Completed
Maestra: Strings of Truth
1 people found this review helpful
Jan 19, 2024
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 7.5
I really enjoyed this drama. I was not really expecting from this drama since it was not so hype on social media but it was a good watch. Seeing Lee Young Ae again as the female lead, she did not disappoint. The whole process of finding what is happening around her is so good. The pacing and thrill, cinematography was well done. I was waiting every week for the release of this drama and stop at episode 10 because I was not yet ready to finish this as it is only 12 episodes. I like the progress of the storyline, it's really great. I would recommend this drama to those who like thriller dramas.

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Completed
Single’s Inferno Season 3
0 people found this review helpful
Jan 19, 2024
11 of 11 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 7.0
Story 7.5
Acting/Cast 7.0
Music 7.5
Rewatch Value 6.0

Better season due to entertainment value, cast and show format

Each time I go into watching dating shows, I go into it to be entertained, to be moved and be engaged by the cast. To me, the show is a real-time evolving narrative where I only get to see an edited final material. Thus I base my opinion on what I have been fed. Although the characters' were cut from the same cloth as those from previous years, their emotions and thoughts were played out more for the audience to see this time around in my opinion. The show's producers signed on individuals that were more vocal, controversial, spirited and immature then put them in almost continuous jarring situations as soon as they arrive, on their first breakfast in Paradise, and as soon as people get back to Inferno. All of which make for jaw-dropping, tearful, infuriating, questionable, frustrating and explosive moments which for viewers like me was entertainment gold.

I admit I came for the train wreck, but I also enjoyed seeing the camaraderie amongst the cast members which came across as genuine amongst some. The pressurized atmosphere was lifted by the occasional display of lighthearted banter. That is another thing this season had shown more of and it was heartwarming.

I recommend you watch Single's Inferno Season 3. Kick it off with a bowl of Bugles with Chex Mix, sit back and enjoy the ride. You may even be compelled to leave a comment, just as I did, for some reason or another. If you judge by the comments, it is quite polarized. Therefore, there is a big chance you come out hating it or loving it. Nonetheless, I wish you happy viewing!

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Ongoing 32/42
The Prince of Tennis
0 people found this review helpful
by Anna
Jan 19, 2024
32 of 42 episodes seen
Ongoing 0
Overall 9.0
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 8.5
Rewatch Value 10
What I like about this is its casting. Mu Si Yang, Chi Da Yong, Tang Jia Le, Yan Zhi Ming, and Zhou Zhi characters were played really well. Just like these roles are just made for them, the chemistry between Chi Da Yong and Tang Jia Le is amazing. The story is amazing. Everything is good. However, I think some characters could be played a little better, like Lu Xia, and the female character, Qi Ying, is terrible. She is a good actress, but that role wasn't good at all. That's why I give 9.5 to the story.
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Completed
The Bequeathed
53 people found this review helpful
Jan 19, 2024
6 of 6 episodes seen
Completed 1
Overall 8.5
Story 8.5
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 8.0
This review may contain spoilers

The Bequeathed: Some Fxxxxd up Family Relationships

Fascinatingly wild, the show revolves around a family feud over an inherited burial ground property. What follows after that is nothing short of insanity.

The series is concise yet enthralling, boasting an intriguing cast of characters. The plot's embedded mystery keeps you engaged until the conclusion enhanced by mind bending twists adding spice to the drama. The intricacies of family relationships leave viewers thoroughly puzzled and the haunting cinematic execution adds suspense enriched by crazy plot twists.

A standout character is Kim Youngho, the estranged step brother of the female protagonist, Yoon Seoha. His borderline craziness makes it very intriguing to watch.

While the entire cast delivered commendable performances, the true show stealer is Ryu Kyung Soo. His portrayal of madness is exceptionally well executed making his character a highlight of the show.

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Completed
Sword and Fairy 4
36 people found this review helpful
Jan 19, 2024
36 of 36 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 9.5
Rewatch Value 9.0
This review may contain spoilers

Surprisingly entertaining, give it a try.

I just kinda feel the need to say this; maybe try rating a movie or a drama after you actually watched a few episodes.

Honestly, the sole reason I am watching this drama because of CZY― and that being said, I had no idea what to expect. In the first few episodes, there are indeed a lot of things to grasp, like who is who, how their 'world' works, the name of the sects and all that, but I think it was always like that with fantasy drama.

As the story goes, I found myself genuinely coalesce with the drama. It was somehow heartwarming to see the ML easily bemused by every little things he saw outside of Qingluan Peak. While people might say his character was rather childish, I think it was exactly what to expect from someone who grew up in isolation and never met anyone else except his father and the pig demon.

The interactions between the ML and FL also so funny to watch. One is sly and cunning, meanwhile the other one is kind yet naive and speaks whatever on his mind out loud. And their friendship evolves, I can't wait to see their character development!

Also, for the CGI, I think it was kind of decent. The fighting scenes were fine too. There was nothing big that bothers me so far. I hope it gets better!

[UPDATES AFTER FINISHED WATCHING.]

For this drama, I am kind of relieved that the journey has managed to steer clear of disappointment. (Though there are, of course, room for some improvements.)

But well, I could say, it's akin to the pride of a parent witnessing the growth of my children. Every second is a joy as I savor the unfolding story, relishing the arcs and development of each character. Every obstacle and setback that they encountered served as a tool― shaping the four main leads and their friendships into something beautiful. And even though their friendship might seem almost too perfect, I can't help but adore watching their dynamics. Where I could possibly find friends as genuine and supportive as them in real life? :[

Throughout the entire watching experience, not once did I feel the need to skip any part or conversation, as there were no unnecessary fillers. Every dialogue held significance for the plot. However, I must confess, the temptation to fast-forward arose during scenes featuring the infuriating villains who never failed to make my blood boil. (Side eyeing Su Yao and particular sect leaders as I type.)

(Here goes some small complains.)
To be entirely honest, I believe adding two or more episodes would have been perfect for this drama. There were certain aspects that left me puzzled. I personally believe it was essential to provide more details about what transpired after the great war. The abrupt one hundred-year time skip felt somewhat cruel, leaving me yearning for more insight into Lingsha's final moments with Tianhe― despite the inner conflict about my own emotional strength to witness it, a part of me still desired that closure. Also, I'm curious about how Tianhe lost his sight. Was it related to the divine bow? The connection remains unclear to me.

Towards the last few episodes, the CGI noticeably declined from the impressive quality seen at the beginning of the story. The fighting scenes, unfortunately, felt somehow rushed. I think, a bit more attention to details and time devoted to these aspects would have enhanced the overall watching experience.

In conclusion, it was a truly memorable journey. Zheyuan once again proving his acting prowess, leaving me in awe. His emotional performances drew me in completely, evoking my own tears and smiles in sync with his. While it was my first time watching the other three main leads in a drama, they portrayed their characters exceptionally well. And not to forget, the soundtracks have found a permanent spot on my playlist. Whenever these songs play, I can't resist replaying scenes in my mind. (Forgive me for the emotional indulgence.)

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Completed
Kimi to Nara Koi wo Shite Mite mo
0 people found this review helpful
Jan 19, 2024
5 of 5 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 8.5
Rewatch Value 9.0
This review may contain spoilers

RYUJI IS THE GREENEST NEONEST FLAG BOY YOU EVER SEEN IN BL SERIES!!!

look here, i actually put off this series because the episode 1 when he's already in bed with older man. like i thought everyone said this gonna be fluffy and soft drama (later on i kinda sad for kaido, and HATING FOR THAT BOY WHO LAUGHED AT HIS COMING OUT, like there's no joke aroung here you mf-) anw throu the episode im complainting that someday this ryuji boy gonna hurt my baby, which turns out as the headline. like bae, can you spill the thrick to get someone like ryuji? i kinda lonely. and this is so cute, their communication is top tier than any bl couple out there, the cinematic is also oldishh which i love and compliment the trope of city boy x village boy(?) somehow. and yeah i want for the season 2 already, for how much i want to kbow how they manage their relationship...

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Completed
Bokura no Shokutaku
0 people found this review helpful
Jan 19, 2024
10 of 10 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 8.5
Rewatch Value 9.0
This review may contain spoilers
I kinda shock when this series came out. I just finished the manga night before, then suddenly the live action out already. Like im not even complaining because inukai in here. He was everywhere in jbl that year. At first im not sure how this serie turns out, because of tane is really the cutest character alive, but the child actor really did the best apart for through the series, and im glad they dont change most of the actual plot of manga. Except when hteir first kiss, it actually happen on the lips but it more refreshing and make sense when minoru did it on the cheek. Like they barely even make skinship, so that must be weird when you doing at the lips. As for tane i hope you doing gret boy, because your yukata is actually minoru's. hahahaha...

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Completed
Healer
1 people found this review helpful
Jan 19, 2024
20 of 20 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 9.5
Rewatch Value 7.0

A Great Show, But Stumbles A Bit In The 3rd Act

Menu= Synopsis/Concept ~(10)
Ingredients/Recipes= Script Writer ~(9)
Chef= Director ~(10)
Flavors/Taste= Actors/Performances ~(10)
Restaurant/Decor= Wardrobe Production-Value ~(7)
Waiter/Service= Editing/Pacing/Cinematography ~(8)

Starter/1st Act ~(10)
Main Course /2nd Act ~(10)
Dessert/3rd Act ~(8)


Ever wandered what a middle class “Batman” with shades of “Superman” & a pinch of “Spiderman” would be like? Well then this is the show for you.

Ji Chang Wook and Park Min Young delivers, with great chemistry and a believable romance arc.
The action was not overbearing.

The quasi superhero bent serves as a backdrop for a sweet and endearing romance.

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Completed
Five Enough
1 people found this review helpful
Jan 19, 2024
54 of 54 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 9.5

All Time Favorite Long Drama

Menu= Synopsis/Concept ~(9)
Ingredients/Recipes= Script Writer ~(10)
Chef= Director ~(10)
Flavors/Taste= Actors/Performances ~(10)
Restaurant/Decor= Wardrobe Production-Value ~(8)
Waiter/Service= Editing/Pacing/Cinematography ~(10)

Starter/1st Act ~(8)
Main Course /2nd Act ~(10)
Dessert/3rd Act ~(10)

My favorite and probably only long drama, I stumbled on this purely by luck, because I avoid long dramas like the plague.

I’ve concluded that Shin Hye Sun being on the cast almost always guarantees a drama.

I’m surprised more women don’t like this drama, as it essentially a modern day fairytale for divorced women who were mistreated by their ex spouses. My best guess is because it portrays the female lead as ultimately feminine who appreciated and submitted to the male lead.

For such a big cast the drama gave every character it’s moments to shine even the youngest daughter.

The toxicity was minimal and thankfully the alcoholism was also kept to a minimum.

I bought one of the soundtracks on iTunes.

I’ve rewatched twice already, which is shocking considering its over 50 episodes.

If you want a sweet but realistic drama that has something for almost everyone, I recommend it wholeheartedly.

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Completed
Kiseki: Dear to Me
1 people found this review helpful
Jan 19, 2024
13 of 13 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 6.5
Story 6.0
Acting/Cast 7.0
Music 4.0
Rewatch Value 1.0
This review may contain spoilers

What A Mess!

I'm not sure how so many people are swept away by this, nor how it's scored over eight stars on MDL. However, I also never quite understood the hype around We Best Love: No. 1 For You, which is one of the top 10 ranked BL dramas on MDL. Both shows come from the same author.

IMHO there are a bunch of much better BL dramas that are rated lower than this on MDL, but are infinitely better, including Kinou Nani Tabeta?, Utsukushii Kare, Kamisama no Ekohiiki, Hello Stranger, DNA Says Love You, Once Again, Kimi no Koto Dake Mite Itai, More Than Words, Ossan's Love, Bokura no Micro na Shuumatsu, Oh Mando! and Mood Indigo, to name more than a few. More Than Words and Mood Indigo are particularly well produced shows, though quite serious dramas, and as ridiculous and over the top as Ossan's Love is (the 2018 version), it's actually quite funny and Tanaka Kei is comic genius. Your time would be much better spent on any of these titles.

The cinematography on this show is very similar to what we've come to expect from most Taiwanese BLs -- It's very professional looking, but has a very candy coated sheen which lacks any realism. When you venture beyond schoolboy and cafe romance fantasies, and instead venture into gangs and prison, I think a grittier, more realistic look would have done much to help this show be taken a little more seriously. Having said that, the actors are made to look very attractive, so if you're in it for eye candy, you may like this show. They also did a better job than many other BLs by developing the characters histories and motivations, so you really knew what these characters defining background stories are. This show also did a nice job of bucking expectations about sexual roles in bed, which I appreciated.

Where this series really fell apart however, was the writing and plot. The "never exactly explained" list for the series is troublingly long, and after a while you just stop caring about what's going on.

[STOP READING HERE IF YOU DON'T WANT MASSIVE SPOILERS!!!]

The entire warring gangs storyline was thinly explained throughout. The machinations of Fan Ze Rui hiding from his gang in order to keep his gang looking for him, so that his boss can take over Zhang Teng's territory was particularly convoluted. Then, that the high school let a gang member come in undercover to become a temporary teacher in order to expose a rival gang's drug dealing within the school made zero sense. The connection between the Fan family orchestrating the chair attack in prison also felt very tenuous. Especially after Bai Zong Yi took the fall for Zhang Teng's murder. I understand it's because Fan Hong Da didn't approve of Bai Zong Yi and Fan Ze Rui's relationship, but wouldn't there be some respect for Bai Zong Yi saving Fan Hong Da's grandson from going to prison? And if Fan Hong Da hated is bastard grandson so much, why did he want to keep him out of jail, and why did he care so much about his relationship? Didn't he sort of want to disown him anyway? The motivations here all seem very contradictory. Do you want to know how Ai Di got himself into jail to protect Bai Zong Yi ? I would like to know that as well, but it was never explained! Bai Zong Yi has short term amnesia, but doesn't really seem to forget everything -- except his wedding vows in the final scene. Fan Ze Rui is pretending to have long term amnesia to protect Bai Zong Yi (from the Fan family I guess) and to get dirt on his family's business... maybe? Was he blackmailing his grandfather, or was he offering a bribe to his grandfather? Again, never really explained. There's also the Hail Mary of plotting at the end to throw in a twist from a character that the show kind of ignored throughout the series. And would you like to know why Chen Dong Yang's boyfriend was coughing up blood in the final episode? Well, you won't find out. Those are just a few of the reasons this show is a mess.

My understanding is that this was originally a novel, and with any novel they always have to cut things back to make work in the running time of a show. However, I also read that Chen Yi and Ai Di were side characters with no romance in the novel. If the writers didn't spend so much time fleshing out this additional story and turning it into a romance, maybe they could have gotten the basics down and made the overall plot points connect better and make more sense. It feels like they added an extra story in at the expense of creating a show with an understandable and believable plot.

Oh... and the theme song was terrible.

If you're interested in BL gang's, I suggest you check out Not Me. It doesn't have as attractive actors, but the plot is infinitely more interesting and logical. Another title you might enjoy would be Kinn Porsche, which is also kind of terrible, though not as terrible as this, and it's got a lot of sex, so that's a plus.

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Completed
Agency
1 people found this review helpful
Jan 19, 2024
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 8.5
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 4.0

Nice and crisp, girl power without toxicity.

Menu= Synopsis/Concept ~(8)
Ingredients/Recipes= Script Writer ~(10)
Chef= Director ~(10)
Flavors/Taste= Actors/Performances ~(10)
Restaurant/Decor= Wardrobe Production-Value ~(10)
Waiter/Service= Editing/Pacing/Cinematography ~(10)

Starter/1st Act ~(10)
Main Course /2nd Act ~(8)
Dessert/3rd Act ~(9)

Lee Bo Young delivers and shows why Korean actress should just be given all roles in all dramas worldwide, I’m purposely being hyperbolic.

The secondary romance plot was an unexpected and welcome surprise.

The 16 episodes go by pretty quickly.
Nice show but no rewatch.

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Completed
A Business Proposal
1 people found this review helpful
Jan 19, 2024
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 7.5
Rewatch Value 9.5

Pure and wonderful escapism.

Menu= Synopsis/Concept ~(8)
Ingredients/Recipes= Script Writer ~(9)
Chef= Director ~(9)
Flavors/Taste= Actors/Performances ~(10)
Restaurant/Decor= Wardrobe Production-Value ~(10)
Waiter/Service= Editing/Cinematography ~(10)

Starter/1st Act ~(9)
Main Course /2nd Act ~(10)
Dessert/3rd Act ~(8)

Pure escapism, warm and fuzzy. The lead actress where beautiful coupled with great acting.
I personally prefer simple straightforward storytelling, injecting over the top conflict for conflict’s sake is overrated.

Talking pictures are for unwinding after dealing with reality.

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Completed
Death's Game Part 2
0 people found this review helpful
Jan 19, 2024
4 of 4 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

"내 죽음이 참을 수 없이 부끄러웠다".

Are there ANY lives not worth living? Any at all?
🔸️In comparison to Tomorrow that could only offer the cliche "tomorrow will be better" and more or less noticable victim blaming for giving up on your life, Death's Game, on the other hand, acknowledges the personal struggle and responsibility while encouraging you to continue fighting, to win this horrible game and rise from the ashes. Because while you continue living, you are already winning each minute of your life.

It's interesting to watch one actor playing several characters in one show, but to watch several actors playing one character together? All the Yi Jae cast had to layer Yi Jae's nature and behavior on the host personality, the owner of the new body. This task is exciting on its own, and the acting turned out phenomenal. Kim Jae Wook playing psychopath rival? That scene gave me chills, let alone the brilliantly adapted screenplay.

🔺️Watching the drama won't help severely depressed and suicidal people. And of course it's not meant to do that. If you're in such condition, please, try seeking help from mental health professionals.
But it can and does help those who are struggling. It killed me and put me back together piece by piece, just like Yi Jae, in the final. Immersive af.

Did you know? The name Yi Jae sounds identical to "right now" in Korean. I enjoy so much the wordplay in character names in K-dramas.

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Completed
Yangotonaki Ichizoku
0 people found this review helpful
Jan 19, 2024
11 of 11 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.5
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 7.0

Is it a comedy? Drama? A weirdly deep social commentary? I don't know man, but I liked it.

Yangotonaki Ichizoku is a drama that falls into a very specific genre that I like to call Petty-Rich-People-Drama-Making-The-Leads-Lives-Miserable. And I don't mean that as an insult, I tend to like said genre. This show certainly has some of the things I would expect from that genre, crazy inlaws, inheritance battles, an endless spewing of drama that never lets the leads rest, y'know all that, but I found a lot more than that here too.

After reading the summary and deciding to give this a shot, I was fully expecting another drama with your stoic, emotionally inept rich male lead and the naive somewhat annoying female lead with a mediocre romance plot. And I am very happy to report, that I didn't find that here at all. Kenta and Sato as characters are really what set this drama apart for me.

Kenta is quite possibly one of the greenest flags I have ever seen in a drama. Not only is he incredibly kind, but he's also emotionally intelligent and supportive of his wife. (Love me a good supportive husband character!!) And honestly, Sato is just a green flag too, they're just a freaking green forest together. I'm so glad Sato didn't end up being like I expected. I actually adore her character, compared to most J-Drama FL's she's quite mature which was a nice change of pace from other shows plus isn't a pushover. Sato doesn't just put up with the crap her inlaws throw at her, or wait for her husband to save her. Though he is always there to back her up, which I loved. And by the way, Sato is equally supportive of Kenta.

Unlike most dramas, Kenta and Sato are already together when the show starts. Initially, I thought this might make it harder to get invested in their relationship, as we didn't get to see attraction grow before they got together or watch their relationship develop in the early stages, but after one or two episodes I was sold. They were an absolute delight to watch, and without a doubt, the best part of the drama. They do this lovely thing that a lot of other drama couples could learn, it's called communication. I was actually shocked at how healthy their relationship was, they complemented each other amazingly well, which couldn't have been done if it weren't for the casting, I don't think the show could have been better cast.

Other than Sato and Kenta's relationship, there was always a lot going on. It's primarily eleven episodes of family and business drama with something new thrown at you every two seconds. Kenta's family is an absolute mess, and pretty much all of them are at least a little insane. Every character in that family was extremely over the top and dramatic. I feel like it should have felt out of place given how mellow and down-to-earth the main leads were, but for some reason, I felt like the contrast actually worked.

Disguised under all the absurd drama there were also several recurring themes about women's places in society. Even though there's a lot more than that going on, this ultimately ended up feeling like that was what this show was really trying to get you to think about. That part of the show, I think actually worked. It was brought up in so many different ways through different characters, that it really gave a broad perspective of the topic.

And while the romance was my favorite part of the show, I loved so many of the other characters and relationships established. For such a short show, there are a lot of characters to keep track of, but they all have their own unique stories that at least get a moment to shine. In the beginning, I hated pretty much all of Kento's family, and by the end, I really liked most of them.

I know most of this review is talking about the things that I liked about this show because I did enjoy it, it's definitely got some flaws too. While I enjoy overly complicated plots, there are unfortunately a few points in this show that I didn't feel were wrapped up as well as they should have been. The ending felt a bit rushed to me, and some of the relationships were repaired too easily. There just wasn't enough time to really wrap it up.

Without spoilers, I will say there was one plot point nearing the end that I really didn't enjoy much, and I know I'm not alone. Fortunately, the part that bothered me didn't last for a long period of the show. There was also one villian that kinda annoyed me. I didnt like it when she was on sceen. Just wanted them to push her off a bridge or something.

And while sometimes the tone shifts and differences in characters' level of dramatics worked, the show was occasionally pretty confused in tone.

Is it a comedy? A drama? A full freaking soap opera? A satire? A social commentary? None or all of the above?

Honestly, I don't know if I, or this show, know what it's trying to be, I just know I liked it.

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Ongoing 8/36
Sword and Fairy 4
26 people found this review helpful
by KristP
Jan 19, 2024
8 of 36 episodes seen
Ongoing 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

Great Drama

So far so good. All the characters are likable and some might have flaws but that leaves room for development. I love the action scenes as well as a little bit of romance. The drama was fast paced, and there were no boring moment. I think C-drama lovers should give it a try.

The female male lead is my favorite character. She is very funny and smart. She has flaws but I think there will be development in her character. Her makeup are not bad, I don’t know why people are complaining. I don’t see anything wrong with the makeup style.

There’s chemistry between the ML and FL. It make the drama very fun to watch.

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