Reviews

Well.....They finally won...?

I really loved Typhoon Family, everything from the story to the acting to the music, but something I just can't get over is how long it took for our main characters to actually have a solid win. Besides that, our leads, Lee Jun-ho and Kim Min-ha, were phenomenal. I loved their banter, their relationship before and while they were dating, and overall the actors' chemistry. This also goes for the rest of the Typhoon Trading staff; I love every single one of them even though some of their actions pissed me off lol. Going off into the rest of the characters, I really liked Nam Mo and Mi Ho because they were just so cute together, and I loved them as a couple. I also loved Mi Seon's entire household with her little brother, her grandma, and Tae Pung's mother. Overall I would say this show was very much worth the 8 weeks of watching, but I cannot say if I would watch it again!

Side note: The burgundy suit that Tae-Pung wears at the end looks SO GOOD OMG 😍

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Wholesome storyline with captivating and adorable CPs | Insanely obsessive 2nd ML.

"Anyone who can endure what ordinary people cannot is not someone to be taken lightly." - Luo Elder Madam

Looking back at the whole narrative, I think this is the lightest drama I have watched in a while. It has some suspenseful and thrilling scenes, sure! However, what made me truly be at ease during those moments was the ever-reliable and trustworthy connection between the main characters. This is the type of story where, no matter how bad and messy the situation may be, you will still feel calm and relaxed. Simply because you know that the main characters speak and think as one, and that they can always turn any predicaments into triumphs and opportunities. In short, you will not be stressed by shallow conflicts and misunderstandings between the leads, as their maturity and prudence will spare you those cliche drama plots.

Honestly, I was quite displeased by how kind and considerate Wei Yining (FL) is, to the point that it became my primary issue with her character. This is because her acts of kindness and leniency often become an opportunity for her enemies to scheme against her. But then, as the story goes on, I realized that although she was like that, she is the type of person who will not allow herself to be trampled on. She is rational and mentally prepared for such situations and can typically formulate countermeasures to fight back against those people who want to bring harm along her way. Nonetheless, I wish she had been a little more firm in imposing consequential punishment immediately—even on their first attempts—instead of letting them get away with it.

I also just want to mention how I loved Wei Yining's birth plot so much. There was nothing special about it as it is commonly used, however, what made it so special was the satisfaction, pride and comfort it brought to the story. Imagine getting disowned for being an illegitimate child, only to find out that your father is a much powerful individual. Beyond that was him being a great father who's never afraid to show his immense love and affection towards Yining. When they try to bring her down by tarnishing her origin but she ended up soaring even higher! In addition, she got the greatest wedding perks I have ever seen in a drama. Marrying into the family she grew up in, so formalities and filial duties is no longer a burdensome obligation. Such a relief!

"Those who believe you will always believe you. Those who don't believe you won't change their mind no matter how hard you try to explain." - Wei Yining

Another topic I want to talk about is the family dynamics and synergy in this drama. It was deceptive and dysfunctional at first, but as time passed and as the people who caused harm were dealt with, the situation gradually became peaceful. Although it became less crowded and lively due to family members leaving to pursue what they want and for some other reasons, I am just glad that they were able to realize their misconducts and tried to make amends for it by taking a path where they can find peace and hopefully achieve greater things. That is why watching them reunite during Bao Er's (the lead's child) 1st month birthday celebration felt more meaningful and heartwarming to watch. I sincerely hope for them to find closure and peace for whatever issues they have had. Although I am still skeptical and doubtful of Luo Yilian, I just wish she really had changed /Crossfingers/.

Additionally, let me just mention how awkward yet adorable Luo Chengzhang (2nd master of Luo mansion) l inin trying to build his relationship with Lin Hairu (2nd mansion principal wife). I hope they can eventually become an affectionate couple. I still disdain Luo Chengzhang for being biased and hypocritical but seeing his progress makes me feel at ease. Lin Hairu, on the otherhand, deserves all the love and praise for being such a great sister and mother figure for the entire Luo Household. I love her character very much!

Lastly, I was lowkey hoping for a noble and mighty looking 2nd ML to contend the ML, but sadly we got a brazen and lunatic one... He's impertinent, persistent and obsessive. The only good thing he did is catching that arrow for her at the end. Satisfying death I would say. Bravo. Haha!

P.S. This show should be recommended to those fickle individuals who can't be contented. Hopefully, they can pick up a lesson or two from the outcomes of being tangled with more than one person and learn how to be faithful. This show just proves how turbulent and messy polygamy is.

Story - 9.5, What I loved most about this drama was its wholesome and gentle storyline and its ability to keep me comfortable, even during the chaotic conflict scenes. What I wish could have been better was for Wei Yining to be bolder and more retributive in granting judgment. I also noticed that they off-screened a ton of scenes; it would have been nicer if they had shown these on screen instead of the audience being surprised by events that had already occurred without our knowledge.
Acting/Cast - 10, ​I am satisfied with the actors and actresses and truly appreciate that they were able to capture the vibe the drama required. The kind characters look genuinely kind, while the bad characters look and act truly wicked. This show also made me appreciate Ren Min's beauty a lot.

Music - 10, The BGMs in this drama truly SLAP! Their placement was on point and blended perfectly with the mood of the scene. They were melodic, gentle, and comforting, which complements the scenes they're accompanying.

Rewatch Value - 9.5, It was light-hearted and wholesome, which made me genuinely enjoy watching it. Highly recommend, especially to people looking for a lighter and peaceful costume drama.

Overall - 9.5, The biggest selling point of this drama for me was its straightforward and stress-free storyline—a narrative that makes you feel at peace while watching it—and the lovely casts who livened up and brightened the entire show.

IF you find my review helpful please let me know.

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Brilliant Start, Rushed and Disappointing Ending

When the series first started I was really excited, there was a lot of potential and the story concept itself was exciting. The acting isn't awful but I think with a little more workshop time put in and a stronger script the acting could have been better.

About halfway through it started to be less entertaining, maybe its because it was only 8 episodes long that I didn't feel there was enough emotion being felt through the acting, it started to feel more rushed and there wasn't enough push and pull from the love triangle-type thing they were pushing for.

The ending had me unbelievably disappointed, character deaths that left me feeling literally nothing. The characters seemed to just brush past it for being so in love/loving towards those that died? I think it could have been really meaningful to see a breakdown or two to really solidify the acting from the characters left. There was way too much that was left unsaid/unexplained/unseasoned for my taste. Peem showing up threw me for the biggest loop, and how Thara and Khun acted left me bewildered, there was no shock or emotion just an immediate 'you get the job' simply because he looked like Siwat, I assume the idea is Siwat reincarnated again? Somehow?

Overall, I thought it was okay, I just expected so much more from such a cool concept.
I do, however, hope to see the main three in other series in the future, I know this was Ongsa's first series and with a little more experience he could bring more personality to the characters he plays.

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Detective team to the west!!

The detective team of Su Wuming, Lu Lingfeng, Pei Xijun, Chu Yingtao, Chicken Fei with Xue Huan on board for this season, once again they take us on a ride of suspense, mystery, conspiracies, woven in and around Chang'an along with opening a new business too.
All the actors were great in their performances. Once again, the teamwork of these 6 rocks!!
Although the whole team of 6 solve many cases, unravel sinisterous plots which are nothing but the thoughts of human hearts, somehow I felt that the cases were as not interesting as the first 2 seasons.
The cases somehow lacked to engage me in them.
But still, I would like to recommend to watch it.
It may not be a perfect sequel, but will not disappoint you too.
A good watch, but only for once!!

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A Heartwarming, Healing Drama — Truly a “Family by Choice”

I finally finished Family by Choice and I’m so glad I decided to watch it now. I held off last year because I wanted to finish Go Ahead first, but Hwang In-yeop’s guesting on Dear X made me curious again... and honestly, no regrets.

This drama made me laugh, cry, and reflect on so many things about family, friendship, and love. It’s one of those shows that hugs you emotionally but also punches you when you least expect it. The life lessons were beautiful without feeling preachy, and the way the characters grew felt so real.

The main couple’s chemistry was amazing! Natural, warm, and so genuinely compatible that I found myself smiling at the smallest moments between them. Their relationship is one of the strongest parts of the drama. The acting across the entire cast was also superb. Everyone delivered, from the leads to the supporting characters. The found-family dynamic was especially touching and felt authentic.

What I love most is how the drama shows that family isn’t only about blood. Sometimes the people who choose to stay beside you are the real home you need. It’s comforting, bittersweet, and full of heart.

If you’re looking for a drama that’s emotional but healing, funny but meaningful, and full of relatable moments, Family by Choice is absolutely worth the watch. I wish I had seen it sooner… but watching it now felt just right.

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Very average romcom drama with way too many filler episodes Could have been 12 eps. Episode 16 was a filler episode but I was glad that we got a wedding.

A lot of stuff pissed me off like Hwa Ran and her hatred of Gu Won for no other reason than him being born. I also, hated the was she treated her son. Scenes like that will always break my heart. The co-workers of both Da Eul and Pyung Hwa were the absolute worst. Also, Da Eul's husband and his family. It was all so unnecessarily farcical. I'm not even sure what the point any of it was. Just god awful humans the lot of them!

The best thing about this series is the chemistry between Jun Ho & Yoon A. So good. They were great together and played off each other well. I thought the romance elements were well done and I like that they didn't break up b/c of other people.

Standout performance was Ahn Se Ha as No Sang Sik. Hilarious but a very good friend to Gu Won.

11/30/25

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Heartwarming , funny but a bit lacking...

a strong start that became flat till the end
in the first 2 episodes we see tae pong the playboy who is all about partying and wearing fashionable expensive clothes, however he has his own project which he wants to show his father to make him proud , yet he never get the chance as his father dies .

so here what went wrong for me
*The protagonist hyun jun and his father Mr pyo were way too weak for me hyun jun was just the spoiled brat who wanted his father's recognition, maybe Mr pyo was a stronger protagonist but didn't get enough screen time for some reason .

*The whole series we kept going in circles , It was a loop of tae poong making a deal and hyun jun sabotaging it then tae poong begging or making a deal with hyun jun father it kept repeating again and again till it became annoying .

the plot was rushed at many points in the series , even the romance wasn't focused on , it didn't focus on anything actually.

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This story is about a small community and how people's lives has changed with every new advancement

I have started watching this show because of ZWY. But I instantly fell in love with main couple. The couple they are ideal and always has hardtime keeping up with changes. But their kindness towards others has always paid off

This show perfectly captures how children have always struggled to achieve their dreams and making those dreams into reality is one big task. But so far from the shows i watched this show has perfectly captured the filial piety.

And coming back to ZWY. i have only seen his historical dramas. But this one has proved he can potray any character beautifully in any modern setting.

Last but not least once you start watching this drama you will get too involved into this. Thats how characters are close to real worls and cast has played their roles very well.

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A drama that shows hope and people' trust in you can help you survive all types of difficulties

I do think the charater development of ML is well written. I have seen how Kang tae poong character growth from spoiled rich kid into mature CEO and FL who as given up on dream because of crisis to strong person who have achieved her dreams

Even though the plot cliche's are repetitive but it shows diff problems seen in tading company at diff phases. Life is one repetitive circle and businesses are no exemption. But the businesses have playbooks to solve every problem. But here with ML adventurous personality and can do anything attitude has lead them into major hardtimes which are unusual but always ending up with satisfying success

I also like how they showed experienced people who have flaunted their knowledge and superiority can mess up big time and has to learn the lessons hardway

I also like how IMF crisis has been potrayed. It not about people losing everything but how this person actually turns out especially when they are in crisis situation

So far the pace was good from EP 1 -14. But the plot has been inconsistent at the end but i do like the second half of ep 16

I would definitely recommend this to watch this show at winter break at your leisure time who is ready to watch a show based on characters and their individual stories

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A melt in your mouth romance… served with a side of questionable therapy!

Japan just gets food dramas in a way no one else does. Romantic Anonymous is one of them, revolving around Artisanal chocolates. It is a story of Sosuke, a germaphobe, who takes over Le Sauveur (a chocolate shop) and meets Lee He Na, who battles her own fear of social anxiety. If I look at it with a rose coloured lens, it does scratch that itch, but the psychological part of phobia/ trauma and how it was dealt with was highly unrealistic, especially the character of the therapist Irene.

Starting with the positives, I enjoyed the journey of leads- both individually and romantically. Even though their phobias are different- one is a germaphobe and the other can't make eye contact. Yet somehow they became a safe space for each other, growing softly as they each broke out of their shells.The main strength of their bond lies in the fact that they understand each other's silence better than most couples understand words. I loved how tender and careful their relationship felt.
I did feel the pacing dipped in between, but it did pick up in the later episodes. Also, having only eight episodes really helped cut out the fillers and kept the story from feeling stretched.

Another thing that worked in favour of the drama was the beautiful cinematography and the atmospheric setting. It was very scenic, especially all the wide outdoor shots of nature, plus the chocolate making process was filmed and portrayed beautifully. The overall aesthetics felt very warm.

What didn't work for me or should I say who didn't work for me, was Miss psychologist Irene. She was definitely the weakest link out of all 4 main characters. She is a professional yet rarely she behaves like one. I was astonished at her lack of boundaries and how somehow she had this tendency to insert herself into situations where she should be standing 500 m apart, observing from a safe distance from a professional standpoint. I am not saying she is malicious, just poorly written.

And her love line with Hiro was controversial as well. There wasn't enough organic tension between them. It felt forced or like an afterthought. Maybe it was because I couldn't get the conflict of roles out of my head, because Hiro was connected to both the leads and she was their therapist, muddying boundaries.
This could have worked better with her being a just a friend or anything other than a therapist.

Acting wise, this was my first time seeing Oguri Shun and he definitely has left a good impression on me. Han Hyo Joo also did a decent job. This was a Japanese-Korean collaboration and somehow I didn't feel she was out of place or anything. Akanishi Jin came with an insane face card, and though I didn't enjoy his character as much as I thought I would, his acting was nice too. I share the same thought for Nakamura Yuri as Irene.

Overall, this was a good one-time sweet treat from a romance perspective. I would recommend it if you enjoy gentle and slow-burn romance with some fine-dining chocolate aesthetics. It's not perfect but far better than romcoms I have watched recently.

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More than a boring business drama!!

I was initially hesitant to watch this show thinking it would be another boring business-focused kdrama with longwinded plots and business jargon. But.. my god.. i was so suprised when this turned out to be one of my favourites of this year!!
Under the façade of a business drama set in the economic drought of the imf crisis, this drama became such a heartwarming slice of life drama revolving around Taepoong and his colleagues navigating the troughs and peaks of life by relying on nothing but eachother.
Definietly worth a watch if you enjoy a good slice of life drama!!

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Babe yearning, pleading & desperately in love - what more would you want ?

I had mixed feelings on the first season, but this had me totally hooked.
The big selling point to me is Pavel's acting, PoohPavel's chemistry and this story, honestly, giving me one of my favorite things in the world : a beautiful man absolutely wrecked by his yearning and desperation for his partner.
This is another season that puts Babe through hell emotionally, but it's just so enchanting to watch.
Pavel conveys hurt, and desperately needing to be loved so, so well. His facial expressions are truly a treat.
He absolutely carried.
I loved this season and will be rewatching.

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Oh my god, this drama was heartbreaking and deeply satisfying in the best possible way. After 19 years of abuse, the FL finally finds someone who treats her with the softness, protection, and genuine love she always deserved—and watching that healing journey was so emotional. The ML is the perfect mix of gentle and fiercely devoted, and their chemistry? Absolutely beautiful.

Both leads delivered phenomenal performances, and even the supporting cast added weight to every moment. But the true standout here is the tight, well-written plot and thoughtfully executed script—no lazy shortcuts, no wasted scenes, just emotional depth from start to finish. This is definitely one worth keeping!

And honestly… everyone in this drama is at least a little bit crazy, and by the time I finished it, I felt like I’d joined them too. 😂😂

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