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Insane Face Card Royal Romance That’s Not Quite Hitting Its Mark

Perfect Crown was undoubtedly a highly anticipated drama backed by an incredibly talented cast, yet despite doing so many individual elements well, it ultimately feels like it missed that special something for me despite me mostly enjoying it as I watched.

That being said, don’t assume immediately that it’s bad. By all means, it’s not. If anything watch it for Byeon Woo-seok serving us his insane face card. All his previous modeling experience is very much needed here because he does a lot of fashion style walking along various palace corridors and grounds.

Let’s get to it now.

Set in an alternate-universe constitutional monarchy, the story follows a illegitimate prominent chaebol heiress and a prince who enter into a high-stakes contract marriage. For romance lovers this is a very clever and interesting premise supported by a decent script. On the surface, this has a lot of potential to be very good since royal romance in contemporary setting is not something we get a lot. And it does start out really well.

But is we continue watching you keep on waiting for something to happen and it’s not quite getting anywhere. While the top-notch cinematography and production design create a beautiful aesthetic, the romance itself leaves some room for improvement.

Seong Hui-ju and Grand Prince I-an certainly showcase their professional dedication, but writers really did 5hem dirty because they are rarely placed in the kind of uniquely engaging, chaotic situations that define classic K-dramas. It’s there, but it’s just not enough. Because it was distributed through Disney, the final product feels overly scrubbed and specifically prepared for a Western audience, completely missing out on much-needed comedic relief and other over the top situations couples usually get into in these romantic dramas.

Furthermore, our couple occasionally looked a bit too "plastic" in terms of visuals. While both are very capable actors, there were crucial scenes—with the exception of the final episode—where their facial expressions felt restrained when the emotional stakes demanded much more. Byeon Woo-seok, who was absolutely spectacular in Lovely Runner, felt unusually stiff in a lot of scenes, first leaving it unclear whether this was a strict directorial choice for a rigid prince or a limitation of the performance itself. Or the actual performance itself. But after watching the final episode, I think this was the direction the producers were going for to actually showcase the restrictions that were posed on our prince by the weight of the titlel. I think because he didn’t break through his limitations even once through the first 11 episodes to actually let us know that he was in fact human, it made me think that the acting was somewhat lacking, which I know is usually not the case because I’ve seen Byeon Woo-seok in few other dramas and he does well outside of being just a great fit for a romantic role.

The pacing also suffers heavily in the latter half. The drama starts strong and builds great momentum, but the narrative drags considerably after the divorce decision, lacking any truly exciting moments to carry the final episodes. Everything that’s happening makes total sense, but for some reason, it still feels draggy. I don’t know if it’s the way some of the scenes are shot where they add extra few seconds here and there without the music or the actual lack of exciting events both leads are involved. All of a sudden, other characters are starting to get extra screen time while we actually want for our lead couple to do things together. The second half of the last episode redeems the pacing a little bit, but it’s just not enough.

As far as romance goes, it is good. Not fire hot but still very satisfying. IU and Byeon Woo-seok have great on screen chemistry. The intimate moments feel very natural, but I just wish they would actually had more interesting on screen interactions. There are too many wasted opportunities for them to make the romance even better and more exciting. In some scenes, the relationship feels platonic, even after they confess their feelings.

On a side note, I find it extremely funny that 10 years ago both IU and Byeon Woo-seok were in Scarlet Heart whereas she played a lead role (she was pretty famous already back then) and he had a tiny role of her ex-boyfriend and literally less than a minute of screen time in the entire show. UI’s character ended up with some other prince then. In Perfect Crown, she is the one who is trying to marry a prince Byeon Woo-seok plays. Made me laugh a little. But he deserves all the acknowledgment he’s getting right now because he has been in the industry for a long time and he’s been working very hard.

The real highlights of the show belong to the phenomenal supporting cast. Gong Seung-yeon delivers a standout, stellar performance as the Queen Dowager, masterfully portraying a morally gray woman forced into a dark corner by her circumstances. She has a compelling character arc. And you hate her at the beginning of the show, but you start to understand her a lot better in the last three episodes. Equally impressive is Noh Sang-hyun as Prime Minister Min Jeong-woo; his transition from a dependable good guy into a calculated antagonist over the course of the show was brilliant, offering a transformation you absolutely would not have guessed from the start.

Lastly, Perfect Crown requires a massive suspension of belief to enjoy—such as overlooking the absurdity of a palace fire where not a single firefighter attempts to save an actual prince. Or husband and wife calling each other “your highness” even in private when no one is watching them. They could just use their real names. Otherwise it just removes the feel of intimacy between them. Or the fact that a nine-year-old child king has to actually perform official duties, despite having a regent.

If you can ignore basic common sense and turn off your brain, this serves as a decent "guilty pleasure" gateway drama for casual romance fans or devoted followers of the main actors. It’s certainly worth checking out and easily clears the bar compared to some far worse, unwatchable streaming originals, but seasoned K-drama veterans looking for over-the-top, classic storytelling may find it somewhat lacking.

If you like the idea of monarchy in a contemporary setting and wanted to watch a better K drama with this setting, I highly recommend to check out The King: Eternal Monarch with Lee Min-ho and Kim Go-eun. It’s a by far better watch with fantasy elements that gets hate for no reason. This was one of my first K-dramas with fantasy elements and I still think it’s a much better story.

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A cute BL rom-com with a pinch of the supernatural

Head 2 Head is a cute, cozy BL rom-com with a pinch of the supernatural that keeps things fun. There are two couples sharing the spotlight almost evenly, and both bring something different to the table.

Jinn and Jerome deliver a classic rivals-to-lovers energy, full of witty banter and playful tension. Their chemistry is warm and genuinely sweet. I honestly did not expect that much kissing and intimacy, but it’s handled in a healthy, respectful way that suits the young leads. The supernatural aspect with the Jerome being able to see the future and trying to prevent bad things from happening is what adds depth to the romance between him and Jinn.

Van and Farm’s pairing leans into more complex emotional territory. Their story has no supernatural elements and instead relies on heavier internal conflicts, producing a few intense, well-played scenes. I personally really felt for Van when he finally cried in the scene with the cigarette on the balcony after the fallout was also pretty good. You really do get all the feels too with Farm’s anger. Their intimacy is just a dash spicier. I think the actors match that level better.

Both of these pairings are new to me, but they spark good chemistry. The acting was natural. It could use polish in places, but the performers show real promise and charm. I also have seen actors with a lot more industry experience acting worse. I am positive that these new actors are all working on their skills as they prepare for the next project.

If you want a college-set BL that focuses on romance, Head 2 Head doesn’t waste time. It devotes about 90% of its attention to the relationships and keeps the supporting cast lean so the love stories stay front and center.

The writing—especially the dialogue and jokes—is a highlight. There are plenty of laugh-out-loud moments and clever exchanges that make the show highly rewatchable.

Bottom line: If you want straightforward, feel-good romance without toxic baggage and without overthinking, Head 2 Head is a great pick.

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Sensual, Forbidden Love Drama That I Loved Way Too Much

Love in the Moonlight is a gorgeous, emotional, sometimes over-the-top dramatic love story between a prince and a musician set against the political turmoil of the 60s. This couple that will undoubtedly linger with you long after the credits roll.

The plot is nothing new but the drama left me speechless simply because of its execution. I wouldn’t say it’s particularly high-budget, and yes, it has some sound issues, but the way it’s shot—and the creators’ attempts to recreate that old-school lakorn feel—actually adds an interesting flavor to the overall packaging.

The story revolves around an extremely complicated love triangle (but not quite a triangle) between a young woman Pin, Prince Saenkaew, and Pin’s cousin Sasin.

Pin and Saenkaew are engaged (or rather forced to) for their families’ mutual benefit. Saenkaew’s family is running away from the new political regime and needs to have a Thai relative to transfer their assets to to avoid confiscation. Pin’s family is broke. So the parents get together and decide that marriage is the best option for each family to get what they need.

And while Pin likes Saenkaew, he doesn’t see her more than her little sister. Not because there’s something wrong with her—no, she is very wifey material—but simply because he doesn’t like women.

Enter Pin’s cousin, Sasin. The sparks fly right away, even if characters are clueless in the first few episodes.

This a tension filled forbidden love trope set against the political turmoil of the early 60s, a time when same-sex relationships were frowned upon and people faced judgment for their feelings. This is especially complicated for a royal family. With the political regime changing, dignity and respect is all Saenkaew’s father thinks their family has left as they are on the run from the new regime that does not recognizing royalty. He does not want anyone to find out that his only son is gay, so whether Saenkaew wants to get married or not the poor guy has to. It’s the only way for his father to ensure his son is safe. But his father really does it in such a roundabout way, using every method available to him, including violence.

Poor prince Saenkaew is stuck in a hopeless situation. He is caring the legacy of his entire family on his shoulders. The stakes get higher when Sasin turns into more than just Pin’s cousin. He eve irritates Saenkaew's planned out life, throwing his world into chaos.

Let’s be real: the characters aren’t perfect. In fact, they’re far from it. Saenkaew and Sasin pull some morally questionable stunts—not particularly in terms of loving one another but in their efforts to shield others, especially Pin, from the truth. They are trying to solve the problem without taking into account that it’s not just the two of them, but their respective families in the picture. Yet, toward the end of the drama they are redeemable because they come to terms with their flaws. That includes Pin, who probably shouldn’t have done what she did. But I could actually understand why she did it. I think many women in such situation would do exactly the same thing. There wasn’t much time for them to think anything through before the wedding.

The acting is superb, especially the intimate moments between Sasin and Saenkaew; they feel natural and genuine rather than acted out. And the music? Absolutely amazing! It enhances the overall emotional and melancholic vibe of the drama.

Sure, you'll find yourself hating the characters at times. There are some truly unredeemable individuals in this drama, but, spoiler alert, they get what’s coming to them. While there's a sprinkle of comic relief, don't expect the lighthearted banter typical of K-dramas. For the most part, Love in the Moonlight is dramatically over-the-top, which works well to ground viewers in the era the creators are depicting.

There are episodes, like the heart-wrenching sixth one, that reveal the depths of the character's struggles, it hits hard.

I truly loved this drama. I've been on a bit of a bad streak with new BL dramas lately—trying out several—and only one was decent. But Love in the Moonlight turned out absolutely amazing! I doubt anything can top it from 2025, except maybe Top Form, but that’s a whole different kettle of fish. I’m mostly talking about the emotional depth, the complexity of the characters, and how intimacy is portrayed on screen.

If you like dramas that rip your heart before putting it back together, this one’s for you. The on-screen chemistry is truly remarkable. You may need to suspend your disbelief a little, but that's par for the course in any romance drama. Definitely give this one a watch!

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Hilariously Absurd and Insanely Charming RomCom That Will Give You All the Fuzzy Feels

If you’re on the hunt for a BL romcom that’s both over-the-top and delightfully charming with insane actor facecards, look no further.

‘Me and Thee’ brilliantly combines silliness and heart with a dash of star power courtesy of Pond and Phuwin. Seriously, they are vibes in this drama. Phuwin needs to keep his hair long BTW.

This is a classic *opposites attract* story.

Thee is wealthy and impulsive (fake? mafia heir), diving headfirst into whatever his heart desires, regardless of whether he has a clue about what he’s doing. He is simping so hard. Peach is a photographer and a down-to-earth guy who is patient enough to handle Thee’s fiery personality. Plus he is Thee’s low-key life coach/dating coach/mental health counselor, you name it.

Together, these two create a perfect storm of ridiculousness and tenderness that makes for some major feels.

Most of the jokes here are punctuated by loud background sounds and we have absurd scene cuts that emphasize the hilarity. Yes, it’s intense. And perhaps not everyone’s cup of tea, but I implore you… Just persevere. Otherwise, you will miss a lot of swoony moments that come later on. But that’s—all the bell and whistles—part of the drama’s charm! Plus it’s making fun of itself and dramas in general. As the drama progresses, the characters experience growth and discovery, leaning on each other in the messiest yet most endearing ways.

Let’s talk chemistry. That’s Pond and Phuwin. Need I say more? I think they are synonymous of chemistry. But seriously, they radiate insane tension that doesn’t require constant skinship to keep the audience hooked. In fact, this is a slowburn romance. It’s more about the vibes they give off, and boy, do they bring it! Their interactions are respectful, making it feel like a safe space where love can unfold without boundaries. I actually appreciated that consent was brought into the picture. It’s always good to discuss it. It’s a nice departure from the old school romance dramas. We all know that dubious onscreen consent was a big thing 10 years ago. Just don’t kill the messenger.

While the plot isn’t groundbreaking, the delivery is where the magic lies. The series refuses to take itself too seriously, creating an atmosphere that feels more like a group of friends goofing around rather than a rigid production. You can tell the crew had a blast filming this—which, let’s be honest, makes for better viewing.

The cinematography is great! The colors pop, and the camera work keeps the energy high. Plus the sets are so beautiful.

As for the ending, it leaves you with a sense of satisfaction despite the familiarity of the plot. You might think you’ve seen this story before, and maybe some past dramas have presented it better but honestly, Me and Thee packs a silly romantic punch in its short ten episodes. The way Thee tries to win over Peach, often throwing money around (literally), is both endearing and hilarious as he learns the ropes of being in a relationship.

In summary, if you’re a fan of Pond and Phuwin or looking for something funny and uncomplicated—a breezy watch with cool visuals and great chemistry, you’ll love this. So grab your popcorn and prepare to ride the laughter-fueled wave of Me and Thee! You won't regret it!

P.S. Plus you get to see William seducing Est for at least 4 episodes. And Mr. Thee buying GMMTV to film his love story with Peach.

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Clean and Cutesy RomCom If You Want Something Uncomplicated

‘My Boss’ has been popping up on my Viki for the longest time, but for some reason, I just continued skipping over it. After finishing ‘Love Between Lines’ with Chen Xing Xu, I just let the algorithm feed me the next best thing with him, which was I finally clicked on ‘My Boss’ because, well, it was there and I had nothing else to watch. So here we are!

First things first: this is a cute, silly, romcom that thrives on the opposites-attract trope, packed with characters misunderstanding each other for the most of the drama and a classic cohabitation setup. The romcom vibes are STRONG here, and you’ll need to suspend your belief for almost every episode. The fun atmosphere is maintained throughout the drama—except for the last three episodes, where things took a turn.

‘My Boss’ doesn’t take itself too seriously. No time wasted on unnecessary side characters or convoluted side stories. We mostly focus on our main couple, Cheng Yao (played by Zhang Ruo Nan) and Qian Heng (played by Chen Xing Xu). There’s a side couple, but they don’t hog the screen time and the supporting female lead’s story is actually quite interesting.

The secondary couple’s role is important to the overall story, and everything ties together nicely in the end.

But honestly, the real highlight for me was the banter between Cheng Yao Qian Heng and the hilarious situations they find themselves in. Let’s just say I laughed a lot!

If you're expecting a passionate romance, though, temper your expectations. This drama doesn’t dive into physical romance much—there are a couple of moments and yes, they do kiss a few times, but overall, the story is focused on the emotional connection rather than the physical. Cheng Yao and Qian Heng are adorable together, and their romance feels believable, but I'll be upfront: Zhang Ruo Nan doesn’t have the same chemistry with Chen Xing Xu here as she does with Bai Jing Ting in ‘The First Frost.’

Now, on to some things that could use improvement. Whoever styled Cheng Yao... yikes! I get that they’re trying to showcase that she’s different from other women in the industry, but some of her hairstyles and outfits made her look downright unappealing and unattractive at times. This is an extremely outdated take on female characters in fiction. There's absolutely nothing wrong with a female lead being dressing well! It feels like the writers wanted us to focus solely on her skills rather than her looks. I can’t fault them too much for this formula, since it sells, but still—come on! I stand by my opinion. It is an outdated notion.

The last three episodes were a bit of a downer for me. The characters kind of drifted apart, which wasn’t quite a breakup—more like a break. I get Cheng Yao wanting some space, but those episodes slowed the show’s funky pace significantly. I don’t have the problem with the idea the writers were trying to convey through their separation. I do understand if you are trying to stand on your own 2 feet and you’re over wearing boyfriend is trying to make decisions for you. it’s definitely necessary to put some space between each other. But I think the way the situation was delivered to the viewer made it boring. The drama lost its spark for the duration of that separation.
It recovers toward the end and the final episode was a nice wrap-up to watch. It was just a tad anticlimactic the way everything was presented to us before the final episode and how things fizzled out—mainly due to Cheng Yao's insecurity. Honestly, if she dressed better, she might not have felt so insecure! Sorry, but I said what I said. Wearing nice clothes and having your hair done properly makes a big difference in woman’s overall wellbeing.

That said, these little quirks didn’t overly affect my score because I still had plenty of fun watching the drama. I just hoped that this drama would not be like the rest of the C-dramas where toward the end they all get all teary-eyed after two thirds of romcom. The story was interesting and well-written. Writers didn’t squander time on side stories(I was so happy parents did not get any independent scenes and only appeared when the lead characters were the picture), and the business setting was just enough for us to grasp that this was a drama set against a legal backdrop. Plus, I absolutely loved the vibe of their apartment scenes and the night cityscape scenery. Very pretty!

Overall, I think this will be a great drama for someone looking for something uncomplicated—just pure laughs and a typical, clean C-drama romcom.

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Captivating Contemporary C-Drama with Fantastic Chemistry Between the Leads

Speed and Love is all about semi-forbidden romance, fast cars, hot male lead, and a good story that’ll have you tearing up. And it’s definitely worth the hype. I watched it as soon as the final episode aired—because waiting? Not my style! I am a bing-it kinda girl.

Let’s dive in. Everyone's been buzzing about this drama for He Yu‘s Zhao Zhao, and honestly, that’s exactly why I started watching. I totally get it. He is the rugged, bad boy kind of a guy you instantly fall for. Side note: It's refreshing to see a trend in Asian shows where male leads actually look masculine and fit and a little bit like they’re from the wrong side of the tracks—quite a shift from older dramas where the men often appeared to look like they were afraid of going to the gym, had to have a college education, wear only acceptable clothes, and a lot of other things I won’t list. Anyway, Zhao Zhao has been occupying my entire Instagram feed for the past month.

As for our female lead, I like Esther Yu, so I have nothing but good things to say. I find her talented despite being consistently typecast for bubbly roles. Don’t get me wrong; she’s great in those parts, but I wish we could see her versatility shine even more. She needs to do more things like My Journey to You.

However, I do understand why she was cast as Mu Mu. In Speed and Love, her youthful charm fits the character perfectly, at least at the beginning of the drama, and she does evolve as the storyline progresses, which adds depth and we also get to see her acting abilities. I think this was done deliberately to showcase the age difference between the leads.

Speed and Love incorporates all the romance tropes I love.

Step-siblings to Lovers: While they aren’t biological siblings, the dynamics add angst.
Age Gap: The slight age difference between the leads brings a different flavor to their relationship dynamics
Opposites Attract: The classic bad boy/good girl vibe is alive and well here, creating a compelling push and pull between the characters.
And of course, we can’t overlook all the fast cars and crazy driving

Things I loved:

I appreciate that the show focuses solely on the main couple, without unnecessary side plots or additional romances.

The stunning Thai scenery adds to the drama's vibe, and while I enjoyed the bromance between Zhao Zhao and Drunk, I sometimes found myself torn between rooting for them or for Zhao Zhao and Mu Mu. Then I reminded myself—this is a Chinese production! 😂

The comedic elements were spot on, providing plenty of laughs throughout the series.

In terms of skinship, the show excels—there are plenty of cute and steamy moments between the leads. Long gone are the days with a single dead fish kiss at the end of the drama. These two ate. Literally. Each other.

Really good cinematography.

Did I mention? Zhao Zhao?

High quality driving and fighting scenes. Almost Hollywood level. I was surprised considering I hardly ever see those in Chinese dramas.

Things that I did not enjoy as much or they baffled me:

I had some issues with the pacing. The transition between the first and second arcs felt uneven. Too much time was spent on the Thailand arc before the mood shifted drastically, leaving me feeling like I was being pulled out of one narrative only to rush into another just as the series neared its end. C-dramas often stretch out their stories—yet here, they needed more episodes to give each (and I mean second) arc to give it the attention it deserved.

I also found some medical inaccuracies hard to overlook, particularly in the episode where Mu Mu and Zhao Zhao part ways in Thailand. If he had multiple broken bones and a spinal injury, I can’t accept the fact that he could just stand up there in front of her, hiding his pain to make sure she doesn’t know the extent of his injuries. (And please do not give me that crap that love made him do that just for the sake of her. sanity ) While I can suspend belief for love stories, a little grounding in reality goes a long way. I kept on asking myself how he could stand and then sit down in front of her if later on it’s shown he can’t even walk.

Further into the drama when Mu Mu and his doctor talk about his difficult recovery he was still going through, I expected that Mu Mu would be helping Zhao Zhao with whatever medical needs he still had. But as soon as they got back together, he recovered. Unless there was some inaccurate translation they had made it sound like he hadn’t recovered yet when they reconnected, I can only explain this by lazy writing or lazy editing. It didn’t really affect my enjoyment but it was a glaring inconsistency. I think this was a missed opportunity for the writers. This is one of those shows that actually could use a few more extra episodes.

In conclusion:

Speed and Love is a solid contemporary C-drama that deserves all the praise it’s receiving. The chemistry between the characters is palpable, the cinematography is absolutely breathtaking (as a cinematography enthusiast, I give major kudos to the camera team), the color grading is top notch, the acting is great, all the stunts performed well. The small flaws I noticed here and there (like strange/poorly written dialogues at the beginning of the drama) didn’t affect my opinion that this is still one of the better C-dramas. The plot is streamlined, free of unnecessary subplots or antagonistic characters with excessive monologues.

And let’s be real—it’s all about He Yu! The boy is going places. I’d never seen him in anything else before Speed and Love. I’m looking forward to see what else he’ll have coming out soon.

If you are looking for an exciting contemporary C-drama with great chemistry and high production value, I totally recommend. Enjoy the ride!

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Visual Storytelling at Its Best

This drama has truly earned its praise, and for good reason. If you're just getting into Chinese dramas and looking for an amazing female-centric revenge story, "The Double" is the one to see. The visuals are stunning, featuring amazing cinematography, beautifully choreographed fight scenes, and only a few slow episodes (and that’s always a blast in my book with historical C dramas). It stands out as a top-notch palace intrigue drama.

The story centers on Xue Fangfei, who faces betrayal by her husband and adopts a new identity to seek revenge. While the romance with Duke Su unfolds as a slow burn, it is ultimately satisfying. The chemistry between the leads is truly remarkable, and some of the best moments come from their interactions.

I liked the parallels the drama was trying to show us with what it would be like for our female lead to actually be with the man who cared for her as opposed to the disaster of her first marriage.

However, I do want to warn viewers who are seeking a heavy romance—this drama isn't that. This is a revenge-heavy drama about a woman hell-bent on restoring justice for everyone who didn’t get it.

Romance, here is just a cherry on top. I do think that some of the best episodes were of Duke Su and Xue Fangfei interactions.


I do have things to mention I believe were unnecessary.

Several elements I found less enjoyable, particularly after episode 30, where too much time becomes focused on the backstories of the villains, especially the Eldest Princess. Although it's important to understand her character, the amount of screen time felt excessive and could have been better balanced throughout the series. Those scenes were draggy and dialogues could have been cut in half.

One point of frustration was the abrupt cut of a kissing scene between the main leads near the end (it was somewhere after episode 30). Their romance doesn't feel fully bloomed until the final episode where the director finally chooses to include proper kissing scene. I think reason why it threw me off is because the drama itself does not gloss over bloody and violent scenes and sexual violence. So cutting off intimate interaction between main leads seemed extremely strange. But this is just me because I like my romance with lots of skinship if there is romance. otherwise, I don’t want any teasing with romantic upload if we are not going to get it in full.

For those who crave a clear happy ending, my recommendation is to stop watching the last episode after the marriage scene. The last ten minutes felt unnecessary and out of the left field.

While I appreciated the aesthetics of the closing moments and understood why the writers decided to go in that direction, I couldn't shake the feeling that the leads deserved a more definitive conclusion. After being so invested in their struggles for 40 episodes, the final twist—suggesting a meeting in the afterlife—felt like a punch to the gut. Our heroine ends up in misery, which feels undeserved after all she's been through.

I understand that some dramas aim for realistic endings, but after 40 episodes of suspension of my belief, I wanted a clear at least happy for now ending. Therefore, I docked half a point for that creator’s choice.

Overall, despite a few missteps, the cinematography, writing, and production value make "The Double" a must-watch.

Memorable episodes for me or episode 17 where our female lead is drunk. That scene in the rain was amazing.

Another memorable scene was when Xue Fangfei played a folk piece at the academy exam.

Despite my dislike of the ending, I actually did like the way the last 10 minutes were executed. Aesthetically that last sequence was very touching.

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One of the Best Xianxias You’ll Ever Watch with an Amazing Soundtrack

My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This is hands down one of the best xianxias out there! I remember binge-watching it while it was still airing on Netflix only to scramble for an IQIYI subscription when Netflix’s episode release schedule lagged behind.

The setting isn’t groundbreaking—it’s your classic opposites attract trope featuring a dark, brooding male lead and a bubbly, somewhat childish female lead. But everything from character, arcs and costumes and dialogues in this drama will blow you away.

I also have to give you guys a fair warning. If this is your first drama with Esther Yu, don’t let her voice or the way her character acts be a dealbreaker! It just takes some time to warm up to her.

I’m not usually a fan of childlike characters, but her Orchid evolves significantly throughout the series. Trust me, Esther is talented! (If in doubt, check out "My Journey to You.") So, even if you’re not a fan of her character at the beginning, hang in there—it’s absolutely worth it.

Now, onto our male lead! Dylan Wang’s performance really impressed me, especially when I reflect on his earlier work. I believe I saw something with him before LBFAD and he wasn’t all that amazing. But his portrayal of Dongfang QingCang was captivating—his facial micro-expressions and character growth kept me thoroughly entertained, especially when he was in his bad boy era. His acting really improved.

At its core, this drama narrates a love story between a cold and ruthless male who has his people to protect—justifiably so even if his means are not that great—and a clueless yet endearing female lead.

There's a love triangle too, which is actually something I enjoy a lot as long as both mail leads are on the same level.

I must admit, I struggled between my preference between Dylan Wang and Zhang Ling He. they are both very flawed and they both grow throughout the show. The bromance later in the series was cherry on top.

In a nutshell, it’s a tale about characters evolving beyond their own selfish desires and willing to sacrifice those desires for the greater good.

The series combines various beloved tropes like opposites attract and body swap delivering intriguing situations while allowing the actors to showcase their skills. The CGI is visually appealing, and the costumes are stunning! Sure, I noticed a few uneven CGI moments, but that’s expected in most C-dramas.

I have several favorite scenes that I often revisit:
- **Episode 9**: Dongfang QingCang being a bad$$
- **Episode 13**: Captivating and emotional.
- **Episodes 25/26**: Pure magic.
- **Episode 28**: Just incredible!
- **Episode 31**: An emotional rollercoaster—prepare to be crushed!

That said, I agree with others who felt the last few episodes dragged a bit. After episode 31, the pacing slowed down, and while I understand the creative choices behind it, I believe the execution could have been improved. The finale felt rushed, and after investing in this emotionally draining journey, we deserved a stronger resolution. Sometimes, a mere 30 seconds of characters basking in their happy ending just doesn’t cut it!

Nevertheless, this remains one of my favorite xianxia dramas. I seldom rewatch shows, but I recently dove back into this one. The emotional impact was just as potent, and I actually discovered nuances I overlooked the first time.

My verdict: I highly recommend "Love Between Fairy and Devil" to all xianxia lovers! 🎉

PS I think every single person who watched and enjoyed this drama will agree with me. LBFAD has one of the best soundtracks you will probably ever hear in a C-drama. I mean, I hope that they will make something even better. But so far from everything I’ve seen music from this drama tops everything else.

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A Delightful Blend of Laughs, Romance, and Superpowers

If you're in the mood for a romantic comedy that's firing on all cylinders, then look no further. The 2017 K-drama "Strong Woman Do Bong Soon" delivers just that.

This is one of those rare shows with no bad/boring episodes. It has it all: plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, sizzling chemistry between all three leads, swoon-worthy romance, and a dash of superhero-esque fantasy.

The premise is simple. Do Bong Soon (played by Park Bo Young) is a petite and kind-hearted woman who just so happens to possess Herculean strength, a gift passed down through the women in her family. When she catches the eye of the handsome and eccentric CEO of a gaming company Ahn Min Hyuk (played by Park Hyung Sik), who is in need of a bodyguard, Bong Sun's life is thrown into chaos.

Ahn Min Hyuk is a simp for our girl from the moment he sees her. He probably doesn’t even get yet that’s he’s fallen, but it doesn’t take him long. What’s stopping their relationship from flourishing early on is her crush on her childhood friend, policeman In Guk Du (played by Kim Ji Soo). Gu Do however keeps our girl Bong Soon in the friendzone while seeing someone else. Still, he’s a caring friend and when Ahn Min Hyuk enters the picture, we have a crash of that alpha energy… and really hilarious moments between all three due to the little misunderstanding about Ahn Min Hyuk’s sexual orientation. There are so many opportunities here to make it entertaining and the writers do just that.

Love triangle (if done right) is my favorite trope and this drama delivers. Our heroine is confused and has to make a choice between the two and they are both equally great man.

We also have a serial kidnapper in the neighborhood and our characters get entangled in that as well. This add a little more flair to the show.

The writing is top-notch, with countless little details that all come together in a cohesive and compelling way. Bong Soon is an incredibly relatable heroine, and we can't help but root for her as she undergoes a wonderful journey of self-discovery and empowerment, learning how to use her powers for good. The two male leads—the playful Min Hyuk and the earnest police officer In Guk Du—provide the perfect foils, each bringing their own unique charms to the table. I’m also going to say that the chemistry between male leads is amazing. Sometimes, I had no idea if I wanted either one of them to end up with our girl.
Check out what I’m talking about here.

Park Hyung Sik was born to do comedy, in my opinion. He’s a charming, silly, smitten, and adorable in this role. He and Park Bo Young sparkle on screen, delivering gut-busting moments that never feel forced. And the way the show balances the humor with heartfelt themes of family, friendship, and justice is nothing short of masterful.

I honestly, enjoyed this drama so much, I can talk about it for days. I can’t remember when I laughed so hard when I watched romantic comedy. K-dramas also tend to get all mushy toward the end with the comedic elements being pushed back to give room for other things. Here, it’s not the case and I think this was the right choice.

Kim Won Hae who played Team Leader O and his gangster doppelgänger needs an award for his dual role in this. He nailed it. I think Team Leader O is my favorite side character in all of the K-dramas I’ve seen. And I’ve seen a lot.

Overall, if you're in the market for a romantic comedy that will keep you thoroughly entertained from start to finish, "Strong Woman Do Bong Soon" is an absolute must-watch. With its winning combination of relatable characters, swoon-worthy romance, and just the right amount of superhero flair, this drama is pure perfection. We also have a really good wrap with with everyone involved and no loose ends or unnecessary break up between the lead couple. You’ll have that awesome fuzzy feeling after finishing that will lift up your mood for sure.

P.S. I do have to say that while I’d like to see Ji Soo (he was great in Moon Lovers) return to screen, you need to make your own decision about the actor and if you want to support him. In 2021, school bullying and assault accusations were made against him and his career stalled. While, it appears that most of the accusations were cleared out, the controversy caused him to lose his contract. I find it sad. I think there are worse (and proven) things actors in Korean industry has done. Compared to some, this is in my opinion is not worth losing a career if the person is truly sorry and tries to somehow atone for what he’s done. In any case, this is just my opinion. I encourage everyone to think for themselves.

Otherwise, enjoy the drama and laugh a little.

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Engaging Romance with Draggy Pacing in the Second Half

This is the kind of C-drama I love.

It’s got all the favorite tropes I enjoy. Hidden identity. Amnesia. Enemies to lovers. Male lead of everyone’s dream. And just enough fantasy elements to make it feel mysterious but not as overly complicated as some of the xianxias out there.

The leads had great chemistry. The romance was awesome.

Of course it’s not a perfect drama. And I think for the first 20 episodes it was a perfect 10. It was all about the main couple and the pace was great. I don’t think I skipped a single secon. Then the pacing of the show slowed down a lot and I started skipping some of scenes just to get through the lengthy unnecessary dialogues. If they kept the editing in the second part of the drama the way they kept it in the first part of the show, mostly concentrating on the leads and with little attention on the rest of the supporting characters, it would have been perfect. Or they should have given that time to our lead couple on the later end of the show because the amnesia plot in my opinion should have been resolved midpoint.
I don’t know what kind of budget this drama had, but some CGI backgrounds were not that great and you can totally see it. However, the overall story was still very good. And I am glad they didn’t end the drama the way Till the End of the Moon ended or some other of my favorites with fantasy elements. Shadow Love had a perfect happy ending.

I liked most character arcs and the way everyone’s story ended. I would have probably rewatched it again if not for the really draggy second part. Maybe I’ll come back and rewatch my favorite parts later on.

Side note: Ryan Chen should have stayed in Prince Annan’s headspace more. Guy had some aura. This is what I meant by removing some of the unnecessary dialogues or simply cutting those scenes in giving that screen time to lead couple so we could see them reconciling and reconnecting for a slightly longer period of time because I think that would have been very satisfying, considering how much history they had. But I obviously understand the direction of the story was completely different. And we didn’t get much of Prince Annan because he was never going to last.

Overall, I recommend this to those looking for solid romance and loves historical dramas with not so heavy xianxia elements. And just keep the unnecessary scenes when you get to the second half and you will enjoy it. I think as far as 2025 goals this is probably in my top five.

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Great Character Development

I'll start by prefacing this by the fact that I live in the west and I'm not a 23-year old. My kids could be in college now, so I understand the complexity of human emotions and why things were the way they were in this drama.

For me, this drama was perfect. First part gave us the foundation to build upon. Second part allowed us to see Ming's character development. I adored the chemistry between the lead actors. And Up's acting skills are superb here. If you watch him in Lovely Writer, you'll get what I'm saying. That man is great playing a bottom, but playing a top he is unbelievable. He is not what you would call classically handsome, but with the quality of acting he gave us in this drama, you absolutely do not care about his looks. If you hate his character, it means as an actor he’s done his job well.

I'll probably rewatch in the future. Because I had way too many feels after I finished.

If you're into simple BLs with flat, green flag love interest, then this is not for you. If you're looking for a serious drama with complex, a little morally gray characters with their own faults and want to see proper character ARCs and don't get your panties twisted in a bunch, then this is for you.

I appreciated the writing. One of the better BL's out there. I do think they could have done better job with some of the intimate scenes. But obviously they did not really want to concentrate on that and the chemistry was there regardless.

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Surprisingly Good Palace Intrigue Drama with Great Characters

I must be honest: I do not like palace-intrigue historical C-dramas unless there is a decent amount of fantasy elements or romance takes up over 60% of the plot. That’s my baseline.

I started The Princess Royal several times but couldn’t get past episode 1. Now that I have finally finished it, I don’t understand why I couldn’t continue earlier. Maybe it’s because I went into it after watching xianxia—xianxias and historicals have a very different vibe. So perhaps the switch from one subgenre to another did not work at a time.

But this drama actually surprised me in a good way.

Production values and action

- Very high budget production. Everything from the costumes to the fight choreography felt top notch.
- I particularly liked the action scene in the first episode and there was a stunning sequence in the last episode.

There were additional strong action beats in between, but those two stood out.

Plot (brief, non-spoilery recap)

I’m not the kind of person to recap the plot — most people reading reviews already know the premise. They basically want to know if the drama is worth watching. But for anyone who doesn’t: it’s a story about a married couple (who die) traveling back in time to the period before they got married. They get a second chance at life and must decide whether to repeat the same path or choose something else.

Pacing and storytelling

If you like palace intrigue, it’s absolutely worth watching — one of the better ones I’ve seen. The story moves pretty fast in terms of development. Yes, there are long dialogue-heavy scenes, but they don’t drag the plot. Most of them are fairly meaningful and easy to watch. There were only a handful of draggy scenes toward the end, but not nearly as many as in other historical dramas I’ve seen.

Acting and characters

The acting is superb. I particularly liked Zhao Jin Mai in this role. I didn’t like her in Shine on Me — she wasn’t convincing in that one for some reason (maybe direction). In The Princess Royal she was perfect.

There’s a love-triangle situation that settles halfway through. The tension between Pei Wen Xuan and Su Rong Qing is amazing and holds up until the end. This is one of those rare dramas where the tension between male characters vying for one woman is convincing and the second male lead doesn’t just exist for a trope — he has meaningful presence and development and actually is a worthy opponent.

A lot of characters were interesting and had good storylines. That’s rare for me in historical dramas; I usually skip a lot when it comes to supporting characters, but I didn’t here.

Lead couple: Li Rong and Pei Wen Xuan

Their relationship is complicated because they lived as half-enemies in the previous life—existing on opposite edges of the same circle. In their second life they get a chance to change things. The dynamic is enemies-to-lovers at first: they bicker, scheme against each other, and then marry again because despite their animosity they love each other deep down. Even if they don’t understand it just yet. Their relationship gets crazy and toxic, and very sweet eventually.

I liked the power dynamics a lot. Li Rong is a princess who’s a force to be reckoned with and is the dominant one in the relationship from the beginning and throughout.

Pei Wen Xuan isn’t always the guy to save the girl. She saves him plenty of times too. He’s shown vulnerable in many scenes (the punishment scene at his family’s place, fainting in the court session), though he still saves her too and gets injured doing so.

The best part I liked about his character is that he has learned his past life mistakes. He lets Li Rong take the lead often; he saves her but also allows her agency. I liked that balance.

Palace intrigue and supporting arcs

Reason why I said that this drama surprised me a lot being the palace intrigue drama is because romance is not as prevalent in here as I would like. It seems to be woven evenly into the main story arc which involves the struggle between the noble families and people who are opposing them. Despite my occasional dislike of palace intrigue, I liked the way it was handled here.

Many supporting characters and their storylines were compelling — a rare win for a historical for me.

Around episode 30 the emperor’s character/background comes in heavily, which is where many C-dramas suffer with long torturing scenes that could be trimmed. This drama does have some of that, but it isn’t as bad as usual.

Episode 33 has pretty sick plot twists that help keep the pace going.

Favorite scenes/episodes

Episode 20: the sequence where Pei Wen Xuan catches Li Rong in the flower field — I watched that sequence and the minutes before it several times. The cinematography and the execution and direction are amazing.

Episode 23: the banquet hall performance between the royal siblings, Su Rong Qing and Pei Wen Xuan — stunning.

First episode action and the stunning sequence in the last episode (already mentioned) are also standouts.

Specific dislikes/emotional beats

I hate how Su Rong Qing’s confession affected Li Rong after the cliff fall. It’s understandable Li Rong reacted that way after learning who truly killed her, but it was disheartening to watch her determination to care for her little brother disappear. I’m glad that in the end she allowed herself to believe in humanity again.

Ending and final impressions

The last three episodes were pretty good, with the exception of a couple of draggy scenes — but those dragged scenes made sense because they focused on major characters.

Bonus: it’s a happy ending. Characters who had tragic or sad outcomes in the previous life get good lives and good endings this time. Everyone gets what they want and what they deserve.

If you like historical female-centric dramas, palace intrigue, and are a fan of the actors, this is a pretty good watch.

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Amazing Soundtrack and Graphics

Bai Lu is one of my favorite C-drama actresses. Her acting is mature and emotional, and any drama she's in, I'm always adding it to the list. Moonlight Mystique is no exception.

First of all, I was very impressed with CGI quality. It was off only in a couple of places toward the end but otherwise very even throughout all the episodes. The sets were also beautiful along with costumes and makeup.

The music was amazing. It added an extra layer to an already very emotional story.

As far as characters go, I loved that each one had a backstory, and all of the stories were interesting. In a long drama, it's almost inevitable for me to skip scenes, many times bogged down with long dialogues and random characters, but in this drama everyone's scenes were beautiful and meaningful. I appreciated that.

I also liked that we didn't have too many exposition episodes and got right down to business.

ROMANCE (mild spoilers below)

I think for the first time in history of watching C-drama I actually liked a second CP and was just invested as into the lead couple. Also toward the end of the series, I started to guess what the true purpose of Fu Ling's character was. Honestly, when my guess came true, I was heartbroken.

Main couple had a very healthy relationship, if not a little boring. I think what really made them shine was obvious chemistry and the things they would do for each other. I enjoyed watching that. They had a lot of beautiful scenes together. I do think that Fan Yue's character started strong but became too soft. Still, the actor was made for this role. He needs more roles in xianxias and wuxias. He rocked all those outfits. Plus, his development aligned with his character's arc.

I also think Chang Hua Sen needs proper lead roles moving forward. I really liked him in Journey to Love. He was a little unhinged there. And here too, at the end. But the man can act.

I do think that it was a little unfair to the second couple for them to end up the way they did. I think they deserved a better ending. However, if that's the source material, I won't argue. Let's put it this way--I've seen better fantasy, but I also was very impressed with the quality of music, sets, costumes, story, and acting in this one, so I am not going to take off any rating. As far as watching for pleasure to relax (and that's why I watch), this was one of the better ones I've seen this year.

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I appload everyone involved for pulling this off

Is this show perfect? No. Is this one of the best BLs out there? Also, no. But despite all this, I applaud to everyone involved, especially lead actors for taking the risk to get this project done. And trust me when I say it's risky, I mean. I'm from the country with the same views on queer content as China. So, I'm not going to b**ch on here why the drama lacked. I'm an older viewer and writer of queer content and even the west hasn't dared to adapt decent queer literature for TV, let alone an omegaverse source material. And we don't lack the material. Trust me. Tons of books to choose from to adapt.

So, I simply will say this, just watch it, enjoy the chemistry between actors and the magic and stop looking for things to neatpick. I don't know if there rumours are true and we'll see more projects from the sisters or the CPs, but I do hope so.

I've never been this happy to watch a queer C-drama sinceThe Untamed. And even then, they really did us dirty with the adaptation by turning it into something it was not.

P.S. I will probably rewatch this in the future. And I do not rewatch the shows or re-read the books with rare exceptions.

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