Reviews

love is...

honestly this show is a good 9/10 for me.

it would've been a 10/10 if they made hyomin and seokhoon's relationship end better. since i started watching this drama i've always noticed the chemistry between hyomin and seokhoon, and might just be have one of the best chemistry in a non-romance drama if you ask me. i was so excited for the last episode cause i thought that they would end up together, but i guess we wont know unless we get a season 2.

그래서 프로듀서님, 시즌2 만들어주세요!!! 나는 그것을 기다리고 있을 것이다!

Read More

Gripping but without substance

Mercy For None was a series that caught my eye due to its premise that promised to deliver epic fight scenes and violence. I love myself a good action series with intense fights and a setting that involves gangsters is always tempting, so it's no wonder I decided to give Mercy For None a try.

From the very first episode, Mercy For None goes straight into the point without any delay. The series makes itself more than clear: this is a story about revenge and violence. Nothing more, nothing less. I was immediately immersed in the world of crime and I was looking forward to see Gi-Jun's revenge for the death of his brother.

Despite its short length, I would say that Mercy For None handled its story decently. It was cohesive enough and while it was nothing groundbreaking, it managed to be entertaining. The episodes' length was ideal, time flew by rather quickly and it was easy for me to binge the series in two days. For the most part, the pacing was serviceable, it was fast enough but not in a way that made the story seem too rushed.

The acting was pretty good and I found myself enjoying the performances of the actors much more than I anticipated. So Ji-Sub nailed Gi-Jun's stoic and ruthless character. He didn't get to showcase a variety of emotions but just from his eyes and expressions, you could sense his fury and thirst for vengeance. His gaze was cold, dead even and it perfectly captured the character. Even the stern and collected tone of his voice was enough to command my attention and make me feel uneasy, for I couldn't predict the lengths his plan for revenge would reach. Aside from this aspect of his character, there were some small moments where he was allowed to break Gi-Jun's cold facade. The scenes between Gi-Jun and his brother had a calm, domestic vibe and you could see from Gi-Jun's soft look how much he cared about him. Although this type of scenes weren't a lot, Ji-Sub's micro expressions and body language were enough to convey Gi-Jun's grief and tiredness.

Huh Joon-Ho and Ahn Kil-Kang delivered two good performances as Lee Ju-Woon and Koo Bong-San respectively. Their dynamic was very interesting to observe and so were the differences between them. While Lee Ju-Woon was calmer and could keep his cool, Koo Bong-San was more fierce and expressive. Both delivered decent performances as one would expect from veteran actors like them.

I was especially amazed by Gong Myung's performance as Koo Jun-Mo, Bong-San's son. I had watched him for the first time in Extreme Job, where he played the role of the rookie and kinda naive Detective Jae-Hoon. Well, in Mercy For None his character couldn't have been more different. A bratty and arrogant son of a gang leader, who thought too highly of himself and who believed he could come on top by commanding others the way he wanted. He was a scene stealer, I was both annoyed and intrigued by him. I wanted to punch him and see more of him at the same time. I really hope he'll get to play the villain again, I seriously wish we had gotten more of him.

As someone would expect, one of the strongest aspects of the series (if not the strongest) was the fighting scenes. From the moment I started watching the first episode, I knew I was in for an intense experience. And I was right. The direction and choreography were very impressive, my eyes were glued on the screen and I was so excited to the point I would move even closer to my screen in order to not miss anything. I really liked Gi-Jun's fighting style. Raw, bloody and fierce, it hold my attention and I couldn't help but root for him. Yes, I admit that at times the way he won against all these thugs was kinda unrealistic, but the series made it work. I also appreciate how it was shown that he was getting hurt and needed medical help to continue with his revenge, at least the writers didn't make him come off unarmed after facing all of these people.

Mercy For None delivered exactly what it promised to. It never attempted to hide behind its finger and pretend to be a deep drama. It promises you action and you get exactly that.

But was this enough? Hmmm, well, not so much.

While I certainly had an overall good time, once I was finished watching the series, I couldn't help but feel empty. Throughout the seven episodes, I was never able to feel any type of connection with the characters or the story. Of course I was curious to see the lengths Gi-Jun would go to in order to avenge his brother but I didn't hold any strong feelings about him. Which is not necessarily bad. Sometimes you just need something thrilling to watch while sitting back and enjoying yourself. But me, personally, I prefer my dramas with more substance.

I would put Mercy for None in the same category with dramas like Vigilante and Trigger: action packed with interesting premise, yet lackluster execution. While Mercy For None does not offer an extraordinary script, there were more opportunities to make the story and the characters more engaging. First and foremost, Gi-Jun's character could have been explored more. I totally understand the purpose his dark and stern attitude served, but the writers could have invested more in his character. It would have been nice to see him being more expressive. His actions obviously spoke louder than words but I wanted to see more of his emotions. He came across as too bland at times, which again, it fits his character but it didn't leave any room for development.

Another aspect that should have been explored more was the dynamics between the characters. The series tried to highlight the relationship between Lee Ju-Won, Koo Bong-San and their sons but it was done poorly. I would have particularly preferred to see more of Koo Bong-San and Jun-Mo's dynamic. Jun-Mo was obviously a brat who wanted to have his way but based on the few interactions he had with his father, it was clear that the writers tried to build the basis of a complex father-son relationship, that went nowhere. Jun-Mo was desperate to gain his father's approval and be taken more seriously. Bong-San on the other hand, cared for his son, even though he treated him harshly. It would have been nice to see more of them and observe how Bong-San's treatment towards Jun-Mo shaped up his character.

As for Ju-Won and Geum-Son, their relationship was even more underdeveloped. Geum-Son as a character lacked depth and his motivations were too bland. His actions and ambition steamed from his father's treatment but the writers didn't bother to highlight their dynamic more. Geum-Son was interesting to look at in the last episodes since the first ones focused on Jun-Mo but apart from that, he didn't offer anything special.

But my biggest disappointment was the relationship between the two brothers, Gi-Jun and Gi-Seok. What did the writers think in order to sideline their dynamic so much? I can barely recall any meaningful moments between them. When you're writing a story about revenge for the death of an important character, you are supposed to show the relationship between them and the main hero. I do not deny Gi-Jun's grief and I could understand how much he cared for Gi-Seok. But the series should have done a much better job to establish their relationship. We should have seen more of them caring and protecting each other. Some flashbacks would have added more layers in their characters and enhance the emotional depth of the tragedy that came with Gi-Seok's death. It is such a pity that they were so overlooked by the script, especially since both Ji-Sub and Jun-Hyuk are very good actors and had good chemistry in the few scenes we got.

It's more than clear that the team behind Mercy For None put more effort in the visuals and technical elements than the story. While the result was not bad, good action sequences are not enough to make up for a poor story that could have offered more. That being said, this is just my mere opinion. While I do not consider Mercy For None as a masterpiece, it did its job to entertain me. I strongly recommend it for those who are in need of a fast-paced, action heavy drama but if you want more than that, I'm afraid you might get disappointed.

Read More

Good start, no follow-up

Oh well, first off, I really like Lim Yoona, I think she was exceptinoally good in 'King the land'. One of her qualities for me is that she dares to play comedy roles, something most beautiful Korean actresses rather don't do as it often isn't elegant as a given. She does play comedy, and given a good storyline and director, I think she is doing it very well.

So, I started to watch 'Bon Appetit', and the first two episodes didn't disappoint, it was funny, the slaptstick wasn't too much, and the banter between the FL and the ML was interesting.
So, taken into account that this of course is a fantasy drama with time travel, I don't feel the need to look for historic accuracy in this and watched it for fun.

Sadly, from epidose 3 on, I realised that the actual very thin plot of this show after the good intro episodes is just 'there is a cooking competition in every episode'. There is modern dishes filmed in food porn style, and there is historic figures tasting the modern delicious stuff and having orgasmic experiences every single time. That .- is funny once, but if that is all that happens in every episode that's just not enough.

It's also a bit absurd that the writers created these unbelievable stories over and over again why the FL has to compete in cooking in every episode. I took it when she had to compete against the former royal cooks, ok. But now some Chinese royal is there and things are actually about trade dealings and all of a sudden it's a cooking competion again because the Chinese guest said he doesn't like Joseon food? So what? That doesn't have any gravity for the trade dealings, but they somehow managed to absurdly build a plot where the future of the Joseon empire lies upon the FL and her cooking. Nah, sorry, that's just nonsese and flat storytelling with no creativity and no real plot.

And, not knowing the ML at all, I have to say he is not good enough an actor to carry this historic role for my personal taste. His acting actually seems a bit forced and has no depth as I can hear he is acting and is not able to give the historic Korean lines naturally. Maybe I am biased though, as I had just rewatched 'the red sleeve' where the ML was absolutely convincing in his historic ruler role and even brought me to tears.
So sadly, I'm dropping this, I'd rather rewatch 'king the land' again, where Yoona could shine with her comedic talent placed in a good storytelling.

Read More

The Mature Legal Drama

I really enjoyed this drama — it managed to be both cute and mature at the same time. What I loved most was how it balanced the legal side of things with the characters’ personal struggles, making it feel grounded but still heartwarming.
The side stories were spot on, each adding something meaningful without feeling unnecessary. I actually thought the open ending was perfect — it wrapped up the journey in a way that felt true to the whole vibe of the show.
The cases stood out to me because they weren’t just about law; they highlighted different kinds of love and human connections, which felt really fresh. You could tell the writers had a real background in law — the cases felt natural, authentic, and never forced.
I’ve already recommended this to my friends, and they enjoyed it as much as I did. Honestly, I’m hoping for a second season because this one was totally worth it. Highly recommend!

Read More

A feast for the senses with an underwhelming ending.

Chang'an is a city of splendor, temptations, and secrets — a truth no one understands better than Wu Zhen. By day, she endures mockery and admiration as the rebellious and unwed daughter of a duke and the only sister of the queen. By night, she is the revered Cat Lord, the fierce protector of the Demon City that lies beneath Chang'an, a position that keeps the mortal and demon realms in a delicate balance. She has long been content with this arrangement, using society's scorn of her unconventional lifestyle as a means to keep her secrets safe. However, her carefully constructed double life is jeopardized by the arrival of Mei Zhuyu, the reserved and calculating newcomer at the Bureau of Mystic Investigations, whose agenda is as hidden as her own. With the looming return of an ancient and devastating enemy, and the worlds they swore to protect under threat, these two opposing heroes are forced to become unlikely and unassuming allies. As their destinies intertwine, their relationship blooms into one that is as complex as the secrets they keep.

From the very beginning, Moonlit Reunion lures us in with its breathtaking aesthetic, a world brought to life by the stunning visuals and enchanting osts. The vivid contrast between the mortal world and demon underworld is one of my favorite features in this drama. For instance, when the camera cleverly glides through the Ruyi Pavilion in episode one, it reveals the extravagant fashion of the elite, roaring laughter of the patrons, rich melodies of the musicians, and mesmerizing dances of the performers. I remember thinking that nothing could rival this visual excellence, and then something did. We are introduced to the Demon Market — an unparalleled explosion of vibrancy, chaos, and richness in a world usually enveloped by night — and my jaw hit the floor. This duality extends to the very atmosphere, as the drama excels at using green and blue lighting to signal the mystical encroachment upon the mortal realm. The seamless combination of dazzling cgi, skillful cinematography, and beautiful soundtracks is an absolute feast for the senses.

The diverse cast of characters are a delight to watch. Wu Zhen and Mei Zhuyu are compelling leads and true equals in their cleverness, competence, and power. It is the kind of relationship I can appreciate for the main couple of any story, as it makes for a well-balanced partnership. However, Moonlit Reunion is significantly elevated by its ensemble of supporting characters (such as Liu Tai Zhen, Mei Si, Hu Zhu, Shuang Jiang, Xuan Hui, Huang Yi, and Mei Wen Hua), who make this world feel complete. I am particularly fond of Liu Tai Zhen and Mei Si because of their nostalgic charms that are reminiscent of classic Hong Kong cinema; and their evolving relationship is captivating, making me tune in daily to watch their romance unfold. The exploration of the varied dynamics in this drama, even between characters with seemingly little reason to interact, also adds layers of unexpected depth to the narrative. For example, Mei Si and Xuan Hui make the most surprising and endearing duo of friends — they are my absolute favorite.

Among all the dramas airing at the same time, Moonlit Reunion was the one I had the highest hopes for — that is, until the story got close to the end. With less than half the episodes left, the story takes a sharp turn for the worse following the fallout between Wu Zhen and Mei Zhuyu. It is a transition made all the more infuriating by Mei Zhuyu's sudden change in personality. The shift might be brief, as he does revert back to his old self, but the damage done leaves a lingering foul taste in my mouth. As the narrative progresses, the high-stakes plot that has been so meticulously crafted falters. Instead of the epic showdown that was initially promised, the villains are disappointingly taken down in a series of anticlimactic defeats. The death of an important character makes me question my emotional investment in the story. It lacks the intended impact the writers aimed for and is overshadowed by the far more heartbreaking demise of an earlier supporting character. The rushed finale feels lackluster, leaving the story with some unanswered questions that I cannot delve into without entering major spoilers territory.

Although its underwhelming ending marred by wasted potential sets the story back, Moonlit Reunion is still a worthwhile watch. The drama's gorgeous cinematography, captivating world, and compelling characters make it a memorable, even if flawed, experience for fans of rich visual storytelling. It has been a few days since I completed this drama, and despite not being fully satisfied with the execution of the events leading up to the conclusion, I still can't help but miss the story and its characters. Perhaps in the end, the real reward lies in the journey itself, no matter how imperfect the destination.

Read More

Toxic ah relationship

I'll keep it short and simple.
Toxic, possessive, and unemotional weather man with his toy housewife/man submissive slave that has the conviction of a wet towel are madly in love (?) ... There was so much chemistry between those two guys that they survived through their absolute inability to communicate their feelings, needs ... or anything... FOR YEARS of living together.

if that's the type of show you want to watch ... sure go for it ,enjoy your Japanese BL manga tropes queen

but it was not for me

p.s props to the actors they were amazing made the plot bearable !

Read More

Shadow Love Made Me Fall for Cheng Lei All Over Again

I started watching Shadow Love mainly because of Cheng Lei and Song Yi, and honestly, it did not disappoint at all. Some people were leaving hate comments saying their chemistry wasn’t working, but to me it was totally there. The tension, the banter, the little emotional beats, they nailed it.

One of the biggest highlights for me was Cheng Lei’s acting upgrade. He didn’t just play one character, but three completely different ones: Xuan Yike, Jin’an, and Duan Aodeng. Each role felt distinct, and it really showed how much range he’s built as an actor. Among them, Jin’an stood out for being both intense and hilariously awkward 😅 sometimes I even felt embarrassed for him. His struggle with Yulinglong, especially the scenes where he’s tempted to drink Shuang’s blood, gave the drama so much edge.

Story-wise, Shadow Love feels like a breath of fresh air. I’ve seen plenty of Chinese dramas, but I honestly haven’t come across one like this before. The concept is unique, the pacing is engaging, and it balances action, humor, and romance in a way that makes it super bingeable.

That being said, my ultimate favorite character has to be Duan Aodeng, a.k.a. Annan Wang. Even though he only really shines from episode 30 onward, his presence is unforgettable. Out of all the characters Cheng Lei has ever played, this one tops my list, mysterious, impactful, and just impossible to ignore.

And about the ending, it’s a happy ending, and I absolutely loved it. It tied everything together while still leaving me with the urge to rewatch. In fact, I already know I’ll go back to episodes 31–35 because that’s where Duan Aodeng dominates the screen.

Overall, Shadow Love is definitely one of those dramas I’ll keep coming back to. Exciting plot, strong chemistry, and a performance that proves Cheng Lei is leveling up big time.

Read More

Great Acting With An Implausible & Sick Story!

Yet again, this is another example of a potentially good BL series that went awry. There is a lot of good acting in this series. The issue is, it was wasted in a noxious story. I want to cry over the content (or lack thereof) that is being used to construct BL stories. While I know there ought to be no topics off limits, I do wish more positive representations of ‘Boys Love’ could be portrayed. Or at least ones that are not always so pessimistic in nature and content and/or surrounded by such ugly and negative dimensions. Generally speaking, Korean BL tend to be dark and broody; this one was exceptionally morose and despairing, sprinkled with a mixture of odd personas that sometimes worked. And sometimes not.
This is good acting wasted on a silly and sick story. You can't find better story ideas?
You can read the full review of this well acted but implausible story at BLBliss.com.

Read More

Two Kinds of Love, One Lasting Heartache

The balance of comedy and romance in True Beauty is both charming and heartfelt. While it begins with the familiar makeover trope, the arrival of two ex-best friends falling for the same girl creates genuine suspense. What makes the love triangle unique is how we witness two distinct forms of love and care directed toward Ju-kyung: Su-ho’s steady, protective devotion and Seo-jun’s warm, selfless support.

Although the choice between them seems obvious from early on, Seo-jun’s unwavering love leaves a lasting impact. Viewers find themselves not only rooting for Ju-kyung and Su-ho’s romance but also yearning for Seo-jun’s happiness — a longing that carries over even into his appearances in other dramas. This makes the ending feel bittersweet: satisfying in its resolution, yet tinged with the ache of Seo-jun’s unfulfilled story.

What stands out most is the humanity of every character. There are no true villains — even Kang Su-jin, whose betrayal stems from insecurity, earns empathy by the end. Ultimately, True Beauty reminds us that love can take many forms, and sometimes the most touching stories are those that don’t end in “happily ever after” for everyone.

However, it is not the strongest rewatch drama, as the story is fairly predictable once you know the outcome. Its real strength lies not in surprise twists but in the feelings it stirs — the warmth, longing, and bittersweet ache that stay with you long after the credits roll.

Read More

The EPIC masterpiece!

I'm a core, die-hard fan of xianxia dramas and when the destiny brings the demon has my heart and everything !
the gratitude, the way the production team delivered at the end had my whole respect.

The cast: they are the chef's kiss! what a coherent cast. For sure no other cast group could've done it better that this one 😭🥹

The acting: They are the definition of acting! how well they have delivered their roles in all the very episode.

This is my kinda drama where I cannot miss them too much cuz they just gave every single scene which we crave, how well the outcome have come, just everything.

Read More

When Food Outshines Everything Else in a K-Drama

After 6 episodes, one thing is very clear: this show is only about food. There’s no real story, no acting depth, nothing beyond the gastronomy. The slapstick comedy feels like the thousandth recycled version of similar shows, and the acting isn’t helping either—especially Yoona, who has been exaggerating her expressions since the very first episode. Once or twice it’s tolerable, but all the time? It quickly becomes tiring.

Lee Chaemin is decent so far, and since this is his first lead role in a major production, I don’t want to scrutinize him too harshly—I’ll wait to see how he progresses.

Now to chemistry, the dynamic between the leads feels more like siblings squabbling than a couple in the making. If the story does head toward romance (if there even is one), I’m not convinced they can deliver the needed intensity. At best, it may end up looking like two attractive actors sharing the frame rather than two characters genuinely in love. And honestly, that has always been the case with Yoona—her on-screen chemistry often feels more hyped than real, usually reduced to how well her visuals “match” with her co-star rather than any genuine emotional connection. Unfortunately, history seems to be repeating itself here.

The reasons people like this drama are simple: (1) "The Food". The gastronomy scenes are beautifully shot and guaranteed to make you crave something to eat. Most of the online comments under this drama are about how delicious the food looks and how well it’s presented or eaten—hardly anyone talks about anything else.
(2) "The Timing". With all the major dramas scheduled for mid-to-late September, this show has no real rivals. By the time the competition arrives, this one will be wrapping up, so it’s enjoying a free ride on timing and food appeal.

And now, the elephant in the room: I wish the creators had been clear about which Joseon king they based this on. If it really is the problematic figure people are speculating, then the whole premise is disturbing. How can anyone, even in fiction, imagine falling for a rapist and murderer? What were the creators thinking? 🤨 Even worse, audiences are raving about this show without considering what kind of message it sends.Honestly, it’s disappointing.

Overall, this is a no-brainer watch. If you like food, you’ll enjoy it—because the food is excellent here. But beyond that, the show offers nothing substantial, and I highly doubt that will change in the upcoming episodes.

Read More

Not Every Drama is Romantic but helps you to understand what is LOVE better

This drama felt less like a simple series and more like a beautiful storyteller weaving emotions, values, and life lessons into every frame. From the very beginning, the director and writer proved their vision was not only clear but deeply impactful, creating something that resonated with millions of viewers around the world. It was not just entertainment, it was an experience that touched the heart and made me reflect on love, emotions, and the essence of life itself.

One of the most striking aspects of this drama was how every single episode carried meaning. There were no fillers, no unnecessary detours just a consistent delivery of messages that stayed with the audience long after the credits rolled. Each episode contributed something unique, whether it was a touching emotional moment, a powerful moral lesson, or a reminder of the beauty of human connection. This ability to make viewers feel and think at the same time is what truly set the drama apart.

However, as much as I adored the series, I couldn’t bring myself to give it a perfect 10 out of 10 rating, and that was largely because of the ending. The finale, though not entirely disappointing, felt slightly rushed and incomplete. It left me wishing the drama had been given more space to breathe perhaps an extension beyond just 12 episodes would have allowed the story to conclude more naturally and meaningfully. A longer run might have tied up the loose ends and provided the closure that the characters and the audience truly deserved.

Despite this minor shortcoming, the drama remains a remarkable piece of work. It succeeded in teaching valuable lessons about love, life, and emotions, and it left a lasting impression on me. Very few dramas manage to balance storytelling, emotional depth, and moral lessons so effectively, and this one did it beautifully. It may not have been flawless, but it was still a journey worth taking a drama that will remain in my memory for a long time.

Read More

The Perfect Match

I followed this drama because of Song Wei Long as the ML. He is so handsome and really play well as the Prince. He is very kingly in appearance and in bearing. The FL is correct in describing him after he get up from bathtub: "His physique is great, his face like a chiseled jake, his every move is perfection..." Super handsome and manly actor and very good in subtle acting. Few words but he can express his mind and heart through looks and actions.
I found the FL very beautiful and with refreshing beauty. They are really a perfect match. I love how they tried to tease and seduce each other as husband and wife with boundaries but growing in love for each other. They are both pure and chaste and hesitant to make the first move.
I love the main characters. The ML is a great prince and general but he is not obsessed by power and greed but really focusing on the welfare of the kingdom, eradicating corruption and serving faithfully the Emperor. Despite him having a ruthless reputation he is actually a good person who is loving and caring to his soldiers and to the people in general.
The FL character is so nice. She has innocent beauty which looks young but very intelligent and always reason out. Her love of her father is very deep and is managing the household property with efficiency. It is also noteworthy that she respects people including the maids and the servants with respect.
The love story is very beautiful. It is a match of two noble families and of a young man and woman with both goodness in their hearts. The interchange of politics with tensions due to corruption and power is also very nice. The sword actions by the ML is also excellent. Even the love story of the second leads are very beautiful and touching such as the funny love-hate relationship betweem Mimin and Lord Zhang as well as the touching love between YiYin and Lord Zhu.
The secondary actors too are excellent. The Marquis General father of the FL is so wonderful. The villain Prime Minister is subtle and looks nice but brilliantly cunning. The generals and adviser friends of the ML are great actors too. This is an excellent drama worthy of the status of Song Wei Long. The music is so beautiful and touching. The actions in battles are very good.
I feel sorry for the young and very talented deputy commander whose father was murdered and he died at the end. Glad that he got his justice though. The villain is so cunning and so evil. So happy for the happy ending.

Read More