This review may contain spoilers
BRIEF review on likes and dislikes
I watched this drama for the first time in 2025, so I kept in mind that it originally came out 13 years ago and naturally might not hold up to the same standard as newer releases.The Positives
The overall concept and plot really drew me in. A crown prince and three of his royal subjects are transported into the modern day to solve the mystery of the princess’s murder—that setup is instantly intriguing. Their clumsy attempts to adjust to the future were hilarious, and I appreciated that the show didn’t rush their adaptation. Unlike in other dramas where characters seem to adjust overnight, the slow, messy process here felt more believable.
The OST was another highlight. By the end, I was singing along—seriously, that main vocalist had an incredible voice. And the drama carried that nostalgic, feel-good energy that’s so distinct in older K-dramas. The classic melodrama style—with its slow-mos, replay shots, and dramatic flair—definitely gave it charm.
The Negatives
Now, onto the parts that frustrated me. My biggest issue was with the crown prince’s acting. When he was playing his “present” self, he did well, but whenever he slipped into his Joseon-era voice, it grated on me. Every line was delivered at the same loud, flat pitch, to the point where I started skipping those scenes. I’ve watched plenty of sageuks (historical dramas), and I’ve never had this problem with other actors, which made it stand out even more here.
The ending was also a huge letdown. The evil sister essentially got away with everything—her toxic behavior was swept under the rug just because she donated part of her liver. No real consequences, no satisfying payoff. Her entire arc left me frustrated.
Then there were the three royal subjects. They had so much potential, and the show set them up as if they’d be crucial to unraveling the mystery. Instead, their roles were sidelined, and they never contributed meaningfully to the resolution. It felt like wasted characters.
Final Thoughts
While the premise was strong and the drama had its nostalgic, fun moments, the weak execution and lack of payoff dragged it down. If you’re looking for a solid time-travel drama, I honestly wouldn’t recommend this one—it doesn’t make the most of its setup, and the ending leaves you more annoyed than satisfied.
Was this review helpful to you?
Something so dear to your heart thats worth destroying yourself for
I've watched Zhou Yiran in Reborn for the very first time. He really impressed me in that one... But never did I ever thought i would experience such a heartbreakingly beautiful performance by him the very same year I got introduced to him.Wang Yinglu... what a performance. Her eyes held so much emotions, you could visibly feel her pain,her rage,her frustration, desperation and devotion.
These two young actors gave their heart and soul to give life to Tang Yixun and Ye Haitang.There was not a single intimate scene,let alone any kissing or hugging. But love between them was clearly visible. The way every pain they endured for each other,everytime they shielded each other,their fight to protect each other,little happiness they found for each other..... They put so many other love stories in shame. The innocence, purity between two teenagers who just had each other in this vast world and had to fight every storm cause they had no other choice.... It was extremely painful to watch,yet heartbreakingly beautiful.
The story had some flaws, yes. Time travel dramas are tricky,its hard to give a smooth ending. This one also had some plotholes ngl. But you know the drama is actually really amazing when you're ready to forget every minor flaw,mistake even though it would bother you a lot if it was some other drama. This drama made everyone forget everything.It was such a breath of fresh air after a long time.
I really wish these two gets the recognition for the best work of their career till date. This drama deserves everything. Acting,storytelling, direction,music.... There's nothing that wouldn’t touch you. You will remember it as something very close to your heart.
Was this review helpful to you?
A Must-Watch Legal Drama! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Beyond the Bar (2025) is an absolute gem. It perfectly blends exciting legal cases with deep, emotional character stories.What makes it so great?
· Relatable & Strong Characters: Jung Chae-yeon is fantastic as the idealistic rookie lawyer, and Lee Jin-wook is perfect as her tough but inspiring mentor. Their chemistry is amazing!
· Smart & Heartfelt Stories: Each case is more than just a legal puzzle; it's a moving story about love, justice, and human nature. It makes you think and feel.
· Fresh & Engaging: It avoids the usual clichés of legal and romance dramas. The focus on growth and mentorship is incredibly refreshing.
In short: It's a brilliantly written, beautifully acted, and deeply satisfying drama. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a show with both brains and heart.
Was this review helpful to you?
Slay Queen Meets Droopy-Eyed Prince ?⚔️⭐️
⭐️⚔️ "The Legend of the Female GeneralThis drama was everything I hoped for and a little extra sparkle on top. The female lead; my tiny little firecracker star, carried the role with so much charisma, sass, and heart that I could not take my eyes off her. She’s tough when needed, soft when it counts, and always radiates charm. The male lead? Let’s just say those droopy, emotion-packed eyes of his could start wars AND end them 💔🔥. Sexy doesn’t even begin to cover it.
The chemistry between the two was so natural it felt like they’d been married off-screen too. No endless break-up angst (hallelujah 🙌) – just a small hiccup that got wrapped up quickly. I loved that we weren’t dragged through unnecessary tears. Instead, we got plenty of action scenes that were choreographed to perfection. Sword fights, battles, strategies – chef’s kiss 🍜⚔️.
The villains? Swiftly and satisfyingly taken care of ✔️ (none of that endless dragging where you yell at the screen, “Just finish him already!”). I also appreciated the emotional depth given to the second male lead. Yes, his jealous streak was the only “meh” filler part for me 😅, but hey, he redeemed himself after losing everything. Character growth is always welcome.
And the supporting cast deserves their flowers too 🌸🌸 – they nailed their roles and kept the drama rich and layered.
💬 Final Verdict: A solid, addictive watch with sizzling chemistry, strong leads, badass action, and an emotional core that hits just right. 10/10 for me. Would definitely rewatch the highlights again (and by highlights, I mean every time ML smolders with those droopy eyes 👀🔥).
Was this review helpful to you?
My Thoughts on the Romance Movie
It’s a good romance movie, and in some parts I can really connect with the story. I like it, but they could have added more romance between Ryu Bo Hyeon and Lee Hyo Ri. Overall, the drama is really good because some parts feel very relatable to me. Everything shows the student’s life and her struggles. They could have made about 20 more episodes, adding more comedy with the friends. Another couple, Yun Tae O [Surfing] and Kim Seon Yeong, was also interesting. The village people are really funny, especially the grandmother.”Was this review helpful to you?
A Mini Drama That Could Teach Larger Dramas How to Start, Continue, and Finish Well
I don't expect as much from short length series, but this one pleasantly surprised me. The drama had three lifetimes compacted into one tale, and it did it well: the iris fairy and the aloof god; a demon and member of a sect; an empress and a rival prince; and full circle back to the fairy and god to wrap up the story well.An extra half star awarded for the OST. The music was more than I expected from a smaller series.
https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=aC25UGdPqwg
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Sluts Need Love, Too!
This was pretty horrible, although there were some redeeming factors. Here are my pros and cons:PROS
EYE CANDY. Hot men, hot bodies, hot NC scenes. Basically like PornHub without actual genitals being shown (but they were rubbed through shorts!). Here's to cheap thrills.
MELODRAMA. I appreciate some good, old-fashioned, over-the-top telenovela melodrama, and this gave us its fair share.
MUSIC. The music was quite nice.
CINEMATOGRAPHY. Oxin always delivers in this area, and this was no exception.
CONS
STORY. It was so ridiculous. Were we somehow supposed to feel something for any of these characters? Everybody just went around banging each other, yet acted like they all found the loves of their lives. "Oh, you're my one and only true love! We'll be together FOREVER... oh wait, there's some hot dick over there, excuse me while I join a group orgy. I mean, you'll forgive me, right... because I'm only human. You're really the only one for me! Forgive me, please? I'll just die if you don't. And I'll cry too! Pretty please?"
Puh-leeze. The "sad ending" gave me zero feelings. Welcome to "Sluts R Us!"
3.5, and that's a stretch.
Was this review helpful to you?
WLGYT MASTERPIECE ?
i won't write much cuz when you will start watching it you'll know but I also believe this is not everyone's cup of teathe whole story , plot , characters and ACTORS did a wonderful job i'm soooo happy that this was awarded as the "BEST DRAMA" 🏆
the cast was fabulous this drama teaches us so many things like either you see the first love is successful or not but this drama shows you both... the way when it's successful like gwansik aesun everything feels better even when circumstances are not the other person makes it bearable and when your first love is not successful something better is planned for you just wait!!!
the father daughter scenes were so emotional i cried legit every episode not to forget it and bogummmyyy was amazinggg iu as mother and a daughter did superb job and gwansik as a husband and father ohh God this guy... idk what to say he is such a GOOD ACTOR this was my first time watching him and he completely amazed me with his acting, his expressions, his range of acting.
overall a MASTERPIECE and one of my FAVOURITE DRAMAS out there!!!
MY #1 WHEN LIFE GIVES YOU TANGERINES & YANG GWANSIK ❤️
Was this review helpful to you?
Great start sofar Really Enjoyed
SJK in a romance drama, it feels like it's been ages. I missed his dramas. 2 episodes in and I am enjoying it so much. The way he is able to switch characters with so much ease is impressive. I am not familiar with the female lead but so far she is doing a great job. I love the fact that the writer gave us the back story right off the bat so we can keep it at the back of our mind while the story progress.I am especting more from this drama then just a straight forward romance. I can't wait coming episodes
Was this review helpful to you?
A perfect 10. Hit the play button!
I never thought I’d ever write a review for a vertical drama but here I am.A feel good, sweet, cute, non toxic, green tea and misunderstandings free show. This was honestly perfection to me. I cried, I giggled and I laughed out loud so many times watching this. Honestly I don’t even know how to review this, I just want y’all to not hesitate to watch.
In my whole year plus of watching vertical dramas, I have never come across one with such great quality; story wise, acting and directing. I think the casting was perfect, especially the ML.
if you’re looking for steamy, this might not be for you. But if you’re looking for a well developed romantic drama, go ahead.
Finally, I wanna applaud the sound team, the song choices were amazing! And the little Easter egg (the rain scene) at the end, wasn’t expecting that haha.
Was this review helpful to you?
Vintage melodrama smooth and soft
Watched the first two episodes ,I can feel the tension and awkwardness between the two main characters seeing each other other again. There confusion but interest in each other, love how the two actors are conveying this reuniting.I will say the loud music over there very intimate scenes is taking me out of it a bit, I almost feel like these moments would hit harder if there was no music or low music. Being able to hear the silence or tension that’s cutting the room between them
The younger verson leads are incredable so far their acting is very natura it's so refreshing
Wait for more episodes
Was this review helpful to you?
Loving this drama so far
SJK in a romance drama, it feels like it's been ages. I missed his dramas. 2 episodes in and I am enjoying it so much. The way he is able to switch characters with so much ease is impressive. I am not familiar with the female lead but so far she is doing a great job. I love the fact that the writer gave us the back story right off the bat so we can keep it at the back of our mind while the story progress.I am especting more from this drama then just a straight forward romance. I can't wait for the story to unfold.
Was this review helpful to you?
So far Excellent start
First, Welcome back Song Joong Ki for making a comeback of romance drama. It's been a while. I miss this kind of genre from him. SJK still has "romantic lead magic" that he can make you feel that way, even in these initial episodes. He's almost 40, but my goodness, he just looks like he's in his 20s to me.So, the first two episodes seem to have had a strong start, laying the groundwork for a compelling, emotional, mature romance that looks back at the past and is a hopeful journey into the future. It's a second chance that delves into the idea of first loves never fading, of how these two characters, despite their different life paths,trying to find a chance for healing and a new beginning.
The chemistry of SJK and CWH seems filled with natural, understated tension and familiarity that makes their reunion feel authentic. The first 2 episodes strategically use flashback scenes to show the characters in their youth, which I think Nam Da-reum and Jeon So-young did a good job. These moments of their first love and innocent interactions during their youth contrast who they were then and who they are now.
With the groundwork of the story well-laid, I cannot wait to see the next episodes, where the story goes next.
I give it 10 out of 10 as I love the foundation of the story and the actors portrayal , plus it's an opening welcome gift rating to SJK's comeback romance drama. But I will definitely use my fair judgement and more critical later on, depending on how the portrayal and the story go.
Was this review helpful to you?
So watch this one and story bet them is so satisfying not like other is so incomplete
So yeah this one is best
Was this review helpful to you?
Slytherin male meets Hufflepuff girl.
And they become a Gryffindor couple. Thats the show in a nutshell for me.Sizzling chemistry bet leads.
10/10 acting. I watched it just for Arthur Chen.
Amazing depth and range.
Nothing more to add really. My first xianxia show. Dont feel the need to watch others. Its that good.
Was this review helpful to you?
