Completed
Manner of Death
0 people found this review helpful
Jan 16, 2024
14 of 14 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 8.5
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 8.0

A queer twist on a classic crime thriller

I liked this one! It's different, intriguing, and on the whole pretty good fun.
The acting, cinematography, and pacing are all solid and make for an enjoyable whodunnit thriller experience.
The murder mystery is, for the most part, very well executed and fun to guess along with and is balanced quite well with the romance elements.
The characters are largely well-written and feel fully fleshed-out and three dimensional. My personal favourites are Sorawit and That, my beloved itty bitty gay sleuths, but the rest of the cast is, if not likeable, then at least interesting and compelling to watch as well.

This show isn't perfect by any means; in keeping with classic crime drama tradition it is more concerned with aesthetics and style, as well as making the viewers *feel* something rather than with telling an entirely logical and coherent story.
This to say there are several plot holes (although how bothersome these are is entirely subjective) and the story side-lines character development and gets a little too wrapped up in its own twisting, turning mystery for my personal taste towards the end.
I also wish there had been more plot-relevant female characters who don't wind up dead or otherwise disposed of, but for what it's worth the women of this story all get plenty of screen-time and agency, which sadly isn't a given in many male-centric queer media, or even in crime dramas for that matter.

All in all though, Manner of Death, despite its shortcomings, represents a step in a new direction for the genre and likely helped pave the way for later shows to deviate even further from well-established tropes and plots and for that alone I appreciate it greatly.
So if you're interested in watching a little piece of queer film history, or are looking for a well-paced thriller that is neither afraid of exploring some very dark topics nor of casually incorporating queerness into its characters and plots, then you should definitely give this show a try.

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Ongoing 14/14
A Good Day to Be a Dog
1 people found this review helpful
Jan 16, 2024
14 of 14 episodes seen
Ongoing 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

Woof!! Its great!! :)) <3 <3

I wanted to watch a k drama that was filled with comedy, slice of life, romance, emotional scenes, good visuals and lastly friendship. It was hard to find a drama which satisfied all these criteria. But one fine afternoon i found this drama called "A Good Day To Be a Dog". And low and behold this is one of best k dramas that i have ever witnessed. This k drama is about a woman named Han Hae Na(Park Gyu Young), who works as a homeroom teacher and her family , due to one of their ancestors they have been cursed for generations. The curse causes her family, when they kiss someone, to turn into a dog at midnight for 6 hours. Afterwards, they revert back to their normal appearance. From the first episode itself i was already so into the storyline. Long story short, there are two male teachers in the school which Hae Na works in. Her first crush was Lee Bo Gyeom(Lee Hyun Woo) the History teacher. She then falls for Jin Seo Won(Cha Eun Woo) the Maths teacher. I wont say much because i want you to watch the drama and feel the happiness, sadness and excitement which i felt when i watched the drama. PS: This drama has such good visuals and the actors go so well together. All of the actors and actresses, the directors, producers, staff members and writers who took so much effort in making this drama a very successful one, Thank you so much!! Jukahaeyo!! Hwaiting!!!!!!

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Completed
Death's Game Part 2
0 people found this review helpful
by koo
Jan 16, 2024
4 of 4 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 7.5
Rewatch Value 6.0

Such an interesting plot!!

I would like to imagine that when one dies they get to experience this, I’m not sure if the rules are the same when you sin (by killing yourself) and then you can only go through what he did or if in general people who die of natural causes die and go through that. I for one would like to experience different lives honestly, watching this from an outsider’s perspective isn’t the same so maybe I would regret saying that but watching this story unfold was so thrilling!!

Each character had their own problems and backgrounds, and the way the story came full circle on the second to last person his body entered to and then him entering his mothers body…what a plotwist!!!

Shows like this always keep me in check when I have bad thoughts and they make me realise that fighting through the bad will get me far. It really is not worth throwing life away over inconveniences that will one day end.

Very beautiful, I recommend it!!!

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Completed
Perfect Marriage Revenge
0 people found this review helpful
Jan 16, 2024
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 6.0
Rewatch Value 1.0
This review may contain spoilers

I hate melodramas but...

from my point of view this melodrama didn't take itself too seriously and I enjoyed the ride! I made me think of the Mexican Telenovela soap operas, a progressive revelation of deeply buried secrets, plans, and schemes. I can't remember when I watched a show with more unlikeable/evil characters, and boy were they fun to watch! The evil stepmother, hungry with power, seemed unhinged to me from the beginning. The stepsister - she inherited that from her mother, and watching her throw tantrum after tantrum - shrieking, throwing things, breaking things, stomping her feet - how could you NOT enjoy something so over the top? The plotline required a flow chart - who was related to who, who THOUGHT they were related to who, who hated who, who had the power, who wanted the power, etc. Every time some new secret was revealed, I heard that three note DUM-DUM-DUM from old movies in my head.

2023 was the year of time travel, and this one jumped on the bandwagon. I was surprised, however, that she had a date on her wrist and didn't seem too overly concerned about it. Plus, he was able to see it, did he just ignore it? Then, they get to the date in question, decide to stay home to stay safe, yet he leaves to talk to someone? You couldn't say these things over the phone? I know, it drove the plot, but it was an obvious "duh" moment.

I thought all the acting was good. I've seen some of the seasoned actors in other things and found them to be overacting, but it absolutely worked here. Sung Hoon as Do Guk - for me, in things I've seen him in previously, he plays a one note character. Stoic, he never smiles (is he supposed to be mysterious?), yells at and/or mistreats the person he supposedly likes. He was excellent in this, he got to smile more and be a more realistic character. And he was all sorts of "green flag". Jung Yoo Min as Yi Joo - I've only seen her in support roles in the past. She was excellent here. She is stunning to look at, she cries beautifully, and I liked how her characters became stronger without resorting to becoming a mean girl. i liked how she was able to get people to like her by just being herself. I don't know if it was his acting or his character, but Byun Jun Seo as Jung Hye's secretary was great. As you watched him watch everything around him, was he a good guy or a bad guy? You never quite knew which side of the fence he was on.

Music - the song about the halo at the beginning of every episode. Didn't like it or hate it. I didn't notice the music throughout the rest of the show.

Rewatch value - since I know the story, probably not. I can see a mashup of all the great main couple scenes on YouTube.

My only complaint - The stylist put Sung Hoon in the WORST outfits! He always looked like he was wearing oversized clothing, and that's just criminal as far as I'm concerned.

So, for me, this was an escape from realism for me, and it was a lot of fun to watch.

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Completed
Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty
0 people found this review helpful
by tofu
Jan 16, 2024
36 of 36 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 8.0

This drama has a season 2 scheduled to air in 2024, and season 3 in pre-prod.

It's always nice to find a drama that doesn't fall short towards the end. I think a lot of dramas now, especially chinese period dramas, either lean too much into romance or palace politics and can't get the balance right. This has a little bit of everything, while at the same time focusing on special cases that tie up nicely towards the end for the bigger series arc. There's going to be a season 2 this year (hopefully), and they're already working on the script for season 3. Here's to hoping they keep this storytelling up.
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Completed
Death's Game Part 2
1 people found this review helpful
by Sapri
Jan 16, 2024
4 of 4 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 10
Music 6.5
Rewatch Value 9.0

Don’t take anything for granted , not even your death

Second part is an emotional ride. Glad I watched this drama. I can’t believe this work is from the same director of “the sound of your heart”.some shots are beautiful but sad at the same time. Every actor did a great job. Oh Jung se did beyond the great acting as he always did before .
This is not just a drama but a lesson or a mind changer for all the people who are suffering with depression or having suicidal thoughts. Sometimes we ignore the helping hand or opportunity while indulging in our own depressive thoughts. I’m really thankful to the team for bringing this project to everyone.,as it may save at least one person who watched this. Death really gave us great lesson in this drama. Don’t ever think that death is merely a means of ending the pain. The pain will always passed on to the living..
The last episode really did squeezed my heart though.

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Completed
Yes! Mr. Fashion
1 people found this review helpful
Jan 16, 2024
28 of 28 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 3.5
Story 3.0
Acting/Cast 2.5
Music 4.0
Rewatch Value 1.0
This review may contain spoilers

Poor, Unbalanced, Confusing Writing

Since this is the only work left from Nana that I haven't watched, I really tried my best to finish it even though I'm so mentally checked out

I don't know what's up with the story because the way the events unfold feels like out of place, if not really fast-paced. I feel like the writer had lots of ideas, but didn't know how to tie them all together nicely and didn't even know how to build it up or leave hints throughout the show in order to show the viewers what to anticipate what the future events might be. The way they establish the beginning of the show was such a drag for me, it felt like it doesn't have any grand meaning or connection to the overall story because the first ten 10 episodes unpacked some major turns already, so I was like "eehhh... why is this happening already?" They could have replaced some of the fluffy fashion scenes with meaningful interactions with the characters to help build it up nicely if they were planning to progress the plot that fast in the first place. And then it tried to salvage the story in the 2nd half with the drama between ML and FL, and low key it kinda got me interested a little bit, but it's still wasn't enough.

The way they pull a twist feels like the writer didn't know where to take the story and maybe some big heads wanted to drag this drama, so they keep pulling plot twists that weren't even hinted at in the show like "Where did this come from?" and then would try to tie it by showing flashbacks or maybe some insignificant scene that a viewer wouldn't even catch, like "Oh its actually hinted but you just didn't notice" Of course I wouldn't because you did not highlight it. When ML got depressed, what's up with that? And i can't even take it seriously because the story and the characters don't take itself seriously, it felt like i was watching a Steven He Emotional Damage Parody Video. I don't have a chronic depression, but how the fuck did he got bedridden or paralyzed, like what?! Is that how it's supposed to be? Another Plot device that really annoyed me, is that when they need help or they want a person capable of something, magically one of the characters knows someone and would call them "blah blah can you help? he/she said okay", like huh?? I kinda understand it since ya'll are the big heads of the company and your families are influential, but in some sense, i don't get it, like how? how are you connected to this mysterious powerful person? and how tight are you that you can just casually call them and somehow they would say "okay"? but sometimes they would do it right when it comes to Leng Shan because she actually meets the person she's connected with and would suck up to them whenever she needs help.

When it comes to the characters, it feels like a gamble because sometimes they would act right, but then would fumble right away. The FL wasn't really as annoying as the comments make it out to be, like maybe, in the beginning, she's super annoying, especially when she says "Fighting" every time, I feel like I'm gonna hate that word just thinking about it, but her annoyingness actually got toned down as you go through the episodes and i kinda liked the development in that part, but in some parts because FL was still 16 in real life when this drama came out, it really shows in her acting. She's supposed to be an adult in this film, i don't know what age, did they even stated it in the show? Anyway, she doesn't know how to act like an adul. She is so childish for the most part and maybe sometimes would act like 18 or 19 and her styling also shows how young she is. It also creeps me out, like a red alarm would sound in the ear knowing she's a minor and her partner is 26, that's a 10 years of age gap, like maybe the hug and kiss on the forehead would be a pass, but when like there's an interaction that would really sound an alarm bell to me I'll be like "Woooaaahh! chill....". The ML tho on the other hand, really gives off jackson wang vibes, I don't know... maybe it's the hair and because this drama has fashion in it. He did a good job acting like a feminine fashionista. I like his playful acting, it lands really well when he does a joke or prank. I also like his chemistry with Wang Xing Ren, but in the later parts of the drama, it kinda gave BL vibes, so that kinda fell off for me a little bit.

The Side characters are okay, but i think they took up too much time, so i felt like they overshadowed the Leads. I really like Gao Ming, i kinda prefer him over ML, tho i wouldn't say it's because of the 2nd Lead Syndrome, it's just he's really a good character, and his dynamic and side plot with Angela was really cute, but they didn't really expand on it that much. Xue Zhen Ni really annoyed me whenever she's on the screen her jokes don't land really. It just leave a sour taste in my mouth. Victoria really amazed me. I feel like her actress really understands the assignment, from the way she walks, her body movement, and attitude screams fashion to me. Because there are a lot of side characters, like i said they took out most of the screen time and some of them were used for like 1 or 2 scenes, so many side characters are wasted.

Couldn't really say much about the music, cuz i feel like i was deaf in that aspect of the drama, but when Nana plays Cello tho... knowing what she does in real life.

So yeah, all in all... bad drama, it's very unbalanced with it comes to its core aspects and it doesn't even know what it's trying to be a times, wouldn't recommend this one, I'm just here for Nana.

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Completed
18-sai, Niizuma, Furin Shimasu.
1 people found this review helpful
Jan 16, 2024
10 of 10 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 7.0
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 1.0
Music 1.5
Rewatch Value 1.0
This review may contain spoilers

Watch this fun bad show

This show was a roller coaster. The way the story took a 180 turn was crazy. And I didn’t hate it, because it was actually really interesting but it was just so unexpected. The one thing I did hate was the fact that the actors could not act AT ALL. Literally everyone, except one person, looked so awkward in their acting. I feel bad for the writers because the shows storyline was good, it’s just the actors made these scenes look so bad that it was actually funny. Not personally hating on the actors though, just saying to do better next time. Anyways, I would say watch it because it was fun to watch

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Completed
Tell Me That You Love Me
67 people found this review helpful
Jan 16, 2024
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 1
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
This review may contain spoilers

Soundless Love: Tell Me That You Love Me's Journey through Love and Loss.

"Tell Me That You Love Me", penned by Kim Minjung and helmed by Kim Yoonjin is the Korean adaptation of the popular Japanese drama "Aishiteiru to Ittekure", released in 1995. This captivating melodrama portrays the love story between Jinwoo, a middle aged man navigating life as a deaf artist and Moeun, an aspiring actress propelled by her profound love for the craft.

The show, experienced in 2023 is a beautifully written meloromance with each character feeling remarkably real and relatable. The narrative skillfully weaves their pains, hardships and struggles creating an emotional connection beyond the main lead characters.

Jinwoo a relatively unknown artist who lost his hearing early in life, finds a renewed sense of happiness and love when Moeun enters his life. This lonely man, scarred by a heartbreak from his past finds solace and happiness, granting him a second chance at love. However this marks merely the beginning of their journey, what unfolds are genuine issues faced in a relationship where one partner grapples with physical disability.

The show keeps it real about relationships with different physical abilities avoiding idealized views. It shows the challenges without getting toxic, staying down to earth. It digs into what its like when one partner faces physical hurdles, keeping things raw and genuine.
As the story goes on, Moeun deals with feeling insecure and jealous bringing in real challenges that resonates with the audience. A significant factor contributing to her struggle is Jinwoo's inability to hear or communicate conventionally. The emotions that arent sorted out create problems leading to a big breakup in episode 15. For me, the breakup made sense especially for Moeun to face and work through her own feelings.

"Tell Me That You Love Me", keeps it real about relationships especially when one partner has physical challenges. It avoids painting an idealized picture of love, embracing the genuine, sometimes messy side of such connections. The writer skillfully steers the story, fixing possible issues and making it even better than the Japanese version

Apart from the main characters the supporting cast brings depth and charm to the series. Characters like Kihyun, Seokyung, Johan, Jiyu, Modam and Moeun's parents are well crafted, adding richness to the overall story. Personally Kihyun is my favorite character whose warmth and friendship represent the companionship everyone desires. His happily married life with a deaf spouse and a daughter adds an extra touch of charm to the series.

The acting in the show is a key ingredient for its success. From minor roles like Jinwoo's students to the main leads, every cast member gives a praiseworthy performance. Jung Woosung's depiction of Jinwoo using compelling sign language and expressive acting truly shines. Supporting actors like Kihyun and Seokyung also impress bringing depth and authenticity especially in their use of sign language. Shin Hyunbeen's portrayal of Moeun adds an authentic touch making her journey in learning sign language feel genuine and relatable.

The show's music stands out with a beautiful OST lineup that heightens emotional moments. My Personal favorites are "Try Not To Cry" by 10cm and "To You" by Nerd Connection.

In conclusion, "Tell Me That You Love Me" is a masterpiece that should not be missed by melodrama romance lovers. With a solid 10/10 rating, this show leaves a lasting impression and holds a special place in the heart of the viewers

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Ongoing 11/12
Twins
9 people found this review helpful
Jan 16, 2024
11 of 12 episodes seen
Ongoing 0
Overall 6.5
Story 7.5
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 3.0
Rewatch Value 4.0
Start was not as tempting to watch ahead but story improved but on a slow pace and now it's just get worse as i watch it after 8 ep even views dropped but just one more ep remains so i just gonna watch it as i don't like dropping incomplete series and this one did had my interest because of the actors. So not to good not too bad just had me invested in the some ep but some did bore me at times l.
Chemistry of actors is some what good being the new actors but the only thing I loved in this drama was the comedy and the some scenes of all couples
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Completed
Weak Hero Class 1
0 people found this review helpful
Jan 16, 2024
8 of 8 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 9.0
This review may contain spoilers

Lives Up To The Hype - A Must Watch

This is one of those dramas that will stay with me. It’s very emotionally heavy (lots of emotions bubbling underneath the surface) and it’s these volatile emotions that lead to quite graphic scenes of violence that may make viewers uncomfortable but I think it’s dramas like this one that needs to be viewed so that those emotions can sit with you. It’s important to feel these emotions vicariously (which you do - very much so) and recognise where they are coming from. They should resonate with you, as it’s a hard look at how people become this way.

This drama was very illustrative, with the three main leads representing how someone can end up so far down a certain path. Each character is at different stages of that path. Soo Ho could have easily used his skills to become a school bully and give in to baser instincts but he doesn’t. Even when he has issues with Boem Seok he makes sure not to cross the line. He is someone who knows when to stop. Shi Eun is someone who was headed down the wrong path and about to give in to all his (understandable) anger and pent up frustration. I could feel him holding back in the earlier episodes. The tension was so thick and heavy, at times it felt suffocating so I can only imagine how much Shi Eun was being stifled by it. You can drown in those kinds of emotions and life circumstances where you feel like the boot is constantly on your neck. All that anger and resentment just to be greeted with more of the same each day. No wonder people in these circumstances flip out and rain down hell in a violent outburst when it finally breaks them and the anger comes spilling out.

Thankfully, Shi Eun was brought back from the brink before he went too far. He had someone like Soo Ho to pull him away from the edge and most importantly, Shi Eun was receptive to his help/intervention. This is where Boem Seok differs. The writers, director and most importantly; the actor, did a great job of showing the similarities and parallels between Shi Eun and Boem Seok’s characters and then showed how unlike Shi Eun, Boem Seok allowed himself to go to the brink. Unlike Shi Eun, he did not heed the warnings to stop before he was too far gone. And while he was justified in his anger and needing remedy for his pain; he crossed the line and became a victim who victimises.

What’s even more resonant is seeing how Boem Seok’s actions also drags Shi Eun past the brink as he loses it at the end and gives in to his pent up anger, frustration and resentment. Watching him in the second half of the finale, I felt so exhausted and emotionally drained. He looked tired, empty and like he had just returned from war, a shell of a person. This is the outcome when people are pushed too far. This is how someone loses the light behind their eyes.

The actors portray the complex states of emotions expertly. If you want to see characters who are real shades of grey; this is a drama that is a great illustration of that in the most harrowing way. You will not be disappointed.

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Completed
Renai no Susume
4 people found this review helpful
Jan 16, 2024
8 of 8 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 7.5
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 8.5
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 5.0
This review may contain spoilers
WARNING FOR MILD SPOILERS!!

Renai no Susume has a sweet message for everyone in all walks of life—it’s okay to fall in love. Although i was able to enjoy this film, i feel like it still has a couple of stuff that bothers me.

I really enjoyed the OSTs. The opening dance is really cute and silly while the ending song sounds really nice. But sometimes the music sounds way too dramatic in serious scenes that it feels … almost ironic?

The acting wasn’t bad at all, just nothing special.

About Ootori’s character, I liked him. He matured and became a more loving person. He’s intriguing enough that you can’t really hate him. He has his faults but you can see he’s trying.

The first couple episodes of the drama were a bore. It felt like typical romcom stuff that didn’t really stand out in any way. It picks up a bit after Ootori accidentally starts a “love liberation” group at his school, which is where the show is less comedic and more sentimental and dramatic.

Now, the main couple.

Hanako and Ootori’s relationship doesn’t make me feel anything, which is my biggest problem with the show.
However, although i understand that the focus of the drama was on Ootori figuring out how to let himself be in love which would ultimately make Hanako not need to be complex, it was a little disappointing. (Basically it was focused more about his feeling of love rather than who he loves.) Yes, love can happen for any reason, no matter how small, and many relationships that seem to spring out of nowhere can last a long time. HOWEVER. This drama could have been enhanced had Hanako been a deeper written character that actually had chemistry with Ootori.

I believe this because having two characters bonding with each other and falling in love will improve the impact in Ootori and Hanako’s love. Romcoms have every right to be silly and not take themselves seriously, but if you’re trying to have sentimental moments in one, it’s hard to feel anything without prior character development.

Hanako should have revealed more about her background and past to Ootori rather than needing Ootori’s friend to just find information for him. He could have connected more with her that would help them understand each other more.

Now…about Ryuzaki…he was one of my favorite characters in the show. Seeing him being rejected was somehow very somber and sweet to watch. Ootori doesn’t tell him straight up. Instead, he acknowledges Ryuzaki’s feelings without dismissing them. I wish he had more screen time so we could know more about him and why he loved Ootori in the first place. His motives were shown through his love. Even after being rejected, he supports Ootori and Hanako. He’s just a really sweet character who was unfortunately robbed of screen time.

I could ramble more but this really covers most of what I want to stay, if not all. I will put out that Hanako’s boyfriend (forgot his name) just easily supports her which makes no sense. They were implied to have talked it out but one talk isn’t realistic enough to budge someone like him. Overall, I enjoyed Renai no Susume. The ending wasn’t an outcome I enjoyed much, but I don’t regret watching this show. Please check out their tiktok page. It’s full of BTS stuff and really cute content if you enjoy Ootori and Ryuzaki fan service (that could almost be mistaken for bl) or just the actors having fun. @drama_stream_tbs

Thank you for reading!!!

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Completed
Knight Flower
2 people found this review helpful
Jan 16, 2024
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 2
Overall 8.0
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 7.5
Music 9.5
Rewatch Value 7.5
This review may contain spoilers

Different tale

Unlike other Goreyo story or Joseon drama, this story does not revolve around royal families.

The opening episode starts with a boom where the lady crosses the wall and does somersault to reach home before her mother in law sneaks in. It gives a fresh vibes. Unlike other period pieces, this story does not rely on lives of royals even but solely revolves around two commoners in search of their own identity. Despite living an unfateful life, Yeo Hwa is a positive person. She has her motto and does not rely on others for her life, Soo Hoo has been digging around to bring a twist in his career graph. He bumps into Yeo Hwa every time he looks out for a crime scene and her sneaky life piques his interest. But unaware of her real identity, he is being drawn to a widow who is waiting for her brother to come and take her.
As the story progresses, Yeo Hwa finds herself engrossed in affairs that has been shaking the nation. Her fierce moves which have been meant to help people needs to use it for a bigger cause that can turn the nation upside down.
Based on a webtoon of the same name, the drama is unfolding the definition of love in a time where the emotion has been limited and not allowed. But does love really follow time and management?

Lee Han Hee as the widow daughter in law of a prestigious family living a double life makes the story a fun watch. Her enactment as the obedient daughter in law and the masked woman helping people in need adds multiple layer through the storyline. Actions scene portrayed in a subtle note , quirky dialogues of Yeo Hwa makes it look like you are driving a racing car and there is no signal. The scene quickly shifts, thus making audience heart flutter. You never feel like leaving. Lee Jong Won as royal inspector Park Soo Hoo is the new love of the town. He fits in the shoe of child whose identity is a challenge for himself but tries to help Yeon Hwa in helping people in need. He is confident in his skin, which makes the untold romance more soft.

It is the storyline which keeps the audience hooked at first level. The unexpected twists offered by the tale, the subtle chemistry and the background music.....its been a while Korean drama offered such an enigmatic yet poised tale.

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Completed
My Demon
2 people found this review helpful
Jan 16, 2024
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 6.5
Story 5.0
Acting/Cast 7.0
Music 10
Rewatch Value 3.5
This review may contain spoilers

Snob yet awesome

Snob, arrogant, obnoxious

This Demon holds no respect for our endearing Goblin, charming Grim Reaper and nor to evergreen Vampires (He dismisses them as mosquitoes). But his perfect arrogance hits a roadblock named Do Doo Hee in whose hand his cross sign goes away. What follows are a constant rift between a rising business woman and a non nonsense demon who gets entangled in marital bliss even! But is there anything more to that...
Well, the ragged woman whose tethered smile ignites spark about entwined fate, but how they are connected!!!!
The last two episode reflected on a whole new segment. From unfurling connection between D do hee and demon to emotional change of Doo hee witnessing the hell by her own eyes raised many question.
Demon ends up as Do Doo Hee's personal hell, but isn't that true for every human...the personal we love most is the one we loathe most!!!!
The series has been a fun ride. The cute banter between Do Do Hee a nd Demon in the beginning gave the much needed base audience expect in their favorite couple. Song Kang and Yoo Jung is a fresh couple whose both on screen rapport made the show more delightful. Kim Hae Sook as Ms. Ju and Jin Ga Young as Star Jin add the glamour quotient in the fantasy tale. Star Jin's elegant exit outlined a new graph for female second lead. Kang Seong Ho as eccentric Noh Do Gyeong successfully piques interest. Lee Sang -yi is becoming delicious second lead more and more. After playing hard boy in Bloodhound, he is again returning to his soft boy era.
The storyline is not a surprise but the overall presentation made it a fun watch.

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Completed
Moon in the Day
2 people found this review helpful
Jan 16, 2024
14 of 14 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 7.5
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 7.5

Unsatisfying execution of an interesting plot; Lacking romantic chemistry

Subjective Gut Rating: 7.75

I am sure I am not the only one who read the synopsis of “Moon in the Day” and liked it, especially for fantasy romance lovers. The plot looks interesting and the male lead is the handsome Kim Young Dae, so I gave it a shot despite mixed reviews. Although the drama is not horrible, the execution and storytelling could have been better. It is wasted potential.

I quite enjoyed the first half of the drama, and dare I say, I liked the dynamics of the leads in the present-day storyline more than the past. Their encounter, the unfolding of the events, and how the leads get to know each other, are all fun to me. It was decently paced as well. But as we entered the second half of the drama, the pacing slowed down and I started to lose a little interest in the present-day timeline. There’s a whole lot of talking (repetitive themes) but not a lot of action. This is when I become more invested in their past lives. The leads’ story and romance slowly unfolded, and though with controlled and conservative emotions, I believed in their tragic love and felt their feelings for each other.

Unfortunately, I do not feel the chemistry between the leads in the present timeline. The romance is too slow burn and there isn't enough shown or conveyed to make me feel that they have fallen in love with each other again. But the time they outwardly expressed their feelings, it was too late and too superficial. Their romance did not move me. The only time I was sad and cried was in the last episode.

The pace is slower in the second half and people seem to talk a lot slower (in both timelines). It also doesn’t help that the formerly miraculous firefighting heroine slowly becomes a damsel in distress. How many times is she going to trip, fall, get into an accident and need someone to help her out. Where was her fire fighting training? Isn’t she an athlete that could fight and protect herself? On the other hand, the villain can do no wrong. No one could ever catch him, and he has all these resources to pull the strings behind the scene. The cops are as useless as ever.

The acting is not bad. But I’ve seen Kim Young Dae acted better in “The Forbidden Marriage” and had much better chemistry with his co-star. Apparently I’ve seen Pyo Ye Jin in several of her past dramas but I had no recollection of her. Her character allows her to convey more emotions than Kim Young Dae, thus, it seems like her acting is better. . The rest of the cast did fine. The veterans definitely shine more than the younger main cast. Lee Kyung Young as ML’s father is awesome and Jung Woong In never disappoints when he plays a villain.

Overall, this is not a must-watch but do so if you are a fan of the leads, or if you are a really big fan of fantasy romance. I am OK with the ending and feel that it’s quite reasonable. I might not have guessed the result of the end of the present-day timeline perfectly, but I definitely anticipated how the whole drama ended in the last couple minutes. It’s actually quite typical for this genre.


Completed: 1/15/2024 - Review #396

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