Reviews

I LOVE Hill and Easter and HATED Johan and North

I might have a different opinion from the comments here, but I LOOOOVE Hill and Easter's relationship. Maybe I'm just a sucker for exes to lovers, except Hill and Easter are like ex situationship to lovers. I love that Easter claims he "hates" Hill, but it always shows how he's weak and easily swayed by Hill when he just says "please" or makes a sad puppy face, which subtly shows the kind of relationship only 2 people who used to be close, have.

Easter claiming and saying to North that Hill "probably doesn't like him" or "likes his sister" but can't stop himself from giggling and swooning everytime Hill does something sweet and romantic implies that he doesn't want to expect things. It's understandable that he will initially doubt Hill's intention when his relationship with him in the past was really unclear and ended up with Hill suddenly disappearing. (which is obvs not by choice)

I love that Hill doesn't hesitate to assure him though, because being secure in a relationship doesn't happen immediately. It just grows over time.

Hill's actor is so good at making "yearning" eyes, that even I melt from his gaze. Easter's expressions are so hilarious to watch, and his relationship with North made my stomach hurt from laughing too much.

I'm gonna be honest, I really tried to enjoy Johan and North's story but I really can't. There's clearly a money related power dynamics going on between them and it makes me uncomfortable. I can tolerate the debt because that's obviously North's fault, but I feel pissed when Johan was restricting North's means to pay his debt by buying the place where North is working just because he's jealous of North's boss, then making him quit work (this is about the cafe, not the bar obviously).

I didn't like how their story was written and how it was making North dependent on Johan, until North gave in. Atleast North's assertive when he "realized" he likes Johan, which isn't really enough to make their relationship balanced.

I enjoyed North a lot, but I didn't like Johan.

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Zero Logic, 100% Feral Chemistry

Affinity (2026) is the batshit crazy gateway drug to short dramas i didn't know i needed!

Watching this drama felt like trying to explain a fever dream to a therapist who eventually just gives up and starts asking for spoilers; or to put it another way - it’s like describing a fever dream to someone who just nods, grabs popcorn, and joins in. One sip of its liquid chaos, and you're hooked—asking for the full bottle .

If you have told me a week ago that I’d be binging a Chinese short drama, I would have laughed in your face. I thought they were too much and not my cup of tea. I thought i was too sophisticated for 19-minute bursts of adrenaline and questionable CGI.
But I was wrong. Affinity isn't just a cup of tea; it’s a double shot of espresso mixed with pure, unadulterated chaos .

➤ THE "SO BAD IT'S ACTUALLY GOOD" VIBE ⋆✴︎˚｡⋆
Let’s be real: the dialogues are cheesy enough to clog your arteries. The script sounds like it was written by a sentient AI that was fed nothing but romance novels and Resident Evil lore. The plot moves at a speed that ignores the laws of physics and logic but the leads have a "genetic compatibility" so high it should come with a radiation warning. One second you’re watching a genetic mystery, the next there’s a standoff that feels like a fever dream, and suddenly we’re hitting the "Esper-guide trope" (manhwa readers know this trope very well) where the leads literally can’t breathe without each other.
It is ridiculously crazy. It’s the kind of show where you find yourself yelling at the screen, "What the hell? What's with the plot? Don't do that? STAWP that's embarrassing!" while immediately clicking 'Next Episode' because the chemistry is somehow against all odds—absolutely electric .

I have reached a point of no return. I’m sitting here, watching a man stare intensely at a woman because their "genetic compatibility" is off the charts, and I’m nodding like, "Yes, this makes perfect sense, he should definitely kidnap her for her own safety." My brain cells are actively packing their bags and leaving, but my heart is doing backflips every time the Male Lead looks like he’s about to either commit a felony or give a hug .
Its actually embarrassing but you will devour it . You will feel like a raccoon in a dumpster—You know this is trash, yet you would feel it’s the most delicious, five-star Michelin trash you’ve tasted in a while.

➤ WHY IT HOOKS ( Logic Be Damned ) ⋆✴︎˚｡⋆
1. Leads Chemistry :- The chemistry isn't just 'feral'; it’s a biological hazard boosted by killer English OST tracks that turn scenes molten . Every time they share a frame, the air tension is thick enough to stop a bullet .

2. The "I Need You To Survive" trope lol

3. Short, fast-paced episodes :- Unlike traditional 40-episode dramas that drag for years, Affinity gives you the "good stuff" every 15 minutes. It’s all "Main Plot," all the time.

4. The Unhinged ML: The male lead is a walking red flag factory . Misunderstood edge makes him addictive .

5. The Zero-Shame Energy: The show knows it's ridiculous. It leans into the drama with 100% commitment. It’s high-stakes, high-tension, and high-cringe in the most delightful way possible.

➤ DISLIKES ⋆✴︎˚｡⋆
Jarring Tone Shifts: The drama occasionally suffers from "emotional whiplash," jumping from a dark, life-or-death survival scene to a lighthearted, almost slapstick comedy beat within minutes.


➤ OVERALL ─ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─
If you’ve never tried a short drama because you thought they were "too much" like me, let Affinity prove you right—and then let it ruin your sleep schedule anyway. It’s ridiculous, it’s over-the-top, and It’s the kind of high-quality madness that makes you question your own standards while you’re busy hitting "Next Episode" with a manic grin on your face .
- DO NOT ask me if the plot makes sense - It doesn’t. I’ve stopped looking for logic and started living for the chaos.
- DO NOT ask me to stop - I can’t. I've become a total short-drama binge watcher overnight lol .

There are plenty of "forced kisses" and high-tension skinship, so if that’s a deal-breaker for you, consider this your warning to stay away. But for those who stay? My god. The chemistry is absolutely feral and kiss scenes are so WILD that I’m genuinely questioning how Chinese censorship let this pass without cutting it to shreds?? I don't know who was in charge of the censorship board the day they reviewed this, but I want to buy that person a drink for looking the other way🍸👀.

Spoiler Alert (EPISODE 7): What's with that train kiss scene?! When she’s slowly crawling away and he’s just hovering over her, following her move for move... and the background music?? You will absolutely scream and be like WHAT IN THE WORLD??? It is so crazy and visually insane that you will definitely rewatch that specific scene more than once—I just know it hahahha! And the way he picks her up with just one hand all the time as if she weighs nothing? It’s dark-romance-coded perfection that makes you question your own standards .
and in (EPISODE - 10 ) again he literally threw her on bed with just one hand . That was kinda umm😭 it felt as if he slammed her onto the bed to wrestle with her or he had some grudges😭. But ok i'll stop here, i won't spoil more scenes just yet .

Last but not the least, Is it cheesy? Yes. Is it unbelievable? Yes. Am I watching it again? HELL YESSSS . Bcuz at the end of the day, I’m here for the entertainment, and Affinity is delivering exactly the kind of wild, addictive fun I didn't know I was missing.

So, would I recommend it? ABSOLUTELY. Just a fair warning: you’ll need to throw away the logic and switch off your brain to fully appreciate the chaos of this wild ride .
All in all it’s an 8.5/10 ( unbiased - 8 ; +0.5 bcuz its my first short drama and i enjoyed it ) that feels like a 10/10 when the leads are on screen together.

Thanks for reading! ♥︎♥︎♥︎

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Law, Humor, and Growth in Survivor’s Law

Homer is the heart of HK Firm. As the owner, his law practice is struggling due to ongoing issues and the suspension of his license, which leaves him in no position to be selective about hiring. This situation leads him to take in four fresh graduates with very different personalities. What I really appreciate about Homer is his leadership style. He gives the lawyers freedom instead of micromanaging them, but still steps in to offer guidance, advice, and the occasional push when they need it most. He mentors through trust rather than control, which allows each of them to grow at their own pace.

Raymond Lam as Ben is perfectly cast. This role suits him incredibly well and highlights his natural charm. Ben is family-oriented, loyal, funny, and emotionally intelligent. He brings much of the humor to the drama, which keeps the tone light even when cases become intense. His easygoing personality sets him apart from typical lawyer characters, and his willingness to use unconventional and sometimes ethically questionable methods makes his cases entertaining to watch while still feeling true to his character.

Myolie Wu as Ling is the emotional counterbalance to Ben. Ling is extremely straightforward and honest, often speaking her mind without filtering her thoughts. Her bluntness can be jarring at times, but it also makes her reliable and sincere. She represents integrity and discipline within the firm, which contrasts nicely with Ben’s relaxed and creative approach.

Sammul Chan as Vincent is a character driven by ambition and a desire to become a renowned lawyer, which eventually turns into arrogance as the series progresses due to a case pertaining his dad. His values clash with the core purpose of the firm, which is to help those in need, whereas Vincent is more interested in serving the wealthy. Because of this, he never truly feels like he belongs in HK Firm. Unfortunately, Sammul’s performance does not help the character. In scenes meant to be humorous, his acting feels forced, and in serious moments it is difficult to take him seriously. While Vincent has narrative potential, the execution feels uneven and weak.

Bernice Liu as Jessica is well suited to her role. Her demeanor is not traditionally feminine and instead leans toward a tomboy personality, which gives her character a distinct presence within the group. She is naive and overly trusting, which often places her at a disadvantage, but it also makes her genuine and easy to sympathize with. Bernice portrays this vulnerability naturally without making Jessica appear weak.

Overall, Survivor’s Law works because of its character-driven storytelling and strong ensemble dynamics. The legal cases provide structure, but the true appeal lies in watching these very different personalities grow, clash, and evolve together. I also I have my reasons for giving the story a 8.5, watch the drama and you'll understand why. Something happens and it makes no logical sense, but definitely a must watch as the entire cast had great chemistry.

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Idol & Inconsistency

Good chemistry. Fake premise. A lawyer drama that forgot the law, a murder mystery that ran in circles, and a finale that wasted its last shot. The romance carried this harder than it should have had to.

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I signed up for the ultimate Seong-deok fanfic, saving your bias from a murder charge. The cards were on the table. Se-na is an ace attorney. Ra-ik is an idol in handcuffs. Idol I did not bait and switch me. It promised a lawyer with a murder to solve and then spent eleven episodes refusing to actually show her being a lawyer. Every single beat of potential legal tension evaporates into nothing. Her profession is decorative, it is a typo, it is a fanfic device to justify proximity to her crush. You could have swapped her law background for a barista apron or florist shears or a sushi chef hat or walking dogs and nothing would have changed. Same scenes. Same dialogue. Same total absence of stakes. The script treats her profession like it was a typo that slipped past casting. Watching her do literally anything legal is like staring into an empty room waiting for fireworks. Nothing happens. Court scnes? nah?. Not an investigation she drives. Not a clever legal pivot. Nothing. Nada. Ugh.

The murder mystery is limp. Toxic substances in Ra-ik’s and his friend’s blood appear and then vanish. Who gave it to them? Why? Was it overlooked by sloppy investigators? Did someone cover it up? The show doesn’t care. Eleven episodes of circling the same evidence, pretending it counts as tension. They even run away to a cabin right after Ra-ik is indicted like being officially charged means nothing. Cozy romantic fantasy replaces stakes. I am furious.

Se-na dating her client? Ethics evaporated. Prosecutor Jung Jae-kwang suddenly grows a conscience after one conversation with Se-na. His father Kim Min-sang is cartoonish. Obstruction of justice is a casual hobby. These are not plot choices, they are insults to anyone who knows how justice works. The whole thing is nonsense. The story pretends consequences exist while actively ignoring them.

Romance is infuriatingly effective. Confessions, letter in the morning, Se-na running out late at night to deliver a hat. Cute, impulsive, human. The lawyer-suspect tension should create stakes, danger, stress, legal fireworks. Instead, it is proximity to justify romance. Chemistry doing the emotional labor the story refuses to do. I am charmed and furious at the same time.

The ML and 2FL conversations are pointless. One episode he’s in love, next episode he’s not. Watching it feels like staring into a void while someone waves their hands. Surface-level, invisible, whatever their contribution is, it is nothing. 2ML, the prosecutor, is vapid, and his one personality pivot is laughable. Watching actors try to make sense of this vacuum is maddening.

Han Do-hee as the ex-girlfriend does good work. She acts bitter, brittle, dangerous. But the writing refuses to earn it. Accidental harm escalates to premeditated murder mechanically. I believed her rage, her resentment, her self-pity wrapped in cruelty. I wish the writing cared as much as her acting.

Kim Jae-young and Sooyoung are the only reason this drama limps along. They give weight, pulse, emotional grounding. Without them, it is rubble. With them, it drags itself to the finish line. They fight the script with everything they have. Watching them is thrilling and enraging because everything else refuses to exist.

Park Chung Jae, played by Kim Hyun-jin, exists to pine and hand over evidence. It is infuriating watching him fight a script that cannot write him a single proper motivation. Side characters barely have motivations. I have seen cardboard targets with more interior life.

Idol/fandom moments land sometimes. Goldys waving flags, obsessive fans, parasocial ugliness, constant pressure, glimpses of real fandom intelligence, morse code in a song that makes me laugh and groan at the same time. It is absurd, ridiculous, but it works in the narrow context of fan energy. Still, it is another reminder of how lazy the rest of the writing is.

The finale is such a waste. Her father’s case barely matters, shoved into a single episode, literally a five-second footnote. Se-na finally functions as a lawyer and it barely matters. Romantic awkwardness happens after the relationship is established, which creates weird timing. The rest of the finale should have been ten minutes tacked onto episode eleven. Everything else is random fan-survival footage.

Idol I flashes brilliance constantly and then immediately smothers it. Se-na could have been a powerhouse lawyer. Ra-ik’s suspense could have carried fire. The investigation could have delivered tension. But the show chooses fanfic logistics over stakes, romance over logic, chemistry over plot, flashes of fandom insight over coherent procedural. It teases you, riles you, makes you believe something might happen, and then refuses to be anything other than padded, sloppy, frustrating nonsense.

It is maddening. It is infuriating. It is exhausting. It could have been sharp, biting, thrilling. Instead, it is chaos wrapped in cute gestures, fan service, and actors refusing to let the nonsense collapse entirely. I am furious and I cannot stop thinking about it.

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I like the mystery more than the romance :)

Unlike many comments I read, I actually liked this drama for the mystery more than the romance. It was quite well done because it kept me hooked and I honestly couldn't guess till the end. Was she my suspect? Yes! But so was their CEO and the manager at some point in time. That is exactly what a mystery show is supposed to do - make you question everyone.

I also like how they don't delve deeper into her father's case because unjust or not, no court is going to let you comes 10+ years later and ask for retrial. There's a reason we have the law of limitations. I like when shows are practical more than idealistic in certain themes, law being one of them. I have nothing against creative freedom otherwise. Maybe it's because I'm a lawyer?

I like the subtle romance, great music and a wholesome plot. Yes, things could've been better and the plot could've been tighter. But I like how nothing felt weird at any point to me. I also like the last episode. A fresh take on showing life after and not just ending it there.

Overall, a really nice watch. :)

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PERFECT FROM BEGINNING TO END.

I am not exaggerating when I say Love between Lines is the perfect romance. I am also not bias when I saw Mao Deshu is one of the best directors working today, he has consistently delivered fun, heartwarming and mature stories filled with endearing characters, well developed plotlines and incredibly cinematography. His choice of transitions between scenes is also perfect. He is always planning and creating how to go from one scene to another using the elements present on set.

Most importantly Director Mao Deshu always chooses to show, in all his projects but particular in this one, how the leads communicate properly, not allowing misunderstandings between them and emotionally growing, tastefully and cheekly implying physical intimacy. It’s a staple of his work and very few know how to do it so well.

Xiu is my favourite leading lady to date. She's smart and a hard worker, but never portrayed as a Candy-like heroine, she speaks out her mind, marks a clear line that can't be ignored nor cross when needed. As a romantic partner she's supporting, tender, bold about flirting and showing affection. At the same time, Xiu chooses to see life as a glass half full, but she’s not ditzy or naive. She never needs saving, even in her most vulnerable moments, but gladly accepts help when it calls for without being stripped of what makes her such strong and dynamic character.

Yu will also one of the best written male leads in history of dramas. He is not the typical cold and aloof CEO, instead he has an actual personality that doesn’t revolve around his job. He’s approachable, easygoing and communicates properly. He’s guarded but we see how his walls rise and fall depending on the person (Xiu, his friends or business partner). He respects women and that translates in all aspects of his life, such as having an entirely platonic friendship with Zhao, his business partner, a woman he fully trust to take the lead when he can't be present.

When it comes to Xiu, Yu listens and supports her. Goes out of his way and steps aside, so she can have her own space to develop her career just like she told him she wanted. He is emotionally intelligent and mature, so he knows how to show his love for her in the best way possibly.

Zhen was the most pitiful character of the story. He's not a villain but he's not innocent either. However, it's easy to feel for him and his struggles when you see how badly he had it growing up and how deeply starved for affection he is. This was a very nuanced character that deserved better than what he got but it was only right that was his ending, as the drama developed his story with the male lead perfectly. They should have been brothers, supporting each other through a lonely childhood, instead people around them made it impossible for them to ever be anything but strangers.

Mao Sichao and Li Tingting are the best second lead couple as Xiaorou and Gong. They each have their own individual story, as full-fledged characters outside of the leads’ story, and then their own together. Their presence makes Love Between Lines feel wider and more grounded into reality. They don't bring extra drama nor are they the comedic relief, but instead complement the main story.

Xiaorou has her own marital issues that she resolves with the boldness, as a persona who is secure of herself and what she wants in life. If something is not working, if it hurst you, then you must let it go even if it's painful right now. She's an incredibly nuanced character that among her own problems, still found the time to help out her best friends. I am so glad this go-getter of a woman got her happy ending.

Gong wasn't written as the typical rich man either. Coming from generational wealth, he could have easily being the "playboy", instead he is mature, confident and caring for the people around him, treating everything respectfully and helping out when needed. He has an easygoing nature that helps him turn the worst situation into a win, and that's exactly why he's the perfect man for Xiaoru.

Love Between Lines is, without a doubt, one of the best dramas 2026 has gifted us. I am so incredibly thankful for it.

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When Good Writing Is Held Back by Romance

One of the things I miss most about TVB in the 90s is the consistency in script quality and Untraceable Evidence continues to reflect that strength even in its second installment. The detective cases remain carefully constructed and intellectually engaging. Each investigation follows a clear structure that allows viewers to actively think alongside the characters rather than simply wait for reveals. The pacing is controlled and deliberate and the twists feel grounded in logic which maintains the credibility of the storytelling.

The chemistry among the cast remains one of the strongest elements of the series. Flora Chan and Bowie Lam continue to share a natural and restrained chemistry that brings emotional depth without overwhelming the crime focused narrative. Their interactions feel mature and realistic shaped by trust shared history and mutual respect. This emotional foundation is what makes their relationship so compelling and why viewers are deeply invested in their outcome.

However the second installment becomes frustrating due to the prolonged love triangle which extends far longer than necessary. The continued delay in reuniting Tsang Ka Yuen and Pauline Lip Bo Yin feels forced and emotionally exhausting. Tsang Ka Yuen repeatedly proves through his actions that his love is steady and unwavering yet Pauline Lip Bo Yin remains stubborn and emotionally closed off. This creates a sense of imbalance where his emotional clarity is not met with the same openness from her. The irony is especially difficult to ignore. Pauline Lip Bo Yin allows her ex boyfriend who repeatedly lied to her to re enter her life with little resistance yet she struggles to give another chance to a man who has consistently supported and respected her. This contradiction weakens her character development and makes her emotional decisions difficult to empathize with despite her intelligence and professionalism.

Choi Siu Tong arc in the second installment also becomes draining. Her pattern of entering relationship after relationship feels less like genuine healing and more like emotional numbing. Her repeated attempts to present the image that she has moved on while encouraging Tsang Ka Yuen and Pauline Lip Bo Yin to be together comes across as emotionally performative and exhausting to watch. I honestly feel bad for the men she was dating, I felt that was extremely selfish of her because the men she was dating had feelings for her. While it is satisfying that she eventually finds love her storyline is prolonged far beyond what was necessary which further delays the emotional resolution viewers were waiting for.

Despite these issues Untraceable Evidence 2 still retains many of the qualities that made the first installment memorable. The cases remain engaging and the performances are strong but the over extended romantic conflicts prevent the sequel from reaching the same emotional effectiveness. The frustration viewers feel is not due to a lack of interest but because the characters and relationships are strong enough that unnecessary delays feel like a disservice rather than dramatic tension. I can ignore the romance aspect since the drama focuses more the case solving.

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????

What is this? Who even wrote this? I have never rated a drama 1/10 even the bad ones usually get at least a 4 from me. But this one? I genuinely wish I could give it 0/10.
Honestly, I want someone to explain this drama to me, because I truly did not understand what was happening. The story was confusing, messy, and completely incoherent. Who approved this? How did this make it to the screen?
If you’re thinking about watching this don’t. It’s a complete waste of time. I finished the entire drama hoping it would somehow redeem itself or make sense in the end, but that never happened. There was no payoff, no clarity, nothing worth the hours spent.
This is a lost cause.

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Smart Cases Compelling Characters Lasting Impact

One of the things I miss most about TVB in the 90s is the quality of the scripts from that era and Untraceable Evidence is a strong example of why that period remains so memorable. The detective cases were carefully constructed and genuinely intriguing keeping viewers invested from beginning to end. The pacing was steady and deliberate and the twists felt logical rather than sensational which made the investigative process satisfying to follow.

The chemistry among the cast is another major reason the series works so well. Flora Chan and Bowie Lam share a natural and understated chemistry that adds emotional depth to the story without overpowering the procedural elements. Their interactions feel mature and restrained built on trust and mutual respect rather than dramatic declarations. This makes their relationship believable and emotionally resonant.

Tsang Ka Yuen and Pauline Lip Bo Yin are especially compelling because of their professional dynamic. Working in different departments, their paths cross naturally through investigations which allows their relationship to develop organically. Their teamwork is based on shared intelligence professionalism and a mutual desire for the truth. As they collaborate on cases their connection deepens which makes the emotional stakes of the story more impactful.

One things I didn't like is the love triangle involving Tsang Ka Yuen Pauline Lip Bo Yin and Choi Siu Tong. The tension created by this storyline relies heavily on misunderstanding and emotional restraint rather than open communication. Choi Siu Tong feelings for Tsang Ka Yuen create discomfort and instead of addressing her own emotions Pauline Lip Bo Yin chooses to step aside. The reappearance of her ex boyfriend gives her an additional reason to suppress her feelings and avoid confronting the situation directly. This is particularly frustrating because Pauline Lip Bo Yin is portrayed as an extremely intelligent and capable woman. In her professional life she is observant ,logical, and confident yet her emotional decisions don't reflect the same level of clarity. I understand, were all humans, but her ex boyfriend repeatedly lies and displays clear warning signs yet she continues to forgive him.

Despite these flaws Untraceable Evidence remains a compelling and memorable drama. Its well written cases strong direction and layered character relationships leave a lasting impression. The frustrations surrounding the romantic subplot do not erase the strengths of the series but instead emphasize how invested viewers become in the characters. Untraceable Evidence stands as a reminder of an era when TVB dramas trusted the audience intelligence and prioritized thoughtful storytelling over convenience.

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The Real Definition of "I Will Defend My Bias At All Cost"

Idol I follows a lawyer who defends her favorite idol in a murder case, uncovering the dark side of the Idol life and K-pop industry.

The drama started off really strong for me. The premise was solid, and the execution in the first two episodes was excellent.

However, after that, everything slowly went downhill. If you’re going to stretch a single case into a full 12-episode series, the story needs to stay engaging throughout. Unfortunately, here, the mystery isn’t strong enough to carry the whole series. It becomes boring at times, especially when it feels like there’s not much story left to tell.

On the other hand, the romance doesn’t get enough time to shine. The development feels too slow, and the chemistry between the leads is lacking.

That said, unlike some other viewers, I actually liked how they handled the childhood connection between Se na and Ra ik. For me, it adds more emotional weight to Se-na’s decision to take Ra ik’s case, rather than simply because she’s a hardcore fan.

Overall, it’s not a perfect drama, but it’s still entertaining and has some standout moments for me, especially Se Na fangirling life from the early and last episodes.

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Toxic, boring, abhorrent.

Things I loved

1 Nothing. Just to be clear.

Things I disliked

1 The premise. It could be fun and relatable if they had treat it as a rom com. They treated it as a real issue and they managed to offend any decent human being out there. Shame on them for shaming people with a health issue as gaining weight.

Things I hated

1 The way hey made this into a serious drama. What is wrong with everyone involved in this mess? I started thinking it would be fun and lighthearted and it turned out a shame game.

2 The FL. This was my last attempt to like this actress. She ruins everything she's in for me. At first, I thought she'd be one of my favorites but she manages to make me hate each of the characters she plays and she drags with her her male costars. She exudes arrogance, she's terrible at comedy and she makes me depressed. Awful actress.

3 The second couple. I think there was only one other drama then I Married an Antifan or something that had a toxic second couple I hated. Now this one is at the podium as well. Not once ounce of remorse from those two execrable human beings. What kind of story is this where the mean people win?

4 The plot. it was beyond stupid. The family plot, the rich hidden hero plot. Everything was atrocious.

5 The last episode. What the hell was that? He shamed her even at the last minute? Despicable! The more I think about it the more I regret having lost so many hours for this stupid shameful drama.

6 The ML. His character is exactly what any women should avoid. Under the cover of living healthily he imposed his vision on a another human being and shamed her all the way. Shame on him. And in case you wonder. I lost 20 kg a few years ago and I know how hard it is. But no matter if I weight like now 60 kg or like a few years back 80 kg, I never once accepted or will accept that someone shames me. I pity the young women who will consider this romance.

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A guilty pleasure :)

I sometimes stumble upon interesting vertical dramas (like this one, for the Plot)... And I watch until the end out of curiosity, because the lead actors are usually quite talented, BUT...

I cursed the entire time I watched it, complaining about the series' numerous and enormous flaws:
- poor supporting actors
- rushed direction (everything is superficial, poorly executed, no character is properly developed, etc.) not to mention the VERY limited budget (the main actors only wear 2-3 costumes during the entire series).
- VERY poor sound quality
- OSTs borrowed from older series.

=> Entertaining, enough to pass a few hours (while traveling, between two serious dramas) while waiting for the main character's reaction when he discovers the truth and the villains' punishment (my two favorite scenes of all dramas).

*********************************************************
A guilty pleasure :)

Je découvre parfois par hasard, des séries verticales attractives (ici, le plot)... Et je regarde jusqu'à la fin par curiosité, parce qu'en général le CL est assez talentueux, MAIS ...

Je peste pdt tout le visionnage contre les énormes multiples défauts de la série :
- mauvais acteurs support
- réalisation rushed (tout est superficiel, mal amené, aucun personnage n'est correctement développé, etc.) sans parler des budgets TRES limités (les main actors ont 2-3 costumes pr toute la série).
- son de TRES mauvaise qualité
- OSTs empruntées à d'anciennes séries.

=> Distrayant, de quoi passer qq heures (en voyage, entre 2 dramas sérieux) en attendant la tête du ML qui découvre la vérité et la séance de punition des méchants (mes 2 scènes favorites tous dramas confondus).

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Between a Fan’s Fantasy and an Idol’s Truth.

A quietly rewarding watch without high- stakes thrills

Idol isn’t a groundbreaking or must-watch K-drama—and that’s precisely its strength. In an era where nearly every show is labeled a “masterpiece,” Idol feels refreshingly normal. It’s a warm, low-effort watch that prioritizes comfort and empathy over shock or intensity. The murder mystery adds just enough momentum to keep the story moving.

Don’t pick it up on a day you are looking for action-packed or fast-paced romance… but tbh its all a personal perspective and experience for everyone.


I watched it during my exam period, and it offered just enough joy to look forward to without demanding emotional or mental energy. The opening episodes are easy and inviting, while the middle slows down slightly, the short 12-episode format ensures the drama never overstays its welcome.

What truly grounds the series is its cozy atmosphere, especially the FL’s home. Filled with sunlight, wooden textures, and a small garden, it evokes quiet childhood nostalgia—even without the typical cluttered “family warmth.” This setting becomes the emotional backbone of the show, reinforcing its gentle and humane tone.

The characters follow familiar K-drama archetypes, but the writing doesn’t force intensity or exaggeration. The ML’s vulnerability and unthreatened masculinity stand out, and while the drama acknowledges emotional wounds, it doesn’t feel the need to dissect them in exhaustive detail—especially as it juggles multiple themes. The thriller subplot remains engaging until the end, and although the investigation isn’t the core focus, the mystery holds attention without becoming frustrating(unless that's the only reason you are watching this).


THE CAST:

Choi Sooyoung is a clear highlight. Her acting feels natural and comforting across all tones—soft, sharp, or restrained—and her presence alone adds warmth to the drama. I do have a bias toward her, and that undoubtedly contributes to my overall fondness for the show.

The ML actor is equally convincing; despite being 37, he never looks out of place as an idol. His portrayal of fragility, quiet vulnerability, and sincere affection has always felt authentic across all his roles in the past, and his dynamic with Sooyoung works effortlessly. I wouldn’t mind seeing him play idol roles for another decade ~~` hehe
The main prosecutor’s character was engaging and layered, though I felt his potential wasn’t fully explored. Still, he remained one of the show’s strongest pillars until the end, and my favorite character.

Woo-seok, on the other hand, was the most pitiable character for me.
I also enjoyed the bond between fl and sml, who felt like two lone strangers who found a family in each other, similar to ml and woo-seok.

At its core, Idol delivers meaningful messages: idols are human, wrongful imprisonment and biased justice have lasting consequences, and second chances matter.

The show raises a few inevitable questions about where admiration ends and obsession begins. Be it relationship or idolizing; Is fandom harmless devotion, or does it sometimes cross into invasion of privacy and entitlement?

Hye-joo’s character further complicates this moral space, making us question if broken people who never received love should always be met with pity and forgiveness. Pain may explain behavior, but it doesn’t excuse it—characters like Maeng or Ra-ik show that suffering doesn’t have to translate into destruction. But it also show how vulnerable and dangerous our emotions and mind can make us.


Overall, Idol I knows exactly what it is. It doesn’t aim high, but it succeeds in being warm, sincere, and quietly thought-provoking—and sometimes, that’s exactly what you need.

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Superb acting chops - enjoyed it very much

**I never know what is a spoiler and what isn't. I'll try my best not to give away important information - but one never knows.***

While I do understand that a portion of viewers may not have been on this ship, I didn't feel the rom in rom-com was central to this series. But as reality has it relationships are as diverse as they are many and I appreciated the unwieldy and awkward spirit to this pairing. It felt intentional and very spot on to me. I found it a refreshing part from the usual suspects of very young girl meets 3 years older oppa. Which is all good and fine, I'll always ship for young people in love with my tired, old heart :D Nevertheless, I was surprisingly on board with this, despite it swimming against the stream.

Anyways, I enjoyed the acting, which I think was nuanced and precise. Acting an actor acting and navigating the boundaries between the season actor's self and the act is not an easy feat, but LJJ nailed it. WJS is an amazing little stubborn lump of a tenacious, competent and sharp journalist without falling into a one dimensional cliché. Smart and tough women are also human with all the trimmings and frailty. The comedic timing was spot on and I found myself enjoying plenty of happy chuckles and a number of belly laughs in between.

SLs and supporting caracters make a drama for me and I was so pleasantly surprised to absolutely LOVE Seo Ji Hye as Chief Yun. She totally surprised me with her hilarious little touches and mannerisms and her roll was unexpectedly delightful. I'm adding everything she's ever been in to my watchlist :D Scene stealer. Another enjoyable character was writer/director Park who exuded depth and silliness all at once, like it was the easiest thing ever. I enjoyed everybody else too, but these stood out for me.

All in all oh so enjoyable and I hope the regrettably low rating of 7.4 won't stop you :D

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