Reviews

Meaningful Story, Unsatisfying Execution

I liked When It Rains, It Pours and really appreciated the serious topic it explored. The story about love, sex, and emotional needs felt very real to me. I deeply understood Hagiwara — for me, love and sexual connection can’t be separated, so his struggle made complete sense.
Still, I felt unsatisfied rather than disappointed. My biggest issue was the rushed ending. I personally don’t enjoy when the main couple reconnects only in the last minutes of the final episode. The story needed more time for emotional processing, choice, and responsibility. One extra episode — or even more time in the finale — could have made the ending far more emotionally fulfilling.
Another point that held me back emotionally was Sei’s portrayal. I understand that the character is meant to be reserved, and I usually have no problem connecting with quiet or emotionally restrained characters. I don’t need exaggerated expressions — I can read emotions through the eyes alone. Unfortunately, in this case, I couldn’t feel Sei’s inner emotions through the actor’s eyes, which made it hard for me to fully believe the depth of his feelings. As a result, the chemistry between the leads felt unbalanced to me.
The cheating aspect was complicated. I usually dislike cheating, but I understood the situation here. So I was not against of it. However, I would have preferred a different approach: watching them slowly fall in love while still in their relationships, then choosing to end those relationships themselves — not because they were exposed, but because they wanted to be honest and start a new life together. That sense of responsibility and agency would have made the story much more powerful for me.
Overall, it’s a good and meaningful series with a happy ending, but the rushed conclusion and emotional distance kept it from fully satisfying me.

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If Bruce Wayne was a judge

Appreciate the healthy dose of action, great OST, and less common dystopian genre. Pretty on the nose in regards to the "virus" being that this released in 2021 ;P 😏 lol
Some unexpected twists. Some unfortunately realistic(and depressing) takes on the judicial system, politics, etc.

Characters: The MVP...the Legend...
~~Lawyer Go! :-D Perhaps not everyone's choice of favorite character, but this guy was an unbothered king the entire show(the few times he's there) and had more self preservational skills than the rest of these fruit loops Lol
Judge Kang- ever entertaining and always scheming ; P -has a thing for choking people and bath robes. ~I lost count of how many different bath robes he has worn.
Rich and charismatic by day✔;
genius vigilante by night✔
Has gothic mansion on cliff-face with an elevator✔
Reckless driving✔
Brooding✔
He's clearly K-Batman and you can't convince me otherwise.

Everybody else: not gonna lie, there was some serious facepalming going on in the third act (and a lot of crying😒), but I powered through! Overall happy(mostly?) and tidy ending.

-Kinda has a webtoon adaptation feel to it ,though I don't believe that to be the case.

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Sweet romance between two actors I love: Song Wei Long and Zhao Jin Mai

PLOT: FL had a crush on a brilliant college student. Despite her rival (FL2 = mean girl), she confesses her feelings and is rejected. After graduating, she goes to work at a photovoltaic company, where ML (Li Yu Sen) becomes the deputy director. After a rocky start and a few flings, they finally make peace and become a couple (a strong, trusting couple, capable of overcoming past hurts). The competition (economic and familial) is fierce.
[University period: Eps. 1-4]
[Working together: Eps. 4-36]
[Courting the FL: Ep. 13]
[In a relationship: Ep. 24]

+++ CL with Song Wei Long and Zhao Jin Mai, delightful, magical. The ML is a Green Forest (ღ˘⌣˘ღ) (ღ˘⌣˘ღ)
+++ The entire cast is talented and brings complex but well-developed characters to life. The mother characters (both the ML and FL ones) are excellent.
+++ Coherent story, psychologically realistic (which is rare).
+++ Effective, well-executed direction (sets, costumes, lighting, framing, etc.) with a satisfying ending.

### You have to be patient because the FL (and all the characters in this series) remains focused on ML2 for a long time (much less beautiful than the ML) but above all, UNBEARABLE!!
### A touch of Chinese patriotism/nationalism, regarding technological advancements and the challenges of competing in a fierce global market (taxes, product defamation, etc.).

=> Excellent series, truly, thanks to a well-written story and fantastic CL. I'll rewatch it in a while :)
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Sweet romance entre 2 actors que j'aime : Song Wei Long et Zhao Jin Mai

PLOT: La FL avait un crush sur 1 brillant étudiant à la fac. Malgré sa rivale (FL2 = peste), elle se confesse et est rejetée. . Après son diplôme, elle va travailler ds 1 Cie de photovoltaïques, dont le ML (Li Yu Sen) devient directeur adjoint. Après des relat° difficiles et qq aventures, ils finissent par faire la paix et ... devenir un couple (solide, confiant, capable de surmonter les blessures du passé). La concurrence (éco & familiale) est rude.
[période universitaire : ép 1-4]
[travail ensemble : ép 4- 36 ]
[courtise la FL : ép 13]
[en couple : ép 24 ]

+++ CL avec Song Wei Long et Zhao Jin Mai, savoureux, magique. Le ML est un Green Forest (ღ˘⌣˘ღ) (ღ˘⌣˘ღ)
+++ L'ensemble du cast est talentueux et donne vie à des personnages complexes mais bien développés. Les personnages des mères (aussi bien celle du ML que de la FL) sont excellentes.
+++ Story cohérente, réaliste psychologiquement (ce qui est rare).
+++ Réalis° efficace, bien menée (décors, costumes, lumières, cadrage, etc.) avec une ending satisfaisante.

### Il faut être patient car la FL (et ts les personnages de cette série) reste longtps axée sur le ML2 (bcp moins beau que le ML) mais surtt INSUPPORTABLE !!
### Un peu de patriotisme/nationalisme chinois, concernant les avancées technologiques, les difficultés par rapport à un marché mondial féroce (taxes, diffamation des produits, etc.).

=> Excellente série, vraiment, grâce à une story bien écrite et un CL fantastique. A revoir dans qq temps :)

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A team fighting for people not just verdict

Pro Bono ends as a thoughtful, emotionally grounded legal drama that understands its greatest strength isn’t flashy courtroom wins, but the people caught between the law and real life. From cases like Kaya’s and Elijah’s to the final arc, the series consistently asked uncomfortable questions about power, exploitation, immigration, family betrayal, and who the justice system truly serves. Rather than simplifying issues into clear-cut right and wrongs, the drama leaned into moral grey areas, showing how laws can fail the most vulnerable even when they’re technically followed.

What truly elevates Pro Bono is its character-driven storytelling. Kang Da-Wit’s journey from a guarded, pragmatic lawyer to someone willing to risk his career for ethical justice felt earned and layered, especially as his past and internal conflicts came to light. Gi-Ppeum and the rest of the team weren’t just support characters; they embodied different philosophies of justice, which created meaningful tension within the group.

The drama smartly showed that doing good work doesn’t always mean agreeing and that trust, once fractured, takes more than a courtroom victory to rebuild.
By the finale, Pro Bono leaves a lasting impression not because everything is neatly resolved, but because it stays true to its message: justice is a process, not a guarantee. The ending emphasizes growth, accountability, and systemic awareness over triumph, making the drama feel mature and realistic. It may not satisfy viewers looking for dramatic twists or romance-heavy payoffs, but for those who appreciate socially conscious storytelling with heart, Pro Bono stands out as a quietly powerful and meaningful legal K-drama.

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I will be the Outlier - I Did not like it

My rating of the two episodes I watched 2/10.

I don't drop many series but I had to drop this one. First, the plot is extremely simple. It is relying very heavily on the trope of the evil boss. Bully childhood friend who actually liked the girl. Frenemies. Destiny. Just a lot of tired tropes. I know sword like eyebrows were a thing not even all that long ago but it was a bit distracting that all the male lead characters had these eyebrows I could not ignore. Being literally allergic to tears is a really hard sell. If they had tied it in as maybe some kind of mixed physical and psychological disease maybe. And the accidental kiss was one of those super ridiculous and unbelievable scenarios where if your lips came together like that it wouldn't be sensual it would hurt. Pancake kiss. That goes on forever. I would have had to get a subscription to watch the latter episodes as it wasn't available on virtually every other platform and I didn't care enough about it in those first two episodes to be willing to pay for it. Too cheesy and just not my cup of tea.

Synopsis:

Love is Sweet (also known as Half Honey Half Hurt) is a 2020 Chinese romantic comedy drama blending workplace rivalry, childhood sweethearts, and heartfelt romance. It has a mix of fluffy romance, steamy chemistry, office politics, and emotional layers—perfect for fans of sweet, enemies-to-lovers vibes with a touch of corporate drama.

Total Episodes: 36

Runtime per Episode: Approximately 45 minutes

Major Characters

Yuan Shuai (Luo Yunxi) — The sharp, undefeated "God of War" in investment banking at MH firm. A seemingly arrogant and teasing boss, he's actually a secretly devoted childhood friend who's harbored a 10-year crush on the female lead. He "bullied" her as kids to toughen her up due to her rare tear allergy, but he's soft and protective underneath—switching from professional wolf to adorable boyfriend mode once feelings surface.

Jiang Jun (played by Bai Lu) — A bright, idealistic young woman with dual master's degrees in economics and psychology. She leaves her philanthropy job to join the cutthroat MH investment firm to honor her late father's wish. Empathetic, resilient, and high-EQ, she navigates office schemes and rivalry with sharp judgment. She's allergic to tears (a unique vulnerability), often seen as soft but proves strong and clever, turning from "rookie" to powerhouse.

Du Lei (played by Gao Hanyu) — Yuan Shuai's intense rival from rival firm GE, excelling in investment banking, car racing, and (initially) romance pursuits. Scarred by a tough past, he's calculating and willing to bend rules for success, but he develops genuine feelings that complicate his schemes.

Xu Li (played by Xiao Yan) — Jiang Jun's loyal, justice-driven best friend who works at a convenience store. She's bubbly, prioritizes love over career, and boldly pursues her crush, bringing light-hearted energy and strong friendship support to the main story.

Li Xiaochuan (played by Riley Wang) — Yuan Shuai's tech-genius cousin and app developer. Serious, hardworking, and hilariously oblivious to romance at first, he slowly warms up thanks to Xu Li's persistence, creating one of the drama's sweetest secondary couples.

Qiao Na (played by Zhao Yuanyuan) — The perfectionist vice president at MH, a "female God of War" who demands excellence. She has unrequited feelings for Yuan Shuai but handles them maturely, adding depth to the workplace dynamics.

Linda (played by An Weiling) — A powerful executive director at GE with her own ambitions and insomnia struggles. She plays a key antagonistic role in the corporate intrigue, often prioritizing self-interest in the high-stakes investment world.

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A story shaped by rivalry and affection, brushed with the soft shadow of the supernatural

Head 2 Head slipped into the Thai BL landscape without fanfare, almost quietly, yet with a peculiar ability to linger. At first glance, it presents itself as another familiar university-set enemies-to-lovers story. As the episodes unfold, however, the series reveals a gentler, deeper ambition: to speak of love as a conscious choice, of futures weighed down by uncertainty, and of the quiet terror of losing someone before learning how to hold on. It is a story shaped by rivalry and affection, brushed with the soft shadow of the supernatural.

Its premise is modest but steady. Jerome and Jinn grow up locked in competition, children of close families who, without intent, allow shared warmth to harden into rivalry. Time moves forward, yet the pattern remains. As university students in the same program, they continue circling each other through taunts, challenges, and sharp words that often mask something more tender beneath the surface. The narrative shifts when an accident forces proximity, and fractures entirely when Jerome begins to see Jinn’s future in his dreams, visions of loss, injury, and the looming presence of death. What once felt like youthful noise gradually settles into something heavier and more deliberate.

The series finds its strongest footing in the space between its two leads. Sea and Keen do not rely on grand romantic declarations; instead, they let silence, timing, and restraint carry the weight. Jerome and Jinn move around each other like celestial bodies, drawn together by forces they barely understand. Their arguments feel charged, their distance temporary, their returns inevitable. The evolution from rivalry to intimacy unfolds without rupture, allowing love to emerge not as a twist, but as a quiet realization.

When Head 2 Head darkens its tone, it often does so with surprising restraint. Jerome’s visions are not shocks meant to jolt the viewer, but slow accumulations of dread. Fear does not scream; it lingers. It settles into glances held too long, words left unsaid, and the suffocating weight of knowledge carried alone. Jerome’s silence becomes its own form of sacrifice, revealing that the true threat is not fate itself, but the loneliness of believing one must face it alone.

Some of the series’ most resonant moments arise when it allows emotion to breathe. The hospital scene following Jinn’s injury stands as one of its most quietly devastating passages. Here, love is stripped of fantasy and examined as responsibility. There is no glorification of martyrdom, only a fragile plea: that loving someone should not mean losing oneself. In moments like these, Head 2 Head steps beyond genre convention and touches something achingly human.

Music plays an essential role in shaping this emotional landscape. The soundtrack does not merely accompany the narrative; it echoes it. Each song feels like a private confession, mirroring the characters’ inner lives. “Turns Out It’s You” captures the emotional arc of the central couple with disarming honesty, while the solo tracks deepen the sense of internal conflict and longing. It is a score that listens as much as it speaks.

The supporting cast adds texture to this world, particularly through Van and Farm. Their storyline carries a rougher, more uneasy tone, exploring insecurity, emotional imbalance, and the quiet damage of self-sabotage. While the performances, especially Java’s, bring sincerity and emotional weight, the arc occasionally overstays its welcome, pulling focus from the main narrative. Even so, its presence signals a willingness to portray love not as ideal, but as fragile and, at times, deeply flawed.

On a technical level, Head 2 Head wavers. The direction excels in intimate exchanges and emotional warmth but struggles with pacing, particularly in its latter stretch. While earlier episodes take time to sit with discomfort and ambiguity, the final arc feels noticeably rushed. Conflicts that once unfolded with patience are resolved with surprising ease, as if emotional knots carefully tied over many episodes were suddenly undone in a single motion. The effect is less cathartic than disorienting, giving the impression that hard-won tensions dissolve almost by narrative convenience rather than emotional inevitability.

This haste is felt most sharply in how conversations and consequences are handled near the end. Where silence and avoidance once carried meaning, resolutions arrive too quickly, smoothing over fractures that seemed to demand deeper reckoning. The supernatural thread, though emotionally potent, also suffers here; without clearer internal rules, its final function leans toward a near-magical solution, weakening the sense of risk the series so carefully built earlier on.

Even with these shortcomings, the series leaves a lasting impression. Sea offers a layered portrayal of Jerome, balancing softness with restrained despair, while Keen gives Jinn a vulnerability that quietly breaks through his volatility. Together, they anchor the story, transforming simple exchanges into moments heavy with meaning, ensuring that even when the narrative stumbles, the emotional core remains intact.

In the end, Head 2 Head is neither flawless nor revolutionary. What it offers instead is sincerity. It understands comfort not as escape, but as recognition. Though its final steps may falter in their haste, the journey itself remains tender and thoughtful. The series closes not with perfect resolution, but with a lingering warmth, the sense of having shared something intimate and fragile, and the quiet wish that the story had trusted its own patience just a little longer.

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Solution, we get Jerome medicated, and then we execute our second couple by firing squad

My life is over, and I have no idea how I am going to spend my Sundays now. This was a great show, and I would give my life to watch it again for the first time. I would give it a 9 out of 10! Okay, I am going to say what I liked, what I didn't, and then an episode overview.

SEA KEEN BACK AT AGAIN BETTER THAN EVER. I loved them in only boo, and I am so glad that they have another show together. Something in the water because they both have grown into their features so much and look so fucking hot. They have great chemistry and also great acting skills. Just overall, I am so proud of them, and they brought this show to life. Surf and Java, I have seen Java before, but never Surf, and they did great in this. The character writing for them was a little meh, but they are good actors and have good fucking chemistry. Honorable mention, Javas fucking eyes. THEY ARE TO DIE FOR I SWEAR TO GOD, THEY ARE EVIL BUT GREAT. The plot was lowkey really interesting and fun, like I don't think I have seen something like it besides magical prophecy, and they did this differently, which was really fun. I enjoyed it a bunch and thought it was well done. I AM A SLUT FOR A GOOD RIVALS TO LOVERS SECRET CRUSH, HOLY MOLY. Great job. The start was good and reminded me of Bad Buddy, but different, so it was fun. This was beyond funny, holy fuck. A CRUSH THAT NEVER FADED PLOTLINE. OH MY GOD I WAS GONNA EXPLODE. Dead wife flashbacks. The flashlight bits were to die for and so cute, and they were trying to make Jinn be ungrateful, BUT IF MY PARENTS GOT BACK TOGETHER I WOULD ALWAYS BE FUCKING LIVID, HOLY FUCK. So good writing, besides, when he comes around, I would truly never. Good character development, though, with our main couple, nice to see. ALSO, THE MAIN COUPLE FREAKED THE FUCK OUT HOLY MOLY. Okay, that's it.

What I didn't like was Surf and Java's characters, just both overall poor writing, and I think that they could have done them better. Like, they had bullshit issues, and it just felt so irrelevant to the plot, and I wish they had connected it better, because the placement was very weird and awkward. HOW THE FUCK WAS HE ABLE TO TELL THE FUTURE? I AM SO LOST. Because I know that's why he crashed, but it felt very out of the blue, and I think they could have done that better. THE ENDING WITH THE DAD. I think that they should have done more with it. I know it shows character development that Jinn was okay with it, but they built to it for like 11 episodes, and then it just kind of happened, like in 3 minutes, and I'm like, dude, no way. I understand why they did it like that to show character development, but I wish they had done it better. Some of the plot felt kind of empty, so they could have done more with that. Random fucking side characters, bro shut the hell up. There's probably more, but that's all I could think of.

Overview time. " I miss them so much, and I don’t remember Sea being this sexy, cause what the fuck, and the side couple they’re so hot. Everyone is hot, and why can't we have hot freshmen like this at my university (I am a freshman btw lmao) im like da fuq." "Whoever did Sea's hair needs a raise because he looks FINE AS A MOTHER FUCKER." "SEAAAAA MY LORD HE JUST KEEPS GETTING BETTER. THEY ARE IN LOVE, YOUR HONOR. OH NOOOO. NOW I HAVE TO WAIT ANOTHER WEEK." "THAT LOOK FROM JAVA IS LETHAL. Oh my god. Dynamic change. I am obsessed and can't wait till next week. They need to strap me down, I'm so excited." "Nightmares every single time he sleeps, daydreams, or even zoning out, THIS WOULD BE AWFUL, SO FUCKING AWFUL. AND THEY ARE ALL ABOUT HIM." "I am trying to nitpick this show, but I am really enjoying it. I think the side couples placement feels a little awkward at times, but they are cute. I also think some of the background characters are so irrelevant, but that's fine bc they are hotttt. I think their chemistry got better and feels less awkward, but still has its charm, which is nice. I love them so much." "They’ve grown up so much, but on God, jinn is still that motherfucking kid who got punched on the basketball court for having a crush on him." "I think by his being able to tell the future, he’s messing with things he shouldn’t be messing with because he’s changing the route of how they fall in love. The outcomes are gonna be different so I think two things jinn needs to calm his ass down and just like think about stuff and Jerome needs to realize that you can’t mess with the future and expect everything to be the same because the main thing on why they were dating is that he never found the journal because he hid it really well and all this, but he went through and looked at that journal." There are levels to this. "Also, their kisses are still awkward as fuck, but it’s like a charming kind of awkward." "Also, their cuddling was really cute, and I’m low-key so obsessed with them. I can’t lie. Also, Sea has gorgeous, fucking lips." "J needs to be medicated, I swear. They connected those two parts very poorly." "Solution, we get Jerome medicated, and then we execute our second couple by firing squad." "I understand him with his dad because my dad also left my family, and if my parents go back together after I think it's been 10 years, I would be beyond angry. Genuinely holy fuck. But I also understand both sides. This flashlight shit is so cute." " Y’all are together because he loves you because he didn’t start having these dreams until after y’all got together, lock the fuck. If he didn’t love you, then he wouldn’t be going through all these motherfucking links to keep you safe. You are fucking dumb bitch. WHY ARE THEY SO FREAKED OUT? This scene would be so much more meaningful and like, oh my God, they’re talking out if this FREAK was not on top of him, get the fuck off my screen you gay bastards."

Devastated that it's over, love them to pieces. Okay bye!

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I WISH IT WAS JUST THE STORY OF THE FIRST COUPLE.

my rating is solely based on the first couple's story. i don't even want to give a rating to the couple referred to as the second couple. i wasn't expecting a happy ending for them either. i watched their story with the same disappointment as xing si's father. it was nice to watch the first couple's relationship evolve from friendship. li cheng's character was incredibly sweet. It was nice to see someone ready to do anything for the one they love. mu ren was also very sweet. it was nice to watch their relationship. but as I said, the presence of the other couple ruined the whole energy of the series. honestly, it's not a series i would highly recommend. the series revolved too much around the ethical boundaries of human nature.

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Cute, adorable romance with few question marks included!

This drama was low-key a catfish. Hear me out... I went in fully expecting a light, sweet, fluffy romance with cute bickering, unresolved tension doing the absolute most, and nonstop soft vibes. And yes it is all of that, but then it randomly hits you with grief, regret and an existential crisis you did not see coming. It tries to unpack all of that through a fantasy lens and that’s where things start getting a little shaky.

At its heart, it is cute, romantic in a fluffy sense but it's not just that. It's also about timing being terrible and fear absolutely ruining the party. The whole idea of romance is constantly competing with "what ifs", which gave a little emotional bite to the story.
The story runs in two tracks- The present or the fluff where the feelings are finally being named out loud, and another shaped by fragmented, anxiety-induced visions. The rules of how the second world works aren't exactly clear though.

At the centre of the drama is the relationship between Jerome aka "J" and Jinn, our classic rivals-to-lovers trope. Their relationship has been marked by years of unresolved tension from childhood.
J is the definition of realising things too late and then spiralling about it. While his heart was in the right place, sometimes the lack of commutation trope was stretched too thin considering how understanding and accommodating his partner was. I understand the decisions were driven by fear and it took a while for him to figure it himself but the writing could have cut it short.
Jinn, on the other hand, was not here for instantly rewarding apologies. And I was glad because years of emotions being side-lined don't magically disappear because J got self-aware. He was genuine, funny and cute as a button. I enjoyed their bickering, affection and chemistry between them. Cute, comforting but not boring.

Coming to the second couple, Van and Farm. This is also the opposites attract trope (more on the friends-to-lovers side). While I sympathise and sort of understand Van's emotional distance stemming from unresolved grief and fear of attachment, the way he treated Farm at times pissed me off. I was glad Farm took a stand for himself. But I did like their story too and was glad as the second couple, they had their own storyline with themes of troubled love different from mains but still cohesive to the overall storytelling and were not there just for decoration or filler scenes.

The drama's strength lies in romance and emotions but where it stumbles and fumbles is in its final stretch. The pacing becomes uneven in the later episodes, with certain conflicts lingering longer than necessary while key explanations never arrive. The supernatural element, though thematically effective at the start, felt like a gimmick rather than a logical subplot. These choices don't derail the whole story but they definitely softened its impact on me.

Visually, the production is polished. They managed to portray the difference in timelines well, considering I wasn't confused between them. Though it was hard to believe they were 31, at least they tried.
Acting also elevated the material when plot holes tried tanking it. Sea and Keen continue to impress me. I know they are cute and everything, but they can definitely act and deliver when asked. There were a few emotional scenes where I felt Sea was a bit stiff, but nothing too distracting. Surf and Java were adorable too. I will definitely look up to their new projects.

Overall, even if my thoughts above makes it sound like I didn’t enjoy it, I really did. It’s one of those dramas you watch to destress, even though it might low-key stress you out but it’s wrapped in the cutest fluff, which somehow balances it out... I digress, but yeah, I liked it. I would recommend it just with the expectation that the fantasy element isn’t meant to be taken too seriously. You will likely be left with a few questions, but also be fed with cute romance.

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The plot was really great I was only disappointed with the ending, it seems rushed. The only closure we had between the twin is through phone call😑. Also the ending was a downfall, it seems like the story was about romance between the him and the trainee, it should have been about the twin, their mother, and what happened with the criminal nepo babies. I literally skipped every romance scene during the last 8 episodes. The other twin became desperate and called the older one "hyung" only because the girl needs some help, the older brother's story wasn't highlighted enough. Overall the story became about the fake judge and his trainee.

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Same thing but done better and for a modern audience

The main reason I am giving this such a high score is because I watched almost 27 hours of content without getting bored. Instead of feeling tired, I just kept wanting to watch the next and next episode. That alone says a lot.

Female Lead and Character Growth:
Secondly, I really liked how it went against the cliché. Instead of a weak FL or a strong-to-weak FL, we get an FL who starts with a weak personality but gradually grows into someone who holds her head high and becomes a boss lady.
What I appreciated most is that the change was not sudden. It was a gradual acceptance. She starts thinking, I do not want to rely on my parents, I want to do something on my own. You can see the seeds of that mindset from the very beginning, and later they bloom into a beautiful flower. That progression felt natural and satisfying.

Music
I would give the music a really high rating. The songs fit the drama well, and I especially loved the intro.
That said, the last episode ticked me off a bit.
Spoilers: they played all four songs back to back with a compilation of what the characters were doing for almost 20 minutes. That felt excessive.
Still, overall the music was really good.

Visuals and Cinematography
The VFX was pretty good. At times it was blatantly obvious they were using green screen, but other times the camera angles were perfect. During emotionally intense moments, the framing of shots was golden and really elevated the scenes.

Story and Ending
The story is pretty cliché in a sense, but the clichés are well hidden, so it never feels too predictable. I was also glad they did not use the annoying tropes like we met in childhood, or the MC having trauma that the FL heals with saint-like tendencies.
Towards the last episode, I genuinely wondered what they were going to do because they basically wrapped everything up by episode 35. Then episode 36 happened and I was humorously surprised.
Spoilers: first we get a 2 year jump, then a 10 year jump, then another 3 year jump. I was like, what is happening. It was completely left field compared to my usual expectations of dramas like this. Normally you get a wedding scene with all characters appearing. Instead these guys just speedran the wedding. I definitely would have preferred that. But honestly, because of how unexpected and funny it was compared to where my expectations were, I give it a pass.
I also entirely do not get the character of the SML. You like someone, then you berate them because their parents are richer than yours. You take the side of a childhood friend you do not even like against the person you claim to like. Then you come back saying it is unfair because you missed opportunities with her. Brother what was that.
Other than him, everything was fine. Not perfect, but fine. I did feel like there was no strong secondary cast. They were all just going in and out. First the college group, then the unnecessary step-daughter arc which never got a conculsion, then the office colleagues who did not matter and just became tag-alongs for the FL. So yeah, the secondary cast except the FLs family was basically non-existent, I really loved the charcater of jang rui, and the actor he did a a really good job at potraying this fun charcater.

Final Thoughts
Strong binge value, satisfying character growth, great music, good cinematography, and a story that plays with clichés instead of being trapped by them. Not perfect, but memorable and enjoyable throughout.

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A Dark, Intense, and Addictive Melodrama but Beautiful Revenge Romance

My Lethal Man is one of those dramas that quietly pulls you in and then completely consumes you. I didn’t even realize I was in the mood for this kind of story until I started watching—and once I did, it far exceeded my expectations. This drama is absolutely worth watching for its gripping storyline, emotional depth, and unforgettable performances.

From the very beginning, the flow of the story is smooth and engaging. Every character is well-written and well-portrayed, and the casting feels perfectly chosen. The chemistry between the leads is one of the strongest highlights of the show, making every shared scene intense, emotional, and captivating. I’d easily give this drama a 10/10 because it keeps you hooked till the very end, especially with its twists and emotional turns. By the time you finish, it’s almost impossible not to fall in love with Fan Zhi Xin.

Acting & Chemistry

I’ve watched countless dramas, but I’ve rarely seen an actor like Fan Zhi Xin. His portrayal of Yan Xing Cheng is truly mind-blowing. He doesn’t just act—he embodies the character. His eyes alone convey pain, rage, vulnerability, and suppressed trauma so vividly that you can feel every emotion through the screen. Whether he’s angry, broken, or silently suffering, his performance hits hard and stays with you.

Li Mo Zhi is equally impressive. She beautifully transitions from the timid and insecure Shen Man Ning to a stronger, braver version of herself. Her emotional scenes, especially her crying moments, feel genuine and heartbreaking. Together, Fan Zhi Xin and Li Mo Zhi create a powerful on-screen partnership. Their chemistry is intense, comforting, and deeply emotional—lines like “I’m here” during dangerous moments feel incredibly reassuring and meaningful.

The supporting cast also deserves praise. Every actor delivers a solid performance, adding depth to the story rather than feeling like filler characters.

Story & Themes

This drama is not your typical light romance. It blends revenge, suspense, romance, trauma, and healing into one intense narrative. The plot revolves around identity, loss, and forced relationships, with a central trope that may not be everyone’s cup of tea—the female lead being the doppelgänger of the male lead’s long-lost sister. This aspect has led to some negative reactions, but if you can digest that premise, the story has much more to offer beneath the surface.

What makes My Lethal Man stand out is how it flips the usual romance formula. Instead of slowly falling in love, the leads are forced into a relationship and gradually learn to trust, rely on, and heal each other. The enemies-to-lovers dynamic is surprisingly addictive, giving strong “Wattpad vibes” for fans of that trope.

The suspense is another strong point. Almost every episode ends in a way that makes you eager to watch the next. The twists are well-placed and genuinely surprising without becoming overly ridiculous, which is rare for melodramatic C-dramas.

Direction & Cinematography

The direction is thoughtful and emotionally driven. Certain scenes are especially powerful, such as:

The blood-drawing in hospital elevator scene
The male lead’s grandfather’s death
The burning paper scene in the car
The symbolic drawing of the drowning child

These moments are not just dramatic—they’re meaningful and layered with symbolism. The cinematography also deserves praise. The lighting is beautifully controlled, perfectly matching romantic, dark, or emotional moods, making many scenes feel aesthetic yet heavy with emotion.

OST & Production

The OST complements the drama perfectly, enhancing emotional scenes and heightening tension when needed. Combined with the high-budget feel, gorgeous cast, and stylish wardrobe (even for secondary characters), the production quality adds a lot to the viewing experience.

Final Thoughts

My Lethal Man is a dark but beautiful revenge romance filled with intense emotions, strong performances, and addictive drama. Yes, it’s melodramatic and cheesy at times—but that’s exactly part of its charm. If you enjoy suspenseful romances with emotional turmoil, passionate chemistry, and dramatic twists, this drama delivers all of that and more.

Despite mixed opinions, I’d strongly suggest giving it a chance. Watch a few clips—especially the hospital or elevator scenes—and decide for yourself. If you do, chances are you’ll end up smiling, crying, emotionally wrecked, and completely in love with Fan Zhi Xin by the end.

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