finished 2024

I’ve been waiting to watch this drama for over a year because my sister watched it, loved it, and told me there was a huge cliffhanger at the end. So I didn’t want to watch it until we had some idea of when the second season would be out. So I waited…and waited…and then heard rumors about filming and then about possible release dates. Until last week I saw it finally confirmed that the second season would come out in a little over ONE WEEK. I despaired thinking there was no way I could watch 46 episodes in a little over a week while having a job and you know, being an adult. Boy was I wrong. It’s exactly a week later and I’m done.
Not only is this a testament to my lack of social life but it’s also a testament to how excellent Joy of Life is. The plot grabs you by the throat and doesn’t let go for the entirety of the show.
Plot aside, this drama could’ve fallen on its face if it didn’t have the actors that it did. All of the older actors are really excellent, but it’s Zhang Ruo Yun who carries this whole thing on his back. Without him, I don’t think the show would work. For the audience to root for a character like Fan Xian the actor has to be charismatic and engaging and not smug or arrogant, and Zhang Ruo Yun pulls it off perfectly. He’s acting circles around some of the younger actors in here (no disrespect to any of them).
Joy of Life is now my whole personality. 

finished 5.13.24

This took me months to watch, but only because I was watching it with my siblings. I kept hearing that it was good and it really was! I loved all the characters and the care that the show took to present them and their backstories to us. I also loved the kids; they were all so cute.
I do wish that the pacing was a little better. In the last few episodes they were building and building and building and then BAM! Flashback. It took me out of the story a little bit. I also think they should've split the season, starting with the parents' stories and then moving on to the kids. 

finished 2.29.24 

A good time. Fun story with decent pacing and good characters. I do wish a few episodes could've been edited a little better to trim the fat, but it did hold my interest all the way through. I also wish that we were able to explore some of the friendships/relationships more because we're told they're deep and we do see that but I mostly didn't understand at what point the Prince and Wu Xin became ride or die for each other. Anyway. 

finished 2.224

This was a really fun drama, but I will say the only reason it's as good as it is, is because of Meguro Ren. That guy's charisma is off the charts. Plus his chemistry with every other single person in this drama, ESPECIALLY Imada Mio, is what really drives this for me.

finished 3.3.24   

At it's core, a drama about generation trauma and finally healing. Sounds extreme, but I just mean that each chef passed down his idea that to be the best you have to be alone until it almost ruined Gaku. Anyway, that aside, this was a really fun drama. A little dramatic and corny at times, but a fun watch. 

finished 2.1.24 

The filming is beautiful and the story is simple and quiet and cute. Very short and easy watch. Do wish we could dive a little deeper into characters and relationships. 

finished 2.13.24

As ridiculous and unbelievable and dramatic as this is, there's just something about it that makes me love it. I will say the ending was kinda weird. I was skipping alittle, but what was that? Does everyone think he's dead? What's going on? 

finished 1.22.24

This reminded me of old school thriller kdramas in a good way. I will say that the unfortunate delays during airing really didn't do it any favors, and I do have some issues with how character arcs/relationships were handled. Also, I don't know why we keep getting open ended/not complete seasons when there isn't a good chance of another season. All it does it mostly render the entire season pointless because, in this case, nothing was really accomplished over the course of the season.
But I did enjoy the twists and I liked Kim Muchan (first time I've liked that actor...though I've barely seen anything with him in it). 

finished 1.14.24

Such an enjoyable bit sized drama. Really short episodes, but the story flowed well and it was fast enough that I accepted the plot holes about time travel. The couple was cute and I enjoyed watching their relationship grow.
I actually do wish it was a little bit longer because I think this would've been a fun drama to sit with a bit longer. 

finished 1.9.24

I really liked the start, but like a lot of kdramas these days, it sorta dropped off in the middle. It wasn't bad exactly, but I lost interest all of a sudden. 

finished 1.6.24

I started this ages ago and finally finished it. I enjoyed it when I finally came back to it, but after a while, I did start to get bored again. There really wasn't too much going on, and I think I would've liked a little bit more drama, but it was nice for what it was. 

finished 4.13.24

Such a messy drama. The pacing was so bad and sorta dragged the whole plot down. Plus all of the characters were super selfish in so many different ways, and also making the worst life choices you can imagine.
However, it was a silly, mindless drama that I did enjoy for the most part. 

finished 4.6.24 

It wasn't as pretty as the first season and honestly, it didn't have the same vibe either. Kou really frustrated me throughout the whole thing (and from the comments I read, he's written poorly and not how he's supposed to be). But it was short episodes and a short season so it was an easy watch 

finished 4.22.24

So much wasted potential. Interesting premise told in such a boring way (why is MAKEUP such a big plot point in this show?!) 

finished 1.18.24

personally not the drama for me, but well made and acted.
yoo seungho the ACTOR that you are! 

finished 1.1.24