I started watching this drama knowing that it will be a sad one. However, I never thought I'd fall in love with all the characters.

This drama made me think and feel emotions that are not part of the drama. It made me pause and look back on my own life. Am I happy? Did I ever make anyone around me happy? If I die will people I consider family and friends act like how Yuri's family and friends did? It made me value more the meaning of life. Thus, I believe, this drama exceeded what it was suppose to do which is to share a story. Through every episodes of the drama, it tried to impart with us a lesson we can take in life.

I'm happy that the writer did not choose to give us an ending which is absurd. It stayed true to its title. I know somewhere along the way, we somehow wished that Yuri will stay and live but we started this drama knowing that she will die again eventually, heck, the title of drama gave it away. It literally is "Hi, Bye Mama!"

This is me being greedy but I wished they had a longer epilogue for everyone. I would've loved to see how Yuri's family is coping with losing her again and of course her best friend Go Hyun Jung.

PS: I was really hoping that Lee Si Woo's character (Jang Pil-Seung ) would've gotten more screen time. But will just wish to see him more in his next project.

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Unconventional take on a classic novel

Growing up I really loved the different versions of "The Little Women" from the novel, to the children's cartoon, to the different movies made which is why when I first saw the trailer for this drama I really didn't know what to expect but boy oh boy did it deliver.

The show started in a quite slow pace that gradually became more and more intense as the show went on but it wasn't until episode 10 came where the story just exploded into a fireworks show. After that episode all I can say was just "wow". The characters, the acting, the portrayal were all top tier!!!! Personally, there were still room for improvements in the story telling but it's okay, nothing's perfect anyway. But IMO I just found it weird that the 2 kids (Inhye and Hyorin) suddenly disappeared from the plot considering that their families were in the headlines of everything. It was weird also that the parents of Oh sisters did not reach out after all the news about their daughters. For sure, whatever was happening in their home country was really hard to miss out.

The ending was something I did not really expect 100% but it was definitely an ending that they deserved but of course one of the biggest regret there is the FL and ML. It was just sad that the ML said they will see each other again, but they never did :( Their chemistry were on point!!!! Love it!

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Wow just wow. I finished watching this drama within a day, and all I can say is wow.

I'm a firm believer that all humans are innately bad which is the main theme for this drama. The portrayal in this drama might be over the top but it conveyed the message well.

The cast did an outstanding job in playing their characters. Especially, Lee Dongwook and Im Siwan. Their smiles were so cynical that it will give you the creeps. Also, I think it was my first time to feel nauseated by watching a scene. I think I won't be able to look at raw red meat the same way again.

In all honesty, I'm still speechless as I've only finished this drama less than 20 minutes ago and the thing that is really at the top of my mind is that I need to watch or read or hear something that will make me happy. I crave for happy thoughts. That's how dark this drama is.

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One of the reasons I loved this drama is because it subtly tackles mental health. Yes, I know this is considered as a family drama but how they personified and tackled depression was so close to reality that it almost hit home to me. Will elaborate more in a while.

I first watched this drama without knowing anything about it except for the cast. I heard Uee was offered the role first as Seo Jian but declined, and no matter how much I love Uee I'm so glad she did decline because OMG SHIN HYE SUN IS GOLD. I really love her acting style. She's an outstanding actress and I cannot imagine anyone else as Seo Jian. The role was made for her. period.

However, I would like to say that I'm not the biggest fan of the love line between the FL and ML. I might even say that I like them better when they were siblings. Not too fond also of the relationship of the second leads. I don't know why, but no matter how cute they were together something felt off for me but I can't seem to point my finger on it. Actually my favorite couple in this series is Seo Jiho and Choi Seohyun. They just look so cute together and they grew their relationship more naturally as they spend more time together. I find it very unfortunate that they ended up as just friends but at the same time I understand also why it must be done as it will just be so wrong if they ended up together because first they will be at the same boat as their older siblings and second they will be in-laws when Seo Jian and Choi Dogyeong gets married. My second favorite couple here in this series is actually Choi Jaesung and Noh Myeonghui because even though they did not have the best relationship during their marriage you can still see that they did marry for love and they still have a bit of respect towards each other during their time together. I personally believe that their greed got the best of them sometime during their marriage and that's where it started to go wrong BUT they still did love each other they just had different priorities in life but I'm glad they found their way back. I mean it's hard to believe that they didn't love each other when you have three children together :)

As I've mentioned earlier, I believe depression was part of the theme of this drama also. Throughout this series, there were three characters who had depression (actually more but will focus on these three): Choi Jaesung - Andropause (male menopause); Seo Jian - Suicidal; Seo Taesu - passive suicidal.

Out of these three, Choi Jaesung was the mildest case, however it only meant that if it wasn't prevented properly there was a possibility that it could've worsen. I deeply empathize with Seo Taesu, as in his case it was built up over the years after his family started treating him different due to the change in their financial position. It was actually sad to see that because he was so down that he wanted to die but in no means wants to kill himself. And Lastly, Seo Jian. She did attempt to commit suicide and I'm glad she did recover fast. It goes to show that all of us are vulnerable it's just that others have a stronger facade than most. Out of all the family dramas I have watched, this drama had the most realistic depiction of depression. So realistic in fact that I think they should've placed a trigger warning for the audience.

Overall, it was fun watching this drama. The ending was satisfactory, it was realistic as I think after everything that have happened they all needed time to heal their own wounds.

PS: One of the worst grandpas ever in a series: Noh Yangho!!!

PPS: Other mental issues I've observed in this drama:

Dependent Personality - Noh Myeonghui, Choi Seohyun
Inferiority Complex - Seo Jisu, Noh Jinhee
Manipulative behavior - Noh Yangho
Victim Mentality - Noh Myeonghui

I believe there are more but I'll stop here for now :)

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Another underrated drama

I know you hear a lot about relationships wherein they both started out as enemies, but how often do you hear about relationships that started out as a "murder" plan? hahaha I think that's where the drama got its title. Planning to kill your future partner is really a crazy way to start loving someone.

Overall the drama was cute. I honestly liked the perfect balance of light vs serious scenes here. It was just right. I really love KJU (the actor who plays the ML here). He is really a versatile actor. He can play any role. I love seeing him in serious roles but my heart flutters every time I see him in roles like this. Kinda makes me wish I can meet a guy like him someday lol. i love KJ also <3 her acting has really improved a lot. Would love to see her in more dramas soon.

This drama is far from perfect. I know for sure that if this was a crime drama a lot of the characters here would've spent some time behind bars. Especially those who were plotting against the ML a lot but since it's not a crime drama, everything can be solved by an apology. Honestly, this is the main reason why I did not give it a really high score (IMO 8 = just okay, 9+ = really good). With the things that Segi and his minions did to the company, and even the ex-secretaries, I think that their endings was too good to be true. Well I guess that's how it usually works for romcom anyways. But yeah, nice drama. I liked it :)

Now... unto the next one...

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A lot may disagree but what the heck this is my honest opinion

Start up is another perfect example of having a really really great foundation but somehow started gradually declining towards the end. The first few episodes of this drama were really something. It was about family and proving your self worth by believing in your ideologies no matter how absurd it may sound at that time.

I started watching because I thought it was another drama that would inspire me in "business wise". However, somewhere in the middle, it went from being a drama about business to another drama about love. Somehow for me, it didn't stay true to the title. It got to the point that people were no longer talking about the things that they are doing, their "Start up" but rather people were just talking about whom to root for for the FL's love interest.

Secondly, I was really looking forward to more bad ass scenes of Injae. I knew that dalmi will succeed in the end but of course Injae had an advantage since she grew up in the corporate world, she knew better when they started. Little did I know that the most I would be seeing her as as lady boss was in the hackathon. They didn't even dwell that much on the sibling rivalry of IJ and DM.

Also, I know people will hate me for saying this but for some reason I really think Nam Joo Hyuk's character here is really weak as a lead. The only time he was really acting like a lead character was on the 16th episode. In that being said, made me really root for Jipyeong. Can't really fathom how Dalmi and the real Dosan fell in love. Too many lies between them.

In conclusion, I think start up had a great start but it didn't stay true to it's original theme and chose to focus on the leads' love line instead and that was the start of its downfall.

PS suzy's acting is really improving

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When I heard about the release of this drama, I immediately wrote it down on my calendar and eagerly waited for the first episode.

When I watched the first episode, I ended up having a headache and more questions than answers. (In retrospect, I do know that is how it should really be to get the viewers hook on the show but the headache didn't really go away for the first few episodes). By this time, I was just actually watching because I'm intrigued. I want to know where this story will take us. To be honest, the leads I love the lead actors on this drama BUT the two of them together? I'm not really sure. I wasn't the biggest fan of their couple. It also didn't help that it wasn't clear enough why, when, and how Jeong Tae Eul fell for the ML. It was like Lee Gon went home, she missed him (or his company) and boom she was in love? That part, for me, really was a deal breaker.

I always tell my friends that if they remove the love line in this drama I think it will be 1000x more beautiful. The action/ political/ fantasy side of the drama was really off the charts. It was sooo good. Really intriguing and the concept was really good. However, I really didn't see the importance of the love line at first, it was only at the last few episodes that I somewhat saw the significance of it (but still not 100% sold to the idea).

This drama started as okay but got did get better in time. Ending was okay, I think almost everything was addressed properly except what will happen to the throne since I don't think they are planning to get married and start a family? Wished they showed more of the second leads love line. Especially our Yeong. He really deserved it.

Also, one thing I really loved in this drama since the beginning (other than the bromance of Lee Gon and Yeong) was the cinematography. Just wow. Daebak!

Anyway, congrats to the whole team of the drama for a job well done!

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These types of dramas really makes me think and look back. It makes me wonder what have I done with my life? When I grow old is it something that will make me proud? laugh? or cry?

I loved how realistic the story was. It tackled problems that most of us experiences in our every day lives. It shows that not all our decisions are perfect and we should learn how to own up to our decisions. And that no matter what happens, we need to move along with life or else we will drown in our own miseries.

The casting was superb. Hands down they were all great. They fit their roles perfectly. Can't believe the Kim Tae Ri is in her 30s already. Just wow.

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An honest review

When I first hear of this new drama, I was anticipating it's release. But since I wasn't familiar with how long new episodes come out, I'd opted to wait for the whole drama to finish first.

When I first read the synopsis I really really liked it. I don't know why but sometimes I do like me some shallow love-hate relationships, a cute rom-com to brighten my day. True enough when I watched it, it was somewhat what I expected it to be.

First things first, I really really liked the main leads. Their chemistry is off the roof. Glad they were the ones who portrayed the leads.

Now for the plot. Okay, don't get me wrong a cute love-hate relationship/ co-habitation/ contract marriage plot is really really one of my favourites!!! BUT, what I didn't really like about this was how much of a jerk the ML was to the FL. First, he sent her to his mortal enemy. ALONE. in a car. Like WTH right? But it just gets worst from there. What really really didn't sit well with me was the part when he drugged her and attempted to rape his wife. Like hello?!!! There's a thing called marital rape. I know you did it because you love her and you don't want her to divorce you BUT more so reason to not rape her. WTH. RAPE IS RAPE. period. And then, at the end they showed that the ML started liking the FL wayyyyy back during their high school days. It's sweet I know but it's one of the biggest loophole in the story. If you've been liking someone for that long how the hell can you still be a jerk to her. You're saying this but what you're doing is going against what you're saying??? I don't know it's so confusing. Why not just prove your love to her, reassure your wife of your feelings. It's seemed the most rational thing to do.

Another thing that confused me while watching was the transition of scenes. Like OMG it was so all over the place that I gave up trying to analyze what was happening and just decided to go with the flow. Like in the first few episodes, where the FL hacked the data of the company. It just came out of nowhere. It took sometime to figure out what was happening. And honestly, that wasn't the only one. There was so much that I really can't name everything.

I'm a fan of cliches in romcom but here, it was just too much honestly. If you just focus on the main plot it's a cute simple story. I'm sure this is not for everyone but still don't regret watching it. It was okay.

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After watching a lot of dramas with a lot of complicated twists and turns in its plot, I was looking for something light but sweet. And luckily, someone from MDL posted this on the feed and stumbled upon it.

Wasn't really expecting much from this drama because 1.) not really familiar with it 2.) not familiar also with jdrama that much, i have only watched a few so far 3.) i don't know the actors 4.) well, it only has 10.5 episodes. Can't really expect a lot from that.

It started quite okay. Honestly, I thought it was gonna be another "They kissed Again" adaptation. But it was somewhat different. The more I watched, the more I got hooked. The plot was light but not too light that it gets boring for the viewers. There was also enough cliches which is my guilty pleasures in dramas especially romcoms. And what surprised me the most is that, despite the age gap of the leads, I really liked their chemistry together (just a back story, not really fan of age gaps hehe. it's more of a personal preference).

I'm really thankful that I stumbled upon this drama. Really really nice. It brightened up my week :)

I guess now unto the next drama <3

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Honestly, this drama caught me off guard. I initially watched this because I just wanted to see more of Song Kang. But wow, just wow. I'm really glad I did watch it.

Even though this drama only had 12 episodes (I only found out it has 12 eps when I was in ep 8, was really bummed when I found out tbh), it made me feel a whole array of emotions. Firstly, it made me feel annoyed how SK and his mentor were treating the grandpa. I felt bad for the Grandpa when he was practicing. I felt happy when he passed the test. I felt disappointed when his family didn't support him. I didn't understand well why the his children were always arguing. I felt angry and sad and hurt when they talked back to their parents (the grandpa and grandma).

There were three things I really loved about this show. 1. The relationship of the grandma and the grandpa - even after all these years they still love and respect each other. 2. The relationship of the Grandpa with his granddaughter - this made me envy them actually. I wish I was that close and open also to my grandparents. 3. Lastly, the wisdom they share - I think this is my most favorite in this show. Because when they share their words of wisdom to one another, you can feel that they are speaking from the heart and not just empty words.

This drama was so realistic, so relatable. I think this is what has drawn me into it. During the first few eps, I was actually not anticipating the end of the drama because in my head, I was anxious that something bad will happen to the grandpa. I'm just glad that they decided to end the drama in the way they did.

Kudos to the team. Now, unto the next drama.

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Okay so first of all it's so hard not to be bias with this drama because you know, Myungsoo <3 haha but nevertheless, here's my two cents:

I would just like to say, hats off to Lee Yeon Soo her life is full of ups and downs. It's the perfect example of a roller coaster life. If I was in her position I wouldn't know what to do. And hands down to Shin Hye Sun, she's truly an excellent actress.

Plot wise I was surprised by how fast the pacing was. If I can remember correctly majority of the "secrets" were revealed in the early episodes of the drama. But even though a lot was revealed already, they still managed to keep it interesting for the viewers to continue watching. The further the story went on, the more complex the emotions were depicted. However, the thing that impressed me the most in the story line is that, they were able to impart the viewers a very valuable lesson that is usually not highlighted in shows these days and that is "true love can be received from various people not just your romantic partner". To be honest, I thought Kim Dan turned into a human when his senior sacrificed himself to save Dan but I was glad it didn't happen immediately then because the montage of the different efforts the couple has received to help Dan become a human was really heartwarming.

However, there are a few reasons why I gave this drama this score and not a higher one. First is I'm not really a fan of the acting of Do Ji Won in this drama it seemed over the top. I've seen her in other dramas and I know she can do better. Second, I don't think Myungsoo was the right choice for Kim Dan. Yes I said it, don't hate me I have my reasons for this. Don't get me wrong I'm a huge fan of his but I'm not quite sure that mature roles like this suit him just yet. Yes, his acting over the years has improved but personally I think he is not yet in this level. Also, I think he is just too good looking. Every time he cries I find it hard to feel compassionate with his character because I get so distracted by his perfect face.
Lastly, there are just a lot of loopholes in the plot that I can't even remember all of them. I think they shouldn't have had Ji Kang Woo fall in love with Yeon Soo without any backstory of how he met her because by making him truly fall for her , it will seem that the love between JKW and Seolhee was not that real and the sacrifice of Seolhee turned out not that meaningful for JKW.

To wrap things up, I'm not regretting that I have watched this drama but I don't think I'll be rewatching it any time soon.

PS: I was surprised at how good Myungsoo is with kissing scenes <3 Honestly made me fall for him more lol. If I can't have him I'll settle for a clone of his hehehe jk.

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PBG Fans this is THE drama for you!!!!

Okay. Admittedly I watched this drama mainly because of PBG!!!!! I think that speaks for itself. But I stayed because of the story.

While watching this drama I first thought it was about youth romance between the ML and FL but as the story unfolds more each episode I got a feeling that it was more than that. As the story gets deeper, I realized that this is about the life of the ML and what he was going through during his "youth", his 20s. As someone who's in my mid 20's, I found his character very relatable. The way he was going through his quarter life crisis just seemed so real. The pressure he felt to prove his self to other, the time management, building his career, finding love, and basically just finding balance in things.

One thing that I really really loved in this drama is that it showed the versatility of PBG as an actor. Since he was playing as an actor here, he was able to portray a variety of character within the drama. Hence, making this drama THE drama to watch for his fans. It was seriously like a fan service served on a silver platter!!!! <3

There's actually only one thing in this drama that I didn't like, at some point - especially the ending- it felt like the drama was cut short. I know that from the beginning it was really a 16 episode drama, but even though the ending was okay and realistic, after getting attached to other character I felt that their stories were cut short. It felt like the major supporting characters that we saw in the beginning became extras towards the end. There was really no growth. Like for Haehyo, we don't know actually know what happened to his career after. How is his relationship with his mom now. How Jinu and Haena are doing. The Grandpa and HJs dad, his mom, his brother, what are they doing after 2 years passed.

The ending left more questions asked than answered. You know if they made this drama a 20 episode one I really wouldn't mind <3 hehehehe but yeah that's just me lol

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FINALLY A QUALITY ROMCOM

I was honestly waiting for the release of this back in 2016 I think? Almost forgot about it but super glad they finally had a chance to show it to the public!!!!

I can't stress this enough but it's actually been years i think since kdramaland produced a quality romcom in my humble opinion. I mean this is not a perfect drama and is very far from being one but after watching so many thriller/ suspense/ heavy dramas it's nice to watch something light from time to time and this one was just perfect.

One of the biggest things that I just really didn't like was how toxic the 2nd couple were and no matter how much people wanted to help them they weren't even trying to help themselves. But aside from that, I loved the main couple. They were really cute together. I love their group of friends and how they interact with each other.

Also, I can't say much about the ML's acting but he gives the kissing scenes some justice hahahah. Lastly since this was shot a few years back, I'm glad it aged well. I miss that era of kdrama.

Oh well, unto the next one.

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