My Favorite Bromance This Year

They really outdid themselves; “Justice in the Dark” might be in the dungeon but the director made sure that “Live Surgery Room” surmounted the boundaries of Bromance!

It was halfway through that I learned Qiu Zhong Wei (“Justice in the Dark”) was helming this project. For those who have read the novel, MC Zheng Ren supposedly has a love story with nurse Xie Yiren, which has been totally sidetracked in the adaptation. If you are wondering why, the answer lies with the director who obviously prefers bromance. So, we got a drama with lots of medical terminologies thrown in alongside oodles of delicious bromance. Must admit, I was afraid that the script might pair the male protagonists with the female leads who had a crush on them; but surprisingly they didn’t. The director makes no efforts to appease the censorship and the show solely focus on the budding relationship between the male protagonists. Also read somewhere, that the male leads spend months getting themselves familiarized with the medical terms and surgical processes. In short, this drama is a commendable artwork made possible by the hard work of a dedicated team that includes some talented actors/actresses.

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2024/04/20/live-surgery-room-series-review/#more-745

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The Biggest Disappointment of this Year

This is one of those shows that had a strong start, but quickly deteriorates into a disaster of epic proportions. Starring Lee Ji Ah and Kang Ki Young in the lead roles, “Queen of Divorce” was supposed to be a fantastic tale about a badass female lead, who is a divorce fixer. Only, it turns into a mediocre drama that depicts the same old daughter-in-law and mother-in-law rivalry, while the husband/son is caught unaware between the two (plotting/scheming on his own). While the cases they took initially did seem intriguing, the show quickly devolves into family melodrama and nothing gets past it. Lee Ji Ah tries her best to deliver a commendable performance as a wronged woman who is out for revenge. Her candor and dialogue delivery are perfect, only the role isn’t meant for her. She deserves a better role than someone who probably left her lover to get married to a rich guy (who is a good-for-nothing). As for Kang Ki Young, this was his moment to shine. After playing an antagonist in “Uncanny Counter Season 2”, this was his big break. Unfortunately, the show doesn’t do any justice to his acting skills; I just felt he was better off playing the villain. Let’s get down to reviewing this show in detail!

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2024/03/09/queen-of-divorce-series-review/

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An Intriguing Tale of Brotherhood

This show ended at an odd note; the open ending was rather innocuous, because we don’t know if there is a sequel in works (and if it is, when will the show premiere?). Adapted from the novel “Purple River” (紫川) by Lao Zhu (老猪), the storyline is set in the fictional world of Zichaun and is centered around the brotherhood of the three male protagonists. Di Lin, the oldest of them is ruthless, scheming and cynical, Si Yilin is an eternal loyalist and highly disciplined individual, while their youngest, Zichaun Xiu is a shrewd strategist, pretending to be a wannabe playboy. All three of them are set in their own ways, have no familial connection, and yet they would die for each other. That’s the extent of their brotherhood; it is an unwritten rule, inscribed in stone. The political turmoil coupled with the unending plotting and scheming is entertaining and gives a slight edge to the story line. You never know who the antagonist is, simply because everyone seems to have their own agenda. Let’s dive into the story line and learn more about the characters.

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2024/03/15/eternal-brotherhood-series-review/#more-671

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A Phenomenal Journey Throughout

A Youku original (albeit not an adaptation), this historical is definitely one of the best written scripts in a long time. Featuring Liu Xue Yi & Ju Jing Yi in lead roles, the storyline focuses on the resurrection of the female lead (who escapes death twice, miraculously). Once in childhood when her entire family is massacred and next on her wedding night, when the female antagonist does a face swap. As I have already mentioned in the “First Impressions”, face swap doesn’t make much sense; I’m still calling it “Soul Swapping”. The newly resurrected female protagonist Yang Cai Wei makes use of her beautiful face, and rich lifestyle to seek revenge. Easy concept right? Nope, it is easier said than done. The 32 episodes romantic saga takes us on a revenge journey where our odd couple counter each other, become allies, fall in love again and conquer the evil villain. This was a phenomenal joyride and I thoroughly enjoyed it!

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2024/04/03/in-blossom-series-review/#more-706

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One of the Most Entertaining Watch in 2024

There are very few instances where you are left stunned by the brilliance of the script. Coupled with a phenomenal casting, “Judge Dee’s Mystery” was a riveting tale of intrigue, mystique and societal reforms. It is easier said than done; one thing that I noticed throughout the show was Di Renjie’s steadiness. He isn’t someone who can be easily wavered; even in times when he was unsure of his emotions or decisions, he never denounced on his belief. His strong devotion to the Tang Code shines throughout the show, and he is a strict followers of rules. This series is adapted from the Dutch author Robert van Gulik’s novel of the same name and is loosely based on the life of historical Di Renjie (630–700), chancellor of Empress Wu Zetian during the Tang Dynasty, who earlier in his career served as a district magistrate. The series involved 9 cases, each spanning three to four episodes; the attention to detail is commendable. This was one of those dramas that wasn’t easy to guess; we might make speculations and in the end, we will still miss out on that vital clue which only Judge Dee notices. His intelligence is unparalleled and he is a brilliant investigator. As a magistrate, Judge Dee is someone who sets the example before expecting the people to follow him. Let’s talk about this show in detail!

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2024/03/02/judge-dees-mystery-series-review/

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One of my Favorite Shows in 2024

There are very few shows that have an immense impact on you from the start and the impression remains the same until the very end. “White Cat Legend” is one such drama, with an entirely male centric casting that boasts of a formidable ensemble, the show was an intriguing mix of fantasy, adventure and mystery. Starring Ding Yu Xi, Zhou Qi in the lead roles, the storyline was crisp and detailed. Wei Zhe Ming’s arc as the fake antagonist was another detail that was elevated the entire experience of watching this investigative saga. The eccentric supporting cast is interesting and each had their own detailed storyline; none of them were left out as they contributed to the overall plotline. The stakes were high since the storyline revolved around the concept of “Demon Cat Case” alongside an immortal being who was hellbent on death and destruction. Let’s get to know the characters better, as we talk about their camaraderie!

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2024/03/13/white-cat-legend-series-review/

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A Saga of Love, Dual Personalities and Revenge

When I first started with this drama, it didn’t seem more than a reproachful saga of an assassin warrior seeking revenge on an unseemly king who massacred her entire family. From the onset, the show seemed to revolve around Yeon Wol/Kyera/Consort Hyo (Hong Ye Ji). The woman had many names and titles; she was the last living descendant of the royal family of Yeon (how exactly, I don’t know; given the fact that her father was a mere General; was she related to the royal family through her mother? The connection was never made clear). So, while we joined Yeon Wol on her quest as she saved her people from the heinous King Sajo Seung, the male protagonist became the subplot. Park Ji Hoon’s Sajo Hyun suffers from dissociative personality; the trauma caused by watching his father massacre an entire household bred another personality, the evil Ak Hee. Both share the same body but have different temperaments. In the end, this show became less about Yeol Woo’s revenge and instead turned into a forbidden love triangle. I won’t say it was boring. I enjoyed watching the ever-changing dynamics between the trio; but this show wasn’t exactly phenomenal.

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2024/02/28/love-song-for-illusion-series-review/

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An Endearing Romance Between Two Time Travelers

What started as a revenge saga turned into a “Forever Love Story”.

Personally, I’m a huge fan of revenge stories, especially those with beautiful FL’s who are hellbent on vengeance. “Marry My Husband” serves that revenge piping hot with a casting that take their roles seriously. It helps that the titular role was played by a veteran actress like Park Min Young. As Kang Ji Won, she is reproachful, aggressive and entirely manipulative when it comes to raining hell on her archenemies- namely ex-husband and ex-best friend. It was a gratifying experience least to say; frankly the show depicts adultery realistically. I guess that was the whole premise and intend of this show; to portray the mental and emotional torture that women experience when their so-called better halves cheat on them. It could be Kang Ji Won or Yang Joo Ran (Gong Min Jung); most women spend their lives adjusting to their husband’s crazy whims, unable to express their displeasure. This show will be a welcome relief to those women; it might even help them gather the courage to pack their bags and stage a walk out. For now, let’s review the show in detail!

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2024/02/22/marry-my-husband-series-review/#more-561

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The Best Romance in 2023- Beautiful & Entertaining

“What will you do, if I actually end up falling for you”

When I first saw the official poster for Doona, I was enchanted. It might be the ambience or the warm color tone or the way Yang Se Jong was looking at Bae Suzy. The trailer just added to my anticipation, and I was eagerly looking forward to the premiere of this web series. I do admit that I’m not a huge fan of Netflix shows where they drop all episodes at the same time on the release date. Rather, I prefer the biweekly format more. Despite that, foregoing on my beliefs; “Doona” was the exception to the rule. And, I’m so glad that I persisted with my choice. A nine episodic narrative of lost love, angst and painful separation, “Doona” spells a riveting romance between a fallen star and a young college student. Despite being similar in age, there is a wide difference in their social standing and lifestyles. “Doona” aims to bridge that distance while delivering a captivating love story that is bewildering and yet addictive. The focus obviously remains on Doona; she is the titular lead and the show depicts her unbelievable fate in a realistic manner. Let’s dig deeper because I’m dying to talk about this show!

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2023/10/26/doona-series-review/

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A Romance Between a Quirky Princess and her Evil Husband

I went into this drama with zero expectations. I was suffering from a drought of good Chinese dramas and decided to pick this one on a wimp. I’m so glad that I did, because the storyline is engaging, the ML is a handsome hedgehog who looks eternally scary but is a gentle marshmallow; the supporting cast is equally engaging. Well, you might be wondering why I haven’t talked about the FL, because it’s obvious from the synopsis that this show is related to the female protagonist’s transmigration. I won’t necessarily call Hua Qing Ge a strong character; but she is street smart and is making the most of a situation she is trapped in. Kudos to the costume department for dressing the male lead, Ding Ze Ren in the most resplendent costumes that I have ever seen in a Chinese drama; it just adds a chilly aura to his coldhearted personality. The settings are equally grand and it makes for an entertaining watch!

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2024/01/25/different-princess-first-impressions/

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A Woman's Struggle Against Mental Illness

This is one those of those dramas that could be a “Hit or Miss” phenomenon. There are very few shows that are daring enough to depict main characters with mental disorders. If you have watched this show, Seo Jae Won expresses her life long suffering and anguish in the penultimate episode, while openly challenging the societal mindset and prejudice. As she rightly points out, the disorder itself causes pain to the patient and their family, to be discriminated by the society is ever more agonizing. The scriptwriter indeed hit the nail with this point; patients suffering from mental disorders are the same as others, they have every right to lead a normal life while getting their treatment. There is nothing to be ashamed about, and they should not be prejudiced, the trauma only worsens their situation. As always, Jang Na Ra does a fantastic job portraying the main character’s struggles. Let’s take a moment to talk about Seo Jae Won and her relationships, as the show revolves around them!

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2024/02/27/my-happy-ending-series-review/#more-574

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The Best Watch of 2024 So Far

A fabulous journey of lost love, redemption and reconciliation.

Words cannot express my feelings, as I look back at this journey of eight weeks. What happens when you are a stay in son-in-law and dying to divorce both your wife and her family. Before you sympathize with Baek Hyun Woo’s situation, you might need to hear about the said wife’s tragic life. Despite her ruthless demeanor, Hong Hae In is a lone camper who trusts no one. In times of utter despair, she desperately wants to lean on her husband, only he wants nothing to do with her and is seeking a divorce. Both are depressed at different levels; with familial pressure tearing them apart. When I first watched the pilot episodes, it seemed the show was more about their reconciliation. But “Queens of Tears” managed to deliver a beautiful script with a stellar casting that literally embodied the struggles faced by the variant characters. A couple cannot, will not be together until their families get along well. Marriages are made in heaven, aren’t they? Let’s talk about each & every character in this show, as we pay homage to this phenomenal melodrama!

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2024/04/29/queen-of-tears-series-review/#more-777

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One of my Favorites in 2024, Surprisingly Impressive

There are very few dramas that actually hold your attention until the very end; I’m the kind of person who mostly fast forwards through the penultimate episodes because I can’t stand the angst or melodrama. I rarely did that with this show, enjoying each and every moment. I grew fond of the characters; it could be the sides or the mains. Adapted from the manhua “Wu Geng Ji” (武庚纪) by Zheng Jian He (郑健和) and Deng Zhi Hui (邓志辉), “Burning Flames” is a dystopian story with the MC seeking justice for the wrongs inflicted by the Immortal realm on the humans and the demons. It was peculiar that the antagonists in this show were actually Immortals who are supposed to protect the common people. From start to end, there wasn’t a dull moment as Wu Geng led the fight against the all powerful immortal while growing mature as an individual. Ren Jia Lun excels in his portrayal of Wu Geng/A Gou. Both are obviously varied personalities, and yet he embodies them effortlessly. Joining this ensemble casting are Xing Fei (Bai Cai), Zhu Xu Dan (Lan), Yan Yi Kuan (Zi Yu) and Zhu Zheng Ting (Ni Tian Er Xing), each of whom make valuable contributions to his arduous journey. There was character development for each of them and some more!

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2024/04/28/burning-flames-series-review/#more-768

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My Favourite Watch in 2024

Adapted from the web novel “Xi Hua Zhi” (惜花芷) by Kong Liu (空留), “Blossoms in Adversity”, this drama isn’t a one man show. No, rather it chronicles the individual journey of each character. It could be the main leads, Hua Zhi or Gu Yanxi, each of whom had their own struggles; or it could be the female residents of the Hua Family whose sudden fall from grace led them to live a life of misfortune, something they could have never imagined before. Even though they had their disagreements, blood is obviously thicker than water. They argued, fought and yet stood together when the times were worst. How far can a bunch of women hold out when the Emperor of the nation is out for their blood? The story line beautifully weaves a redemptive recourse with a somber romance. Neither overpower each other, they exist in perfect harmony, blending through motions. For now, let’s talk about the main characters and their journeys!

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2024/04/27/blossoms-in-adversity-series-review/

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Could Have Been If It Was Short & Sweet

After “Welcome to Samdalri”, I had high hopes from “Doctor Slump”; not that the show didn’t meet my expectations. I just feel it frizzled out in the finale week. Focusing on mental health, we had two characters who are facing mid life crisis due to different scenarios. While Nam Ha Neul (Park Shin Hye) suffered depression because of the abuse suffered at her mentor’s hands; Yeo Jeong Woo (Park Hyung Sik) suffers from PTSD because he was falsely accused of medical malpractice. Their individual traumas bring them together; as they struggle with everyday life, being jobless and lonely. The first half of the show was fantastic as the show conceded to the main protagonist’s struggles. There was also the mystery of who caused the medical accident at Jeong Woo’s clinic. Their budding romance was another highlight; but the second half turned out to be entirely boring. This was one of those shows which should have followed the Netflix’s typical pattern of having eight or so episodes. Because beyond that, there wasn’t much substance in the storyline. Let’s review the better parts of this romcom!

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2024/03/19/doctor-slump-series-review/

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