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kdramajudge
Yohan Gaon fandom
As the title stated, the highlight of this show is the musical and fantasy aspects. I enjoyed those musical performances, especially The Curse of Asphalt I think it’s a masterpiece. The cast, especially the Sung Eun & Chang Wook, delivered strong performances. Ji Chang Wook as Ri Eul looks weirdly charming with his eccentric look and his shady & a bit creepy behavior. The songs I enjoyed most are the ones performed by Ri Eul himself. As his power is reality-altering, Ri Eul performing the magic, singing and dancing matches well with him as a magician. However, I found his backstory was underwhelming and wish there is a satisfying closure for him, but for what he was given, he played his part really well. I think our female lead Sung Eun has a better arc. Her encounter with Ri Eul leads to her emotional transformation and I love seeing it. Overall, I like this drama for all its' fantastic visuals and the unique experience that is rare in kdramaland.
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you can find me on instagram @kdramajudge
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Kim Woon Bin shone among the mess of this melodrama
Shin Joon Young (Kim Woo Bin) and Noh Eul (Bae Suzy) were high school sweethearts who broke up but reunite years later as an idol actor and a filmmaker. As they work together filming his documentary, Joon Young endeavors to mend their relationship and win her heart back.This is not really a romance, rather a potential romance with a melodramatic back story turns into a revenge mission. I found this revenge plot was really dull and not thrilling, but I watched it to the end for Joon Young. If someone can get crowned for portraying a terminally ill person, Kim Woo Bin deserves it! I think his character could easily be messed up due to over-the-top drama, but he played the charming jerk persona of Joon Yeong just perfectly, from confident smirk to ugly tears to polarizing breakdown due to his growing illness, how heartbreaking and believable.
Though his story was so sad, I did not cry the whole time watching this. How come? I felt annoyed with No Eul and her motivation, she's a hassle and keep making reckless decisions. This is not to fault Suzy because she has great chemistry with Woo Bin. It's her character I couldn't sympathize with despite her struggles. Finally, it was a good ending, it felt justified and concluded. Something that I've been missing a lot in dramas in these recent years.
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It's heavy on the politics, but the smart leads kept me excited.
Blood Free (BF) is a biotech company that has dominated the lab-grown meat market. Despite its' success, this movement is considered controversial and has put the CEO Yoon Ja Yoo (Han Hyo Joo) at risk to some opposing threats. Woo Chae Woon (Ju Ji Hoon) is recruited as her bodyguard, but with a mission to bring her down.The sci-fi aspect and the politics were complicated and not that exciting to me, and I wasn't fully drawn by the first impression of the leads. Later, their dynamic becomes much more interesting. Both Ja Yoo and Chae Woon have mutual goodwill but haunted by their past, that keep each other distant. They both are smart and excel in their solitude. Ja Yoo is awesome! Even as she is caught off guard and injured, she is unshaken. Her thoughts and decisions kept me rooting for her win. I don't quite understand Chae Woon since he's hard to read, but his action was daring he kept me engaged.
Pacing-wise, this is fast, we don’t catch a break until the last episode, where I felt is losing momentum, and it ends a bit creepy. But I have to say it’s a great experience overall. The consistent elevated stake was suspenseful, thrilling, and the twists were unpredictable.
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Their emotion means so much to me! T.T Don't be skeptical with the ratings.
After a break-up, Ritzu (Honda Kyoya) gets into an accident that makes him forget about his ex-boyfriend, Fumiya (Suzuki Kosuke). Wanting to help him recover and start their relationship over from scratch, Fumiya resumes their cohabitation while hiding the fact that they were dating and broke up. He gets anxious when Ritzu starts to remember their past. Will the painful memory returns and will they be able to overcome it?This is amazing! Oh my heart, each moment was so well set-up and well-acted, not just by the leads, but also the brother and special star for the angelic-neighbor. The stand-out was definitely the leads performance, their emotion made me felt so much! Fumiya's flashback and his yearning was very touching, his flaws felt so relatable. Ritzu successfully made me cry sobbing, after months of not crying over dramas (that I thought I get numb). The chemistry was magnetic every time they're on screen together. On top of that, they had their spicy moments within the story, I can't be more grateful.
I've watched a lot of BLs from different countries, definitely this is a standout. It was gripping from the first scene, with conflict and tension. The internal struggle was fleshed out in a perfect pace. Just the dialogues felt a bit heavy-handed in the final, but I absolutely love how it ends. Plus, it was beautifully shot, with soft music, and the cozy sets made me miss Japan so much! >_< This review ended up becoming so personal, which only happens when I got so invested. Already rewatching the 6 episodes. Truly Recommend!!! Thanks for reading!
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May 2024
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Lacking in plot development and character motivation
Queen of Tears is story of Hyun Woo & Hae In's unhappy marriage life, threatened by chaebols and Hae In's fatal illness. A classic soapy melodrama, with star-studded ensemble cast and cameos. The production quality is top, with the stylish wardrobes, wonderful scenery and romantic OSTs. However, the execution was not up to the par.The first 2 episodes set the story quite well, but they didn't make their characters' motivations sensible. At least give a reason to make me believe why their relationship was failing, instead of crying too much and lack of communication. Really, most of their conversations were ended by crying or fighting to the point I got numb. I was bored with the villains' suspenseless and super slow scheming. By the end it gets ridiculous with all the cliché tropes shoehorned. What ended up to be the most anticipated scenes was the cute auntie Beom Ja's romance, it's fluffy & gave off immense heart-fluttering moments. Overall, the flaws of the drama amounts to my disappointments.
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April 2024, Find me on instagram: @kdramajudge
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Great acting but not gripping enough
Na Moon Young’s (Lee Bo Young) husband, Cha Sung Jae (Lee Moo Saeng), goes missing and is discovered to have died in a car crash, leaving problems to his family. The more Moon Young investigates her husband's past, the more conflicting stories are revealed, leaving her unsure of whom to trust.The first two episodes sets up a good momentum; it was intriguing with the fast-paced plot. It was thrilling when most characters were suspicious, that I couldn't trust anyone besides Moon Young. It was also nice to see Moon Young was a strong female lead who fights back with her smart and cheeky moves, that led towards few satisfying winnings for her early on. But with that early twists, the suspense plateaued it was not exciting anymore. Every moment, every motion that the characters made, it was obvious on how everything was going to work out, even if there was some major twists. I'm tired with the plot and I'm tired with everything that happens around the husband. Despite everyone's great performance, I did not connect at all with any of the characters. In the end, I don't think it was worth it for all the predictability and tropes.
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Yuan & Qian is each other's home
Wei Qian (Chris Chiu) was the breadwinner of himself and his sister. One day, he took a pity on a homeless boy, Zhi Yuan (Kurt Huang), and welcomed him to his home. Qian & Yuan gets united in a family-bond, but overtime Yuan starts falling for Qian. It's hard to confess their feelings but it's impossible to hide it. Will there be a chance for them be together as lovers?Although coming from a poor background, Qian didn't hesitate to embrace the homeless Yuan, that, I found interesting. Both Qian & Yuan were dealing with harsh realities and it’s heartwarming to see them find solace in their found family. I like their give & take relationship, as Yuan was not only be grateful and receiving, but he tries to contribute to the family’s income, moreover fills the loneliness in Qian's heart. Though I wish he was a bit more straightforward, I completely root for him. It was cute watching him starts crushing on Qian and clings to him.
The acting was good, especially Kurt Huang who played Yuan really shines in his performance! His emotional burst was so profound, also his gaze and weariness of his unspoken feelings makes this drama much more compelling, along with the beautiful OST. Through the beautiful lyrics of the songs I felt the leads' burden. I don't get why the premise and characters emphasize their relationships as brothers turning into forbidden love as they’re not related by blood anyway. It feels unnecessarily conflicting. What I didn't enjoy was the gangster part that felt jarring, like watching another drama. Nevertheless, the finale was great, makes it worth every moment!
April 2024,
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A refreshing slice-of-life take on high school romance!
When Chinzhilla band is threatened to get disbanded by the student body president, Tinn (Gemini Norawit Titicharoenrak), the lead singer of the band, Gun (Fourth Nattawat Jirochtikul) is desperate to save his band. Unknown to Gun, Tinn has a secret crush on him and Tinn soon learns that Chinzhilla has a rule that the band members aren't permitted to date until they win the Hot Wave Music Contest – so Tinn becomes supportive of the band and will do whatever it takes to make Gun fall for him!This show gave me all sort of entertaining jokes. It was funny, slap-stick, silly, cute, swoony, and just a bit of cringy. The plot is simple but the execution is refreshing that it's surprisingly hooking. The whole cast were so expressive and lively, some of the scenes were them imagining, dreaming or reenacting some situation, these scenes were ha ha hilarious! XD. It got a bit mundane in some serious aspects but for the most part was still very entertaining and fun.
Despite the premise hinting enemies to lovers, the enemies part were very mild and brief... The relationship progression of Tinn and Gun was healthy and innocent. They embrace first loves awkwardly, but always support each other through all their ups and downs. Their flirting was so cute and making me wish they went a bit spicier. Yes, this drama is not spicy, not that I mind it as I'm satisfied with their romance. Also, they have the most adorable wingman, Thiu! That's another plus point about this series, that each character was appreciated and wholesome.
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Oh No Here Comes Trouble takes the theme of people's inner struggle towards loss and how to deal with it. The best part of this series for me was the three lead's friendships; Yi Yong, Guang Yan and Chu Ying. Their distinct personalities which seem to not match well at first develops into an understanding and faith. Yi Yong being the most empathic, Guang Yan - smart and genuine, and Chu Ying driven and motivated, perfectly balance one another and ultimately become the heart of this drama. This only thing I couldn't vibe with them was the deadpan humor that didn't feel that funny to me.
The episodic ghosts stories were entertaining and heartfelt, with good backstories... but this episodic nature becomes a double-edged sword because it takes out my focus to the main overarching plotline, as in I did not feel the angst or the curiosity to know what happen or to watch the next episode. Nevertheless, the reveal in the end was great and it was a beautiful healing journey.
April 2024,
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For me, Tang Ying and Xu Qi Zhuan's relationship journey is the highlight of this series. It's mature, honest, witty and thoughtful. From the start, their chemistry was fireworks. Even when problems and discomforts arise, there was no frustrating misunderstandings because they talk things through and had honest conversations, learning more to love each other for who they are while being together.
Along with the romance, this workplace drama has a lot of office dynamics portraying what lies behind the façade of seemingly high-performing professionals, the lies people tell others and themselves to get through their struggles. I like the message that they try to deliver and that it drives our characters to grow personally and professionally, but I wish the office plot moved bit faster or had more hijinks. Often, I just want to see our the leads flirt together again.
Another highlight is the jazzy & city-pop OST. The music is so calming and get me in the chill mood, it made me feel that everything will be alright. Overall, thanks to the couple I had fun watching it, and it's now on my short list of memorable romcom dramas!^^
April 2024
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Such a short & charming drama, surprisingly educational
Dan Bi (Kim Seul Gi), a senior high school student who is losing her motivation to study ends up time-travelling to the Joseon period at the day of her college test. She appears right in front of the palace royalties who were desperately calling for the rain. The King (Yoon Doo Joon) gets intrigued by her presence and knowledge, so they made a deal in order to make it possible for her to go back.It's an easy drama to get through. Perfect for days when you don't feel like watching anything or don't know what to watch next. I enjoyed the comedy, the romance and character arcs, it's very satisfying and made me so happy, lol ^-^ The time travelling aspect is simple, the couple get to know each other naturally, it happens exactly how I want it; strong chemistry, fun banter, with cute classic cliché scenes. No palace intrigue as there's no time for that, but it's surprisingly educational. There was a hint of history woven holistically and that's a high-quality storytelling not to miss. Like I mentioned, it's short, only two episodes, so practically a movie. In case you're curious, it's really worth checking out!
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The genre shift was jarring, but it made me feel all the emotions.
Dong Gu is a North Korean spy who has been dispatched to South Korea, living a small-town life as an idiot country bumpkin, along with his other two comrades who live as an aspiring singer and a high school student. One day after years have passed with no order from the North, a sudden power shift in the North turned their mundane lives upside down."Secretly, Greatly" is a mixed bag. It starts out ridiculously foolish and funny... It's not until the midway point, that it turns into a spy action movie with an intense twist, none of those joyfulness was meant to last. Although this tone shift was jarring, it made me feel all the emotions, all the way to the end. The comedic and fight scenes were impactful and well-choreographed. Some of the jokes were so embarrassing that I feel bad for the actors, and there were times when I thought the stabbing/shooting went over-the-top. For the most part, though, it was entertaining. There were also some touching moments between Dong Gu and the villagers. The ending was really dramatic and memorable.
I never imagine Kim Soo Hyun could pull-off such gritty action sequences but wow, I was blown away! He was awesome fighting in his army uniform, and shirtless too! His acting ranges really the highlight of this movie. If you want to be gripped by his performance, I would recommend it.
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Recommended if you like action, good acting and good villains
To execute his revenge, Bong Sang Pil (Lee Joon Gi) becomes a lawyer. With the cunning and skills from his gangster upbringing, he arises to become one of the highest winning rate attorneys of the country. A disbarred attorney Ha Jae Yi joins him and together, they are involved in the dangerous game of trying to expose the corrupt people in power.Lawless Lawyer has a lot of action, comedy, and a hint of romance that developed quite fast. The premise about underdog heroes who have tragic pasts caused by corrupt people in power is quite familiar and there was not much unpredictable plot twists. While the story may not be entirely new; the non-stop action scenes were very entertaining, sometimes very funny. It has enough suspenseful moments and sweet romantic moments to keep me watching.
Every cast did a really good job, Lee Joon Gi gave a boost to Bong Sang Pil not only through his amazing action but also the micro gestures, his acting is just brilliant. And although I think Seo Yea Ji's character was too exaggerated, she perfectly embodied Ha Jae Yi that she disappeared into her role. Choi Min Soo was another highlight, as the slimy-underworld-crime-boss-turned-politician, he brought Ahn Oh Joo character to life, whose actions you both love and hate. Overall, I enjoyed it, this one is not a disappointment.
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great story, great lessons and great acting!
A genius profiler Lee Hyun (Seo In Guk) returns to South Korea after an anonymous email about a criminal case triggers memories of his childhood trauma. One of his team members, Detective Cha Ji An (Jang Nara) has “stalked” him since childhood and is suspicious of him as her life was also turned upside down by the same criminal. As they investigate the case, they realize that the truth is not far from the unresolved mysteries of their past.This drama is a good combination if you want a crime drama shrouded with intriguing mysteries around genius characters, without a lot of stress. It was suspenseful at times, but the romance and quirky sound effects lightens the mood. Personally, I did not like the music, but it's not a big deal as I'm invested already. The storytelling was great, as in character's backstories were established well, without revealing too much and as the story goes, it fleshes out the complexity of each character. The twists was paced equally, keeping the momentum alive to the end.
Beyond the crime-thriller aspect, I love how it covers friendships, family love and such a heartwarming brotherhood. The other highlight is Park Bo Gum's character, I've only seen him in romantic roles, and here he was very complex and his expressiveness was outstanding! Seo In Guk and Jang Nara were great too, good chemistry and good teamwork. all in all, great story and acting. Another one I recommend!
- Yovita, Mar 2024
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from fun to being overly dramatic
Na Ah Jung (Jeon Jong Seo) works as a guest actress, playing various background roles. She has a gay friend Lee Do Han (Kim Do Han), whom she has known for 15 years. When Do Han needs a wife to appease his family, he asks Ah Jung to be his wife for 3 years. Do Han’s younger brother, Lee Ji Han (Moon Sang Min), is against this plan as he wants his brother to marry for a corporate alliance. Thus, he tries every way to break up their wedding, one being to make her fall in love with him. Ji Han and Ah Jung hate each other at first, but as he's trying, seems like he's the one who starts falling in love...It started out exciting, I was impressed with the actress Jeon Jong So who played Ah Jung, she's feisty, capable and independent. Her friend/enemy banter with Dohan and Ji Han is great. Their relationships development is comedic and chaotic. Lee Ji Han’s motive didn’t make much sense to me from the start, but it's fine as there were a lot of good stuffs.
However, the character I'm most curious about is Lee Do Han, as an openly gay man. It was intriguing when he’s introduced, but as the story goes, I'm disappointed with the lack of importance given to his character traits.
Frankly, it gets frustrating when the conflict starts. it’s hard to understand why the leads’ react so dramatically and how they made certain choices. Last four episodes were messy, and practically resolved(?!) Well, the cameo saves the ending... XD Glad it's only 12 episodes!
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