Reviews

kinda cringe at first but hilarious

First of all, if brain-rot comedy is not your thing, then this drama may not be for you. The only way to watch this drama is to acknowledge and accept the over-the-top comedy as granted and just take everything at face value. 'Pump up the healthy love' is not for serious watching. If you can get past that, this drama is really good and totally worth watching.

Personally, over-the-top comedy is not my genre. I started this because of Lee Jun-Young and my initial thought was what even is this? But once you get used to the comedy, this drama is actually hilarious and good for light-watching. Since the main setting of this drama is a gym, we can also see them trying to tackle issues like beauty standards, body-shaming, being underweight, etc. while still in the comedic context.

The main characters themselves are flawed individuals with kind of biased mindsets, so it's interesting to see their characters slowly grow too. Do Hyun-Joong is basically a fitness fanatic to whom all the problems in life can be solved by going to the gym. Your boyfriend doesn't like you? Workout. Can't stand up for yourself? Workout and gain muscles. Your toddler is too energetic? Workout and built stamina. Can't eat or sleep? You guessed it, the answer is always workout. As the story progresses, he slowly learns that not everything can be solved like that but at the same time, the viewers are also shown a subtle link that while working out doesn't make our problems go away, sometimes it gives us enough confidence and strength to face them. And this is reflected in Lee Miran's journey as she goes from working out for others to doing it for herself.

As for the romance, the english title is kind of misleading. The korean title '24 Hour Health Club' is more fitting as most of the story takes place in the context of gym, and romance is somewhat a subplot. It is gradual throughout the drama and develops mostly in the last few eps. But romantic or not, Lee Jun-Young and Jung Eun-Ji has really good chemistry and both their characters are crazy, hilarious and a compatible duo which makes them really fun to watch.

Overall, if you are looking for something light and fun to watch, this is definitely worth a shot.

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Revenge, obsession, and second chances

🌸 My Rubric-Based Rating – Story of Kunning Palace 🌸
(Using a 5–3–1 scale across 9 categories)

💖 Romance Quality
5 Perfect chemistry and satisfying development between Ning & Xie.
😄 Comedy
3 Some good comic relief (Fake Dingfei!), but not a central focus.
🧩 Plot/Intrigue
5 Well-crafted, emotionally complex, and full of satisfying twists.
🎵 Soundtrack
5 Memorable, haunting, and romantic—top-tier OST.
🏛 World-Building
3 Good palace intrigue, though not as deep as high fantasy.
👘 Visuals/Costume
5 Visually stunning with elegant styling and beautiful details.
📺 Binge Factor
5 Addictive pacing—absolutely stayed up for “just one more ep.”
🎭 Acting
5 Excellent range and nuance, especially from Zhang Ling He.
⚔️ Conflict
5 Creative, emotionally driven, and well-resolved.

🧾 Total: 41/45 → 🌟 Final MDL Rating: 9.1/10

Story of Kunning Palace had everything I love—intense romance, great acting, poetic justice, and a twisty, emotionally rich plot. Bai Lu and Zhang Ling He had incredible chemistry, and seeing ZLH in such a dark, yandere role was a treat. I loved all 3 love interests, and while the ending with Xie Wei made sense (and gave us that sweet wedding extra!), I still rooted for Zhang Zhe and Yan Lin at times. The side characters were strong, the villains were detestable, and the OST was bangin'. I only wish Fangyin had lived. Still, this was a beautifully written and satisfying drama from start to end. Tbh, it was the best thing for me to watch after Till the End of the Moon. It wasn't xianxia but it kept me invested and happy in the end!

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Love is always powerful!

What a drama! Really enjoy it.
Nice and Awesome
Emotional
"Whenever your heart calls me, I will come to you". Soo lovely phrase 💖, I hope I will come to you to my future Han Jun Hee 🥺💫.
Every scenes in every episodes counts and are important! So as to don't get mixed up!
1998, year I was born 🫶🏻. 9th May, where's my Walkman 😅, soo I can go back in time.

A well recommended kdrama, wish to have watch it in 2023, but it's okay.
Heartfelt, emotions
I wanted to watch it when it comes out, but always was pushing it, next time, also seeing the trailer back then, you were getting an idea how it will goes... BUT was going to that part however in a different way, was surprised while watching the episodes, what will happen next, is he/she that person, was she ill or something like losing memories!! That was not.
A more twisted story, you have to watch it for you to get your imagination twisted.
I didn't look at the reviews! Was only being thoughtful, is it like a drama what I was thinking of.
Finish it in 2 days, and happy also emotional, to have watched it!
It end well.

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Why?

I really don't get it. There was a time when one fantastic K-drama followed another, and these days, all I get is really good starts for the first few episodes, only to find myself annoyed and disappointed at around episodes 5 and after.
Same here.

This started promising, with rather nice and heartwarming storytelling, an idea of what might happen after death, and it had some great takes on what might come.
I first liked the idea that the writers acknowledged that pets might go to heaven too. I started to be bothered though as they only ever showed dogs, just once or twice a cat too for 30 seconds but there was never a follow-up. When they showed the rainbow bridge there was also only dogs, no cats, no other loved pets either.

Now having watched up to episode 7, it gets nonsensical for me. So, as there is talk about heaven and hell, and in that heaven there is only what seems to be a Christian church with a priest ( but nothing for any other faiths like Buddhism (which would make sense particularly for a Korean heaven) or any other possible faiths people might have followed while alive). Yet now we hear something about reincarnation doors. Not only does that not make any sense for the Christian faith, it also doesn't make sense to me that pure souls like those of dogs or cats would have to reincarnate , and they are told that they have to do so to one day become humans on earth themselves. In my personal opinon that would be a regression actually.

I also didn't like the fact that the dogs and cats in heaven had adult human form. If at all in human form it would suit the spirit of dogs much better to be shown as little, carefree childen, if at all in human form. So while there were some few good messages to actual pet owners watching this drama about their responsibilities, it just didn't ad up for me where they lead that part of the story meanwhile. And why would dogs have to go to human therapy sessions to be taught that natural dog behaviour is a bad and wrong thing?

Now for the humans: I get that this boss in heaven says that heaven is just a stage (which again contradicts that solely showing of this heaven being a Christian heaven) But our main FL having to meet her terrible mother-in-law again? How did an abusive mother-in-law get into heaven at all in the first place? Doesn't make sense to me. Also in the beginning they say that for meeting someone in heaven both parties have to consent to meeting each other prior, and our FL is now not asked and confronted with her terror-mother-in-law again even in that so called heaven and gets treated awful again? That is not heaven for sure. Also it totally contradicts the sequence in hell, where some schoolbully boys, (at least youngsters in their teens who, at least having the excuse of being very young and immature) go straight to hell for their bullying and burn in the everlasting fires, while a long adult, nasty bullying mother-in-law, who bullied her daughter-in-law all her adult life and enjoyed it, goes to heaven? Ok then ...Oo

Also the part of the story with Som-I? They drag it for way too long and now even start making it a potential cheating/affair story with the FL's husband? While before they say there is a special hell for adulterers? Also, how did Som-I get into heaven at all with no memory? How did she actually pass through that first office round where they ask everything (your name, your date of birth, and how old you want to appear in heaven) How did she get past that without answering anything? Who set her age for her if she didn't go through the first office? And she must have arrived there as the FL's husband was with her on the train, so she arrived at the very same spot all arrivals from the trains arrive. Some suggested Som-I is just a younger version of the FL - well, if so, why would her husband not have recognised her face in the train? Why would Sonya, the cat not have known immediately that Som-I is the very same person as the FL ? And so on... really sloppy writing from there already.

All in all though what I miss basically is the idea that in heaven (if there is such thing no matter for which faith) the souls, or spirits (or whatever you might call them) who go there should actually exist in some kind of elevated spiritual realm, where there is a higher conscience that frees them of human weaknesses and the miseries those weaknesses cause in humans' earthly lives.

But the way they show it there now is just no difference to earth at all, except for actual disadvantages in many aspects. Again, that would not be any kind of heaven I would imagine in any faith.
To me it seems they had some good initial ideas and started with those, maybe for the first few episodes, and then they started to just write along whatever came to them, maybe under time pressure, and not thinking about if it makes at all sense to what they set as frame in the first good few episodes.

I'll watch episode 8 tomorrow to see if they at least try to get back on any track with the storyline. If it gets even worse than episode 7 it'll be yet another drop for me.


Update: I drop this after episode 8. The storyline is totally ridiculous now. Christian churches and priests in heaven and then a boss of heaven who babbles about many lifetimes and reincarnation.

Not only that, the idea of reincarnation is showed so simplified and actually blames victims of any crime instead of the perpetrators. Following the logic of this show, it simply means (for example) that a 2-year-old girl who gets raped and brutally murdered by her own father is to blame herself because she did something bad in a prior life and so deserves this fate. I'm quite at a loss of words about this logic. Also this idea that blood-related families will have to meet over and over again in new life cycles - what a horrible thought for those children who have to endure careless, cruel, violent abusive and murdering parents. What a horrible thought that in this depicted 'heaven' they get only told that they have to meet these deranged foul souls over and over again, and there is no chance for them being reborn into good surroundings with DIFFERENT family member souls around them, an absolute, never-ending nightmare vision, that lacks any logic on top by the way. How should there be any possibility of progress in several life cycles, if a tortured child is reborn to the be the torturer instead? Which would mean, in the next life cycle the same soul would have to suffer terribly again for sinning in the last life and there would never be a possibility to break this negative cycle for anyone included.

This show should even have a severe trigger warning for people with PTSD, traumatic family histories and depression caused by family matters. What a load of....!

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Why I dont pay too much attention to reviews

I am glad I chose to watch this series even though the reviews weren't great. I thoroughly enjoyed this series.
Was it the best? By no means. Was there way too much miscommunication? Yupppppp. And I agree where a couple reviews mentioned the flashbacks. Yes, they were annoying.
But all in all, I just enjoyed it for what it was. I thought the production was good, the acting was good, and I liked the story. Personally, im so used to the miscommunication plot angle I barely let it bother me anymore. Every drama i watch could be over in 2 episodes if there was communication. Im glad it was 8 episodes. Anymore and it would have bothered me and ruined the series.
I know everyone has an opinion and thats what makes it so great. My opinion is just give the series a chance. It might surprise you. 😊

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=> Good series, not exciting, but interesting.

Good historical drama / Romance / Investigation

PLOT: The FL, a courtesan, escapes from the brothel by becoming an informant (and helping to solve the case) for the local magistrate (ML2). She ends up becoming a constable in his team. She meets the ML (a wealthy, spoiled, and carefree young nobleman) whom her father sent away to mature. He falls in love at first sight, but the FL & ML2 (engaged to the daughter of a governor) have developed feelings over the course of their investigations. In addition, a powerful and twisted character (Qin Yi) has long had his sights set on the FL... They'll all be caught in a whirlwind of plots, twists, and power struggles.

+++ A very good CL, endearing.
+++ A talented cast (including the Great Villain, who is as perverse and twisted as you can get).
+++ Superb production, with realistic costumes, sets, hairstyles, behaviors, etc.
+++ OSTs very well suited to the emotions conveyed.

### A few lengths, and the series isn't really addictive.

=> Good series, not exciting, but interesting.
*******************************************************
Bon drama historique / Rom / Investigation

PLOT: La FL, courtisane, s'échappe du bordel en devenant informatrice (et en aidant à résoudre le cas) du magistrat local (ML2). Elle finit par devenir constable dans sa team. Elle rencontre le ML (jeune noble fortuné, gâté et insouciant) que son père a envoyé mûrir en voyage. Il a le coup de foudre, mais la FL & le ML2 (fiancé à la fille d'1 gouverneur) ont dvlpé des sentiments au fil des enquêtes. De +, 1 puissant (Qin Yi) tordu a des vues depuis longtps sur la FL ... Ils vont ts être pris ds 1 tornade de complots, twists, ... ds les luttes de pouvoir.

+++ Un très bon CL, attachant.
+++ Un cast talentueux (mm le Great Villain, qui est pervers, tordu à souhait).
+++ Superbe réalis°, avec costumes, décors, coiffures, comportements par // au statut, ... réalistes.
+++ OSTs très adaptées aux émotions transmises.

### Qq longueurs & la série n'est pas vraiment addictive.

=> Bonne série, pas passionnante, mais intéressante.

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Will always have a special place in my heart.

It was a beautiful journey right from the first ep to the last. I laughed when the characters were silly, I cried when they were in pain, I was determined towards my aim watching the characters strive for their future, I was motivated by their avidity for their passion and learnt what it actually means to be happy. This drama went right through my heart.
The ending hit me with a strong message that the awful and joyous times we experience in life will be a precious memory in the future and it will complete our life, eventually.

I like how the story goes back and forth from the present to the past and vice versa. It makes the storytelling more engaging. Sometimes, this way of storytelling also leaves a remarkable takeaway for me; don’t worry too much, the sadness/mistakes we make today will going to be just okay someday and we’ll learn something from it.

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ML/ FL live lonely obedient life , until they saw something worth living for and dying for.Love

Chemistry between ML & FL - wow. It escalates, episodes 15-17 are such a cute rewatch.
You can really feel two wise characters who had to develop cunning personalities to survive cruel world they live in. Fighting against suppressing surrounding, and growing feelings that will lead them into love that is a danger for both of their lives. I love it when she tries to take his notorious double blade sword from him, and she then plays timid. And he says: "You are the only one who ever tried to take it from me.." There are many rewatch worthy, quote worthy moments. And in episode 16 you finally get to see unveiling of their true feeling, and freedom that comes from being who you are, and lovering your guard.

I don't understand background/culture/politics/ private life of actors, and I see there's a lot of controversy. in the comment section. And i think that is what affected such a low rating. But for me who don't know much about the cast, and politics, all I see is two people each with their own agenda, smart, capable, ML dangerous, FL witty, playing along the rules, to survive.... He didn't have ambitions to usurp the throne, although he had every capacity, smarts and ability to do so. She didn't want power, although she could have become empress, the most noble woman in the world.
Both of them in their lonely obedient life , until they saw something worth living for and dying for. Love.
Then suddenly they start rejecting anything power could give, for simple life of love.
The ending is so perfect. So metaphorical.

Also, if you love Wang He Di, he just shines in this one. He is brilliant in this dual character, the most dangerous person of empire, then loosing his ratio and taking risks that will keep you on your toes.
First half is enemies to lovers.
Second half is seeing super smart person escaping death every second. For love.

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Hilarious Over the Top Comedy

This show is an absolute gem — it's still airing, but it's already one of the funniest series I've seen in a long time. Packed with clever slapstick humor and over-the-top gags that are clearly meant to be taken lightly, it manages to be both ridiculous and genuinely clever at the same time. The comedic timing is sharp, and the physical humor lands every time.

What really sets it apart, though, is the cast of characters. They're not just punchlines or caricatures — each one feels distinct, with real personality and surprising depth beneath the surface. As absurd as the situations get, the character work keeps you invested.

If you're looking for something that can make you laugh out loud while still feeling connected to the people on screen, this one's worth your time. Highly recommend keeping up with it as it airs!

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Leaves you wanting more

Overall, I enjoyed this miniseries. Really loved the black comedy vibes.

That being said, a lot of background and foundational info was missing from the story that I would have liked and that ending sent me! Rarely do I say a show needs more episodes but this is the 2nd one I've watched this year that maybe needed 10 eps. Hopefully, there is a 2nd season.

I thought it was an interesting take on the child solider being trained assassins trope. And I understood Yeong Su's motivations and how she wanted a "normal family". It's a terrible thing to grow up they way they did. Then we find that out at the end and I was like OMFG!!! WHAT!! She did that to Cheol Hui....GOODNESS!! I liked the twins as well and that Ji Woo developed as a character. She understood why they had to sacrifice so much.

The best thing though, for me, was that all those horrible people got some of the best punishments being doled out in a series that I have ever seen.

I have never see Bae Doo Na in anything else but she was so good in this that I will seek her other work out.

5/10/25

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DEEP NIGHT: A UNIQUE CONCEPT BUT LACKING SOMETHING

Deep Night follows the story of Wela, a uni student secretly working as an escort at a fancy club. While Khemthis is the son of the club’s owner. The concept is actually pretty cool and unique and kind of grounded—but honestly, it felt a bit surface-level. Like, something was missing. I was hoping for more emotional depth, so I didn’t enjoy it as much as I thought I would.

The chemistry between the leads was alright, but it didn’t really blow me away. And not gonna lie, Khemthis kind of got on my nerves—he was always getting jealous every time Wela had a client. It felt repetitive and a bit over the top.

What I did really like, though, was how open-minded the show was, especially with the throuple relationship between Seije, Japan, and Ken. It’s not something you see a lot in BLs, and it was refreshing to have that kind of representation.

Overall, Deep Night is definitely unique, but I kind of felt like I was pushing myself to finish it.

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Medical crime thriller done right

Hyper Knife is a medical crime thriller that follows Jung Se-ok, a once-brilliant neurosurgeon stripped of her license who now conducts unlicensed operations in the shadows. When some of her more immoral actions makes her former mentor, Choi Deok-hee, resurface, a lethal duel of wills ignites—part surgical showcase, part psychological warfare. Anchored by intense lead performances, stylish visuals, and ethical quandaries that blur medicine and revenge, the eight-episode series delivers a compelling, if occasionally uneven, viewing experience.
I must say that Park Eun-bin’s portrayal of the abrasive yet driven Se-ok anchors the series; she conveys both cold determination and buried vulnerability in each scene. Opposite her, Sul Kyung-gu’s is equally magnetic—his icy arrogance and simmering regret create palpable tension whenever he’s onscreen. If the plot wasn't what keeps you going their performance and on-screen chemistry definitely makes you stay. Its psychodrama leans into mentor-protégé dynamics, betrayal, and ethical ambiguity—each episode ratchets up the emotional stakes as the surgical skill becomes both a weapon and salvation for all.
I can't recommend it enough.

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