didn't make sense
Not even the old woman! no offense

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9-11 premiere symbolic date yu menglong fall event on same date coincidence

First , except Cheng Yi other actors are very ordinary, they dont look like actors. But, all actors act good. Cheng Yi has extraordinary good martial arts skills here, difficult choreography , but he does it great! so skilled!

rest i will know after i see entire drama

MUSIC is too loud!!!!! sometimes, voices of actors are not heard, because music is too loud! that is huuuuge huge lack of drama, and who ever added music, shouldnt work in fim industry anymore, he destroyed sound completely!!!! that person has no capability for music, no talent no ear!

and also I didnt liked date of release drama. it was 9/11. If they waited few years to release drama, why choosing so bad date when 3000 people are killed in america in twin towers ?
and in morning of day of premiere, as you know, actor yu menglong was murdered, and there is entire drama around that among citisens in china......... it was bad date for release drama.....

they could, maybe change date of premiere of this drama, its very unconfortable to enjoj and be happy because of this drama, when we know that film industry doeesnt even care and is behind murder of another actor.

so what we to expect , what happened to yu menglong can happen to any other actor and police can cover murderer and refuse to investigate it while there is so many proofs and videos, like on twiter, ........., so it gives me a bit bad feeling....

seeing actors from this drama being too happy, while their coulege actor being brutaly tortured and murdered, and police refusing to investigate, skary!

no one of them from this drama mentions their coulege yu menglong, killed on same date when this drama was premiered that is a bit inapropriate......

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Cinematically Wonderful But .....

Pretty quickly, however, we realize that this story is stilted and becomes astonishingly boring. I mean REALLY boring. Frankly, it is bland and exceedingly predicable; one could easily write the next dialogue long before it was going to happen. That is how predictable and trite this narrative unfolded. Nothing and I mean nothing surprised me. I almost fell asleep watching this series. With few exceptions, almost everyone is wooden, ostensibly and unfortunately, also cliché. This is a cinematic triumph. The cinematography transports you back to the early 20th century indeed. The costumes were some of the finest I have ever seen and are presented in exceptional detail. The sets were wonderfully detailed, and we were transported to a different era. It is so unfortunate that the action in the story did not match everything else. I kept waiting for something to happen and nothing ever did. Even the kissing scenes and love scenes were muted and sanitized and almost presented like two schoolboys on a camping trip. Certain aspects were not serious in nature. It was indeed so soft that if forgot to do something to my heart. Watching paint dry would have been more emotionally satisfying. Even the secondary couple, while better in terms of emotional fulfilment, was only slightly more engaging in relatability and depth. Neither couple honestly made my heart pitter-patter in any way, shape, or form. This series was flatly dull from an emotional fulfillment.

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My Sept 2025 recommendation

Long time wonder about this. Finally I watched this, tx to 𝑯𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒊𝒏 amd Recommendation Challenge

Let's start our review…

The story revolves around Park Soo Ha (SH), Jang Hye Sung (HS) and Min Joon Kook (MJK).

The story begins with a tragic car accident involving SH and his father. But this wasn't just any accident; it was caused by MJK. Not only did MJK cause the crash, he personally killed SH’s father to make sure he was dead. Worst of all, young SH witnessed the murder. Because of the accident, SH also gained the ability to hear people’s thoughts.

By fate—or luck—the accident was witnessed by HS and her friend, Seo Do-yeon (DY). When the trial came, HS came forward as a key witness. Her testimony was decisive—MJK was convicted and sent to prison. Before disappearing behind bars, however, MJK swore to make HS pay for her testimony..

And just like that, the fates of SH, HS, and MJK became deeply entangled. With MJK vowing to get even, and SH silently determined to protect the woman who once saved him.

Fast-forward ten years. SH is now a high school student, living a quiet life—though he’s long lost contact with HS. One day, he comes across a newspaper article announcing HS’s appointment as a public defender.

Overjoyed, he rushes to meet her—only to discover that HS is nothing like he remembered. The brave, courageous girl he remembered has transformed into a sharp-tongued, blunt, and cynical woman. She’s self-centered, indifferent, and has lost faith in justice itself.

Slowly, however, HS begins to change—thanks to SH’s quiet support and her colleague, Cha Kwan Woo (KW). SH’s secret ability also often helps her with cases, reigniting her sense of purpose.

But chaos strikes when MJK is finally released from prison. He returns with one goal: to make HS pay, while SH positions himself as her protector. As they face danger together, the bond between SH and HS deepens.

For SH, his childhood admiration blossoms into romantic love. At first, HS doesn’t see him that way; to her, he’s just a bright-eyed kid who suddenly appeared in her life. But when SH mysteriously disappears—and later returns—something shifts inside her too. Her feelings begin to change.

Yet, while emotions grow between them, MJK’s threat lingers in the background. What will be the end of their intertwined story? And most importantly: what was MJK’s true reason for killing SH’s father in the first place?

That's pretty much the story without giving the spoiler. Now what I like and don't.

What I like:
+ The great chemistry between all the cast
+ KW is a great 2nd lead. We can see how frustrated he is when his love unreciprocated he still chooses to help.
+ Good side & bad side of human life. Like KW said: “The difference between SH & KW is just SH has someone by his side, while KW has none. If KW has someone that stands by his side from the first, maybe it can all have a different ending.”

What I don't too like:
- For me, even though I like the growing relationship between SH & HS, somehow I still prefer HS with KW.

Overall this is a really good drama to watch.

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Bored ? next ⏭️

I watched Lotus flower, that’s how I got to know of Chengyi
I loved him and the other guys in that show and that’s prolly the reason why I decided to give this show a chance
Usually I’m not even a fan of transmigration tropes( an author transmigrating into his own novel) because anything that happens for me ain’t significant because I always have it at the back of my mind that the protagonist doesn’t in fact belong to that world.
Anyhow, by ep 2 I kinda accepted it for what it is.
But oh boy I was bored 🥱
Told myself to be patient
I felt like the chemistry between the characters was not convincing, starting with Chengyi and his mom, and his “lucky bag”
Dropping it at 10 ep, better now than later

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Divided by kingdoms, united by hearts.

A historical love story of two princes-turned-kings and how they continue to love each other despite their complicated title as rulers. Both of their background stories were saddening; Shu He lost his mother, and Zi Ang lost his entire clan except for his brother. A few years later, they meet each other, and the beginning of lies and deceptions. I love the chemistry and build-up of their characters in every single EPs.

I just wish to see more martial arts scenes without the basic sword fights. Yet, I fully understand that they are more focused on the story rather than the fight scenes. The crown prince's role is too hateful, especially when he is the reason why the sixth prince's fingers were badly injured and stopped him from playing the arts anymore. Politics can corrupt one’s mind and turn their roots to evil.

The way I was flabbergasted by their first kiss in the middle of arguing was too memorable. No more China’s bromance and BL-censorship, we win. EP08 was probably one of my favorite endings from the show. The time when they realized that their royal status was a hindrance to their relationship and decided to let go.

Eventually, both of them became ruler of their respective nations. This is the most exciting yet traumatizing part. The show’s title, “Kill to Love,” is extremely presented when Zi Ang annihilated Shu He’s kingdom, then holding him like a caged bird. His obsession with being reunited with Shu He is the only thing that matters to him the most. Building a replica of the sixth prince’s residences was actually so romantic.

At the end, Xiao Shu He chose to die, with Duan Zi Ang embracing him and then following him to the afterlife eventually. A tragic ending, yet a very reasonable one for such a complex love story. Both of them died at the end, but at least they were finally able to rest peacefully from the chaotic world of power and desires.

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