The poster of this drama caught my attention, it looked interesting. When I watched the first episodes, I had second thoughts to whether to give it a go since the portrayal of the story is similar to a shoujo manga/anime. I admit, it caught me off guard on the second episode. It's a psychological thriller with a dash of drama and a hint of crime. As the story progresses, it takes you on an emotional rollercoaster ride. It excites you, compels you to have second guesses, makes you feel pain and compassion with the characters and their decisions, but most importantly it will keep your curiosity intact. I followed the series until the end. It's a must-watch series. Nothing that you may predict will ever come true!

Read More

It's refreshing because of the female lead not being a bitch but supportive to the male lead characters. No dying, no depression, no heartbreaks. Just two young men trying to understand their feelings for each other in a short span of summer vacation. The drama sails in its own waves taking you to an emotional journey. The end of the story is also beautiful.

My favourite character is the leading lady's father. Once you watch the drama, you would know why. It's not easy to be in his position but he tries to take everything with a grain of salt.

Is it a must-watch? Well, not really unless you want to enjoy a much less complicated BL story. The drama is rather slow with the absence of shocking moments. Love is shown evolved naturally. I recommend it none the less.

Read More

A Must Watch!

I was roped in through Tharne Type's trailer. I have watched the series 3 times already and thought should share my review although it's a bit late now. I do hope that it proves to be helpful to anyone who hasn't seen it yet.

I admit that I wasn't initially satisfied with the casting of Type , Techno and Champ and thought why they didn't use the actors from the Love By Chance series. It dwelled upon me for a couple of initial episodes. But then I started appreciating Gulf and Mew casting because it proved to be promising. I can say Gulf despite being a newbie in the industry soaked up to trend pretty fast and why not when he had Mew besides him. Their on-screen chemistry just became strong by every episode. The team-work of all the actors playing their individual characters made the series a great success.

It's a definitely Yaoi category and the steamy intimacy between Tharne Type characters will keep you hooked. Mew is an expert in doing these scenes and I have no clue how he gets into the character that well. At times, it doesn't even seem like acting. But that is why I am so satisfied with what role he plays - he gets into the character pretty well.

The story has a lot of depth. It isn't just about two men falling in love. It has many folds in it. Thus, I appeal to the new viewers to not miss on the topics portrayed and covered by each character. It's done beautifully. I can see how BL has evolved over the years from simply being a fan service to a more socially accepted genre. I want you to take it as a romantic drama rather than labelling it BL alone. At least, how I perceived it.

Techno's comedy is refreshing and subtle. He is my favourite character in the drama. His character relieves off the tension created from a lot of serious scenes. I really am grateful to the author for creating him. You'll love him too.

Don't hate on Lhong too much though. He is pitiful, you will come across the reason why I am saying this because I don't want to turn this into a spoiler. I couldn't hate him even if I wanted to. Guess, there is no right or wrong when it comes to human beings. We are just made with all kinds of things and we need to deal with it.

I believe people who watched the series once would want to watch it again. It's well made and I hope the sequel will be even better.

Read More

I am perplexed about this drama being underrated and not hyped as the other in the series. This drama deserves its own spotlight. A story between an unruly divorced professor and a timid university student is a cute story! It does cover the teacher-student romance genre although the plot of their romance commences from Fei Sheng Zhe being a house helper and nanny to Shi Yi Jie's daughter.

My favourite character is the daughter Yao Yao or I think that was the name (sorry if I am incorrect) because despite being so young she showed tremendous support and openness to this relationship simultaneously accepting Sheng Zhe readily in her family. Parenting did play a role so I do give Yi Jie some credit although he did that for his selfish reason yet that will make her a better person in the future.

The journey shared of Sheng Zhe was beautiful and believable and Shi Yi Jie's bold step to shatter the social stereotype is commendable. It's a very staunch approach and not sure why the makers of the series didn't think it will be a good idea to promote it on an upscale. But I do recommend people watching it because it's worth it.

Read More

The story is quite simple. The only way to alleviate it is through screenplay and acting. Throughout the series, it seemed that they could add more episodes and let the relationship between all three couples evolve. It seemed they tried to complete it haphazardly. The first couple Yuan Jung Chen x Lin Xun hogged most of the air time yet, their story wasn't elaborate. The other two couples Yuan Jun Dao x Yang Xiang and Yuan Jun Ping x Yan Xue got less air time and we know nothing how it worked for them. I understand that they wanted to keep the series short so at least the screen time of each couple could have been elaborated showing their relationship evolve and how they fell for each other. It's no doubt that all three brothers inherited the dominating nature of their father so finding their way to get what they want is a common trait shown but the way they all dealt with their individual potential partner was different which is briefly portrayed and could have got more time. Each episode was around 30 mins approximately so it seems they could have made the episodes longer. There are so many possibilities in the series that it felt they didn't quite do the justice to the story. The casting was excellent, the actors looked like the characters but the acting between couples is a bit awkward. Perhaps they didn't get much time to set up off-screen chemistry. The series seems rushed. I did watch it twice but only to properly grasp the essence of the story. I will let the viewers decide on how they want to judge it. For me, it's worth a watch but don't expect much out of it.

Read More

The plot is based in a University where there are multiple couples, which is a classic set up. Each relationship is special in its own way. There are ups and downs in each relationship but nothing that you can't handle. My favourite moments are the comedic timings just before a potential romantic scene. The medical senior and Duen's cousin Thara is my favourite character because he has a part which is handsome, smart, kind and charming and then the other part which is completely weird that wards off people.

The OST is surprisingly lighthearted and gives good vibes which is one of the aspects that I like about this series. The production is not too bad. Yes, there are certain scenes which seem being rushed or not well coordinated, however; we don't know how tight schedule was and what were the other factors that could have affected them.

The later episodes keep getting better and it seems after spending some time together the bunch of new actors have bonded and are comfortable acting with each other. I swear, in the initial episodes I decided to drop the series because the awkwardness and lack of chemistry were evident amongst the cast. I'm glad that I stuck around and followed the series. It's getting better as it's about to end.

I still feel that the scenes for the other three couples besides Bohn - Duen were really rushed. Especially Boss - Mek, the episode covering them realizing their love for each other is messy and I feel that the director could have excluded the kiss because boy Ryan looked forced in it. He crushed his lips with Inntouch - ouch, that would have hurt! A simple confession and hug would have been much better than the kiss, I don't understand why Thara and Frong's relationship took this long to flourish, it seems too rushed too. King and Ram also are in an ambiguous relationship and we aren't sure if King will even realise that he has fallen for Ram. Duen and Bohn had the most screen timing but their love story doesn't seem strong enough to take the lead in my opinion.

However, the only thing that I liked about Bohn's character is that despite being a "stud" he has this mesmerising enchantment towards flowers which is a feminine side of him although he denies it. I didn't like the idea where they dedicated 1.5 episodes on deciding who will be top and bottom when ultimately they couldn't even decide. I mean, is that even necessary. However, that is also to break stereotypes around Uke - Seme attributes in BL.

Well, my plea to all the potential viewers is to give the series a chance. It may not seem strong but it's comic relief makes it watchable.

Read More

A Mouthwatering Treat

For South Korean drama industry, this is a huge leap. Where drama project like "Where Your Eyes Linger," is bloom, "Sweet Munchies" has captured the mainstream media. That was a good play!

One of my celebrity crush Jung Ill Woo being part of the main lead sucked me into the hype and secondly, my love for BL themed dramas sealed the deal. I am sold to the idea they served!

The drama is presented as a light scooping off the cream on top of a bigger issue with homosexuality being the base and other everyday life issues layering the cake. The arrangement of the series is a masterpiece - serving BL as the main course with a love triangle as an appetizer. Of course, that was needed to offset few raising eyebrows and I am cool with it.

I'm rooting for Park Ji Sung x Kang Tae Wan no matter how weak the chemistry is shown. Their first meet made me shout at the top of my lungs digging my face in the pillow. I am definitely keeping a track of the number of sweet nothings shared by these two characters.

I can't reveal much in this review but no matter whichever ship you support, you won't be disappointed. It's going to be a tasteful season!

Read More

Not your regular BL

The story revolves around the characters and there development. Although it's from Choi Yeon Woo's point of view, in the end the twist really takes the cake. It's about looking beyond your shortcomings and not giving in to the stereotype created around you. The love depicted in the drama doesn't come from someone's orientation but from the need. It's a one of a kind story that touches your heart.

The acting is not the best but not the worst.

The most beautiful lines were given to Goo Yoo Han's character but the actor fell short and flat expressing them. I wished he was a bit more animated and resonated feelings in his voice and face. The actor playing Choi Yeon Woo had his hit and misses too. Overall they could make me understood the story so I am not too mad about it.

I would recommend people watching it just for the story and development.

Read More

A Queer Rendezvous

Showcasing two couples with a different storyline intersecting yet remaining parallel is a treat to watch. I'm pretty open to all kinds of relationship so two brothers being in love didn't seem awkward to me.

On one hand, Hsia Yu Hao's character which is usually a riff-raff turning into lovelorn was exhilarating, Qiu Zi Xuan a self-assured, determined and resilient character shying away from love was gripping on the other. My favourite take away from their love story is the former being a 'Mama's boy' and the latter having 'Sister Complex'. That made them adorable! Hsia Yu Hao's admiration turned obsession turned infatuation with Qiu Zi Xuan is a treat to watch.

Wang Zhen Wen and Wang Zhen Wu had an open-ended denouement. It provokes a thought that the makers of the series weren't sure how the audience will receive this story yet they dared to show it because it's unusual. Well, not everyone can digest an incest love story. It is incest since they are a family no matter how it's formed. But at least I liked how they showed a subtle improvement in the characters' relationship from being brothers to a new start - they are ready to give their newfound love a chance. Not taking it on a full swing but gradually building it by testing waters is a wise approach to this kind of couple and that's what is shown so no complaints.

The newness in both stories is the approach each character takes to propose the idea of love to the other. The characters are cautious about taking their potential partner's mind space in mind. Trying to read every thought yet desperately attempting to restraint their inner raging emotion to confess everything at one go. Each character's confession is in unique but all were impactful.

I have already rewatched it 5 times so you can see, it's worth a shot. I recommend watching the series, it had been my favourite since the time it aired.

Read More

The story is a 7 because it's not something that we haven't seen - panicked gay, benevolent straight guy that turns gay, a rich brat, a troublesome monkey, a vicious snake and some experienced seniors. That brings us to the cast - I can't say that I am fully satisfied with it. The main actor playing Ae in the series was not even an adult at the time of the making of the series and they made him do intimate scenes with the actor playing Pete. Other than this, I am fine with the rest of the cast. The acting of the casts was in line with the story so I enjoyed that. It's good to see when efforts are made to play the characters right. However, certain scenes did feel awkward probably due to editing and I hope this doesn't follow suit in the sequel.

Although Pete x Ae was the main couple, I still wanted to see more of Tin x Can and Techno x Kengkla. My immediate thought on them having less air time is that the other two couples will have their own series is that this series is mere introduction to their stories. Tin x Can have a little more air time than Techno x Kengkla and now we are having Love By Chance 2 that will feature their story.

I couldn't digest the fact that Trump's character was dissolved so soon in the series despite the drastic impact it had on Pete's character. I would have liked him being around a little longer. Considering how twisted and vicious Trump is, he was put off rather easily and early in the series. But then I haven't read the novel so I can't be demanding. Perhaps, the story isn't the kind where you want the bad guy to linger for long. Tin's prejudice was held long enough to irritate Pete and Ae.

Techno seemed an interesting character to me and I hoped to see more of him but guess, he and his buddies Type and Champ are for limited comic relief. Kengkla's obsession towards Techno is portrayed to be subtle however, I hope they could bring it out to light and strong if they both get to have their own series someday.

I did watch the series twice for fun and because I was bored so the rewatch value is 8 if you can overlook Can's annoying character. He gave Tin a hard time but then I think he deserved it considering the prejudice he held for so many reasons to so many people. Their bickering was refreshing though, I won't lie. They kept things from getting monotonous.

In the end, I will say this that Love By Chance is worth a watch. Its a mellow story for fun time.

Read More

The story gets 7/10 because I don't find it extraordinary - as it's a project, you can't really expect much. So it goes to the cast's acting to alleviate the story and make it watchable which they did.

That is why they get a solid 8.5/10. Han Gi Chan is a newbie and he really gave in his effort to make this project work. I am sure he will learn and grow in the industry, he is more of a director's actor type. He neither underperformed nor overdid, just right to complement Jang Eui Soo. Jang Eui Soo, has appeared in a lot of dramas so I was expecting nothing but the best from him, which he delivered.

The music is a 10/10 for this drama, it played a serious role for me to get into the drama and the scenes. The best of its kind music scores between scenes and the OST always made me sing along.

The rewatch value is 6/10 because I don't think I will feel the same emotions as I did while watching the drama for the first time. I was excited, expectant, confused, frustrated, fearful, doubtful - there are so many emotions to handle. I can't speak for everyone though, some may want to watch it over and over again.

My favourite character is Jung Seo In playing Hyemi's mother. She has got the fujoshi's eyes and watching her rooting for the boys was refreshing. My second favourite is character is Jeong Jae Hyun playing Pil Hyun, because he sold them off to Han Tae Joo's dad and that is the reason why the story took a beautiful turn in the end.

For those who craved and starved for skinship beyond the bout, they kissed! I won't say when but they did, it made me cry because this drama has the least amount of physical contact romantically.

The monologue of both Tae Joo and Kang Gook was touching and makes the most of the drama - I was very emotional over it. It is a lovely drama and a great recommendation for light love story.

Read More

This idea would seem a bit novel but it has been in our respective societies ever since women have stepped out of the house to earn a living. You won't believe how common marrying at the evening stage of life has become. This is a fictional story of 39 years old single woman who loves children, working for a magazine focused around babies and mothers wanting to have her own baby someday finding out that the time is ticking and she has a slim chance of getting pregnant by each day passing. She is mortified by coming across this reality so much so she is ready to skip the part of marriage and directly getting into motherhood. Now, I am sure that in the upcoming episodes we will see how she gets choose one out of 3 men pursuing her but what will be interesting to watch is how a woman in her late 30's struggle with society stigmatizing her for being single up to that age, having a prejudice against her having a baby without marriage, her struggles dealing with the judgemental looks of the men coming across the idea of her wanting to have a baby out of them and her complications when she bears a baby (which I hope happens). It's a must-watch for the fact that we all are kind of dealing similar situation ourselves if we're in the age bracket of late 20's to early 40's and yet to find the perfect partner and rear a family. I am writing this review based out of 2 episodes which I enjoyed. I will be updating when I have advanced with more episodes.

Read More