A Beautiful Mess, But Not My Cup of Tea

I get it—this show is supposed to be a journey of character development and all that jazz, so I shouldn’t judge it too harshly. But when I watch something, I cut out all the fluff—the music, the long-winded monologues, and whatever “deep” symbolism the director threw in. And after doing that? There was nothing left for me.

The Good:
• Music: Absolutely fire. The opening song is living rent-free in my head and might never leave.
• Male Lead: Solid performance.
• Atmosphere: The art style—even though blatantly copied from bigger artists—works well with the catchy music and vibe.

The Bad:
Alright, let’s break it down:
1. The Female Lead is... What?!
How is she not in a mental hospital? I mean, seriously. She’s either a psychopath or a sociopath, and neither option explains how she’s just out here, living her best life.
2. Where’s the Story?
What even happened? The ending was so dumb it made me wonder if I missed a few key plot points. The show keeps hinting at some harsh, traumatic past, but where’s the evidence? She doesn’t even seem that scarred—mentally or emotionally—for someone who’s supposedly been through hell.
3. Why is She Obsessed with the Male Lead?
She stalked him after seeing him once... and the dude didn’t call the cops? I mean, be for real. That’s not romance, that’s restraining order territory. And I know she had a small encounter with him when she was a child but there is no way she would recognize him and what if she did, there was no chemistry between them anyway from start to finish.
4. Male Lead’s Weird Behavior
Okay, so the male lead shows zero interest in girls throughout the entire show—so much so that you start thinking he’s just not into women. And then, out of nowhere, he’s into her? Why? HOW?! Bizarre. Honestly, it feels like they just threw that romance in because they couldn’t think of anything else. A little buildup would’ve been nice, thanks.

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No One Would Have Cared if the Secret Got Out.

A promising premise with perfect chemistry between the leads and solid support from the side characters. It’s clear the cast gave it their all, despite having very little material to work with. I mean, you can only stretch a half-baked love story so far, right?

The story kicked off with some crazy ideas—an instant marriage proposal and everyone being cool with it? Wild. But seriously, if both families are basically one big happy family, why didn’t they just get married right away? They could’ve saved all of us a lot of time! Instead, the leads kept dragging things out, giving me emotional whiplash. The female lead couldn’t make up her mind, while the male lead carried the show like a champ, doing what male leads do best—keeping us hooked with charm and consistency.

But here’s where things went off the rails: one minute, they act married; the next, they’re back to awkward strangers. And let’s not forget the unnecessary secrecy—at work and at home. It’s like, why are you sneaking around when both families basically live together anyway? I know the male lead became her boss, but keeping their relationship a secret for that reason is so contrived it made my brain hurt. And again, the show is called “You Are My Secret”—but what was the secret? That they’re both wasting everyone’s time?

This is my eternal gripe with both Chinese and Korean dramas—long stretches where nothing happens. Either trim the episode count or give us more character development! Is it too much to ask to just watch the leads’ love blossom naturally? Instead, they gave us secrecy, unnecessary drama, and long scenes of... basically nothing. It felt like the leads were allergic to marriage and just burning through runtime doing absolutely nada.

Ultimately, the leads had potential, but the story squandered it by being repetitive and indecisive. I just wish they committed to the romance early on and let us enjoy the ride instead of dragging us through endless filler. If you ever feel tempted to watch this drama, prepare yourself—because the real secret? The only thing hidden is a sense of urgency.

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A Perfect Start Met its Perfect Failure - At the End

The show had me hooked from the start with the main leads' love-hate chemistry. Watching them hate each other so intensely gave me life—like, "I hate you, but also, let's have epic slow-burn romance" vibes. The pacing was amazing in the first 8 episodes, and honestly, I was laughing way more than I expected. But somehow, they managed to fumble a seemingly perfect story, as if they saw greatness and thought, "Nah, let's add chaos."

The Good Stuff:
Perfect chemistry from the leads (they could probably hate-flirt their way out of a hostage situation).
First few episodes? Chef’s kiss. I replayed the first two episodes three times—who needs new content when you have those?
The songs slap hard. They set the mood so well that I’m now emotionally dependent on them.
The “Why Did They Do That?” Stuff:
The songs only worked when the leads were on screen. For everyone else? Meh. Except Grandpa—he carried the emotional weight of a Marvel superhero.
The villain? No rhyme, no reason—just villain-ing for the sake of it, which, in true drama fashion, is somehow the norm.
Side characters? Forgettable. I swear they were just standing there as furniture most of the time. And the female side characters... oof. Their acting was so bad it felt like watching an AI-generated soap opera.
And don't get me started on how the plot went from "lighthearted fun" to “political drama nobody asked for.” They had a perfect rom-com setup! All they had to do was ride that wave and give us more of their school life and pre-marriage shenanigans. Instead, they opted for... politics. WHY.

I’m not usually this serious over dramas, but those first two episodes were so good they made me believe again—for a hot minute. But then the pacing took a nosedive, and the whole thing became cheap, forgettable, and un-rewatchable. Like, I’ll maybe rewatch those first two episodes for old time’s sake, but beyond that? Nah.

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Great Atmosphere, But the Main Leads Had Me Scratching My Head

I’ll start with the positives—the production quality and music are top-tier. The opening episodes sucked me in with the incredible atmosphere and pacing, and the chemistry between the second leads was chef’s kiss. But I have some serious gripes with the story and the main characters that made me feel like I was on a rollercoaster with a broken seatbelt.

The Main Leads: Confusing at Best, Cringe at Worst
The Male Lead is… Old, but Also a Child?
I mean, come on. He’s ancient—very, VERY old. Like, we’re talking multiple centuries of experience here. But somehow, he acts like a confused teenager. When he was a soldier, the guy was calm, calculating, and cool. But fast forward to his immortal life, and he turns into this soft, awkward mess. What happened? Did immortality give him eternal wisdom or just eternal awkwardness?

The Female Lead is Just… Odd.
Okay, she’s totally cool with some random guy popping out of nowhere with magical powers? If I saw a dude with a sword sticking out of his chest, I’d run so fast Usain Bolt would take notes. But nope—she just rolls with it like it’s the most normal thing in the world. I get suspension of disbelief, but come on.

Nitpicks & The Stuff I Loved
The music? Amazing. It fits the tone so perfectly that I’m still humming it at random moments.
Honestly, I would’ve preferred a show focused on the Grim Reapers. That storyline had much more potential than what we got. The second leads? Gold. I wanted more episodes just to dive deeper into their characters and give them the impact they deserved.
When the Wheels Fell Off
The first 10 episodes? I was hooked—completely in. But then came the moment when the female lead tries to run away from the male lead, and wow. That scene was so cringe I almost threw my remote. I get that they were going for emotional conflict, but it just came off as forced and awkward.

Final Thoughts
This show had everything going for it—fantastic production, music, and promising side characters. But the confusing behavior of the main leads and some awkward story moments derailed it for me. If it had focused more on the second leads or the Grim Reapers, I think this could’ve been legendary. Still, it’s worth a watch, just don’t be surprised if you find yourself cringing here and there.

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Tried Hard, But This Show Just Didn’t Click for Me

I am sorry to be harsh but I judge everything to a gold standard especially to western dramas.

Oh man, I really tried to get into this show. I gave it my best shot, but the first few episodes felt like a random assortment of nonsense. I finally just skipped to episode 7, and honestly, that felt like the real first episode—where the girl grows up and finally starts using her brain. I get that the show is supposed to be light and easy with zero substance, so I’m willing to give it a pass there.

That said, a couple of episodes were enjoyable, but I didn’t feel attached to any of the characters. It feels like one of those disposable, low-budget dramas with minimal writers, but the director worked magic to somehow keep it from falling apart. Seriously, amazing direction.

Outside of the two leads with their “decent” chemistry, every other character felt like a throwaway. Even the brother, who’s just there to provide comic relief, just popped in for random phone calls and small talk. I’m not trashing the show—there’s just nothing happening. No meaningful introductions, no plot twists, no side characters worth remembering. I haven’t even finished the series and, honestly, I don’t feel any urge to. But hey, if I ever have way too much free time, I might give it another shot.

Also, let’s address the weird elephant in the room: the male lead falling for the girl who was basically a sister to him. Yeah, I know things like that can happen in real life, but the first few episodes really sold him as the protective, older-brother type. He was already a mature grown-up while she was still a teen, and the sudden shift into romance felt... off. Like, c’mon, how do you go from “big bro” to boyfriend that fast? But hey, maybe I’m just reading too much into it.

Now, despite all the nitpicking, I have to say the hospital episodes (somewhere around 9 or 11?) were fantastic. Those scenes felt real and had actual substance. I just wish the rest of the show had some kind of plot to match that.

In the end, it's not garbage like most shows, but it’s one of those shows I’ll probably only finish out of boredom. Not bad—just... forgettable.

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A Historical Drama with Too Much Substance for Its Own Good—A Masterpiece of Chinese Culture

This drama is like a slow-brewing cup of tea that takes forever to steep, but when it’s ready, it slaps you with flavor. The opening music? Insanely good. It’s like an orchestra of ear-bending notes that left me wondering why other shows don’t even bother attempting something similar. I caught myself replaying the intro just to bask in the melody—that’s how mesmerizing it is.

Female Lead: Carrying the Show Like a Boss
For once, the female lead pulls so much weight that I often forgot the male lead even existed (no offense, buddy). She’s in the title, so it makes sense, but the way she owns every scene feels like she’s not just playing the role—she is the role.

Finally, a Power System That Makes Sense
Here’s the thing—most Chinese dramas are guilty of throwing immortal powers around without any rhyme or reason. One moment the characters are peasants, and the next, they’re floating in the sky with no explanation. But this drama actually puts in the work to make the power systems feel logical and well-thought-out. I found myself appreciating how much thought went into every type of entity and how they came to be. It’s a nice change from the usual “let’s just say they’re powerful and call it a day” routine.

Action Scenes That Feel Earned
Action sequences are often just filler fluff in dramas, but not here. Every single fight felt telegraphed, deliberate, and essential. It was refreshing to see that weaker characters could outsmart stronger ones—it gave the battles more weight and made the power dynamics more believable. Honestly, I wish more shows took notes from this.

Songs That Are Too Good to Ignore
I normally ignore soundtracks and random garbage when reviewing a show, but in this case? Impossible. Every song creates such a surreal atmosphere that it’s like stepping into another world. It made me realize how much thought and heart Chinese culture puts into storytelling through music.

Final Thoughts: A Drama That Raises the Bar
This drama redefines what a historical/immortal series should be. The story is slow, yes, but it’s the kind of slow burn that stays with you. With music that transcends basic scenes, characters that feel real, and action that actually matters, it sets a new standard. Now I have a newfound appreciation for Chinese culture and a high bar for all future dramas to clear. Good luck to the next one—because this is going to be hard to beat.

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A Rare Gem Among Korean Dramas – Nothing Else Compares

I don’t have any specific memories tied to this show, but every time I think about giving Korean dramas another try, this one pops into my head—and honestly, nothing ever comes close to it. It’s ruined me for other K-dramas.

It’s weird how every other review out there gushes about the chemistry between the main leads—like, I get it, they work well together, but can we talk about the actual story? You’re watching a drama, not a couple’s vacation vlog. And here’s the harsh truth: most K-drama stories are trash, with pacing issues that make you wonder if they lost half the script halfway through production.

But this show nailed every aspect—acting, pacing, depth, relationships, friendships, and of course, the legendary production quality. Every scene, every shot, just feels perfectly crafted. It’s rare to say this, but I think this drama can hold its own against some of the best Western series in terms of overall quality.

If I had one complaint, it’s that I wish there were more episodes. A little more time spent fleshing out the backstory and maybe giving us a glimpse into the characters' future would’ve made it even better. But still, this is as close to flawless as it gets.

If you're looking for K-dramas with substance alongside entertainment for everyone, this is the gold standard. Good luck finding anything else that measures up. I’ve tried—and failed. (A bit of disclaimer I do not like dramas that has random and unnecessary actions and random ups and downs and also I actively avoid sad and emotional dramas so I have definitely missed out on a few. But that does not mean those are bad and also better than this drama)

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I met myself and can't forget.

I casually stumbled onto this drama one day, thinking it would be just another forgettable watch. The first episode felt simple but oddly captivating. Then, out of nowhere, this random female character shows up—and let me tell you, her acting hit different. First thought: “There’s no way they kill her off. I need more of this character.”

Well, guess what? Plot twist. And right after that, the whole tone of the show shifted, and holy shit, it was GOOD. Slow? Yes. Simple? Absolutely. But somehow, every character, every house, every little detail feels alive and real. Even the songs hit so hard, I have to skip some of them—they bring back this overwhelming nostalgia, like I’m reliving simpler, better times I never even had.

And can we talk about how there’s no villain in this show? Finally! A drama that’s not drowning in random evil masterminds showing up to ruin things just because the writer got bored. Seriously, why can’t Chinese dramas stick to this formula more often? No Buddha-tier main characters who are weirdly perfect, and no surprise villains popping up halfway through to cause unnecessary drama. Everything here feels believable, and somehow, this show made me feel like I’ve lived in these houses. I’ve never even been to China (yet), but now I’m weirdly intrigued to go.

There are very few pieces of media that grab me by the soul and refuse to let go, and this drama did just that. Honestly, I’m scared to rewatch it—not because of the emotional rollercoasters, but because of the memories it stirs up. It's like revisiting an old photo album and realizing just how much time has passed.

All in all, this isn’t just a show—it’s a whole experience. And now, I’ll probably be thinking about it for the next decade.

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A Perfectly Casual Delight

“Perfect and Casual” delivers exactly what its title promises—a simple yet heartwarming watch, driven by solid character development and a clear sense of purpose. The show sticks to its premise without unnecessary distractions, keeping the spotlight on the main leads while still allowing the side characters to shine when needed.

The beauty of this drama lies in its balance. The leads complement each other effortlessly—the female lead is immature, caring, and sweet (the ideal template for a drama heroine), while the male lead exudes maturity, intelligence, and quiet confidence. Their dynamic feels refreshingly natural, with none of the forced conflicts or over-the-top misunderstandings that often plague similar stories.

What sets this show apart is its relaxed tone and emotional honesty. There’s no unnecessary jealousy or dramatic breakups—just two people gradually getting to know each other and growing together. Even the side characters, though occasionally underutilized, add depth to the story and help build a believable world around the leads.

One of the show’s strengths is its pacing—it never drags and avoids inserting drama for the sake of it, which makes it feel more genuine and enjoyable. While the music and production quality are on the simpler side, the director makes the most of the available budget, elevating everyday scenes into small moments of joy that are pleasant to rewatch.

Overall, “Perfect and Casual” delivers exactly what it set out to—a sweet, lighthearted romance with genuine emotions and likable characters. A bigger budget and more prominent side characters could have turned it into a masterpiece, but as it stands, it’s still a perfectly casual watch—the kind of show you can come back to whenever you need a cozy, feel-good experience.

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First but not the last

My first ever drama. I searched the internet of what is the highest rated one it spat out this one.

Maybe its nostalgia however, it really has not kept up with the time. Its unrealistic and too cliche. The male lead was the highlight and is still one of the most normal looking Korean male I have seen.

The story now feels dumb as I think about it. It had poor pacing and nothing really clicked for me.

How the heck these two leads get in love I am confused. And how is everyone else so low IQ and cant figure out a person not aging for centuries is beyond me. It requires a lot of subversion of logic but still it is not the best watch.

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Second Drama Ever: Wow at First, Meh on the Rewatch

This was only my second drama, and wow, did it leave an impression! The premise was fantastic, with tons of realistic conflicts between characters—it felt like every interaction had weight. At first, I was hooked, especially through the early episodes. But when I tried to watch it again? Yeah… I lost interest right after the USA part.

It’s still a great show, and I’d recommend it to anyone looking for something intense. But, on the second go, the pacing issues really stood out. Some parts just drag on forever, and others rush by like the director realized they were running out of time.

Also, I gotta say, the rich characters were way too one-dimensional. Every rich person in this show is just some awful, scheming caricature with no depth. And don't even get me started on the family feuds—they were straight-up toxic. If the drama had dialed back on that nonsense garbage, I think it would’ve stuck with me more vividly. But no—everyone’s out here backstabbing each other like it’s an Olympic sport.

Oh, and the acting? The older ladies ruined it for me. I swear, it felt like they were overacting on purpose. Instead of looking natural, they seemed like they were performing in some off-Broadway play. It was hard to take their characters seriously when all I could think was, "Why are they so extra?"

Despite all that, it’s still a show that left its mark on me. It wowed me once, but after seeing it again, the magic just wasn’t there.

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Loved It, but Now I See the Flaws – And No, I Won’t Rewatch It

When this drama first came out, I was buried under GRE prep, and somehow, this show became my escape from vocabulary hell. One episode a day was my routine, and I found it really engrossing. It gave me something to look forward to between study sessions—like a weird, emotional study break. Now every time someone mentions GRE, I don’t think of math or verbal reasoning—I think of this drama.

But now that I’ve had time to reflect, I can’t help but notice a few big flaws. The biggest issue? Infinite time with zero consequences. These 2 could live in luxury, mess around however they wanted for a day, and it would just get reset like nothing happened. It’s basically "Groundhog Day" with better aesthetics and fewer brains. And honestly? The solution to their whole problem is so obvious—just call the cops and report the bus accident. How is that supposed to be as difficult as the show makes it look? I mean, I get it: drama. But come on.

Another thing: the stakes could’ve been higher, and the characters definitely needed to be more logical, like where are their families and zero connections? Just walk into the police station and ramble like bombers? These two leads, who are supposedly deep thinkers, just keep dying left and right, yet somehow end up in love with zero chemistry between them. I swear, they fall in love out of sheer convenience. At least give me some backstory on their relationship or a few sparks—something to make me care more about their romance.

That said, I still loved this show. It was one of the first dramas I ever watched, so it holds a special place in my heart. I’ll always think fondly of it, even if it has no rewatch value. Once is enough. It’s like studying for the GRE—good experience the first time, but you don’t want to go through it again.

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I Still Don’t Know What Snooker Is, but This Drama Deserves a 9/10 (From a nitpicker)

Great Chemistry
Oversimplified plot (Can be the only downside, almost nothing happens in most episodes if someone is looking for substance)
Every character is committed to their role
Amazing direction and OST
The atmosphere always reminds me of my days abroad


Alright, let me get this out of the way: I have no idea how snooker or nine-ball works. I saw it being played in this drama, and you’d think that might spark some interest. Nope—zero interest, still confused, moving on.

Now, normally, I’m not the kind of person who enjoys watching filler series that feel like they were written during a lunch break. I’m a man, and I do not tolerate garbage entertainment. But this series? It’s the exact opposite—no nonsense, just good drama. And trust me, I usually rip everything apart like a professional hater. I barely hand out 9s, but this one earned it.

There’s nothing bad I can say about this drama (which is wild, because finding flaws is my hobby). If you’re patient enough for a slow-burn story that actually stays focused on its plot, this is one of the rare gems you shouldn’t miss. The chemistry between the cast? Fabulous. Every side character? Fully committed—no one’s just there to fill space. It’s like every actor showed up thinking, “I’m here to make this work, not to waste your time.”

And here’s where it gets even better: no random new characters popping up halfway through. I swear, half the Chinese dramas I’ve seen introduce more people in the last few episodes than a wedding party. Not here, though. This director had a plan, and it shows. Everything unfolds with perfect pacing, without that clunky, chaotic “who is this guy again?” energy.

Now, I don’t know what it is with Chinese dramas and their obsession with turning everyone except the main characters into scheming villains. Why does every side character have to act like they’re plotting a coup? But this drama? No unnecessary evil, no brain-dead villains. Just a tight, simple story that focuses on the leads and the emotions that matter. It’s refreshing.

If I had one gripe, it’s that the plot is almost too simple. Honestly, not much happens: the leads meet, they go back to China, a few things happen, and then—boom—they get married. I would’ve liked a little more story and maybe a couple of extra episodes, but hey, what they did with the straightforward plot left me impressed.

I had some free time so thought I would write some of my thoughts on some dramas. Maybe I will still remember them when I get older and remember the especial feelings again.

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