Reviews

Overall, this was one of the better traditional dramas I’ve enjoyed. Most of the episodes were fast paced, the costumes and sets were beautiful and the chemistry between the main couple was also pretty sweet, in spite of how I normally don’t go for the ‘enemy to lover’ trope.

Most of the Chinese historical dramas I’ve seen are palace dramas with a whole court of characters kowtowing to an emperor, so it was refreshing how this one focused on warlords and their rivaling kingdoms- which may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but I just felt that it was a nice change from the standard palace drama. In here, these warlords still serve the emperor, but the emperor cannot go against them either, especially if they have a strong army. So they have a certain amount of freedom and self governance away from the main court.

I actually wanted to rate this higher, because while I did like the progression of the couple’s relationship, how the female lead proved herself as smart and capable and how practically every actor/actress here performed well with what they were given, there were certain things in the plot that I questioned and felt dragged the drama down a bit, mostly found in the last six episodes.

My main issue is that the main male lead was portrayed as somewhat incapable and incompetent. There was a part near the end where the Liangya army makes a surprise attack on the Wei state (the male lead’s kingdom) due in part to a secret tunnel the female lead’s family builds. I understand why Wei Shao felt angry and betrayed, but the scene made it appear as if he was sulking because he had no choice but to go to war unprepared and that he had no other back-up strategy to counter this attack.

This made no sense to me, because the character of Wei Shao is portrayed as battle-tested. Not only would his territories be fortified against such attacks, but if they actually turned out to be vulnerable, an in-character Wei Shao would be able to come up with a strategy to address it. I’m not against a vulnerable/flawed male lead…I’m not even against a female lead being smarter than the male lead…but I don’t agree with making one person stupid in an area where he/she is supposed* to be skilled, so that another character can shine.

If the said male lead is said to be good at something, then they might as well show it. Wei Shao is supposed to be experienced and skilled when it comes to warfare and tactics, how else could the Wei clan have gained such a reputation after his grandfather, uncle and brother were killed?

It also made no sense to me how Manman, the FL, kept crying about ‘having to send her husband to war to fight for her.’ The main reason why the Qiao’s wanted to marry her off in the first place to the Wei clan was because they had one of the strongest armies and were good at warfare. They didn’t offer her so they could sit around a campfire and sing kumbaya with the Weis..the marriage alliance existed so that the Weis (assuming they could let go of their past grudges) could lend military assistance... since the Qiao’s were rich, but did not have a strong army. Wei Shao's going off to war sulking was akin to having Genghis Khan crying because he had to get on a horse and fight.

I understand they did this so Manman could help him and show that she was good at strategy- thereby repaying her family’s past sins. While I appreciate the gesture, the plot device they came up with (her destroying that dam) and just giving a speech where the Liangya army just…seemingly out of the blue, were convinced and decided to give up and turn back- was too unbelievable to me.

The Evil Uncle / Liu Yian the main antagonist - The part where the Qiao uncle turns evil and sides with Liangya was not the issue. It’s the fact that he was too stupid. Earlier, Manman was engaged to Liu Yan of Liangya, but when the Weis came into the picture, they gave her to Wei instead and with a bigger dowry, because the Wei’s are* the more powerful bunch. What made him think that Liu Yan would not resent this past offense and would keep his word to give back the Panyi territory? They also don’t explain how Liangya all of a sudden had a bigger and better army than the Weis...

Lady Yulou and Wei Yan - Both the actor and actress did a great job portraying a scheming, Cersei-like villainess and a morally gray (but ultimately good) ally, respectively. But I feel that these types of characters are better served in an ensemble setting like Game of Thrones or even Nirvana in Fire. I found their parts boring here and wanted to fast forward to watch more of Wei Shao and Manman….but I am sure I would have appreciated Lady Yulou’s machinations or Wei Yan’s ambiguity in a different type of drama.

The part about Lady Yulou's ‘Huidian’ (that symbol on her forehead) was downright silly. When she becomes a criminal on the run from Wei state, they ask guards to look for a woman with this symbol in their forehead…and all she had to do was to wipe it off :/ The scouts didn't even bother to look at the appearance of the woman in their wanted posters. Later, when she gets disfigured and has to wear a mask, she comes up with a ridiculous story on why she has to have the mask on and Liu Yian (who earlier on, struck me as a good villain) is suckered into believing it. How can this crafty person suspect nothing?

TBH, I really loved the first 28 or 29 episodes; I feel that they should have ended the drama with Wei Shao presenting Manman to his ancestors. It would have given the best closure.

Historical dramas do not necessarily need to have good battle scenes and strategies, but this is one of the few that needed it, given the setting. Unfortunately, what I saw was not even average. After the Liangya army lost (because of Manman’s ’speech’) Wei Shao has to go off to war again to rescue Panyi ( cue Manman crying out of guilt, when she should take a tip from Queen Gorgo) and for some reason, Liu Yan knew that there was an area that would collapse because of the destruction of the dam and that Wei Shao’s army would get affected en route…but somehow, Wei Shao didn’t know about this…didn’t Manman tell him earlier?

With the Wei army off to rescue Panyi, for some reason the Wei state is not fortified, but it’s a good thing Wei Yan offers his assistance with his own army.

The ending battle is decided because their cousin in-law Bhi Zhi (who, for some reason, is an even better fighter than Wei Shao despite not having as much experience and starting off as a stable hand) decides to switch back from Liangya to Wei. They owe their victory to Bhi Zhi.

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This was a very entertaining transmigration parody. It had an engaging set of characters, good chemistry between the leads, was self aware, poked fun at established tropes and even went so far as to challenge them. Things that would normally take me out of the show, such as when the screenwriter entered the body of one of the characters and sneered at his creation, since it's a world that ‘does not even have a Starbucks in it’...and when the FL defended it and said she loved the characters, he mocked her and told her to ‘go play with her Barbie dolls,’- got a good laugh from me.

A Strong, Charismatic Female Lead - I don’t condone any kind of abuse, whether it comes from the ML or the FL…but I can’t think of any scene where Yimeng's actions or anger towards Nan Heng was unreasonable or without justifiable context. It’s true that she relied too much on the script and that she (like many other characters) misjudged him. It’s also true that the script changes and that one doesn’t necessarily have to accept whatever fate is written for them. However, these things don’t change the fact that, in the first 5 episodes…Nan Heng tried to kill her four times. He shoots an arrow at her (and he’s a pretty good shot), tries to have her poisoned, tries to have her drowned, strangles her, has her tied up to a pole and brandishes weapons he plans to use on her, etc. If she wasn’t the FL and didn’t have that plot armor, she would’ve been killed. Surely, any sane person would take a certain amount of time to get over these things?

She had harsh words towards him, but there was always a context for it. If you knew someone hated you, but fell in love with the secret identity you had as a side line and you never told her it was you all along during all the times you spent together and she clung to you...and she had to find out - not from you as it should have been, wouldn't it only make sense for her to think you were playing with her feelings (even if that was not your intent) and were stringing her along? So, she was naturally heartbroken and gave him a tongue lashing.

Nan Heng also made it appear as if he had an affair with her sister at some point and although he had his own reasons for it, it just contributed to the negative image she already had of him.

In spite of all that, Yimeng saved him several times even before she began to trust him. There was a scene where he fights several assassins and she leaves at first, assuming he can make it out alive since he’s the ML…but she realizes he’s way too outnumbered, so she goes back to help, even if she doesn’t have any fighting abilities. She throws rocks at some of his attackers, grabs his hand and forces both of them to jump off a cliff. This is one instance where her reliance on the ’script’ actually saves them. The whole script thing is actually tricky, because while there are things that can be changed, there are also parts set in stone that can’t be avoided. It’s sometimes hard to predict which ones.

Yimeng also clears the name of his friend, Shanggun, thereby preventing him (Nan Heng) from being punished for taking a criminal in.

Vulnerable, Sympathetic Male Lead - There’s a bit of a role reversal here. Nan Heng is misjudged by nearly everyone as an evil male lead, but he’s actually a Cinderella man. He reminds me of the old heroines in classic Asian dramas…the ones who go through so much, with the whole world against them. When they finally get their happy ending you root for them, but they have to suffer for so long before reaching that point. What’s interesting is that both the male lead and female lead make mistakes, but I always understood why. Nan Heng trusted an uncle who actually turned out to be a criminal…but his blind spot makes sense, since this uncle was the only person who gave him any support. I even understood why he took Shanggun in and created the alter ego of Li Shiliu, where he could truly be himself without people judging him. He probably even tried to kill Yimeng in the beginning, because he thought she* and her family were out to kill him.

Despite being vulnerable, he is also very capable in that he is able to save Yimeng several times and even shows her how to play around with some of the ‘fixed plot points’ in the script. I like how both the ML and FL save each other here.

Evil SML - I normally hate it when one of the characters suddenly turns evil so that the main couple can get together. This was not the case. Chu Gui Hong's descent from seemingly good guy to evil male lead was developed in a believable way and I could already see from the beginning that his being very inflexible and prejudiced towards Nan Heng would be his downfall.

The Emperor - I’ve seen many a palace drama with an evil overlord, but the emperor here is probably the worst. His abuse of Nan Heng is bordering on psychopathic and what’s disturbing is that he actually blames a nine year old child for murdering his favorite empress (what child could come up with such a scheme?) and makes him suffer his whole life because of it. I didn’t buy his ’turning good’ in the end. IMHO, the writers should have left him bad, angry and bitter or just killed him off.

One other flaw that I did not like was that it takes the leads too long to get together, but the last ten episodes were worth the wait. Their relationship started out like that couple from The War of the Roses movie, but in the end, I believed it would work out. I imagine Yimeng being a bossy, shrewish sort of wife, with Nan Heng actually preferring it that way. Every other character also had an ending with closure.

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Romance, Resilience and Repetition

Set during the IMF crisis era in south korea, Typhoon Family follows Kang Taepoong, who is suddenly forced to take responsibility for his father’s trading company after his death during the economic collapse. The drama portrays how he navigates financial hardships, protects his small victories and builds deep relationships with colleagues who eventually become a true typhoon family.

This is a realistic drama that portrays the hardships of that time very well. I personally enjoyed it a lot but like any show, there are aspects i loved, certain things i didnt and some areas that could have been improved.

What i Liked

1. Authentic 90s Setting: The detailing of the era is impressive, from set design, props and costumes to the portrayal of economic struggle. It evokes both nostalgia and a warm sense of familiarity while keeping the tone grounded in reality.

2. Well Written Leads: Taepoong and Miseon are complete opposites yet written to perfectly complement each other. Their strengths and weaknesses balance out, making them one of the most compelling business partners as well as life partner. Their dynamic is both comforting and inspiring.

3. Realistic Portrayal of Struggle: The depiction of small businesses trying to survive during the crisis feels honest and relatable. The obstacles they face and how they respond reflect real economic challenges of the 90s, giving the show a strong emotional core.

4. Strong Acting Performances: The performances truly carry the show. There are moments where the acting alone makes you want to keep watching. Lee Junho, Kim Minha and the supporting cast all deliver strong performances that elevate the drama even when the writing stumbles.

5. Beautiful Slow Burn Romance: The romance is subtle but deeply heartfelt. The chemistry between the leads feels natural and their understanding of each other grows organically. Their relationship enhances the story without overshadowing the business theme.


What Fell Short

1. Repetitive Conflict Structure: The biggest issue is the storyline becoming repetitive.

# Taepoong comes up with an idea

# Achieves a small win or make some deal

# Pyo family sabotages it

# He barely recovers

# Reset -->> repeat

Early on, this structure works but as the drama progresses, especially near the end, it stops evolving. The stakes dont escalate, emotional tension plateaus and predictability sets in. The narrative lacks fresh turning points that could have made the climax more impactful.

2. Underdeveloped Villains: The Pyo family remains one dimensional throughout. Their motivations are shallow and their schemes never change, which weakens the conflict. When villains dont grow or become smarter, the struggle loses intensity and suspense.


What Could Have Been Better:

Despite having a strong cast, great potential and solid execution in many areas, the writing falters in the later episodes. The drama tries to include every possible challenge faced by small businesses during that era, which eventually dilutes the emotional impact. Focusing on only 2-3 major conflicts could have made the overall narrative more powerful and less repetitive.

Also, a more layered portrayal of the villains would have provided higher stakes and a more engaging final act.


Overall Typhoon Family is a genuinely good drama that realistically depicts a challenging historical period, supported by strong acting, well written leads and a beautiful slow burn romance. However, repetitive storytelling and underdeveloped villains prevent it from reaching its full potential.
Still, despite its shortcomings, its a worthwhile and engaging drama that i enjoyed watching.

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: I hate the hospital like they all would have had such a peaceful and perfect life even tho they all had different moms that could have all been friends but they all shed blood for a hospital like a hospital I understand that they wanted the be the best but the dad was the worst of them he should have never been there Chet and pheem both had reasons but Risa was fine I understand that being a girl is hard in the medical field as I am one. I love this series so much it shows what people do for money or a company and how they can do it they casted such good actors for The Wicked Game

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A showcase of Chinese excellence in their emergency services

This is my kind of show. It’s compassionate, empathetic, wholesome and really showcases Chinese excellence in their emergency services through the special police force and skilled doctors.. they dragged it out for 40 episodes at 45 minutes each, but I still enjoyed it. A couple of things I didn’t like were the sister story.. they ended up being rewarded for bad behaviour and though they explained it well because their father was the MLs captain and mentor before he passed away the ML and his sister felt a duty to take care of them but at the point where they were given an opportunity to start living their life properly they could’ve added some remorse or redemption or gratitude from the two sisters rather than them just staring in silence while the sister basically saved their lives. The other part I didn’t really like was the bus hostage scene. It was basically the FL‘s fault because she was sticking her nosing where it wasn’t required trying to be a hero.. even when another passenger who was clearly an undercover police officer because he had a thing in his ear was telling her to mind our own business. She still decided to meddle and caused all the ensuring chaos which nearly cost the ML his life and we didn’t get to see any reflection from her actions after she created that big mess. Overall, I really enjoyed it and it really is my cup of tea this kind of drama. Well done.

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I only watched this for Hideyoshi...

The only reason I started watching this show is because I'm watching Kan Hideyoshi's new drama and it's still airing. I thought it be a good idea to check out this BL since I saw he was in it. The character change was a huge shock. In 'school trip:..' Hideyoshi plays a more quiet character. So him playing Sakae definitely felt weird for me he was so loud and out going. But I tried to look at it differently. And started to appreciate how Hideyoshi could go from someone like Watari to Sakae's character.

Due to this throughout episode 1 I wanted to cry. Because I kept cringing at Sakae's character. But I got used to it and honestly started enjoying the comedic part of the show.

As for the characters themselves. I felt like they were both in equal parts push overs. Alot of comments spoke about how much of a push over Soga-san is but lets be real they both were in different areas. In the beginning we can clearly see how Sakae chooses to adapt to what Soga-san likes even when his not interested in any of Soga-san interests. Kanami even says how that's something that he normally does turning into someone else when his in love. The only difference between Soga-san and Sakae in this regard is that Soga-san adapts so that Sakae isn't the only one compromising. However Soga-san often puts what others want from him above Sakae. I felt like towards the end he started thinking more about Sakae which was demonstrated by him literally quiting his job to be with Sakae. But thoughout the show he easily gets pushed over by his boss/company often and even at one point the Tokyo intern who causes literal problems in their relationship due to Soga-san literally having to cancel on Sakae.

Alot of people say that the show could have ended sooner and that the relationship itself didn't seem like it would last.

While I agree the shows conclusion could have came sooner. I mean the drama with Saeko coming to Tokyo was so unnecessary and so was the appearance of Mizuki. While I agree that Mizuki was there to make Soga-san acknowledge his feelings it still felt unnecessary. His character was also all over the place and I felt like the show really didn't need the ex thing. And if they were gonna do it they could have implemented it way better. And his love story at the end so uninterested, literally saw that coming as soon as he said he had a boyfriend. But Saeko was so unnecessary too. Sakae comparing himself to her and wanting to be her was definitely funny and I enjoyed watching him overthink it. But her literally appearance was so not needed.

Two characters that literally carried the show though definitely Kanda and Kaname. I actually thought they'd end up together. But seriously with out these two I doubt Sakae and Soga-san would be together. The plot of Kanda in the beginning was a tough watch but I gradually fell in love with her character. Meanwhile Kaname serves as both a comedic relief character and an advisor. And let's be real he gave both those boys some real good advice.

I have a lot more to say but Imma let those slide overall I enjoyed the show I finished this in 2 days. I wasn't really into it at the start but ended up really enjoying the show. You get use to the comedy and style of the show and it really grew on me. I would 100% recommend.

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He's tried to kill her until he couldn't anymore.

This is a lovely drama. It's one of those dramas that hook you in each episode.
The FL and ML met by chance during an assassination attempt, which immediately turned them into enemies. He failed to kill her three times because she was simply too witty. Their relationship grows slowly throughout the story, and every encounter tugs at the heartstrings. The way they gradually develop feelings for each other is something to truly look forward to. The only thing I didn’t like was the ending. Don’t get me wrong—the story is very good—but as a fan of happy endings where the leads settle down together, I hated how it concluded with the ML dying. It's one of those stories when I want to get into the movie and prevent the leads from dying.

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Good plot, strong fl and a „cold outside but ready to kill for her“ ml

Not a big fan of period dramas in vertical- except when it’s comedies, usually.
But this one was a joy to watch. It had one of the usual tropes - scumbag fiancé, betrayal, murder - she’s reborn. But her plan is to gain power of her own.
Yes, her rise was quick, but we don’t have 25 hours to watch her grow as we do in a long format. They did a solid job with it. CTX is the tsundere prime minister who she decided to join as his „pawn“. And he’s all you expect him to be: aloof, ruthless and demanding. He pushes her in the right direction. A bit of fantasy was added - and CTX in a white wig and bluish eyes, I’m glad I’ve seen it. Yes, there’s a mask and a secret identity, too.

They have great chemistry and it’s obvious why they are a much shipped cp. Who doesn’t love a dangerous man who is willing to die for her or hides his feelings to protect her? And when he’s jealous of his other identity- fun factor 10. It’s a definite rewatch.

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Full of clichés and unpleasant leads

Similar to many rom-com K-Dramas, Would You Marry Me is another addition to the library of mismatched cast, missing chemistry and an overbloated narrative that doesn't find it's footing.

The premise was as usual, a rom-com drama imvolving a girl in a mess and a rich handsome guy. And while the initial few episodes were atleast decent, it soon turned out to be boring and irritating to watch, with too many subplots introduced towards the last couple of episodes.

Speaking about the characters, I didn't feel any chemistry between the leads, nor any humour or comedy scene made me laugh. The show was trying hard to be into something, which it really wasn't. And adding to the agony, a mystery subplot in Ep 10 and 11 made it even more terrible to watch.

My opinion, go watch something better, which focuses either on the characters or on the story, as this one failed on both aspects.

My Rating : 4.5/10

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Super Funny but doesn't rely on second-hand embarrassment or over-the-top hysterics

How many comedies out there do NOT rely on crude jokes, second-hand embarrassment or over-the-top humor? Hardly any and yet “Why is He Still Single?” is a rare example.

The success of this drama lies in the witty dialogs, the unique characterization of ML and the incredible performances from Wallace Huo and Zhu Zhu. Yu Yu (ML) is an eccentric, quirky, childish, petty perfectionist, who is also a pro’s pro and probably has a super high IQ and low EQ. Wallace did an incredible job in making me fall in love with this insufferable character. The main focus of this drama is the character development of Yu Yu. Though kind, he has his priorities and just doesn’t care much about what’s important to others. But no worries, here comes the beautiful, mature, kind-hearted, incredibly PATIENT and witty Dr. Gu (FL) who basically acts as Yu Yu’s life coach and helps enlighten him. Wallace and Zhu Zhu have great chemistry and their back-and-forth banter and comeback lines are incredibly fun and well-executed.

There are so many laugh-out-loud moments in this drama if you pay attention to Yu Yu’s antics and words coming out of his mouth. “Why is he still single?” does not need to rely on over-the-top and hysterical plot, or the actors embarrassing themselves. They just need to act as themselves, and then viewers will have a great time.

This drama is full of lovely and supporting characters and some really lovely relationships in this drama. At work, the trio of Yu Yu, assistant Shen Wu and boss lady Lin Sa have an interesting and entertaining dynamic. They really know what to say to trick Yu Yu to agree to their demands. Zhu Zhu and Xia Xiao Man have a wonderful sismance, while Yu Yu and his brother-in-law have a fun bromance. The parents are meddlesome but adorable and not annoying. I really enjoyed the neighborly and siblings-like relationship between Yu Yu and Xia Xiao Man and was very disappointed in how it turned out in the end.

If you are looking for romance, you will not find the typical fluffy and sweet rom-com gestures. Instead, the leads have one of the slowest and most subtle romances I’ve seen in a while. The romance is developed through MANY doctor’s visits and hospital stays, bickering and verbal challenges and dares, and caring considerations of each other. There are many funny and weird moments between the leads, and these are the building blocks of their relationship. I actually would have liked to see more traditional love signals sprinkled throughout the drama. But, this is a mature romance and when it matters the most, the most thoughtful and romantic conversation is also the most serious one Yu Yu and Dr. Gu has at the end of the drama. I just wish it had come just a little bit sooner.

“Why is He Still Single?” not a plot-driven drama and the pace is moderate and steady. I would recommend this drama if you enjoy a quirky ML, witty and sarcastic dialogs, or a mature, slow-burn and subtle romance. Fans of Wallace Huo and Zhu Zhu should not miss this drama. This drama is incredibly funny without insulting your intelligence.



Completed: 11/30/2025 Review #648

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A beautiful story that shows how our dream life has always been before our eyes

Meet Kim Nak Su, a middle-aged salesman with an experience of 25 years. On the surface, Nak Su appears to have the perfect life: a good job, a loving family, an apartment in Seoul. But Nak Su isn't satisfied. He chases bigger achievements. In his pursuit of his dream life, Nak Su makes many questionable choices in order to achieve his dream life. And thus, he embarks on a hectic journey to self-growth.

The Dream Life of Mr Kim is one of the biggest surprises this year. I didn't expect to love it as much as I did and yet here I am gushing over it. I love this type of stories about older people who rediscover themselves and undergo a big development. I understand why they might not appeal to the masses but they can be so beautiful if done well. And The Dream Life of Mr Kim passed this test.

From the get-go, the series makes it plainly clear that Nak Su is not a likeable character. He is arrogant, overconfident, strict, dismissive, he displays conservative ideas. In short, he's the type of character you will not love so easily. Taking into account the fact he's such a controversial person, it makes sense why viewers might not feel connected to him or even choose to give up on this drama. But me, personally, I felt a pull towards this character particularly because he seemed so unlikeable.

Nak Su was a very realistic character. He is the embodiment of many men around his age, not only in South Korea, but in other countries in general. He believed he was faultless, that no matter what his decision was always right and everyone who thought otherwise couldn't be more wrong. He took many things for granted and instead of improving, he insisted on following his old methods. His views reflected his upbringing and the patriarchal nature of South Korean society and he undermined his wife's skills while trying to pressure his son into following a career he didn't like.

Underneath his facade, Kim Nak Su hid many insecurities. He strived to be better and he constantly compared his lifestyle to others. A colleague has an expensive suitcase? He will purchase the next best brand. An "inferior" employee owns an expensive car? Nak Su would need to step up his game. His life was a constant game of comparisons, not only on a professional level but a personal too.

I will not lie, there were times when I got annoyed by Nak Su's attitude. His know-it-all attitude and his refusal to take accountability of his actions puzzled me a lot. How could someone be so ignorant of their actions and their behavior? His inability to communicate properly with his colleagues almost gave me second-hand embarrassment and some of his choices were so infuriating, to the point I wanted to scream at him through my screen.

And yet, even after all that, Nak Su still managed to win my heart, in the most peculiar way. Although I strongly disagreed with his initial attitude, I secretly rooted for him to finally find his dream life. Watching him getting beaten down after every bad decision, made me both satisfied and yet so sad. He needed to fall from grace in order to develop and realise what he had lost but at the same time, my heart bled for him.

Nak Su might had been unlikeable but he wasn't heartless. Clueless yes. Selfish too. But he wasn't incapable of caring for others and their feelings. We saw that with Tae Hwan and the factory workers and as the story progressed, he allowed himself to be more open about his concern and affection. In his own way, Nak Su did everything for his family's case. He didn't express it but he cared for their well-being and he wanted to be the provider of it. So once he started losing his footing, he began to think that his life didn't have a purpose.

And even then, after losing almost everything, he insisted on clinging to the idea of proving everyone wrong. He was desperate to showcase his value and prove his worth as a salesman and a capable man who's the head of his family. He couldn't stand the idea of the company thriving despite his absence. He couldn't allow his wife to earn more than him. He couldn't accept reality in general. And that was his major flaw - and the beginning towards his self-discovery.

I could talk for hours about Nak Su's growth. At first, I was worried about how the writers would depict it because the first four episodes barely had any progress. But as the story went on, Nak Su started changing. Little by little, his old personality began to crumble and he allowed himself to be more vulnerable and open. His shattered life allowed him to open his eyes and reconnect not only with his loved ones but himself to.

As someone who studies psychology, I especially enjoyed and appreciated how the drama handled Nak Su's treatment of his mental health. His scenes with his therapist felt like a breath of fresh air and his initial reluctance in treatment was so realistic and consistent with his character. More kdramas need to address the topic of mental health and I'm glad to see that The Dream Life of Mr Kim did not overlook it.

As expected from a drama like this, The Dream Life of Mr Kim hit me right in the feelings. It caused me a plethora of emotions. Sadness, anger, confusion, cheerfulness, happiness. Just like real life, the drama makes you undergo many different emotional experiences, both positives and negatives. Above all, the drama included some heavy scenes that put tears in my eyes, like the one where Nak Su confessed to his brother how their parents' comparison shaped him up as a person or where he cried after giving up his job.

Of course a big part of my fondness towards Nak Su must be attributed to Ryu Seung Ryong's performance. This man does not disappoint with his roles. It's not easy to play an unlikeable character and make your audience root for him simultaneously but Ryu Seung Ryong did. He never failed to reveal Nak Su's real emotions, even his microexpressions like a twitch on his face or his furrowed eyebrows could convey so much. His acting really shined during the emotional moments and this is when he truly made me sympathize with Nak Su's struggles, as if they were my own. I am not exaggerating when I'm saying that he deserves to receive many nominations and awards for such a compelling performance.

Aside from Nak Su's personal growth and re-birth, The Dream Life of Mr Kim offered some other interesting topics in the story. For starters, it was amusing to see how workplace environments can be and observe the politics behind them. Through Nak Su's employees, we see what it feels like to have a demanding yet incompetent boss and through the background activities, it's revealed that corporations will often turn to shady activities if its profitable for them, without regarding their employees and how they'll be affected.

I was beyond surprised to learn that what the drama depicted is very accurate for South Korea: Korean companies will fire you, without actually firing you. That's the case in The Dream Life of Mr Kim, too. Nak Su doesn't get fired. Instead, he is shipped off as the team leader for Asan Factory Safety Management. It was so interesting to have more insight about companies in Korea and how they treat employees and once again, I couldn't help but still feel sorry for Nak Su (even though it was understandable for him to lose his position).

Another interesting aspect of the story was the development of Nak Su's wife, Ha Jin and their son, Su Gyeom. I was heavily rooting for both Ha Jin and Su Gyeom, especially Ha Jin. Her determination to become a real estate manager and resume her studies made me admire her a lot. I was happy to see that the writers didn't settle with making her a mere background character whose purpose would be to uplift Nak Su's development. She was a person of her own, with her own dreams and feelings and that was very refreshing to see.

I loved how she cared for Nak Su and yet still called him out for his behavior and decisions. Nak Su needed more people to knock some sense into him and hearing this from his own wife had a great impact on him. Similar to how she wasn't afraid to talk some sense into her husband, Ha Jin was not willing to let others step on her. She defended herself and refused to go down without putting a battle, which made her even more exciting to see.

As for Su Gyeom, I found his arc to be realistic and relatable. He was a young adult who wanted to earn his independence and pursue his own career path. It was quickly proven that this wouldn't be an easy road to cross and yet, with the help of his family, he didn't give up. I admit that at first I was bored during his scenes and I found his story to be the least engaging but as the episodes went by, I warmed up to him and I quietly supported his developing career.

Nak Su and Su Gyeom's relationship was complex and yet so beautiful. Both father and son deeply cared about each other. The problem was due to Nak Su's pride and his devotion towards his job, they drifted apart and this, Su Gyeom developed a disliking towards his father's ideas. It was only after Nak Su hitting the rock bottom that they began understanding each other better. Watching them bond and rekindle their relationship made my heart melt. Nak Su supported Su Gyeom and Su Gyeom supported Nak Su in return and their actions could speak louder than words.

The directing and cinematography highlighted the emotional impact and the characters' stories. The camera work and editing were very effective during the dialogues, they added so much tension and accompanied by the delightful yet intense piano notes in the background, they made me bite my nails in distress. Another example of the drama's excellent cinematography were the scenes of Nak Su having a panic attack. The way it was filmed made it feel like I was the one experiencing it. As someone who has experienced panic attacks before, their portrayal in the drama was realistic and grounded. They weren't overused to the point they lost their impact but they were equally effective and set up the ground for Nak Su's anxiety spiral.

If I could voice some minor complaints, they would be about some story points. As I mentioned above, Su Gyeom's arc took a while to make me invested. I got kinda bored with his interactions between Han Na and this whole "will-they-won't-they" situation between them was kinda annoying. Additionally, although I still believe that the writers handled Nak Su's development very well, the writing could have been a little bit tighter in some areas, particularly the first four or five episodes. Had the series been a little longer (say 14 episodes), Nak Su's growth could have been presented in an even more compelling way.

But even these minor flaws didn't ruin my overall impression. Although the first episodes had given me a lukewarm feeling, The Dream Life of Mr Kim actually got better as the story progressed. It's a drama with messages that can resonate with many people, no matter how old they are. Just like Nak Su, many of us are constantly trying to climb the ranks of society, while trying to build "the perfect life". But while trying to survive in a society that wants us to move forward and then stop once we'll reach a limit, we forget one important thing: we forget to LIVE. Life is not about luxurious, superficial things. It's not about owning a big apartment at the capital of your city. It's not about pleasing your higher-ups just to receive a promotion. It's not about buying expensive goods just to feel superior. It's about the memories we build with our loved ones and the small things that bring us joy.

Finding a purpose in this world is difficult. And if we have gotten used to a routine that provided us with some sort of stability and security, losing it might make us crumble. That doesn't mean we should give up. Every ending can lead to a new beginning. Sometimes, instead of clinging to our pride and unreachable dreams, it's okay to settle back and just accept reality.

Spending all our lives chasing after promotions, becoming our companies' erant boy and neglecting the people close to us will become exhausting and soul draining. Maybe all we need to do is sit back, take a break and reflect on everything. And maybe, if we open our eyes, we might realise that what we've looking for has always been right in front of us.

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An Emotional Second Chance at Love with Kids at the Heart

What an emotional and beautifully crafted story. Reloved takes the familiar ex to lovers trope and makes it feel deeper, heavier, and far more heartfelt than expected. From the moment the children enter the narrative, everything changes. There is something profoundly healing about watching two broken hearts drawn back into each other’s lives because they are once again connected through their kids, one being a niece and the other a son attending the same school.

Nene and Marvin completely stole my heart. They are adorable, warm, and full of innocence, bringing a softness to the story that makes every interaction between Than and Akin ache just a little more. Their presence does not ease the pain, it sharpens it, constantly reminding us of what was lost and what might still be possible.

The emotional weight between Than and Akin is present throughout the entire series and never once fades. Than feels like someone barely holding himself together, trapped in a love he never truly released. Akin’s decision to leave is layered and devastating, and when the truth finally unfolds, it hurts in exactly the way it should. Their quiet glances, hesitation, resentment, and longing feel painfully real, like emotions buried for years but never healed.

Peter and Golf delivered performances that genuinely impressed me. They carry the sadness of the past and the exhaustion of the present with remarkable maturity. The university flashbacks are warm and nostalgic, almost painfully so, especially when placed beside the emotional distance between them in the present. That contrast makes every reconciliation attempt and setback feel heavier. The early NC scene was raw and intimate, grounded in realism rather than shock value, and the attention to safe sex felt thoughtful and responsible.

The music consistently lands on the right emotional beats, and the cinematography maintains a warm yet melancholic glow that perfectly suits the story. The concept of two men raising children while confronting unresolved love and long standing wounds feels refreshingly mature for a Thai BL. The title Reloved becomes increasingly symbolic as the story unfolds, perfectly capturing the idea of love being rebuilt from something once broken.

I also loved the second couple. Their relationship moves fast, yet it never feels shallow. The chemistry is intense, the NC scenes are intimate and believable, and moments like the window scene and the bathroom scene were executed exceptionally well, adding depth rather than distraction.

By the end, Reloved delivers a deeply emotional and satisfying journey about forgiveness, growth, and choosing love again despite the pain. It is heartfelt, emotionally grounded, and unforgettable. This story hurt, healed, and lingered long after the final episode, and I loved every moment of it.

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