Reviews

Quietly Snuck Up on Me!!!

Dear Hongrang is one of those dramas that quietly sneaks up on you and lingers long after the final scene. It’s a historical genre, one of my favorites, that manages to blend rich storytelling with restrained elegance, never overdone yet deeply affecting.

The plot unfolds slowly, but deliberately. Set in the Joseon era, it follows a young nobleman navigating a forbidden love, personal identity, and societal expectations. The pacing may feel deliberate at first, but that’s part of its strength—the story gives each moment space to breathe. Nothing is rushed, and every scene feels purposeful. Instead, what could’ve easily turned into melodrama becomes a layered exploration of longing and restraint.

Acting-wise, the cast delivers some truly standout performances. The lead actor brings a quiet intensity to the role, and so much is conveyed through subtle expressions and silences. It's the kind of performance where you feel the weight of unspoken words. The chemistry between the leads isn’t explosive but simmering—tension, vulnerability, and deep emotional undercurrents all come through in beautifully nuanced ways. Supporting roles are equally well-cast, grounding the world with emotional authenticity.

Cinematography is another strength of this drama. The use of light, shadow, and natural settings is breathtaking. Scenes often feel like moving paintings, with soft colors and elegant composition heightening emotional weight. There's a poetic quality to the visuals that perfectly matches the tone of the story. Costume and set design are subtle yet detailed, immersing you without being showy.

Emotionally, Dear Hongrang hits in a quiet but powerful way. It’s not about dramatic declarations or sweeping moments, but the ache of things unsaid—the kind of love that’s more about presence than action. By the final episode, you're not just watching characters—you feel like you’ve lived their sorrow, tenderness, and hope. It’s haunting in the best way.

This drama isn’t for those looking for high-speed plot twists or flashy romance. But if you appreciate storytelling with emotional depth, strong performances, and visual grace, Dear Hongrang will stay with you.

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Real Slice of Life Drama with a Romance and Laughter

As a hospital playlist girly I watched that too many times and resident playbook did not dissapoint, Im not a medical practitioner but I know there are some flaws yet its not the main point of the story. The plot, romance, build up and even the cameos are so good. This is also the first kdrama of 2025 that I got to finish and that is saying something. The osts are topnotch having DK and D.O and many others, and the whole mido falasol crew 💅🏻❤️‍🔥 I was so happy for the team, thank you from the bottom of my heart. I have to rewatch this sooner or later, Its very light to watch and recommendable.

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"Your love has made me human"

Dear Hongrang was a dark, twisty, tropey drama featuring two of my favorite Jae Wooks. Instead of the familiar fight for the throne and court politics, this fight played out within a wealthy merchant family that’s made a deal with the devil. When a long-lost son returns it sets a powder keg of greed and avarice on fire.

Jae I has spent the last twelve years searching for her lost younger brother Hongrang after the family mostly gave up on him. Her stepmother wants her dead. Her father only sees her worth in the columns of assets and liabilities. Her older adopted brother Mu Jin is being groomed to take over the family business and has a not so secret crush on her. One day a stranger with no memory of his childhood is brought in who turns out to be her brother Hongrang. Or is he? And what murderous mysteries are hidden behind the expensive walls and hanboks of the wealthy and nobility?

Dear Hongrang takes a strong stomach to watch. Children were kidnapped and tortured in painful and vile ways. Wives who no longer fell into the asset column were taken out to be murdered. Slaves and those without power or prestige were considered less than human and expendable while those with power often walked a fine line between sanity and insanity with overtly sadistic tendencies. Into this bloody mess Jae I and Hongrang went from being adversaries to allies, and “siblings” with complicated feelings for each other.

The cinematography, lighting, and music were overtly gloomy and melancholic. One particular scene went ATLA Tui funeral with red lighting. Deceptive sunshine only gave the viewer a breath to brace for upcoming pain. The sole spoilery comment I’ll make is that you need to prepare yourself for a high body count, many of which you’ll hope will be boiled in bronze. I didn’t find the drama particularly suspenseful as most of the turning points were well foreshadowed. I did, however, find it entertaining largely due to Lee Jae Wook and Kim Jae Wook’s performances. Kim has definitely found a niche for himself playing handsome, criminally maniacal characters. While this short nightmarish drama will not be for all tastes, it managed to tell its gruesome tale without overstaying its welcome.

18 May 2025
Trigger warnings: Dismemberments, more gruesome deaths than an average Kdrama, torture scenes, and child torture scenes

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Love Squares and Manipulation

Secret Relationships is a total roller coaster of emotions.

It’s not your usual BL series, it’s full of toxicity, possessiveness, and seriously flawed characters, but that’s what makes it so engaging. Without all the messiness, it would’ve been flat and boring.

What makes it even more intense is how possessive the characters get, even when they’re not in a relationship.

This show definitely isn’t for the faint of heart. You’ll either love it or absolutely hate it—no in-between.

And forget love triangles… this story gives us love squares.

If you’re into sweet, wholesome romances, this probably won’t be your thing. But if you’re in the mood for something messier and a little chaotic, it’s worth a watch.

Hints:

Guy 1 - the person who they fall in love with
Guy 2 - calmed yet manipulative, and also unreasonable, the craziest of all 3.
Guy 3 - possessive and violent
Guy 4 - green flag but kissed Guy #1 when he was drunk.

The cast may be underrated, but they seriously delivered excellent performances.

I do wish it had more episodes or maybe even a second season, but honestly, I’m happy with how it all wrapped up. If you're looking for something different from the usual BL dramas, definitely give this one a try.

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You have to love the craxy

So I would recommend this if you like short dramas and all the dumpster fire craziness that they bring. It is a complete guilty pleasure but I do love this kind of drama. It's short, it's crazy and most importantly fun and entertaining. The chemistry between the leads was on fire. I wish I knew who directed it because I would totally look up the next one they did, it was beautifully shot. And lastly I wish that long dramas would take some cues from this kind of format because watching leads kiss - all that money and it's like watching someone kiss a dead fish. You certainly don't have that issue with this kind of drama. Also they're not related to each other and that's all I'm going to say about that. Definitely will rewatch when I want something fun and slightly wrong.

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Good to pass the time

If you're looking for something quick and light to pass the time, then this drama is for you. Its storyline is really not that deep, although it seems like that in the beginning. I would honestly say that my theory of the plot twist was much more interesting than the plot twist itself. The acting was mostly fine, though quite stiff from ML and Ji Wu Huan. I really enjoyed Xiao Lian though. The romance part was quite underdeveloped in my opinion, although they spend quite some time on it. There are other mini-dramas that managed this much better. It's good to pass time, but don't expect too much of it.

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Mixed Feelings all the way

Maybe it’s because I already knew the ending when I started watching this drama, but either way, I experienced a wide range of emotions throughout the episodes. I laughed so many times, but I also cried more than once. I felt the love between the FL and ML intensely, but it also hurt to think about how it was going to end. I don’t think of the ending as a bad one; I see it as a realistic one — and that’s exactly what makes it hurt the most I want that kind of deep emotion to last longer and end up in something meaningful. Maybe that’s the whole problem — because I just can’t understand how Hee-Do and Yi-Jin could forget the memories and let go of that love (even though it’s all part of being human).

The story is one of the most beautiful and well-crafted ones I’ve ever enjoyed watching. It’s a story about hard work, life, and courageously finding your own path — that’s what this drama meant to me. I connected deeply with every character, and I think that’s the strength of the screenwriting. It felt like something truly real — like an experience you could’ve had during your high school years.

And the acting — putting everyone else aside — I absolutely LOVE Kim Tae-Ri’s performance. She’s incredibly talented and puts so much effort into every role she takes on. She brings something uniquely different to each character, and I admire her acting so much that I think it’s one of the show’s greatest strengths. Though I should mention that Nam Joo-Hyuk’s acting was really enjoyable to watch in this drama. I do think there’s still room for improvement in his acting, but his chemistry with Kim Tae-Ri feels so real that I could truly believe every glance of his was filled with love for Hee-Do.

Finally, I truly believe this drama is worth watching. Among the many dramas I’ve watched, this is honestly one of the best. It’s still hard to accept how things turned out in the end, and of course, there were some parts that could’ve been better — but at the end of the day, I truly enjoyed it. This kind of genuine emotion in a drama is becoming harder and harder to find in K-dramas these days — it used to be more common.

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Stockholm Syndrome III times over

Oh brother this review was a long time coming. I've put it off for too long and my brain won't let it down that I've never written a review about this series. This review will be a bit more personal than the others because I've actually read the first book and parts of the second and third books. I seriously cannot believe how awful of a writer this author is. ᇂ_ᇂ

Why on God's green earth did the author decide to make every. single. relationship so awful and toxic in their books? Day and Itt are one of the worst couples in both fiction and real life and yet, they aren't even the most abusive relationship that author has written according to other comments I saw. Somehow Kan and Beam take the cake on that one so now I can rest assured knowing I will never touch that book with a ten foot pole.

For any lucky soul that hasn't touched the books, just know that if you think the show is bad, that the books are many times worse. I swear this author incorporated as many problematic scenes as possible and anything else that isn't inherently problematic is awful in its own perverse way. Every single type of abuse you can think of is involved: sexual (A LOT THE MOST ABUNDANT I SWEAR), physical, psychological, emotional, and financial. No relationship is safe (except for maybe Fuu and his partner but I'm not sure because I was too afraid to read their story in Gear x Night's book because of the fear of my fantasy of them being healthy shattering).

The show portrays the toxicity but it never really shows what happened before Day and Itt got together. This is attributed to the fact that this show only adapts the third book and not the first two. It was most likely because the first two were too graphic and nothing but pure torture porn thinly disguised as plot points. One of the worst things I have ever read in my life. The show is vague but they do in fact meet after Day beats and sexually assaults Itt as his form of revenge for Itt and his friends being cruel to Day's little brother, Night. He never really punishes Itt's friends though (something the comments pointed out where I read it, thank god), and even allows one of them to date Night in the end. Oh and did I mention that he keeps Itt locked up in his room and repeatedly abuses him in multiple ways? Yeah, that happens. Couple goals!!!!!! (kill me)

The show must feel so confusing to anyone that never read the first two books because characters just seem to exist, villains come out of nowhere, and backstories make no sense. This is made infinitely times worse by the fact that the flashbacks in this show are horrendous and the sound design is atrocious. The music is so bad and I couldn't deal with the strange editing and scene jumps that they loved to use. Not to mention how the acting was stilted and Frank's wig was BAD!!!!

I liked Frank in 'Cause You're My Boy, but he is really bad here. Like, astoundingly bad. Of course, there wasn't much to work with character-wise, but I think he only made a lame character even worse. He doesn't even fit how I would picture Itt either. Itt is very handsome, arrogant, skinny, pale, and dependent. Here, he is overly exaggerated and doesn't feel like the rich son that is spoiled like how the books made him feel. Frank is cute, but he doesn't have this sort of fierceness to him that I think is what made Itt so attractive to other characters in the books. I think the Itt from Love Syndrome: The Beginning movie is far better of a fit than this one or dear lord the one in Unforgotten Night.

Day's actor was noticeably better, but still not groundbreaking most likely because of the terrible script. He seems to fit how I'd picture Day a lot more than the movie did and I'm not sure how he compares to the Day from Unforgotten Night because the way Day is described is hard to picture. Personality-wise, this show did better though. Unforgotten Night seems to paint Itt and Day as being a lot sweeter and healthier than they actually are. That might be in part due to how Kim views them as an outside that once loved Day, but it still doesn't change the fact that the casting in that mirrored that portrayal. The actor for Day in the movie was awful because they reused an actor from this! And guess what, that actor didn't portray Day! He portrayed some random one-off character that liked Itt from a bar or something.

Gear and Night looked really cute in this and you'd almost believe they were sweet on each other if you didn't read their novel. They are astoundingly attractive here however, and I think Gear's actor in this is far more suited for it than his in the movie's was. The movie version's actor was so out of place and didn't fit Gear at all. Gear is a handsome playboy that wins over the boyish Night. Night in the movie was actually decent though. He was cute and pretty, whilst the actor in this show was much more elegant and kind-looking. So, I think either could work.

Nick and Neil's actors are actually probably the best casting choices. I think they their descriptions in the novel well, and Nick is who I'd say had the best actor in the entire show and movie combined too. I think Neil's actor is the same in the movie too and that was good except for the fact that he gets like 2 scenes in that entire movie so it made virtually no difference whatsoever. They seemed genuinely cute in this but sadly the curse of the source material affects their relationship too so the reviews saying they were a healthy relationship are in the dark.

Nan and Mac actually have two books dedicated to them and they are quite toxic too. Nan definitely was Day's protege except the only difference in this one is the added cruelty that Nan doesn't even have any personal grievance with Mac. He only tortures him because Day wants him to and then he continues to do it because he enjoys watching Mac squirm. The show made no sense by giving them their "happy ending" at the end because it makes no sense whatsoever without the details of their novels. I think Mac's casting was good as he has a unique attractiveness, "dog" face (affectionate), and is very pale too. His actor also portrayed his dismay well I think. Nan's casting was a bit different because I'm pretty sure Nan is supposed to be very well built and have tattoos. They probably couldn't find someone like that though. Not surprising considering what happened with Kamol's casting in Unforgotten Night (yes I know these two shows were not produced by the same people but I don't care because the similarities in poor quality speak volumes of their source material).

The villain being Pee must be so fucking confusing to watchers-only because only readers would understand his significance. He was the first main villain of book 1 that tried to get Itt to leave Day for him. I actually kind of liked him in the book because it was quite obvious that he only wanted Itt by the end because he wanted to one-up Day. It was a pissing (no pun intended) contest between them to have ownership over Itt and was about pride over anything else. Pee was Itt's father's friend's son (dear lord this was tough to type) that was around Itt's age. He was kind of crazy even in book 1 and was always testing Day's patience. He was kind of fucking hilarious with how he would completely ignore Day just to talk to Itt excitedly. I never read far enough into book 3 to know what he's like when he returns, but I think the show portrays him poorly as an antagonist. He was far more entertaining in the first book yet he is so one-note in this and has the cliche manic villain laugh. I also have no idea why Pee's father allows him to keep causing problems. What a poor excuse of a father for letting his son attack his friend's son and partner TWICE!!! He literally kidnapped Itt in book 1 and shot both Day and Itt. Now in this we see Day's friends (besides Fuu for some reason I guess) repeating history to show up to save Day this time from Pee's antics. Because this author just loves reusing plot points. Itt was also fucking useless in that fight.

One thing I really hated was how the author clearly wanted all relationships to have an established "Uke-Seme" dynamic. Every single couple has this. There is no exception to this rule. Day and Itt are probably the worst offenders of it too. Itt is such a constant damsel that needs saving in the novels and Night follows this pattern too. It makes me sick how this author is such a clear fetishizer of mlm and how demonized female characters are in their works. The way women are described and treated feels very misogynistic and Day is (from what I've read) the worst offender of it. Not surprising considering his toxic masculinity but it was still hurtful to read as a female viewer. Hated the toxic masculinity that was portrayed constantly as well as the romanticization of abusive behaviors CONSTANTLY.

Also, why the fuck does Itt have such a harem??? He had so many men + women going after him in all three of the books listed. There were loads of unnamed women, Meen, Mac, Day, Pee, Ball, Korn, and probably some other people I'm forgetting that either got or wanted a slice of that Itt pie. I have no idea why either because he wasn't very likable to begin with and was obligatorily spoiled and ungrateful. Day even jokes (maybe only half) about basically putting a chastity belt or "pheromone blocker" on him. Side note: thank god this isn't set in the omegaverse. Genuinely surprised the author didn't add that in too.

I also really hate Itt's parents in the novel. Moreso his father actually because he is so selfish and was so against Day and Itt (only because it was gay not because of any knowledge of what happened between them) but then decided to allow only if Day could rake in the profits from the side business Itt's father was opening by setting unreasonable standards and not even telling Itt anything about it. Itt thought Day had abandoned him out of nowhere and was left thinking like that for like SIX MONTHS!!!!!! I also really hate how the author wrote (multiple times!) that Day and Itt's father are alarming similar in personality. Especially when it came to pursuing their partners. What the fuck. That just makes their relationship infinitely times creepier and creates an even worse power imbalance to picture especially when I recall a comment describing how Day groomed Itt to be like his little brother (except that he could fuck) because his brother was now grown up and didn't need him as much and Itt looks up to Day like his father and depends on him like one. It was so ew.

This show was just awful and the only thing I kind of liked were parts of the fight scenes. My brother was in the room when that bar fight happened and Day put Itt on the pool table. That was a blast to watch together. Try explaining this poorly produced show to someone without causing them a headache (or yourself) I dare you.

This review is too fucking long and I knew that it would be too. I had a lot to express regarding this story and none of it was good. Would I recommend this show? Fuck no!!! The production is bad, acting is either alarmingly bad (Itt) or stiff, characters are dogwater, plot is a dumpster fire, and the sound design is the worst I have ever seen in something. Not to mention that weird ass fight of Day against the 8 ft fighter at the end because what even was that???? I was so flabbergasted trying to comprehend what was even going on, man.........but would I recommend the source material????? Even more NO!!!!!!! I SAW A REVIEW SAYING THEY WERE GONNA READ IT AND I HOPE THEY OPTED OUT AND DECIDED NOT TO BECAUSE NO HUMAN BEING DESERVES TO GO THROUGH THAT MONSTROSITY!!!!!!!! I believe I can now watch any romance regardless of toxicity because of what Love Syndrome (both the book and show) put me through. I have never felt stronger.

Final statement: ╰༼=ಠਊಠ=༽╯┌( ಠ_ಠ)┘༼;´༎ຶ ۝ ༎ຶ༽(￣x￣;)⋋| ◉ ͟ʖ ◉ |⋌

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A true gem!!!

Was so engaged that I binge watched the series. Laughed and cried as the story developed and learned how the characters stories twisted, turned and interacted. There are definite dark and sad moments, as well as heartwarming and joyous. The ending suited the story line and the characters, which doesn't always happen. Wish there was going to be a Season 2
Weol-Ju runs a mystical poja. In her youth, she was sent to help the Crown Prince heal from the nightmares he was experiencing. After being betrayed by those she had trusted, she makes a rash decision that impacts the rest of her life.

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A big emotional story packed into 11 episodes

May 2025
Wow. What an emotional ride. A trigger warning has to come early, as there are some quite harrowing scenes involving children.

Some light moments in earlier episodes, but this isn't fluffy; on the contrary, it is very dark, and very bloody.

The most dangerous things in dramas (and often reality), are power, money, love and jealousy. These are the driving forces behind this story, with a bucket load of revenge.

It's a twisting tale, mostly fast paced, with some epic sword fights. No particularly out of the ordinary characters ~ a cross section of classes, some really vile people, and a smattering of lunacy.

LJW and JBA are well cast; I liked both characters a lot, they gave believable performances, which really dragged me into caring about them and their happiness.

Kim Jae-wook has a role in this and is excellent, too. He really can act, seeing as his character didn't figure in all scenes, yet his presence never felt far away.

I wanted justice, and some characters really deserved to suffer far more than they did.

There is a lot of tragedy attached to this story, but it isn't depressing.

Plenty of action, thrills, and a moving love story within the main one. There were moments when I gasped, and shouted "No!!!" Not something I do often. Got angry and loathed several characters; something I do do often 😉🤭

The romance aspect felt quite sudden, kind of going from 0-60, with an aspect of mild incest (which in honesty wasn't believable), was shoved in. I'm not sure that fit, for me, but I understood the justification, as it affected the decisions Jae-yi made.

If you're anything like me, you'll need at least one tissue, at some point. It isn't perfect, but I sat through it in 2 evenings, and was glued.
Together with so many scenes getting a reaction out of me, a great cast and acting... that's a more-or-less perfect watch in my eyes. Highly recommended.

I loved the soundtrack, too; even the 'incidental' music.
화화 (花火 Burning Petals) - 4BOUT (어바웃) [per YouTube] was my favourite.

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Learning. Personal Growth. Building Lasting Relationships.

The Season 01 season finale was very good. They balanced well the different things that happens in a hospital especially on New Years Eve.

- 2 deaths
- 3 newly borns
- 4 first-year residents growing and learning

With surprise comedies and a "karmic" conclusion. And best of all, the mainstays were all present (not like in S01E11, one mainstay was absent).

However, as is Korean drama tradition, it was written in a way that it truly ended, not leaving anything for a possible new season. It was so perfect, you wouldn't ask for more as it brought proper closures and immense satisfaction.

Still, I do hope there'll be a Season 02 because I like the entire cast and their acting. They did not outshine one another, instead, they complemented each other's acting. A weakness of one actor was hidden because of another actor filling in. Was it intentional? Maybe, maybe not, and that's what made the cast awesome. Who cares if they're support or main or a guest? They were all there to have fun and bring joy to the audience.

Final words. We want Season 02!

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