This should have been a 10-12 episode series

Loved the actors/actresses. Very well cast. Story - pretty good but, what is very clear is that they ran out of material and had to keep finding ways to drag this out to sixteen episodes. What you will find - while watching this drama - is that everything they do takes longer than it should. And, many things happen for writing convenience sake...example: Small town. Only three ways out of the area. They make it a point to say there are only three ways out. Bad guy gets fingered and chase ensues - the cars are never out of each other's site but, after a cutaway to another scene - magically, the bad guy was able to completely lose the police and have time to park his car and run away - to the point the police just announce - "He got away." Ugh.

At episode 13 I found myself getting so frustrated with the feet dragging and the drawing out of every story line, I skipped right to episode 16 to see how it all wrapped up. The only thing I missed (but, predicted) was the death of a major character. Didn't miss a thing.

This would be a good drama for people who understand Korean and can do something else while it is on. For those of us that need the subtitles and need to pay attention - you will find yourself fast forwarding or, getting distracted by things around you.

Love the plot twist. Love how they tied everything up. Just wish they would have got the train to the station earlier.

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Better than you think...Very well done.

I really liked this series. And, I scored it higher than other reviews basically, because I went into it without expectations. After watching Be Mine Superstar, I have been searching out the First/Ja titles to see how they work together. I loved finding the audition scenes posted on TikTok. And, I noticed after finishing the series this evening - the Viki viewers averaged a higher score than, the MyDrama reviewers. Curious as to why.

This is a down to earth series showing a group of friends from elementary school age through college and beyond. Done well enough to keep your interest and they take the time to develop the characters just enough so, you care. With so many cast members and the usual stumbles in the writing/directing department - we always wish for more. Give us the beautiful work of Our Dating Sims where the extra characters are there just to balance the story and never take your focus on the main characters.

This director held the camera on the characters far too long in too many scenes. Okay...we get it...he's sad...move on! But, it is forgivable. Time passing is handled so badly. Em and Name spend the night in the same bedroom and as they fall to sleep - they are awkwardly holding hands. The next scene has them in the same bed together - Em waiting for Name to wake up. Okay. But, wait! This is a completely different day. What the H E double hockey sticks happened? This happens often during the series. Pay attention - you can catch the timeline - though, frustratingly handled by bad editing.

Agree with most of the other reviews. Spend another $1.98 and have another song added to the OST. There were some scenes where the words fit in an almost comical way - not intended - the lazy sound person would just press play and leave the room. REALLY hate the preschool background music they use for most of the production. Just awful. I had to turn the volume down to 4 and thank the gods for subtitles in too many scenes.

Name's arc was satisfying. I loved that they showed his near attempt at suicide when he thought his only friend had abandoned him. When you live in fear and only have people around you tell you to get over it - nothing changes. You really feel lost. When he thought Em had just used him and grown tired of him - what else could he do? And, then - to deal with his Mom collapsing - that scene where he lays on the ground and just gives up is near perfect. And, I love how their little group - parents and all stay together and support each other.

I like that this is just a normal BL. People get together - their friends love that they are happy - life goes on. Golf's parents are wonderful. When the dad wanted them to hold hands was so cute. They were just happy their son found someone to love. And, I love their shyness. So real. And, I thought how they handled Golf's issues were so well done. I know that look when someone does wrong and then, comes into the room being overly happy to conceal what an ass they have been. Evading looking at people, the smile, talking about everything but, being late...handled really well. And, while I thought it was lazy - I didn't mind how quickly they got back together. It should have gone on for a few days longer of Golf being a bit more sorry and tormented at what he had done over the course of many months.

Em's arc was a bit of a mystery. Was he fighting his feelings while in school? Was he feeling overwhelmed? Why he did the things he did seemed more mean than to help. So, I held my breath in many scenes with Name because I felt he was going to hurt him again. It was hard to believe his sincerity when he came to offer support when Name's mother collapsed. But, after that moment - his character never waivered. I grew to appreciate that and his character.

Champ - boy - that was hard to watch. You really hurt with him and thank goodness - he finally let go. What a great way to handle the whole wedding day. Appreciated that detail as well.

Give this one a chance and be patient - it is worth the wait. And, one little tidbit I want you to notice - you never see a straight couple kiss. I can't even remember a hug. They save those kisses and embraces for the BL couples. Cute.

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Why wasn't the Music/Soundtrack Person fired?

I understand the heavy handed way many rom-coms use their soundtrack - background music - but, the person who was on Dinosaur Love was either on something or, is mentally unbalanced. Dear gawd why did they think that preschool music background was appropriate for 80 percent of the production?? It got to the point that I had to turn the volume down to level 4 - barely hearing it but, still feeling like I was part of not just watching it with subtitles to keep myself from throwing something at the screen. And, I found the OST main song to be way too similar to other productions. Because of its style and familiarity, I just started ignoring it. Give us something stronger like we here in A Tale of 1000 stars.

I noticed the subtitle group does not know the difference between someone sighing and signing. Every time someone mentioned the other person's sighs - it shows up as signs. But, that is forgivable - and you get used to it.

Don't look for continuity. Dropped storylines. Disposable characters. Bad editing. It's all there. I appreciate the respect and waiting for consent. He needs it after Mek messed with him so much.

The acting is strong enough to carry everyone through all the episodes. And, you do care about a few of the characters. Some - you wish could be better developed but, it wasn't on the writer's minds and the director wasn't paying attention.

This particular series seems to pay attention to its larger - female audience and discounts any feelings or, connections a young man may be looking for. They can understand being abused by bullies and controlling partners. They may be able to connect with absentee parents. I love that they have given everyone a safe group of friends (very important during high school and college years). And, I appreciate that while they kept selling the series as uncut on the platform - it meant nothing when it came to actual content. If you aren't quite sure what that means - watch Big Dragon The Series with Yai and Mangkorn.

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Not as Bad as Some Say...

I liked this one. I understood why the characters acted the way they did. And, with similar interests (arts) and not really moving from their birthplaces - it is easy to understand why they kept running into each other.

I appreciated his growth. Keeping people at bay his entire life, when he finally admitted to himself that he liked someone - he didn't know what to do. Too much pride to ask anyone and too scared to risk being rejected. Loved his honesty. Her growth was well done. It took her time to get a backbone and start to fight back. To decide not to be a doormat takes time.

The parents? Understandable. Dad finally got it. He thought he had a chance to start over and she thought she was finally set free. I agree they should have divorced sooner. I appreciated the Dad's attempts at reconciliation with the son but, I would have been the same - thanks but, no thanks.

You need a triangle to create tension in the relationships. So, understood why we had the CEO involved. I will be happy to see how these last few episodes go.

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Loved this series.

So well put together. You really get to hate him at the beginning and as the first episodes unfold - you'll find yourself getting anxious about if she will start to like him too early. He is so good at being bad that you fear anything good will be taken away the next time he is angry. That is good writing and great acting.

I don't want to dive into any of the details since so many other reviewers do that well so, I will just stick with that it is something to put and leave in your watch list. You will have favorite moments and go back to them often.

A little side note. In some dramas you can tell the actors/actresses aren't in to each other in the kissing scenes. They are just going through the motions. Not these two - the little details in how they kiss are perfect. Think Korean Odyssey when they kiss each other in the library or, when they finally spend a night together - those kisses/moments are perfect. Same with this series. They are trying so hard not to fall in love but, just can't help it.

You will enjoy this one.

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Great concept - Binged it - Rewatch? Yes.,..but,

Spoilers - but, maybe it will help you follow and figure it out.

Binged this because there was enough detail to make this an interesting and compelling series. But, with the choices made by the writers/director - it created issues that will have you reaching for the fast forward button - often.

With any time travel story - you will have issues. People still argue the existence of the pocket watch in Somewhere In Time (a movie you see on the shelf at the DVD store in this series). Where did the watch come from - originally - if the person from the past gets it from the person from the future but, the person from the future got it from the person from the past - in the present? See what I mean?

We see the DVD store owner becomes integral to the story. He initiates the contact and allows it to unfold - each time (three times). He is always there for guidance - a wonderful mentor/guide. He even makes a decision when the characters finally get it right.

Here's the issue...because we have been fed so much information, when the story moves through the second phase - we already know the outcome - there are almost entire episodes that are a waste of your time. Does it really matter that we get to see their relationship develop when we know the outcome? And, while I understand a time traveler choosing a moment - why wait until a week before the event to make an appearance? Love and sacrifice are already established and understood.

I would have preferred to see where Ongsa went before Suansoon rejoins the present than to see the relationship develop - in detail - the second time (a given that could have been handled with references and a few flashbacks). Create a story where we want to follow what everyone is doing. Not waiting while they have their five minute stares at each other while the soundtrack plays.

Spend less time in phase two and expand phase three/the end. I loved how every character realized that they went through this before but, couldn't quite put their finger on it. Let's see more of that.

I really liked this series for going so deeply into a thought/story that others have not gone before. Would love to see this done by the Koreans with their larger budgets and stronger writers.

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What a great series!

Love Masaki Suda in this series. When he makes his curry before going on his date and then processes that this is going to be a date - I have shown that scene to so many people. Always makes me laugh.

Love his character. Love the attention to detail. Love the stories and how they all tie together. I won't bog you down with a detailed analysis but, I will say that I keep this in my watchlist so, I can go back to it often whenever I need a Sherlock Holmes type fix. My favorite episode is when he encounters the bomber who has temporary amnesia - so well done.

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Very well done - relatable - enjoyable

Update: I have seen this three times now. I still love it. My only qualm is that there is an appearance that the ML likes guys because of the trauma he went through. That is a dangerous road to travel and feeds into the nonsense that there is some choice involved. Forgivable but, would have liked to have some of the lines altered to show that what he felt younger was confirmed after working with him so closely. What saves it is how much they always care for each other - and - it feels real.

I thought this one was very well written. Also, no real wasted time on sideline stories. The extra "stuff" always supports the main story. I loved and appreciated how the Mother had a believable transformation. Time and seeing for herself was all she needed. I could and most likely will - watch this again when I am in the mood for a story of two polar opposites finding what they need in each other. And, finding out that they are worthy of love - loving others and well as learning to love themselves.

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Great to watch with your finger on the fast forward button

I actually liked/loved the characters enough to stick with the whole series. For an English speaker - it was tough only getting translations of what was said - nothing written was ever translated but, I would eventually, be able to figure it out.

I agree with many reviews in that Pat took too long to mature. For being a 25-26 year old there were times his actions mirrored childlike. Understandable for someone who was babied/coddled but, when you enter the workforce - you do need to take steps to grow past your safety zones. The writing reflected the times - they mentioned safe zones many times.

I agree the writing was a little off. Plot points were introduced and never followed up on. The whys and hows of character choices were never fully explained. Side characters remained blank canvases and only used when needed. Many times you will find yourself asking "Who is that?".

I appreciated the reality of the whole story. Controlling Dad finally realizes he can't control his son but, has nothing against him - dad even mentions his performance for the past two years has been near flawless. It was a nice shot of him throwing away his son's resignation and basically, letting him do what he wants - relationship wise. The mother appeared to like Jaab over Jeng though, that is never explained.

Being a standard BL - you can fast forward through the fluff and waste of time scenes. So predictable and just by paying attention as you zip through the scenes - you can still see what is happening and not miss a thing. Overall, I really loved the characters enough to where I will be watching favorite scenes/episodes again.

I loved when Jeng is slowly watching and paying attention to everything Pat likes and dislikes. His reaction to Pat not liking the shrimp nuggets is perfect. For someone who loves to cook and wants to share his creations - it goes to your soul when you want someone to like what you prepared. It bothers him so much, he changes the recipe so, Pat would be able to eat if ever offered again. I have watched the submitting the peer review to the scenes of them working together several times - they are real enough to completely believe.

Again, worth a watch but, don't feel bad for fast forwarding through the things you don't like. I am not a fan of screaming queens - never have been. I can't even stand to watch that horror film Mama Mia - even with the Abba music as bait.

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Wasn't sure what I was going to say...

I read a very positive review before writing this because, I wasn't sure how to approach this series. We do get a sense of timeline based on the length of stay Nubsib is going to be a roommate. But, I still had to wonder why they had to make Gene's character so continuously abrasive. If more people would have reminded him to back off a little or, to apologize when mean - it would have been easier to connect with him earlier in the series.

This series is pretty well written. Because it is mentioned so much - without looking to the credits - I have been trying to guess if this was written by a woman or, a man or, a collaboration. I can usually tell it is a woman when they have the gay character make it sound like they are gay just for one person and are deciding at that very moment. There are so few BLs out there that show that those feelings and whom you are drawn to start at a very early age - whether in the closet or, not. Anywho.

Overall - well done. Love the detail. Love the uncomfortableness some episodes create. Love the reality. Love that many types of LGBT personalities are represented. This is one series where you will watch several of the episodes repeatedly. I would have scored it higher if they would have given the director's and Gene's manager less screen time - both of them are so irritating. LOL

What you will notice in this series is a lack of character development. Instead of spending more time to get to know everyone - we have to sit through meaningless boring, time consuming scenes that almost mean nothing. Great - they go to a temple before the series shooting begins - that could have been covered in a flashback conversation. And, the day to day scenes weren't strong enough to hold up on their own. In other series - those hanging out together moments show true friendship and bonding doing normal things. Here - it can clearly be seen as time filler - even though the episodes are so short. It's okay - that is what the fast forward button is for.

Let's look at the characters:

Nubsib - the kind of guy both women and men would love to have. Caring, patient and honest.
Gene - in the closet only because he has kept himself isolated most of his life - not daring to even see where his feelings lie.
Tum - an appreciated character - assumed gay because of the world/career he is in but, feet firmly planted where he knows who he is. Refreshing that he never gets as angry as Gene does when people "assume".
Aoey - my least favorite character for all the reasons we see. Even though Nubsib goes out of his way to avoid him - he still feels he has a chance at a relationship with him (sad but, with that character's personality - I can understand it). We needed this character to represent that large segment of the LGBT population. Happy he was part of the series.
Loved Korn's character - always left you wondering.
The director and Gene's manager hold the place for typical over the top annoying characters. There were several times when the director was speaking that I yelled at the TV for him to stop talking. Gene's manager is pretty awful. If I were Gene - when it came time for contract renewal I would ask for her replacement or, move to a better company.
Tiffy - pretty cool character - loved her transformation.
Hin and Mhok were cool - would have loved more time with them.

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This one intrigues me...

Chinese subbing of a Thai drama. I wasn't sure how I was going to like it but, I got hooked. Love the casting - it is strong. Love the music. Love how the characters interact with each other. And, I appreciate that even though they don't know each other well enough - they still look out for each other's wellbeing. I saw we can't find the original Thai version but, I will stick with the Chinese one to finish it.

One major irritation: The female chosen to voice for the FL was pulled off her anime duty. Typical grown women voicing in a way to make our FL sound like she is 7 years old with a mentality to match. The more she is on screen the more you hate her.
How do these people even get into college?

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Eye Candy, Good Casting and Learning to Live with Frustration

Warning: If you get emotionally invested in your Asian dramas - install a acrylic panel in front of your TV or, computer screen before you start watching this. The way the writers handled this story and its characters - you may find yourself throwing things at the screen when the bad people keep getting away with everything they do. Or, keep trying to manipulate your favorite characters.

Better than most Chinese dramas. I thought they spent some major bucks on this one until I started seeing them use the same stock shots/scenes over and over. Basically, time filler while they make you listen to the soundtrack. Gotta stretch 16 episodes of story into 30! I guess if you think of this as more soap opera and less drama - you will be more patient.

While some dramas have made the food another character, this one keeps food as a backdrop. It is discussed as if it is important to everyone but, while we do learn some things as the too many episodes plod along - we just watch people cut, prep, cook and eat while they go through the motions. There are some amazing moments between the main characters when he is teaching her. He is such a good actor and so into the part, you can see how she falls for him through these cooking lessons. I still wish the food was more than something to be judged and consumed. Compare to Bite Me where food scenes were sensual, gorgeous and presented to be as important as the characters themselves.

I agree with some of the other reviews that this story has too many bad people getting away with what they've done. I figured out the main evil person (who cares why she is doing it) so early that I've grown frustrated with the revelations and hoping/waiting for her to get hit by a bus. At least in The K-2 we see the villain have to take responsibility for all the evil he has done - by his own hand - and, accepts it.

After 25 episodes, I have finally stopped yelling at the TV "Stab her in the heart." every time Elise has screen time. Why does this pyscho not get anything coming to her. The Chinese society is very well known for corruption and letting money talk but, you don't see any of that here. In fact, evil is glorified unless you are a small business. Use food additives to your fish? You are going to jail. Poison, embezzle, steal, lie, cover up, coerce - you're fine. In fact - we'll reward you!!!

Love the main characters and a couple of the side stories. This was clearly made to be a travelogue type story for the upcoming Olympics. Get people interested in visiting the area and trying all the different kinds of food. It takes time to get used to Song Zu Er - she can be quite annoying and immature - her growth takes much longer than traditional Asian dramas - she seems to backslide into the childish realm a bit too often - petty. Ethan Juan is at his best at both when he is in control and when he is most vulnerable. The in-between stuff gets a bit messy. Loved the main characters interactions when they were just normal and their guards were down.

I'll stick with it through all the episodes but, I am starting to fast forward through the time filler stuff so, I can focus on the main stories. I don't care if a character has to look at outfits and pick out products for 20 minutes. I get that you want us to believe they have an important job. You can do it in five minutes. LOL Love the side story of the immature heir coming to grips with having to mature. Love seeing his growth and struggle and his fiancé is a perfect casting choice - in today's Chinese society - should she have to put up with him?

Just finished episode 25. Still love the main characters and after reading reviews - I have an idea of what to expect. So, I don't think I will be throwing anything at the TV anytime soon.

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Good Story - had promise - have the fast forward button at the ready

Good story but, as is usual - they drag it out for far too long. This could have been finished in 16 episodes.

Character wise - good mix of nice cast but, the annoying characters are in far too many scenes. Have your finger on the fast forward button at all times. Xiao Mi is just awful and I can't stand anything she says or, does. Very immature. Self centered. And how on god's green earth did she ever make it into college? I would worry for her if she put her head in a paper bag.

I agree with many of the other reviews. As you learn more and more about the main characters - you will wish they WON'T get together. Really? Drag it out to the last episode?

I stuck with it. I agree with others - not enough time is spent when it comes to the actual fights/tournaments - it becomes a bad edit music video. Prepare for them to spend an eternity in prep for competition and then, the actual thing being over in just a few minutes because they want to spend 80 percent of the time on junk that means nothing. They REALLY take advantage of the stock footage they created of the school grounds. They are always exercising - always doing the same thing - always sunny and blue skies - always flipping the same tires in the same spots. Grinds my gears...

There are some WONDERFUL characters and the writers gave them some great material. That is why I stuck with every episode. Pick and choose - fast forward - and, you will get through this in half the time and still enjoy the overall story.

Want to be ready?
Lazy writing. Character gets abused and used by people with money but, there is NEVER any compensation.
There is a near death and AGAIN - no money - no compensation. Everything is handled under the table and the poor people get to stay happily poor. God forbid rich bad people get in trouble in a Chinese drama. That might give the common folk some dangerous ideas to society itself.
Grandfather stays pure evil until the very end. I kept yelling at the screen for him to have a heart attack or, something.
Xiao Mi - terrible. You can safely fast forward through everything she is in and not miss a single thing to the overall story. Her stubborn immaturity is a drag on the entire series.
Child actors - why couldn't they have been traumatized by something and not speak for 34 of the 37 episodes?
The on again off again of all the relationships REALLY shows the emotional immaturity of most of the cast (as written). College? Really?

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Well done...Not sure why others didn't like it...

I am not going to go into spoiler territory or, retell the story...I just want to say that I really enjoyed this series. It was believable. It stayed in its lane and used every character. While we could see what may happen, the writers handled it well enough so, we weren't yelling at the screen when things went wrong for a character or, characters we cared about.

Loved the grandmother. She had heart and watched everything unfold and only occasionally stepped in to guide it. The father didn't understand and gave up too early. But, with everyone else's help - found his way. You could see why people did what they did and where their mistakes were made - loved that we got to see them own it and learn from them.

This one will stay in my library so, I can go back to favorite episodes. It isn't easy to open yourself up when you have spent so long protecting yourself from hurt. Happy to see this one unfold in an acceptable timeline and while they may have gone too far in the current trend of let's everyone be gay by time the credits roll - it's forgivable since we end up liking everyone involved.

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Ehhh. This could have been so much better...

Since the writers felt a need for some comedy and the director is not the best - the first few episodes are pretty hard to watch. Have your fingers on the right keys and zip through all the overacting, bad dialogue and near afternoon soap opera writing. They used a teenage kpop storyline to set everything up but, it is a little weak. Lead female - public defender - not developed well as a character. I found her irritating most of the time. Then, the writers drop all of that and she suddenly becomes a normal person. There wasn't a believable transition from a pretty awful person to one we are supposed to care about and root for.

As per usual, the first several episodes are disposable. I stuck with this all the way through because I KNOW Lee Jong Suk is an amazing actor. He didn't disappoint.

As for a "review" I am going to stop here. Why? It wouldn't be fair for me to go on. I expected a drama. Unfortunately, I realized this was a soap opera made to look like a drama. It tries to be too many things. Bad rom-com vibes that they drop and never bring up again. An irritating almost to the point of unredeemable main character where - again - all of that is dropped and forgotten and they are presented as normal - what you would expect characters. The villain is so lucky that the law is so inept - everywhere. Wanted posters, eye witnesses, etc. mean nothing - so, we get stuck with a villain who only shows up here and there to move the story along through all 18 episodes. Again, soap opera. Not a bad thing but, I wish I would have known going in.

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