Reviews

Hook, Line, and Sinker: Revenged Love Ensnares Viewer

How on earth did I fall in love with this drama?!

Somehow, some way, Revenged Love flew under my radar for so many months. Perhaps it's because I wasn't paying attention or wasn't looking to have my heart broken by another drama. But, I'm so glad I stumbled across it through a comment online... Once I started this drama I had to finish it – I was rushing home every night after work to sit down with these lovely characters.

I went into the drama innocent and with no expectations. But the main actors of both the A and B couples had such good chemistry, I was rooting for them from the start! The acting starts off a bit shaky and you understand that part of it is due to the offbeat tone of the show. Most of the time it strike the balance of funny and heartfelt just right. There were quite a few times where I laughed out loud at the goofy comedic scenes, and there were even more scenes where I was just choked up (or straight up crying) in the heavier scenes.

I love that within these 24 episode we get so much time to know these main characters' hearts and minds... they're imperfect people who have trouble expressing themselves properly, but who end up loving each other more and more as they overcome the difficulties. What's more, we see how they sacrifice for one another in small and big ways.

One thing that unfortunately put me off from the start was the depiction of use of the animals in the production. Some things are clearly (most probably) CGI effects, but I am always concerned as a viewer of the way animals are treated – whether real or not, especially if it's not pivotal to the scene's progression. For example, seeing them feed a live mouse to one of the snakes was unnecessary in my opinion. It may be natural animal behavior, but it's certainly not a necessary for the continuation of the plot or bigger meaning of the scene in any way. But that was just one or two instances in a rather well done show, so I overlook it. I hope that drama productions think more carefully about these things.

This is in no way a perfect drama. Some of the plot could be improved. A few moments in the sub stories could have been resolved better. Some of the naiveté of the characters could be written more maturely. I would have had more sensible dialogue about gay relationships that reflect more accurately. The villains could be made less like caricatures. Perhaps some of the aggression in certain scenes could have been handled better or edited or rewritten. As director, some scenes could have been redone and the acting moments improved a bit more. Things like that could have made this an even better success.

However, what holds this drama together is hands down the acting and the fun, heartwarming, tear-jerking love scenes (including the sensual ones) of all both couples. It will make you smile and laugh and cry and brood with them. A great rollercoaster. In these chaotic times in the world, this drama is one of the few this year that actually made me forget a lot of the troubles out there. Definitely worth the watch, and even some rewatching later on if I start missing these characters.

I feel part of the appeal of this drama is how well it lures you in with it seeming like just another piece of lighthearted fluff... and slowly... you're smiling ear to ear and falling more deeply for these people as they fall more madly (and it is madly) in love with one another. Well done!

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Better than expected

I kept my expectations very low when I started this, mainly because i can't seem to remember anything I watched for the main couple, and basically Mond was what had pulled me in to start it.

so I didn't know what to expect tbh~
That's why I enjoyed it despite being really slow burn with nothing going on and a very rushed end.

Story is nice, kinda expected but still the main couple were great, Lava had some character development that was enjoyable to watch, Wave on the other hand, despite being really nice characters, the whole memory loss thing is a bit too much, I think WaveXDavin should have a slight difference in character, like to have the same soul but slightly different, I don't know how to explain it in words but I couldn't believe the whole amnesia since I couldn't see any difference in behaviour, be that as it may, I loved Satang's performance.

What I didn't like is actually the pace, it was slow with literally just day to day life of the cast with things happening in the background, ignoring the main story or the main focus of it which is Wave's family and amnesia and what actually happened to him, still they had a fair amount of time showing their relationship in a slow burn way which - surprisingly - not boring at all.

But I wish they would include them in a scene or two showing what is happening with his family, to show that they are concerning about their child or at least searching for him, he is a prince for goodness sake, he is much important than they showed us, and that wouldn't necessarily be a problem, hadn't they show us the whole "you are the future of our family" sh!t at the last ep, and that he must gain people's trust and bla bla bla.

Another thing was how they squeezed everything in the last ep as if they didn't have a whole 9 episodes full of nothing to expand the last ep through.

Generally speaking, it was good drama, but if we looks into the details, this failed to show the whole potential of the very simple and predictable story that doesn't even require much thinking ~

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One of the best dramas Ive ever watched 9.63/10

from the start to finish I was so invested and while i was watching, i really dreaded finishing it as i wouldn't find anything as good as it. ironically this was one of the main takeaways from this drama, as it talked about ending and seasons in life. i think it did a really good job in embodying the fear of detachment and breakage, and it really made my heart sink at the end. this drama overall was beautifully done, each episode really made me feel like i was there with the actors. Unlike some of the new dramas, I really find peace in these older creations as they are more peaceful for the brain and really make you want to go outside, get in touch with nature or just be happy in life generally. This drama really fulfilled that for me, and also shaped my perspective on life and ending. Especially with how we can be really scared of a joyful phase in life ending, this drama really captures that feeling as it is realistic and natural. love it, i would definitely rewatch it when I feel nostalgia or want to slow my life down.

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Slow Burn Crime Drama

QUEEN MANTIS (2025) is a really good Korean drama, based on the original french drama, La Mante.

It is a slow burn crime series, concerning a serial killer and her copycat serial killer. While not a thriller or action packed series, the mystery keeps the viewer progressively more and more engaged. The violent crimes perpetrated are upsetting and grotesque making this series quite dark and not for the faint of heart. There is quite a bit of graphic gore and murders depicted.

While the show is definitely a slower mystery, rather than a fast-paced thriller, I highly enjoyed it. The concept of copycat killers is an interesting and very mysterious one, and this drama shows how tricky it could be trying to find the true motivations of the 'copycat', before being able to finally catch them. Vaguely reminds me of another excellent Taiwanese series called 'Copycat Killer', with a few notable differences.

"A cop must work with his mother, known as the "Mantis" - a female serial killer who murdered 5 men decades ago - when suddenly copycat killings emerge. He's hated his killer mother his entire life."

The story, locations and acting were all great, honestly. The characters were memorable and unique and most of them were very compelling. Go Hyun Jung specifically, as the mother / serial killer, Jeong I-sin, was simply superb in her complex role, adding the perfect balance of cunning and crazy to the character. She is unforgettable in this role.

The ending was intense and beautifully done. I would definitely appreciate another season, as it seemed to imply there might be, judging by the ending. Overall, this was a great watch. Glad I gave it a chance. Recommend.

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Ultra-Violent Revenge Kdrama

MY NAME (2021) is a really great, dark and gritty Kdrama. I absolutely loved this series. It is a thrilling crime show about a young woman that has been drawn into the depths of the criminal underworld seeking revenge for her father's murder. The revenge plot is heavy and central. The show goes all out in terms of violence and action.

The show is top quality, with an excellent cast, compelling story, stunning background locations and believable scenarios. The writing is compelling, making the characters really memorable and relatable, and all deeply flawed. All of those facts are great in their own right, however, the show immediately hooked me in with its immersive fight scenes and action choreography, not to mention the cinematography and visuals. The fight scenes are exceptional, high energy and intense. The punchy soundtrack will get stuck in your head.

"The story about a woman who joins an organized crime ring and infiltrates the police as an undercover agent in order to find out the truth about her father's death."

As a sucker for revenge dramas, I really loved this one. It kept me on the edge of my seat throughout. Highly engaging and highly recommended, especially if you are a fan of gritty, gory, revenge thrillers from South Korea. Must watch!

Be Warned. This drama is very violent and bloody. Not for the faint of heart, or squeamish.

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History, Cooking & Romance

BON APPÉTIT, YOUR MAJESTY (2025) is an excellent and charming Kdrama about a young and brilliant michelin chef that gets thrown back in time to a historical era in Korea, during the time of the Joseon Dynasty. The series is full of comedy and romance, and the aspects of cooking are simply amazing to behold. I don't believe you can watch this show without becoming hungry, as the recipes are all so delicious and visually stunning as well.

"French Michellan Chef Yeon Ji Yeong wins a top competition but mysteriously lands in Joseon Dynasty, where she must cook fusion royal cuisine for a tyrannical king with an extremely sensitive palate."

Overall, this show was great. The story, while a bit predictable on the whole, was interesting and super enjoyable. The locations and costumes were beautiful and eye catching. The characters and story are both really great as well. Definitely a must watch! Highly recommended for Kdrama fans and foodies alike.

WARNING!! You will most likely get hungry watching this.

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Revenge and Betrayal

Pros: The plot is really compact, there's almost no unimportant or boring episode, acting, ost are good and i think all the plot point has been explained. I wanna applause the villain backstory because some of them are really heartbreaking and actually a good reason to be a villain.

Cons: There's some illogical plot point that is little annoying to me like how both main leads has been seriously injured for so many times but of course they can recover without longlasting effect. Why do they have to make both leads take turn to have amnesia? but fortunately they regain their memory quickly. For the ending, personally i would love if ML become the emperor instead, because i think he's the only Feng descendant that is actually suitable for the throne.

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"But in this world there is more than one path to any destination."
"Although I made a detour I'm not wasting my time. "
"It's just that along the way, I need pioneers like you to give me a chance."
"I could have ended my life after I won the award if I had not met you."

He's the man who had kept a list of a hundred things to do before leaving for good, but before he could cross out the last one, she came into his life, and after he has finally crossed out the last one on his list, she had silent become the reason he wishes to live.
It's not your cold CEO and bubbly secretary troupe, rather it's the warm CEO with a heart condition and the optimistic assistant. She managed to rub to him this optimism.
This is a light drama, sweet. Just sweet.

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Hotel Romantic Comedy

KING THE LAND (2023) is a pretty funny, light-hearted Kdrama about a hardworking, young woman that works in a five star hotel and the love, rivals and friendships she acquires along the way. I really don't watch too much of these types of rom-coms so the only thing I've seen that was striking similar to this was the Cdrama, Fall in Love (2022).

The show was pretty funny in the beginning and quite enjoyable, though it gradually became more clichéd and predictable. It has all the ups and downs of a rom-com drama, all the while keeping up some laughs, but ultimately missing something.

”Amid a tense inheritance fight, a charming heir clashes with his hardworking employee who's known for her irresistible smile, which he cannot stand.”

Im Yooh Ah, a very hilarious talent, was great as Cheong Sa Rang. She definitely did what she could with what she had. This series was light, fun, and entertaining for the family. It certainly was far from perfect, yet I really don't get all the hate folks have for this one. It was missing some depth and complexity, sure. It was cheesy and cringe at times, but not the worst. I digress.

Overall, this was an okay watch and worth a chance, especially if you're looking for something fluffy and light to pass the time.

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Dark Fairytale

IT'S OKAY TO NOT BE OKAY (2020) is a noteworthy kdrama, with a dark, modern twist on the fairy tale romance genre. It had a really interesting flavor, especially with the gothic fairytale/ story book aspects.

"An extraordinary road to emotional healing opens up for an selfish antisocial children's-book writer and a selfless psych-ward caretaker when they cross paths."

I really loved Seo Ye-Ji in her role as the mysterious Go Moon Young, a children's gothic fairytale author. She was really brilliant in this role.

Without giving anything away, in terms of plot and theme, I will just say that this drama strongly focuses on a variety of topics revolving around mental health, psychology, childhood trauma, repressed memories, autism spectrum disorder, antisocial personality disorder, child abuse, dysfunctional families, post traumatic stress disorder, etc.

This dark romance series, while not perfect, was definitely interesting and meaningful. The characters were all very memorable. It was a pretty beautiful drama.

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It’s the type of drama where the male lead gets the wrong impression of the female lead. She’s the strong, sporty FL, and he’s the introverted, low-EQ ML. She has been crushing on him since high school, but he thought she was the campus bully. She grew up insecure about her looks and believed he avoided her because of that. But it was all just a misunderstanding. They met again as adults, and a filter actually helped them reconnect. That’s when he realized he had been loving her all along, even without recognizing who she really was.

This drama also have a wonderful, just perfect OST! Check out the Up and Down.

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