Reviews

vibed with the second half more

Overall: I did not enjoy a child-like character who basically stalked a seemingly uninterested character for several episodes. Note this review/series has something that might be triggering. 12 episodes about 45 minutes each. Aired on iQIYI https://www.iq.com/play/duang-with-you-uncut-episode-1-1i3zcr5hiek?lang=en_us and episode 1 was on Mandee YouTube Channel https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcTibKbv20S7j_lCcNUEywFWET_lybdJZ&si=kC4Ac1i6KZTkdSmx

Content Warning: stalking (portrayed as romantic), hits (portrayed as comedic), past child abuse shown

Watch Suggestions for Uncut version (if the dynamic at the start doesn't work for you and this takes out content warnings/focuses on sweet parts)
- start at episode 6 at 20:30
- stop episode 7 at 57 min
- episode 8 watch 8-12:45 and 35-end
- episode 9 watch 4-6:35 and 20:30-end (skip 42-43)
- episode 10 watch beginning-22 and 40:30-51:50
- watch episode 11 but skip 26:30-37 where there is a flashback
- watch episode 12

What I Liked
- easy to understand premise
- supportive friends (though they sometimes shared 1 brain cell)
- visuals
- cameos/supporting roles
- sweet/caring moments
- intimacy scenes done well
- talked about flexibility in positions

Room For Improvement
- the child-like character (one time he said "I'm sulky now" while pouting and stomping his foot) who relentlessly pursued a seemingly uninterested character (at least 1 time he told him to shut up) and this lasted too long before being reciprocated
- pointless side couple
- comedy sound effects did not make things funny

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Strong Moments, Uneven Execution, Not Highly Rated

I’m sorry folks, but this was just an okay watch for me. I thought the overall story was good and the beginning was compelling. There were several captivating moments that kept me watching, and the soundtrack matched the dramatic sequences perfectly. When the story hit, it really hit, and I loved the ending. Unfortunately, those strengths weren’t consistent enough for me, and I felt the pacing or execution didn’t quite work. It was great to see He Xuanlin and Gao Mingchen together again—especially after how rough their arc was in Love & Bid Farewell—but overall, I wouldn’t rate this one very high.

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Feminist Wish-Fulfillment Fantasy

Positively Yours sells a feminist wish-fulfillment fantasy: pregnancy changes nothing, the rich CEO becomes endlessly patient, and a second man keeps waiting despite knowing the child isn’t his. Two single men competing for a pregnant woman — not as conflict, but as convenience.

By episode 5, the story refuses to acknowledge real consequences. Rejections repeat without evolution, the love triangle feels artificial, and characters stop behaving like adults. This isn’t heightened melodrama — it’s reality bent out of shape so the romance can keep going.

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FEVER DREAM WITH ALL THE PLOTS YOU WANT WITH YOUR IMAGINARY MAN!

LIKE SO LET ME CALM MY HORMONES FIRST. First of all this drama is for enjoying, don't find any logic. Its just just like a teenager imagining plots before her sleep obviously with her imaginary Ceo. BUT MIND I TELL YOU, THIS FUCKING EATS. At first the visual. HELLL YEAH 😝 I am still recovering from episode 6-7 like OH MAH LIFE?!?! This are this shits i want with my future husband. HELLL YEAH. SMASH. Ok coming to the plot it is kind of like omegaverse. Like similar. So yeah Like that 😝. Anyways fl and the ml's chemistry is CHEMISTRYING LIKE THE CHEMISTRY BE DOING LAB WORK WITH PERFECT RESULTS. DO I LIKE IT HELL YEAH WOULD YOU LIKE IT? IDK WHO CARES ABOUT IT. anyways apart from them i found some chem between the brother and the ml like (ik im weird but cant help but yeah bromance eats) and also i want more scenes with the bro and his girl(they seem to give good chem but i think they need more scenes) their first meet was good likke yessss. Soo apart from acting and story line the songs are 10/10.yesss like wattpad coded, so girlies a new theme song for your nightly delulu. So the rewatch value is not much regarding the plot but.. BUT IF YOU WANT SOMETHING TO WATCH WITH YOUR BESTIES GO FOR IT, BOTH BE DELULU TOGETHER. OK BYE THATS IT😘

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Personally, I really liked this drama. I watched each episode with pleasure and genuine curiosity. I think the whole story was carried out smoothly. The visual aspect deserves special recognition — it did not disappoint. There were many beautiful frames and shots connected to the places they traveled to. I also liked how the series portrayed the pressure that comes with popularity and how suddenly gaining fame can affect a person.

I also really enjoyed the relationship of the first main couple — Cha Mu Hui and Ju Ho Jin. On the surface, they seemed like complete opposites to me, but together they began to complement each other. It was wonderful to watch how much of a support Ju Ho Jin was for her, even though she wasn’t always aware of it. Overall, their relationship developed quite slowly and was interwoven with many dramas that could have been avoided through communication, but in essence, that’s what this series was about — trying to understand the language of love. Over time, we could see that they truly learned it and started talking to each other instead of running away.

It’s also worth pausing on her relationship with Hiro. In my opinion, it was also very pleasant to watch. I watched most of their travel scenes with a smile on my face. Even though she never had any romantic feelings for him, and I personally rooted for her to be with Ju Ho Jin, Hiro’s feelings were not irritating, and his support and devotion to Cha Mu Hui were wonderful as well. The fact that he learned Korean for her stole a piece of my heart, and he himself was a character I wished happiness for with someone else. Even though we didn’t get to see that, I’m glad the story showed that he began to fulfill himself as an actor in what he had always wanted to do.

Now it’s worth moving on to the character of Do Ra Mi. Personally, I found this storyline intriguing and, in general, I liked it for most of the series. Her character added a lot of color with her edge and intensity. That said, mental illnesses were heavily simplified here, which may not appeal to everyone. They were largely “cured” through love, which doesn’t necessarily reflect reality. Personally, this didn’t bother me, but I think it’s worth pointing out — in my opinion, it would have been even better if we had been shown how the character, thanks to him, begins therapy. What disappointed me much more was the ending of this storyline — namely, her leaving to go to her mother, which we never got to see. Because of that, I consider the survival of her parents to be unnecessary, since we didn’t witness it anyway, and as a result we also didn’t see her “farewell to and victory over” Do Ra Mi. As for her aunt and uncle, I have one word for them: “trash.” Treating a child so horribly — a child who believed she had lost her parents — while knowing the truth is rock bottom. You can’t sink any lower, and the fact that years later they still saw nothing wrong with their behavior says everything about them.

The last important storyline I want to discuss is the relationship of the second main couple — Sin Ji Seon and Ju Ho Jin. The chemistry between them was great, and I think we got far too few scenes of them together. They intrigued me just as much as the first main couple. I liked how, thanks to him, she realized that in true love you don’t have to fight for the other person’s attention or effort. The only issue I have here is that the storyline with her former fiancé was slightly oversimplified — in the sense that he appeared and then disappeared. What happened to him afterward? No one really knows (something was mentioned, but only in passing), even though he is the main character’s brother.

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Episode 10 (Final) – Finding a Place to Belong

At first glance, Peach Lover looks like a story centered around desire, sexuality, and performance.

But by the end, it reveals something much simpler—and much deeper.

This is a story about finding a place where you truly belong.

Sasom appears to have everything:
wealth, status, and a successful career as an actor.

But behind that image is a cold family, where love is conditional and appearances matter more than feelings.
Even his success is used by his parents as a tool to expand their social connections.

The only person who ever stood on his side was his brother.

So it’s no surprise that Sasom longed for a place where he could exist without judgment.

And he created that place himself.

Peach Lover was not just a website.
It was a carefully constructed “safe space” where he could reveal his desires and be accepted—even if that acceptance was built on illusion.

Then Poe appears.

Unlike everything Sasom had known before, Poe offers something real:
trust, vulnerability, and genuine emotional connection.

At first, Sasom’s feelings are possessive.
He wants Poe to belong only to him.

But slowly, something changes.

What used to be his emotional anchor—the uploaded videos, the performance, the illusion—
loses its meaning.

Because reality becomes enough.

Being with Poe, sharing time, existing together—
that becomes his true sense of belonging.

And that is why the ending matters.

Sasom closes Peach Lover.

Not because he rejects who he was,
but because he no longer needs a constructed space to feel accepted.

Then, he does something even more important.

He publicly acknowledges his partner.

Not as a secret, not as a performance—
but as a real relationship.

A choice.

A declaration of where he belongs.

Final thoughts

This drama is not really about sex.

It is about the difference between:

performance and authenticity
illusion and reality
possession and love

And ultimately, about the human need to find a place where we can exist as we are.

It may not work for everyone,
but for me, it quietly stayed until the end.

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part 2 came straight for your heart tbh

I know this is only the first story of part 2 but the acting along side with the heartbreak of this story kept me wishing I waited for the whole series to air so I could binge it all at once. Waiting every week had me internally screaming.

One thing I gotta point out immediately is Tonliew absolutely killed it with the emotional scenes. My heart was actively breaking every time this man came to each scene teary eyed or with gut-wrenching sobs. I don't know how else to explain it, I am really impressed by actors who are able to make you feel the emotional pain they are trying to portray. Specifically the scene where him and Fah are on either side of his room door and he is lying to Fah about how he didn't want to see him anymore. I immediately thought of Namping in Khemjira after with lake scene involving (if you know you know, I don't wanna spoil a different series in this review), that sort of stomach-dropping hysterical sobs.

I went into part 2 knowing nothing about the novel and kept reading comments about Fah being 'a wolf in sheeps clothes' and boy oh boy were they not joking (and even more so after reading the novel like holy shit).
Their story was wonderful, none of that prolonged misunderstanding plot nonsense you get with a lot of BL's, the 'conflict' was understandable and Fah's character never held it against Phoon.

The friendship of this group of four (north, easter, typhoon and dao) was my absolute favorite, we love supportive besties. North was my favorite in part 1, this man is a ride or die and I was reminded over and over again how fantastic of a character he is. (and after punching phoon's dad, this mans biggest worry was 'oh shit what do I tell johan' like I cannot express enough how much I adore north) I hope we continue to see these four support each other in the next two stories. (although I know Nao and Tiger aren't as tightly involved as the other's but I am looking forward to their story nonetheless)

There were things that were different from the novel, but all in all I thought it was great for only having 8 episodes to tell the whole story with. (of course the nc scene's were *not* going to be novel-accurate, if you know you know, but that shouldn't deter or take away from the story imo)

definitely would recommend and am looking forward to the next story from part 2!

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A rating this low simply does not align with what the drama delivers.

I genuinely fail to understand why this BL drama has received such a low rating.

The storyline was engaging, and the screenplay was more than reasonable. While it is neither flawless nor a genre-defining classic, it delivers a solid and well-structured narrative.

Most characters were pleasant to follow, and those who initially caused discomfort were later given a convincing and coherent redemption arc.

The chemistry between the couples was strong, natural, and believable, adding warmth and emotional balance to the story.

For these reasons, the extremely low score does not accurately reflect the overall quality of the drama.

It is certainly worth watching and offers a very enjoyable experience.

I sincerely recommend it.

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Excellent ML and unfortunately very weak FL

I am glad to finally finish this drama with English subtitles. I was attracted into it because of the super handsome ML Chen Tian Xiang who looks superb in costume dramas as Prince or Royalty. He didn't disappoint here. He is still shiningly very handsome, dignified and intelligent, strong and reliable and couldn't be manipulated by the scheming women.
Unfortunately, I find the FL very weak and a push over. She is already reborn yet instead of doing meticulous planning to defeat her enemies she allowed herself to be manipulated, humiliated, accused unjustly and even tortured later on. The young Marquis ML already told her that it is better to kill her enemies than allow herself to be killed yet she remained helpless and useless against the machinations and plots of her stepmother and stepsister. The ML already told him to always ask his help if she needs yet she is always caught by her enemies unprepared to defeat their evil schemes.
The father of the FL is one of the most stupid fathers in chinese dramas. So weak, so idiot and so useless. The good Aunt is a very wonderful person. She is pure and dignified, loving and caring and very wise.
The story is already very common unfortunately the director and writer were not able to present it as a fresh version.

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A light entertainment meant to be enjoyed without heavy emotional demands

By the time Duang With You reaches its finale, what initially presents itself as a simple, chaotic university romcom reveals a surprising emotional core beneath its bright and playful surface. The early episodes establish a tone that feels intentionally exaggerated, full of awkward encounters, comedic timing, and almost cartoonish reactions, but as the story unfolds, that lightness becomes the foundation for something more grounded. The series never abandons its cheerful identity, but it gradually allows quieter, more vulnerable moments to take space, creating a balance between humor and emotional sincerity that feels earned rather than forced.

Much of the show’s charm comes from Duang, a protagonist whose expansive personality drives much of the story. Optimistic, impulsive, and completely transparent about his feelings, he turns his pursuit of Qin into a constant stream of awkward yet surprisingly endearing moments. Qin, in contrast, serves as the perfect counterbalance. More reserved and seemingly cold at first, he occasionally lets small reactions slip through, hinting that there is far more going on beneath his composed exterior. The contrast between them creates a romantic dynamic that is simple but effective, keeping the story engaging even when it follows familiar paths.

A large part of why Duang works so well lies in TeeTee’s performance. Characters this energetic can easily become exhausting, but he gives Duang a charm that keeps the character consistently endearing. His bursts of excitement, exaggerated reactions, and playful high-pitched tones feel natural rather than forced. What stands out most, however, is how smoothly he shifts between moods. When scenes turn serious, his voice lowers and his energy changes, revealing a more grounded side of the character. In emotional moments, that shift becomes even more noticeable, with Duang’s usual brightness giving way to a heavier, more vulnerable presence.

What truly elevates the series, however, is Qin’s development. If the beginning frames him as distant and emotionally guarded, the later episodes carefully peel back those layers, revealing a character shaped by past pain and unresolved trauma. His journey is not rushed; instead, it unfolds through small, meaningful changes, including lingering glances, hesitant honesty, moments of jealousy, and eventually open affection. By the final episodes, Qin is no longer simply reacting to Duang’s presence; he actively chooses him, and that shift carries significant emotional weight. His growth transforms the title itself into something more meaningful, as “with you” becomes less about proximity and more about emotional safety, trust, and the ability to love without fear.

Their relationship benefits greatly from this progression. What starts as one-sided persistence evolves into a partnership where both characters support and heal each other. Duang’s role as a steady, almost unwavering emotional anchor becomes especially important during the series’ more dramatic conflicts. Episodes that introduce misunderstandings or external interference, particularly the arc that places strain on their relationship, push both characters into uncomfortable emotional territory. Duang, usually so bright and confident, is allowed to feel insecure and lost, while Qin is forced to confront his fears of vulnerability and abandonment. These moments, while at times frustrating, ultimately strengthen the narrative by giving the romance real stakes.

The series also deserves credit for how it handles intimacy. Rather than feeling like a superficial addition, the romantic and physical moments between Duang and Qin are carefully built and emotionally grounded. When they finally come together, those scenes carry a mix of tenderness, longing, and vulnerability that reflects how far both characters have come. It is not just about attraction, but about trust and emotional openness, which makes their connection feel believable and rewarding.

Beyond the main couple, the supporting cast continues to play an important role throughout the series. The friends remain active participants in the story, adding humor, warmth, and occasional chaos, while also reinforcing the sense of community within the university setting. Their presence helps maintain the lighter tone even during heavier narrative arcs, preventing the series from becoming overly dramatic.

From a production standpoint, Duang With You remains consistent in its strengths. The soft visual palette, steady direction, and cohesive soundtrack create a comfortable atmosphere that complements both the comedic and emotional beats. While the music may not be particularly experimental, it supports the tone effectively and reinforces the series’ identity. The direction, in particular, deserves recognition for maintaining a clear vision: even when the plot follows familiar tropes, the execution keeps it engaging.

That said, the series is not without flaws. Some comedic elements, especially the exaggerated sound effects, can feel overused, particularly in the earlier episodes. Certain side storylines, such as the exploration of Qin’s family, could have benefited from more depth and nuance. Additionally, one of the mid-series conflicts leans heavily on miscommunication, which may feel frustrating to some viewers. However, these issues rarely overshadow the overall experience, especially as the emotional core of the story becomes more prominent.

By the end, Duang With You proves that it never needed a complex or groundbreaking plot to leave a lasting impression. Its strength lies in execution: in the chemistry between its leads, in the gradual and believable emotional growth, and in the way it balances lighthearted charm with genuine feeling. What begins as a fun, slightly chaotic romcom ultimately becomes a story about healing, emotional courage, and the quiet but powerful act of choosing someone, and being chosen in return.

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Potencial para ser kdrama del año?

me atrevo a decir que este es uno de los mejores dramas que nos deja el 2026, de principio a fin la historia es encantadora y atrapante. Desde que vi a Kim seonho y go younjung como protagonistas, supe que iba a ser un kdrama que valdría la pena ver, y felizmente confirmo que fue así. Me gusta cómo llevaron a cabo el proyecto, desde la simbología de carteles, "idiomas" y demás detalles hasta el abordaje de la salud mental. Como una amante de los idiomas y de viajar, conocer, experimentar, es un drama que ha dejado una gran impresión en mí, por lo que si estás en un bloqueo y ya no sabes qué mirar, lo recomiendo muchísimo.

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Came for Chun Woohee scamming people, left with a very YA feeling plot in both good and bad ways. Way darker than the title and marketing surrounding it seem to suggest, but not really in a way that felt narratively unearned. It's nice that we get actual reasons to sympathise with the cast and understand their actions instead of simply leaving them to be what they are when we first meet them, but I definitely feel like some of the backstory got a little muddy. I also needed way more of Lee Tae-ran chewing the scenery as the character she knew this drama needed instead of being sort of sidelined for much more boring villains. You can only have so many mysteriously evil older guys in suits before it gets both confusing and cliched.

Really, these characters deserved a better plot overall, obviously Chun Woohee is a real treat to watch no matter if she's a con artist or a vulnerable girl who never really got the chance to either grow up or have a childhood, but the side characters on the protagonist's side are also quite well defined and feel like actual people, which isn't always something that's easy to achieve. I really like the way characters like Nasa and Dajung are developed, Lee Yeon specifically needs a lot more roles, she definitely brings out a vulnerable and sympathetic side to a character that so easily could've just been some awful one note cool girl hacker. I can't say I liked Ringgo though, he starts annoying, he remains annoying. I do wish, however, despite liking how his character ending up, that Mooyoung started in a less wooden place. Kim Dongwook is a good actor and brings a lot of nuance, but it's brought eventually, and the character just isn't interesting enough to care about his scenes at first, which is a stark contrast to Ro Um.

Definitely echo the criticisms though specifically about pacing and product placement, the two most glaring flaws in the drama. Like, you just got done with one of the most emotionally resonant scenes and it just cuts to a Chilsung ad with absolutely no self awareness. It gets really bad in the otherwise really good finale, I'm guessing because they knew that people would be paying attention to other things. There's probably about a dozen worthwhile episodes of content stretched out into sixteen, given my criticisms about some of the villains, you can probably infer what parts I thought were worth keeping and which were worth getting of.

The romance is a surprisingly tender slow burn, which I appreciated. It's in the background the whole time and it doesn't feel rushed like it sometimes can, like they just shoehorned it in because audiences want two characters to get together. "Turn your brain off" is such a dumb thing to say about any media but the sentiment is probably there when I recommend this to others, though not literally, because you definitely need to pay attention at basically every moment. It's an okay to mediocre drama elevated by good performances and honestly some pretty fun plot beats here and there. Worth a watch if you like that sort of thing, but not worth your absolute love and devotion, unless you do love it in which case throw away everything I've said.

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Loved this drama

Just loved the drama
I don't love medical drama but someone recommended this drama to me and I love it

The ML improved SO FREAKING MUCH since PYHOMS. His visuals, acting, chemistry with the FL has improved A LOT so give it a try, you won't regret. I fell in love with the entire cast. The story progresses really well and I'm glad I didn't skip this. I didn't fast forward any scenes but instead I rewatched (which I almost never do). the story doens't get draggy or boring anywhere.

The FL isn't the typical damsel in distress but quite a strong one for a big change from her previous works. The leads have a sizzling chemistry and not to mention the second leads too! They have an interesting story. The actors portray their roles perfectly. I don't know how I'll be able to move on from this! Their smiles are so damn freaking contagious OML I can't stop smiling. The second couple have a really good story pace and not simply rushed just because they had to be together for the sake of being together. I wish they had an entire drama for themselves!

In short, you'll get hooked up when you smell the chemistry between all the actors and not to mention the kisses :,-) honestly this drama set the bar high for cutesy rom-coms xo

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