Reviews

Very rushed

I really loved season 1 and was waithing for this season to come out! But I am kinda disappointed. First of all I feel like this season is a little bit boring. It has either a fitting scene either a talking/ walking, plot scenes. But it felt like something was missing.

Also they didn’t show us new characters background stories and made it confusing to understand WHY they are doing whatever they do. It felt very fast and rushed. I wish they made 10 episodes so there were no questions left.

I haven’t not read the webtoon, so i don’t know what is really true and what is added but i still feel like they missed a lot from the original plot.
To me it was very rushed, a bit dull and strange. Si Eun felt different and it is not bcs he has changed, its bcs they didn’t focused on him that much. Well i would say they didn’t focus on any character very much, probably because they had no time for that.

Also I don’t know what it is but the whay it was filmed and edited felt different, maybe they changes a production team. It made me feel like I am watching something new with a known backstory.

Overall I still give it a 9 bcs It is not bad and I still love this series but I hope they worked a little bit better on this season. I prefer season 1, if you ask me. ( I needed more SuHo scenes 🥲) I guess there’s gonna be a season 3 or else why would they put that scene at the end, right? 😅 At least I hope they won’t make us wait for 2 years;)

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Hesitancy ruined a great BL

Things I Liked:
Adorable characters: SeungWon and Heesu were incredibly lovable and easy to root for.

Honest portrayal: It captured how difficult it is to be queer, especially in South Korea.

Sibling relationship: Heesu’s bond with his sister was touching, especially the rooftop coming-out scene.

Music and visuals: Beautiful and perfectly matched the tender, emotional tone.

Heart-fluttering moments: Gave a Heartstopper-like feel with the blooming love.

Slow burn romance: Though a fan of slow burn, still a bit unsure if it fully worked here.

Journey to happiness: Watching Heesu and SeungWon's path to finding love and joy was satisfying.

Things I Didn’t Like:

Hesitancy in portraying queerness: The drama clearly held back and avoided going deeper.

Underused characters: SeungWon’s lesbian mom felt more like a plot device than a fully explored story.

Unresolved subplots: JuChan’s tennis dream and dad issues were left hanging with no closure.

Frustrating friendship dynamic: JuChan was a bad friend to Heesu, and the drama never addressed it properly.

Painfully cut confession scenes: Important emotional beats were rushed or skipped.

Self-absorbed reactions: JuChan made Heesu’s coming out more about himself, which was frustrating.

Messy sister’s love life: Felt random and poorly handled, adding unnecessary confusion.

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After Severing Ties, My Uncle Spoils Me Very Much (2024) is a rebirth romance miniseries with male lead Wang Nan in the main role as Pei Sinian and female lead Mao Xiang Lin/Shu Han in the main role as Shen Nian. Although the drama is nice, it is more about Shen Nian and her mistreatment at the hands of her biological family which chose to save the adopted conniving daughter after she set the warehouse on fire where Nian lost her life even though Pei Sinian tried to save her. After rebirth, she leaves her family and goes back to Pei Sinian who took her from the orphanage and raised her. This version is good in the sense that, at the end. she chose not to forgive and be a part of her biological family and stayed with Pei Sinian and their love story developed. Although the family interactions and end results were well done and satisfying, the romance was cute but bland and boring.
This drama can be found on YouTube under the caption: ENGSUB| Abandoned by My Biological Family, Luckily Raise Me CEO Uncle Spoiled Me Like Child

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Challenging the Spectrum of the Status Quo

Beautiful story about the price we pay for being different, and the price we pay for staying the same. Is it more soul crushing to stand out from the crowd, or to fit in at any price? And if we choose peace at any price, but someone else has to pay the price - can we live with ourselves?
A natural mathematical genius with savant autism makes a surprising discovery, upsetting many apple carts along the way. Many people with vested interests of different kinds seek to discredit him so that they will not be inconvenienced by his discovery. They want to stay the same: Same wealth, same hierarchy, same system, same practice models.
Our protagonist has no choice but to be different and he is punished and blamed for it, yet his motivations are honesty and accuracy. In fact, those motivations are seen as so strange, that they are used to discredit his character and ideas.
There are people in this story that want change: Improved quality of life. Improved access to justice. Better outcomes. Feeling heard. Redressing past wrongs. Inevitably there will be conflict between the two camps.
Zhang Ruo Yun is incredible as Shuai Jia Mo, the awkward young man who represents all of us at some point in our lives - not quite getting the picture and not quite fitting in. When I watch him I feel like I have a trustworthy doctor - based on what I have seen, ZRY always shines in his roles and brings the magic.
The other characters are clearly depicted which makes the story and its themes work.
This is not a glamorous idol drama - the point of the matter is to show us every-day conditions and hand-to-mouth living.
There is some humour which helps bring relief to the patterns.
I have been surprised to see a couple of reviews refer to the story as being "dry" and one said the ending was unhappy. Surely not this show - the ending was excellent. It was not a Disney ending, but this is not a Disney story. I happen to enjoy shows about math and science, e.g. A Beautiful Mind, The Enigma Game, Contact, 3 Body etc; but if that is not your thing, this really is a drama about a society on the cusp of change, family dynamics, justice v mercy, and personal integrity v worldly honour.
Of all the C-dramas I have seen, this one has the most satisfying outcome. I've got a new favourite!

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Noir crime drama with arthouse-cinematic qualities

A sad story of wrongfully accused two brothers. A police officer working in a contention center instinctively knows they are innocent and tries to get to the bottom of what really happened. We see Du Xiang Dong courageously pedalling on his bicycle for hours on the misty mountain roads. The case strecthes for decades and Du Xiang Dong's life is always shadowed by it.

As is typical for c-noir dramas, we have a cast of characters with intertwining lives. The acting of all of the cast is nothing less than perfect. None of the characters are stereotypically good or bad, even the police. They're human and make human choices and human errors. Shi Peng Yuan is in a main role a second time together with Qin Hao after the Bad Kids, they're both so good in this too.

The cinematography in A Life For a Life is simply breathtaking. The location and the feels it provides always have a big role in the Light On series and for the viewing experience. This one's in a lush mountaineous region and the main settings are the prison and a steel factory. The order in which they portray the story is unusually well thought out. A dark and heartbreaking story yet I enjoyed every minute of it. Some melodramatic touches and music further underline to the arthouse-cinematic qualities of this drama.

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Do not watch this drama if you're not ready

If you want to watch men kissing and being romantic with each other, this isn't the drama for you. If you want more adult content or stories that resolve quicker, then this isn't the drama for you. If you want a perfect BL fantasy in which all characters are magically gay and nobody questions their sexuality, this isn't the drama for you. If you're not going to watch this drama with an open mind, then this isn't the drama for you.

I had been excited about this drama for the past 3 years and I must say, I was not disappointed. Was this drama just like the original WebToon? No. It is an adaptation afterall. Was it a perfect adaptation? Not that either, but was it good? Yes.

When the trailer dropped, the reception from Korean and non-Korean audiences was very different. Many Korean fans were simply excited about it, whereas international fans were ready to hate the drama. Thus, I ask you, if you're not open minded, you're only going to see the flaws in the drama. Actually, not the flaws, but the things that you wanted that were never going to be there. Most comments kept talking about this drama being another heteronormative straight washed Korean drama, and I was so confused. I've seen many Korean BL's and none of them have ever been straightwashed except one. Spring of Crush. That drama was a huge disappointment. The original is BL but the drama was changed to bromance and completely eliminated the romantic storyline. But apart from that, I've never seen any Korean BL's actually straightwash their content. So I was confused, to say the least.

In preparation to this drama, I had read the Webtoon years ago and one thing that I loved about this webtoon compared to other BL's was that it wasn't exactly a BL drama. As a gay man myself, also having lived in Korea for many years, one thing that I liked about BL's is the fantasy aspect that helped me escape reality. But on the other hand, I didn't like how the genre of BL fed onto this fantasy that every man is magically gay, there are no female characters at all in many BL's and the fact that they're attracted to men is never addressed nor of importance. It just is that way. That bothered me because it was just too perfect and I couldn't fully feel a connection to the characters at times. It was simple fanservice. But Heesu in Class 2 was different. The fact that they had their friends hide their lovey-doveyness because being gay in high school like this would be an issue, the fact that Heesu is in love with his straight best friend and he stays straight the whole time. He wasn't magically gay or bi all along, nor does he suddenly realize he actually likes bi. This isn't exactly a queer Webtoon, but it's the closest BL to seem really relay the queer experience in a light enough way without taking away its meaning. This is the main reason I loved the webtoon. So much so that I thought the author was a gay man, not a girl.

Now did the drama deliver on the main essence of webtoon? Yes. Completely and fully, yes. The thing that annoys me the most about most hate is people calling it Chanyoung in Class 2 or a straightwashed drama with BL characters as side characters. Which I think are huge exaggerations and I stand by what I said. If you want a perfect BL fantasy in which all characters are magically gay and nobody questions their sexuality, this just isn't the drama for you. This drama isn't actually about Seungwon and Heesu, nor is it about Heesu and Chanyoung, nor Chanyoung and Jiyu. This drama is about Heesu. This drama is about love, and its many many forms. So the main essence of the drama is still very much present.

Heesu's journey with accepting himself. With his world that revolves only around Chanyoung and no one else. His immaturity, his determination not to lose Chanyoung and actually try to confess to him, to be with him. Him learning that he really doesn't know what he actually likes, only what Chanyoung likes. Seungwon being the one who wants to know HIM, for who he is. And him for the first time having someone take interest in only him. This all is still very much present. This isn't simply a BL story, the main focus was never Seungwon and Heesu getting together, but Heesu learning what love is. Heesu maturing and growing. And Heesu did just that, the whole drama. He learned to let go and let Chanyoung be happy. Him learning to take initiative, to take courage. Learning love through the experience of his older sisters. Him feeling insecure in being himself and coming out and seeing Seungwon with two moms giving him that reassurance that no matter what, he at least wouldn't hate him for being gay.

The important and subtle message of the drama stayed the same. In no moment in the original webtoon (which I read in Korean, so I don't know how it was translated to English) did they say the word gay outright from what I remember. The drama kept that. They don't say the words because they aren't needed. The fact that we get a scene in which Heesu can come out to one of his sisters? That was powerful. The fact that we get to see Heesu cry and get the courage to accept himself and eventually come out? That's powerful. This isn't a BL where you get to see the main couple get together and be cute together. This is a coming of age story in which we get to see two gay teenagers learn to accept themselves, take courage and take a chance on love despite everything. I actually also loved the change with the drama in which Heesu is interested in the things related to space. The metaphors really added a lot to the story.

Now I don't think it was all perfect. Honestly in the original, I actually kind of had wanted Jiyu and Chanyoung to get together, but Chanyoung not succeeding in love for once was something that added to the story in the webtoon. But we get a music arc with Jiyu and a tennis arc with Chanyoung that really did add to the characters to a degree. I think saying the drama was about them is a huge exaggeration. However I do think they kind of messed up the characters of Chanyoung. Chanyoung was originally aware of Heesu's in crush and wanted someone to come and take over to save him from his own heartbreak. Making him unaware changed the dynamics of the drama and did a disservice to the character. I do like the ending in which we get to see him show up for Heesu and say he'd be there for him no matter what, which is important for Heesu. However I do think that he could've apologized and that was portrayed in a more selfish and self-centered way. But a good looking guy who's popular and in high school? I want to say that isn't a little more of a realistic take on how a real high school good looking guy would react? I do think he was selfish and lacked accountability though.

I do however like that all the characters were flawed in many ways and immature. They got to grow and learn a lot. I loved the love arcs with all 3 of his sisters, which really served to show Heesu learning and growing while relating to his own love life and struggles. All female characters in this drama were great. Even the slight bullying that happened over instagram was an interesting addition to the plot. Seungwon standing up for Heesu as well.

So again, I'll repeat. Is this a perfect adaptation? No. Is this a straight washed heteronormative Korean drama? No. This isn't a story that's supposed to be fanservice to please the fantasy of gay men relationships. This drama was from the beginning to the end about love and about Heesu. Heesu's growth, coming to terms with his sexuality, coming out and finding love. It was about that while we got to see the growth of everyone else around him relative to him as well. I loved every bit of this drama and would highly recommend it to anyone who's willing to watch it without comparing it to the original source material too much and without expecting a BL fantasy.

One last thing, the acting. This is by far one of my TOP 5 BL dramas overall and of the best in terms of acting. None of the actors gave weak acting deliveries. Until the end, every emotion, every scene was done with superb acting. Unlike many other BL dramas in which there are many new actors who were unable to deliver the emotional depth of queer characters or even have basic acting skills, this drama had none of that. Ahn Jiho's portrayal of Heesu was a bit manlier than the original, but he kept the bratty, innocent, dreamy and loving good hearted nature of the character. And that boy can cry like no other. I keep replaying the confession part of the last episode over and over just to see them act. Do I wish there was more of the main couple? Yes, sure. But it was never about them. It was about Heesu's growth and if you actually stop looking for a fantasy of gay relationships and watch through the eyes of Heesu as a character, this drama is really good.

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NOT A GOOD SEQUEL.

After how insane and emotional Weak Hero Class 1 was, I went into Season 2 with high hopes but honestly, it just didn’t hit the same. While the show still had an amazing performances, the overall vibe felt...off.

The stakes were higher, the fights were bigger, and everything was ''louder'' but like somehow it lost that raw tension that made Season 1 so good. Instead of feeling emotionally punched in the gut like before, I mostly felt like I was just watching fight scenes strung together without the same weight behind them. The new characters were fine, but none of them had the depth or chemistry that the original trio had. I get that Si-eun was supposed to be even more isolated this season, but it made a lot of the relationships feel hollow or rushed. And honestly, some of the plot points just felt like they were trying too hard to be darker instead of being naturally intense like before.

Soooo like it’s not a bad season, i mean it’s shot well, acted well, and there are still some genuinely great moments. But compared to the brilliance of Season 1, Weak Hero Class 2 felt like a weaker, less emotionally resonant sequel.

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Why did they try to make second lead main lead? This is not Netflix Start-up.

WOW!!! what an amazing journey. I got to know a lot more about the main leads characters.

Chan Young exerts main lead energy being ignorant to his friend struggle and just think for himself first. His love line with Ji Yu is cute because I got to know how much shallow dating your fav singer is so convenient as studying in the same school and same extra curriculum. Her songs are truly powerful indeed as to convert a misunderstood common interest into definitely love.

Love is such a simple thing that Ji Yu falls in love with a handsome guy who acknowledge her talent and compliment her achievement and most importantly, an act of kindness returning the book she forgot on her desk in front of her which happens to be her song title which is probably why it was allowed to be left on the desk during extra-curriculum class.

I was so annoyed because why did they give Heesu so much screen time when he is a typical support character who helps setting people up. He didn't even help the main leads get together. Why did they show him trying to sabotage the main leads when his gig is being a shy best friend? If he was supposed to be the antagonist then they made his character so weak with weak motive as falling in love with childhood best friend.

Furthermore, why does a support character get a support character? Seung Won literally is non-relevant to the main storyline when he just sit by the side on everything. What was his point even? to be Ji Yu bestie? what did they do together to relate so much? To introduce a jealousy storyline with Chan Young in Ji Yu relationship? they did try and succeed but it concluded so early. He was only introduced as a way to stop Heesu rampage in a non violent way.

Through out the 10 episodes Heesu and Seung Won relationship progress is literally as obstacles for Chan Young and Ji Yu. I get that they wanna be family friendly so maybe they could conclude it with a second lead love line but with a BL twist.

Overall, I am a little disappointed by the direction of the series in progressing the main relationship but I am glad to say that it is another kdrama that I have successfully sat through.

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What a bizarre plot!!

what that ending was even!? all the characters were walking embodiment of toxicity, legit none of em was sane (NONE OF EM!!) none of em had a sane brain they all were either malfunctioning in their heads or dying or killing!! other than that cinematography and acting was good but the plot did no justice. this series will only be remembered for its NC and plot (for being too shitty). Like they had it all, they could have executed it so better than THIS!! and why did tonkla and bas executed the romeo & juliet arc, i bet they were not even that in love and what win was whining for!? bro fuckin signed for it. tbh i didnt see any chemistry between bible and jes, individually they are great actors, but together nononono!! white stole the show (my bro just wanted it raw lmao) and bas was so stupid doing everything without adding 2&2....

well you can watch it for nc's or if you want to watch smth other than usual fluff and want smth toxic and dark that makes you questing stuff, then go for it. for me its a 7.5/10.

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Nice

Or course season 1 was better. However, season 2 here was pretty good! They focused more on the main character's issue. I'm glad they added a little bit of the second lead's background story with his childhood friend.
The drama was well paced. Very intense.
The brotherhood/bromance was cute! Chemistry was awesome! Loved all the fights!!! Main lead was great!
The ending was satisfying. Not rushed, like a few people said. I felt they took their time and gave it a great ending!!! And omg!!! So glad Suho woke up at the end!!!! Can't wait for season 3!!!!!!!!😘🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

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Absolutely love the main leads' chemistry!!

First of all, I've just finished this and I must say, I love all the cases!! They're all unique and interesting, and I believe it's also connected with the reality, so it's really good to know about them. The editing when they explained the cases are also so creative!! And this is my honest thought, the 2nd guy's character should've just ended at the 1st episode 🥲 I really didn't care about him. He didn't add anything super significant to the story, except for being their helper few times, in which I think, they still could've managed even without him. The romance is super duper unnecessary and quite annoying to have, especially when I'm super into the main leads' chemistry. And that's to say, Ishiko really seemed didn't care much about him. Like I say, the main leads' chemistry is so so so goodddd, you have no idea how much I love them 🥹🥲 They've developed a really close bond, in which they constantly opened up and being a huge emotional support to each other, in which, the romance is so forced. I also kinda like Haneo too, he's super nice and quite caring to Ishiko, and even to the 2nd lead (🙄). I love their bantering, the platonic love, but also, kinda wishing them to have something at the end (he even protected and encouraged her to retake the bar exam 🥹) The writer really loves messing with us and quite cruel, I must say 🥲 but overall, this might be one of my fav legal and Japan dramas 🫶🏻 truly hoping for season 2 huwaaaa 🫠 or at least, give me more of Kasumi and Tomoya pairing pretty pleaseee 😭 (their chemistry is my fav after Kasumi with Suda Masaki 🫢)

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Too Many Cooks Spoil the Broth

It fell short as an adaptation of a BL manhwa, and even its attempt at being a straight K-drama became nonsensical after the first five episodes.

Great writing where? Chan Young's tennis storyline and the unresolved issues with his dad were never properly explored or explained, leaving viewers confused about his father's resentment. There was no closure.

Chan Young was so self-centered and annoying that he made the series unbearable. The straight couple were cute in the first few episodes till we realized they forgot the title of the series.

The dynamic between Heesu sisters and their lovers was explored but felt lackluster, mostly because it was hard to even understand what was going on.

Seungwon having two moms was brushed off far too easily, there was so much potential that just went down the drain. Too many open ended dynamics in the series.

Making Seungwon seem like a rebound was diabolical and insane. The queer storyline was dragged out unnecessarily.

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