Reviews

For those who did not like the Thai original!

Before anything else, there are two things I need to make clear.

One, I hated the original version with every fibre of my body! It had everything I dislike: it was over the top, with overwhelming second hand embarrassment cringe and it did not know which genre it is so it went from horrible slapstick comedy, to romance, to musical to soft porn and back. I finished watching it because I was still going through my "Never Drop Anything" phase which probably ended with this series.
Two - recent koreans bls have been a string of disappointments coupled with universally bad korean web drama production values: lack of warmth (probably due to bad cameras) and bad sound (obligatory echo when filmed indoors). So I keep watching K- bls hoping for another miracle like Hwang Da Seul (director of To My Star and Blueming) but I have not seen any.

I decided to watch this when my favourite reviewer said it was better than the thai version. And it was so so so much better.

The series follows four film school students who found themselves main character of a bl webnovel (no transmigration just the writer inspiration!). Like a self fulfilling prophecy, two couples are formed. Are they real couples or have they been created because of the popularity of the book? Or is it only a coincidence? Or did the author realize before those four guys what was happening between them? Or is everything just the plot of a movie those students are filming? Theories floating around are many!

The hows and the whys are many but are ultimately not important!

The first couple were enemies to lovers: the initial antagonists became friends and then more. The second couple was unrequited love: when SunWoo's unusual appearance unwittingly piques his crush's interest, things evolve quickly. Each character had its flaws. LeeWon, the actor, looks like an immature talentless slacker but is actually a principled, fair and sincere person. JiOh is a tall, stern and cold looking director student clashing with LeeWon: pushing his buttons to get a reaction from LeeWon, he changes completely when he falls in love. Sun Woo is a hardworking poor student with a chip on his shoulder, willing to help everyone but accepting no one's help. He's had a crush on YooKyeom, his school senior, rich and generous who hides many insecurities behind a warm smile and is very lonely.

The screenplay and the execution were excellent: funny without cringe (which could have happened with the sister-writer's fertile imagination, seeing things that were never there!), good butterflies inducing chemistry especially with the second couple (I definitely want to see more of them), zero annoying characters, a best helpful female friend. Main characters all change and develop during the drama, love correcting their minor flaws. Unlike the thai original, this drama is much shorter therefore there are fewer characters and the plot is tighter, there are no wasted moments.

The cast was perfect with one notable exception (see below!). They are handsome, have great chemistry and are not afraid of skinship which is rare in a korean bl! The casting of Lee Sang Min was interesting (zero issues with his acting!) because he reminded me so much of the actor who played Zon in the original (drama twins, I swear!).

I have two issues with this series.
One - casting of Lee Jung Min in a role of handsome, pretty actor. Unfortunately he is none of those so it was a bit hard to believe him to be a main lead character. But beauty is in the eye of the beholder: so let's not argue about this. It is very subjective and it sometimes influences my viewing pleasure. It did a little bit here. Fortunately the rest of the cast were perfect!
Two - very poor production values: non existent cinematography (everything is cold and ugly), empty sets (why does an university looks like a ghost town!),bad sound recording, sloppy and boring editing.

And in spite of these two major flaws, I loved it and I will be rewatching it sooner rather than later: it has everything I need for it to become another comfort blanket drama for when I'm feeling down!

Read More

Best youth film have ever watch

This is how I want all the script writer to be writing their school or college drama. I can say this is the first school drama I watch that I don't skip any episodes the acting is the best I even backward some of it, their friends is the best so funny except for the main lead parent I find small annoying, and the best things I like about this drama is that there is no annoying character that disturb the main lead relationship and I like the FL acting is so good if there is something call persistence, nothing is more than that and all the parents in the drama a very lovely. I was having a bad day just came across the drama and all my worries fly away....

Read More

I don't know what's going on but I liked it

Korea decided to remake, of all possible Thai BLs, Why RU? And that is exactly what we got: a short form, clean & pretty, uneven chemistry, slightly confusing, all the same tropes KBL that kind of cliff-noted the original but with none of the heat or complex relationship dynamics. I just … what world is this? Because it is BOTH bizarro land, and EXACTLY what I expected.

SaifahZon (no matter what country) are probably the softest enemies to lovers ever put on screen. Yes they are very cute, and I like them better than the original. However, no one can out do ZeeSaint for the count down kiss on the rooftop.

All in all, I liked this remake/parody/annotate/whatever a lot but I’d love to know what somebody thought who hadn’t seen the original.

How do I rate something like that? In the end I have to go back to simple questions: did I like it, would I rewatch it, and would I recommend it? Yes. Probably. And probably not. What the actual hell? 8/10 

Read More

The tyrannical nutcase we've come to know and love

Instead of the "different version of Bangwon" touted back in the hype leading up to the series (mentioned in the intro thread here, and teased in the opening scene), I saw the Bangwon I've come to know via KHDs. The cold-hearted ruthless killer and "tyrant" (IMO) that has ruled the KBS dramas I've seen. I was glad to see his Queen call out his hypocrisy for claiming that was how a King was supposed to rule. It was good to see that, because this Bangwon really seemed full of it to me. He spent a lot of time making sure that the tools he used to ascend to power (powerful clans & private armies) couldn't be used against him, all while claiming that it was for the good of the Country. Yeah, right. Paranoid much?

I got the impression that there was a change in the writing of the characters after the6 week series suspension. It seemed to create a colder Bangwon than we'd seen to date, and the pace of the scenes picked up. The last 2 episodes could have been 4 easily, and they wouldn't have been so rushed.

The lead actor got better as the series went on, and once crowned King, he seemed to be more comfortable in his role. As usual, KBS's has an excellent supporting cast. I've lost count how many times I've said that in the past to seemingly mediocre series' leads. Of note: the actor playing Sejong did bear a resemblance to Kim Sang-Kyung from Great King Sejong (GKS); the performances given by Kim Yung-Choul, Im Ho (what a treat to see him included), Kim Myung-Soo, and Sun Dong-Hyuk were very enjoyable and solid as ever.

KUDOS to the director of photography. And although I didn't mind the background music, it needed to be padded down...the levels were too high.

A demerit to the translation team: they forgot to include translations of captions, especially the names of characters introduced for the first time.

And I'm disappointed in the omission of Jo Mal-Seng from this series. He was the living embodiment of Bangwon's mistrust of Sejong: LBW's plant inside the ministerial cabinet who was both an informant to Bangwon who then became the Minister of Military after Bangwon released his own hold on the position. This character was so unforgettable in GKS that it's omission here is odd. If you're going to include Hwang Hee, then Mal-seng should have been written in too (again, they needed at least another episode).

And finally, if this isn't TLDR enough for you: The opening scene. After watching the last episode, I went back and saw Ep 1 again. I think the scene still deserved to be included at the end, as the show was actually still written in that direction. Omitting it was wrong, although the Bangwon as-written towards the end couldn't fully confront the guilt for his actions, I think it would have fit in as a warning to Sejong, maybe it could have been a nightmare sequence right after Bangwon announces his abdication - to let Sejong realize the horrors the throne is capable of. I think the writers should have at least tried. It seemed high-handed to simply dismiss it the way they did, leaving us with a truly unrepentant LBW, despite his few minor "I've sinned" scenes here and there.

Read More

Decent

It's good but not quite up there. It's a bit unbalanced, some episodes were good and memorable while other ones were lacking any appeal like the depressed customer on a rainy day episode. The episodes that focused on the staff were generally better. It could have been easily trimmed down a bit for a better experience. One more thing that held the drama back was it's lack of commitment. The stories/relationships/interactions of the staff were always kept to a surface level which some may see this as lacking substance. The cast was diverse and kept you interesting. Choi Daniel and Shim Eun Woo were clearly the ones that stood out the most. Going into this drama I was worried that this is just a long format of a short drama quality but it turned out to be fine.

Read More

Amazing performances

Amazing show. Standout performances from all of the actors, but JYB was in a league of her own. She was the drawing card for me and did not disappoint. She is such a joy to watch on screen. As others have noted, her acting in the last two episodes was just phenomenal. I thought KH and AHS did a great job too, and managed to hold their own across from JYB. That scene between JYB and KH in the last episode still gives me goosebumps.

Some people have complained that AHS did not play his two roles distinctly enough. I recently watched an interview where he said it was a deliberate decision to play them the same as they are essentially the same person. I think this was the right choice for this show and made the storyline easier to understand (even if it took away some of the big reveal).

I am very surprised by the vitriol in the reviews and comments. It makes me wonder if we watched the same show? The major complaints seem to be that this remake does not live up to the original and the storyline was confusing. It is fine to prefer the original, but as a standalone piece this show was objectively good. If anything, the comparison should elevate the original. It is unfair to denigrate this show just because it is not a carbon copy of the original.

In relation to the storyline, this is a show where every detail matters. As someone else said, you need to pay attention to every scene. The storyline, especially the time travel logic, is intricate but is well planned out. If you pay attention, the pieces come together in a very satisfying manner. It is the type of show that gets better with a second (or third or fourth) rewatch as you pick up on details that you missed the first time. To me, the beauty of this show is that it is intelligent without being convoluted. Props to the entire production team for pulling it off.

I hope people can watch this show and form their own opinion. Fans of the original should be able to appreciate the respect and care they showed the original work. First time viewers who have the patience will be rewarded with a beautiful story that is excellently executed. Like others, I wish there was more of an epilogue, but how it ended was kind of perfect too.

Read More

Disappointed! Could've been much better...

The screenwriter must be a teenager in her mind who's still living in her fairyland!
There's no way a grown-ass woman in her perfect mind would write this cringe dramatic nonsense.
If we ignore the fringes, the basic plot of the story is as follows: Ten years ago, a boy was being bullied at school, and his father noticed but couldn't say anything as he was working on the roadside.
This irritated the youngster, who despised his father's profession. After a while, an older sister arrives with an advertisement featuring the boy's father. After seeing the commercial, he realised how vital his father's job was to society. The youngster had a crush on her since she created this lovely advertisement for his father, which allowed the boy to reconnect with his father. They met again after ten years, and the boy wanted to make friends with her, but as time went on, they gradually became more than just friends.
One day, suddenly, the boy's mother discovers about her son's relationship and tries to break them apart as she thinks her child isn't good enough and might suffer in the future as the couples don't belong to the same class in society.
Surprisingly, the boy received his father's complete support and resolved to prove his mother wrong in order for her to embrace their relationship.
After a few months, the boy achieves professional success while maintaining a harmonious love life, prompting his mother to finally accept their relationship.
The end.
A 36-episode drama could've wrapped up within 10 episodes easily, but the rest of the episodes were unnecessary fillers that dragged the plot beyond a tolerable point.
The plus point of this drama that forced me to engage with it was the chemistry between the leads.
The chemistry was deep and mature, which was actually what I was craving from the show.
A solid 7 out of 10 is what I'm capable of rating it.

Read More

Love this Pair. They can sell anything

Cute Mini. However, it is more of a running ad campaign. Would have been nice if it was a true drama. I like both leads. They have nice chemistry. The different 'anti bullying' scenarios were quite enjoyable and relatable as well. I like a strong FL that does not shrink to power, money or title. The ML is very charismatic. The OST could have been left out. I have seen this FL in other miniseries featuring products. The clips are cheeky and cute. However, both leads are very good actors and should be in true dramas to showcase their talents. This mini doesn't take itself seriously. This is a fun watch.

Read More

This drama is a breath of fresh air from the usual predictable storylines. It's like a labyrinth that takes you on a journey of scheming and deceit, leaving you guessing at every turn. The dark hues of the lens and the elaborate costumes add to the overall atmosphere of the show. The music is perfectly matched and the daily dose of cliffhangers keeps you on the edge of your seat.

The characters are multifaceted and the cast skillfully portrays their respective parts with depth. As a viewer, you'll find yourself walking alongside the characters until they reach the exit. While the execution may not be perfect, it's close enough to keep you hooked. Overall, this drama is a must-watch for anyone looking for something different and exciting.

Read More

It had a great balance of humor and heart, making it an easy-going and enjoyable experience. The actors truly shined in their roles, especially Chan's character. While some viewers criticized his immaturity and lack of respect for Yul's boundaries, it's important to remember that Chan is only 20 years old and experiencing his first crush. While his actions may not have been perfect, they were true to his character and age. Additionally, Chan showed immense respect for Yul's dreams and never held him back, despite his own feelings. Overall, this show was a sweet and funny journey that left me feeling warm and fuzzy inside.

Read More

Romance with Ad Fillers

Cute Mini. However, it is more of a running ad campaign. The product line was literally forced into every other frame. Would have been nice if it was a true drama. I like both leads. The 'undercover boss' scenarios were quite enjoyable. The bullying aspect in different situations were relatable as well. I like a strong FL that does not shrink to power, money or title. The ML is very charismatic. The OST was distracting at times and could have been left out. I have seen this FL in other miniseries featuring products. The clips are cheeky and cute. However, both leads are very good actors and should be in true dramas to showcase their talents. This mini doesn't take itself seriously. This is a fun watch.

Read More

If you loved the show, you'll love the special

If you were a fan of the show and the characters, you will enjoy this special episode as it feels like a nice little cherry on top for the rest of the series. After all, for a show all about weddings, who doesn't want to see our MC's finally getting their happy ending?

However, if you thought the rest of the show was just ok and weren't too bothered about seeing all the main cast having a reunion, you can probably skip this without missing too much. It is basically more of the same of what you watched before.

I personally really loved the show, especially Nuea's character, so I was glad to see him get his happy ending after everything he went through to get there. The special is full of fluff and sweet words, and a few good kisses sprinkled in for good measure. They also bring back the majority of the main reoccurring characters from the series, e.g. Nuea's coworkers and family.

However, I do wish this had just been the last episode of the main show rather than a paid special.

Read More

A Reddit Recommendation Turned Out Great

I stumbled upon 'Psychopath Diary' thanks to numerous mentions on Reddit threads, and I decided to give it a shot. I ended up binging it the entire weekend, and to my surprise, it quickly became one of my favorites. This drama is a breath of fresh air, relying heavily on the art of subverting your expectations. That's where its comedic power truly shines – just when you think you've got it figured out, the show takes a 180-degree turn.

Yoon Shi Yoon's performance is commendable, but I must say, Park Sung Hoon steals the spotlight with his flawless portrayal of a villain. He slips into these roles so naturally that it's hard not to appreciate it. Normally, I'm not a fan of the main character being both naive and incredibly lucky, but in this context, it surprisingly complements the story. Like many dramas, the comedy hits its peak in the middle and tapers off toward the end. While this didn't bother me too much, I do wish the writers had more time to polish the ending.

Overall, 'Psychopath Diary' is a hilarious and thoroughly enjoyable watch that I highly recommend.

Read More

Problematic in a interesting way

I can't lie, this series are extremely messed up. All of the characters are manipulative, kinda stubborn, really horny, also some of them have certain addictions, BUT!! I think you can learn a lot from the characters. They're all so interesting for analyzing and you can make so much theories and conspiracies about their behavior. It's not all sex, it covers a lot of social problems. And the cast is so strong, they all are perfect for their roles everyone is delivering his role in the best way possible. Go watch it if you wanna talk with people about social problems and analize people's behavior. And of course to support the amazing cast, they deserve it.

Read More