Completed
Sweet First Love
1 people found this review helpful
Nov 13, 2023
24 of 24 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.5
Story 8.5
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 8.0

Great Drama, ignore bad reviews.

If there's anything I've learned from being on Dramalist for a while, it's that people are very picky about their ratings of shows. Which is why I never trust the star ratings before going into a show to watch. The show could hold a 7 star value but could be one of your favorites.... Truth be told, everyone has different opinions and tastes. As you can see a lot of people disliked this show because of some annoying aspects that happen in it. But aren't there a lot of shows that have annoying parts in that we still love, despite that?? Anyways let's get to the review.

This drama has a very nice overall plot. It's interesting and it's what made me want to start this drama in the first place. The characters are very well done, you love some of them and hate some of them. Do some of the leads have annoying moments that make you want to slap them? Yes. In the beginning of the drama, I found the FL to be a tad annoying, she does grow on you tho. Her decisions that she makes throughout this drama can also be seen as annoying. Understandable. I'm not arguing that, she could have went about somethings differently, but you've gotta understand that there are worse FLs in other dramas, this one cannot beat them whatsoever. So don't rate the drama low just because of this.

Romance: The romance is cute! I found it adorable that her "brother" has liked her all this time. He cares for her without her knowing, and takes such good care of her. The jealousy definitely makes the drama, especially in their high school years. It is a bit of a slow burn tho. The ML chases her throughout the drama and the FL doesn't reply. But we do know that she likes him as well. So this another aspect of why people are rating this drama so low. Is it annoying? Yes. But, again, the FL isn't at all bad as the people on here are making her out to be. There's also a side romance with the FL's friend, she also gets her happy ending. Butttt, the 2Fl tho.... We all want to give her a smack. Watch out for her.

Overall this drama is underrated, so don't trust just the bad reviews of this drama. Could it improve in some areas? No doubt. But this shouldn't put you off. If you're looking for a cute youth romance, this is the one for you. And yes, it does have a happy ending.

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Completed
When the Weather Is Fine
0 people found this review helpful
Nov 13, 2023
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 5.5
Story 5.5
Acting/Cast 7.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 1.0

Enjoy at first but i dont get the feel after second half

from the start of the drama I liked it until episode 7-8 I don't know why it felt bland and too complicated the relationship between ML and FL and I skipped a lot of scenes until episode 15 when they separated and episode 16 they met and were together again I don't know why but this drama didn't get a deep passion for romance when I watched it, or you could say that there was more character development from the ml and fl side, changing their views into a better life than the romance. I've seen a lot of romance, but this melodrama, I don't know why I just don't get the feeling.

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Completed
Alchemy of Souls
0 people found this review helpful
by P_A_N
Nov 13, 2023
20 of 20 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 9.0
This review may contain spoilers

9.5/10 - Like / Dislike

This series is still being my most favorite after watching many more series, the reason is:

1. I always rate every kdrama based on the plot and how not dumb of characters are. Because the dumbness on characters' action make me feel irritable and ruin my mood to keep watching. But in this show, each characters' decision are justified and have a decent reason to support their action. Especially Mudeok and Jinmu are very clever actually.

2. Some kdrama, support couples are kinda boring and uninterested to watch. But in this show the support couples are very funny and entertaining. Especially Kim dojo and Park jin, they carry the show along with the main couple.

3. Despite of Fantasy and historical drama , I didn't expect this show to be very funny to be honest. And there are a lot of funny scenes which makes me very impressed. So it's a bonus score for me.

4. Chemistry between main couple is Insane. They are very funny especially the actress.

The reason I give 9.5/10 and not 10 is because:

- It's too long that some parts are kinda boring especially last 3 episodes and it feels like they unnecessary drag the a story for 20 episodes' sake.

So overall, I'm very impressed of this show and it's still being my top 1 kdrama. Very worth watching till the ends. I would give it 9/10 if I have another dislike but I can't think of any. I still want to rewatch it.

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Completed
Star and Sky: Star in My Mind
0 people found this review helpful
Nov 13, 2023
8 of 8 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 8.5
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 10

Not Everyone's Favorite Star (but I loved it, so~)

Story: 8.5/10
This is another "I liked him first, but he fell harder and just happens to be dumber" situation, which can make it seem a bit predictable, but I think it's still cute~ The first few episodes start out SO STRONG. I loved the way Daonuea and his friends interacted, and the way his sibling relationship was shown; it was so heartwarming and wholesome and just overall accurate. The way they support Dao while also knowing he was full of shit when he said he was over his crush was best-friend-level-tier, you know? The conflict was a bit... much. This story, like many of BLs, suffers from a lack of communication. Well, I should say PROPER communication, as Kluen is more of a doer than a sayer, which pretty much sums up all of their problems. His actions speak louder and way better than his words, but that's not always enough, especially when the other party was explicit and you kinda-not-really-but-technically-did turn them down. If that sounded confusing to you, then that's because it really is a bit confusing. One of the side characters says that Kluen is "book smart but a dumbass," and she's right. These characters are a bit too complex to try to fit into 8 episodes, but I think Dunk (Daonuea) and Joong (Kluen) did great with what they had, which is why I, despite hating the miscommunication, still enjoyed the show~

Acting/Casting: 10/10
We got all of my new favorite actors, even the side characters are some of my favs, so I'm a bit biased here, but I think they did great with what they had. Everyone felt so necessary, even Noel, whom I thought was just an extra to show that Kluen had a friend aside from Gia, ended up being an important player in an interesting way~

Music: 9/10
The OST is good, and there's nothing wrong with the background music or anything; I generally just tend to rate music based on how many songs I absolutely NEED to get on my playlist, and, with all of these great shows coming out with their soundtracks being ON-POINT, I'm spoiled. I felt generous since everyone keeps talking shit on this show, though, so I gave it a higher rating than I probably would have.

Rewatch Value: 10/10
Despite it's flaws and the annoying miscommunication, I still really enjoyed this show. Like I said, the first few episodes were so good and sweet that I had to go to the dentist and get some teeth pulled from the cavities lmao KluenNuea's moments were fluffy and hit just the right spot that I just.. Ugh. So good. I'm actually writing this review after watching 5 times to help boost the rating since DramaList tends to be super harsh on shows for some reason~ (Everyone wishes they were a Critic Writer, I suppose ?‍♀️)

Overall: 9.5/10
People on DramaList really do think they're connoisseurs with shows sometimes, especially when others really like specific actors. I'm not entirely sure why, but if the rating of the show is the only thing making you hesitate to watch this, then I recommend going for it anyway. It's not everyone's cup of tea, of course, but it's also only 8 episodes, so it's a short, cute watch when you need some BL or JoongDunk in your life -- it doesn't have to be serious or something you binge, though I absolutely did binge it several times with no shame~ The production was great, the OST was good, the acting was on-point, and I just love how everyone interacts with each other in this drama, from the romance to the friendships; it's all so fluffy and sweet~

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Dropped 31/36
Blooming Days
0 people found this review helpful
by Kaptan
Nov 13, 2023
31 of 36 episodes seen
Dropped 0
Overall 5.5
Story 5.0
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 6.0
Rewatch Value 1.5
This review may contain spoilers

Disgrace

I forced myself to watch the series several times. Because there were so many mistakes and wrong editing, scenes, the absurdity of what the scriptwriter wrote, that I could not hold myself back until the 31st episode. There, the role assigned to a woman whose child is attempted to be murdered is to forgive the person who wants to kill her. The reason is that his son is crushed under the responsibility of this. A woman who committed a crime that should have caused death is pardoned, but this time the same evil woman burns the dress of one of the prince's wives. So he continues his evil deeds. Anyway, nothing happens to me. In fact, the ignorant person who calls himself a screenwriter for doing this wrote such a thing that Prince An tells his son what a brave woman she is, and says things like, "If you were as good as this, you would get this title after me." Shame on you, screenwriter. In that era, no person, mother or father, would say to a person who wants to kill his son, "don't kill him, my child will be crushed under this." They won't let you say it anyway. He is instantly beheaded. It's not even asked. Especially if the person committing the crime is a woman, there is no judgment. Women were irrelevant in that era. How can such a punishment be forgiven, but the same woman is not given any punishment and continues her evil deeds? It's not mind-boggling. It's like the scriptwriter is smart and the audience is stupid. Such a scenario. Such a writing. The one who shot it didn't say, brother, what is this, please fix it. Isn't anyone reading these posts? Doesn't it pass through a filter? Isn't it a shame for the actors who play these? The series, which would get 9 points if it was done properly, drops to 6 points to 5 points due to these nonsense. I left it at the 31st episode. I couldn't stand it anymore. I watched it well, though. The actors were good. I felt sorry for them. I condemn the scriptwriter. I wouldn't tell anyone to watch it. Your nerves will be disturbed. It wouldn't suit me to tell you to watch this nonsense. What a pity.

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Completed
Hidden Love
3 people found this review helpful
by theo11
Nov 13, 2023
25 of 25 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

NICE STORYLINE AND CAST??

I started getting into Chinese movies after watching the untamed ...... and I'll tell u I have a high taste for movies especially if the ml is hot?..

This drama met all my expectations from the romance to the siblings relationship .
the ml is charming and flirty and outgoing .
the fl has a charm of her own and I'll admit she is the definition of a daring and brave fl..
when she splashed water on the girl who bullies her crush .. I was like dammmmmmmm .. ????

am so happy I watched this drama ????
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Completed
My Love Eun Dong
0 people found this review helpful
Nov 13, 2023
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.5
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 7.0

An absolute riot of tropes

My Love Eun Dong epitomizes everything that makes kdramas a unique art form. It is simultaneously hilariously eye-rolling and warmly engaging. It is an absolute riot of tropes: Fated love, rich boy/poor girl, amnesia, insane coincidences, and a love triangle are all there. Scenes are filled with piggyback rides and wrist grabs, shared umbrellas, bullying and bitch slaps. Everyone will know from the very first episode how it all will end, but the journey is enjoyable nonetheless. None of the villains seem too unbeatable and none of the obstacles feel completely insurmountable. It is impossible not to pull for the two star-crossed lovers. The title “My Love Eun Dong” is a phrase that appears several times in the second half, and it is a touching sentiment. This isn’t a great drama by any means, but I really liked it for what it is.

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Completed
Dangerous Romance
0 people found this review helpful
Nov 13, 2023
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 8.5
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 6.0

IT WAS A SAFE ROMANCE

I like the fact that the series started with a very good hook; it gave you a very clear overview of what's going to happen and to whom. The first 3 - 4 episodes were great, very captivating, funny and pronounced, sadly all of which started to deteriorate after that, the story became predictable and incredibly dramatic.
Kanghan made sense in all of his actions and intentions...up to the series' first half (or perhaps just a bit more than that), and then he became nonsensical. Also, i wished the series didn't force so much drama into itself, yet, it did. I was choking with unworldly conflicts and unworthy infighting. In short, they didn't exact a good plot after the first few episodes.
The thing that might be the saving grace for this series was the ost and the acting. About the actors, we had familiar and good faces to counted on, they surely delivered, only that Chimon's acting in couple scenes did not persuade me. The character of his relationship with Kanghan was playful, supportive and unconditionally loving, he showed me some of that but not the loving part, i didn't feel like he love Kanghan, more like a special friend...and that did not give me butterflies. Perth however, actually played all out, we felt love oozing out of him for Sailom, we felt his fear, his anger, his joy and that's powerful. For a BL series, we need all that to make it work, to make it persuasive and empatheticable. All the side couples weren't give enough ground to play their parts, yet they did their jobs and deserve praises for that. I would like to say that Euro played his role beautifully, he was actually so natural and convincing. I love his acting.
To conclude, this series did not pass as a great series, but it's a good series, at least give it a whirl to experience the plot and the love.

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Completed
My Lovely Liar
0 people found this review helpful
by Polyar
Nov 13, 2023
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
This review may contain spoilers

A Perfect Drama that Nails it's Concept

I was thoroughly excited for this drama when it was announced, I've been looking forward to a modern Kim So-hyun drama for awhile and the concept really intrigued me. The drama most definitely didn't disappoint, it set itself off strong in the start really building the entire world of the drama and introducing the cast of characters. It expertly paced itself in terms of building the romance between the two leads properly timing everything. The drama also does a fantastic job in avoiding the usual trope of extending conflicts between the lead characters, every single conflict is resolved within the episode it is in or in the next episode. This allows for the dynamic and the relationship of the two leads not getting soured which can get quite tiring in other dramas.

At first the introduction of the whole murder story was tiny bit confusing but the drama fit it in alongside the romance and comedy perfectly fine allowing for some seriousness which did not drag the rest down at all. I wasn't at all disappointed once during any episode, in a rarity I actually binged some episodes because I couldn't wait to watch the next episode. The whole concept of hearing lies was a really great idea and the drama did a great job in using it properly. They never really abused the concept which they definitely could have but the writers did a good job in steering clear of over using it.

Kim So-hyun and Hwang Min-hyun did a wonderful job in their portrayals of the main characters. I enjoyed how they made the characters feel real and actually personable. The writers did a wonderful job in putting some level of depth into the characters with their personalities. The rest of the cast was great from the Tarot Cafe to J Entertainment, they filled in perfectly for side scenes but didn't totally take away vital screen time.

The OST for the drama was fantastic, almost every song was instantly added to my K-Drama playlist. The production for the drama was fantastic as well with the cinematography being just right. A special thumbs up to the set designers, they matched the character's personalities so well with the apartment rooms. It's rare seeing set designers put that much effort into putting personality into a set.

I may also be biased with this but I love how they involved football in the drama, I'm a massive Liverpool supporter so when I saw that Do Ha was a Liverpool supporter I instantly connected with the character. I never thought I would ever see a James Milner kit in a K-Drama let alone his name being dropped numerous times and seeing Kim So-hyun wearing a James Milner kit too. Sure Kim So-hyun's character was a Man Utd supporter which was a big minus in my book, how could you do that to So-hyun!?

Overall the drama left me completely happy and fulfilled, I'm 100% content giving this a perfect rating of a 10/10. It did everything right and never disappointed or lingered on nonsensical stuff.

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Completed
A Familiar Stranger
0 people found this review helpful
Nov 13, 2023
18 of 18 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 9.5

Sizzling chemistry

This drama is about the talented painter Shi Qi who is blackmailed into marrying general Xiao Han Sheng by pretending to be the Prime Minister’s daughter, Shen Qin. Shi Qi wears ShenQin’s face due to magic and when she meets Han Sheng she realizes he is a familiar face from her past, only now he doesn’t recognize her.

The director of this drama seems to have a strong connection to water and the drips of rain runs like a theme throughout the drama. The cinematography is great leading to a suggestive aesthetic that builds tension. Many normally cliché ingredients are reinvented, fireflies and stars in a dark night has never felt to fresh before. It’s just there, creating an atmosphere whiteout forcing it upon the viewer.

The story is intertwined with throw backs into the two main leads past and that often makes me wanna fast forward but not in this drama. Here the past draws me in and I always want to know more and see more. The drama is full of tension and it is well balanced with softer moments that is complemented by nice music. There are also a few comical episodes in this drama and it works well since it often include a child and that makes the comedy feels natural.
I find no unnecessary scenes and every event brings the story forward.

The actor who plays Han Sheng, Ryan Cheng, has the unique ability to appear soft with a fierce face which creates great depth to his character. I find him very talented and can’t wait to see him get a lead role in a major drama. His facial expressions are very captivating. He is the dreamy devoted man we all want in our life. We get some amazing scenes between him and Ke Ying, who plays Shi Qin. Scenes that are some of the best I have seen when it comes to chemistry. It’s hot! It would be enough even without the skin ship, their faces conveyes plenty. That’s how good these scenes are.

This drama is in every way as good as many full length major dramas and I am looking forward to see what this director will come up with next.

This is my first review her on MDL and it is my second time watching this drama, that’s why I know the rewatch value is great.

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Completed
He's Coming to Me
1 people found this review helpful
by santae
Nov 13, 2023
8 of 8 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

This series is amazing

The story, Singto and Ohm's acting everything is soo good. Singto and Ohm have a very good chemistry. Two of my fav actors working together yeah it's a win for me. They portrayed their characters so well. Those who didn't watch it yet, give it a try you'll love the series. I'll not lie i cried so much in the last episode.


The story, Singto and Ohm's acting everything is soo good. Singto and Ohm have a very good chemistry. Two of my fav actors working together yeah it's a win for me. They portrayed their characters so well. Those who didn't watch it yet, give it a try you'll love the series. I'll not lie i cried so much in the last episode.

The story, Singto and Ohm's acting everything is soo good. Singto and Ohm have a very good chemistry. Two of my fav actors working together yeah it's a win for me. They portrayed their characters so well. Those who didn't watch it yet, give it a try you'll love the series. I'll not lie i cried so much in the last episode.



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Completed
Doona!
2 people found this review helpful
Nov 13, 2023
9 of 9 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 5.5
Story 7.5
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 5.5
Rewatch Value 5.5
This review may contain spoilers

Frustrating and Predicatable

Television screens are delicate things. I tend not to throw things at them. I cam close with this KDrama. This series started well but you could see the inevitable frustrating ending looming early. The premise is fun and probably a bit of a boys-own fantasy. Ordinary lad finds himself living with a celebrity K-Pop idol. No spoiler it it is in the official description. He can't avoid her and she really makes it difficult to do so. It's not remotely realistic but it is at the same time.

Doo-na is damaged. Won-jun, the 'ordinary lad' has the repair kit though he doesn't seem have the whole instruction manual. Intuition isn't not his forte. Won-Jun bumbles on like a Ron Weasley. Doo-na is no shrinking violet. She is presented as a femme fatale but she is actually quite straightforward and honest. She craves love. Won-Jun falls in love but he is also a coward. He plays it safe. He has already botched one relationship due to projecting his own insecurities onto he situation instead of getting his facts right.

The process by which Won-Jun tackles this relationship in his predictably annoying way is morbidly fascinating, and achingly frustrating, and I eventually jumped from episode 7 to halfway through episode 9 to satisfy my pessimism. I was disappointingly right. I hoped to be wrong but I wasn't.

It is well acted and the romance between the two main characters has all the ups and downs and miscommunication of any good relationship worth having but the Director bottled it. The ending is open only because it is lazy and as cowardly as the male character.

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Completed
Daily Dose of Sunshine
0 people found this review helpful
Nov 13, 2023
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 9.0

Are they releasing all the good dramas at the end of the year?

After releasing so many bad dramas, 2023 is finally looking up at the year-end.

My over-all opinion for this drama is it is basic in a good way. There were a lot of different things they could have done with this drama but didn’t. But then again, the fact that something like mental health is being discussed in a drama is a lot. I guess we are taking small steps.

Also, can I just say - why are all these characters saying the most generic stuffs about mental health. Like they would bring up something like panic disorder but they will talk about the most basic stuffs. I mean, these characters are medical professionals. Even I know the things you're saying. What they should have done is take examples from real life cases. Extraordinary Attorney Woo did that splendidly!

I also wanted them to explore the character min deul-le. For me, she had more main-character energy then bo-young's character. Because the latter character has been done a lot in k-dramas. I need a character like deul-re as the fl. And I wanted to see her journey with mental health issues and poverty.

But I would say the slice-of-life vibe of the series was really good. It was overall really heart-warming and left me feeling like i want to wake up tomorrow and do something special for myself. I even started keeping a complimentary diary by the way!!!

If you are thinking about watching it, then you definitely should. And might I add the acting - *chef's kiss*. Those looking for similar dramas should check out Hospital Playlist and Our Blues - both are my all-time favorites.

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Completed
Love Once Again
0 people found this review helpful
Nov 13, 2023
18 of 18 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.5
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 8.5
Music 3.0
Rewatch Value 8.0

a romance in the idol world that leaves you wanting more

A woman doing everything from cleaning a convenience story to deliveries in order to sign a man whose face isn't as pretty as to warrant such level of commitment.

Okay, I'm in no way roasting the show, it's actually a straightforward series on what it takes to make it in the hell that is the idol industry told in the agent's pov. She is about to lose her job, when she sees a man who she considers handsome -just tall, no charisma- and if she signs him she'll save her career and start his. They fight together from there.

The romantic progression is slow but sweet and believable. And bonus points for depicting a blossoming older woman x younger man romance without stooping in ageist cliches. Their partnership and eventual relationship flows naturally. But beware, there are no kiss scenes, to the show's detriment.

My two gripes with this otherwise worthwhile show is A. it's too short to be fleshed out, it left me wanting to see more of the female lead fighting her way in the music industry. B. the male lead's acting is subpar. I am not being deliberately mean, it's a fact, and it's highlighed by the great performance of the female lead. I am sure they picked him just because he is tall - I blame all of you for elevating charmless men to fame just because they're over 1.85. Guess what, if a person can't act well, he'll be like a long stick without expression. I hope he gains experience and acting lessons because his management picks good projects for him so far.

TL;DR worth your time, it'll put a smile on your face

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Completed
The Deliberations of Love
2 people found this review helpful
Nov 13, 2023
24 of 24 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 7.5
Rewatch Value 8.0
This is good! With only 10 minute-ish per episode, this short drama is quite a quick watch, yet it's just as interesting!
It's a simple historical fantasy romance, with enough drama that doesn't really stress you out, and the characters are not that many and not that complicated, so it's not hard to remember and get connected with each of them.
The palace set and the wardrobe is simple but still beautiful, and I love how it has a soft color palette that looks pleasing to my eyes.
The plot is pretty cliche, but the chemistry between the characters are enjoyable to see and kept me watching until the end. There's not much fighting scenes, not that many intrigue and evil people either.
The pacing is also straightforward and not dragging at all. I don't skip much in here because every scenes with the leads are so romantic, they look really good together, and they both are so pretty!


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