Reviews

Was it all for nothing ?

from the start we get a great plot although its progress was a bit slow , nevertheless you some non sense , for a normal human being when he finds a bag full of drug usually you would report it to the police maybe eun soo's decision was driven by seeing her husband's suicide attempt but we things got really she had no problem selling drugs whatsoever I mean she is a normal housewife you would expect to see a little bit of hesitation or fear , yet they had a great explanation for it , we get a flashback of her husband saying that she is bold and have a Braveheart? especially the scene where they stole the drug and took the money from her ,she chased them that made no sense, they seemed like gang member they could've killed her .

lee gyeong's story was great wished they focused more on it and his interactions with his family .

the corrupted cop who kept blackmailing them , 10 out 10 acting , it was all the money and taking back what was his although he deserved none of it as there was domestic abuse involved with his wife and that's why she asked for divorce and got all his assests.

lee gyeong's revenge was great , he proved his innocence in the end which was the only good thing about that ending .

the ending was unsatisfying yet realistic , but they never got a happy ending especially lee gyeong after discovering his father signed a non disclosure agreement which meant he knew his son was innocent yet he did for the money , eun soo lost her husband even her daughter which she sold drugs in the first place for , so was it all for nothing ??

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Weak Storytelling

I really like My Secret of Seer’s visuals, and it started off strong, but the editing becomes increasingly messy as the story progresses. Win’s character—a fortune-teller who can also see ghosts—is a unique combination, and the plot has potential, but the execution is lacking. Many scenes jump abruptly from one place to another without proper connection, making it confusing at times. The story doesn’t flow smoothly, and some scenes feel poorly arranged. There are also several moments that don’t make sense and come across as fillers.

On top of that, the romance suffers from a slow burn. The love confession only happens in the final episode. From the start, the show focuses more on the love triangle between Phloeng, Win, and Tul, as well as Win’s circle of friends. The romance feels more like a subplot because the main story revolves around finding Win’s karmic creditor to fix his condition.

I also feel like Phloeng is treated more as a side character than a main one, since he barely gets enough meaningful screen time with Win and he did not shine throughout. The acting is passable—not top-tier, but understandable since they’re rookies. The NC scenes are quite stiff as well. The only things I genuinely liked were the visuals and the OST.

Would I recommend it? Maybe—if you truly have nothing else to watch and just want something to pass the time. But with the number of good BL series available nowadays, there are definitely better options.

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A Dark, Addictive Drama

This show will either grab you immediately or completely turn you off—there’s no middle ground. Dark, intense, and morally complex, it’s not for everyone, but if you enjoy character-driven dramas with twists and emotional depth, it’s worth watching.

But what for me makes this drama stand out is Kim Yoo-jung as Baek Ah-jin. She brings so much depth to a character who is flawed, vulnerable, and fiercely ambitious. You can’t help but be drawn to her, even though almost everything she does is questionable. Ah-jin is definitely not a “good” person — she can be selfish, manipulative, and willing to do whatever it takes to succeed. But under her tough exterior, you can see her insecurities and the trauma she’s carrying from her past. Her choices may hurt people, but they often make sense when you understand her drive and survival instincts. Watching her, I was constantly torn between rooting for her, sympathizing with her, and questioning her actions — which made the show frustrating and compelling at the same time.

It’s a big change from the roles we usually see Kim Yoo-jung in, and she pulls it off effortlessly. I honestly think this role was a career risk, but she handles it with confidence, making it feel like a turning point. Taking on such a complex, morally gray character could have gone wrong, but instead it really shows how bold and versatile she’s become.

We also can’t forget the two male leads, Kim Young-dae as Yoon Jun-seo and Kim Do-hoon as Kim Jae-oh. Without them, the story wouldn’t be the same. Honestly, they almost feel like her loyal minions, she tells them to jump, and they ask how high. They would do anything for her. They would literally die for her.

Visually, Dear X looks amazing, and the OST is just as memorable. The music really brings out the emotions in each scene, making the highs more intense and the dramatic moments hit harder.

The ending wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t quite what I expected. I had hoped Ah-jin would face at least some consequences for her actions, but even so, the journey is what makes this drama so compelling.

If you like character-driven dramas with morally complex characters and incredible acting . Dear X is definitely worth watching.

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When apologies, just forgive all you’re ridiculous and henious crimes

I thought this show was fairly non-offensive to begin with. 24 episodes at 10 minutes each and it was generally quite boring.. low budget, low quality where everybody seem to try their best.

Then 75% of the way through at the beginning of episode 18 it turned into a complete nonsensical farce. The Guardian who was by the ML side throughout turns out to be a spy for the villain and he immediately forgives her because she apologises and kneel down.. the FL’s sister prostitutes herself to a villain and kills him but none of this is ever exposed or even mentioned apart from her looking depressed and becoming jealous because the FLNML are together when she was in love with him. She then even kidnaps the FL so she can be sold but is immediately double crossed by the ridiculous love rival for the ML and his immediately forgiven.. the love rival who threatened to kill everybody changes her mind and they let her go without even an apology because she’s powerful and influential. The whole thing just stank and was completely rotten to the core by the end.

What even made it funny was when the spy was apologising to the ML for betraying him she even sounded completely dumbfounded at how ridiculous it was that he was forgiving her. That’s how stupid the show is.

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Short but good

Story was small yet with a good chemistry of leads. There weren't many major plots, only two, but those were interesting as well.

Yiran's bond with her grandmother was adorable.
I liked the episode where they made Yiran's father realised how he was lacking. Not expected that the key to loophole would be their grandparents unrequited love story, that was excellent. That yearning in Grandma's eyes made me emotional.

It's a waste of the lead's chemistry that they rushed of the ending. I mean everything felt so fast- Yiran forgetting about the loop, seeing the photos, her running to the island and everything.
We only know that they will be a couple for sure, but I wanted to see more of them as lovers.

Overall, I enjoyed it.

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Went downhill after episode 1

I watched this while it was airing. The episode 1 was soo good i was like I'm gonna wait till it's done and then watch if cz i don't wanna torture myself with curiosity.

So i watched after it aired🙃 and damn i am soo disappointed. The acting is good, the direction... well it's above average and the plot had potential but from episode 2 it kinda lacked the emotional depth. The episodes had no progress in the plot it from ep 2 to 6 it was like they were just showing their past.. they didn't show hiro falling in love properly nor did they show his conflict of guilt and revenge... and even after he realised the truth there was no redemption. They kinda just got back together. Also natsuo... i get it's his personality but it was like he had no other personality other than being a hyperactive pushover. No matter what hiro or anyone did there was not a hint of sadness or anything. So it was like ep 1 hiro decided to date natsuo for revenge... ep 2 to 6 it's just them dating and glimpse of the past which was repetitive.. ep 7 natsuo realised the truth ep 8 get back together. It was as plain as that. I just forwarded the whole thing.

I won't say it's bad but it was not good either. Not watching it won't make a difference.

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First Frost

“First Frost” tries to be a poetic, slow-burn romance, but unfortunately it ends up feeling more like a slow freeze. The drama is visually beautiful, but almost everything beneath the surface struggles.
1. Pacing That Moves at Glacial Speed
The biggest problem is the pacing. Scenes drag on long after their emotional point has been made, and side plots stretch thin just to fill episodes. Rather than atmospheric, the slow pacing often becomes boring and repetitive.
2. Chemistry That Never Quite Melts the Ice
Despite the story hinging on the romantic tension between the leads, the chemistry often feels forced and inconsistent. Their emotional beats don’t land, and intense moments don’t build on each other. The romance lacks sparks—ironically for a show named First Frost, everything feels lukewarm.
3. Plotlines That Start Strong… Then Vanish
The show introduces intriguing mysteries and conflicts early on, but many either get resolved too conveniently or fade away entirely. Secondary characters disappear for episodes at a time, only to reappear with abrupt shifts in motivation.
4. Overly Dramatic Dialogues
The script leans heavily into flowery monologues that sound deep but don’t actually say much. Instead of delivering emotional weight, the dialogue often comes across as self-indulgent and melodramatic.
5. Gorgeous Production, Wasted Potential
The cinematography, costumes, and setting are undeniably stunning, which makes it all the more frustrating that the narrative can’t keep up. The drama feels like it relies on visuals to compensate for weaker writing.
⭐ Overall Verdict
“First Frost” is visually captivating but narratively hollow. If you enjoy atmospheric dramas and don’t mind extremely slow pacing, it may still appeal to you. But if you’re looking for strong storytelling or compelling emotional arcs, this drama may leave you out in the cold.

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Why was this so good!?

The moment I started watching this, I knew there would be mixed opinions. For some people, it may be too fluffy; for others, it may be exactly what they’re looking for — a sweet story, amazing acting, and green-flag leads. I’m definitely part of the second group.

I’m a big rom-com lover and have a soft spot for dramas that are full of fluff and super cute. Of course, having a good plot and great acting is a must, and this drama delivers exactly that. With so many intense, hardcore BLs airing right now, it’s a breath of fresh air to have something not so stressful to watch every week. I’m honestly so sad it’s over.

I really want to praise Big and Park’s acting — they were fabulous and did an amazing job portraying their characters. The plot itself felt different and fresh. To be honest, I would’ve liked to see more of the real Apo’s perspective and how he changed in the other world, but who knows — maybe they’ll release a sequel. The second couple also did not disappoint.

As a huge fan of cute dramas, this one is an absolute favorite. I know some people might not enjoy it because it’s not complicated and there are no major cliffhangers, but the story is genuinely interesting. There’s suspense, and there’s a love so pure it leaves you speechless.

So, I 10/10 recommend it if you’re looking for an intriguing plot, glamorous acting, and a sweet love story.

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After finishing part 1 last month and having my heart broken, I thought things couldn't get worse. Just as it would feel like I was healing, something would happen to just punch me in the gut again. And whilst I binge watched this. there were so many instances where I just had to pause and take a break.

Story
It's hard to talk about because I do genuinely think you have to just watch it for yourself to see how it all ends (assuming you've already seen part 1). There will be a moment around half way through where things will get more confusing before they can get answered, but you just have to trust the storytelling and know everything will come back full circle to part 1. And I do believe it's crafted so well that it'll be worth the wait in order to see everyone get exactly what they deserve. Of course I won't spoil the ending but there is one thing I wish had happened but I will include it right at the bottom of this review (it's not really a spoiler but more of a way for everyone to get closure after everything that happens in episode 10).

Acting/Cast
Honestly such an amazing performance from everyone. The terrible people did such a great job at making you hate them. In fact, I probably hate the characters more now than I did when watching part 1. And of course our main cast, they were so great and embodied their characters so well that I regularly got emotional watching them.

Music
Perfectly fits every scene. And just like the first part, I love the opening sequence/credits so so so much. So beautiful. I do need to see if anyone has made any playlists for part 1 and 2, or I might just make my own. [update: I found a wiki page with the OST so I just made my own playlist]

Rewatch value
I have given it a 10 for rewatch but I do feel like it'll be a while before I can rewatch it. But in the meantime, I will be listening to the music a lot.

Overall
Definitely a favourite of the year and I don't if I'm just good at picking them, but I always manage to find dramas from Taiwan that I just absolutely fall in love with. Just like many dramas I've watched from Taiwan, this drama will stick with me and I'll be thinking about it for a while. So if you have seen part 1, waste no time in starting part 2. And if you've somehow stumbled onto this page without watching part 1, go back and watch it because it's so special. Although please do check out the trigger warnings because it can be a tough and painful watch and episode 10 might leave you heartbroken.


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the one thing I wish happened at the end:
they make the documentary exposing everyone!!! omg, it pains me so much to know that only a few people would know the full truth

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Ordinary Neighbors, Unexpected Heroes

So this drama is basically about a bunch of ordinary neighbors (and you will realize after some episodes they are not) who suddenly decide to take on a ridiculously powerful government body — and honestly, that setup alone is wild enough to make you curious. Acting-wise, everyone delivers. You’ll see supportive husbands and wives, brave residents who decide to protect their own when no one else will, and some genuinely heartwarming moments between parents and their kids.
But if you’re expecting a slow-burn love story… sorry, not happening here. 😂 Everyone is already married, so the romance meter is pretty much flat. This one focuses more on unity, community power, and that “we’re all in this together” vibe.
The idea behind the story is great, though I couldn’t fully relate to all parts of it. The music is minimal, but there are some fun action scenes to keep things moving. Plus, the drama surprisingly throws in humor at just the right moments — it’s not a comedy, but it does make you smile.
So if you want a no-romance, lightly funny, action-packed drama with a strong community feel, then Heroes Next Door might just be your pick.

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Disappointing Despite a Promising Premise

Back From the Brink had the potential to be an engaging fantasy romance, but it ultimately falls short in several key areas. The storyline starts with an intriguing setup, yet the pacing quickly becomes uneven—slow in places where it should be tense and rushed when emotional depth is needed.

The characters lack meaningful development, making it hard to connect with their relationships or motivations. The chemistry between the leads feels inconsistent, and several emotional scenes that should have been impactful end up feeling flat.

Production-wise, the drama struggles as well. While the world-building is visually appealing at times, the CGI quality is uneven and occasionally distracting. Certain plot arcs feel repetitive and drawn out, causing the middle episodes to drag.

Overall, Back From the Brink is a drama with good ideas but poor execution. If you’re looking for a compelling xianxia or a romance with strong character growth, this one may leave you disappointed.

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I expected a lot from this show, but sadly, it didn't deliver :<

(Spoiler-light)

I came into this drama with high expectations. I heard so many great things about the drama from others, I loved the manga and hoped the adaptation would capture the same clever premise: model hiding his true identity from his number one fan, only to end up partnered with that fan on a project. The concept is excellent, but sadly the execution wastes most of that potential.

Premise & pacing
The first few episodes were… fine.not great, not terrible. I kept watching, but honestly, I thought about dropping it more than once. The story had potential, but it felt like the show didn’t know how to build tension or make the big moments actually hit.

Acting
This is where things really split.
Yasunari Fujibayashi (Ae / Enaga) — Brilliant!! Fujibayashi sells the duality perfectly: the two personas feel like distinct people. His body language, the way he talked, even how he stood, everything changed depending on whether he was Ae or Enaga. It was really impressive, and he’s the major reason I kept watching.

Chiaki’s actor — Unfortunately… I’m sorry, but the acting just didn’t work for me. He kept making the same “I’m about to cry or throw up” face in almost every scene. It got distracting fast. He has beautiful and expressive eyes yess, but pleasee, show us some emotion!! it’s as if every scene demands the same reaction. That made many intimate or supposedly interesting moments feel hollow or awkward, and I found myself cringing rather than empathizing. If he had more range or better direction, the show could’ve felt way stronger.

Chemistry & relationships
Between Ae and Chiaki? Honestly, nothing special. I didn’t feel the connection at all. Their relationship also has a weird power imbalance, and the drama never really talks about it, it just pretends it’s fine. A lot of their scenes gave me secondhand embarrassment. I had to pause so many times just to recover and rethink my life before continuing and question myself why am I still watching. I found myself skipping over their scenes most of the time.

But Enaga and Chiaki? So cuteee. So much better. Whenever Enaga showed up, it felt like the show came back to life. That’s why it was disappointing when he stopped appearing as much near the end. I actually think the final scene should’ve used Enaga, not Ae — he’s the one Chiaki actually fell for.

Music & production
The soundtrack is great. The intro is sooo catchy, honestly, I never skipped the intro. The music fits the drama well.
Visually, the show is competent: styling and cinematography suit the model punk world setting, and production values are generally solid. It’s just the character work and direction that disappoint.

Final thoughts
This drama had so much potential, but weak acting from one of the main characters and some strange writing choices hurt it a lot. The manga was way better. I’m glad I finished it because of Yasunari , but overall, the show ended up being a bit of a disappointment :<

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their happiness are short-lived just like the butterflies

[not perfect in english, pardon any english spelling errors and these are my personal thoughts after watching the drama]

upon watching the first season, i got really excited for the second season as i want to see how revenge was gotten. with the introduction of the first season, we get to see the story rather behind, craving to know what has happened and how did it lead to where they are today.

after watching the second season, i have to say the story was well tied up. in fact, you can see how yenyao had such an affection look towards pinyu and why pinyu has that sense of attraction. yes, it can get confusing as we are all seeing in pinyu's point of view, being confused about her previous identities.

the reason why i added the headline there was because i felt like all the characters here, expected those jerks, their happiness lasts awhile before realizing or getting triggered. i cannot believe how the jerks just continued with their life and acted like nothing happened or worse, getting used to something horrible, really inhumane- furthermore, when they tried to find the victim, wanting to apologize to them just for the predators to feel better and less guilty.

it really broke me when hsiao tung's parents' endless love for her... the way that they took care of her from afar when she lost her memories- the feeling of seeing someone so dear to you but unable to hug them, love them like you always do- they are all bitter gourds that deserves better ><

all it took was a trigger to break something that one has build up with love... i felt that yenyao does not have a feeling to kill until he saw tianqing kms- it sparked the killing for him, to protect her.

the revenge was super good and rather short- it was satisfying- i know it should not be justified but in this case, it was really needed when you know the story. in fact, for those who does not know the full story, like the news in the drama, you would be wondering: oh, why is he doing that. i am not empathizing and mention that killing is good etc... for this story plot, it was needed- (actually idk how to justify for myself but it felt that WE know that yenyao is killing bad guys which is awesome and THIS should NOT be applied in real life ok-)

the plot twist was good! like you would think that yenyao killed it all but when he started humming the song and they show what actually happened... i was MINDBLOWN!! and now, with someone so powerful has to live timidly, afraid when her actions might be leaked out - another type of revenge if you ask me!

i lowkey wished hsiao tung can walk it out but... how can she? maybe, it was the best choice for her to live in the world with him- i mean they were each other's everything. i manifest there will be an universe where yenyao and hsiao tung does not have to face all these bullshit and be happy <3

the acting was so good and felt so raw and real- i can really feel the emotions that the characters are portraying- from being confused, to falling in love, to the trigger, to acting crazy, to even killing- the expression made and the way it was portraying made me felt like i was there too-

if you love something dark with revenge, then you can watch it. if you dislike heavy content, then i think you can skip it-

this show itself was also to raise awareness on mental health. you are not alone and always remember that <3

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