Reviews

Reincarnation romance with surprisingly a strong emotional gravity in a sense

✨ THE GOOD (THE MAGIC):
The premise actually works , past life memories + present life choices = emotional depth you don’t always get in rom-kdramas
The leads are warm, grounded, and grounded in a way that doesn’t feel forced
The story rewards patience, each reveal adds shade, tear fuel for somepeople, or that “oh f*ck, I didn’t see that coming” .
Highlights emotional growth over surface-level flirting.

🙄 THE “CALM DOWN, STORY” PACKAGE:
The pacing is intentional… a bit too intentional at times. Slow enough that casual viewers and me we might check our watch.
Some character arcs wander before coming back , like they took a stroll without telling the plot.

🤦 THE “SERIOUSLY, DID WE SKIP THAT?” ENERGY:
A few transitions hit like they were cut short or forgot context.
Emotional payoff is real , but sometimes taxing because it trusts you to remember micro-details from earlier arcs.
Does it deserve my scoring f*ck no! But , and that's a huge butt , you'll enjoy the ride.

💔 THE “THIS IS WHY I WATCH K-DRAMA” DEPARTMENT:
This show gets heart right at most part.
It’s nostalgic without being cheesy, dramatic without being stupid (modtley) , and tender where it matters.
Characters evolve in ways that feel earned , althought sometimes there is taht damn checklist™.

🎯 FINAL VERDICT:
A beautifully layered reincarnation romance that rewards emotion over speed and vulnerability over flashiness , it doesn't deserve an 8 tbh but sue me !

✔ Watch if: You love emotional depth, romance that grows, and stories about fate with actual meaning.
❌ Skip if: You need descent pacing, constant action, or zero slow burns even if there is a good pay-off.

💫 Best paired with: A warm drink, quiet evening, and tissues within arm’s reach , because this one sneaks up on you.

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Well I wasn’t expecting this to be so damn funny!

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I watched this but the fact that Korn, a mafia Godfather, put up with the antics of a trainee body guard who pee’d in a pool killing the eldest son’s koi carp, was caught setting off the fire alarms while having a sly fag and got drunk on the job make sense later on. But at the time I saw this as just the very funny antics of a clueless, slightly feral, former bartender. There are lots of other incredibly funny moments that prevent this drama from becoming too dark and they are perfectly timed to show that even where there is violence and death there can be moments of hilarity. The script writers should be applauded for what we get to watch so I awarded extra marks to the story score because of this.

The story basically revolves round Kinn, Korn’s son, and Porsche, a young man orphaned when his parents died in a car accident leaving him to look after his younger brother. The plot focuses on their burgeoning love story and documents the highs and lows of their journey set in a world of gambling, drugs and other nefarious activities, although these provide a backdrop rather than become the main focus.

As the story progresses it becomes clear that all is not what it seems regarding Porsche’s parents’ death but I deducted marks because one of the side characters - Kinn’s younger brother Kim - seemed to spend most of his on screen time digging into what happened but his efforts to uncover the truth just fizzled out so I didn’t really see why this sub plot was included. Perhaps it was to introduce Porsche’s brother to Kim but I think there were better and more logical ways for them to meet.

The chemistry between the two male leads is sizzling and the NC scenes leave little to the imagination but are tastefully and beautifully shot. There were occasions when they were so playful they were a joy to watch yet at other times you wondered if they would ever really trust each other enough to become totally committed yet through it all it was obvious they were deeply in love. Kudos to Mile and Apo for getting their characters just right.

Fairly early on we are introduced to Vegas, the Korn’s nephew and Pete, one of Kinn’s bodyguards and as the drama unfolds they become an unlikely pairing. The actors who played these characters were mesmerising and had as equally as strong a romance as the main leads, however how they come to be together was totally unexpected and quite shocking and although they were incredibly dysfunctional I was still rooting for them, even at the end I wanted them to somehow survive.

The settings were brilliant from sleazy bars to high end apartments everything worked perfectly as backdrops to the plot. The supporting cast was also well rounded and added strength and depth to the story an d the overall production values were high.

Would I watch this again? Absolutely but I would really like to know how Kinn and Porsche ended up in the middle of nowhere following an attempted abduction but in the version I watched on IQIYI someone thought it was a good idea to cut that bit for some reason!

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An easy watch, despite the misleading English title

First off, the title “Romance in the House” does not serve this drama well at all. The original Korean title translates to “Family X Melodrama”, which describes the show and sets expectations much better.

This drama seems to be a study on family and relationships. Not just immediate family, but also partners, neighbours, and colleagues. There’s also this underlying theme of individuality and independence—you can be part of a couple or a family, enjoy their company and cherish them, but also still enjoy your own company, have your own space, and have your own identity.

I appreciated this drama for its mature take on things, and while it can be slow at times, I enjoyed watching the family and couples come together on their own terms.

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THEY TURNED IT UP!!!

So this series, its not tryna be a KinnPorsche ripoff but i appreciate GMM wanna have their actors branch out more. It creates quite diversity and complexity among the actors like Dunk. This is a big stepup from Star in My Mind. This aint a loveydovey. From what i can remember the plot is just Fadel and Bison seeks out revenge for someone who murdered their parents in cold blood. The one who became their foster mother employed them as hitmen. Kant and Style being police informants tailing the two brothers so they can tip off police. Kant to absolve from his petty crimes. There we see not only the action scenes. We were also had a taste of edgy undertones referring to the kinks and just sex.
I dare say, i love the sauna scene lol. Fadel and style. It's like so hot. Its wild to me that Fadel really had sex with Style to shut him up from following him around while Kant experienced some BDSM kink play with Bison. Their dynamic, albeit fitting, was a bit weird with the BDSM lol. FirstKhao been in their bag and JoongDunk dynamic here is a total step up.
The series got spicy from steamy scenes but the climax for me would always be the ending where Fadel and Bison finally learned that their foster mother was the culprit for the murder of their parents. After that hostage moments from the respective brothers; Bison took Kant hostage on an island and Fadel on Style, i love that they worked together to conspire against that bitch. Kant and Style negotiating with a police detective by incapacitating an official(?). Its a fitting end when, after taken as hostages by that bitch ass ho on the dinner table, made her drink the poisoned drink when they all beat up the guards around them. Its like swallowing a tough pill thats ur a sore loser lol. Then i find the imprisonment of the two brothers to be honestly better to pay for their crimes even though its all bcuz of that evil ho. Moving on, Kant and Fadel found a way to see them during free time at the prison. Oh boy i love me some steamy kissing scene from Joong Dunk. They might be the only duo who could really pull off such passionate kisses. It's so full of lust and commitment. Joong really showcased that. Love this so much!!!! Takes the cake lol. Talk about Style being desperate to be with Fadel that he took a place of the volunteer. U ho!!! Hahaahahahaha!!!!!

So yeah. Love the story. Its not loveydovey. There were twists and turns. Its an engaging series for me. The steamy scenes just made it better. It's not perfect but it has its own ways to get you. I dare say i prefer this over the Star In My Mind and Hidden Agenda. Those were outdone by this one. Prolly be one of the better series i watched last year and from JoongDunk of course. Love lots

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Just for some Religious Knowledge

I'm so glad they also included explanations about every little belief mentioned in the story. In each episode, the people trying to solve the murder/ritual carefully examine the essence and meanings of the religious symbols they uncover. Each side story explains the belief featured in the main episode with the same number.

Even though there are a few scenes taken directly from the show, I personally preferred watching the side stories before the main series to build some background knowledge. But of course they can also be watched after each episode to reinforce what you’ve seen.

In my opinion, these explanations prove how solid the foundation of the show is and how well it ties together the crime and horror themes. Since I don’t have much knowledge about Western beliefs or polytheistic Asian religions ,especially rituals, superstitions, and similar concepts, the 4–5 minute side stories were really helpful. Even though Thup, the character played by Pooh, briefly explains some of these things in the main series, the side stories added a lot.The fact that they planned and filmed these alongside the main series while it was being released is pretty impressive.

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Delivers enough chemistry, drama, and emotional tension....

Thank goodness Together With Me was a major step up from Bad Romance. The improvement is obvious from the very first episode, though the series still left me scratching my head about Korn and Knock’s relationship timeline. In this version, we’re introduced to them as old friends reconnecting when Korn transfers to the university where Knock and Yiwha already study. But if you watched Bad Romance first, you know that’s not how things were originally presented. In Bad Romance, they’re already a couple and attending the same university. So how exactly are we supposed to pretend they were “just friends” here, with no romantic history? The continuity gap is big enough to trip over.

And then there’s Knock’s girlfriend, an absolute pain who tests your patience every time she appears on screen. You don’t root for her; you root for her to exit stage left. Permanently.

On the brighter side, the supporting cast fits in well, adding humor and energy. We also get the unforgettable Porsch Apiwat Apiwatsayree as Doctor Bright, an oversexed doctor who flirts with every young man in sight. He’s chaotic, messy, and somehow exactly what the show needed.

Despite the timeline confusion, Together With Me delivers enough chemistry, drama, and emotional tension to keep you invested. And just when you’re left wanting more, especially about how Korn and Knock will ultimately end up, thankfully, the creators gave us another series to continue their story.

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This was awsomesauce

I don’t get yall saying it’s bad. It was peak! The tails were GORGEOUS and they didn’t use CGI it’s REAL. The fact they had to practice with the tails for TWO YEARS really tells how much time and energy they have put in the show. Truely awsomesauce.They recorded underwater. The acting was amazing and the story was so interesting.

Yall who says it’s bad and boring, yall are wrong lol
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND

And the ending was perfect! I’ve need postponing this series for MONTHS cause I read the reviews before and kinda didn’t want to watch it but HOLY MOLY am I glad that I changed my mind cause I cried happy tears (and some sad ones)

The story line was one of the best! It was very easy to follow and very well written. The casting was so good too! The amount of love and NC scenes were perfect, many cute moments but also some spicy moments …

I will never forget this show and will always recommend it!

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This Is the Ultimate K-Drama That Will End All K-Dramas!

" This DRAMA has changed my life completely! "

I am not okay. I am never okay. This drama is not a show. It is a life-altering experience. I swear to everything holy, I have never felt something so perfect. The moment I pressed play, I was hooked. Hooked, I tell you.

Let’s talk about the married couple. The wife. The icon. The queen of unconditional love. She loves him—all of him. The dark, shady, traumatized past that haunts him every second of every day? She loves him through it all. No hesitation. No doubt. Just pure, fierce, unstoppable love. And the husband… oh my god. He can’t feel normal emotions. He is broken. He is scary. He is human in a way most people can’t even comprehend. And yet, his love for his wife and their child is so insane, so deep, so unimaginable, it makes your chest explode. It’s so real that you can feel it. Like, actually feel it.

The plot? Ha. The plot is godly. Twists that shock. Murders that shiver you. Trauma that hits you in your bones. Every detail—the workplace, the atmosphere, the silences, the lighting, their breathing—perfect. Perfection in every aspect. I can’t. Just. I can’t. The tension grabs you and doesn’t let go.

The acting… I swear. These actors are not humans. They are angels. Demons. Wizards of emotion. They breathe the characters. They live them. They bleed them. And the child. The child. This little human being. Pure magic. Pure sunshine. Pure heart-exploding cute. Every father-daughter moment made me scream and cry at the same time. Tears down my face, heart in my throat, soul shaking.

This drama healed me. It healed my pain. It healed my childhood trauma. It made me feel something I didn’t think I could feel again. I owe this drama my whole heart. My tears. My life. Everything.

Every scene. Every line. Every breath. Flawless. Perfect. Genius. Masterpiece. Iconic. This is not just a K-drama. This is the ultimate K-drama. The one that makes every other K-drama look like children’s play. This show is a cosmic event. A masterpiece. A healer. A tear-jerker. A soul-shaker.

If you think you can just watch it and be fine, think again. You will cry. You will laugh. You will scream into the void. You will love and hate and break and heal at the same time. This drama is perfection personified, and I swear, I will never, ever recover.

I swear. I owe it everything. Everything. Everything.

If love, devotion, suspense, perfection, heartbreak, healing, and genius had a baby… it would be this drama. I am forever changed. Forever obsessed. Forever in awe!

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Behind the Scenes of BL industry with Up and Kao

PLOT: The story follows the point of view of Gene, a successful BL author (calm, introverted, shy) who would like to change genres but is confined to what's popular by his editor. His most successful BL is adapted into a series, and Gene meets Nubsib, the main actor. With a (big) excuse, Nubsib moves in with Gene for a month. They grow close (Nubsib shamelessly flirts with Gene :)) and Gene remembers how close they were as children. Once they're a couple, they have to tell their families [episode 9] about their relationship, before confronting malevolence (rivals, hateful fandoms, demands from producers, etc.).

+++ I love this couple, Up and Kao, so subtle, nuanced, and full of micro-expressions. They are two fabulous actors (♡‿♡)
+++ The context is interesting, offering a glimpse into the BL industry: the pressure from publishing houses to produce what sells, the stakes and influences of BL series, how filming takes place, the impact of fandoms, etc. And the reality behind the scenes is less rosy than the facade!
+++ The production is flawless [except when it lingers for 10 minutes on tearful scenes - ep 9) (＃＞＜)] Beautiful visuals, framing, lighting, etc. Pleasant and well-suited OSTs.

### The fathers' reaction is disproportionate (and Gene's father's reaction isn't even consistent (◎ ◎)ゞ). Their sons are BL actors and BL writers, and the fathers never considered that they could be gay??

=> Excellent (sarcastic), understated BL, led by two great actors.

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L'envers du décor des BL avec Up et Kao

PLOT: La story suit le point de vue de Gene, auteur de BL à succès (calme, introverti, timide) qui voudrait bien changer de genre mais est cantonné à ce qui marche par son éditrice. La BL qui marche le mieux est adaptée en série et Gene ainsi rencontre Nubsib, main actor. Avec une (grosse excuse) Nubsib s'installe chez Gene pr 1 mois. Ils vont se rapprocher (Nubsib drague Gene de façon éhontée :) et Gene va se rappeler qu'ils étaient très proches enfants. Une fois en couple, ils vont devoir annoncer l'affaire aux familles [ép 9] et affronter la malveillance (rivaux, fandoms haineux, impératifs des producteurs, etc.).

+++ J'adore ce couple, Up et Kao, tout en finesse, en nuances/ micro-expressions. Ce sont 2 fabuleux acteurs (´♡‿♡`)
+++ Le contexte est intéressant, on y découvre l'industrie de la BL : la pression des maisons d'édition pr faire ce qui se vend, les enjeux et influences des séries BL, comment se passent les tournages, l'impact des fandoms, etc. Et l'envers du décor est moins rose que la façade !
+++ La réalisation est sans faille [sauf qd on s'attarde 10 minutes sur des scènes de larmes - ép 9) (＃＞＜)
Belles images, cadrages, lumières, etc. OSTs agréables et bien adaptées.

### Réaction des pères disproportionnée (et celle du père de Gene n'est mm pas cohérente (◎ ◎)ゞ). Leurs fils sont acteur de BL et auteur de BL, et les pères n'ont jamais envisagé qu'ils pouvaient être gays ??

=> Excellente BL (sacarstique), pudique, menée par 2 grands leads.

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good potential but lukewarm execution

started out strong given this was one of like 2 shows I kept up with. it's supposed to be a thriller but I'm not thrilled.
I love the actor as well as the actress but as the show progressed the fl just gave me no energy I don't know what was off about her but it is telling if the only memorable thing about her is her suits. and the way she is supposed to be like a super lawyer was lowkey laughable and with zero show like they would give her a stack of papers and have her stay up at night kinda like giving a toddler an empty coffee mug and a tie and telling him you're a businessman. ml did well I mean kinda. I am slightly biased cause i liked him prior to the show.

The story feels like something you'd read in a very frustrating but very well drawn manhwa. it carried a fanfic style with the pivot from investigation and mystery to romance and even at that it didn't carry the tension of a romance fanfic. like the visuals were the only saving grace.
unrealistic and VERY slow progress like some episodes felt literally useless and could be summed up in like a sentence.
The romance felt forced by proximity more than anything and the chemistry was there just again meh.
sure, it gave awareness and realism with the whole toxic obsessive fans, but it threw the realism out of the window with everything else.

The second ml was oddly placed like he was just there to pull evidence out of his ass whenever convenient. and the way they handled the mother was very meh. The prosecutor's change of heart was so stupid i actually laughed like what?

The last episode was very very cringe like the unnatural dialogue and behavior and that's coming from an actual kpop fan.
I mean from the beginning they kept circling around themselves under the guise of tension but the ending 'reveal' felt underwhelming and like a last-minute decision of a very long and boring brainstorming session.
needless to say the whole 2nd fl plot was ass yet it was included for like the whole show while the dad's retrial was cast aside until last episode and was addressed for like 10 minutes. it was like they forgot about it and then were like shit we have to fix it.

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“Only If I Die...”

Story & Plot
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"A Love to Kill" is unapologetically intense, tragic, and emotionally exhausting, exactly what I expected from a 2000s Korean melodrama. Having grown up seeing trailers and clips of this drama as a child, it almost felt inevitable that I would come back to it one day. I grew up on Korean melodramas, and watching this now, I completely understand why it left such a strong impression back then.

The plot is very much "Romeo & Juliet". The doomed lovers, misunderstandings, revenge, and a love that feels destined to end in tragedy. Although the overall trajectory of the story is predictable, the drama constantly throws emotional surprises. Just when I thought I knew what was coming, it managed to surprise me again. Even knowing how these stories usually end didn't lessen the impact.

The pacing is slow and, at times, genuinely exhausting, but that is the entire point. This is a melodrama in its purest form. Everything is dramatized to make the viewer sit in discomfort. I cried a lot while watching this drama, but one scene in particular absolutely destroyed me: when Eunseok's father visits Minku and talks about the things Minku bought for him. That moment made me cry a lot.

I was impressed how well the drama did when it comes to balancing the romance, tragedy, and revenge. It never felt super frustrating or repetitive. Instead, it felt like a deliberate emotional spiral. By the end, I cried after finishing the final episode. Despite how heavy it was, the story was gripping enough that I finished the entire drama in just four days, which says a lot about how invested I was.

Characters & Acting
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Bokgu is, without a doubt, the standout character for me (maybe it's because it's Bi Rain...). He is incredibly complex and intentionally hard to read. As a viewer, you're never fully sure what he's going to do next, and that unpredictability keeps you constantly on edge. Even Bokgu himself doesn't understand why he feels like this. That emotional confusion is the core of his character.

When the viewer first meets Bokgu, he doesn't come across as particularly likable. He seems rough and somewhat mean towards his ex, and it's clear that this isn't his first time casually messing around with women. That aspect of his character is important. Bokgu isn't presented as a morally clean or purely sympathetic male lead. He knows how to charm people, and we see that repeatedly in the way he draws Eunseok in throughout the drama. It's like second nature to him.

He spends most of the drama bottling up his emotions, torn between revenge for his brother and his growing love for Eunseok. Having been abandoned by his family, Bokgu is accustomed to loss. Because of that, he keeps people at a distance. Whenever his feelings for Eunseok begin to surface, he immediately pushes her away or clings harder to the idea of revenge. What makes him so tragic is that he's actually quite selfless. Despite his cold exterior, you rarely see him act purely for himself.

One of my favorite aspects of Bokgu's characterization is the physical detail. The way his tongue presses against his cheek whenever he's angry/annoyed. How he rubs his face to stop himself from crying. The gradual shift from lollipops to cigarettes. Even small one-off moments, like spitting foam after drinking beer in Episode 2. Moments like this make his character come to life.

Eunseok, on the other hand, is the emotional core of the drama. She is a victim in almost every sense. She's used by Junseong for public opinion, by her family for her career and image, and by Bokgu as part of his revenge plan. She carries deep trauma from losing her mother as a child and being abandoned by her boyfriend of five years. While the drama positions her as a victim, she isn't passive or brainless. She lies to herself often, struggles with intense self-doubt, and makes emotionally driven decisions that aren't always rational, but they are human.

Eunseok is an emotional thinker. She is brave, stubborn, and willing to risk her fame and even her life for Bokgu. Unlike some characters, she shows clear growth. In the beginning, she exists largely as a tool for others. As the story progresses, she reflects more, pushes back, and begins making choices for herself, even when those choices hurt others and herself.

Eunseok doesn't have that much characterization like Bokgu, but she does have a few unique traits. Some physical details that occur often are her heels breaking. She also tends to "eat" her feelings.

Rain and Shin Min-ah were both at their peaks during this time and were somewhat kind of new to the acting scene. Rain fits Bokgu visually well. Rain has always had this "bad boy" look to him in the 2000s. Though there were moments of overacting, which was very common in the 2000s, his acting was great. Especially some of his crying scenes. He was crying hard and he had snot and everything. It felt so real. Shin Min-ah completely shined. Her crying scenes are phenomenal. Whenever she cried, I cried (a majority of times). Her performance felt so raw and deeply sincere. The entire cast was strong, especially Lee Ki-Woo as Junseong. His character's drastic personality shift was shocking, but surprisingly believable, especially as his styling softens alongside his emotional change. No character felt completely flat or one-dimensional. Everyone felt morally gray and human.

Music
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The OST is one of the most memorable parts of this drama. It is deeply nostalgic and takes me back to my childhood. Songs like “이 죽일 놈의 사랑” by Lee Soo Young, “꿈” by K.Will, and “그래도 사랑이다” by Shin Seung Hun play constantly throughout the series. While they are undeniably overused, that repetition is exactly why they stick in your head.

“꿈” playing during cliffhangers made me desperate to watch the next episode. The background tracks are just as beautiful, filled with piano, classical guitar, and strings. I love that kind of instrumentation, and it elevated every scene. There were moments where the characters were being emotional, and once the OST kicked in, I found myself crying even harder. The music doesn't just enhance the drama, it emotionally anchors it.

Rewatch Value
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Emotionally, this is not an easy drama to revisit. It's incredibly heavy and draining. While I would rewatch it for the story, the characters, the acting, and especially the OST, this is very much a "watch once and suffer" kind of drama. It is far more powerful on the first watch, when the emotional blows land unexpectedly.

Overall
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"A Love to Kill" is a devastating, emotionally heavy melodrama that fully embraces tragedy, moral ambiguity, and emotional pain. The casting was done perfectly, and Lee Kyung-hee's writing shines through in the way each character feels flawed, human, and painfully real. While the drama shows its age with odd camera angles and sudden cuts. It adds a certain charm from the 2000s. There are times where the boom mic is visible in some shots that kind of break the immersion, but still, the drama aged quite nicely.

This drama is for viewers who enjoy emotional rollercoasters, tragic romance, morally gray characters, character lore, and nostalgia. If you're sensitive, prefer newer dramas, or want faster pacing, this likely isn't for you. But if you're willing to suffer emotionally, this drama delivers completely.

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Perfect series

everything abt this season is great , i only hoped Suho and Seun would at least hug after all this wait..it was really worth watching.i liked how Seun kept on trying to change himself for Suho; he made new friends BEC OF SUHO, tried to protect other students BEC OF SUHO..it's like Suho kept Seun alive even while in a coma
imo actors chosen for each role were the best.Bako had that kind of character that is both serious with those who hurt him,and joyful with his friends..PLUS that he was soo patient with Seun and gave him the space he needs and was understanding the reason Seun behaved like he did (like he doesn't want more friends) , and in the end became friends ..Gotak in my opinion also has a character similar to Suho .. the hairstyle , how cool he is , being a saviour , his fighting skills and all. Jeung tae also played the role of a weak friend so well
this is just so perfect , i highly recommend watching it

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