Murderous Encounter (2025)

I was really hoping that I would love Koi Wa Yami.. But now that I finished it, I feel disappointed.. It’s riveting at times but structurally it doesn’t work for me.. The mystery is intriguing at first but they try so hard to make us believe the ML is the culprit that the story just falls apart..

I liked the ML’s nonchalant attitude in the beginning.. But I couldn’t tell if I should root for him or be worried about how much of a psychopath he might be.. Even though the first few episodes piled up proof pointing to him as the killer, I just didn't think he is.. There’s obviously something else going on.. They tried so hard to make him look guilty right from the first episode, it just felt off.. It was too forced.. If he is the killer, then the why needs to be really solid.. But the way the story unfolded in the first half, I didn’t think it would make for a satisfying thriller.. It was actually frustrating how they were twisting the dialogues to keep that suspicion alive.. It works for a while.. But after that, it just becomes tiring..

His relationship with the FL was charming.. Their feelings developed a bit too quickly but it didn’t feel out of place.. I think their chemistry was really solid.. It was actually the highlight of the drama for me.. And that’s why I really detest the ending.. He was punished and that was obvious.. And she said she would wait for him.. For 15 years.. That's not an easy thing to say.. Now that she said it, they should’ve given us that reunion.. A scene 15 years later or whenever they meet again.. That should have been the ending..

Now, the real killer.. It was obviously the nice guy everyone adored.. That wasn’t a surprise to me.. What did surprise me was the reason the ML was a part of his crimes.. The ML was shown as a smart, cunning man.. So it’s a bit hard to believe that someone like him would let it go on for so long..

Koi wa Yami is a decent thriller no doubt.. I may not love it as much as I wanted to, sadly.. Maybe others will appreciate it more.. I just wish they had ended it differently.. If there was no plan to give the main leads a reunion then the ML should have died from that stab in the final ep.. That might have left a stronger impression..

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Koi wa Yami: Every character shines, every moment thrills

"What a journey 'Koi wa Yami' was! 👏🏻
An absolute rollercoaster ride that kept me hooked from start to finish. It's rare to see a drama where every character is so meticulously well-written, and every actor truly delivered, doing incredible justice to their roles.
This drama was a perfect combination of intricate plot, love, romance, thriller, mystery, and suspense. I was constantly guessing the culprit, doubting every character after each episode and it kept me glued until the very end. Especially loved the chemistry between the leads; the love between them felt unforced and genuine.
Honestly, I badly wanted to see Hiroki and Makoto get their happily ever after in Makoto's hometown, opening their restaurant, watching the sakura blooming, and finally living in peace as they said in episode 8. 😭
The best drama of the season so far ❤️

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