Reviews

Omg! so bad!

What a bad drama, the story was quite common and very bad executed.
The visuals were the best thing of the whole drama...the music was ok.
Kimmon used a weird looking gun, it probably is supposed to look like gold? But it looks like a toy.

Bad acting by the whole cast, i can't understand why Neel got a mail role, he is so bad at acting. Even Kimmon didn't do very well in this drama and i know he can do so much better! The best actor was the one playing Somchai.
The kisses were very bad! Kimmon does the kissing but Neel doesn't kiss back. Only with the last kiss he moved his lips a little..

This really was a waste of time.

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A carefully-crafted allegory, about courage to face and overcome seemingly impossible challenges

"Miss King" offers us a charming approach to presenting familiar real-world issues and occurrences, assembled into a serial-drama centered on the game of Shogi, a Japanese chess. But this is not a drama about shogi, even many scenes show us the actual games' moves — enough to make Shogi enthusiasts be excited. Shogi is only used as a central theme of the allegory. We don't really need to understand the game to watch and appreciate it. While many may compare this to the movie "The Queen's Gambit", I don't see anything similar between the two in their stories, although "The Queen's Gambit" might have been used as a thematic inspiration to form the initial idea of "Miss King".

The first thing that stands out from the first few minutes of watching is the top-notch quality of the cinematography as well as the editing and post-production, including the music. This does not have the typical "cheap & quick" serial drama production we have seen too often on mainstream TV. From the beginning of the episode, they give us very artistic, feature-movie-like visual display and creative camerawork without being too "artsy" and pretentious. The production team really put effort down to very conceptual details, even the "MISS KING" title presentation where the pointed warped texts start with the first letter for episode 1, then 2 letters for episode 2, and so on, up until the final episode when the entire letters are warped.

Despite the dramatizations, the story of "Miss King" doesn't go too deep into unnecessary complications and plot twists. The plot stays as simple and straight-forward as possible here, and many of the conversations are on-point and vital to the story. Just like the actual game of shogi (I'd assume), it does have the attack and retreat moments. Even though there are a few repeated patterns here and there, it is still far from becoming "just another shallow & boring story" plaguing many of the now over-saturated TV dramas. Screenwriter/director Yamagishi Santa delivers the most efficient storytelling condensed within the tight and gripping 8 episodes, with a rather short duration per episode. I wished the duration could be a bit longer, like 45 to 50 minutes each. In most episodes, 30 minutes feel like merely 15 minutes. It passes very quickly because the editing is very tight, and shuffling between two scenes is used quite often for thrilling effect. The cinematography is very good at presenting each scene from multiple different angles, sometimes even using extreme close-ups. Re-watching all the episodes is recommended, because we may miss some small details.

The Shogi whereabouts and its entire intrigues in the drama could very much represent the entire showbiz/entertainment industry (be it sports, film, TV, music, etc.), specifically in Japan but also in many other countries throughout the world, which is tainted by corporate greed and the thirst for power. This is what makes "Miss King" a very likely candidate to be the best J-drama for 2025. It has a multilayered meaning. Simple, but deep at the same time. To those of us film enthusiasts who are curious to interpret the allegorical meaning and symbolism beyond the surface-level plot or story line, this is an absolute must-watch because this drama has plenty of them, just like the 2025 movie "Exit 8" (check out my review of "Exit 8" here on MDL 😉).

What is being presented in "Miss King" is not about "selling the dreams/aspirations", but a carefully-crafted fictional allegory. In particular, I have noticed some cautious re-narration (or RENA-rration 😁) of what happened to the acting career of this drama's main lead female actor: Nounen "Non" Rena. — She is the most suitable person in playing the role of the main character Asuka, because they both share the similar flair, brilliance, and also struggles to overcome obstacles in the world that abhors the natural sparks within a person. It seems that whoever came up with the story already had Non in mind to play the role of Asuka when the character was being developed (the character was built around the actor and not vice versa). I'm not going to give any spoilers but just one clue: in the ending scene of Episode 5, it reveals a similar situation to what had actually happened to Non back in 2015.

Again, without attempting to spoil the scenes, there is one important statement said by Todo Seigo (the main/leading supporting character played by Fujiki Naohito): "I'm going to kill the old era", which may explain the "hidden aim" presented in this drama, thanks to Abema TV. His character is displayed as "hot temper" but, at the same time, also "cool-headed", a unique combination that's essential in strategically guiding and refining any person gifted with raw talent and wild/unfocused energy like Asuka.

When we think about "the old era" within the showbiz industry, that refers to the outdated system of hierarchy, controlled by a very few yet highly influential key people at the very top of the pyramid where most of the important decisions are made, in which the entire industry is being run through exploiting the ones at the "bottom of the food-chain": namely all the young and naive talents with high aspirations. These talents are used merely as "assets" that can be exploited, disposed of and replaced at any time. The entire "agency system" provides these assets to do the work in a "binding agreement" so that entertainment commodities can be produced as money-generating tools. In reality, many of these modern-day "slaves" (not owned by landlords, but talent agencies) are more than willing to sacrifice their authenticity, integrity and freedom just for wealth and fame, and in certain cases, even dignity and moral values for a slight chance to move up in the hierarchy. These people then turn to become "monsters" (the term used often in this drama) , despicable creatures who "have made a deal with the devil." As outlined in the first line of this drama's synopsis, it is a "shitty world" indeed. There are also many talented individuals within the industry who actually understand how this system works, but decide to compromise and let themselves remain in the safe "middle ground" by choosing not to excel further, in order to keep themselves at bay, from being attacked by those monsters. They are represented in this drama by the seemingly "pragmatic" Yuna character (played excellently by Narumi Yui), a character many of us here may relate to at some degree. This drama also presents us with the nature of a "binding agreement" or "contract" and its actual significance in controlling the moves of these talents/assets. There's also a seemingly "random" casual joke about plastic surgery popping up in a conversation.

Of course, a drama is a drama, a play. All the dramatizations of the characters and the "larger-than-life" fictional story line are needed so that it is exciting to watch, be it the background stories, the situations, character development, etc. Some of the characters are displayed as serious and very realistic, like for example the Sakai Reiko character (played by Kurashina Kana), and Asuka's mother. The other characters are a bit "comical" to spice up the story, like Todo Seigo, for example, or the variety of "supposedly villain" characters in the Yuki family clan. We can relate ourselves to any of these characters in the "Miss King" story. Certain personality traits being displayed so often by the characters here are: envy, pride, selfishness, rivalry, victim mentality, and lack of self-worth, while on the positive side, goodwill, compassion and empathy also play a significant role in balancing the story so that it does not fall into a toxic negative vibe, where revenge may turn into absolute nihilism. This is a positive drama about courage to face and overcome seemingly impossible challenges. The description of "revenge" here is more about "taking the power back" or "reclaiming what was once lost", and certainly not the "bring everyone who put me down into the pit of hell" type of revenge.

However, I have to disagree with the official synopsis given by Abema TV, that Asuka's "revenge" was fueled by deep hatred (nikushimi / 憎しみ). I don't see that in her character at all. Maybe "rage" (uncontrollable anger) is the more appropriate word to describe what drove Asuka in the first episode, where she began to act impulsively, as opposed to a premeditated plan. Asuka was indeed angry and in pain, but all her anger was more like a "righteous anger" triggered by the world that is full of manipulations and betrayal where she became a victim. Despite being angry and in pain to begin with, Asuka's authentic love for shogi since she was a child (displayed when she smiles during her shogi matches as if she is actually having fun doing it) is the source of her willingness to fight back, and that alone is beautiful to watch! There is a great amount of love being displayed in this drama, even without any romance. As Asuka began to build her trust in the ones who support her unconditionally, she was able to find a way to convert or transmute the energy of anger into creative expression using the platform that she loves, which is shogi. In the real-world, many authentic artists and musicians do that, including I believe Non herself. Speaking of Non, she still has that adorable sparks of energy/aura that has been unique to her ever since she starred in the classic asadora "Amachan", and that energy is incredibly magnetic! 😍

I give "Miss King" a high rating because it is one of the very few J-dramas that has the ability to transform us, if only we're courageous enough to open our hearts. It does not lecture us about virtues or moral values. It is up to us to extract the story, relate ourselves from the characters, and use the allegory as a mirror reflection.

9/10

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Confetti sprinkled sweetness

An enjoyable watch. Simple story thats a break from complicated ones I seem to have watched lately. Natural acting, smooth flow of story so far. Very nice BGM too. It is oozing in cuteness & sweetness that's quirky funny at times. Highly recommended for BL neophytes or even seasoned BL fans who wants a break from hard-core bl relationships. The nice part of the story is how characters are experiencing feelings new to both of them and how they cutely navigate learning and exploring those feelings. Soooo cute that if there's a feeling for color "pink" that's how it'll seem to be. I am surprised that I am not seeing a lot of post about this jn social media. I came across this thumbing through new J BL release.

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Lame Plot twist

This series is hilarious, but I’m disappointed because I got fooled just like how Kat fooled her friends, lol. Kat’s excuse was pretty lame—she was just drunk and vomited, and then her friends scolded her. And after all that, look at how she did to her friends. He made them worry, put in effort, and do everything for her. It felt really unfair to them.

On the other hand, I can’t fully blame Kat because her friends also treated her differently and constantly badmouthed her. Still, I really didn’t like the plot twist. It felt like the writer ran out of ideas.

The four divas shine in their own ways, and they all delivered solid performances. My favorite in terms of appearance and acting is Neo, but as for the character, my favorite is Fluke.

Overall, this series is a disappointment, and it’s a shame because the four actors clearly gave their best. But I don’t regret watching it because it genuinely made me laugh a lot.

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Was a very nice drama with a strong plot

It wa really good for me. 10/10 really. It's been quite a while since I have watched something like it. Now what made me rate it like this is because of the childhood part between the main leads. Truly unnecessary. It's like there was nothing to add so to make it up to the 18th episode they added this stupid part. Also what's up with them not knowing literally anything about each other ? Especially the FL. It annoyed me a little. But overall I loved the drama. Made me cry a river also didn't buy tissues for this lol !! Anyway, it does teaches us a lot of things. One thing that stood out for me was the element of family support. It's really important for everyone. Sometimes we feel like we don't need anyone and that we can live by ourselves but that's not true. We always need someone. Family doesn't always mean by blood. People who care about you and love you even when there's something against you going on. Despite all that, they love you and support you. That's family. Thank you for the drama 🩷

P.S - I completed it in a day !!!! ( I'm a slow watcher )

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SPOILER

I loved this drama too much all along BUT I HATED the ending. I felt frustrated, she was balled. Too many unanswered questions. It's really a shame. What is his story with Seol-Ah? Why did he run to her every time she called him? Who is the man who came to beat him? Which woman was it?

Throughout the drama we are left to think that he is a fuckboy in the end we do not even know if he is really one or not... The character is mysterious from beginning to end we know nothing about his story. The story with his mother could have been more developed. There is a lot of suspense in the drama but in the end we have no answer. I'm really on my end...

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Horrible

A male lead that can't act, he has one facial expression for every scene in every role I've seen him in. Female lead doing a respectable job. But the worst part is the absolutely horrific writing.

We are supposed to believe that the ml is in love with the female lead for exactly what reason? She comes from a family of despicable people. She lies to him from the very start, putting him in extreme danger when she said she'd protect him. Then she proceeds to get drunk every episode. She blames the ml for all the bad that's happening around her. She's too stupid to realize her father and cohorts are the bad people. So why is the ml simping on her? I won't be watching past episode 10 so i can only imagine she must be his childhood first love somehow.

Instead of liking and rooting for the leads i can't stand either character. I don't know which one i can't stand more, the dumb whining crying drunk fl or the dumb ml who loves her and simps for her for no reason all while lying to her so that she hates him and not her father. The worst writing I've seen in the last 2 years of horribly written shows.

Saw a preview where the empress, obviously a woman, becomes a man in the army 🤦‍♂️And she said a couple of sentences to him as a sick boy to confirm the dumb childhood love. Such an awful show

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Blood ties or chosen family? Bonds are created and families are built.

This drama is about a family that has found a daughter and one that had lost one. The complicated relationships of in-laws and the growth that cames after a tragic loss. For once in the chinese dramaland, there are healthy relationships between mothers and daughters. The mother are not as bias towards their sons as in other dramas of this type.

You can sense the affection and understanding that they have toward womanhood and recognize the sacrifices that being a mother Intel.

I can not say that the mothers are all pure hearted and don't have any blames. They made selfish decisions that causes a lot of grief from both families. One , saying something in a moment of weakness that causes her to lose her daughter and the other one hiding to her family that she new were her biological parents were in fear of losing her. They were both at fault but we can understand their actions.

There is also a need of a villain in a story, to convey hardships and grievance. That is why I think the writers gives the mother in law such a awful personality. she is controlling, unreasonable, proud and snobbish. But , her character is somehow reasonable because people really do behave like that in this classiest society.

I would also like to say, the fathers in this drama are more reasonable that their wife and they all do work hard for their families. Some of the man are a little untitled but again because in real life society allow them to behave like that. the two younger bother for example. One is understandably behaving like an unruly teenager but we can see that he will grow up to be a dependable and reliable man because he stand up for what's right. The other one is becoming more responsible because he is starting his own family and can no longer rely on his parents. that's shows growth.

This drama show the attempt of two family that are trying to forge a new bond. Everyone is founding a new place In each other life after learning of eachother stories and trying to understand their sentiments. This is a story of a new found family determined by fate not marriage nor blood ties.

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A Good Drama Despite Weak Points

I decided to watch this drama because of the ML played by Wang Jia Mao whom I find very handsome in royal roles and robes. I first saw him in Throne of Regret wherein he played the role of the King who made the other woman the Empress rather than the former female general who served him with great loyalty and sacrifice. The FL in that drama decided to leave the unfaithful Emperor. Despite being the scumbag in that drama I found him very handsome and been longing to see him playing royalty again but in good character. I got my wish here.
In this drama, the ML is faithful to the FL. He is secretly in loved with her and always protecting her. He was a loving husband as well as a faithful Prince Regent to the young Emperor. I got my wish to see him once again in good role as Prince and faithful husband. He is also presented as a very wise and competent Regent.
The FL was somewhat weak and easy to be manipulated but she learned from her mistakes and gradually grew in wisdom, knowledge and competence. Her privilege of being appointed in the royal court as the first female official is deserving.
I also like the choice of the director to use as a major villain the girl-servant of the FL. Usually, the villain woman is the stepsister of the FL or an illegitimate sister. Instead, the maid servant was elevated as a mistress or concubine of the 2ML.
The presentation of the 2ML, the first husband who serves as the main villain is quite inappropriate for me. He was the top scholar of the young generation. He must be very bright and even a possible candidate to be Prime Minister but instead of showing character of a very intelligent young man he was always acting, speaking and making decisions like a stupid or unreasonable man. The director I think failed to guide the actor who played this role to portray his character properly as demanded by the story.

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