This review may contain spoilers
10/10 would 100% recommend bro this was my first BL and I love it with all my heart
Okay, maybe I'm crazy for saying this but I shipped VegasPete throughout the entire show... Like, you know in either the first episode or just somewhere near the very beginning when Vegas quite CLEARLY winked at Porsche but Porsche turned to Pete and said it was aimed at him, Pete looked so smug and it was so cute. It was so subtle but it just made me hope for something to happen between them two. And then, all those times when Vegas caught Pete stalking him, just confirmed what I thought. To be honest, usually I google what happens in a show because I want to know what I'm setting myself up for, especially if it has a sad ending because I just can't deal, but for KinnPorsche, I didn't google anything. I felt like if I found out VegasPete didn't end up together I'd cry myself to sleep. And, yes, I did cry for an hour and 17 minutes straight watching those VegasPete scenes, but it was worth it for the resolution. I lowkey feel so bad for the friend I spammed with 479 messages on the entire storyline of KinnPorsche that day because it was constant floods of messages as I was binging it. I literally finished it in one go and when I looked back on our Discord chats, I literally saw a huge window of time where I didn't send her anything because I was crying too hard. I couldn't even enjoy the KinnPorsche pool NC scene because I could barely see through my tears after witnessing such gut-wrenching acting from Bible and Build. Like, I have no idea how I still shipped Pete with Vegas while I was watching all the torture and I felt so bad for Pete but I couldn't just shake the feeling that something MIGHT happen, and it did. You can't tell me that even when Pete was getting practically obliterated, there was still sexual tension and it was 100% PURPOSEFUL. Don't get me wrong, I did constantly worry that they wouldn't get their happy ending, especially after Vegas got shot (I cried so hard then), but my hoping worked.After yapping about VegasPete so long, I think I should talk about the other side couple. Why did no one tell me I'd love KimPorchay this much? I didn't actually feel this much love towards them as I was watching the show but after finishing it, I somehow became obsessed. I'm so angry they didn't end up together like everyone else, Porchay deserved it the most out of everyone, he was basically the only green flag (apart from maybe Pete, and you can't tell me otherwise). Off topic, why is everyone labelling Pete as a red or yellow flag? He was the victim. And, yes, he went back to Vegas all those times but that doesn't mean he isn't a green flag? If anything, he's an entire forest. He was one of the best bodyguards, so cute and would never betray the people he worked for ever. Even after Vegas hurt him that badly, he still comforted him when he was upset and never did anything to harm anyone else. If you dare try to bring up the fact he shot Vegas, just take into account the fact Vegas literally KILLED Pete, only to bring him back to life again and then torture him more, and the only reason he shot Vegas was to protect him from the other bodyguards and try to prevent him from taking over the main family. He shot him in the shoulder to make sure it wouldn't kill him. That cannot be a red flag. Anyway, back onto KimPorchay. I feel like anyone who resents Kim for leaving didn't understand them at all. Like, okay, I understand where you're coming from but didn't he leave because their relationship would only complicate Porchay's life further? His older brother was already the leader of a mafia family and he didn't want to put him in any more danger or bring him any closer to the centre of it because it would literally implicate him further? He wanted to give Porchay as good a life as he could, he just didn't understand that leaving wasn't the solution. I don't hate Kim for breaking Porchay's heart, I just wish he would've gone back to him after realising his mistake instead of just sending that song. It was sweet but nowhere near enough to make Porchay realise he did actually love him all along. Porchay literally quit his dream, dyed his hair, started drinking and partying and ruining his life all because of Kim and I'll always feel so sad about that. I miss the cute little Porchay from the start of the show. Barcode portrayed him so well though and I'm glad him and Jeff are still in contact. I can't wait for Happy Ending, if it gets released. Hopefully, it's not another Wuju Bakery or I'll cry.
Was this review helpful to you?
Khemjira is peak.
I still haven’t recovered from this BL. I have already watched it 3 times and I cannot get over it. I watched this every week in my flat with all my friends and it became Khemjira Saturday. I don’t think I’ve seen a BL that all of my friends have enjoyed to this extent before.The supernatural storyline mixed with romance was pure gold. I was so happy they didn’t go crazy with the sound effects like in some other shows and showed a more mature approach. The emotional connection between characters and how you slowly learn more about everyone and see how their love unfolds really keeps you captured, all while seeing how they’re going to make it through unexpected challenges.
Keng and Namping really outdid themselves, the soundtrack is still on repeat and the whole setting of the show was perfect. I am so jealous of my friends who watched it as their first Thai BL.
I really can’t get enough of this series and don’t think I’ll ever get over the impact it left on my life. I am probably being dramatic but it was genuinely so fun to watch and I will definitely watch it again.
Was this review helpful to you?
The Never Let Me Go series that We Deserve
I have to admit, I didn’t plan to start this series when it first aired, even though I was intrigued by the interactions of WinnySatang in their breakout series My School President and the not-so-great We Are.But one day, I had a change of heart and decided to give That Summer a chance. What I didn’t anticipate was the production quality and the chemistry between the leads. Yes, the amnesia trope is predictable and occasionally contrived, but you can feel the show trying to put a different spin on it. It uses unique colour grading, a slice-of-life narrative, and lovable, morally ambiguous side characters.
It feels like a mash-up of Call Me By Your Name, Never Let Me Go, and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. It reminds you of the aesthetics and sexual tension of Call Me By Your Name, the secluded setting and high-stakes theme of Never Let Me Go, and of course, the “we will try to find each other in every universe” vibe of Eternal Sunshine.
It is an endearing experience. It reminds you of what the other BL series Never Let Me Go, where the major plot is set on an isolated island and the leads are stranded, could have been. The pacing of That Summer is much faster, spanning only 10 episodes. The narrative keeps moving, which is a stark contrast to the “start to drag midway through” approach found in Never Let Me Go and similar shows that have strong starts. However, I sometimes feel it moves too fast, leaving you barely enough room to process events or let the characters marinate in their emotions.
Still, I generally enjoy what the show offers and what it attempts to do. I would definitely recommend watching it for the production value, the WinnySatang chemistry, and the amazing soundtrack.
Was this review helpful to you?
THEY ARE BACKKK!!
i waited soo long for Season 3 and its starting off stronggg I love it arl its perfectt i cant wait to see the next eps i just loveee how do ki came for go eun to save her when the Signal cut off and the Way he was surprised to see that go eun arl took care of Them it is soo funny and soo intresting you never know what would happen next and theyr acting is sooo good too like the Way they act as different ppl and theyr costumes too this kdrama is just perfecttt i cant wait for the next eps to air i Am obsessedWas this review helpful to you?
Why Didn’t I Tell You a Million Times?
0 people found this review helpful
This review may contain spoilers
Japan does this story better
Is this drama a remake of the story Ghost from Hollywood? Yes. Does Japan do it better? Absolutely. The story and vibe gets a major upgrade, where I can actually feel the love between the two rather than just some steamy lust filled scenes from Hollywood. When Satoh repeats “Aishteru” at the end, pouring out his heart as he fades away, it encapsulates a love that has not been spoken and hidden, repressed which represents the Japanese manner of hiding one’s emotions. And the hiding of it just builds it up even more. It’s a beautifully made drama that makes me actually feel their love. And many tears were shed.Was this review helpful to you?
Extremely humorous yet also educational
Some of the most entertaining variety shows I’ve ever watched is the ones featuring the members of Super Junior. From the moment I watched it the first time, around when it premiered if I remember correctly that is, it immediately captured my attention with its unique blend of humor and engaging content of them exploring the senses of the human body. Watching the Super Junior members take on bizarre challenges and explore fascinating secrets about the human senses is incredibly entertaining. What I particularly appreciate about the show is its informative aspect that it also carries, the fact that they have experts come in and explain the phenomenons that happens makes it really cool to watch. Each episode not only provides laughs but also educates viewers about the human body and how it works and why some things works that is. The questions posed by the members are often thought-provoking, like why do we have space for desserts after being so full on regular food? , and their experiments add a layer of intrigue that keeps me glued to the screen.Honestly, I can’t get enough of this show; I wish there were more episodes to enjoy! The comedic timing and chemistry among the Super Junior members enhance the humor, making each moment delightful. Their interactions bring a lively energy to the show, making it a must-watch for anyone seeking both entertainment and knowledge
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Just finished the last ep!
I really enjoyed watching each episode as it was released! I was a little dissapointed with the story towards the end… I feel making him lose his memory again was unnecessary and kind of frustrating…. but overall a fun watch! Near the beginning of the story I was so hooked especially as it’s not a trope I’ve personally seen in BL before. But lava as a character slowly became annoying and I fear his reaction to finding out his bf is a prince was not the right way to react. How many times did he have to say “please call me Wave” like that’s you’re boyfriend just do what makes him happy I beg. was really feeling the poor guy’s frustration.Although there were a couple negatives the watch was overall very positive! I probably wouldn’t rewatch it and it’s definitely not the best BL out there but I’d still recommend for giggles.
Was this review helpful to you?
Japanese vibes?
Season 3 from it's beginning is a banger japanese yakuza touch was amaaaazing I know like the last two seasons the story won't disappoint us 🚕🔥everyone has his own charm to add to make it a perfect team the action packed performance by Doki putting the mask was really on fire 🔥 and the most of all I really appreciate the writers of the drama the different cases they mention from season 1 till now really are on point 👏
Was this review helpful to you?
Who’s the monster? Everyone, apparently. Even the furniture looks guilty.
I picked up this drama because someone told me it had “strong bromantic vibes” like The Devil Judge, and apparently my taste now revolves around morally ambiguous men glaring at each other until they become besties. While it wasn’t quite as “bromantic” as that one, the dynamic between Ju Won and Dong Shik carried its own weight. They began from a place of deep mistrust, circling each other with suspicion, and yet by the end their bond had hardened into unbreakable loyalty. The vibes weren’t the same, but that’s fine by me— because the real draw here was the journey of unraveling the mystery behind the killings, and the narrative tension of whether Ju Won would still make the same choices despite knowing what he knows. Would he still choose justice over comfort, and that question alone kept me hooked.The brilliance of this show lies in its framing. Even when dismembered fingers appear, they’re treated like crime scene evidence—CSI‑adjacent rather than horror spectacle. That distinction keeps the focus on consequences and suspicions rather than cheap scares. The domino effect is clear: the killer’s crimes set everything in motion, and from there, cover‑ups and trauma ripple outward until the entire village itself feels guilty. It’s not just a whodunit—it’s a study in how suspicion corrodes trust and how collective silence sustains evil.
And none of this works without the acting. This is only my second time seeing Yeo Jin Goo, and he’s absurdly good at embodying righteous restraint. He brings Ju Won’s inner conflict to life with precision, but he’s not outdone by Shin Ha Kyun, who plays Dong Shik with quirky brilliance—an unpredictable cop doing questionable things, yet always grounded in emotional realism. Their performances elevate the drama, making every confrontation and reconciliation feel earned.
Beyond Evil isn’t just a mystery. It’s an uncomfortable mirror, asking what we protect, who we sacrifice, and how monsters survive when entire systems hold the door open for them.
Was this review helpful to you?
Cherry Magic! Thirty Years of Virginity Can Make You a Wizard?!
0 people found this review helpful
This review may contain spoilers
Two Handsome Men falling in Bubble Love!
I don’t know how I stumbled upon this show but apparently I needed it, so my heart must have been searching for it. Adachi (the main character and played by the incredibly handsome Eiji Akaso) is basically a shy office worker, inexperienced in relationships, a 30 year old virgin who can read minds, and is pretty much uninterested in anything. He’s just floating through life disinterested as if he’s in a constant existential crisis. I can relate to him a lot. He also has low self worth because he keeps admiring and comparing himself to Kurosawa- the “perfect, handsome, competitive high achieving colleague.” In other words he sees the world’s hierarchy and sees himself at the bottom and Kurosawa at the top. And through his mind reading power he figures out that Kurosawa is secretly in love with Adachi. It feels like the Spirit’s divine love with Adachi despite not knowing his own worth. Another way to look at it is that they are both opposites. Kurosawa was always judged by his looks- people would gravitate towards him because he was so handsome and he would get unfair advantages but it was as if they didn’t see him on the inside, only the outer shell. So he felt he had to live up to their projections and expectations of him, and works hard to do that- and becomes like a mirror of the world’s expectations.. to the point where even though he’s glowing and shining on the outside and getting all the awards, he doesn’t know who he is anymore and feels disconnected to his true self because he keeps trying to live up to others’ expectations. Then while on a company dinner with Adachi joining, a president hits on Kurosawa and he recoils, which bursts the bubble of expectation that person has of him. Then he leaves the dinner and Adachi takes care of him because Kurosawa is half drunk, but he starts to see Adachi’s nature that is kind and caring but doesn’t fit into any of the conditionally loved checkboxes that Kurosawa ticks off. Adachi’s simply floating in the wind and has no clue about the world- he’s almost just existing and only half in it, and meanwhile Kurosawa is deep in the world and all its hierarchical competitive games because he’s good at it and he’s winning and he does so well with it. But Kurosawa falls for Adachi first because he sees a refuge in him, and Adachi looks up to Kurosawa because he is the world’s hero.. and together they’re entering this relationship where basically Adachi has no experience and feels unworthy, and meanwhile Kurosawa has all these plans for the relationship and is basically taking the reigns and is doing things a bit like the “template” and there are all these expectations. I think it feels suffocating for Adachi- knowing that I am like him myself, this idea of doing candlelight dinners and dates and the expectation of sex.. it’s all just too much and half of the time Adachi looks constipated in the relationship. Meanwhile he reads Kurosawa’s thoughts and he’s constantly thinking about Adachi and how to please him and make him happy. But Adachi’s happiness is not really dependent on those things I feel. Then during one candlelight dinner, Kurosawa is talking about their “first Christmas plans to see fireworks etc” and Adachi has already read his mind so he knows all the plans and surprises. Then he feels insecure and says to Kurosawa “teach me”.. and Kurosawa leans in with a kiss but Adachi can hear all of his thoughts so he pushes him away. Then Adachi confesses his mind reading power to Kurosawa and feels really bad that if he loses his power, the relationship m ight not work out. Kurosawa is not bothered by his power but he says Adachi must decide if he wants to continue or not. And they end the relationship.. so the elaborate candlelight dinner- it’s like it ended as fast as it started.. I guess that’s the special ego relationship full of expectations and following the formula. And then the next days at work, it’s like they became strangers again. It doesn’t sit right with me- it’s because the relationship needs a label? Why not just spend time with each other and not call it anything? Why have any expectations at all? Just let the relationship be what it is instead of putting so much pressure on it and labeling it and doing the whole fantasy and the 1st date and 1st Christmas etc. It just killed the relationship as fast as it started. But the last episode is still not over and I have yet to see what happens. I think they will get back together. I wish adachi could just say- I want to spend time with you- I want to be close to you but let’s not call it anything. I also don’t want to have sex because I want to keep my power for a while. Are you ok with that? We don’t have to either be cohabiting spouses or strangers. Why the two extremes? No I want to be close but without any expectations or templates or labels. I feel it has something to do with the conditional love and expectations and the template.Adachi’s whole arc is the same engine he’s dismantling:
“I am unworthy. I don’t fit the world’s template. I must become lovable.”
He’s a virgin at 30. Awkward. Introverted. Floating through life. Unable to perform desire in the way the world expects.
The moment Kurosawa, the symbol of “ideal man,” “ideal colleague,” “ideal beloved” turns toward him, Adachi immediately feels: pressure, anxiety, responsibility, the weight of someone’s expectations, claustrophobia from the template
Not because Kurosawa is wrong. But because Adachi was never taught unconditional love. He was taught conditional worth:
• be impressive to be loved
• be beautiful to be loved
• be accomplished to be loved
• be desired to be loved
• be “normal” to be loved
It’s not the kiss that frightened Adachi, it’s the script.
The “first date,” the “first Christmas,” the “fireworks,” the “expectations,”
the “labels,” the “now we must become THIS.”
All of that suffocates a soul that has survived by being small, invisible, neutral, low-maintenance, non-demanding. Love died the instant the template entered. The second it became a “proper relationship,” the magic evaporated. Because the template always kills freedom, intimacy, and truth.
The world has certain slots that it assigns for conditional love- these are the ones who will be loved the most. So often times wanting so badly to be seen or loved by those conditions, one fools themselves into believing they’re something they’re not. All because they’re very aware of the conditions for love in the world and want to be that even though they’re not that. So they betray themselves. I think Adachi is supposed to go in a different direction instead of trying to mold himself into something lovable by the world. That is not the direction of unconditional love. Unconditional love would be listening and honoring what your true self wants and needs. I think the deeper message of this show is to accept the reality of who you are as it is, not as you would like it to be, as the world would condition to you want. Because the world taught that only these certain things are lovable and you must be that- in many ways Adachi deviated from that and feels diminished by that because in his mind he thinks “I am less lovable.” So he thinks he needs his mind reading power to survive and compensation for “being behind.” But unconditional love says it doesn’t matter where you stand, you’re still lovable. You are loved no matter what. But only if one listens to and honors themselves, they can love unconditionally and receive it.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Yakuza but without actal Yakuza theme
I found myself somewhat disappointed by the lack of actual Yakuza action throughout the series. I had hoped that as the plot progressed, we would see more of the thrilling and intense aspects associated with this criminal underworld, especially in the latter half of the show. Unfortunately, the anticipated excitement never really came and so i didnt get the satisfaction with action in what I had hoped for. Although, the romance between the FL and the ML is very cute and undeniably charming, and all. One has to give it, their interactions are filled with sweet moments that highlight their chemistry between the two leads. I just felt like there could have been some more of the action side shown. Honestly I think the show could have benefited from a more balanced representation of action and romance.So, if you are looking for some more fast-paced romance for the sake of romance this Drama might be a fit. But if you're coming here for the Yakuza plot then you might be disappointed a bit.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Its BAAAACCCKK!!! Final Edit 1/10/26
Its pretty rare when Kdramas we really like get a second run let alone a 3rd. This is picking up where it left off. Only one in and I am absolutely loving it. His characters when going undercover have me dying in laughter. I didn't know if anything would top his country boy hick character from season 2 but I bit tongue laughing at his second persona of the episode. 😖 I think this is going to do well!!Edit 12/28
Yeah.....this has been solid. I'd even wager it's safe to say this could merit a 4th run. It's not always about the baddies being put away or the dystopian social injustice issues they're doing their best to recompense. For me now, it's pretty much about what type of persona our guy here will adopt in taking them down. Which is why given the creativity we've seen through the entire drama run, that 4th or 5th run could actually become reality. In any case, the drama has rocked once again, if it has to end that's ok. Better to end strong.
Edit 1/10/26
Phenomenal drama as always. Last two episodes I was blown away because we finally got a good fat huge chunk of Driver Kim's back story as the case was directly tied to him. So yea, this could have a 4th run but this ended STRONG. Maybe it's best not to jeopardize it. But in any case, I loved it. 🥰
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
I'm sold. Edit 12/25
The synopsis hides no illusion on what this piece entails and I'm glad because it makes me less critical. I'm content to sit and watch. Only thing I'm not liking is the FL's eyes wide open in dismay/shock every 20 min or so. Kind of annoying 😅I do find myself annoyed at her for stacking lie on top of lie on top of lie when ML's temperament shows he would most likely understand and forgive her if told the truth.
Edit
Completed. Again, np with this piece because they flat out told you what it would be. Award winning? Hell no. Entertaining but it's just a mid. The relationship on the side held more interest for me. If I was to truly harp on something, it would be that inferiority complex they like to instill in supporting cast members such as the half sister and/or other employees, that kind of thing.
This isn't a must watch as far as viewing but it can occupy few hrs if your truly bored.
Was this review helpful to you?
A summer drama that looks better than it feels with paper-thin plot!
This is one of those dramas that walks in looking like a vibrant summer postcard and then quietly hands you… a plot that feels like it’s still on vacation. The set-up was promising. Lava, a moody teenager with emotional turbulence, is shipped off to an island to “reform” while living with his uncle. He meets Wave, a mysterious nan who was washed up on the shore and is memoryless.Honestly, the drama has all the right ingredients. From identity secrecy to trauma and a prince in disguise, everything that you need for a good romance but somehow it lacks any depth and the emotional payoff is scant at its best.
Lava as a character, was one of the stronger elements, at least initially. He was prickly, resentful and lonely without fully admitting it. His moments with Wave were nice. But once the novelty of their connection settles, Lava’s characterisation hits a plateau. He reacts, he broods, he protects but he doesn’t evolve in any meaningful way. The script seems afraid to let him feel anything sharper than mild irritation or vague affection, which is a shame because his backstory had real potential for emotional bite.
On the other hand, Wave is introduced as this gentle enigma...vulnerable, soft-spoken and tender in a way that contrasts nicely with Lava’s volatility. But somehow the shallow writing doesn't give him anything. He feels like he was written to be more pretty than complex. And when I say complex, I don't mean complication, but to have a personality. Somehow, his entire personality revolved around being Lava's boyfriend. Remove that from the equation, and we barely know him. A prince stripped of memory should have been an emotional goldmine that could have been banked, but he was the least developed character of them all.
Their chemistry is… fine. But it lacks the intensity that would make their relationship compelling. Because the writing doesn’t challenge them enough, their bond feels like it’s floating instead of anchoring the drama. The drama seemed to be content with stolen glances, soft touches, and scenic silences. They were definitely beautiful but not necessarily meaningful. It’s the kind of romance that looks great in screenshots but feels lighter than expected when actually watching.
Another thing after the one-dimensional character was the pacing and conflict resolution. Some dramas try to reach for depth but this felt like it didn't even try. Every time the story tries to approach something heavy, it quickly backs away, scared and cuts to another scenic shot of the ocean hoping the view will distract us. The amnesia angle is treated similarly. It could have offered emotional depth, intense internal conflict and even moral dilemmas, but it’s used more for cute moments than meaningful character exploration. It almost works too, because the drama is visually stunning, just not enough to mask how hollow the narrative can feel.
There is a difference between calm storytelling and lethargic repetitive storytelling and this often tips into the latter. Conflicts appear out of nowhere and resolve themselves even faster.
Another missed opportunity was Wave’s royal background. This could have easily added layers of conflict with power dynamics or social pressure or the weight of public expectations, but we never truly delved into any of that. It did come but very late and seemed a little too convenient and last minute.
As for the second couple… I did enjoy their love story. The closeted uncle Pheng and Doc Wut. I loved how gentle and understanding Doc was of Pheng and his circumstances. Their relationship had real ups and downs that actually made sense for who they are and it all felt genuinely real instead of forced.
Acting-wise, I have mixed feelings about the leads. I have seen them in their previous dramas, but somehow the charm was missing. I don't know if writing was the problem. I hope we get to see more of Winny and Satang but with a better script. Mond and Ryu were a nice surprise. Neo was also very "himself" here. Never a dull moment when he was on screen.
Production and cinematography were the biggest strengths of this drama. It was visually gorgeous. The beach scenes, the atmosphere, the warm colour grading just matched the overall vibe and elevated in what ways it could...everything was crafted with such aesthetic care that it’s almost frustrating how little emotional weight the story carries.
Overall, while this is an easy watch where you can keep your brain aside and just watch, it doesn't stick. It gets cute, sometimes comforting but it feels hollow. I know the review sounds harsh but that's how my watching experience was. I binged the first 8 episodes, so I can't even recommend binging. Maybe weekly watchers might have a different experience. Not terrible, just underdeveloped.
Thank you for reading my review!<3 I hope you enjoy/enjoyed it more than me.
Was this review helpful to you?
100% Re-watchable drama
A beautiful drama with beautiful CGI effects starts off very funny and has a rollercoaster of emotions suggested to prepare tissues for the last 10 ep overall the acting is top notch with various different types of characters in one show with one character full of mystery, another naive, other powerful and so on.What actually got most of the attention was the female characters were equally powerful as the male characters no discrimination were there and were openly acknowledged for their power throughout their journey and were treated the same as how the male characters were treated in similar situations.
A good show recommended for rewatching
Was this review helpful to you?
Recent Discussions
-
BL Drama Lovers Club13 minutes ago -
Need help finding this unpopular drama55 minutes ago -
Which Was the Last Drama Episode You Watched? Part 358 minutes ago -

-
How Dare You!? Episode recap articles1 hour ago
1