miss_Cole

A GREAT WATCH!

Actually, this is my first time writing a review. I just think that I have to jot down a review given how great the drama but underrated it is LOL.

The plot was great but still needs some refinement, I think, at least for me. I find every episode intriguing that keeps me want to watch more. It's just kinda bit of gore with all the bloodly scenes and violence depicted especially on children. Though, everything was just right for the plot.

For this one, Lee Jae Wook has really won my heart. Dude - he nailed his role. I have watched some of his dramas like the "Alchemy of Souls" and "The Impossible Heir", but he got me going crazy with this one. It reached a point that when he cries or even a single tear just came out of his eye, it also makes me want to cry with him. His character was deep and scarred that makes you feel with him. I salute the actor for portraying it so greatly.

For Jo Bo Ah, she was good. I just don't get why she's being bullied by her acting skills. She did well too as Jae-yi actually. People are saying she's lacking the ability to express the emotions of her characters but nah I don't really agree. I noticed the hate and critique since she starred in "The Tale of the Nine Tailed Fox" with Lee Dong Wook. Maybe the netizens were just jealous that she got good looking male leads with her LOL, kidding tho.

All the villains from Grand Prince Hanpyeong (The Painter) , Sim Yeol-guk, Min Yeon-eui and at some point Moo-jin also played very well. They successfully caught my anger honestly. Thankfully, they payed pretty well by the end. Oh soo satisfying when the hands of the painter b@stard was cut down with his face torn up HAHAHA. For Yeol-guk that is the painter's accomplice all along was shot down by his past lover while Yeon-eui got totally crazy. Then, comes Moo-jin, he was pretty annoying especially when he asserts his love to the FL and tries to eliminate the ML so that he gets want he wants. Thankfully, Moo-jin realized and tried to correct his wrong doings (well just by saving Jae-yi the last moment).

For me, I was really expecting more from Kkot-nim and her organization. I think her story was not highlighted. It could have been better if she does her revenge big time instead of just hiding. She was yet again striked and suffered the loss of her brother before she even got to shot the man who she once loves and believes that would protect her. Thus, the snowman, I really thought that he plays a more bigger part in the story since he was the most highlighted antagonist from the very start. I was expecting something like he was also a victim of the painter given he's snow like skin. Turns out his just a minor character like any other HAHAHA. The connection of the guild to the painter too was kind of vague. How could they possibly agreed with other to do child trafficking. I wanted more from that part. And oh, I think they forgot that the real hongrang have seen the snow man. He shared it with Jae-yi which leads her to at some point conclude that maybe her little brother was a victim. Seriously, we believed from the very start that the real hongrang was also a victim of the snow man kidnapping because of it but it turns out he just slipped and lost his footing. He's death was completely not connected to the snow man and painter plot after all HAHAHA. So what does it mean when he said he saw the snow man in his dreams while waking up in strange places?

The drama has a great cinematography and OST track. The actors was just as great too, especially Lee Jae Wook who literally nailed it. The plot lacks a bit but the actors did really well, especially the leads. If you are in for a romance packed with action and thriller in a Korean historal drama, then this one's for you. It's only 11 episodes so the pacing was also okay.

The biggest concern that I have is the ending of the main characters!! Soul Reaper and Jae-yi deserves soo muchh moreee. I'm aching to see them happy together as they have been hurt so much and carries a lot of unhealed scars. Author-nim?! Director-nim?! Why??!!

Overall, the drama is soo great. Such a great watch!

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A Must Watch!!

Mr. Bad tells the story of an ancient fictional character, Xiao Wudi, summoned by a writer named Nan Xing, into the modern times.

The plot was such a grabber. I have not yet encountered any similar plot since watching Chinese dramas or movies. Somewhat it was refreshing and sooo much enjoyable.

I don't think words is enough to commend this drama. It just captivated me big time. Maybe it was the acting of the actors or the plot itself, I don't really know since everything in the drama was so perfect. The plot was superb, acting was commendable, and OSTs are good.

I have seen quite a few dramas of Shen Yue and I can say she really is a great actress. No doubt about that but there is just something about her in this drama that makes it different. I love how she was able to pull her bubbly side in this one. I think she was not acting at all, she was just being herself and that makes it so much special.

For Chen Zhe Yuan, the only drama I have yet watched with him is the Hidden Love. I watched it because I got curious why is it so popular and I understand now why. Though, it never hit me like I got hit from Mr. Bad. I like Zhe Yuan more as Wudi, I must say. He was clearly enjoying every bit of his antics, which I love the most. It's like his a natural trouble maker in nature and just being as himself on the screen. I love it when he try to be cool but ending up embarrassing himself everytime LOL. Either way, Chen Zhe Yuan, drove me crazy for him after watching Mr. Bad.

For all the other characters, they are all so lovable. The second lead couples are adorable together with a nice love story plot too. Aunt An and all the characters in X-Culture was so fun and engaging to watch. And oh, the senior and junior trope love story of Nan Xing's friends are also very cute. Every characters and it's actors are so great no matter how tiny their appearances on the screen since their screen time are always worthwhile.

I definitely recommend this drama if you want a refreshing, light, and enjoyable watch. There was no toxic character in Mr. Bad and no villian so the problem was more of how can they stay together despite their worlds apart. Mr. Bad delivered consistently till the end without any single dull moment. Also, the leads are adorable with such a strong chemistry but not cringe and overacting. Mr. Bad is Rom-com drama with a touch of fantasy love story between an ancient fictional character and an ordinary writer that is yet to discover her real capabilities in the industry.

P.S.
Please prepare your lungs and gasp for air before watching, for a lot of funny and embarrassing moments will be witnessed.

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Joseon's Romeo and Juliet

The Princess's man is quite a great watch. It was set during the time of Grand Prince Suyang, later King Sejo of Joseon. It follows the quest of Prince Suyang before and till he claimed the throne.

Fictionally, it tells the story of a man and woman whose deeply and selflessly in love with other. Seryeong, is the eldest daughter of Grand Prince Suyang. One day, she was told she will possibly be joining Kim Jongseo's second son, Seungyu, in conjugal ties. After visiting Princess Gyeonghye, her cousin to her father's side, she learned that Seungyu will be the new teacher of the Princess. Seryeong volunteered to attend the lecture instead while disguising herself as Princess Gyeonghye. The lovestory of our leads started that way. However, they are caught up in an intense family rivalry as Prince Suyang aimed to snatch the throne to his brother and nephew, while Kim Jongseo remained loyal to the current Munjong and Danjong regime . Turns out that the proposed wedding was a potical stunt by Prince Suyang. The story follows how the two families clashes with each other while sacrificing lives along the way. We will get to witness how Seungyu and Seryeong fought for their love despite the quandaries they face.

I have nothing against the all actors as they did really good portraying their characters. I commend all the actors down from the leads to the supporting actors. Emotions and expressions are really spot on and will make you feel the character's pain and joy.

Seungyu's story is so heartbreaking. Imagine, he lost his father, brother, teachers, and friends to the very father of the woman he loves. To add up, he was betrayed by Myeon whom he calls a dear friend. There was even a time when he was kept in the dark by Seryeong about her real identity, only finding out after the demise of his clan bought by Seryeong's father. Seungyu's character was heartbreaking and full of hatred, centered at taking vengeance to those vile people, especially Prince Suyang. Park Shi Hoo was able to portray that well, no doubt.

As for Seryeong, she was a loving daughter who looks up to her father only to discover how ruthless and greedy can he be, not minding who or how many will be sacrificed. She was torn between being a filial daughter to his power greedy father and on standing what was truly and humanely right. She was head on strong and brave for fighting what she truly think is right. Moon Chae Won did so much great in making life to Seryeong.

I can say that the flow of everything was great but it really bugs me every time Seungyu shows up in public. He is way too confident to roam around showing his face and the most hilarious part is that no one notices him, ever HAHAHA. There was even one time when he walked Seryeong into their old residence despite being hunted down. I think that was before Seungyu goes to Hamgil Province. It just doesn't sit right with me, he holds a government position and the son of Daeho Kim Jongseo, not everybody but someone might recognize him yet he roams like no problem at all.

One thing that makes me really sad about the drama is the wasted friendships between Seungyu, Jong, and Myeon. It was so heartbreaking to see them fall apart and be dragged by their father's intense conflict. Especially, everytime Jong begged both of his two dear friends to stop and reconcile. I remember Seungyu even said, "Leave all the aggravation to our fathers, and let us ignore it. ". If only Myeon resist his father a little longer or choose loyalty to his friends over tolerating his greedy father, then it could have been better. One thing that I could never understand is Myeon's character. Yes, he cried and say drunk himself but at the end of the day.. no, no remorse at all. Not to mention his desire to kill Seungyu to finally have Seryeong. Like dude, I didn't know you also like Seryeong, really, when and how did it happen?! You knew there was already something going on between your friend and Seryeong yet you do what?! I can't help but compare their friendship with the two male leads in "My Country, The New Age", the very reason why I started obsessing on following the lives of the Joseon Kings and the reason why I watched this drama to follow King Sejo's a bit slice of truth.

Either way, the drama was great. Superb storyline, great OST, packed with romance and action, set during one of the most intense time during the Joseon period, all in 24 episodes. Very recommended!

I was able to fill my curiosity about the reign after King Sejong the Great and King Munjong. The struggle of King Danjong against his Uncle King Sejo. Fictionally, I have enjoyed the story made out of it. It taught me to be brave, to love, and ultimately, to stand and fight for what I think is truly right and just.

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Just an average Demon-Human Lovestory

The story is about a demon falling in love with a human girl. The two are already tied by the past as lovers. Wolsim, which is also Do-hee in the present time died due to Catholicism issue. Catholicism is considered a taboo at that time which lead to her execution. While, Yi-sun on the other hand, is away to take an exam to land on a government post. When he came back he witnessed Wolsim's execution and became enraged. Yi-sun killed all the people he sees in sight after Wolsim takes her last breath in his arms. After all his killings, he also decided to kill himself but a sudden turned of event led him to be back as a demon.

Centuries later, Yi-sun becames Gu-won and lives as a demon, making deals with desperate people by granting them wishes in turn of taking their souls to hell after 10 years. While, Wolsim is reborn as Do-hee who happens to have a big family issues. One timeful event led the tattoo which is the power source of Gu-won to transfer into Do-hee.

To cut the story short they work together to get what they want. Gu-won needs the tattoo back and Do-hee needs Gu-won's protection.

The story was pretty common, I find it quit similar with The Guardian: Goblin's Bride. Though a firmly prefer the later, no question. I just can't help but to notice that both the series have similarities on how the male leads ceased to death by burning away as they fight with the main villain in the story. Another thing is that the parents of the female leads made a deal with the male leads to save the baby female leads. As you know, if you see both the series both male leads fell in love with the child they saved.

All I can say is that, I find the show's progress to slow. In my opinion, it could have end in 12 episodes if unncessary scenes were cut off. For me, the show only got interesting in mid episode 15.

The actors were great but I just think the chemistry of Song Kang and Kim Yoo-Jung lacks the sparks. For the side characters, I personally loved Ga-young's story arc, especially her ending where she was able to repay the grace she received herself when she's a kid. Suk-hoon is just too good to be true as he embodies ungreediness and unselfish love to Do-hee. The office characters did good as they help me occasionally ease my bore as the show unfold. Both the secretaries of the leads were sooo cringe LMAO. Lastly, I commend the actors who played Noh Suk-min and Noh Do-gyeong as they really made me stop for awhile and think who could be the lighter guy among them.

The OSTs were good with superb editing skills for the show's effects. Though, the scene of the gasoline stop shop fire doesn't sit right with me.

I recommend this show if you wanted to watch a fantasy like drama with a demon falling for a human girl. But, if you are looking for a drama that is fast paced with solid storyline, you might have to skip this one. The show was okay but I can say there are alot more dramas with the same concept of this one that's more worth it.

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Long Live Noisy Hongs!

The series was written and acted perfectly, and it truly warms your heart. There are no dull moments as fighting scenes and character interactions are very enjoyable. The drama OSTs are excellent and will make you want to sing along. The leads have a cute love story and strong chemistry.

The series is during the Yeonsangun regime, a known tyrant King of Joseon. In the series, Hong Gil Dong, a mighty child with immense strength and drive for justice, is born to his servant parents. Together with his Hong family, he fights against corruption and the evil ruler of Joseon. The series shows great power struggle between the Yangban (Noble) and Nobi (Slaves/Servants), which plays a huge part in the drama.

Overall, this drama is a must-watch for me. Personally, I was drawn because I am interested in Yeonsangun regime, which the drama reflected, in general sense. Though I think it's heavily fictionalized, the struggle of the people was real.

As I progressed towards the end, I can't help but wish that every country had it's own Hong Gil Dong, especially nowadays when corruption is rampant and people are greatly oppressed.

I have two favorite lines from this drama and I think will forever leave an impact on me.
First is something like this, "The blood flowing through my veins is warmer and more precious than that of any high-ranking official! Only those with bloods as warm and precious as mine can join this great fight. What kind of blood flows through your veins? Who among you will stand with me?!" It made me realize that not all those acting high and mighty are of noble heart. Sometimes those people who were deemed low and dirty are the one's who truly possesses a heart of a noble man.
Second is something like, "Why did you become such a lowly man, when you were born from such a mighty king?". It left a huge impact on me, knowing the great accomplishments that the previous kings before Yeonsangun had done.

If you want something that will fuel your drive for justice and see the people oppressed winning, then this drama is for you. Every feats reflects perseverance, courage, and strong drive for justice.

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Queen Insoo was quite a long ride!

I personally enjoyed the series despite it's slow pacing drama. It tells a lot about human greed and the extremities of one's ambition. This drama can make you toss and turn, laugh, be annoyed, and be bored to the max, however, I guarantee that it was all worth while. A friendly advice, savor each screen time of every characters because you will surely miss them as they slowly disappear from the spotlight. You will grow with them and at some point die with them.

Characters are well played by great actors and actresses but I have two favorite persons among them. First, I love the mature Great Queen Dowager Insoo particularly in the drama, she is brave, smart, and definitely strong. Second, I don't know but I also love the Great King Sejo with the same reasons I have with Great Queen Dowager Insoo. I extremely loved the father and daughter in law bond that these two has. It was just sad that these two people were misunderstood by many to the point of tormenting them even in their last moments. I kind of understand their intensions though sometimes not their ways around it LOL. For me, they have only one major flaw and that is, King Sejo's decision to kill young King Danjong and Queen Insoo's inability to kill the baby Yeonsangun, haunting them even with their last breath. Their decision about the matter gave way to thousands of people's sufferings and death.

Watching real historical dramas are great not until you realized that it's done, all was history and nothing can be done to change it. You know that no matter how much you wanted to fight for a happy ending, there is no point at all.

Overall, this series was able to provide a detailed power transition from King Mungjong to Yeonsangun. It depicts the events after King Sejong the Great passes his throne to King Mungjong and the aftermath of King Sejo's coup against his brother. If you are interested in Korea's Joseon Era, particularly their kings, then this series is a must watch.

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Raging Fire Love for This Drama

I totally love this drama down from it's characters and storyline to it's OSTs. Absolutely perfect!

I wasn't really expecting anything at the start since military dramas aren't really my cup of tea. Though, Arsenal Military Academy was long in my watchlist since I happened to see a short reel in the blue app where the male lead, Gu Yanzhen, was openly flirting and teasing the female lead, Xie Liangchen/Xie Xiang, while their instructor was in front, I find it cute and decided to add it on my watchlist.

Recently, I decided to watch the drama since I wanted to take a break from all the Kdramas I had been watching. I just randomly picked AMA from my watchlist. I started with no expectations but AMA consistently delivered, which didn't just piqued my interest but also exceeded my standards.

Xu Kai and Bai Lu have such an undeniably strong chemistry. I loved them together because everything felt so natural and not forced. AMA is my first drama for both Xu Kai and Bai Lu, and I think I'll be following them from now on.

Gu Yanzhen and Xie Xiang's love story is so unique and adorable. Yes, it started with the typical "Hate-to-Love" relationship, but there is something that makes theirs special, maybe it's their chemistry or maybe the situation they're in. Their relationship doesn't just revolve around their romantic feelings towards one another but also as comrades-in-arms in battleships. Gu Yanzhen's nature is one of the things I love in the drama. I think I fell in love with Xu Kai as Gu Yanzhen. I also really liked how Gu Yanzhen pursued Xie Xiang by loving, protecting, and supporting her throughout the drama. My only disappointment is that their lovely or sweet moments were not really seen much on-screen, even when they got together it was not clearly declared that they were a couple. Either way, I love both characters, and I hope the actors will be able to work together for a new project. I will surely miss these two as I bid goodbye to the drama.

Shen Junshan gave me "the one that got away" vibes. On the early episodes, he really made it hard for me to choose between him and Gu Yanzhen. He was like a Prince Charming, always ready to save Xie Xiang, the damsel in distress. In early episodes, he was giving off soft stares and sweet interactions with Xie Xiang without even knowing her true identity. My heart goes out for him even more when he says "I trust you", in one of their operations where they must stop a bomb from exploding. Even Gu Yanzhen expressed his distrust on Xie Xiang at that time, but Junshan didn't. His constant heroic saves plus his words of assurance, "Don't be afraid, I'm here", from the early episodes made him a solid contender for Yanzhen. However, I think most Junshan supporters, including me, had a fall out when he decided to blindly believed in Xianrong and constantly distanced himself from Xie Xiang. That's when Gu Yanzhen solidified his spot as a leading man, making the audience swoon all over him. Still, I'll always have a soft spot for Shen Junshan.

To Huang Song, Ji Jin, Zhu Yanlin, and Li Wenzhong, thank you guys for making AMA such a wonderful drama. It would have been nice to see you guys all together, celebrating at Madam Yu's tavern at the end. I still couldn't accept Xiao Song's fate, he was a brother, a friend, and a brave soul. He died without even realizing that the women he loves was his bestfriend all along. Xiao Song was constant, he was there from the beginning but fails to make it till the end. For Wenzhong, I'm glad he was able to redeem himself and we got a glimpse of his life, though it was brief. It would have been great if Wenzhong lived so that Xiao Song's sacrificed wasn't in vain. Either way, great job, boys! Long live brave soldiers!

Shen Tingbai and Qu Manting's lovestory was also great. Thank goodness they got their happy ending. Shen Tingbai was such a green flag, so loving and understanding towards Manting despite her wild character. They definitely deserves each other.

For Guo Shuting and Madam Yu's side story, I'd say they had the deepest yet most tragic love story. Imagine, Madam Yu waited for so many years for Instructor Guo, and when they finally meet halfway, they were forced to bid goodbye. Honestly, I was waiting for Instructor Guo to realize his feelings to Madam Yu, not just because he feels sorry or responsible for her. Sadly, their love story weren't given a chance.

To end this review, I'd say that this drama is really great and deserves to be recommended. It's about a story of brave soldiers who fought so hard for their country's freedom. It shows the determination and courage of one when oppressed in his own soil. AMA is an action, war, and rom-com drama packed into 48 episodes, with great actors and OSTs.

Although, I find the ending lacking. I wanted to see more of the characters. I just think that Xianrong's last scene was dragged on and took up almost the entire last episode, reasons why the ending was a bit rushed and lacking.

Overall, I will surely miss AMA and it's lovely cast. Hoping for a cast reunion someday!

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SO WORTH IT TO WATCH! RECOMMENDED!!

The story tells about the most wanted man of NIS, Agent Terrius. His last operation "Candy", which took place in Poland has failed miserably. It lead to the demise of his lover, which also serves as an informant for the operation. Terrius was accused of insubordination and was condemned a traitor to the organization. He was apprehended and was forced to escape interrogation, aiming to investigate by himself.

He lives in hiding and finally found a home in Kingcastle Appartment. Due to turn of events, he applied to be a baby sitter of Ae-rin's twins, his neighbor next door.

At first, I thought this would be boring as I'm not really a fan of So Ji-sub (well, I am now). Plus, at the start of the drama, I found it messy especially with how the twins behaves and act. I know, kids are usually like that in reality but still I find it a bit annoying. Tho, I realized as the story progressed that that was the show's edge. That part of the show makes "My Secret Terrius" unique among other shows that has the same concept.

The actors did really well and was able to deliver till the end. I want to really commend the child actors that plays Jun-su and Jun-hui, very well done babies! It was amazing that at that early age they can compete with all the adult actors in the drama. For Bon and Ae-rin, I didn't expect much in terms of the screen chemistry but the nose-to-nose kiss between them was just so sweet. I was starting to feel the hype and the spark between them after that scene. All the KIS members was funny too, honestly, they should pack up and take over the NIS headquarters LOL. Do woo and Jiyeon was so adorable too, they have the chemistry by the way. I personally love Young-tae's character, I know he really isn't a bad guy from the very start. He was just a victim of circumstances and just did what he has to live and thankfully he did get his happy ending, tho boring according to him HAHAHAHA.

The only loophole I think is that how can K possibly shot Young-tae when he was already abroad? He was told to lie low and escape overseas after the incident in Yoon Chun-sang's house. When Director Sim asked where is K, Yoon Chun-sang told him he escaped abroad already. So confusing, but maybe he came back and then flee again to Poland?! HAHAHAHA. One thing, I was really weirded out that Bon made a promise to have mojito with Choi Eun-Kyung (Candy) at Namsan tower after completing their mission together. At the end, he fulfilled it, having mojito at Namsan tower, but with Ae-rin. Not to mention Ae-rin wearing a coat almost the same with Candy when the promise happened and died. Chills.

Either way, I have realized and learned a lot through the drama. However, the lesson from the drama that left a big mark in me is that, the one closes to you are not always your friend, and sometimes those you thought are the vilest are really those who truly cared.

Honesty, the storyline was pretty predictable and not quite intense like any other agent kdramas. However, the show is full of adorable and powerful actors that really played their characters well. The cast made the show enjoyable and exciting, wanting you to want more especially those Bon and Jun-Jun moments. Overall, I love the drama and would recommend it. It's an Action, Romance, and Comedy packed in a 32 episode run. The ending was beyond satisfaction with no dull moments throughout. Very recommended!

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A True Gem

~ If you ever derailed, will someone help you get railed back in to the right track? ~

The story is about Jiang Xiaoyan, an heiress to the Jiang Group. She was living her life to the fullest until she discovered her best friend and boyfriend was having an affair. Unfortunately, she got into an accident and finds herself into an entirely opposite world from her world. After all the confusion and denial, she concluded that maybe she time travelled or travelled into a dimensional world. In the new world, her name and appearance remained but with totally opposite social status. After wandering endlessly without money and nowhere to go, she got to meet Qi Lian, who turns out to be in that world's Jiang Xiaoyan childhood bestfriend and sweetheart.

The drama was really good and definitely a catch. It was consistent throughout the 30 episodes with no dull scenes. This one if for those whose looking for a sci-fi, thriller, and romance packed drama. The setting was set on the beauty industry and it's complexities, which makes it unique and refreshing for me.

The actors are commendable especially Liu Haocun (Jiang Xiaoyan). For me, she totally nailed it down from the happy and casual scenes to fornlon and emotional scenes. Either way, the both Lin Yi and Liu Haocun are very great in portraying their characters. Their chemistry is always oozing whenever they appear together on the scene. It's like no forced romantic stunts from them tho they haven't really kissed on the lips throughout the 30 eps (they kissed one time but their lips where not shown to be really touching HAHAHA). For the supporting characters, I commend Jiang Bo and Feng Chenzhou as they did great too, no dull moments with these two on your screen.

For the plot, it really hook me up because of the time travel arc. As the story progress, it makes me want to uncover why did she dimensionally travel and how will she be able to return to her world. However, turns out the plot was super twisted in which I never anticipated from the start. I thought it was just the usual time travel story like any other dramas, but no, it was not. I didn't expect the twist and I personally liked how it got me guessing and leaving me dumbfounded whether guessed wrong. The story became more exciting for me as I uncover each pieces that leads to the very reason behind everything. Unexpected turn from the fantasy-like time travel story into a full blown science and technology thing *slow clap with jaw dropping*.

The soundtrack was solid. The cinematography was great. The leads have superb chemistry. The storyline was perfectly written. Overall, it's a highly recommend drama.

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