Editorials
This review may contain spoilers
A script from 2010 only got made in 2026
The whole shows premise with cohabitation and amnesia is peak 2010 or maybe even before that. Was I entertained? YesDid I like the characters? Yes
Will I rewatch? I doubt it but who knows.
I think the script was as good as it gets for this premise. I doubt it can be improved further. Compared to other recent shows like my royal nemesis and dynamite kiss, this show manages to keep a good pace. There was no rush towards a happy ending. It was consistent throughout.
The actors were all well cast and suited to their roles. ML was reserved and rather shy but I guess if he was anything else he would’ve been considered a creep. I think the way the FL reciprocated his love quickly was a little out of character given the fact she was a star prosecutor and had a boyfriend in her pre-amnesia world. But I enjoyed the blossoming romance. She was very good in comedy. It reminded me of strong girl bong soon, the cute romcom scenes. But ML was just a bit more boring in this.
The villain was your typical gangster. They went for the almighty plot twist. The hero being the villain’s son. It was giving Star Wars but did I gasp? Oh yes I did. Sometimes these old fashioned tropes are what these dramas need.
Our grandma from every kdrama was here too. At 89 she’s as bright as ever. Loved every moment she was in. Her scenes were the most heartwarming.
The wedding scene was just pure nostalgia. These newer dramas don’t have time for it even if they’re 1.5 hr 12/14 episodes but this one managed to have time to sort the villain out and have a good half an episode to give everyone a nice ending.
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The story however was a bit floppy to say the least. They never provided the backstory of the father or even showed the mother in flashbacks, it would have helped set the mood.
Weirdly enough, knowing the lead guy was a jerk, I really hoped he won’t end up with the lead girl, she deserved someone innocent and kind. I don’t think he changed at all. The fights towards the end was confusing. Why though? The romance randomly happened at the end and they are married. At least he could’ve been given character development and time for romance to develop because I really didn’t understand was going on. They did have some chemistry tho.
The positives include the acting and the music. The lead guys rapping was good and the scenes where he rapped were probably my favourite. Also I managed to watch the whole movie despite it being so bad.
The film was over 2 hours long but it still didn’t seem to make use of that time to develop the characters.
Overall I suggest you pass on this. There are much better movies out there.
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This review may contain spoilers
Best cdrama in recent times
Never have I been so enamoured by a drama like this in recent times. It’s like an addictive drug. I could not stop thinking or talking about it. I have a lot to explore so I’ll get cracking.The core idea that is under the title is you don’t have to perfect to be worthy of love. Luke and Flora are the classic examples of two imperfect people in a relationship with major issues of miscommunication that caused their relationship to elongate and deteriorate over six years. Each conflict could have been easily solved with clarity and open communication. Their mutual attraction and Luke’s persistence brought them back together each time. The cycle was tiring for viewers after a while which I understand was the very point of the book/drama. As a viewer I could sense the instability and just wanted Flora to leave this relationship and choose herself. She obviously does albeit too late.
Luke’s character is a classic example of an emotionally unavailable man who seeks his desires with his position, looks and money. He is hardworking in his job and intelligent but he lacks empathy and emotional maturity. The drama gave a backstory that he was traumatised in childhood and now by his discouraging father who is equally lacking empathy. The book did not have this backstory so his character appeared like an overt narcissist. The drama offers a sympathetic approach. I did not like this at first however I am glad they added this. The lack of fatherly love left a deep wound that will not heal itself. I despised the way he belittled Flora and made her seem unworthy of this position in the beginning. I did not think she deserved it and it knocked her self esteem down quite a bit but she picked herself up and proved everyone wrong. She was very intelligent in her own right and not just average like others claimed. The main flaw with her personality is she appeared too meek and timid. I could sense some people pleasing behaviour. However I also saw her grow into a confident woman with leadership qualities with the six years experience at Lime. I don’t think the belittling she faced from Luke was tough love. It practically bullying but she took it in for the sake of the job. If he was not handsome he would not have gotten away with any of it. He would have been punished like Dony.
Whilst mentioning Dony, I must also mention how I am glad he got what he deserved. Unfortunately characters like him are far too realistic and their victims do not receive any justice. Flora not telling Luke showed she did not feel close enough to say it. Same in the case of her housing situation. I don’t think she was ever really in love with him. She tolerated having him due to physical attraction and admiration for his work ethic. I am sure there was some feelings present but not enough for a relationship. They never spoke about things outside work. He spoke in a demeaning manner. Her type softer guys like her ex and Sun Yuanzu who would give her equal footing and make her feel seen and heard. However the passion with Luke hit different for her and she was mesmerised.
Sun Yuanzu’s character was another realistic character. He had a bad relationship with his dad just like Luke however he became depressed as opposed to becoming emotionally unavailable. It shows the different coping mechanisms from parental trauma. His tragic ending was too painful but it’s important to include it in the drama to spread awareness of mental health. I wish he fell in love with Sun Yu instead or was able to tell Flora he loved her before she got entangled with Luke. Their relationship would not be as passionate or exciting as with Luke and Flora but there would have been a sense of calm and peace. a part of me wishes that he chose to live and eventually got together with Flora in Harbin. Luke still changed for the better however moved on eventually. That would be my ideal ending.
What makes this drama different is Luke understands his wrongdoings and changes his behaviour. Obviously in the real world red flags like him will never completely change unless they go through a lot of inner work and therapy. The drama rushed the ending and did not sufficiently explore the personality change. His character development was satisfying to see regardless. He has antisocial personality traits that will not simply go away because he fell in love. Flora accepted him back to her life too quickly. But it might have appeared that way as they reduced from 32 episodes to 24. In the book it took far longer.
I really hope young impressionable girls do not want watch this show and then dream for a Luke in their life. They’re very toxic and debilitating. His temper will not just go away. The way he threw things and broke things in anger. In real life the whole relationship with Flora was a huge HR violation and he would have been dismissed with immediate effect. Also their age gap was not the most appropriate. She was freshly out of college and he was a seasoned worker. The power dynamics were too different. He could make or break her career. She was in a tough position to not accept his advances given her career was on the line. I could sense her discomfort. He never gave her a chance to leave the relationship while still working there. She physically had to run away, change her number and not speak to her Beijing friends for a while. Yet he stalked her and put himself in her life again.
The actors in the drama did an amazing job. Especially the actor for Luke. He acted with his eyes and it fooled everyone into thinking Luke was a not a red flag. The best acting was when he was on the phone confessing to a blocked number. Everyone switched sides and blamed Flora for leaving. The actress who played Flora definitely played the timid act really well but her crying scenes were not very believable.
The OST was definitely one of the best in recent years. Every song was a banger and contributed highly to why the drama was able to convey the emotions so beautifully.
The drama was almost was like a psychological thriller dealing with a forbidden relationship yet in the end it was like a romantic comedy. It was surprisingly intimate for a cdrama but done correctly. Not vulgar in the slightest. I hear there’s a season 2 coming. I hope it’s just a special episode to show a glimpse of their married life. Overall I heartily recommend watching this cdrama. Despite my reservations about Luke’s character I do think it’s worth watching. Definitely one of my favourites in recent times.
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This review may contain spoilers
This was essentially a typical Korean high school drama but with an element of fantasy brought in by the app Love Alarm. The characters were not extraordinary. You have your quintessential poor hardworking orphaned heroine with a tragic background. Right now I don’t know who the first or second lead is. The male character who does date the heroine is rich and attractive whose otherwise easy life is made more difficult by a ignorant mother, so I’m going to call him first lead. The second lead is his best friend however he is a kind and thoughtful boy who lacks confidence. I’m totally rooting for the second lead. The way the first male lead betrayed his best friend was truly cruel and I guess I easily forgave him because he was so kind to heroine. The heroine and first male lead definitely gave me the heirs vibes but I suppose the male lead was up to date because he asked for consent before kissing. The heroine ends up breaking up with first male lead as the show progressed. There was answered to why she did that but I hope it’s because she realised how he betrayed his best friend.
Why everyone liked the heroine is quite unclear. She succeeded in having handsome boys to fancy her but yet had no healthy friendships.
Whilst the show clings to cliche, it was interesting and enjoyable to watch.
I finished it all in one day. It’s definitely a guilty pleasure. The music was amazing too. The actors did a good job, although there was nothing special brought in by the writers.
I will half-heartedly recommend this.
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Healing and emotional drama
For anyone who has struggled or is struggling to make their dreams come true, I suggest watching this drama. This demonstrates realistic portrayal of trying to find footing in the film industry filled with people with jealousy and resentment. There will be many tears but also hope and relief. Finding solace in someone else who is also struggling and being there for each other is the ultimate cure for depression. The touch on mental health theme can be heavy but it can also be healing.The acting of the staff was wonderful. They will be sweeping every award next year. Overall loved this drama and can’t recommend it enough.
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Great drama that has aged really well
This is the oldest Japanese drama I have seen. Good on Netflix for putting this great show on. I never enjoyed binge watching a tv show as much as this one in recent times.There was something so realistic, pure and engaging about it. Very few dramas have given me that feel. All the characters have their own unique personalities and they’re just so well written. I absolutely loved the two lead characters. I did not think I would see such a green flag of a lead male character in a show made in the 90s. The female lead was very modern and outgoing. All the characters dealt with her own insecurities which made them all the more relatable. It was so lighthearted too while presenting some issues like joblessness and sense of failure that’s very prevalent now in 2026. I didn’t like how they were smoking every 5 minutes in the show which is just about the only negative I can say.
Overall an amazing show. Definitely better than a lot of newer Japanese romantic dramas. I wish I could forget what happens and watch it all again for the first time.
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This review may contain spoilers
Deeply emotional and passionate love story
Just finished this drama. I just feel so many emotions right now. It’s just so beautifully written. It’s slice of life yet the pure love makes it almost a fantasy. The characters have insecurities and doubts however they overcome it all with shared love and compassion for each other. The female main character portrayed the reality of living with physical disabilities in a society where it is stigmatised and accessibility is still scarce. The main male character shows understanding and kindness to the girl throughout even though it is not accepted well for a few episodes due to her insecurities about her illness. Her brother struggled with anticipatory grief which explains his almost toxic overprotectiveness. Despite this in the end she finds happiness in the presence of boyfriend who offers unconditional love as well as her supportive family. It sure is a tear jerker. Hats off to the screenwriter. She outdid Long Vacation. I didn’t think I would prefer this but I definitely did.Was this review helpful to you?
I will explain now about what I enjoyed in the drama. Firstly the character development. Wow. Each character, was so well written and deep. I especially liked Loony, the druggie. He was hilarious, tragic and endearing all at the same time. There were characters who showed me that you should never judge a person until you know them really well personally and some who showed that positive transformation in behaviour and mind really is possible. This was of course helped by the largely talented cast, who all acted exceptionally. I ended up rooting for many characters, not just the leads.
Secondly the comic timing was great. It perfectly blended comedy and drama with a pinch of romance. The inclusion of a gay couple in normal light, was just so beautiful. There was just enough violence to reflect a genuine prison.
Each episode Is as long as an average feature length film. If this was another drama I would have complained. Fortunately each moment was justified. The writers have done a superb job.
The OST was amazing! It was very versatile and really complemented the excellent writing.
Overall this drama will make you feel some empathy for prisoners, prison guards and their families. The drama reinforced how important family support is as well showing how forgiveness and repentance can have positive consequences. I hope this review leads people to watch it. It will make you cry, laugh and think.
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Firstly the drama is a slice of life. It felt quite realistic and the pace is slow but satisfying.
Each character was endearing and relatable. portrayed. The actors all did an amazing job. From the four friends, we can all find someone who is most like us since their personalities are so varied.
With many Chinese dramas I’ve noted they follow the infamous trope of arrogant lead leads. Here the male lead was so pleasant and soft spoken. He seemed pure at heart albeit some flaws but that only made him more humane and relatable. The chemistry between the leads was subtle but unique.
I never felt the age difference with the leads as a hindrance or disadvantage to development of romantic relationship. I felt both characters brought the best of each other and they were soul mates.
Usually I seldom care about plots of supporting characters but in this drama I found myself caring for them just as much I did for the leads. The drama definitely had some subtle surprises in store. Whilst I didn’t agree with some, it did not disappoint me enough to even contemplate dropping the drama. And I’m the queen of dropping dramas, if I can say so myself.
For those loving dramas with romance, this is definitely one to go for. I wholeheartedly recommend this. I truly hope the cast achieves greater success because they were all very talented. I will end my review here.
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The play on coincidence did not look cute to me but it could’ve been because I sensed no chemistry between the leads. It was never clear why the male lead liked the female lead, it was somewhat like he was forced by the director and he was full on stalker mode in many different scenes. Their first kiss scene was far from romantic and could be classed as sexual abuse.
The show featured pretty much every Korean drama trope one can think off. A few examples; rich boy and poor girl, awkward kisses, boy has a big family secret, the mean rich girl has unrequited love for rich boy, the second lead falls in love with lead girl and changes but of course we know that doesn’t go well at all, both leads live in the same house, family against the relationship, elite school contained of arrogant rich kids, the female lead is the only poor girl, and I could go on but I think I’ve said too much already.
I don’t know why this drama had such high ratings. I can say for sure that I will never finish this drama. But let’s end on a positive note. The OST was good and it may have helped me to watched up to the point I stopped. I recommend this for research purposes only, to study a drama featuring every trope.
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The drama was consistently good despite some cliches. I definitely thought some could be avoided but in the end I did find most characters either relatable to me or someone I know.
I can understand many viewers got second lead syndrome after watching it an a due to that. But this is my take on it. The whole story is basically about how two the main lead has a mysterious side and the female lead grows to accept and love him despite the conflicts. If female lead and second male lead got together, there would be literally no essence to the story. I’m going to refrain from spoilers because I want this review to encourage people to watch it. I hope you aren’t put off by the negative reviews like I was. This drama delves into many deep issues and it not your typical fluffy romance. It will make you think, laugh, cry...
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