Reviews

Lovely romance and interesting medical drama

I Really loved this show. I came into it not watching hospital playlist so the cameos were unbeknownst to me. The romance was my favorite part, it was extremely cute and the way they did it kept it from getting boring, however I wish they gave us even more moments with them. That’s why I hope for a season 2, so I can see more of them as well as the other characters.
I enjoyed watching and learning a bit more about the medical aspect. I thought it was very interesting! I would also love to see the characters in their second year.
I thought the characters had good chemistry honestly and that the four residents may not have hit it off at first, but they gradually became friends. I also like how a romance developed overtime for Oh Ji Young’s character, not love at first site. I especially liked how they already had a relationship as in laws, and one of my favorite parts was seeing them with their siblings.

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This series is definitely worth watching.

I absolutely LOVED this drama. It had the perfect balance of humour and action/violence, and there were many genuinely laugh-out-loud moments starting from the first episode. I had previously only seen Song Joongki in Descendants of the Sun, and while he was amazing there too, he has grown and matured so much as an actor. As the character Vincenzo, he COMMANDS respect and attention.

Overall, I would be lying if I said I didn’t have more to say about this drama because I could keep going on and on. Every character has portrayed their role in such an exemplary manner, down to the damn pigeon.

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Heesu may be in class 2, but he's hardly in the drama.

WELL, as a manhwa fan, this adaptation charmed and angered me in equal measure. When I started it, the characters were SO similar to the manhwa, I was so happy I could cry.

However, as the chapters went by, the couple of Heesu and Seung Won began to take a backseat WHEN IT IS THEIR STORY. And in return, the heterosexual and completely invented couple of Ji Yoo and Chan Yeong has taken all the spotlight.

I wouldn't mind that couple being there if they hadn't stolen all the screen time from the supposedly main couple. IT'S SUPPOSED TO BE A BL, NOT A STRAIGHT ROMANCE WITH A GAY SECONDARY COUPLE

It's very cute, but it's not a BL.

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Worth watching the leads, story is ... well.... the "amnesia" trope

The story was dragging and involved amnesia .... omg which script writer did KBS kept hiring that kept doing amnesia plot in so many weekend dramas...

The FL actress was clearly excided to act an "ordinary" person bc so many dramas put her into a role of some all-fancy-beauty-chick so I am sure she is tired of that.... So she had her chance to act normal in this kdrama, for a bit, and I think she enjoyed that DIFFERENT type of role.
She is a great actress and only a bad script can box her into some dumb role and acting dumb.

The ML is a competent actor imo and it is fun to watch him.

The rest is .. well... well ... somehow ... just ... didnt totally "click" for me as memorable. There wasnt "action" so to speak in terms of inner growth

The Grandma was a very very interesting character and that acting was great. But I almost forgot her. Unless I try to remember.

The Oldest Brother was an interesting character and that actor really showed what he can do. He was a villain in 3 Bold Siblings and it was really fun to watch him here in a soft positive scaredy cat lazy bum role.... He can act a wide range.

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Innocent love. Healing and learning to love together.

If you like watching vertical cdramas, this will fit the bill in HD and horizontal view. The actress was very young compared to the male counterparts so no sexual scenes that are steamy.
I've never read the manga, so I'm watching based on the subs as to what's presented. The FL is very sheltered as she grew up in a noble household. She was sold as a childbride in exchange for ¥100 million as her dowry at 16yo with no contact with her husband whatsoever. So at 26 she goes off on her own to finally take control of her life by choosing to divorce her husband. She has no clue as to how the world works - no use of technology etc. Why? Because she grew up in a very traditional noble household outside of the city. Whenever we see a uber rich ceo, he never holds his own phone (assistant does). It was later revealed that she, after high school, didn't do anything with her life as her family made her the caregiver of her grandmother. They were broke due to the father's business failure and debt owed. She finally became free from her family obligations when her father and grandmother died. Looking at cultural perspective she had to be reserved and restricted because she got married at a young age (even though husband not in the picture) almost like a widow. She became a lonely, repressed person who had to follow feudal traditions of her noble family. So her mindset is very timid and no self confidence. Also, having a big sense of rejection from her husband of "not wanting her" for 10 years can make a young person be that way. This is a good show that portrays how a couple can fall in love after marriage. He was trying his best to love her in a way he felt (or believed) was best. She became more mature and felt loved from her husband who gave her positive affirmation everyday. He filled her love tank for sure. They both grew together as he too didn't know what love was coming from a dysfunctional rich household as well. He was empty but became alive the day he met her.

If you like the innocent type of love, this is it. Healing together and learning to love through traumatic experiences.

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A pretty cool thriller rom com

The FL gives it the flavor bc she is sooo cocky :)

The plot is interesting and realistic...

I love the funeral for the pet fish Picasso :) LOL LOL LOL Some details like that show the craziness of the rich... The scenes of the "prostitute" waiting at the corner to be picked up, or violinist on ice... are ... EDUCATIONAL :)

The twist is twisty and until the very end, you dont know who the killer was...

The ML is really handsome and FL actress clearly likes him :)
But he isnt the greatest actor.

and he appears again with the FL lead actress in another drama later ... when he is much heavier and older... what was that drama now... ? I will remember.

As for character growth, this drama is not totally big on it although ML and FL do grow some and adjust to each other

The story is convincing

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Turn out it is pretty impressive and touching to watch

I did not expect much at first but now I am writing a review for this movie but here I am. I have to admit it leaves a remarkable impression watching this show, the whole series can be obsessive.

Lee Jae Wook in Alcemy of Souls grown up to Lee Jae Wook in Dear Hongrang....Made it looks like he fits in historical drama perfectly.

Obviously, the culture and historical background of the Joseon era can be strict but this is another one to appreciate how much of a blessing we have living in this era.

The 1st time watching left me feeling unsettled with the sadness, darkness, tragic and gloomy. But the acting of Lee Jae Wook and Jo Bo Ah made me re-watch couple of times. Every time re-watching, another layer of meaning is peeled off. Lee Jae Wook and Jo Bo Ah projected lively, subtle and authentic chemistry between Hongrang and Jae Yi. Somehow from suspicion and doubts in the beginning developed subtly to deeply and passionately in love with each other at the end. They both suffered from deep trauma and abuses, is that the reason why they fall for each other? Lee Jae Wook portrait Hongrang's trauma and pains so well to the point I wonder how he would be able to get out of that character. Hopefully it is not too deep for him to get out.

The plot contained so much blood, gore, violence and child abduction that was the part I don't appreciate. I understand they try to show how much of the greed and madness human being can be... Hopefully it is not too harsh for some people. In terms of harsh topic, I think this one can be compared with the Painted Skin (2008) but Dear Hongrang is no doubt a next level. From acting, actors/actress to soundtracks, culture, background aesthetics... From the white hanbok in the fight between the assassins to the subtle beauty of the background...are perfectly fit.

I reckon Yoamjae by Kwon Jin Ah is the best soundtracks among this list. Her voice delivers the passionate remarkable part of the series. The moments when Jae Yi floated in the rivers and their intimate moments in the cave next to the firewoods. It was really touching when Jae Yi was about to see Hongrang shoulder but his tears shed showed how much of the pains, disgust and agony he had carried such scars on his back. He did not want to reveal that part of himself to Jae Yi just because he cares about her. It is painful and tearing to see that moment.

Soundtracks successfully delivered the heavy, dark and gore theme of this show... even though I hope it was not that dark and heavy...

The prince by Kim Jae Wook is pretty impressive. His ugly, distorted mindset with deceptive obsession and illusion for torturing children, distorted arts and dark magics are well masked underneath the angelic, scholar and royal look outside. Kim Jae Wook somehow delivered these character from one side to the other very well.

The beautiful part of Dear Hongrang is the tragic connection and chemistry of the main characters from my point of view, it worth watching for that reason. I think if we expect the pink-roses and happy ending to satisfy us then it would not deliver the harsh truth of life. That is somewhere somehow someone are suffering from mistreatment of lunatic, psycho, ignorance people. Everyone deserves to be treated kindly and equally. Somehow I wonder how much of suffering those people had to go through... Well, karma works, the ending was reasonable enough to make sure it does not leave sad ending even though I wish a worth ending for Hongrang and Jae Yi - perhaps wishing for one in their next life.


Even though I was hoping for a better ending or a season 2 for this series. I have to admit the 11 episodes packed enough details and explanation.

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Devasting. Devastatingly beautiful. Devastatingly dreadful.

Let me begin by saying that it has been quite some time since a K-Drama has kept me up well into the wee hours of the morning, but here I am at 5 in the morning, having just finished the final 4 episodes of Tangeum.

I watched Tangeum over three days, and each episode made me want to quickly cast aside my work and sleep to see what happened next. Unfortunately, I was only able to cast aside sleep in favour of Tangeum, work gave me no such pardon. The story was heavy with complex themes of grief, love, betrayal, and loyalty, expertly delivered through strong acting and substantially supported by an incredible OST. I felt each moment as though I were a part of it. I desperately wanted Jae-Yi to find out Hongrang was truly Hongrang, while contradictingly hoping against all else that he wasn't, for her and Hongrang's sake.

I could easily write a dissertation about why I loved this drama down to the bare bones, how it broke me, how it renewed me, how it filled me with equal amounts of hope and despair and how devastated I felt at the humanity of it all. But, I want each viewer to experience this drama as authentically and unencumbered by reviews as possible to feel every emotion that this masterpiece demands.

I will say that it is not what I would consider "light watching". Tangeum demands your full attention, engulfing the senses with unrelenting intrigue. I wouldn't rewatch it in a hurry because this is a story I feel the viewer needs to sit with for some time, hence the rating of 8. I am going to sit with this. However, while I do so, my advice is to run, don't walk, to watch this drama.

달리다

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absolute masterpiece in the realm of CDrama!

"Guardians of the Dafeng" is an absolute masterpiece in the realm of CDrama! From start to finish, it delivers an exhilarating blend of stunning visuals, compelling storytelling, and unforgettable characters. The production quality is top-notch, with breathtaking cinematography that immerses viewers into the rich, fantastical world of Dafeng.

The plot is intricately crafted, weaving elements of adventure, mystery, and emotional depth that keep you hooked every step of the way. The character development is exceptional—each guardian has a unique backstory and personality, making their journeys both relatable and inspiring. The acting is superb, with the cast bringing genuine authenticity and charisma to their roles.

What truly sets "Guardians of the Dafeng" apart is its perfect balance of action and heartfelt moments, complemented by a compelling soundtrack that elevates every scene. It’s a series that not only entertains but also leaves you pondering about themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the importance of unity.

Overall, "Guardians of the Dafeng" is a must-watch for any fan of fantasy and adventure dramas. It deserves a solid 10/10 for its excellence in storytelling, production, and emotional impact. A true gem in the world of Chinese dramas!

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The Title Should be “Metro Mediocrity”

Writing reviews is difficult if you want to reward the hard workers that tried to create something of quality, but failed. Unfortunately this was so poorly done, it was almost painful to watch. Although I watched 20 out of 24 episodes, I’m not sure I can finish. I can’t even summarize the basic plot. I barely understood it because the production was so mediocre. It seemed to be “female acupuncture doctor from the past arrives in present time, miraculously cures patients, falls in love, and so on, and so forth. Of course, there were a couple of mildly interesting plot twists…I think. But the story was difficult to follow because of problems I’ll describe as I continue the review.
I’ll start with the acting because things like music, sets, lighting, etc. are irrelevant if the acting isn’t reasonably good. I can forgive a talented actor almost anything, but I get very critical if an actor doesn’t understand or practice their craft. And, I don’t care about appearance as much as ability. Don’t get me wrong, in an industry that’s a visual medium, aesthetics are important, but professional actors don’t depend only on attractive faces or bodies. They study, practice, learn, study some more, and grow into their talent.
Too many of these actors seemed amateurish. The ML, and maybe the 2nd ML, might be exceptions. They had good visuals, and if given another chance in smaller roles, they could improve their skills. I wasn’t fond of the FL. Her acting wasn’t good and there was something about her appearance that was not appealing. It bothers me to be so critical of something as shallow as whether or not someone is pretty, but she didn’t feel right for the part.
For example, I couldn’t focus on her performance in one of the “two-shots” with the ML because she looked at him cross-eyed, one eye seemed to wander, and the pupil appeared to be overly-dilated. I wouldn’t care if she were a character actress and her appearance was appropriate for the role. In fact, I applaud productions that employ actors with non-traditional appearance, disabilities, or who have to overcome some other problem. But she was supposed to be the pretty, romantic, female lead. I suppose it might have been faulty lighting or a bad camera angle. She may be lovely in person and they didn’t do her justice. The other possibility is that she has Mydriasis, which is an uncomfortable medical condition. I absolutely support her choice of career, however, I then question why she was the FL and not a different character. It also bothered me that her chemistry with the ML was almost non-existent. As I said, my principal objection was she didn’t feel right for the role.
Many of the other actors either didn’t have good skills, or they were just inexperienced and couldn’t overcome the questionable directing and the “it didn’t make sense” script. The editing was abysmal. At first, I thought my T.V. was on the blink. Scenes jumped around in no particular order. They were sliced, diced; and, in Humpty Dumpty fashion, couldn’t be put back together again. I swear two of the episodes were reversed, but maybe they were so badly edited, I just couldn’t follow the plot.
Another annoyance, that was not the fault of the production, but was distracting, were the subs, or lack thereof. The streaming service I was watching was IQIYI. (I hope we’re allowed to mention that.) It’s important because the subs were there and then they were gone. Then, in another episode they would return. It became a game of “ catch me if you can.” Like the editing, the inconsistency was a cruel joke on the audience. This is the worst review I’ve ever written. I didn’t enjoy writing it. But, it’s my POV and I can’t recommend watching this drama.

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For the most part, this was a sweet and simple story about different kinds of teenage crushes and first loves (the supporting characters also have their crushes). The characters all suffer from the usual misunderstandings, self-denial and teenage angst, but it always stays light and low-stakes.

Woo Hyeon's journey from a crush to understanding the feelings of first love (which, of course, turns out to be "true love") is at the centre of the story -- and the other characters' love stories serve as a nice background, so we can understand Woo Hyeon's own story better. Kim Ji O was excellent in portraying the character, and I hope we'll see more of him in the future.

Another thing I liked was that they didn't push aside the question of what it might mean to be gay in contemporary Korean society (it was addressed a few times, and one of the supporting characters had internalised homophobia); but they also didn't make it a big part of Woo Hyeon's journey.

The longer part of the drama takes place during their last year of high school -- and I found that the passing of time stayed a bit too vague -- the shorter second part four years after. While I appreciate the slow story telling of the first part, with it's journey of self-discovery, I think the second half would have profited from tightening the script. Here, the desperation of both Woo Hyeon and Doha felt not intense enough and it got a bit lengthy. I also don't think the short jealousy story arc added anything to the story.
However, I know that the drama was based on a Manwha. So, it's likely that the script writers followed the manwha's structure here.


Was it good? -- Yes, it was a sweet and straightforward teenage love story, with all the usual tropes and ood characterisation.

Did I like it? -- I liked it well enough, and I was entertained. However, it wasn't eough for me to say I'd watch it again.

Who would I recommend it to? -- For people who want to see a teenage love story, this will definitely hit the spot.

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Bizarre, Bonkers, and Beautiful — A Vacation I’ll Never Forget (Even Though I Wasn’t There)

Kian’s Bizarre B&B is exactly what it promises: completely out of the ordinary but full of heart. It’s not just a vacation show — it’s a weird, whimsical dream set on a barge in the middle of the sea, with fire poles, wall-climbing entrances, slides into the ocean, and hanging beds outdoors. Even the backup B&B is wild, requiring a scenic 7.5-minute monorail ride down a mountain slope. It’s like someone opened up a manhwa artist’s sketchbook and said, “Yeah, build that.”

What makes this show unforgettable is the cast and guests. Kian84, YeEun, and Jin were new faces to me, but they created a warm, chaotic energy that worked surprisingly well. And the guests? A perfect mix. The shy, studious student. The father-sons trio. Energetic jobseekers. A brave North Korean defector. Solo travelers. A couple in love. Navy officers on leave. Everyone brought something different — their stories, laughs, awkwardness, and even the tears gave the B&B heart and depth. Their stories added depth and warmth that made the B&B feel like more than just a gimmick.

Yes, there were flaws—some parts were downright unsafe or inconvenient—but maybe that’s part of the charm. It pushed everyone out of their comfort zones and into a once-in-a-lifetime memory. Sure, there were hazards (smoky annex, shaky pole, chaotic slide), and yes, Kian’s hygiene habits raised a few brows — but that’s what made it so human. Watching this made me feel like I was right there with them. It was strange, it was beautiful, and I’d do it all over again — even just from my screen. Bring on Season 2, Netflix. I’m already packed.

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When Time Feels Too Fast and Life Feels Too Real

Thirty-Nine is the kind of drama best watched while it’s raining or snowing—perfect for crying quietly (or loudly) as the story unfolds. I loved how dramatic yet simple and realistic the story felt. The bond between the three leads was so convincing, I wouldn’t doubt for a second if they were best friends in real life. While the plot stays straightforward, it beautifully explores family, love, friendship, and the bittersweet messiness of life.

One thing I wish had been different was JoHee’s arc. She often felt like the third wheel—an afterthought compared to the deeper bond between MiJo and ChanYoung. Even her romance storyline breezed by without much depth.

Still, this is the kind of sadness that feels oddly refreshing. Like a reminder of how lucky we are during our good days. If you’re in the mood to cry, laugh, and feel warm inside, I’d definitely recommend this one.

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