Reviews

Amazing! A great addition to it's genre

I loved every bit of this! A kid who uses his fists to navigate his trauma and pain. It wasn't heavy on he melo and the story got just a little disjointed at the end, but that didn't take away from its overall appeal. I loved all the characters, even the villain of the end, would have loved to see more of some of the side characters. But with the ending, looks like we are primed for a second season.
The actors were great, the ML did a great job in playing a volatile character.
Loved the theme of friendships and dedication.
The triumvirate of Weak Hero Class, Study Group and One High School Heroes are now my go to for school action! I certainly want to see more of shows like that made

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Playing with Emotional Damage

Ye Ping An is a traveling physician who boasts her ability to cure sickness of the heart. Entering the capital and opening a clinic, she faced accusations of using black magic, but also earned quite a few success stories as she cured patients. Using hypnosis to delve into the hearts of her patients, she built quite a reputation for herself. Until a murder happened involving one of her high profile patients, a court official at that, which she became a suspect of. Yuan Shaocheng, a low ranking official from the slum Mang Gutter, was eager to earn some merits to climb higher up the ladder, was set to solve the case and pin the blame on Ye Ping An. Is it really a straightforward case as he suspected of, or is it an elaborate conspiracy set off by hidden hands behind the scene? Is Ye Ping An really a victim of circumstances, or is she the one who moves the chess pieces around in order to uncover the sinister dark operation of kidnapping, sexual abuse and framing of a court official done by the upper echelon?

Really love Liu Shishi’s role as Ye Ping An this time, i think i might even love her more than the badass Ren Xin of A Journey to Love. Ye Ping An isnt well-versed in martial art like RenXin, but she is extremely adept at playing mind games. She gets things done with Plan B, C and D in place in case of Plan A fails. She is very confident of herself, and handles people calmly and confidently, a countenance that could agitate even the most evil ones out there. Although she isnt physical combat capable, she certainly doesnt need saving by ML when she’s stuck in a tight spot, very unlike other physically weak FLs. Ye Ping An is more capable in handling the bad guys than most quickwitted FLs I’ve seen and she definitely doesnt shy away from hardship, even it means getting herself tortured in the dungeon, if that is what it takes for her to achieve her goal. Real badass there.

Am extremely impressed with Xuan Lu, who plays FL’s sworn sister Lu Danzin, this time. She is one of the most seen supporting actress in most of the dramas i watched, i mean i think i saw her everywhere, and this time she really showed how diverse of roles she can play. Other than the meek and physically weak characters i always saw her as, she can also play as brash and rough fishmonger too! Her accent and style when she played this undercover role in Kill My Sins has astounded me and she’s really into it, and when her character transformed into confused and angst, she really did well too. Hat’s off.

I’ve only seen Shawn Dou in Princess Agent, which he excelled there, and here he did extremely well as the lowborn official who strives to elevate the fates of people of his hometown, even at the risk of him tumbling down the rabbit hole of evil. This character is quite shady in the beginning, but later found his right path as his fate got entangled with FL. Both driven by interest, but moved on to become confidants later on.

I really like how the story incorporate subtle affection between the lead roles, though it might not have been romance, but they know they can be each other’s advantage but not rely on it too much. Both have their own skeletons in the closet, both carry deep feeling of regret and drive for vengeance, and both can help themselves out of any trouble without expectation of getting saved by the other half. Their dynamics is indeed very special and memorable.

I also love the sisterhood between Lu Danxin, Cai Lian, Ni Chang and Ye Ping An. Although they could not avoid having bumps in their relationship, deep in their hearts they know they have each other’s back, even when they are at their worst.

I know this story must have been set during Empress Wu Zetian’s reign, i mean, the prominent royal families Li and Wu are a definite giveaway, but somehow the dynasty was Da Feng? I know historically Wu Zetian’s reign had been Zhou Dynasty so I am not quite sure if this is supposed to relate to the historical Wu Zetian or not. But it was definitely a wild and fun ride to be in. The intricacies of conspiracy isnt as big as those in the drama Louyang (hey i noticed their constumes and hand salutes are similar too!) but still involved the game of thrones. Although Luoyang is more action packedthan this one, Kill My Sins captivated me with its amazing mind games. Liu Shishi and Shawn Dou deserves all the praise for their excellent performances. The rest of the cast did an amazing job too! Gosh I love everyone. There are hardly any weak female characters, even if they cannot physically fight. Even the most gentle, the ever so elegant Ni Chang, another of FL’s sworn sister she acquired in the capital, was strong and capable. The screenwriter was amazing to come up with this brilliant story.

The soundtrack is more to instrumental, which somehow fits the mystery setting of this drama.

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https://www.zoyee.cc/vod/detail/id/175.html
Honestly, Alchemy of Souls is like a rollercoaster — magical spells, forbidden love, palace drama, and a ton of “wait, WHAT just happened?!” moments. The whole soul-shifting concept is super cool and gives the story this mix of fantasy + sageuk vibes.

The first season hooked me right away — fast pace, funny banter, and amazing chemistry between the leads. The second season slowed down a bit, but it gave us closure (and some extra heartbreak along the way 🥲).

Acting? Spot on. Lee Jae Wook killed it as the serious yet soft-hearted hero. Jung So Min brought so much sass and warmth, and then Go Yoon Jung in Part 2 made the character feel totally new but still connected. Side characters (looking at you, Seo Yul!) were just as lovable.

Visually, it’s gorgeous. The sets, the CGI, the fight scenes — all way above average for K-dramas. And the OST? Pure mood.

Overall: if you like fantasy, romance, and a bit of chaos, this drama will have you binge-watching till 3am. Not perfect, but definitely unforgettable. 💫

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Good fun

I watched this as it was airing, but put the review in the wrong section, so I'm re-adding it here.



Major spoilers!



That ending was ridiculous! But I am still giving this a 10/10 because I love this show so much. I still recommend that everyone watch this show. But pretend it ends at episode 39, or pretend it ends after the wedding, when everyone is still alive.

Favorite parts of the show:
1. The sisterly bond. In a lot of shows, we constantly see siblings backstabbing each other over petty things or over love, so it was nice to see sisters who are willing to do anything and everything for each other.

2. The romance. Watching YT and QK experience love for the first time with YQ and CF was such a joy to watch. Additionally, there are many couple pairs in this cdrama.

3. The importance of family bonds. Even the villains were willing to go to the ends of the earth for their loved ones. Watching how the void empress loved her son was very beautiful, even though she was very...crazy.

4. Friendship. In YT's and QK's darkest moments, watching their friends be there for them was so heartwarming.

5. Comedy. There are so many funny moments in this drama.

I have more favorite moments/things about this show, but I will just leave it at this.

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Fun times

Posted this review in the wrong section, so I'm reposting it here. This is the review I wrote when it had just gotten done airing on Netflix.

This drama was so refreshing and fun. There are a lot of tropes that are common in romcoms, but they are well done and funny. Plus, the relationships the main leads all have with each other are so nice and wholesome. For example, the friendships that the respective best friends have and how they are always wanting what is best for the other/holding each other accountable. When this drama was announced, I was so excited and had high expectations, which were met. I wish it were more than just 10 episodes, and that we got to see the leads get engaged. I hope to see the main leads in more romcom dramas because this was so good, and the other dramas I have seen them in haven't been romcoms. Definitely a 10/10, and I recommend this to everyone who wants a lighthearted, funny, easy breezy drama.

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It was a fun ride

There's so much I could say, but overall, I loved everything about season 1. Here are some highlights:

'Acting with one's eyes and subtle movements. ' So many of the actors/actresses in the cast are able to convey complex emotions through simple movements and their eyes. It's very moving and captivating.

Beautiful clothing, hairstyles.

Memorable dialogue.

Heartbreaking reunions. When XY thought she saw her mom again, I cried so hard. That was the hardest I cried throughout the drama. It was everything I thought it was going to be. The emotions were captured so well.

Yang Zi. What can I say, I don't think I have ever watched a drama that she was the lead in that I didn't like.

All in all, 10/10.

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Happy ending ... I guess.

I watched this show a long time ago, but I left my review in the wrong section, so I decided to repost it down below.

Abbreviations: MX --> Mo Xi, WJG --> Wan Jia Gui, BFY --> Bai Feng Yao, CWD --> Chen Wen De, WY --> Wu Yin,

Complaints: Note - Major spoilers

MX starts off romanticizing WJG and how his status can free her from her life of misery, but all that ends up happening is her being deemed unworthy of him by his parents, himself, and everyone else in their society besides BFY. And in the end, she is always self-sacrificing to save both him, BFY, who only seems to know how to cry, and eventually CWD.

Saving CWD is weird because he is a general and has more experience than her, yet he could not think of a way to take down his powerful enemies, and she seems to do it in one swoop? Sure, WY helped her, and she had time to save up and infiltrate the inner circle of the bad guys as a woman, but CWD should have been smart enough in the beginning not to make it known that he wasn't on the bad guys' side. He should have pretended and gathered enough evidence and support before making his move. There were also so many times he put the men under him in danger for MX, who made it clear that he did not hold as much significance in her heart.

Also, him forcing her to be with him and forcefully kissing her?... Then she's somehow magically in love with him?

Lastly, CWD's death...how did he even survive that? We saw that WY's legitimate brother had a brain injury from falling, yet somehow, all that happens to CWD is scars on his face?

Things I liked:

Controversial, but I liked MX a lot, even though some of her actions irritated me. I also liked BFY (not her crying or unnecessary righteousness), and I liked WY. I also liked the school arc. Additionally, I liked the acting, production, and OST. Lastly, aside from when CWD is forcing himself on MX, I liked their interactions.

8.5/10 simply because I don't know if I'd rewatch this show tbh, but I do think it was a decent watch.

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Funny an d Bright Love Story

I followed the drama because of the ML who is so handsome.
The ML despite his being rich, very intelligent and powerful didn't abuse his power or always gentle and respectful of the FL. Unlike others who torture the FL even though she is already his long time wife. Here the ML respected and protected the FL which is so gentlemanly of him. It's nice also that even if for a very short time the ML got to show his body shirtless. Hihihi....
The FL is very intelligent and talented but also funny and hardworking. She is a good role model for girls. She is also level headed.
I love the character of the sister of the ML. Very bright, friendly and supportive to her brother and to his beloved, the FL.
The parents of the villain are so despicable.
Nice drama with happy ending.

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Brewing Love is exactly what it sounds like—warm, slow, and comforting.

It’s not flashy or dramatic, but if you enjoy watching love blossom gently over cups of coffee, small talk, and quiet acts of care, this drama delivers exactly that.
The leads have lovely chemistry—not in a high-energy, will-they-won’t-they way, but in the kind of connection that feels grounded and believable. Their relationship evolves at a peaceful pace, and much like brewing the perfect cup of tea or coffee, the joy is in the waiting. It's about two people growing out of loneliness, not by rushing into romance, but by learning to see each other slowly.
The setting—a cozy café—adds to the mood, and the food and drink visuals are beautifully shot. It gives off that same soothing atmosphere you’d get from dramas like Rainless Love in a Godless Land or Meet Yourself. That said, it does take its time. If you're looking for dramatic twists or fast-paced storytelling, this might feel a bit too light. But for those in the mood for healing, everyday romance, this one hits the spot.
Pros:
✔ Soft, genuine romance
✔ Beautiful cinematography and café aesthetic
✔ Healing themes and emotionally mature characters
✔ Comforting background score and food scenes
Cons:
✘ Very slow pacing—not for viewers who need high tension
✘ Some side plots don’t fully develop
Would I rewatch?
Yes—on a quiet night, wrapped in a blanket, with something warm to drink.

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I had a blast watching it - but it just ends so abruptly

I love watching Uhm Jung Hwa. She's so charming that I can watch just about anything she's in. This drama had it's flaws, but overall, I had a great time watching it.

The leads have fantastic chemistry! Their comedic timing was spot on and I believed the romance. One of the rare times the "we knew each other several years ago" story points didn't just annoy me. I found their story to be really sweet and I loved all of their scenes together. The past AND the present versions.

I thought everyone's acting in this drama was wonderful. Always a joy to see Cha Chung-hwa! I must say, I enjoyed seeing UJH give a more dramatic performance. Her audition scene was killer! I was very impressed with her work here. I think the decision to show BCJ/ISR her past was interesting, though it muddled the timeline a lot. It was an interesting tactic to make the audience feel sorry for the lead and reveal she was sort of her own undoing later on.

There were a couple of things I think lessened my enjoyment of the drama:
- The villain Go Hui. There was a point where it seemed the narrative suggested BCJ/ISR was wrong for refusing to film the commercial with her 25 years ago. Why? I thought it was clear ISR didn't want to work with someone that treated her staff poorly? The scene where BCJ/ISR seems to think she was awful to Go Hui back then was odd to me. Like, I feel bad she was one of the victims in the exploitation plot, but that doesn't excuse all of the horrendous things she did. Not just to BCJ/ISR either. Also, we just get an article that Go Hui overdosed and that's just the end of her story. No mention of the investigation or her role in BCJ/ISR's accident.
- All of the bad guys seem to just disappear. I don't even remember if we see the mayoral candidate get arrested or anything. One of the many things that made me think this drama may have been longer and then cut to 12 episodes. That or the production ran out of money and had to cut it short.
- Bong Baek Ja's life was depressing. I kept hoping there'd be some sort of resolution for her. She missed out on getting to go to college, got saddled with a bunch of debt, and her life was stunted caring for her (honestly kinda selfish) sister and her father who never acknowledged her existence. Then she somehow ends up a single parent with a daughter that just lies to her a lot. I hoped the ending would be her finding some passion or some outlet that was just for her and self focused. Instead, it just ends with her letting her daughter become an idol. Sad.
- Not sure what happened to SSY after her live confession. Did the cops interrogate her? Did she lose sponsors? She just sort of disappears.
- Not super important, but the male lead in the drama with all the dating rumors with ISR also just disappears. It's like they only paid the actor for like 2 days and then couldn't bring him back
- What happened to Yu Ran? Did I miss it? How did she die?

Anyway, this could've used like 2 more episodes, but I still really enjoyed it. I had a great time watching it and will definitely be rewatching it.

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I absolutely loved this series. It’s a hidden gem, full of symbolism, and it explores loneliness, aging, and unconventional love stories (age-gap relationships) with such sensitivity and respect that it feels genuinely heartfelt and honest.

Tojo Suzume is such a charming character because of how vulnerable and real he is. He’s quiet, but endearing, dreamy, sweet, and gentle. At 39, he’s facing a quiet existential crisis: stuck in a routine between home and work, no excitement, and no relationships for over a decade. That realization leads him to make a list of “10 things I want to do before I turn 40.” It’s a simple gesture, but deeply symbolic, his way of reconnecting with the world and with himself.

Tanaka Keiji, on the other hand, is confident, playful, charming, romantic, idealistic, and emotionally open. He believes in love, even when it’s messy or inconvenient. The way he challenges age differences and workplace norms shows how confident he really is.

And it’s the chemistry between Suzume and Keiji that makes this series so special. They’re opposites in many ways, but they complement each other beautifully. Keiji brings color and spontaneity into Suzume’s life, gently nudging him out of his comfort zone. His assertiveness is never pushy, it’s rooted in genuine affection and curiosity. Kazama Shunsuke and Shoji Kohei absolutely nailed their roles. Their interactions felt so sincere. Also, I have a soft spot for couples with a height difference. 😉

Suzume represents so many adults who, at some point, wonder if it’s too late to experience something new. His journey is about rediscovering joy, connection, and the courage to be vulnerable. And the answer he finds through humor, affection, and bravery is a beautiful reminder that hope is always within reach.

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What really stood out to me were the supporting elements.

This is a long drama where, surprisingly, the main couple was not the true highlight. The male lead may be handsome, but his performance was disappointing—and this isn’t the first time I’ve felt the same in one of his dramas.

The female lead, on the other hand, is stunning and delivered a brilliant performance, though her character, unfortunately, failed to captivate me.

What really stood out to me were the supporting elements: the family, the friends, and especially the charming, funny older gentleman. He was easily one of the high points of this story—a well-written character brought to life with excellent acting. I also enjoyed the secondary couples, particularly Mimi and her professor. They were adorable together and truly deserved a more complete resolution.

In the end, it’s a drama that is certainly watchable, but not one that will stay with me.

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